Giants push Tigers all the way

Updated June 16, 2012 18:44:55

Greater Western Sydney delivered a four-quarter performance but Richmond took the points with a two-goal win over the Giants in the wet in Sydney on Saturday.

The Giants stayed in contention for most of the day with fierce tackling and making the most of their scoring opportunities before the Tigers steadied to win 11.20 (86) - 12.2 (74).

Richmond had nearly double the number of forward 50 entries than GWS - 66-35 - but the Giants' defence handled the attacks well, and the home side out-tackled the Tigers by 87-69.

The Giants' James McDonald told Grandstand that the team had focused on fighting the game out to the end after some second-half fade-outs in recent weeks.

"Obviously against Essendon and Geelong the two previous games we were good for a half and then fell away," McDonald said.

"It was disappointing we didn't get the win in the end, but the boys will get a lot of confidence for playing four quarters out."

GWS's number one draft pick, Jonathon Patton, took a couple of strong contested marks and kicked his first AFL goal, while the Giants' other young gun Jeremy Cameron kicked three to give the home fans hope.

McDonald said the Giants were excited about the development of Cameron, who kicked five goals against the Western Bulldogs earlier this season.

"They're like rare as hen's teeth, (if) you can find big blokes who can take marks and kicks goals," he said.

"He (Cameron) has got a lot of weight to put on ... but he's got a lot of upside, he's got a big future ahead of him."

The Tigers had a 14-point lead at quarter time in wet and slippery conditions, and were expected to go on with the job.

However the Giants kicked three goals to two in the second term to hold Richmond to a nine-point lead at half-time.

A small crowd of 7,358 at the Sydney Olympic Showgrounds were given hope as the Giants got within a goal late in the final quarter, but majors to Jack Riewoldt and Daniel Connors clinched the win for the visitors.

The Tigers could have a couple of injury concerns, with Trent Cotchin being treated off the ground for a leg injury before returning to sit in the forward line, while defenders Alex Rance and Jake King were shaken up during the game in separate contests.

GIANTS: 12.2 (74) - Cameron 3, Greene 2, Palmer 2, McDonald, Patton, Phillips, Schulz, Shiel.

TIGERS: 11.20 (86) - Connors 3, Riewoldt 3, S Edwards 2, Cotchin, Deledio, Jackson.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted June 16, 2012 17:48:36

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Sinclair gets round 11 Rising Star nod

Updated June 12, 2012 08:56:54

Collingwood small forward Ben Sinclair has won the AFL's round 11 Rising Star nomination after a sterling performance against the Demons on Monday.

Sinclair grabbed five marks, 12 possessions and booted home three majors in the Magpies' 42-point win over Melbourne in the Queen's Birthday match at the MCG.

The 20-year-old has played every game this year after succumbing to a fractured leg in early 2011 which delayed his debut AFL appearance until Round 19 in a season where Collingwood finished as grand-final runners-up to Geelong.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley has lauded Sinclair's consistency.

"In the first half of this year Ben has consistently been impacting on games for us," Buckley said.

"His contested footy, his pressure on the opposition and his ability to regularly get on the scoreboard have become really valuable and important to our flexibility.

"Right now he's one of our first picked, certainly one of the first picked of our small forwards."

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, collingwood-3066, vic, australia

First posted June 12, 2012 08:49:42

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Minson facing censure over slur

Updated June 18, 2012 16:30:04

Port Adelaide wants the AFL to take action against Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson for an alleged slur about Power playmaker Danyle Pearce's mother.

Pearce and his Power team-mates were angered by the remark, allegedly made during Sunday's clash between the clubs at Docklands.

Port believe Minson crossed a line with the remark to Pearce.

"There's times when you just go on a little bit too far and I guess that is one of these situations," Pearce's team-mate Brad Ebert told reporters on Monday.

Minson in 2008 apologised for offending Power veteran Kane Cornes with a comment about the Port player's ill son.

"Minson, he goes out onto the field and plays hard and I guess he gets carried away with a few comments every now and then," Ebert said.

Pearce declined to comment when Port returned to Adelaide on Monday.

"He seemed a little bit flat after the game," Ebert said of Pearce.

"But Pearcey is pretty tough like that, he seems to be pretty good with it all, handling it okay.

"All the boys got around him and he'll be fine."

An AFL spokesman confirmed an incident had taken place involving two players in Sunday's match.

It will be handled either by the AFL's match review panel or the football operations department.

The Western Bulldogs released a statement on Monday saying the club is cooperating with the AFL's investigation and will not comment further on the matter.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, west-melbourne-3003, port-adelaide-5015

First posted June 18, 2012 16:14:53

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Magpies strike back to silence Demons

Updated June 11, 2012 19:27:25

Collingwood moved to the top of the AFL ladder with a seven-goal win over Melbourne on Monday, but the Magpies will anxiously await medical reports on injured forward Alan Didak.

Didak limped off in the second minute of the game clutching his left groin.

Brownlow Medallist midfielder Dane Swan was best-afield in his return from a hamstring injury with 42 possessions and two goals as the Magpies claimed their ninth win from 11 rounds, beating the Demons 19.15 (129) to 13.9 (87) in front of 64,250 fans.

Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom were also unstoppable for the Magpies in their eighth consecutive win.

"I'm just proud of these guys who come in and play a role for us," Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell told Grandstand.

"We don't ask too much of them but I think the story for us is those second-tierers like Simon Buckley, Dayne Beams, [Jarryd] Blair, Sidebottom.

"All those guys who everyone's known about but they've really taken on ... I guess they're our emerging leaders.

"They're the guys who've really driven the club and helped the senior players out, so it's a flow-on effect for the next guys coming through."

Onballer Nathan Jones and big forward Mitch Clark with four goals were strong contributors for the Demons.

In a bruising game, Colin Sylvia's heavy collision with Collingwood's Tom Young is one of several incidents that could come under scrutiny from the match review panel, along with Luke Tapscott's crude spoiling attempt on Magpies' forward Alex Fasolo.

Collingwood dominated the opening term with six goals to Melbourne's none.

"It was a combination," Maxwell said when asked whether it was the Magpies who were good or the Demons bad.

"We were really good in tight and through the centre clearances. [I'm] not sure what the stats were but we were winning a lot of them and if they were winning them they weren't damaging.

"So when the ball's played in your half or your forward 50 first you've got every chance of winning the game."

Former Demons captain Garry Lyon fumed on Triple M radio that Melbourne's hardness at the ball was shocking and its decision-making was appalling, as the home side fell 52 points behind midway through the second term.

The Demons clawed their way back into the game with three goals in five minutes - including two to the high-leaping Jeremy Howe - to trail by 35 points at half-time.

Clark kicked three of his side's four goals in the third term as the Demons cut Collingwood's lead to 26 points at three-quarter time.

Collingwood went on a four-goal run early in the final term before the Demons did the same.

But the Magpies kicked nine straight goals in the last quarter to overpower Melbourne, which booted 6.2 in a high-scoring finish to the game.

"All credit to Melbourne, they could have rolled over but they kept fighting so great signs for them for the future," Maxwell said.

"I think in that second quarter we started to try getting a bit flashy.

"A few little snaps around the corner turned around and went the length for goal and that just gives the opposition confidence.

"So a few things we have to do better but all credit to them, they were very good."

Ben Sinclair kicked three goals for the Magpies.

For Demons coach and former Collingwood assistant Mark Neeld, it was his side's 10th loss from 11 outings.

Both sides have a bye next weekend.

Demons: 13.9 (81) - Clark 4, Howe 2, Dunn 2, Magner, Sylvia, Rivers, Trengove, Blease.

Magpies: 19.15 (129) - Sinclair 3, Wellingham 2, Goldsack 2, Cloke 2, Fasolo 2, Blair 2, Swan 2, Jolly 2, Beams, Sidebottom.

ABC/AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, collingwood-3066, vic, australia

First posted June 11, 2012 18:12:27

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Geelong bans Stringer from AFL until 2013

Updated June 20, 2012 16:01:14

Geelong has punished rookie midfielder Jesse Stringer for behaviour it deems "totally unacceptable", by banning him from AFL selection until the 2013 season.

Stringer, 21, was arrested last Friday and charged with the alleged assault of a woman at a house in Grovedale in Victoria.

On Wednesday the club issued a statement announcing the ban - which includes the remainder of the home and away season plus finals, adding that Stringer would also be banned from playing with Geelong's VFL side until round 18.

"The club has arrived at this decision following a recommendation from the player leadership group that was made in consultation with the General Manager of Football, the Football Operations Manager, the senior coach and the Player Development manager," the club said in the statement.

"The recommendation was endorsed by the club's senior management and the board. The AFL has been kept informed and has approved the club's position."

