Anti-homophobia ads to air at AFL finals

Updated September 21, 2012 21:50:23

The AFL has agreed to show anti-homophobia commercials at this weekend's preliminary finals, in response to an online campaign initiated by a gay Victorian footballer.

Jason Ball, 24, plays in the Yarra Valley Mountain District league and says he created the campaign to stamp out homophobia in the game.

His online petition has attracted more than 25,000 signatures in less than two weeks.

He says the AFL will air the No to Homophobia commercials on the big screen at tonight's match between Sydney and Collingwood and again at tomorrow's game between Hawthorn and Adelaide.

"No AFL player has openly acknowledged their sexuality," he said.

"There are definitely gay players but the fact that no one is willing to say that I think does speak volumes to the fact that there is a culture problem, and that needs to change.

"Part of it is that is for those people who are bystanders to take action as well, because I know from my experience, it's not easy to stand up for yourself when you're in that situation."

Mr Ball says the lack of gay role models shows the league has a problem.

"If I had have known of gay AFL players or coaches when I figured out that I was gay that would have made a world of difference to me," he said.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says screening the commercials will be just one part of the league's efforts to tackle homophobia.

"I can assure you we've got further plans in the future," he said.

"We thought given the forum we've got, the preliminary final on tonight, where we get large attendances, it was very important to raise awareness.

"We take our responsibility as a community leader and a community organiser very seriously."

Anna Brown from the No to Homophobia campaign says other sporting codes should follow the AFL's lead.

"I would encourage all areas of life, but also sporting codes across Victoria, to think about what they can do to tackle homophobia," he said.

"We'd certainly welcome working with other sporting codes to promote the television ads and the campaign."

However the commercials will not be played during the grand final.

Mr Demetriou says the league is happy to support the campaign and other tough issues, but the grand final is not the right forum.

"It's the grand final, which is the culmination of a long year," he said.

"And we get approached by a multitude of groups to help raise awareness on that day.

"When you've got 3.5 million people watching on television and you've got 100,000 in the stadium, that's not something we use as a vehicle to help push things because we open ourselves up to all sorts of groups."

Tags: gays-and-lesbians, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000

First posted September 21, 2012 08:04:10

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Walker leads Crows to finals win

Updated September 15, 2012 11:48:41

Enigmatic forward Taylor Walker inspired Adelaide to a comeback 10-point victory over Fremantle in Friday night's semi-final.

Walker kicked five goals and set up another as the Crows overcame a fast-starting Fremantle to win 12.9 (81) to 11.5 (71) at Football Park.

Adelaide booked a preliminary final against Hawthorn next Saturday night by surviving an early ambush from Fremantle, whose season ended with the defeat.

Four of Walker's majors were clutch set shots, while fellow forward Jason Porplyzia potted three goals.

Fremantle's Chris Mayne also booted three goals and he was instrumental in the Dockers replicating their blazing start against Geelong last week.

The Dockers blitzed the Cats with a seven-goal opening term in their elimination final win.

And against Adelaide, Mayne kicked two goals in the initial three minutes of the game - a period in which the Crows logged just one disposal, a handball clanger.

His livewire team-mate Michael Walters goaled in the 12th minute of the opening term to leave the Crows shell-shocked.

Walters kicked another late in the quarter to create a 4.1 to 1.3 lead at quarter-time for the visitors.

Mayne slotted his third, and Hayden Ballantyne crumbed a goal inside four minutes of the second quarter to create a commanding 29-point advantage for the Dockers.

Adelaide appeared set to become the first club in 15 years to finish second and exit the finals with 'straight sets' losses.

But Walker triggered a stunning turnaround as the Crows responded with five of the next six goals - with the key Crow kicking three of them himself.

The Adelaide spearhead threaded a tight 40-metre set shot after the half-time siren to edge the Crows within 13 points.

Adelaide skipper Nathan van Berlo admitted this was a pivotal moment in the game.

"The boys came in with real positive energy at half-time," van Berlo said.

"A lot of the talk was 'we're coming hard at them'.

"There was a genuine belief. Taylor stood up a good few times.

"He's come along way this year but to stand up like he did ... in a big game speaks volumes for his leadership and his development."

After the break, Walker scored from near-identical opportunities - converting long set shots after strong overhead marks - as Adelaide crept within one point.

Utility Matthew Wright ran into an open goal in the 18th minute as the Crows hit the front for the first time in the match, and they held a five-point buffer at three quarter-time.

