A late goal from Glenelg's captain saw the Tigers across the line by two points in their game with the Eagles.
Tags: sanfl, adelaide-5000
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tributes Flow for Legendary Coach, Allan Jeans
STEPHEN LONG: The Australian Rules football community is mourning today, after the death overnight of the four-time VFL premiership coach, Allan Jeans.
He was 77.
Mary Gearin prepared this report.
ALLAN JEANS: What you've got to do is you've got to win this game today. Not only have you got to play it moment by moment (building) contest by contest (building) quarter by quarter?
MARY GEARIN: That's Allan Jeans at his rousing best, in a re-creation of one of his renowned Grand Final speeches for the AFL Hall of Fame.
ALLAN JEANS: Do not accept what's going on!
MARY GEARIN: His power to motivate was just one element driving one of the longest and most successful coaching careers in Australian Rules history.
Allan Jeans, nicknamed Yabby, won four premierships in 26 years of coaching; that's the first and only St Kilda flag of 1966, and three others during his time at Hawthorn, which he led into its powerhouse era of the 80s.
But it's also his more personal influence that's seen a legion of former players pay tribute today.
BARRY BREEN: He's been coach, mentor and more importantly friend for nearly 50 years.
MARY GEARIN: Barry Breen was just 17 when he joined the Saints under the tutelage of Allan Jeans, starting a long friendship.
Jeans' health faltered in recent years as he suffered from fibrosis of the lung.
Breen rang him last week to say goodbye, and today he remembered his mentor with emotion.
BARRY BREEN: I'll miss him... I will?He's just fantastic human being. You meet a lot of people but the values and example that Yab set for all the people that came in touch with him? pretty hard to beat.
MARY GEARIN: What made him successful as a coach do you think?
BARRY BREEN: Oh look, he had a great insight into the game and he was an innovator in many ways. Early in his career some would say that he wasn't but he certainly was both from the defensive side of the game and the attacking side of the game. His coaching style in many ways was a forerunner to what we see today.
MARY GEARIN: In his final interview about five weeks ago, Allan Jeans reflected on his life and childhood.
ALLAN JEANS: My father went to the war when I was seven. He came back from the war and he left us and we were virtually destitute. And it was through football I was given an opportunity and I grabbed it.
MARY GEARIN: Jeans went on to play 77 games for St Kilda, and became a policeman, before pursuing his coaching career.
It ended with a short stint at Richmond, before he retired and found bowls.
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett's strongest memory of Jeans will be of his decency.
JEFF KENNETT: His values, his humility and his wonderfully clear way of expressing what he wanted to get across to either an individual or to a team of individuals.
MARY GEARIN: What do you think was his greatest legacy for Hawthorn?
JEFF KENNETT: I think it's the way he was more interested in the development of those he led than he was necessarily even, the delivery of a team outcome. In other words, there are hundreds of people at Hawthorn who were players under Allan Jeans's leadership who will tell you today that their relationship with Allan and what he imparted to them, and the way he mentored their personal development has altered the way of their lives.
So I think his contribution, particularly to young men has been enormous.
MARY GEARIN: Allan Jeans moved into a palliative care home last year.
ALLAN JEANS: Since I've been ill I'm quite amazed that I must have doing something right. So many people come from both clubs to see me. And I think, you can't buy respect, you gotta earn it, that's one thing you gotta do. And I think being here you realise you did a reasonable job.
MARY GEARIN: Players from Jeans' past clubs are planning to wear black armbands in their next games.
And maybe they'll remember a few of Yabby's words.
ALLAN JEANS: You either step up, or you step down! It is entirely all up to you! You make the decision, not me!
STEPHEN LONG: The voice of the late Allan Jeans, champion Aussie Rules coach, ending that report from Mary Gearin.
AFL Wrap - Round 16
Collingwood have moved to the top of the ladder after round 16 of the AFL, overtaking Geelong following the Cats second loss in a row.
Geelong went down narrowly to West Coast at Subiaco, with inaccuracy in front of goal in the final term hindering any late comeback from the Cats.
But the win by the Eagles was full of merit and they are pushing for a crucial top 4 spot.
With 7 weeks remaining in the season, West Coast appears to be a team that could cause a headache to some more fancied teams come finals time if they can grab a home final.
Hawthorn won their 11th game of the year with a clinical victory over Brisbane at York Park in cold and windy conditions.
It wasn't flashy, but the Hawks got the job done and they remain in 3rd spot on the ladder, half a game clear of fourth placed Carlton.
But the best news for the club was that they got through the match with no injuries, a nice change from recent weeks that have seen their big man stocks decimated.
Saturday night the Bombers stormed to their second straight win with a 39 point win over Richmond.
Essendon was looking in trouble early in the third terms when they trailed by 22 points, but they piled on 10 unanswered goal to finish the match in style.
It was an impressive turnaround and they hang on to 8th spot on the ladder, while the Tigers appear to be out of the running for finals after sinking to 13th spot and two clear games outside the 8.
Sydney got back on the winners list with an easy win over the Suns on the Gold Coast.
A 5 goal to 1 opening term set the Swans on their way, with the 70 point margin a nice percentage booster as they look towards September.
The Suns continue to struggle against the top teams and managed just 4 goals for the match, and they will have an anxious wait this week after Gary Ablett limped off with a knee injury.
Sunday saw the Collingwood machine crank into gear and dismantle North Melbourne, leading to a massive 117 point win by the Pies.
It was the biggest ever win by Collingwood over the Roos, and with some of their key players like Swan and Jolly running back into top form, they are clearly the best team in the competition.
The win moved the Pies back into top spot on the ladder, equal on points with the Cats but with 1 game and nearly 45 percentage points in hand.
All things being equal, with 7 weeks to go the minor premiership appears to be Collingwood's to lose.
St Kilda continued their charge at a finals spot with a 56 point win over Port Adelaide at Football Park.
Nick Riewoldt kicked a goal just 10 secs into the match and from there the Saints were never headed, easily taking the four points and moving to within one game of 8th place.
Port Adelaide disastrous season continued, with the Power losing their 13th game in 15 matches and they are only ahead of the Suns and out of the wooden spoon position on percentage.
The Western Bulldogs are another team making a late run at the finals, and they are now half game outside the 8 following an upset win over Carlton at Docklands.
The Blues led narrowly at the main break, but a Hooper goal early in third quarter saw the Dogs take the lead and they were never headed, going on to win by 27 points.
The Blues recent roller coaster form has continued, with the loss following on from a huge win last week, and they are now in danger of slipping out of the prized top 4 spot next week with a match against Collingwood on the agenda in Round 17.
McKenna has positive spin on Ablett injury
Updated July 10, 2011 15:12:00 Gary Ablett, Gold Coast's million-dollar man and the face of AFL expansion, could be sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury - but try telling coach Guy McKenna that is a bad thing.
Smiling in the face of another heavy defeat after his side's 70-point shellacking at the hands of Sydney, McKenna is renowned for chalking up his side's now-customary beltings as a rite of passage for his youngsters.
They may well become better footballers for the school of hard knocks that 2011 is proving to be for the Suns, but not even the loss of his superstar captain and the massive ramifications it will bring could get him singing the blues.
"I'd almost see it as a positive," McKenna said.
"He's been so good and he's carried such a workload so what that would do is now allow us to play another young kid and spread the load and see who actually wants to put their hand up and stay the course.
"If there is a beauty about Gary missing a game for us that would be it.
"We get to see and expose another boy that wants to have a crack."
That might be McKenna's top priority at the moment after an embarrassing display from the Suns.
They were held to just 36 points - the lowest total score in Gold Coast's short history.
"Individually and collectively, we lost a bit of respect tonight," he said.
"You're not going to win games of footy with 39 (inside 50s). The spark wasn't quite there, with or without Gaz.
"There was probably half a dozen fellas who flew that flag tonight and that was disappointing.
"With such a young group if only six are putting their hand up, it makes it very, very difficult."
Scans on Monday will reveal the extent of Ablett's knee injury, after he limped from the field during the first quarter.
The 2009 Brownlow Medallist returned during the second term before being substituted off.
AFL medical specialist Peter Larkins told Nine's The Sunday Footy Show that the first-year club's marquee signing was unlikely to be facing a long stint on the sidelines.
"There's no question that's not a major ligament injury," Larkins said.
"It's going to be either meniscus or just bruising in the bone, nothing more dramatic than that.