Stringer will also be required to attend behaviour related education programs arranged by Geelong.

"The club is committed to two major outcomes from this situation. Firstly, to reinforce the AFL's respect and responsibility policy to all players and members of the club.

"Secondly the club will support Stringer and encourage him to learn from this experience and to continue to commit himself to develop as a person and a player."

The AFL's general manager of football operations, Adrian Anderson, said in a statement that the league endorsed Geelong's actions in delivering the sanction.

"With this sanction, the Geelong Football Club and its leadership group have sent a powerful message to the AFL industry and the community more broadly that violence against women is never acceptable," Anderson said.

"The AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Policy is very clear that inappropriate player behaviour will not be tolerated and Geelong deserves to be commended for its unequivocal stand, which is reflected in the strong action taken."

Stringer was recruited from the Port Adelaide Magpies in South Australia, but missed the entire 2010 season with a hip injury and most of 2011 with a knee injury.

He made his AFL debut in round four this year, and has played eight senior matches for the club, scoring three goals.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, geelong-3220

First posted June 20, 2012 15:19:23

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Bulldogs suspend Minson for slur

Updated June 20, 2012 14:01:31

The Western Bulldogs have moved to suspend Will Minson for one match for insulting Danyle Pearce during Sunday's game against Port Adelaide.

The Power complained to the AFL about slurs directed at Pearce during their 38-point victory at Docklands and the Bulldogs have moved before any league-delivered censure.

"The club has the highest of expectations when it comes to players' behaviour both on and off the field," Bulldogs Chief Executive, Simon Garlick said.

"While Will is genuinely remorseful for his actions - the club will not tolerate the use of inappropriate and offensive comments, especially in regards to women."

Minson, who in 2008 made comments about Kane Cornes' ill son during a match, on this occasion is believed to have spoken about Pearce's mother.

The ruckman apologised for his actions and accepted the punishment handed down from his club.

"I sincerely apologise for my comments and regret they have caused hurt and offense to Danyle, his family and the Port Adelaide Football Club," Minson said.

"I realise there are no excuses for my behaviour and I accept the sanction given to me by the club."

Pearce accepted the Bulldogs' action but suggested Minson's future behaviour will judge whether his opponent's regret is genuine.

"I accept the course of action the Western Bulldogs have taken," Pearce said.

"The important thing for me is that Will understands that this is not a minor matter that can be brushed under the carpet.  It is a very big thing and insulting a player’s family is just not acceptable.

"He needs to know there is a line that you shouldn’t even contemplate crossing.

"Will has apologised, but I don’t need that to move on. His actions from here will mean far more than words."

The AFL also commended the Bulldogs for acting swiftly and backed their punishment of the player who will also undergo a compulsory education session around the game's Respect and Responsibility Policy with the Cultural Strategy and Education Manager Sue Clark.

"All players, coaches and officials across our competition are aware that there is no place within our game for comments that are offensive and demeaning towards women," AFL general manager of football operations, Adrian Anderson said.

Elsewhere, Port's Matt Thomas has accepted a two-match sanction for rough conduct against Tom Liberatore during the second quarter of the same game.

The AFL tribunal will sit tonight to consider Dane Swan's Level One tripping charge against Melbourne's Sam Blease.

St Kilda's Raphael Clarke and Taylor Hine of the Gold Coast have both accepted reprimands for offences at the weekend and Brisbane's Mitch Golby was fined $900 for negligent conduct with umpire Troy Pannell.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, port-adelaide-5015, melbourne-3000

First posted June 19, 2012 11:41:25

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Swan found guilty but avoids ban

Updated June 19, 2012 18:29:15

Star Collingwood midfielder Dane Swan's chances of winning the Brownlow Medal remain intact despite being found guilty of tripping by the AFL tribunal.

Swan was charged with tripping Melbourne's Sam Blease during the Magpies' Queen's Birthday win over the Demons at the MCG.

He was found guilty and copped a reprimand and 60 demerit points, where an early plea would have downgraded the penalty to 45 points.

It means Swan remains eligible to win consecutive Brownlow Medals as long as he avoids being charged with another offence that carries more than 100 demerit points.

The rest of the match review panel's sanctions were accepted on Tuesday night.

Port Adelaide midfielder Matt Thomas accepted a two-match ban for rough conduct against Bulldogs counterpart Tom Liberatore.

Thomas will miss the Power's clashes with Geelong and Adelaide, and will not be available to play again until his side hosts Essendon in round 16 due to Port having the bye this weekend.

St Kilda's Raphael Clarke accepted a reprimand and 70.31 points for making contact to Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett's head in the second quarter of Friday night's clash at Football Park.

Gold Coast defender Taylor Hine copped a reprimand and 93.75 demerit points for rough conduct against North Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas, while Lions defender Mitch Golby wore a $900 fine for negligent contact with an umpire.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted June 19, 2012 18:29:15

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O'Brien feels sorry for racist fan

Updated June 06, 2012 21:14:27

Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien says he is more sorry for the supporter who racially abused Joel Wilkinson than the Gold Coast player himself.

Collingwood stripped a fan of his membership for racially vilifying Wilkinson during the game at the MCG on Sunday, with Magpie Dale Thomas and other supporters reporting the incident.

O'Brien said he had twice spoken to the Nigerian-born Wilkinson since the game and rather than anger, the pair both pitied the man.

"I actually feel more sorry for this person who has this level of awareness and acts in that way in public than I do for Joel Wilkinson," said O'Brien, who has a Brazilian mother and Congolese father and was born in Rio de Janeiro.

"We both feel really sorry for a person of this level of awareness and ignorance.

"It's really unfortunate to be that way."

While he agreed with the suspension of the membership, O'Brien said the fan should be educated rather than excluded.

"We should try to empower them with the required knowledge to function in society without discriminating against others."

He said society should judge the reaction from Thomas and the AFL as the norm.

"I'm really grateful in the way everything was handled.

"I see it as a bit of reflection on where we are as a society with these issues.

"It's set a real example for future incidents that may occur."

O'Brien was speaking before heading into the movies with his team-mates to see sci-fi thriller Prometheus, with the Magpies taking advantage of the long lead-in time to their Monday game against the Demons.

The 25-year-old said he was notsurprised Melbourne got their first win of the season, upsetting Essendon last round.

"I actually tipped the Demons," he said.

"The week before that they had a fantastic first half and I could see something within the group building and I know (Melbourne coach) Mark Neeld very well.

"I was fortunate enough to have him as my defensive coach for a couple of years and I know the quality of him.

"I thought it was just a matter of time before they got that result."

He said that midfielder Dane Swan (hamstring) and Heath Shaw (calf) were likely starters.

And if he were to kick his first goal in a Queen's Birthday long weekend match O'Brien planned a special celebration.

"I'm yet to kick a goal on the Queen's birthday but my celebration will be the Queen's wave so I've been practising that in front of the mirror a few times this week."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, collingwood-3066, vic, australia

First posted June 06, 2012 17:00:53

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Tigers name Riewoldt to face Giants

Updated June 14, 2012 20:57:35

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has praised forward Jack Riewoldt's dedication after going without sleep to give himself every chance of playing against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday.

Riewoldt has been named in the Tigers' squad for the match at Sydney's Olympic Park despite an ankle injury sustained last weekend against Fremantle.

He strapped up the ankle and kept playing, though his impact was limited and he looked at long odds to take on the Giants.

But Hardwick says Riewoldt is an almost certain starter as a result of getting up during the night for several days this week to keep icing his ankle.

"We're very, very confident he'll play, which is a great credit to Jack and the work he's put in to get himself available for this game," Hardwick said.

"It's been a great lesson for our younger players - how much you put into it.

"He's been sleeping about three hours on and off and icing it every three hours."

But the Tigers will be without first-year revelation Steven Morris (shoulder), with Daniel Connors selected for his first senior match of the season as the defender's replacement.

Forward Ty Vickery has also been left out, the Tigers saying he has a leg injury.

The Giants have also been forced into several changes, with consistent ruckman Jonathan Giles out with calf soreness but experienced Dean Brogan replacing him after recovering from injury.

And number one draft pick Jonathon Patton has been named as expected for his AFL debut despite an injury scare at training on Wednesday.

The Giants say 19-year-old man mountain Patton is a certain starter.

St Kilda brings back rebounding defender Sam Fisher and ruckman Ben McEvoy from injury for its match with Adelaide at Football Park on Friday night.

Fisher, who has been missing with a hamstring injury, and McEvoy (knee) have been named in the Saints' side to take on the high-flying Crows.

The hosts will be without Graham Johncock, who was ruled out been ruled out with a back complaint.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has wielded the axe, making four changes for the Kangaroos match against Gold Coast at Carrara on Saturday night and recalling forward Lindsay Thomas.