The Dockers weren't done with, posting two quick goals to open scoring in the last term and steal a seven-point advantage.

But with Walker again prominent, the Crows kicked the last four goals to keep their season alive.

Walker booted two of those, including a goal from the square in the 24th minute which was the final nail in Fremantle's coffin.

The only downside of victory was Jared Petrenko suffering an injury just before the final siren. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit to face the Hawks.

Adelaide: 12.9 (81) - Goals: T Walker 5, J Porplyzia 3, Dangerfield, Tippett, Vince, Wright

Fremantle: 11.5 (71) - Goals: C Mayne 3, M Walters 3, H Ballantyne, N Fyfe, G Ibbotson, M Pavlich, N Suban

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, adelaide-5000, fremantle-6160

First posted September 14, 2012 23:23:11

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Dockers blow their finals chances

Updated September 15, 2012 12:47:54

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says there is no guarantee his club can challenge the AFL heavyweights next season.

The Dockers' finals campaign ended with a 10-point loss to Adelaide on Friday night which left Lyon lamenting a missed opportunity.

Fremantle twice appeared in control and set for a preliminary final.

The Dockers led Adelaide by 29 points early in the second quarter of the Football Park semi-final, kicking six of the initial seven goals.

Then later, after being reeled in by the Crows, Fremantle kicked the initial two goals of the last quarter to hold momentum and a seven-point advantage.

But the Crows booted the final four goals to win 12.9 (81) to 11.5 (71) and advance into next Saturday's preliminary final against Hawthorn.

"That is footy - if you don't play for four quarters you miss an opportunity," Lyon said.

"I thought Adelaide persisted until it turned their way.

"There were (warning) signs late in the second and the third quarter, and then we fought back in the fourth.

"But they just had a little bit more polish when required."

Lyon said there were no guarantees the Dockers would again be a finals contender next season.

"I think that is yet to be proven," he said.

"I have got a simple philosophy - review it, failure is feedback.

"We clearly need to improve and we have got plenty of work to do.

"There is no guarantee we'll be back here next year, I think that's the over-riding message, we all start equal next year.

"History is a guide, but it's not a precursor to anything.

"We really need to roll up our sleeves and do the work because if you don't do the work you're no chance."

While Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson believed Fremantle paid a price for consecutive six-day breaks between games, Lyon dismissed that theory.

"It's irrelevant, it's all garbage to be frank," Lyon said.

"We're not into excuses ... we wouldn't be talking about scheduling if we had of been a bit more organised and a bit more polished."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, perth-6000, wa, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted September 15, 2012 12:46:34

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Pies with plenty of finals worries

Updated September 08, 2012 19:18:06

The match review panel, contested ball, inside 50s and clearances - Collingwood has plenty to think about ahead of its sudden-death semi-final.

While the Magpies have two days' extra rest on who wins Sunday's elimination final between West Coast and North Melbourne, they look like a team who need every advantage they can find.

Minor premiers Hawthorn withstood fierce early pressure from the 'Pies in Friday's qualifying final before smashing them in the last quarter for a 38-point win.

It was the third time this season that the Hawks have scored more than 130 points against Collingwood.

Adding to the Magpies' worries, captain Nick Maxwell was reported for an off-the-ball incident involving Hawthorn opponent Paul Puopolo.

The Hawks forward briefly left the field with a bloodied nose after the clash and Monday's panel is likely to uphold the report.

Key defender Chris Tarrant will also come under video scrutiny for a clash early in the game with opponent Lance Franklin.

While coach Nathan Buckley said his team had shown improvement in the last month with how they were using the ball, actually winning it remains a big worry.

Hawthorn won the clearances 58-39, contested possessions 167-168 and inside 50s 64-47.

"The aggression shown by our boys was really good, but we lost contested footy and clearances again, so we need to clean that up," Buckley said.

"Last time they smashed us in clearances and contested footy - I think we pegged it back a little ... but it's not to where it needs to be.

"With Sam Mitchell, if he gets 12 clearances he's going to hurt you.

"Next week, whether it's a (Andrew) Swallow or a (Luke) Shuey, those sorts of guys, we need to look at trying to limit their prime movers around that area."

Collingwood tried Jarryd Blair on Mitchell, but Buckley admitted the Hawks star "nutted" him with 12 clearances.

One bonus for Collingwood was the form of forwards Travis Cloke (six goals) and Andrew Krakouer (four goals).

After being dropped for round 23, ruck-forward Chris Dawes returned to the team and Buckley indicated they will now probably keep him in the team.