"It just doesn't seem like much at all."
The Swans have injury concerns of their own after their trip to Metricon Stadium - but theirs came before the match had even started.
Veteran Jude Bolton was an eleventh-hour withdrawal after complaining of knee soreness in the pre-game warm-up.
"When Jude says that you really listen because he's such a tough nut," Sydney coach John Longmire said.
"That doesn't happen too often to a bloke like Jude.
"I'm hoping it's OK."
Longmire will find out if he is after scans on Monday.
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, qld, carrara-4211 First posted July 10, 2011 14:25:00AFL coach Allan Jeans
Allan Jeans speaks to his players during an AFL match in 1992. Jeans, a four-time premiership coach, died aged 77 on July 12, 2011.
Tags: australian-football-league, melbourne-3000Port no match for the Saints
Port Adelaide crash to their 13th loss in 15 matches, going down to the Saints at Football Park.
St Kilda sneaked within striking distance of the AFL's top eight with a 56-point trouncing of hapless Port Adelaide on Sunday.The Saints triumphed 17.7 (109) to 8.5 (53) at Football Park to move within a win of eighth place.
Skipper Nick Riewoldt's form surge continued with four goals and his attacking partner Ryan Gamble also booted four.
Riewoldt was struck high before the first bounce by Port defender Jackson Trengove and gifted a free kick and goal.
Within another 90 seconds, his team-mate Leigh Montagna added another and the tone of a lopsided contest was set.
The Saints took a commanding 9.3 to 4.2 half-time lead in a sometimes spiteful match, with a third quarter melee of 10 players to attract match review panel scrutiny.
The wrestle coincided with a trademark St Kilda strangle of Port in general play - the home side managed just two points in the third term and trailed by 50 points at the last break.
The Power crashed to a 13th defeat in 15 games, sloppy skills and glacier slow ball movement frustrating their home crowd of 16,887 spectators.
Smooth moving Saint Nick Dal Santo was superb, gathering 36 possessions and kicking two goals, while his midfield colleagues Jack Stevens (26 disposals) and Brendan Goddard (27 touches) were also prominent.
In stark contrast, Port had few winners with utility Hamish Hartlett a clear standout with 32 disposals.
The Saints, gathering steam with three wins in their past four matches, host West Coast on Saturday while Port travel to Darwin to meet Melbourne on Saturday night.
Final Score
St Kilda: 17.7 (109) - R Gamble 4, N Riewoldt 4, S Milne 3, N Dal Santo 2, A Schneider, B Goddard, J Steven, L Montagna
Port Adelaide: 8.5 (53) - C Hitchcock 2, J Schulz 2, D Pearce, D Stewart, M Broadbent, R Gray
Friday, July 15, 2011
Interview: Dane Swan
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 4:15 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 4:15 AEST
Collingwood midfield gun Dane Swan told Tim Hodges and the Grandstand commentary team that the Magpies looked at their clash against the Kangaroos as a test against a side which plays a similar style.
Tags: sport, australian-football-leagueGWS throws big bucks at Scully
Posted July 12, 2011 08:20:00 The management of Melbourne midfielder Tom Scully has confirmed that Greater Western Sydney has made a substantial, five-year offer for the talented young midfielder.
GWS has reportedly offered Scully $1 million a season to leave the Demons and join the fledging club from their first season in 2012.
The 20-year-old number one draft pick, whose current contract finishes at the end of the year, is only in his second season playing in the AFL.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, nsw, blacktown-2148, vic, melbourne-3000Hall celebrates goal for Dogs
Barry Hall celebrates after kicking the first goal during the round 16 match between Western Bulldogs and Carlton Blues at Docklands stadium on July 10, 2011 in Melbourne.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, footscray-3011South East Footy: Top teams remain dominant in KNT
The KNT Football League were the only teams on the scoreboards after a series of byes around the region over the weekend except for an indigenous recognition match between Heywood and Portland for WB.
Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football LeagueKybybolite vs Kingston
Kybybolite had no trouble with winless Kingston in KNT football. They worked their way to a 34 point lead by quarter time and steadily increased it from there. Kingston never threatened but at least they kept the margin below 100 points. Kyby wasted plenty of chances in front of goal as the game petered out in the last quarter with Kyby up by 87 points. On-ballers Ryan Woite, Ray Jaensch and Dave Arnold did most of the damage and Sam McCracken booted 5 goals for Kyby. Ben Warner and the consistent Kirby Scott battled hard for Kingston.
Padthaway vs Bordertown
Padthaway took control of the game against Bordertown with a seven goal burst in the second-quarter. Key goal-kickers Matt Lampard and Brendon Moon provided good targets with 5 goals a piece. The Lions went further ahead in the second-half despite a greater effort from the Roosters through Crilly and Cammarano. The Lions added 6 goals in the last quarter to win easily by 45 points. Jason Degabriele continued his good form to be best a-field ahead of Darren Francis, Moon and Aaron Wanders. Mick Crilly with 4 goals, Cammarano and Jamie Grosser stood out for Bordertown.
Keith vs Lucindale
Keith with some good recent form looked a serious threat to Lucindale but after an even first-quarter they were hardly sighted. Lucindale with a greater spread of talent led by powerful bigman Mark Snowball charged away in the second-quarter to lead by 48 points at the main break. Stan Freeman and Tim Walsh were creating havoc around goals and both finished with 6 goals. Keith offered only token resistance and struggled to get the ball forward as Lucindale dominated around the mid-field through the class of Ryan McInerney, Josh Walker also relished the chance to move forward and he kicked 3 goals as well. Lucindale finished off with a 9 goal last quarter as Keith tumbled to a 102 point thrashing.
Naracoorte vs Mundulla
Naracoorte quickly took control over Mundulla when they held a 5 goal lead at quarter time. They put great pressure on the Moots who turned the ball over too easily and the quality players such as Mitch Hartree, Michael Childs and Kane Jericho made them pay. Mundulla battled hard in the second-quarter but still couldn't contain Naracoorte who had the best ruckman with Craig Beggs on top at the stoppages. A strong third-quarter by Mundulla brought the game alive and Ben Douglas booted 3 goals in a solo effort and Jake McGrice and Boyd Packer lifted around the forward line. Mundulla closed to within 3 goals but Naracoorte saw of the challenge with a powerful last-quarter when their class players again took control and raced away to win by 37 points even after Boyd Packer took a screamer to lift his side. Tom Prebble was best for Naracoorte ahead of Childs, Jericho and Hartree. Mundulla were valiant to the end but can't afford to give big starts to top teams. McGrice, veteran Nick Davis and Packer were best for Mundulla.
Western Border Football League
Heywood vs Portland
The only game played in WB footy was the Indigenous Recognition game between Heywood and Portland. It was a mis-match on form but Heywood who could have been crushed by 40 goals made Portland work for the win. They maybe winless but Heywood always give a bit extra against rival Portland. Marcus England was best in another hard-running, kick-winning display, Jason Saunders also played well and mobile ruckman Cam Mather controlled the aerial duels for Portland who still won easily by 118 points. The Bens, Millard and Nash stood out for Heywood and Tyson Lovett-Murray battled stoutly to the finish.
With Tash Impey
Dogs beat top four Blues
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 7:20 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 7:20 AEST
Carlton has lost by 27 points against a high performing Western Bulldogs side in the twilight game at Docklands.
Tags: australian-football-league, vic, melbourne-3000MeatAndPotatoes.Com Sports & Horse Picks
Listen Live From Las Vegas M-f 1-2pm Pdt, Sports Line Internet Broadcast W/ Dave Scandaliato # 1 Nfl Football In 2005!!!
Check it out!
Local tributes for Allan Jeans
Tocumwal O'Dwyer Medallist and five-time club best and fairest winner Jim Cullen remembered Jeans, affectionately known as "Yabby", as a great communicator.
"I went to two or three nights that he spoke and he was a really top speaker... he was always straight to the point, there was no dilly-dallying," Mr Cullen said.
"He was really well worth listening to."
Shepparton's Jeff Moran was a member of St Kilda's 1966 premiership team, coached by Jeans to their first and only flag.
He remembers famous Jeans quotes, like the time he compared footballers to sausages "you can fry them, boil them, steam them, they're still sausages" but also remembers a terrific role model.
"He was just one of the most inspiring people I had met in terms of, not only his coaching ability, but in his role as a mentor for young blokes like myself," Mr Moran said.