Aaron Edwards, Cruize Garlett, Luke and Cameron Delaney have all been dropped.

Mature-age rookie Sam Gibson will make his AFL debut for the Kangaroos after some impressive reserves form and his promotion from the rookie list this week.

The winless Suns have also axed four players and lost experienced Campbell Brown to a knee injury, with ruckman Zac Smith among those recalled.

Brisbane will be without three-time premiership player Simon Black for Sunday's encounter with Hawthorn at the MCG, as he is unavailable for another week, while Ash McGrath is sidelined with a knee injury.

Ruckman Ben Hudson has been named in the Lions' preliminary squad and should he see match time, he will chalk up his 150th senior appearance, having previously had stints at Adelaide and Western Bulldogs.

Derick Wanganeen is in line to make his senior debut for the Hawks after being included in their provisional squad.

Brendan Whitecross has been ruled out with a hip injury.

Port Adelaide added Matt Thomas, Matthew Lobbe and Tom Logan to its extended squad to meet the Bulldogs at Docklands in Sunday's twilight fixture.

The Bulldogs will be without Daniel Pearce because of a hip injury.

AAP/ABC

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, richmond-3121

First posted June 14, 2012 20:49:58

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Magpies trio sign new deals

Updated June 20, 2012 22:39:59

Luke Ball, Jarryd Blair and Steele Sidebottom have all signed two-year contract extensions, keeping them at Collingwood until the end of the 2014 season.

The three midfielders follow recent senior players Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw and Lachlan Keeffe in signing to stay with the Magpies.

Ball, 28, is currently on the sidelines after tearing his ACL in the round-three loss to Carlton.

The midfielder joined Collingwood in the 2009 draft after he left St Kilda following eight years in the aftermath of their 2009 grand final defeat.

12 months later Ball would be one of the best afield during the 2010 Grand Final replay as St Kilda were denied again.

22-year old Blair was the second selection in the 2008 Rookie Draft and after spending 2009 with the club?s VFL team he was called up to the senior side for the business part of the 2010 flag-winning campaign.

Sidebottom, 21, is in his fourth season since being the Magpies' 11th selection in the 2008 National Draft.

He has missed just one game since the 2009 finals series and collected 30 or more possessions in four of his past five outings.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, collingwood-3066

First posted June 20, 2012 22:39:59

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Hawks account for Lions

Updated June 17, 2012 16:28:57

Hawthorn consolidated its position inside the top eight with a comfortable 65-point win over Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Hawks triumphed 19.21 (135) to 11.4 (70) despite a sluggish start, the victory moving the preseason premiership favourites to an 8-4 record from their 12 matches.

Lance Franklin led the goal kicking with five majors, while Shaun Burgoyne, Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead and Paul Puopolo slotting doubles.

Captain Jonathan Brown and Dayne Zorko both kicked three goals for the Lions, who led by seven points at the first change.

Zorko added 24 disposals to his three majors, an impressive effort in just fifth senior appearance.

Franklin says taking command of the contests in the second quarter helped established the Hawks' dominance.

"We were able to get out hands on it and get it forward," he told Grandstand.

"We were able to finish off strong. We knew that Brisbane was going to come out strong and they did.

"We fought it out four quarters, which is pretty good."

Franklin's five-goal tally extends his lead in the Coleman Medal standings, but he does not feel his improved form in recent weeks can be put down to anything in particular.

"Nothing has really changed, I've just been going at it at training and today it came off, which is good," he said.

The Lions' most recent performance had been an upset Gabba win over top-placed West Coast.

They threatened to claim another big scalp with a promising start against the Hawks, kicking three of the last four goals of the opening term to take the lead into quarter-time.

The Hawks were not helped by some poor kicking for goal, while Brown kicked two goals for the opening quarter and Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell was well held by Andrew Raines.

But the Hawks took control in the second term as they dominated in the midfield to outscore the Lions 4.6 to 1.1 for the quarter and take a 16-point lead into the main break.

Mitchell lifted in the second term, while Brown did not add to his quarter-time goal tally until deep in the last.

Burgoyne had a big influence in the midfield in the second quarter to help spark the Hawks, while Franklin used his pace to pick up nine touches for the term, including two goals.

One of those came from a 55-metre bomb, after Franklin won a free kick with a ferocious tackle on opponent Matt Maguire.

The Lions briefly narrowed the margin to 10 points when Raines kicked the opening goal of the second half.

But they did not score again until a Zorko goal nine minutes into the last quarter, by which stage the Hawks had surged 59 points clear.

Burgoyne snapped one goal and helped set up another in the third quarter, while Cyril Rioli capped the term with a brilliant turn and snap after pouncing on a ground ball.

Three classy last-quarter goals from Franklin ensured Hawthorn buried the Lions.

Hawthorn: 19.21 (135) - Franklin 5, Breust 2, Burgoyne 2, Puopolo 2, Gunston 2, Roughead 2, Mitchell, Savage, Rioli, Hill

Brisbane: 11.4 (70) - Zorko 3, Brown 3, Cornelius, Polkinghorne, Rich, Raines, Bewick

AAP/ABC

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, hawthorn-3122, brisbane-4000

First posted June 17, 2012 15:55:54

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Saints need Crows win to build momentum

Updated June 14, 2012 14:27:40

St Kilda's coach Scott Watters has heaped the pressure on his players to start winning consecutive AFL matches.

The Saints have had a patchy season to this point to sit just inside the top eight on percentage.

The only time St Kilda has strung together two wins in a row was in rounds two and three, with victories over Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs respectively.

St Kilda plays fifth-placed Adelaide at Football Park on Friday night.

Watters says the game is a great chance for the players to deliver another four points before heading into the bye.

"We've probably had some honourable losses if there's such a term," Watters said.

"Like any side that wants to really establish itself you need repeat wins.

"Look it's a big challenge, we're well aware of where Adelaide sits, and the strength of their game and their list but we go over quietly confident we can be competitive."

The Saints' task to achieve consecutive wins has been made slightly easier with the news that Adelaide is unlikely to have utility Graham Johncock in the side for Friday night's match.

Johncock has not trained all week and was again missing during Adelaide's match-eve session on Thursday.

The veteran appears long odds to front against St Kilda in a match Crows defender Michael Doughty says is crucial for his club.

The Crows enter the game after a bye, while the Saints have just a six-day break following their away thrashing of Gold Coast.

The experienced backman said while Adelaide rested, the Saints collected invaluable confidence by winning in Queensland.

"It's a hard one to measure. They have been up in the Gold Coast and played a very good game of footy so they would be confident," he said.

"The confidence factor versus us having a week off - it's line ball, isn't it?

"I'd prefer our group to have the week off and get ready for this week."

Adelaide, the surprise packet of the season, are seeking to post their ninth win from 11 matches - a certain platform for a return to finals.

But Doughty said the early-season success didn't prompt a resetting of goals during the bye.

"You talk about the first 10 weeks and what we have achieved, but it's only a starting point," he said.

"This group is pretty determined to keep improving throughout the rest of the year."

ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, adelaide-5000, australia, sa

First posted June 14, 2012 14:27:40

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Bombers' Davey out for two

Updated June 12, 2012 13:30:16

Essendon will miss forward Alwyn Davey for two matches after the Bombers' livewire accepted a ban for rough conduct.

The AFL tribunal will not sit on Tuesday night after six players accepted fines or bans rather than challenge their charges laid following the weekend's round of matches.

Meanwhile Melbourne's Luke Tapscott has been charged with striking by the match review panel and faces a one-match ban with an early plea after Monday's match between the Demons and Collingwood.

Davey chose to accept the ban for a bump he laid on Sydney's Daniel Hannebery in the third quarter of the Bomber's loss to the Swans on Saturday.

Hannebery came from the ground looking dazed and was substituted shortly afterwards.

If Davey had challenged the ban and lost, he would have been out for three matches, not including this week's bye.

Davey will now return for the round 15 game against St Kilda at Docklands.

Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne has accepted a one-match ban for striking Richmond's Chris Newman.

His Dockers' team-mate Ryan Crowley, who last week was reprimanded for staging, accepted a $900 fine with an early plea for making an obscene gesture during the Dockers' win over the Tigers.

Geelong's Josh Hunt has accepted a $1350 fine for standing on Carlton's Eddie Betts in the Cats' Friday night win over the Blues at Docklands.

Finally Hawthorn's Liam Shiels and Port Adelaide's Danyle Pearce have been charged with wrestling in Sunday's match at Football Park. Both players can accept a $900 fine with an early plea.

The league's match review panel also announced on Monday that Tapscott has been charged with striking Collingwood's Alex Fasolo in the Queens's Birthday match on Monday at the MCG.

Tapscott has been banned for two matches, but can accept a one-match ban with an early plea.