AAP

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

First posted September 08, 2012 19:18:06

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Talia out of Crows' finals tilt

Updated September 09, 2012 15:37:40

Adelaide's finals challenge has been made even tougher with news key defender Daniel Talia has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken arm.

Talia, who earlier in the week was named the 2012 Rising Star winner, will undergo corrective surgery on his right arm.

The 20-year-old left the field late in the Crows' 29-point defeat to the Swans in their qualifying final at Football Park.

Adelaide hosts Fremantle next Friday night for a place in the preliminary final against Hawthorn.

Talia's absence could be a major issue for the Adelaide defence, especially with Dockers captain Matthew Pavlich coming off a six-goal display in Fremantle's upset of the Cats.

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

First posted September 09, 2012 15:02:36

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Crows back returning stars for finals edge

Updated September 08, 2012 11:10:48

The Adelaide Crows expect recalled duo Taylor Walker and Bernie Vince to be the game-breakers in Saturday's qualifying final against Sydney.

Key forward Walker (hip) and midfielder Vince (knee) return after being rested with slight injuries last weekend.

And Adelaide's strategy and innovation coach Dean Bailey believes the talented pair will revel on the finals stage.

"Tex (Walker) and Bernie, they're fine, they're in good nick," Bailey told reporters on Friday.

"They are big game players.

"When we have called on Tex's experience, he has kicked goals at clutch times ... and Bernie has played well in some big games as well.

"So they're experienced but they are classy players and tomorrow is really set up for those two."

Walker's return looms large given the Swans lost defender Heath Grundy to suspension for the final at Football Park.

But Bailey believed the qualifying final between the top two contested ball-winning clubs would be decided by brain rather than brawn.

"They have got some really big grunters in the middle of the ground and so have we," Bailey said.

"The two teams match up incredibly well.

"The difference is going to be between who under fatigue makes the best decisions, and we expect that to be us.

"Both teams are going to get fatigued and that is when the decision-making is going to be crucial.

"You can feel fatigued after the first four or five minutes just because of the intensity of the game.

"It's how you repeat effort that is going to be the difference between the two teams.

"The game is going to come down to will and effort and who is going to stay in the contest longer ... it's going to be a brutal, fierce game."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, australia, sydney-2000, nsw

First posted September 07, 2012 16:11:18

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Shuey ready to atone in finals

Updated September 05, 2012 18:07:20

West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey says he and his team-mates are now better equipped to deal with the increased intensity that finals football brings.

Shuey did not sleep well after last year's qualifying final loss to Collingwood, having entered the match brimming with confidence following a break-out home-and-away campaign.

He openly admits he got "found out" in the 20-point defeat to the Magpies.

The 22-year-old was run down three times from behind as he struggled to adapt to the increased intensity and was also slightly down in output in subsequent finals against Carlton and Geelong.

But ahead of Sunday's elimination final against North Melbourne at Subiaco Oval, Shuey feels both he and his Eagles team-mates are far better prepared to handle the finals this time around.

"I certainly got found out a couple of times and I think as a young group we didn't quite stand up as well as we could have," Shuey said.

"I think as a young group we really got shown up by opposition midfields.

"I didn't sleep well that night (after the Magpies match).

"But that was 12 months ago now. I've been able to put it behind me.

"I think we're certainly better prepared this time."

Shuey says it is imperative for the club's emerging young guns to stand tall in the heat of finals football and not just rely on the veterans to get the job done.

"We know what we're going to get from (Matt) Priddis and (Daniel) Kerr and (Dean) Cox," Shuey said.

"Most of the time they're going to have an impact. We've just got to provide that depth and have an impact ourselves."

Shuey has taken his game to a higher level in 2012, with the noted ball-winner averaging 23 disposals a match to go with his 18 goals.

The number 18 pick from the 2008 national draft says he has modelled his game on match-winning midfielder Kerr.

"I love the way he takes on big games head first," Shuey said.

"His ability to step up when the team needs him is something I've had a focus on this year.

"I'm looking forward to this week and hopefully I can do the same."

Shuey nominated Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey as the Kangaroos' two most dangerous midfielders, but says the likes of Andrew Swallow and Ben Cunnington also represented a significant challenge.

And although Kangaroos forward Drew Petrie looms as a major threat for the Eagles, Shuey says team-mate Jack Darling is a good chance to inflict similar damage up the other end.

"You think back to the Carlton game [in the semi-finals last year] when he kicked a couple of goals in the last quarter and helped us get over the line," he said.