As well as his VFL success, Jeans coached Finley to a Murray League premiership in 1954
Allan Jeans was 77.
Kerr in doubt for Saints clash
Updated July 13, 2011 16:45:34
West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr is struggling to overcome a series of sore spots, placing him in doubt for Saturday night's match with St Kilda at Docklands.
Kerr, who underwent major surgery on his hamstring last year, battled through soreness during last week's win over Geelong and is rated just a 50-50 chance to take on the Saints.
The 28-year-old has been scintillating in his 11 appearances this season, but coach John Worsfold says the 181-match veteran is still getting his body up to speed after missing so much football last year.
"He's obviously had massive surgery to the top part of his hamstring, but he has had some issues with his glute as well as some hip pain," Worsfold said.
"I don't know whether he's going to play or not.
"I would say right now he's 50-50, but he's been 50-50 this time of the week probably for the last six.
"It means he always gets better late in the week. As the game approaches, the enthusiasm and adrenaline kicks in and he's been OK."
Forward Quinten Lynch will slot straight back into the side after serving a one-match suspension but Worsfold is yet to decide whether to hand vice-captain Beau Waters a recall.
Waters, who had surgery on his elbow after dislocating it in round two, has impressed in his two recent WAFL hit-outs but will find it hard to squeeze back into a West Coast defence which has been rock-solid over the past month.
"When everything is right, he'll be in again," Worsfold said.
The fifth-placed Eagles have won five games on the trot to be one of the form teams of the competition.
But Worsfold has been concerned by his team's slow starts to second halves, with West Coast almost blowing match-winning leads in recent weeks against Carlton and Geelong.
"We're down a fair bit [early in our third quarters]," he said.
"It's not as though it's been a downward trend from [half-time] because our last quarters are still good.
"We've done a few different things (at half-time) in the last few weeks and they haven't worked.
"It's a mystery."
St Kilda has won five of its past seven matches to move back to within striking distance of the top eight, and Worsfold acknowledges his team will have its hands full containing the Saints' stars.
"They're back playing the St Kilda brand of football we know they're good at, really making it tough for the opposition teams to score," he said.
"So that bit of confidence is back."
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, perth-6000 First posted July 13, 2011 16:45:34Tigers pair under scrutiny
Updated July 10, 2011 15:01:00 The AFL's match review panel is expected to investigate several incidents following a fiery clash between Essendon and Richmond at the MCG.
Richmond's Ty Vickery locked horns with rival ruckman Paddy Ryder at quarter-time of Saturday night's game after Vickery had landed a heavy bump on Angus Monfries.
Television footage showed Vickery swinging a round-arm punch at Ryder although it was not clear if it connected with the Bombers ruckman's face.
And Tigers small forward Jake King could be in trouble for a glancing blow to the chin of Monfries as both players wrestled on the ground.
"It was just more push and shove. There's not much in it," King told the Seven Network on Sunday.
"Everyone got up, walked away and played the game."
King has already served two striking suspensions in 2011.
The Tigers host the Gold Coast in Cairns next Saturday.
Geelong ruckman Brad Ottens clashed with West Coast forward Mark Nicoski behind the play during Friday night's game in Perth in another incident which is expected to be reviewed by the panel.
Eagles big man Nic Naitanui could also face scrutiny following a front-on bump to Geelong's Taylor Hunt.
Nine's The Sunday Footy Show highlighted video footage which showed Geelong midfielder James Kelly pushing Daniel Kerr into the path of oncoming Cats player Mitch Duncan who landed a heavy bump on Kerr, knocking the Eagles rover to the turf.
Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton described the incident as very dangerous.
"I would turn around to the rules committee and say give us something we can work with here so that this doesn't happen again," he said.
In a separate incident on Saturday night, Essendon's Michael Hurley suffered a blow to the ribs after Richmond's Jack Riewoldt pushed Hurley into the path of Bombers player Kyle Hardingham in a marking contest.
"It's a rule that needs to come in next year. What you're trying to do is cannon the bloke," Brereton said.
"It's as dangerous as tunnelling (taking out a player's legs) in a marking contest."
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, essendon-3040, richmond-3121 First posted July 10, 2011 14:22:00Interview: Hamish Hartlett
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 8:16 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 8:16 AEST
Port Adelaide onballer Hamish Hartlett told Anthony Tucker and the Grandstand commentary team that it was very disappointing to give away early goals in a 56-point defeat to St Kilda at Football Park.
Tags: sport, australian-football-leagueGrandstand WAFL's Esperance Extravaganza
At Grandstand WAFL we take the footy very seriously.
We just don't take ourselves seriously.
So, on our recent trip to Esperance, Commentator Lachy Reid decided to grab the microphone we normally record our post match interviews on and document the sort of nonsense goes on around the Grandstand WAFL team.
Find out which WAFL coach decided to walk to the ground rather than catch the team bus.
Learn just who really eats the most as part of their pre-game preparation.
Uncover Clint's pre-game controversy.
Hear from you'll Technical Wizard Martin Roth as he reveals his current choice of reading material.
Discover who has the most sought after autograph in the South Fremantle side.
We'll also reveal who has the worst board shorts in the WAFL, Esperance, and quite possibly all of WA.
All that and more, as you get the chance to go behind the scenes of Grandstand WAFL (and with some highlights from one of the games of the season thrown in for good measure).
State comp video previews and fixtures
Posted July 14, 2011 15:03:00
Updated July 14, 2011 15:53:00 ABC TV Grandstand brings you all the action from the state football leagues again this weekend - click on the video links to see what our experts make of the TV Games of the Week in our exclusive video previews of the VFL, TSL, SANFL and WAFL
Updated July 14, 2011 15:53:00 ABC TV Grandstand brings you all the action from the state football leagues again this weekend - click on the video links to see what our experts make of the TV Games of the Week in our exclusive video previews of the VFL, TSL, SANFL and WAFL
VFL Round 16
TV Game - Geelong v Coburg
Geelong v Coburg, Kardinia Park, Saturday July 16, 1:10pm
Live on ABC1 in Victoria from 1pm
Other Games
Saturday July 16
Port Melbourne v Bendigo, North Port Oval, 2pm
Sunday July 17
Box Hill v North Ballarat, Box Hill City Oval, 2pm
Frankston v Casey, Frankston Oval, 2pm
Williamstown v Collingwood, Norm Minns Oval, 2pm
Bye: Northern Bullants, Sandringham, Werribee
TSL Round 13
TV Game - Clarence v North Launceston
Clarence v North Launceston, Bellerive Oval, Saturday July 16, 1:10pm
Live on ABC1 in Tasmania from 1pm
Other Games
Saturday July 16
North Hobart v Devonport, North Hobart Oval, 2pm
Hobart v Lauderdale, TCA Ground, 2pm
Burnie v South Launceston, West Park Oval, 2pm
Launceston v Glenorchy, Windsor Park, 2pm
SANFL Round 16
TV Game - Central District v West Adelaide
Central District v West Adelaide, Elizabeth Oval, Saturday July 16, 2:10pm
Live on ABC1 in South Australia from 2pm
Other Games
Saturday July 16
Sturt v South Adelaide, Unley Oval, 2:10pm
Sunday July 17
Eagles v Norwood, Woodville Oval, 2:10pm
Bye: Port Adelaide, North Adelaide, Glenelg
WAFL Round 17
TV Game - East Perth v Perth
East Perth v Perth, Leederville Oval, Saturday July 16, 2:15pm
On ABC1 in Western Australia from 2pm
Other Games
Saturday July 16
Swan Districts v Peel, Bassendean Oval, 2:15pm
South Fremantle v West Perth, Fremantle Oval, 2:15pm
Bye: East Fremantle, Claremont, Subiaco
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, sanfl, wafl, victorian-football-league-vflSwans smash Suns
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 7:25 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 7:25 AEST
The Gold Coast Suns have lost 106-36 at home to an aspirational Sydney side in round 16 of the AFL.
Tags: australian-football-league, carrara-4211Media Call: Brad Scott
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 7:42 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 7:42 AEST
Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said his team's 117-point defeat to Collingwood at the MCG was a disgraceful perfomance from all involved.
Tags: sport, australian-football-leagueLovett believed sex was consensual, court told
Updated July 13, 2011 09:36:11
A lawyer for former AFL player Andrew Lovett has told his rape trial the alleged victim willingly had sex with him.