The Magpies' Dane Swan has been charged with tripping the Demons' Sam Blease, and can accept a reprimand and 45 points toward his future record with an early plea.

His Collingwood team-mate Dayne Beams can accept a $1950 fine for making reckless contact with umpire Jordan Bannister during the same game.

The panel took no action against Collingwood's Nathan Brown for a clash with Melbourne's Colin Sylvia that left the Demon with blood streaming from his face.

The panel found the head clash was accidental.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted June 12, 2012 13:30:16

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Eagles sweating on Selwood's fitness

Updated June 20, 2012 22:22:48

West Coast's Adam Selwood is battling an infection and faces a race against time to prove his fitness for Saturday's encounter with Collingwood at the MCG.

Selwood was forced to spend much of last Friday on a drip in hospital after suffering an infection in his arm following the Eagles' 10-point win over Carlton the previous night.

The 28-year-old has since been released from hospital and he will be further assessed over the coming days.

Selwood has been a consistent performer in defence this season and his absence against the Magpies would be a significant blow.

The Eagles will also be without rebounding defender Will Schofield (hamstring), but welcome back Beau Waters from suspension.

Defenders Ash Smith, Sam Butler and Mitch Brown are all waiting in the wings to earn recalls this week.

The Magpies are hopeful Ben Reid, Heath Shaw and Alan Toovey can all make their returns against the Eagles.

Eagles coach John Worsfield does not believe his side has to beat the Magpies to prove themselves genuine title flag contenders.

"I've never really felt that, we copped the same sort of questions in 2006 and I didn't feel vindicated when we won the premiership, it wasn't about trying to show those people that they were wrong," Worsfield said.

Worsfield also brushed aside continued complaints about Eagles players ducking into tackles in order to win free kicks.

"I think we're focusing on a minute part of the game, but it's an interest so I'm comfortable with people talking about it, but it's not going to change our attack on the footy, that's been exceptional all year."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, perth-6000

First posted June 20, 2012 14:18:17

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AFL hopes soar, until reality sets in

Comment by Neil Cross

Updated June 08, 2012 11:55:41

There are three critical times in the AFL calendar when expectation appears to overwhelm reality. At the beginning, in the middle and then in September.

At the start of each season, every team talks of records being broken in the gym and on the track. Every club talks of a finals finish. Every fan is filled with hope.

Around mid-June, there is again a good deal of hyperbole based on the performances of the clubs during the first half of the season.

Some of the discussion deems clubs worthy of a place in the eight. Then there is a list of battlers just beyond the worthy and finally the clubs deemed also-rans.

Again in September, the expectation rises. Usually it peaks after the first week of finals. Inevitably the winners in the lower half of the eight are talked up as being real contenders for the premiership. Reality is usually restored after the second week of finals.

So there are three distinct times when clubs are universally assessed and their futures guessed at. Then there are the Tigers.

Richmond has become a special case. And it is happening again. While it happens to be mid-season, the reality is this. Any time the Tigers put together a few wins there is a rising tide of emotion that declares the yellow-and-black is back.

Once again, the Tigers are supposedly contenders. Their young players have developed, their game plan is locked in and their performances back up the assessment that they are the real deal. The Tigers have won four of their past five games, among them solid wins over top eight sides, Sydney and Hawthorn.

Hang on. They are 10th on the ladder.

But in the world of the Tiger fan - and plenty of others - that's just a minor detail. For supporters who have seen their side play in the finals just twice since their last grand final appearance in 1982, any sign of progress is to be firmly embraced, hugged, gripped, squeezed and - only when all hope is gone - discarded.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has tried to manage expectations, but nevertheless is a believer.

"We've got the players to take us wherever we need to go," Hardwick said in recent days.

"The core group is here that's going to take Richmond, I think, to its next finals campaign."

But he added a note of caution.

"We've just got to keep adding players along the way," he said. "I've got no doubt they'll get there at some stage."

At some stage. The reality for Richmond is that, with five wins after 10 rounds, another seven victories, perhaps even eight, are going to be needed to ensure a place in the top eight come the finals. That would be seven (or eight) wins from 12 remaining games. In the cut-throat world of the AFL that will be no easy task.

On the other hand, as the ladder stands now, the Tigers will only have to play three sides in the top eight during those 12 games.

The Tigers passed 50,000 members this week and have a target of 75,000 by 2014. There have even been suggestions the 100,000-member mark is not beyond the club.

Performance on and off the field are intrinsically linked. The major problem remains whether expectation and reality are still too far apart for the Tigers.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, sa, vic, richmond-3121, australia

First posted June 08, 2012 11:55:41

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AFL offers to help Kangaroos find new chief

Updated June 06, 2012 15:06:15

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has offered to help North Melbourne find a new chief executive following the surprise resignation of Eugene Arocca.

Arocca handed in his resignation on Tuesday saying his position had become untenable.

Demetriou and AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan met Kangaroos president James Brayshaw on Tuesday to offer their help.

"We made the offer to James Brayshaw if he wanted to avail himself of any help with the CEO appointment - we're available," Demetriou said on Melbourne radio.

"We obviously helped with the Gold Coast when we sourced Travis Auld.

"We sort of know who the next up and comers are but it's entirely up to the club if they want to avail themselves of that."

Demetriou defended the club's position and said it was tracking well.

He said being Kangaroos' chief executive was an attractive role.

"The North Melbourne football club is a very attractive job for someone because the club's heading in the right direction," Demetriou said.

"North Melbourne are on track and doing every everything required of them this year as part of their disequalised funding.

"Their membership is up, they've employed the people they said they would, they're on budget, they're going well and that's a tick to the board and to the CEO."

Demetriou rubbished claims the AFL approached Geelong's chief executive Brian Cook about taking over at North Melbourne.

He said the story stemmed from a dinner at a Sydney restaurant the night before the national draft last year when Cook was asked about his plans after he finished his tenure at Geelong.

"That was the context of the conversation," Demetriou said.

"Then we moved in to the next topic of discussion, which was another joke, whatever it was. There was nothing secret about it."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, north-melbourne-3051, vic, australia

First posted June 06, 2012 15:06:15

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Crows escape surging Saints

Updated June 15, 2012 23:46:09

Spearhead Kurt Tippett kicked five goals as Adelaide eclipsed a fast-finishing St Kilda by four points on Friday night to join the top of the AFL table.

The Crows prevailed 17.13 (115) to 16.15 (111) at Football Park to post their ninth win of the season - level with pacesetters Collingwood and West Coast.

"I spent a lot of time looking at the scoreboard down forward and they just seemed to keep putting them on but luckily time ran out," Crows forward Jason Porplyzia told Grandstand.

"I remember Taylor Walker having a shot for goal a couple of minutes into the quarter and it was a sitter and he missed it from about 20 metres out.

"I thought 'geez I hope this doesn't cost us', and they went straight up the other end and kicked a goal and that seemed to spur em on a bit.

"But luckily we managed to hang on."

Tippett gave Adelaide an early ascendancy with three goals in the opening term against the Saints, who could slip out of the top eight by the end of the round.

Tippett and his dangerous team-mate Porplyzia (three goals) were the chief benefactors from an inspired ruck performance by Sam Jacobs.

The tap-man expertly fed a hungry bunch of Adelaide midfielders headed by the influential Scott Thompson and Patrick Dangerfield.

"It just seemed to fall my way - I spent a bit more time up forward and got on the end of a couple which was mice," Porplyzia said.

"I think we worked really well up there tonight as a forward group.

"We probably didn't have the dominance in the midfield that we've had in the past few weeks or it didn't feel like it anyway.

"The guys up there were making the most of their opportunities and working really well together."

The Saints, in contrast, had few clear winners apart from Nick Dal Santo, who was a stand-out with a tireless midfield display capped by two goals.

Skipper Nick Riewoldt and Arryn Sippos also kicked two majors but St Kilda were unable to bridge the early Tippett-created gap.

Tippett's initial onslaught was highlighted by a soaring mark as Adelaide established a 14-point lead by quarter-time.

Tippett leapt onto the back of Saint Justin Koschitzke and completed the spectacular overhead mark before converting his second major.

His team-mate Porplyzia took centre stage with a second stanza purple patch, booting three classy goals as the Crows created a five-goal break on the Saints.

But just as the visitors appeared on the ropes, they hit back with five of the next eight goals to creep back into a free-scoring contest.

Two late goals by Adam Schneider brought St Kilda within touch at half-time, 16 points down.

But the visitors withered in the third as Adelaide powered to a match-defining advantage, the Crows kicking five goals to St Kilda's two for the term to establish a 31-point buffer at three quarter-time.

But the Crows wobbled when Dal Santo and Riewoldt started final term scoring with goals as the margin was reduced to 21 points.