"I've got no doubt he'll do the same this week."

AAP

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

First posted September 05, 2012 18:07:20

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Hawks firing for finals

Updated September 05, 2012 08:34:16

For Hawthorn, the finals started a fortnight ago.

A fighting win over Sydney, followed by last week's clinical dispatch of West Coast, gave the Hawks an ideal lead-in to September.

Officially, Hawthorn's finals campaign begins on Friday night at the MCG with the qualifying final blockbuster against Collingwood.

But defender Grant Birchall, who will reach 150 games this week, said those big wins over fellow top-eight sides had been massive for Hawthorn.

"The last couple of weeks gives the boys enormous confidence that we can beat any side on any given day, as long as we bring that intensity and that pressure to the game," he said.

"As long as we do that, we feel we're very dangerous.

"You don't want to flirt with your form and structures at this time of year, so we've gone pretty hard."

Beating Sydney and West Coast meant the Hawks also took the minor premiership for the first time since 1989 - one of their most memorable premiership seasons.

It is a vastly different scenario to their last premiership in 2008, when they finished four games behind Geelong and staged a massive upset to beat the Cats in the grand final.

Even allowing for defender Brent Guerra's serious hamstring injury, this is easily the best Hawthorn has looked at the start of a finals series since Alastair Clarkson became coach in 2005.

"It's hard to compare - we went into '08 as underdogs and we had no real pressure on our back," said Birchall, a member of that premiership side.

"We went out there, had a crack and everything paid off really well.

"This time around, we've finished top and it will be a different challenge.

"Everyone expects us to really perform well and I'm sure we will - it's a different pressure and we'll have to manage that as best we can."

Birchall, 24, has enjoyed another strong season and was named in his first All-Australian team.

He has become one of Hawthorn's most important players with his run and scything kicks out of defence.

The backline used to be its weak link, but in the last couple of seasons it has become much more flexible and reliable.

Guerra could miss the entire finals series and he will be a significant loss, but Birchall and his fellow defenders should be able to cover his absence.

"We'll miss his hardness, his presence and his kicking skills - he's a real leader in the defence," Birchall said of Guerra.

"But we've had guys who have come in through the year and taken his role when he was out.

"We're confident we have the depth."

AAP

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

First posted September 05, 2012 08:34:16

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Dockers face finals without McPharlin

Updated September 03, 2012 16:32:53

Key Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin is unlikely to play again this season unless the Dockers defy the odds and advance further in finals.

In a major blow for Fremantle, the veteran defender, who is being widely-tipped for all-Australian selection, injured his hamstring in his side's win over Melbourne on Saturday.

Coach Ross Lyon says McPharlin will be sidelined for Saturday night's elimination final against reigning premier Geelong on Saturday night and probably longer.

"He has had scans, spoke to our doctors and conditioners, they'll treat it like a normal hamstring which it is," he said.

"[He will be out] anywhere from two to three weeks, we'll clearly push him along."

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, perth-6000, wa, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted September 03, 2012 16:32:53

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Swans clash a finals rehearsal: Clarkson

Updated August 24, 2012 17:52:37

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson predicts Saturday's battle with Sydney for AFL top spot will be a precursor of a more important fight to come.

With stars Lance Franklin, Josh Gibson and Sam Mitchell back from injury the Hawks are at almost full strength and won't be holding anything back for the SCG clash.

Hawthorn, already clear premiership favourites, will replace the Swans on top if they win.

A Sydney victory will all but guarantee the Swans the minor premiership and potentially cause Hawthorn to drop to fourth, paving the way for a rematch in Sydney on the opening weekend of the finals.

But Clarkson said either way, the two sides would be blocking each other's path to a premiership come finals time.

"There's probably more to draw out of this game in terms of seeing where we're at, because we're up against a formidable opponent that we know we're probably going to have to face again if we want to salute at the end of the year," Clarkson said on Friday.

"Sydney are looking at it exactly the same way.

"They're playing against us knowing full well that anything they do tomorrow they're probably going to have to repeat at some stage in the finals to be able to get the job done and win the flag.

"That's what makes it an intriguing contest."

Clarkson said the Swans were still not getting the plaudits they deserved despite sitting a game clear on top of the ladder.

"They continue to slip under the radar, even to the point where we're still favourites, which is intriguing really when they've been on top of the ladder for the last eight to 10 rounds and they're one game clear and they're playing on their home patch," he said.

He noted the Hawks were also favourites ahead of the sides' round five meeting in Launceston, when the Swans notched a runaway win.