The former Essendon player and St Kilda recruit is accused of raping a woman at a Port Melbourne apartment in 2009.
Defence lawyer David Grace told the jury the alleged victim never once indicated she did not want to have sex with Lovett, and was responsive and willing.
The court heard Lovett was shocked when she later collapsed crying and he almost immediately denied raping her to this team-mates, who were at the apartment.
The court was told St Kilda player Jason Gram will testify the complainant told him she thought she was having sex with him and not Lovett.
Lovett has pleaded not guilty to two charges of rape.
Tags: australian-football-league, courts-and-trials, law-crime-and-justice, sport, st-kilda-3182 First posted July 12, 2011 17:06:00Riewoldt rises above the Power
Nick Riewoldt of the Saints competes for the ball during the round 16 AFL match against Port Adelaide at Football Park on July 10, 2011 in Adelaide.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, sa, port-adelaide-5015, vic, st-kilda-3182891 Footy Tipping - Round 16
ROUND 16: (Team selected in red)
Peter Walsh last round: 3 Total: 81
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
Roger Wills last round: 5 Total: 88
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
Rod Jameson last round: 4 Total: 77
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
Stephen Williams last round: 5 Total: 83
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
Kris Massie last round: 5 Total: 79
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
Nathan Eagleton last round: 5 Total: 79
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
Michael Phillipou last round: 5 Total: 81
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
Coco the Guinea Pig last round: 5 Total: 83
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
Swinburne Computer last round: 6 Total: 87
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
891 All Stars - Spence Denny last round (Ashley Walsh): 4 Total: 85
West Coast v Geelong
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Gold Coast v Sydney
Essendon v Richmond
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Port Adelaide v St Kilda
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
bye: Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne
** unless a draw is selected, a drawn match will be awarded no point
Goodwin wants to stay at Essendon
Updated July 14, 2011 16:52:57
Adelaide's favourite son Simon Goodwin has all but ruled out replacing Neil Craig as Crows coach.
As Craig reiterated his desire to coach the Crows beyond this AFL season, Goodwin said he was keen to remain at Essendon.
Goodwin, revered in Adelaide as a former Crows captain, retired after a decorated 275-game career last year and joined Essendon as an assistant coach to James Hird.
"I'm only one year out of the game and really enjoying developing here as a coach and working with the players here at Essendon," he said.
"Not only that, but the coaching staff and the club here have been terrific.
"I'm here for a while and that is the way I'd like to keep it."
Craig's tenure is under scrutiny given the Crows' lowly season of just four wins and a current 14th spot on the ladder.
Adelaide's board will likely decide Craig's future next month, after effectively handing him a one-year contract when placing him on the club's staff during the preseason.
"Clearly if I feel like I don't want to continue - forget everyone else, me ... as soon as I feel like that, I will let them (the board) know so they have an opportunity to find someone else," Craig told reporters in Adelaide on Thursday.
"I certainly don't feel like that at the moment. I'm really keen to continue with the way I feel at the moment, that is my feelings.
"But in the end it will be up to the board because they will get the final decision."
Craig said being a staff member of the club, as opposed to having a series of rolling coaching contracts, was a factor in heightened interest in his future.
"The position for me is too important for the footy club, and if at any stage the board of our football club believed it's time to change or there is a better person to do the job, they should make that decision," he said.
"And I don't want to be a hindrance by contractual arrangements for that.
"I guess that is one of the negatives of having a year-by-year contract, but I think all the other benefits far outweigh that."
Craig said he remained "really comfortable" with the arrangement, which is unique among AFL coaches.
"Whilst I stay in the position, it will be a year by year job - or less, because the club... have the capacity to end my term as a senior coach whenever they like, for minimal cost," he said.
"I think it's a very healthy situation for our footy club to be in."
AAP
Tags: australian-football-league, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, essendon-3040, vic, australia First posted July 14, 2011 16:52:57Sidebottom puts Kangaroos to the sword
Steele Sidebottom of the Magpies celebrates kicking a goal during the round 16 AFL match against North Melbourne at the MCG on July 10, 2011.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, collingwood-3066, melbourne-3000'I was horrified' Lovett's alleged victim tells court
Court reporter Sarah FarnsworthUpdated July 13, 2011 18:13:35
The woman allegedly raped by former AFL player Andrew Lovett has told the Victorian County Court she was "horrified, drunk and confused" after she woke up to find him having sex with her.
The former Essendon player and St Kilda recruit is on trial for raping the model at the Port Melbourne home of Saints player Jason Gram on Christmas Eve in 2009.
His alleged victim is giving evidence in a closed court to protect her anonymity, but in the interest of open justice media were provided transcripts of the proceedings.
Testifying from a remote location via video link, she told the jury she and her friend met Lovett, Jason Gram and St Kilda skipper Nick Reiwoldt at a Richmond Pub.
She said she "practically never" drank, but that night consumed four vodka and soda's and two shots, and had been "obviously affected by alcohol".
Admitting her memory was patchy, she told the court she could not remember the cab ride to Gram's Port Melbourne apartment, but recalled being put to bed to sober up by Gram and her friend.
Prosecutor Michael Tovey QC told the court Gram will testify he stayed in the room with her for a time, something she does not remember.
She recalled her friend trying to wake her, but said she could not move and drifted back to sleep.
"Then I remember feeling someone on top of me, and I thought I was dreaming it, or imagining it, [because] I was so in and out," she testified.
"Then, I remember realising that someone was having sex, and I scrambled away, and said no, grabbed my phone, and I texted for help."
She told the court she clearly saw Andrew Lovett's face, and he did not stop having sex with her after she said "no" and squirmed away.
The court heard the woman then fled to the bathroom and remembers Lovett asking her if she was okay.
She was later found collapsed by the entrance to the apartment.
"I remember seeing a door and I was confused and scared and I just fell on the ground into a heap and started crying my eyes out," she said.
She then ran from the building.
"I was in absolute shock, and horrified, and still drunk and confused," she testified.
Under cross-examination she was asked by Lovett's defence lawyer, David Grace QC, if she had dressed up that night to make herself look attractive.
"I always take pride in the way I look, so yes," she replied.
She said she did not go out purposely to meet men, and had not known Reiwoldt, Gram and Lovett were footballers at the time.
Lovett has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape.
The trial continues.
Tags: sexual-offences, law-crime-and-justice, crime, australian-football-league, st-kilda-3182, melbourne-3000, vic First posted July 13, 2011 16:40:43Walker considering appeal
Taylor Walker may appeal a one match ban against a charge of rough conduct for a tackle on a North Adelaide player in the SANFL.
Tags: sanfl, adelaide-5000Interview: Steele Sidebottom
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 4:41 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 4:41 AEST
Collingwood's Steele Sidebottom told Tim Hodges and the Grandstand commentary team that it was a complete performance from his side and he was able to kick four goals in his 50th game to boot in a massacre of North Melbourne.
Tags: sport, australian-football-leagueNancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook
Boost your energy, manage stress, build muscle, lose fat, and improve your performance with the all-time best-selling sports nutrition guide!
Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook will help you make the right food choices in grocery stores, restaurants, drive-throughs, and your own kitchen.
Whether you're preparing for competition or simply eating on the go, let sport's leading nutritionist show you how to get maximum benefit from the foods you choose and the meals you make. You'll learn how to eat before exercise and events as well as how to refuel afterward for optimal recovery.
Updated and on the cutting edge, the fourth edition includes the latest sports nutrition research on hydration and fluid intake, vitamins, supplements, energy drinks, organic foods, and the role of carbohydrate and protein during exercise. You'll also learn about the new food pyramid and the American Heart Association's latest dietary guidelines.
If you're seeking advice on losing weight, getting energized to exercise, or improving your health and performance, Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook has the answers you can trust.
Price: $19.95
Ottens to miss Lions clash
Posted July 12, 2011 12:20:00 Geelong ruckman Brad Ottens has accepted a one-match ban for striking West Coast's Mark Nicoski in last weekend's round of matches.
Ottens pleaded guilty to the level-four striking offence but due to the two-time premiership player's clean record he will only miss this weekend's trip to the Gabba to play the Lions.
Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui accepted a reprimand and points towards future charges following his level-one charge of making forceful contact from front-on against Geelong's Taylor Hunt and is free to play.