Tippett then stole the spotlight again, booting his fifth goal to restore Adelaide's command before two late majors by Saint goalsneak Stephen Milne got his side within 10 points with two minutes remaining.

But the visitors ultimately ran out of time with Leigh Montagna kicking a goal after the final siren to shrink the margin.

Adelaide: 17.13 (115) - Tippett 5, Porplyzia 3, Walker 2, Wright 2, Callinan 2, Thompson, MacKay, Jacobs

St Kilda: 16.15 (111) - Milne 3, Riewoldt 2, Schneider 2, Dal Santo 2, Montagna 2, Siposs 2, Goddard, Armitage, Steven.

AAP/ABC

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia

First posted June 15, 2012 23:30:43

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Buddy cleared of sling tackle charge

Updated June 12, 2012 14:22:26

Hawthorn can breathe a sigh of relief after star forward Lance Franklin was cleared by the AFL's match review panel of a sling tackle.

Franklin, who leads the Coleman Medal goalkicking list from Richmond's Jack Riewoldt, was put on report for his tackle on Port Adelaide's Paul Stewart in the final quarter of the Hawks' win on Sunday.

The Hawthorn spearhead threw Stewart to the ground after the Port player lost possession of the ball in a similar incident to that involving Adelaide's Taylor Walker three weeks ago which cost the Crow a two-match ban.

The panel found that Franklin did not have both of Stewart's arms pinned in his tackle and took his opponent to the ground in one continuous motion.

It also found the tackle was not unreasonable and Franklin did not use excessive force.

He will now be eligible to play in the Hawks' next match against Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday.

Essendon's Aaron Davey has been given a three-match ban by the panel for his bump on Sydney's Daniel Hannebery in the third quarter of the Bomber's loss to the Swans.

Davey can accept a two-match ban with an early plea.

The Fremantle Docker's Hayden Ballantyne has been rubbed out for the second time this season, receiving a one-match ban for striking Richmond's Chris Newman.

His Dockers' team-mate Ryan Crowley, who last week was reprimanded for staging, can accept a $900 fine with an early plea for making an obscene gesture during Fremantle's win over Richmond.

Geelong's Josh Hunt can accept a $1350 fine for standing on Carlton's Eddie Betts in the Cats' Friday night win over the Blues at Docklands.

Hawthorn's Liam Shiels and Port Adelaide's Danyle Pearce have been charged with wrestling in Sunday's match at Football Park. Both players can accept a $900 fine with an early plea.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted June 11, 2012 15:00:15

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The Importance of Team Sports For Children

Dogs remember Charlie with win over Port

Updated June 17, 2012 19:59:10

Western Bulldogs remembered the late Charlie Sutton in the best possible fashion with a 38-point victory over Port Adelaide at Docklands in Sunday's twilight fixture.

Sutton, who was captain/coach of the Bulldogs' sole premiership in 1954, passed away last week at the age of 88, and the club showed its respect on the field with the 13.17 (95) to 8.9 (57) triumph.

Robert Murphy's brilliance by foot provided a rare highlight in the largely mediocre clash that attracted only 16,036 fans.

For the Bulldogs it was a reasonably successful day as they recorded their fifth win from 11 outings, while Port slumped to a 4-8 record ahead of next week's bye.

The Bulldogs' Brian Lake hoped the win would serve as a memory for the legendary Sutton.

"He preached that players for the Bulldogs needed heart and I think we did that today," he told Grandstand.

Lake refused to speculate about whether the Bulldogs are eyeing off a finals berth, explaining there are too many other teams in the mix for a bottom four spot in the top eight.

"It's a tough draw, there are a lot of sides around that mark pushing for ... the eighth spot in the finals, so for us we are a young group and we are developing," he said.

"I know it's an old cliche and I hate saying it, but we've just got to worry about next week."

Seventh-gamer Tory Dickson kicked a game-high four goals while half-back Murphy (32 disposals) and midfielders Matthew Boyd (34) and Mitch Wallis (29) were in tremendous form, with Murphy showing dazzling skills.

Key forward Jay Schulz scored three goals for Port despite an ongoing rib problem and Kane Cornes and Matthew Broadbent were busy in midfield.

The Bulldogs had 20 inside-50 entries to Port's seven in the opening term but failed to make it count on the scoreboard, kicking 3.6 (24) to the visitors' 1.0 (6).

Port's determination was typified by Schulz's two second-term goals as the visitors scored three goals to the Bulldogs' two.

The home side clung to a 12-point advantage at half-time, powered by a combined tally of 40 possessions to Murphy and Boyd.

Port subbed off Jacob Surjan in the third quarter after a head knock earlier in the game and Hamish Hartlett limped off with a hamstring complaint, while Paul Stewart played on after having a leg injury heavily strapped.

The Bulldogs stretched their lead to 34 points early in the final term and Port suffered another blow as the undisciplined Brent Renouf was taken off briefly by coach Matthew Primus for sparking a series of off-the-ball clashes.

Dickson added two goals to his tally in the final term as the Bulldogs outscored Port four goals to one.

Bulldogs champions including George Bisset, Terry Wallace, John Schultz, Ray Walker, Doug Hawkins, Tony McGuinness and Chris Grant formed a guard of honour as the players ran onto the field on Sunday to pay tribute to Sutton, who captain-coached the Bulldogs to their only VFL/AFL premiership in 1954.

The Bulldogs host Brisbane at Dockland on Saturday.

Western Bulldogs: 13.17 (95) - Dickson 4, Cordy 2, Giansiracusa, Cooney, Griffen, Higgins, Roughead, Jones, Dahlhaus

Port Adelaide: 8.9 (57) - Schulz 3, Brett Ebert 2, Brad Ebert, Broadbent, Moore

ABC/AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, port-adelaide-5015, sa, australia

First posted June 17, 2012 19:11:05

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Dual Magarey winner Bob Hank dies

Updated June 15, 2012 09:14:27

Dual Magarey medallist Bob Hank has died, aged 88.

The Australian Football Hall of Fame member played 224 games for West Torrens between 1944 and 1958 and won two premierships in that time.

Hank also played for South Australia 29 times and captained the side in seven matches.

Son Barry Hank said his father was remembered as a gentleman.

"Dad has lived a fantastic, full life and has been greatly loved and admired by his family and people from all walks of life for his sporting prowess and his magnetic personality," he said in a statement.

"He will be forever remembered and never forgotten as a champion sportsman in football, cricket and golf and a true gentleman in life."

SANFL executive commissioner Leigh Whicker also paid tribute.

"First and foremost, Bob was a true gentleman. He was also one of the finest footballers South Australia has ever produced," he said.

"He was a passionate advocate of the game and was thoroughly respected by all - teammates and opponents alike.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Audrey and the Hank family."

Hank is survived by his wife Audrey, four children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

There is to be a memorial service at Football Park in Adelaide next Thursday.

Tags: sanfl, death, australian-football-league, community-and-society, sa, adelaide-5000

First posted June 14, 2012 11:16:22

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Cats punish Carlton errors at Docklands

Updated June 08, 2012 23:41:40

Geelong struggled early but showed more composure in front of goal to defeat Carlton by two goals at Docklands on Friday night.

The game was tight for most of the night before the Cats kicked clear in the final quarter to win 14.13 (97) to 11.19 (85).

The loss was Carlton's fourth in five matches but it could have been so different for the Blues, who missed a string of chances and hit the woodwork on no less than five occasions.

Geelong's Steve Johnson told Grandstand that the team had struggled but had kept faith in its ability to finish with a win.

"We haven't started games too well (this year)," Johnson said.

"But when you come in at half-time and you're not far behind, and the way we've been able to finish off games so far this year, we had a lot of confidence we could win."

Carlton started with greater enthusiasm and far greater speed than Geelong.

The Blues' ball movement was far superior and Eddie Betts had a day out in the first quarter alone, kicking three goals by the first break.

Geelong steadied and deployed some pace of its own, with Steven Motlop finding gaps in the Blues defence to kick three goals before half-time to bring the deficit back to five points.

The lead disappeared in the third quarter as Geelong lifted with goals to Taylor Hunt and Joel Selwood before Motlop's fourth put the Cats in front for the first time at the 23-minute mark.

Carlton did not give up but the experienced Geelong side held enough in reserve and, as the likes of Betts and Chris Yarran wasted chance after chance, there was only going to be one winner.

The play of the game was almost dead even, with Carlton winning the inside 50s by three (54-51) and having a single extra disposal for the match.

But the most telling stat was that the Cats outscored Carlton 8.6 to 5.13 in the second half, with the Blues kicking 2.9 in the last quarter alone.

Carlton could now face a struggle to make the eight - their next three matches are against West Coast in Perth, Hawthorn and Collingwood.