Clarkson said the Hawks had not been particularly happy with their recent form, despite comfortable wins over Port Adelaide and Gold Coast following their round 19 loss to Geelong.

But he said the return of Franklin, Gibson and Mitchell should lift them.

"They're three really influential players for us," he said.

"We know we're a better side when those guys are playing for us, they've shown that over the course of time for our footy club.

"If they just all come in and play their roles for us then we're pleased.

"I know there's a lot of hype about Lance in particular but it's all about guys just coming in and playing their role and getting the job done for the side."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000, vic, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted August 24, 2012 17:52:37

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Malthouse tips North for finals

Updated July 7, 2011 12:37:00

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse says North Melbourne is a big chance to play AFL finals this season.

The Kangaroos had won four games in succession before being stopped by St Kilda last week and are currently 10th on the ladder.

Collingwood and North will clash at the MCG on Sunday.

Malthouse says that, irrespective of the positions on the table, the Magpies are expecting a tough fight against a side he believes will be in the finals mix this year.

"I've had them in the eight before the season started and I still think they've got a wonderful chance to be in the eight," Malthouse said.

"I think they're a terrific side. I look at that side and think, they're young and aggressive, with a fantastic game structure.

"I admire the coach (Brad Scott) and I admire their club spirit - we're in for a fight."

Malthouse said that were it not for a few unlucky decisions this year, the Kangaroos would probably already be in the top eight.

"The win-loss ratio - I think they've been very, very stiff in a couple of decisions that may well have gone either way for them," he said.

Malthouse was highly complimentary of North captain Brent Harvey, who he coached in the Australian team against Ireland in 2008 but said Collingwood would have to tackle an all-round talented side.

"Our energies won't be going towards one player," he said.

Malthouse also rejected suggestions that Scott was out-coached by St Kilda's Ross Lyon last week.

"It's amazing the experts out there who pot-shot from outside in," he said.

"Did they do any different last week than they did the previous four weeks where the applause went out to say how good they were in the air and how good they were crumbing and how great the games were?" he asked.

"They're all experts."

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, collingwood-3066, north-melbourne-3051

First posted July 7, 2011 11:56:00

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AFL sticks with eight-team finals series

Updated June 1, 2011 18:18:00

The bar for making the AFL finals will be raised to its highest level in almost two decades next year.

The league has decided to keep the top-eight finals format when the introduction of Greater Western Sydney expands the competition to 18 teams in 2012.

That means a smaller proportion of competing clubs will make the finals than in any season since 1993, the last year of the final six.

The league last year floated a range of radical ideas for altering the competition in the lead-up to Gold Coast's introduction as the 17th club this season.

They included the potential creation of a 12-team finals series, which would have come with significant commercial benefits, wildcard finals entrants and a conference system.

The possibility of increasing the number of home and away games played per club from 22 to 24 was also mooted, with all of the ideas put forward for AFL fans to vote on and to clubs for consultation.

But all were rejected, as the AFL on Wednesday announced the commission had approved the status quo.

The current 22-match-per-club home and away season and eight-club finals format will remain for at least the next two seasons, although the league is open to changes beyond that time.

AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said there was already enough change with the expansion to 18 clubs and an altered match schedule to suit the incoming $1.253 billion broadcast deal.

"The introduction of the new teams in the Gold Coast Suns and the GWS Giants, combined with the creation of a new match schedule for the broadcasting of games within the next five-year television contract, has introduced significant new complexity into the fixture process," McLachlan said.

"It was therefore recommended there be no change to the existing 22-round home and away season."

He said the AFL would concentrate on devising a fixture that was both fairer in an on-field sense and maximised exposure for all clubs.

But the preseason competition will be overhauled, with clubs to play a round-robin format to decide the grand finalists, rather than the current knock-out system.

As happened this year, the 18 clubs will be divided into groups of three, to play mini-matches against the other two clubs in their group on a single day.

Clubs will then each be guaranteed a further two full-scale matches in the competition.

The fixture for all of those games is to be determined in October/November this year, allowing clubs more time to plan around their travel schedules and the AFL to promote the matches.

The two best-performed clubs will play in the preseason grand final, with the other 16 to play practice matches at regular AFL venues - as many as possible in their home towns - rather than far-flung regional locations.

McLachlan said the decision to keep eight-team finals reflected the view of supporters, with 69 per cent of those who responded to the AFL's survey preferring that option.

-AAP

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First posted June 1, 2011 12:39:00

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