The 20 players charged for their involvement in melees from the Essendon-Richmond and St Kilda-Port Adelaide clashes have all accepted their sanctions.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, geelong-3220Barlow back for Dockers
Updated July 13, 2011 15:07:37
Fremantle will be bolstered by the return of gun midfielder Michael Barlow for Sunday's match with Sydney at the SCG, while veteran Adam McPhee and defender Nick Suban could also return for the crunch encounter.
Barlow has not played since pulling up sore from his return in the round 13 loss to Melbourne, but Dockers coach Mark Harvey says the 23-year-old is now ready to resume after training strongly on Monday.
"We did some aggressive training on Monday and he was fighting the fire," he said.
"I'd like to think he'd be a lot better in the second half (of the season) ... in (terms of his) preparation."
Harvey is also seriously considering handing recalls to one or both of McPhee and Suban, despite neither having a WAFL match under their belt since suffering their injuries.
"I remember doing the same thing with Tendai (Mzungu) after missing 10 weeks. (Garrick) Ibbotson was the same," Harvey said.
"Both those guys are really professional in the way they have done their preparation in regards to rehab.
"It will only be probably touch and maybe a little bit of match fitness as to whether we play them or not."
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, fremantle-6160 First posted July 13, 2011 14:10:34Pies thrash dispirited Roos
Updated July 10, 2011 20:55:00 Even Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse felt sorry for North Melbourne as the Magpies steamrolled the Kangaroos by a record margin to make a well-deserved surge to the top of the AFL ladder.
The reigning premiers overcame wet, windy conditions to pound North 22.15 (147) to 3.12 (30) at the MCG on Sunday, climbing above Geelong, with a game in hand.
The 117-point win was Collingwood's biggest this season and its biggest ever over North, meaning the Magpies will enter Saturday's blockbuster against Carlton at the MCG in top form.
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott labelled his team's performance as "disgraceful" and unacceptable, saying it was systematically taken apart by a side he rates the AFL's best.
Midfield stars Dane Swan (38 touches, two goals), Scott Pendlebury (29 touches) and Dale Thomas (26 touches, three goals) excelled, while youngster Steele Sidebottom celebrated his 50th AFL game with four goals.
But while Malthouse found nothing to fault, he admitted to feeling uncomfortable handing his former assistant Scott the greatest thrashing the second-year Kangaroos coach has experienced.
"You feel desperately, I know I do, for Brad Scott," Malthouse said.
"For a coach, sometimes, these things happen. I've been on the receiving end of these in my career, and there's not a lot you can do.
"You can't flirt with form and our goal was to be effective every quarter.
"By the same token, the result, I'm not 100 per cent sure they're the things I really enjoy."
Malthouse downplayed the build-up to the clash with the Blues.
"I'm sure some of the player group would be [excited], some of the younger players," Malthouse said of a match where seating is sold out with less than 500 standing-room tickets available.
"It should be terrific for the public. [But] I don't treat that game any different to what I've treated this game."
Malthouse said the bonus was giving AFL experience to first-game forward Lachlan Keeffe, second-gamer Luke Rounds, who quelled Roos captain Brent Harvey, and third-gamer Alex Fasolo.
Fasolo was a third-quarter substitute for Thomas, who went off as a precaution after an earlier knock to the knee, but was still close to Collingwood's best.
The Kangaroos fought hard in the opening term, when they tackled strongly, won their share of the ball and went forward almost as often as the Magpies.
But while Collingwood used the ball precisely, North botched its early chances and after trailing by 16 points at the first change, its confidence and competitiveness evaporated, outscored 18 goals to two over the final three terms.
"The end result looks massive and looks disgraceful, but in reality it's just contest by contest, quarter by quarter, they just systematically took us apart," Scott said.
The Kangaroos coach said rather than thrashing his side in any one facet, the Magpies were simply slightly better at almost everything, which would make the loss a useful learning tool.
"I can see the progression, I can see the path we're on, but those losses are horrendous and it's not acceptable," Scott said.
He added he would learn plenty about how his players from how they rebound against the Western Bulldogs next Sunday.
Magpies: 22.15 (147) - S Sidebottom 4, D Thomas 3, J Blair 3, L Brown 3, D Swan 2, T Cloke 2, A Fasolo, D Jolly, H Shaw, L Davis, S Wellingham
Kangaroos: 3.12 (30) - B Harvey 2, T Goldstein
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, collingwood-3066, melbourne-3000 First posted July 10, 2011 16:02:00Cassisi could miss Demons match
Updated July 14, 2011 17:04:57
Port Adelaide captain Dom Cassisi could miss Saturday night's AFL match against Melbourne to be at the birth of his child.
Cassisi did not depart Adelaide on Thursday with his Port Adelaide team-mates as they flew to Darwin to prepare for the match.
Cassisi's wife was due to give birth on Wednesday.
The Power skipper planned to fly to Darwin on Saturday and then return to Adelaide immediately after the clash with the Demons, Power coach Matthew Primus said.
"His wife is due to give birth pretty soon so he's just trying to minimise the time he's away from home," Primus said.
"Not ideal, but Dom's preparation is pretty good."
Spearhead Jay Schulz also did not leave with his team-mates but will attend a family funeral in Adelaide on Friday before flying to Darwin the next day.
Primus said Port had added Steven Salopek and Daniel Motlop to their travelling party to cover for any player losses.
Young defender Jackson Trengove has been cleared to play after suffering a burst blood vessel in his right wrist during Port's loss to St Kilda last Sunday.
"His arm is no worries, it has come up fine," Primus said.
"He will definitely play, he might have a little bit of strapping but it's mainly just bruising."
Veteran Chad Cornes keeps his spot in the side after returning last week from an extended absence.
Cornes appears certain to quit the Power at season's end and has been a rumoured target of new entity Greater Western Sydney.
"It's not my decision to make if Chad wants to play on with GWS or whatever it's going to be," Primus said.
"We will continue our discussions with Chad as the year draws to an end.
"There is going to be speculation about and we will keep the conversation open with Chad ... I suppose it depends on how many games (the) teams want to get out of those kind of players.
"We know what Chad has achieved in his career and the experiences he's had, so a younger club like that might see that is something valuable for them to have."
AAP
Tags: australian-football-league, sport, port-adelaide-5015, sa, australia First posted July 14, 2011 15:14:03Interview: Jack Steven
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 8:20 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 8:20 AEST
St Kilda's Jack Steven told Anthony Tucker and the Grandstand commentary team that he is enjoying playing in the midfield after racking up 26 disposals and seven clearances in a 56-point win over the Power at Football Park.
Tags: sport, australian-football-leagueBlues lose Waite for up to a month
Updated July 11, 2011 23:07:00 Carlton's decision to risk Jarrad Waite on the weekend backfired, with the key forward out of AFL action for up to a month.
Waite might need surgery after scans on Monday showed he has cartilage damage in his hip.
He was subbed off in the second quarter of the Sunday twilight loss to the Western Bulldogs and the club said post-match that it was groin tightness.
Speaking before undergoing the scans on Monday, Waite had no regrets about trying to play with his latest injury.
One of Carlton's most important players had also been hopeful about being available for Saturday's blockbuster against arch-rivals Collingwood.
"These things happen in football, you can't predict what's going to happen," Waite said.
Coach Brett Ratten had also said immediately after Sunday's match that he was comfortable with the decision to play Waite.
"We got the tick from the medicos and everyone that he was right," Ratten said.
"I suppose they're the risks you take sometimes going into games."
Waite will visit a specialist on Tuesday to see if needs an operation on his hip.
Sunday was only his second game back after missing three matches with a hamstring injury.
In more bad news, midfielder Andrew Carrazzo will also miss the Collingwood clash.
He was a late withdrawal from the Bulldogs match because of a calf muscle injury.
While the Magpies regained top spot with a 117-point demolition of North Melbourne, Carlton dropped from third to fourth following the Bulldogs loss.
Saturday will be a major credibility test for the improving Blues, who lost to Collingwood in round three by 28 points.
They have a four-game losing streak against the reigning premiers.
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, carlton-3053, footscray-3011 First posted July 11, 2011 19:03:00An anxious mum, a newborn son and the biggest footy game of his life
For the last week Gold Coast Suns defender Rex Liddy's been getting more calls than usual from his mum and dad.
"They call me up all the time," the footballer says laughing,It may not seem all that odd but this week is a big one for the Liddy household.