Geelong have the bye next week, followed by Sydney, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast.

Johnson told Grandstand there was some relief in the Cats' rooms that the team had secured the win going into the break.

"We really wanted to finish off this game, 7-4 sounds so much better than 6-5," he said.

"We had to treat this game without looking too far ahead of it, but now we've got the win into the break we can go in with a lot of confidence.

"We've got a lot to work on, but our season is up there now, we're going to be competitive in the second half of the year."

Cats: 14.13 (97) - Motlop 4, Selwood 2, Duncan 2, Chapman, Bartel, T Hunt, Hawkins, West, Stokes,

Blues: 11.19 (85) - Betts 4, Tuohy, Collins, Armfield, Gibbs, Kreuzer, Simpson, Judd,

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted June 08, 2012 22:42:39

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Dane Swan fights trip charge at tribunal

Updated June 13, 2012 13:21:12

Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan will attempt to keep his clean disciplinary record when he fights his reprimand on a tripping charge at the AFL tribunal next week.

Collingwood midfielder Swan will contest the charge over an incident involving Melbourne's Sam Blease during the Pies' 42-point win on Monday at the MCG.

Swan would receive a reprimand and demerit points for the offence if found guilty.

But he has decided to challenge the match review panel's findings despite no chance of a suspension.

Either way, the tribunal's decision will have no impact on his Brownlow Medal chances this year, as the incident does not carry enough demerit points to rule him out of contention for the AFL's best and fairest award.

The Magpies have the bye this weekend and are at a training camp in far north Queensland, meaning the Swan case will be heard next week.

Meanwhile, Melbourne utility Luke Tapscott will miss the Demons' round 13 match against Greater Western Sydney after accepting a one-match sanction.

Tapscott received the ban for striking Collingwood's Alex Fasolo in the third quarter of the Queen's Birthday clash.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, collingwood-3066, vic, australia

First posted June 13, 2012 13:21:12

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Early All Australian picks

Dan Lonergan

Updated June 21, 2012 22:09:51

As we know in football, predictions are often right but at the same time they are wrong. I thought with the season just over the halfway mark it would be a good time to pick my All Australian team.

As one would expect, it contains mainly players from clubs in the top eight like West Coast, Collingwood, Essendon and the much-improved Adelaide. This team, which is obviously not set in stone, contains players we haven't seen before at All Australian level, but there are still some familiar names.

Ben Rutten (Adelaide): This would be his second All Australian selection. He has led the Crows' backline magnificently so far this season

Darren Glass (West Coast): Arguably the best full-back in the comp. He's had another great season.

Scott Selwood (West Coast): He has become a fine player this year, although mainly as a defensive midfielder, but could easily play the small back role.

Brett Deledio (Richmond): He has been outstanding either off half-back or in the midfield to put the Tigers in finals contention.

Ted Richards (Sydney): What a season he's having. Hardly beaten.

Heath Scotland (Carlton): A number of players could fill this role, like Brent Reilly of the Crows and the Bulldogs' Robert Murphy, but maybe Scotland has been a tad more consistent.

Brent Stanton (Essendon): A brilliant outside midfielder. Averages 28 possessions a game and has kicked valuable goals.

Jobe Watson (Essendon): Like Stanton, he has been a star. What a combination they have been.

Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood): Until injured, probably the best player in the league in the first half of the season.

Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide): He's now a star and is one of the reasons why the Crows are in the top four.

Lance Franklin (Hawthorn): Although his kicking has been poor, he virtually picks himself with those match-winning performances.

Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood): One of the main reasons why the Pies have won eight in a row. He has loads of class and is a wonderful decision-maker.

Taylor Walker (Adelaide): Another massive improver, which is why the Crows have improved.

Jack Riewoldt (Richmond): Hasn't always been at his best this year, but like Franklin has still had some big moments. Just ahead of cousin Nick for mine at this stage.

Lewis Jetta (Sydney): Fast becoming a star. Very exciting.

Ivan Maric (Richmond): Tossed up between him and Dean Cox, but went for the former Crow, who has been more consistent. What a revelation for the Tigers!

Scott Thompson (Adelaide): If possible has taken his game to another level. Averaged more than 30 touches a game.

Gary Ablett (Gold Coast): Speaks for himself. His side has been an easybeat but he has been superb, picking up nearly 40 possessions a match.

Josh Kennedy (Sydney): One of the best contested ball players in the league. A Brownlow medal prospect.

Trent Cotchin (Richmond): Always going to be a star. He's arrived.

Dane Swan (Collingwood): Like Ablett, he continues to be consistently outstanding.

Nick dal Santo (St Kilda): Already a three-time All Australian. He constantly delivers at a high level. Team-mate Lenny Hayes was in contention as well in an amazing return so far from his knee reconstruction.

This is of course an opinion exercise, but I am confident that this team stands up well.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted June 21, 2012 22:09:51

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Dockers win in the wet at MCG

Updated June 09, 2012 18:41:36

Fremantle has rebounded from three straight defeats to beat Richmond by 12 points at a wet MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Dockers played better wet weather football, sending the ball quickly in to spearhead Matthew Pavlich, whose six goals helped Fremantle get the win, by 12.6 (78) to 9.12 (66).

It was not a good start for the visiting side, with star ruckman Aaron Sandilands subbed out inside the opening five minutes of the match with a leg injury.

Backup ruckman Jonathon Griffin told Grandstand it had been a long day at the office, after he was forced to play out the full four quarters in Sandilands' absence.

"In the first quarter I was looking around for him on the bench and I couldn't see him," Griffin said.

"I was sort of blowing a little bit, but I got through it and I'm glad we won."

Griffin was up against his old Adelaide team-mate Ivan Maric, who has been a runaway success this season at Richmond.

Griffin had 43 hitouts to Maric's 44 in a strong performance.

"It would have been nice to have had a bit more of a rest," Griffin said.

"But it was great to win, and the feeling down here (in the rooms) is fantastic, and we can go into the bye with a lot of confidence.

Fremantle has received stinging criticism for the team's defensive gamestyle, particularly after their loss to West Coast in the recent Western Derby.

But on a day when the Tigers were expected to win, Fremantle came out with a more enthusiastic and simple approach.

Not only did they manage to play a more streamlined and effective game in attack, the Dockers also racked up an amazing 118 tackles compared to the Tigers 84.

Fremantle hit the front for the first time late in the second quarter, and apart from a short period in the third term the Dockers were not headed again.

The misty rain and slippery conditions made it a tough day for forwards, making Pavlich's performance more remarkable.

Richmond's best attacking option was Shane Edwards with three goals, while Jack Riewoldt copped a knock in the second quarter and was never operating at 100 per cent, finishing with just one for the day.

Hayden Ballantyne kicked the sealer for the Dockers with a minute left on the clock, but he is likely to miss some matches after he appeared to elbow the Tigers' Chris Newman in the stomach, leaving the Richmond captain doubled over for some time.

Tigers: 9.12 (66) - Edwards 3, Cotchin, Martin, Nahas, Riewoldt, Vickery, Tuck.

Dockers: 12.6 (78) - Pavlich 6, Ballantyne 2, Crichton, DeBoer, Griffin, Mayne.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted June 09, 2012 16:32:17

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Turf toe sidelines Sandilands for 10

Updated June 11, 2012 16:58:42

Fremantle has received a big injury blow, with dominant ruckman Aaron Sandilands ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a toe injury.

Sandilands was substituted in the first five minutes of the Dockers' game against Richmond on Saturday, and the club announced on Sunday that scans showed he had suffered a "turf toe" injury on his right foot.

The ruckman missed three months of football last season when he picked up a similar injury to the big toe on his left foot.

Sandilands will consult a specialist to determine whether the injury requires surgery.

In a statement, Fremantle general manager of football operations Chris Bond said a medical report had confirmed a negative diagnosis.

"It's very disappointing for Aaron, the club and our members and supporters," Bond said.

"But as is always the case in these situations it provides a great opportunity for other players in the group to step up and take on the challenge created by Aaron's absence."

The Dockers will also miss defender Zac Dawson for at least one match after he strained the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against the Tigers.

Fremantle midfielder Stephen Hill will undergo a test after straining his ankle.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, wa, perth-6000

First posted June 11, 2012 16:58:42

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Didak down but not out

Updated June 12, 2012 14:09:49

Collingwood's Alan Didak's season is not over after news that the Magpie forward will not require surgery on his injured groin.

Didak lasted less than two minutes on the ground after injuring his groin while taking his first and only kick for Collingwood against Melbourne at the MCG on Monday.

It was feared that the injury could end Didak's season - the Collingwood goalsneak also missed most of last season with a calf injury.

However the club announced on Tuesday that scans revealed a complete tear of the adductor muscle.