Together, Rex's mum, dad and aunty will travel five hours by car from the remote community of Hopevale to Cairns to see their boy play on Saturday against the Richmond Tigers.
It might seem like a fair trek but for the Liddy clan, it is effectively a home game.
Rex says getting his family to the game isn't the problem though. Reassuring his anxious parents that he'll be in the side, however, is quickly becoming a full time job.
"They're always asking me, 'Are you in the team?' and I've got to tell 'em every five minutes that I am playing," he says, seemingly only half-joking.
But the promising young player admits it's a good problem to have and as the first ever AFL footballer to hail from Cape York in Far North Queensland, he says he understands the expectation and excitement from his community.
"I never thought I'd be here [in the AFL] and I'm just really excited to play," he says. "I feel like a role model to the young kids up there and I'm tellin' 'em that you not only can you make it in the NRL playing rugby league but you can make it in other sports as well.
Off the field Rex is a role model to more than just aspiring young footballers after welcoming his first born son, Jarra into the world only a month ago.
The baby, he says, is a true blessing.
"Mate, it's a miracle I reckon. It's amazing picking a baby up and knowing it's yours," he says. "I couldn't believe he was here after all those months. It's wonderful having him around."
Queensland State Indigenous Director, Rick Hanlon, who mentored Rex as a junior, says his young prodigy always endears himself to others.
"Rexy's just got that likeable character about him," he says. "He's got an aura about him and his leadership."
"People gravitate to him. There's an expectation about him. He's super talented and he's just a really nice kid with a great family that support him to the max."
Power down Northern Knights
The Power's Rob Reid was delighted with the win and the ability of the team to come back from a very disappointing game last week.
With a number of players not available due to being selected for representative squads their absence has allowed other players to get some first team game time and impress the coaches and possible talent scouts from AFL teams.
Rob Reid says Tom Fusinato from Warragul is an example of a player who has taken his chance when being called into the first team.
"He came into the team just a few weeks ago...he's been one of the best players since he came in and he's just showed what a classy little player he really is."
The Power play the Bendigo Pioneers at Box Hill on Saturday.
Redlegs win eighth in a row
The Sunday Inquisition: Round 16
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 3:28 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 3:28 AEST
The Sunday Inquisition sat in session during round 16 of the AFL with Grandstand's Gerard Whateley being joined by Scott Gullan.
Tags: sport, australian-football-leagueABC Footballer of the Year: Round 16
Posted July 11, 2011 17:13:00 Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell has moved into the lead on the ABC Footballer of the Year standings following round 16 of the AFL.
Mitchell topped the 3-2-1s in the Hawks' seven-goal victory over Brisbane at York Park to set up a one-vote lead over Carlton's Marc Murphy and Collingwood's Dane Swan.
Swan gained the maximum three votes in the Magpies' 117-point demolition of North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.
The Grandstand commentary team's votes for round 16 are as follows:
West Coast Eagles 14.12 (96) def. Geelong Cats 13.10 (88) at Subiaco Oval
3 Andrew Embley (Eagles)
2 Matt Priddis (Eagles)
1 Harry Taylor (Cats)
Hawthorn Hawks 16.9 (105) def. Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at York Park
3 Sam Mitchell (Hawks)
2 Luke Hodge (Hawks)
1 Jack Redden (Hawks)
Sydney Swans 15.16 (106) def. Gold Coast Suns 4.12 (36) at Gold Coast Stadium
3 Ryan O'Keefe (Swans)
2 Jarrad McVeigh (Swans)
1 Adam Goodes (Swans)
Essendon Bombers 15.15 (105) def. Richmond Tigers 9.12 (66) at the MCG
3 Stewart Crameri (Bombers)
2 Michael Hurley (Bombers)
1 Brent Stanton (Bombers)
Collingwood Magpies 22.15 (147) def. North Melbourne Kangaroos 3.12 (30) at the MCG
3 Dane Swan (Magpies)
2 Scott Pendlebury (Magpies)
1 Dale Thomas (Magpies)
St Kilda Saints 17.7 (109) def. Port Adelaide Power 8.5 (53) at Football Park
3 Nick Dal Santo (Saints)
2 Ryan Gamble (Saints)
1 Hamish Hartlett (Power)
Western Bulldogs 14.12 (96) def. Carlton Blues 9.15 (69) at Docklands
3 Matthew Boyd (Bulldogs)
2 Adam Cooney (Bulldogs)
1 Tom Williams (Bulldogs)
Leaderboard Top Five (after round 16):
1. Sam Mitchell (Hawks) - 17 votes
2. Marc Murphy (Blues), Dane Swan - 16 votes
4. Matthew Boyd (Bulldogs) - 14 votes
5. Brent Moloney (Demons) - 13 votes
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australiaAFL coaching legend Jeans dies
Updated July 13, 2011 17:04:55
Legendary AFL coach Allan Jeans has died at the age of 77.
Jeans, known as one of the league's toughest coaches and greatest motivators, died in a nursing home after a long illness.
After a 77-game playing career with St Kilda, Jeans became coach of the club in 1961 at the age of 28 before leading the Saints to their only flag in 1966.
Following 16 years with the Saints he was appointed coach of Hawthorn in 1981, going on to win premierships in 1983, 1986 and 1989.
Under Jeans, the Hawks dominated the VFL, appearing in seven successive grand finals from 1983 to 1989 - excluding 1988 when Jeans suffered a brain haemorrhage and Alan Joyce took over and won the flag.
Jeans later had a short stint at Richmond in 1992, winning only five out of 22 games.
He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 1996.
"Hawthorn Football Club has lost a very humble and extraordinary individual, who not only nurtured many of our players, but also led the club to premierships in 1983, 1986 and 1989," Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said.
"We will all miss him."
St Kilda chief executive Michael Nettlefold said the Saints will wear black arm bands in round 17 to honour the contribution Jeans made to the St Kilda club.
"Allan's contribution to the game went well beyond the statistics as his coaching changed the way the game was played," he said.
"Allan generously continued his contribution to the game well after his active coaching career finished, sharing his extensive knowledge of coaching and our great game."
"Allan was a person of great strength, honesty and integrity and will forever be remembered as the man who helped deliver our first premiership cup."
"Our sincere thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time."
Saints premiership hero and close friend Kevin 'Cowboy' Neale said Jeans was a father figure to many he coached.
"Whilst his football and coaching exploits were well known, the way he offered his support and advice to me away from the game is something that I will cherish the most," Neale said.
"From the coaches box he was ferocious and fearless and took our young side to the pinnacle of our game. He pioneered the modern coaching style and many of his contemporaries followed suit with great success. He will be sorely missed."
- AAP/ABC
Tags: australian-football-league, sport, hawthorn-3122, australia, st-kilda-3182 First posted July 13, 2011 09:14:12Walshy's Wrap: Round 16
Published:Monday, July 11, 2011 1:53 AESTExpires:Sunday, October 9, 2011 1:53 AEST
Grandstand's Roger Wills fills in for Peter Walsh to review all the action from round 16 of the 2011 AFL season.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australiaRoos confirm Harvey broken thumb
Updated July 12, 2011 16:54:00 A broken thumb will most likely sideline North Melbourne captain Brent Harvey for Sunday's must-win match against Western Bulldogs.
It emerged on Tuesday that the Kangaroos' match record-holder had suffered the injury in Sunday's disastrous 117-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG.
The Kangaroos say Harvey will not need surgery, but admits he is in doubt for the fixture.
It is understood the half-forward will not be ready in time.
The injury is an untimely setback in a horror week for the Kangaroos, who suffered a major blow to their top-eight credentials with their embarrassing performance against the Magpies.
"(He) sustained the injury during an attempted tackle in the third quarter at the MCG," the Kangaroos said in a statement.
"Scans have revealed a bone fragment has been dislodged from his left thumb.
"Surgery will not be required at this stage.
"Harvey's progress will be monitored throughout the week."
The 33-year-old, a hugely-popular figure at Arden Street, broke the club games' record this season.
The four-time All Australian has played 316 matches for North since his 1996 debut.
Harvey only had 12 possessions and kicked two goals in Sunday's rout.
It was the second time this season Kangaroos figures had spoken pre-match about the need to take it up to the Magpies, only to offer very little resistance.
The Kangaroos fell to 12th, a game and a half outside the top eight.