Collingwood director of football, Geoff Walsh, said that the tear would actually help with a full recovery for the 29-year-old.

"Alan previously had a partial tear that was a consequence of the injury he suffered in the pre-season. With the muscle being completely torn away it will allow a full attachment to take place that will not require surgery," Walsh said.

"The advice is that the healing and rehabilitation process will not keep Alan sidelined for as long as he was in the pre-season.

"It's very much a short to medium term injury."

Didak had missed two months of football in the preseason and early home and away season after picking up the original injury.

He made his first appearance for the year in round seven against the Brisbane Lions, and was playing only his fifth game for 2012 against Melbourne.

Walsh said Collingwood was confident Didak would not be out for as long as last time.

"These things can rarely be predicted with exact precision but we're expecting Alan to play a significant role in the season," he said.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted June 12, 2012 13:50:42

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Mitchell staying with Hawks

Updated June 21, 2012 14:32:05

Hawthorn premiership captain Sam Mitchell has extended his contract with the Hawks until the end of the 2013 season.

Mitchell added a year to his existing contract, meaning 2013 with be his 12th season with the Hawks.

The 29-year-old says the contract extension is a step closer to him becoming a Hawks player for his entire career.

"It's nice to get an extra year on the contract, I guess it's a little bit more security," he told the Hawks' website.

Mitchell has played over 200 senior matches for the Hawks since making his debut in 2002.

He captained the club to its 2008 premiership before relinquishing the role at the end of the 2010 season.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, hawthorn-3122

First posted June 21, 2012 14:32:05

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Understanding Champion Sports Bras

Bulldogs extend Dahlhaus deal

Updated June 07, 2012 10:01:43

The Western Bulldogs have re-signed forward Luke Dahlhaus to the end of 2015.

Already contracted for next year, the Bulldogs have rewarded the dynamic youngster with a revised deal and two years added on.

The dreadlocked 19-year-old says he is thrilled to be continuing his football career with the Bulldogs.

"It means a lot to me and I'm just really happy about it," Dahlhaus said.

"I am just enjoying playing my role at the moment and hopefully, I keep doing that, and we get a few more wins".

Dahlhaus was promoted from the rookie list in Round 12 last year after catching the eye with his speed and ball-winning skills, which earned him a Rising Star nod in the process.

He has played 21 matches for the Bulldogs so far, cementing himself in the senior line-up.

Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney said in a club statement he was thrilled to have secured the long term future of one of the team's rising talents.

"We are really excited to have secured Luke and we think it's a fantastic reflection on the future of our football club," he said.

"Although only in the early stages of his career, the talent and form we have seen from Luke, gives us every confidence in his future."

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, footscray-3011, vic, australia

First posted June 07, 2012 10:01:43

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AFL applauds drug testing results

Updated June 21, 2012 15:16:30

The AFL has announced only six failed out-of-competition tests for illicit drugs were recorded in the 2011 season, continuing the drop in positive results since testing began seven years ago.

The AFL and the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) released its 2011 figures today and of the six failed tests, no player failed twice as part of the league's target-tested policy.

It is only the second year that no player failed twice since testing began in 2005.

Under the AFL's illicit drugs policy, players are only named publicly if they test positive three times in an out of competition scenario.

Players who have previously tested positive are subject to target testing in subsequent years.

No matchday positives were recorded among all tests conducted conducted.

There were also six positives to illicit drugs in 2010, although the number of tests has dropped from 1,654 to 1,489.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson says the league is encouraged by the results, especially as more of the tests were taken during high-risk times such as weekends.

"What's happened has far exceeded our expectations - to have only six," he said.

All six positive tests were for stimulants.

For the first time since 2006, there were no positives for cannabis and none of the positives occurred on match days.

Anderson says the results show the league's policy is working.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the results it's achieving," he said.

"I have little doubt that it's made a profound difference in the lives of a number of players."

Rugby league and cricket are the only other professional sports in Australia to conduct out of competition testing for illicit drugs.

The AFL does so with the support of the AFLPA.

"AFL players continue to stand strong on illicit drug use, as evidenced through their strong support of the policy," AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis said.

"By putting their hands up, AFL players, unlike just about any other group of athletes in the world, are showing their commitment to the wellbeing of the entire playing group."

Players who test positive for the first or second times are afforded counselling and advice by their club doctors and external drug experts.

Any players who test positive three times to illicit drugs in out of competition testing can be suspended for up to 18 matches.

In 2010, Hawthorn's Travis Tuck became the first player to be suspended under the AFL's three strikes policy.

He was banned for 12 matches and fined $5000.

AAP/ABC

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted June 21, 2012 11:50:41

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Tigers expecting Dockers lockdown

Updated June 08, 2012 12:39:57

Richmond is not expecting any repeat of the basketball-style AFL on show last week when they face Ross Lyon's Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday.

The Tigers and St Kilda put on a scoring feast in one of the best matches in recent memory last Friday night, Richmond posting a eight-point win in a match featuring 34 goals.

But as Lyon works on getting the Dockers to adopt his miserly defensive style, the Tigers are banking on a return to more conventional scores one week on.

"He is an outstanding coach and the sides he coaches are very disciplined about the way they play, very methodical about the way they play," Tigers coach Damien Hardwick says of Lyon.

"Defensively they're the best in the AFL ... if we don't control the game the way we need to control it, they can do some damage and stifle us offensively."

While the Tigers' midfield has taken much of the spotlight, their defence has improved markedly this season.

The Tigers conceded more than 100 points a match last season.

But they have reined that back to just under 90 in 2012 and the figure was tracking at much less until the Saints booted 16 goals against them last week.

The match pits the Tigers' cult hero ruckman Ivan Maric and his run of career-best form against the competition's ruck benchmark Aaron Sandilands.

So big has Maric's impact been, he looms as a possible All-Australian but his biggest test comes on Saturday against the freakish Sandilands, according to Hardwick.

"His (Sandilands) ability to cover the ground is enormous," he said.

"He's 123 kilograms and he covers the ground like a six-foot player.

"He's a formidable opponent, no doubt about that."

The Tigers' midfield has suffered a blow with in-form Nathan Foley missing with a minor leg injury.

Small forward Jake King is out suspended, with wingman or half-forward Brett O'Hanlon brought in for his AFL debut and defender Matt Dea recalled.

The Dockers have axed defender Paul Duffield, ruckman Zac Clarke and forward Jack Anthony for Nic Suban, Adam McPhee and Jonathon Griffin.

But midfielder Anthony Morabito will not return to the AFL until at least after the Dockers' bye next weekend.

He has played three matches in the WAFL since recovering from a serious knee injury, but the Dockers have resisted throwing him into action against the Tigers.

Both teams boast 5-5 win-loss records but contrasting form, with the Tigers winning their past two and the Dockers losing their past three.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, richmond-3121, fremantle-6160

First posted June 08, 2012 12:39:57

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Blues to give injured Judd time to heal

Updated June 15, 2012 12:05:28

Carlton coach Brett Ratten has finally admitted star midfielder Chris Judd is carrying an injury, but says he will keep the exact nature of the ailment in-house.

Judd looked well below his best in Thursday night's 10-point loss to West Coast in Perth, with the former Eagles skipper restricted to just 12 possessions by tagger Scott Selwood.

The match was Carlton's fourth within the space of 18 days, and Ratten said the heavy workload had taken a toll on Judd's body.

Ratten refused to go into details about Judd's injury, but said he was hopeful the upcoming bye would give the 28-year-old enough time to recover ahead of season-defining clashes against Hawthorn and Collingwood.

"I think he's really looking forward to the break," Ratten said after the 10.19 (79) to 10.9 (69) loss, which left Carlton in ninth spot with a 6-6 record.

"He's had to do a fair bit of work to get himself up to play each week.

"He'll really thrive from having a few days off.

"He should be right, but he's just got to work through this bit with that injury and take the time to heal.

"We've got 15 days so that will allow him to get a bit of recovery."

Although Carlton has dropped five of its past six games, Ratten remains optimistic about his team's finals chances after pushing Geelong and West Coast all the way in recent weeks.

"We haven't lost hope, we've just lost two games of football by 12 and 10 points," Ratten said.

"They're arm-wrestles against very good teams.

"We've still got to aim to get as high as we can get. The great thing is we're going to get (Jeremy) Laidler back, we're going to start to get a few players back and that will start to help shape the team.

"We need to do a bit of work in making sure we have the opportunity, but we've just got challenges in front of us, like Hawthorn when we get back (after the bye)."

Meanwhile, injured Carlton duo Marc Murphy and Laidler are expected to receive a 'please explain' from the AFL after criticising the umpires of the Blues-Eagles match through Twitter.

Murphy tweeted: "Ruined a good game these blokes", while Laidler put up a post saying: "Are you not meant to try and b 1st in at the footy anymore. If u do u will be pinned for holding the ball. SHOCKING!!!"

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, carlton-3053, vic, australia

First posted June 15, 2012 12:00:25

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Franklin reported as Hawks down Port

Updated June 11, 2012 10:30:51

Superstar Lance Franklin was reported for a sling tackle during Hawthorn's 46-point thrashing of Port Adelaide in Sunday's twilight match.

The Hawks prevailed 16.12 (108) to 9.8 (62) at Football Park to post their fifth win in sixth matches.

Franklin kicked four goals but faces suspension for a sling tackle on Port's Paul Stewart in the final quarter.

The Hawk ace threw Stewart to the ground after the Port player lost possession of the ball in a similar incident to that involving Adelaide's Taylor Walker three weeks ago which cost the Crow a two-match ban.

Franklin's report took some gloss off Hawthorn's emphatic victory, with emerging talent Luke Breust capping an impressive game with three goals and Brad Sewell outstanding in midfield.

Port, who had their three-game winning streak emphatically broken, had few clear stars though Jay Schulz potted three goals.

"We just got outclassed by a better team, that's the facts," Port defender Jacob Surjan told Grandstand.

"We've got a lot of improvement - the last three weeks has been good, but [it was a] bit of a reality check today.

"We'll just go back to training and keep improving."

Hawthorn took control early, logging 7.4 to 3.3 in the opening quarter, and was never threatened by the Power.

The visitors then suffocated their hosts, restricting Port to just two goals in the second and third terms.

"Their onballers really got on top of ours and got some clean ball into the forward line and their guys kicked some goals," Surjan said.

"So they really showed us how the game needs to be played.

"We just need to get better as a group and we really look forward to next week's challenge now."

The Hawks snared five goals of their own in that period - including another addition to Franklin's highlight reel - to lead by a commanding 46 points at three quarter-time.

Franklin toyed with his marker Alipate Carlile after getting a free kick some 60 metres from goal in the second quarter.

The Hawk spearhead fooled Carlile with three dummies - initially swinging to his left, then right, then left again before launching an accurate 55m bomb on the run.

Franklin's feat was a rare highlight in a scrappy, feisty contest before 26,638 spectators which featured several wrestles and Franklin's errant tackle.

Hawthorn: 16.12 (108) - Franklin 4, Breust 3, Roughead 2, Gunston 2, Hill 2, Hale, Shiels, Puopolo.

Port Adelaide: 9.8 (62) - Schulz 3, Stewart 2, Westhoff, Moore, Hitchcock, Wingard.

ABC/AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, port-adelaide-5015, sa, hawthorn-3122, vic, australia

First posted June 10, 2012 19:24:15

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Goodes returns for Swans

Updated June 21, 2012 20:26:58

Expect Adam Goodes to have his touch and fitness near their peak when he returns for Sydney against Geelong in a season-defining clash at the SCG on Friday night.

So says Swans coach John Longmire, thrilled with the way the Brownlow Medallist has handled his rehabilitation during six weeks on the sidelines with a quadriceps tear.

"Goodes has done everything the medical staff and conditioning staff have wanted him to do over the last six weeks," Longmire said.

"He's ramped it up a fair bit over the last few weeks and trained really well in our final training session.

"He's also made sure he's right from a fitness (and) touch perspective for when he comes back and plays."

Goodes was named in the Swans' side on Thursday night.

Small forward Ben McGlynn also returns for Sydney after suspension, with Nick Malceski and Trent Dennis-Lane omitted.

Brisbane has regained Simon Black for its encounter with the Western Bulldogs at Docklands on Saturday after his recovery from a knee problem.

Black injured his knee against North Melbourne in round nine and missed the Lions' huge win over West Coast and their loss to Hawthorn last weekend.

Essendon has recalled veteran ruckman David Hille for its match against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night, and omitted Tom Bellchambers.

But the Dockers will be without their giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands long-term with a toe problem, while midfielder Stephen Hill is also missing because of an ankle injury.

They are among four forced changes, with midfielder Hayden Ballantyne suspended and key defender Zac Dawson missing with a knee problem.

Alex Silvagni, Nick Lower, Zac Clarke and Jayden Pitt are their replacements.

As expected, Collingwood recalled premiership defenders Heath Shaw, Ben Reid and Alan Toovey after all recovered from injuries ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.

But impressive Magpies small forward Ben Sinclair is out with an ankle injury.

West Coast welcomes back in-form defender Beau Waters from suspension.

Melbourne has recalled Aaron Davey to an extended 25-man squad for its clash with Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Sunday.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted June 21, 2012 19:22:43

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Swans beat Bombers in a squeaker

Updated June 09, 2012 23:48:45

It was a tale of two Jettas at Docklands on Saturday night as Essendon came from 47 points down at the final change to fall just four points short of a famous win.

In an incredible finish, the Bombers kicked nine goals in the final term, including Leroy Jetta's inspired mid-air volley before his cousin, Sydney star Lewis Jetta kicked his third at the other end to seal the win 13.8 (86) to 11.16 (82).

The Swans are now top of the ladder, at least temporarily, after a heart-stopping finish to the game.

Sydney's defence put in Trojan work, restricting Essendon to just 11 goals from 78 forward entries for the match, while the Bombers smashed the clearances 51-31.

The Swans' Ted Richards told Grandstand that it the Sydney defence had a nervous time as the Bombers closed in.

"The ball just kept coming down, to their midfielders credit they just kept winning clearance after clearance," he said.

"It was just real pressure footy, they had the momentum ... and it was just really hard to stop them."

For most of the match, the focus was on Sydney's strong counter-attacking and the Bombers dire kicking, which saw James Hird's men score 1.11 in the first half, and only 2.16 in the first three quarters.

But as if someone turned a switch in the three-quarter time huddle, Essendon suddenly found some speed and direct play and the Swans were the ones under pressure.

Three goals in four minutes kickstarted the comeback, as Alwyn Davey grabbed a brace and Nathan Lovett-Murray added another.

Sydney's run was stopping, but the Bombers were in full flight, with goals to Brent Stanton, Heath Hocking, Jobe Watson and David Myers, before Leroy Jetta's mid-air score brought the house down at the 25-minute mark.

Ninety seconds later Lewis Jetta had a chance at the other end, and the Swans livewire did not miss, getting the lead back out to 10 points.

The drama was still not finished, as Bombers captain Watson took a huge mark and goaled to bring his team within a kick.

As the Docklands crowd went wild, the Bombers had one last chance to get the win, and they streamed forward in the final seconds.

Dempsey took a mark on 50 as the clock ticked down, but not knowing how long was left, he wheeled round to kick to the square as time expired, leaving the Bomber defender to crumple to the ground in disbelief.

Richards told Grandstand that Lewis Jetta was coming into his own as a playmaker, and gaining confidence in his ability to deliver for the Swans.

"Jets, I think he's getting that real belief in his ability to just back himself when he gets the ball," Richards said.

"His first year, he might have been a bit under-confident to take people on, but to take on someone of the calibre of Dustin Fletcher and use his pace and back his kicking is just fantastic."

The Swans and Essendon are now both 8-3, with Sydney one of five teams on 32 points, top of the ladder on percentage.

Collingwood can overtake both Sydney and Essendon with a win on the Queen's Birthday match with Melbourne on Monday, while both the Swans and Bombers have the bye next week.

Essendon: 11.16 (82) - Davey 3, Watson 2, Howlett, Lovett-Murray, Stanton, Myers, Hocking, Jetta.

Sydney: 13.8 (86) - Jetta 3, Reid 2, Jack 2, Everitt, Mumford, Shaw, Roberts-Thomson, McVeigh, Bolton.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted June 09, 2012 22:46:41

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Power's Thomas facing two-week ban

Updated June 18, 2012 17:06:33

Port Adelaide midfielder Matt Thomas will miss at least two games over a rough conduct charge stemming from Sunday evening's loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Thomas was involved in a second-quarter incident with Tom Liberatore that forced the dazed Bulldogs midfielder off the field briefly.

The AFL match review panel ruled it a level three offence which draws a three-week suspension, but with an early plea Thomas can escape with a two-match ban.

St Kilda defender Raphael Clarke can dodge a week on the sidelines with an early plea thanks to his clean five-year record.

Clarke was slapped with a level two misconduct charge for using his head to make contact with Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett, who kicked five goals in the Crows' win on Saturday night.

Lions defender Mitch Golby faces a $900 fine if he enters an early guilty plea for making contact with umpire Troy Pannell early in Brisbane's loss to Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

And young Gold Coast backman Taylor Hine's rough conduct charge and potential one-match for an incident against North Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas can be busted down to a reprimand.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted June 18, 2012 17:06:33

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