By contrast, the Bulldogs have won their past four games to resurrect their season and are ninth, half a game behind Essendon.
Not surprisingly, North coach Brad Scott vented his frustration during the Monday match review.
"He (Scott) certainly put it on a few blokes who didn't do the things that he asked during the game," Kangaroos forward Drew Petrie said.
"His tone of voice did go up a little bit in yesterday's meeting which is what footy coaches do and players need to respond when that happens.
"Match review did go through a little longer than usual.
"We had a lot to look at to understand why we got beaten so badly."
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, north-melbourne-3051 First posted July 12, 2011 13:42:00Crows and Power: Round 17
[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Both Adelaide teams are back on the field this weekend, with the Power heading north and the Crows at home. Peter Walsh and Roger Wills turn up the shennanigans to take a look at what the weekend may hold.
Last weekend continued the poor-form streak for the Power, but Saturday night they will head back to the field where they had their last win - Marrara Stadium.
The Crows enjoyed a round bye last week, and will hopefully be rested for their home ground match-up.
Catch all the action live on 891 ABC Adelaide, ABC South Australia and Broken Hill, and Grandstand Digital 1 in the metropolitan area.
Friday 15 July, 8:10pm - Adelaide v Essendon at Football Park.
Saturday 16 July, 8:10pm - Melbourne v Port Adelaide at Marrara Stadium, Darwin.
[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]Eagles target top four finish
Posted July 11, 2011 13:30:00 West Coast has set its sights on crashing into top four following confidence-boosting wins over premiership contenders Geelong and Carlton.
The fifth-placed Eagles sit just two points adrift of the fourth-placed Blues, ahead of Saturday night's tricky clash with a resurgent St Kilda at Docklands.
Although Eagles coach John Worsfold has been quick to publicly play down his team's premiership chances, the player group are taking the opposite approach.
Midfielder Matt Rosa says the six-goal win over the Blues and eight-point triumph over the Cats prove the Eagles deserve to be considered a top four team.
"(Those wins) definitely gives us a lot of confidence and a lot of belief that we can finish in the top four," Rosa said.
"That's definitely something we can aim to do now.
"And if you finish in the top four, it gives you a really good chance of having a crack at winning some finals games and maybe getting a game at home.
"It would be great for our fans if we do get to play a home final, just have a crack at it over here."
Worsfold's coaching career appeared destined for a limp end after guiding the Eagles last year to the wooden spoon.
But the 2006 premiership coach's remarkable transformation of the team is set to earn him a new two or three-year deal at the end of the season.
"He's stuck with all the boys and backed everyone in and it's amazing what can happen when the coach gives players belief and backs them in all the time," Rosa said.
"He's been great and, hopefully, he's here for a long time."
Despite the Eagles' run of five straight wins, Rosa says the group is on guard against a fast-improving Saints unit, who have won five of their past seven matches to move back to within striking distance of the top eight.
"We really set ourselves for those two games (against Carlton and Geelong) but we realise St Kilda are starting to get back into some great form, so it's going to be a massive challenge this weekend," Rosa said.
"We've just got to knuckle down and make sure we bring that same intensity this week."
Eagles' forward Quinten Lynch will return against the Saints after serving his one-match suspension, while defenders Mitch Brown and Beau Waters are also in the hunt for recalls after solid performances in the WAFL.
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, perth-6000Thursday, July 14, 2011
Ablett expected to take on Tigers
Updated July 13, 2011 19:50:13
Gold Coast AFL coach Guy McKenna says captain Gary Ablett is almost certain to overcome a knee injury and play on Saturday against Richmond.
The Suns superstar injured his knee during Saturday night's loss to Sydney but McKenna said Ablett will travel to Cairns with the team and train on Friday before a decision is made.
"If I was a betting man, I'd probably think he was a good 80 to 90 per cent chance to play," McKenna told the AFL website.
"He'll definitely be going up. We're not trying to pull the wool over (Richmond coach) Damien Hardwick's or the Tigers' eyes. It's nothing to do with that.
"If he was sore and wasn't playing, he'd be staying down here to get right so he could play the following week.
"He'll do more (training) on Friday to give his knee more time to recover to give him the best chance of playing. If he gets through Friday, he'll play."
McKenna said it will be a huge boost for Ablett's team-mates if the skipper can take his place.
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, carrara-4211, qld, australia, richmond-3121, vic First posted July 13, 2011 19:50:13Saturday, July 9, 2011
Betting on Sports for Massive Profit
Learn how The Ace of Sports Picks took a starting bet of $20 and turned it into over $689,000 of profit in less than 4 years betting on the Mlb and Nba! This step-by-step baseball and basketball betting system shows you how to win big!
Check it out!
The Drum - Friday 8 July
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 6:05 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 6:05 AEST
Peter Wilkins hosts a discussion with actor and writer Brendan Cowell, Amanda Shalala from the Daily Telegraph, Steve Robilliard from ABC TV Sport and rugby league author Neil Cadigan.
Tags: australian-football-league, cycling, golf, nrl, rugby-union, world-cup, tennis, state-of-origin, australia, france, englandSystemSays Sports Betting System
The SystemSays sports betting system is based on logic and long-term statistical analyses. It is a proven system that gives proven results season after season for Nfl, Mlb and Nba.
Check it out!
Feature Interview: Andy Otten
Andy Otten exploded onto the AFL scene in 2009, playing 24 games for the Adelaide Crows and finishing runner-up in the Rising Star Award for the 09 season.
However a severe knee injury in the lead up to the 2010 season ruled him out for the year, and it has been atough road back for the defender.
This season it has been a roller coaster ride, playing the first 5 games of the year before injury concerns and poor form ruled him out for the next 6 weeks.
He made his return in Round 12 and has started to show the form that made him one of the most valuable youngsters at the club.
Schulz earns new Power deal
In the best goal-kicking form of his career, spearhead Jay Schulz has been rewarded with a contract extension by Port Adelaide.
Schulz, 26, kicked an equal career-high seven majors for the Power in Sunday's narrow 11-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba.It brought his total since crossing from Richmond to 55 goals from 25 matches.
Schulz had previously played 71 matches and booted 58 goals for the Tigers, who used him in both the key forward and defensive positions.
But since moving to Port, Schulz has made his mark at full-forward.
Port Adelaide football operations manager Peter Rohde said the Power were delighted to re-sign Schulz, although they refused to reveal the length of the new deal.
"Since Jay arrived at the club at the end of 2009 his attitude and work ethic have been outstanding," Rohde said.
"He sets a great standard with the way he trains and prepares himself each week and that has been reflective in his consistent form.
"Obviously he's a very important part of our forward structure, not only through his goal-kicking ability, but through his capacity to lead by example and assist the younger players in our forward line."
Schulz threw his support behind coach Matthew Primus in what has been a difficult year for the club, which sits in second-last spot on the ladder with only two wins.
"I have great belief in Matty's direction and where he's taking this playing group," he said.
"This has been evident in parts of games this season and we just have to continue to develop our group so that we can maintain a consistent performance over a longer period during games.
"I am very confident though that we're on the right track."
Magpies boast cover for Dawes
Posted July 6, 2011 17:14:00 Collingwood's formidable depth of talent means the AFL premier has a ready-made solution for the loss of key forward Chris Dawes.
While Dawes will be missed as he takes a month to recover from hand surgery, Chris Tarrant can move from defence to fill the gap.
Tarrant's switch would then clear the way for 21-year-old Queenslander Lachlan Keeffe to finally make his senior debut, playing as a key defender.
"If he got his chance, he'd definitely be ready - he's been an emergency a fair few times this year and been playing good VFL footy," defender Alan Toovey said of Keeffe.
"So he's one of the guys that if a defender went forward, he'd be looked at."
Toovey admits to mixed feelings if Tarrant does change roles.
Tarrant originally made his name as a key forward with the Magpies, but has been a revelation over the past few seasons as a backman.
"He (Tarrant) kicked a few goals earlier in the season and he looked pretty pumped. He did get excited," Toovey said.
"But the way he's been playing down back, I hope he wouldn't go up there. It's been good playing next to him down deep in defence."
Keeffe would slot into a defence which remains arguably the best in the league.
While Nathan Brown is out for the season and Simon Prestigiacomo has retired, if anything, the defence has improved with the additions of Tarrant and Leon Davis and Ben Reid's ongoing development.
Geelong's upset loss to Essendon means the Cats only remain four points clear of Collingwood by virtue of having had one less bye.
The Magpies' premiership defence has so far been near-perfect and Toovey said the mood at the club is buoyant, but realistic.
"At the moment, we're travelling probably as well or maybe even better than last year," he said.
"We know we're good enough to win premierships and win finals and play in big games all the time - having that behind us is just a little bit extra.
"The mood in the group, everyone is excited. Everyone is not focusing on finals yet, but we're working on all the little bits (where) we can improve so when finals do come, we're definitely cherry ripe."
Collingwood plays North Melbourne on Sunday and, while the Magpies will start firm favourites, Toovey said the Essendon win over Geelong shows no side should be taken lightly.
"We want to ensure we don't slip up (in) a game like this weekend against North. They're a good young team," he said.
-AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, collingwood-3066Magpies call on former soccer star
Published:Thursday, July 7, 2011 7:22 AESTExpires:Wednesday, October 5, 2011 7:22 AEST
Collingwood has selected Lachlan Keefe to replace injured forward Chris Dawes.
Tags: australian-football-league, nrl, melbourne-3000Eagles hold off charging Cats
Posted July 8, 2011 23:31:00 West Coast reinforced its finals footy credentials by keeping a rampaging Geelong outfit at bay to clinch an eight-point win at Subiaco Oval on Friday night.
The Eagles led by 35 at the long break and although a Cats surge to open the third term narrowed the margin to as little as 10 points in the final period, the hosts buckled down and managed to stay in front for a 14.12 (96) to 13.10 (88) victory.
The Eagles took the chocolates in front of 40,164 fans, a record turnout for these two clubs at Subiaco, but it will not be enough to lift them into the top four on percentages.
Geelong remains at the top of the ladder for now but defending premier Collingwood, which boasts a far superior percentage figure (169.7), can return to the summit of the AFL with a win over North Melbourne on Sunday.
John Worsfold's troops kicked six in a row from late in the opening term to the middle of the second in an 11-goal first half that had the four points all but secured.
But the visitors burst out of the blocks after half-time determined to counterbalance a first half coach Chris Scott described to television reporters mid-pitch as "terrible", and they did that with four straight goals to set up a true grandstand finish.
Geelong threatened until the final siren and when James Podsiadly and Daniel Menzel kicked back-to-back majors within the final 10 minutes, the nine-point difference looked attainable as the Cats played the dynamic football they are revered for and attacked the forward-50.
But Podsiadly's high-pressure set shot from the right pocket that would have cut the margin to three clanged off the post, resigning Geelong to its second consecutive loss and second of the season.
West Coast defender Mark Nicoski enjoyed a busy night up front, kicking an equal career-best three goals for the home side, while Mark LeCras and Luke Shuey (two each) also found the target on more than one occasion.
West Coast: 14.12 (96) - M Nicoski 3, L Shuey 2, M LeCras 2, A Embley, A Smith, B Ebert, D Cox, J Kennedy, N Naitanui, T Swift.
Geelong: 13.10 (88) - J Podsiadly 3, S Johnson 2, B Ottens, C Ling, D Menzel, D Wojcinski, J Bartel, J Kelly, P Chapman, T Varcoe.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, geelong-3220, wa, perth-6000Maguire seeks contract extension
Updated July 6, 2011 13:52:00 Brisbane defender Matt Maguire wants a contract extension so he can complete some unfinished business at his second club.
Maguire is one of a number of senior players whose careers are in the balance due to the Lions unofficial youth policy and their determination to rebuild the club from the ground up.
The 27-year-old arrived from St Kilda for the start of the 2010 season as one of half a dozen recycled players - including fallen idol Brendan Fevola - who coach Michael Voss hotly pursued for a quick-fix finals solution.
However it all came unstuck, particularly in Fevola's case, midway through last season and the club is wilting financially and on the field.
Maguire admits he is playing for his future and is under pressure from the side's emerging talent because the Lions have blooded 10 players this season.
"You feel like that a lot of a time that there are a lot players pushing to play," he said.
"I put myself under as much pressure from the club or external perceptions.
"I'm definitely keen and really enjoying my time at Brisbane.
"I haven't hit my best form by any stretch.
"There's still a lot of improvement in me."
Maguire has played 22 of a possible 36 matches since arriving and due to the absence of Daniel Merrett (back) he will most likely be guarding Hawthorn match-winner Lance Franklin in Launceston on Saturday.
If Franklin recovers from an ankle problem, it will be the second big assignment for the Lions' defender in as many weeks having been responsible for Port Adelaide's Jay Schulz who bagged seven goals at the Gabba last Sunday.
"(Franklin) is a tough one to play because he can do everything," Maguire said.
"He can get up the field and burn you on the way back in one-on-one contests and he's very good on the ground.
"If I get the job on him this week I will try and negate his running ability and keep him out of as many contests as possible.
"It's not going to be one player that beats us."
Maguire drew parallels between his early years at the Saints when they were struggling and relentlessly blooding new talent and the Lions' 2011 season.
"At St Kilda in my second year we were playing a lot of kids and it was about trying to get as many games into those kids as we could," Maguire said.
"I was lucky to be one of those who got a few extra games and the next year we were in the finals."
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, brisbane-4000 First posted July 6, 2011 13:09:00Schulz to stay with Power
Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz has extended his contract with the club to 2015.
Tags: australian-football-league, port-adelaide-5015AFL Preview: Round 16
Seven games in five states games this weekend take place in Round 16 of the AFL, with three teams resting with the bye.
West Coast play one of their most important matches of the season when they host Geelong in Friday night footy.
The Cats are coming off a shock loss against the Bombers last week, their first for the year, and they face the tough task of heading across the country to take on an Eagles team vying for a top 4 spot.
For West Coast a home final is up for grabs if they can maintain their fine form, while the Cats will be keen to show that last week's loss was just a minor hiccup on the road to another flag.
Brisbane head from the warmth of Queensland to the freezing cold of Launceston to play Hawthorn at York Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Hawks have an impressive record at the second home and they should have no real trouble accounting for the Lions, who have just three wins for the year.
Gold Coast host the Swans for the first time, with Sydney desperate to break a three game losing streak.
Sydney were looking good for a top 4 spot just 1 month ago, but losses to Carlton, Collingwood and Adelaide have seem them slip to 7th, and a loss could see them drop out of the top 8 by the end of the round.
Essendon and Richmond meet at the MCG in front of what should be a massive crowd.
The Bombers finally got back on the winner list last week after a run of 5 losses, and what a win it was.
The 4 point defeat of Geelong has revived their finals hopes, while the Tigers were thrashed by Carlton to the tune of 103 points and as a consequence slipped to 13th on the ladder.
There is a lot at stake in this match, with Richmond needing to win to stay in touch with the pack chasing the final few spots in the top 8.
Collingwood can move to top spot of the AFL ladder with a win over North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
The Pies are slowly gearing up for September with key players rested and the team starting to find the form that engineered their premiership last year.
For North Melbourne, a 4 game winning streak was halted last round by a loss to St Kilda, but they still remain in the hunt for the top 8, just half a game behind 8th placed Essendon.
St Kilda head to Footy Park to take on a Port Adelaide team that has slipped to second last on the ladder.
It is a dangerous match for the Saints, who have a poor record against the Power, but they must overcome that record if they are to continue their last season push for the finals.
5 wins out of the past 6 has seen St Kilda move to within a game of the top 8, but with games against Collingwood, Carlton, Sydney and Fremantle still to come, a win over the 16th ranked team is a must.
The Power, on the other hand, are playing for little more than pride, and with Chad Cornes looking likely to finally win a recall to the team despite not being in their plans for next year, it marks the start of farewell tour of a few of the stalwarts of the Power team.
The final match of the round between Carlton and the Western Bulldogs is a crucial one for both teams, with the Blues looking to consolidate a top 4 spot, while the Bulldogs are still striving for a top 8 position.
The Western Bulldogs have won their past three, put have yet to win this season over a team in the top 8, so to defeat Carlton will give the team confidence they can play finals for the 4th straight year.
The Blues are looking much more secure, sitting in third spot with 10 wins for the year, and they were impressive last week in their big win over the Tigers.
With Judd and Murphy continuing to lead the way Carlton look certain to finish in the top 4 and get the double chance come finals time, something that has be shown to be crucial if you want to win the premiership.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)