The best two teams make it

By Dan Lonergan

Updated September 27, 2012 08:40:59

In this gruelling AFL season, all media commentators often go on about the importance of finishing in the top four.

History tells us that since this finals format was introduced in 2000, only two teams that finished top four and lost their first final have bowed out of the race without making it through to a preliminary final - Port Adelaide in 2001 and an injury ravaged West Coast in 2007.

There is also strong evidence that if you do finish top four and win the qualifying final to earn a week off, you are an excellent chance of winning the preliminary and progressing through to the grand final.

Under this system, Adelaide was the last team back in 2006 to have a week off and lose their preliminary final.

There have been some close shaves in recent times with Geelong the most dominant team of 2007 just edging out Collingwood by five points after a nervous and jittery display.

St Kilda was the same two years later. The Saints finished the home and away season with just two losses and comfortably accounted for Collingwood in the qualifying final before meeting up with the Bulldogs in the preliminary final.

They were off their game early, but the Dogs couldn't take full advantage and the Saints got over the line.

Hawthorn was in the same boat on Saturday night against Adelaide in their preliminary final. The Hawks dropped marks early and missed easy goals, while the Crows exposed their opponent's defence and put scoreboard pressure on.

However, the Hawks, on the back of the brilliant Cyril Rioli, found a way to get over the line and were very relieved to win after not playing well.

They would need a much better effort to beat the Swans in Saturday’s grand final after a solid display from Sydney in ending Collingwood’s season.

The margin of 26 points flattered the Magpies, who were emotionally spent after a difficult fortnight.

The Swans like Hawthorn had the week off after beating the Crows and it showed as they were much fresher than the Pies and were not as tense as the Hawks, who carried all the pressure.

However, the Hawks got there and will be aiming to put that poor performance behind them.

They have loads of talent especially in the midfield and up forward although the Swans have a solid backline and like Hawthorn have the big bodied on-ballers to win more than their share of the all-important clearances.

Former Hawk Josh Kennedy has been a superstar for the Swans and could come back to haunt them on grand final day.

Sydney would love another power forward like Adam Goodes - who rotates between the forward 50 and the midfield - to really stretch the Hawks, who struggled to cope with the Crows' Taylor Walker and Kurt Tippett.

The Hawks need a fit and healthy Luke Hodge to return and with so many midfielders of both teams always playing like warriors and being hard and tough, the heat will certainly be well and truly on in the middle.

Sydney’s outstanding key defenders Ted Richards and Heath Grundy have got big jobs in quelling the influence of Jarryd Roughead and Buddy Franklin respectively, but are in good enough form to do that.

Then there is the excitement machines for each club, who basically won the games for their sides on the weekend.

Lewis Jetta of the Swans ran the length of the field to boot an extraordinary goal - his pace will test the Hawks.

Then there's Cyril Rioli - every touch he got in the last quarter turned to gold.

He kicked a goal from a pack mark to put Hawthorn back in front and then set up the sealer for Buddy.

I would love to see them go toe to toe for five minutes. It would be the highlight of the year.

Unfortunately that confrontation will not occur, but this grand final will still be full of highlights.

Because Sydney's recent record is so poor at the MCG, I am tipping the Hawks, but not with confidence.

If they don't bring their A-game this week, like last week, they won’t be taking home the premiership cup.

I can't wait for it to start.

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

First posted September 27, 2012 08:40:59

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WA teams not relinquishing home advantage

Updated May 07, 2012 20:02:12

Perth's new multi-purpose sports stadium will be shorter and wider than Subiaco Oval, but West Coast and Fremantle insist they will not lose their home-ground AFL advantage.

The Western Australian government has announced the new 60,000-seat stadium, which is due to be completed in time for the 2018 AFL season, will be 165m long and 130m wide.

Subiaco Oval is the longest in the competition at 175m by 122m.

In comparison, Melbourne's Docklands is 159.5m by 128.8m, while the MCG is 160m by 141m.

Although the dimension of Perth's new stadium will bring it more in line with other venues around Australia, the Eagles and Dockers are not concerned their home-ground advantage over rival teams will be diluted.

"It's still one of the longest grounds in Australia and that suits both West Australian teams," Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich told reporters on Monday.

"The fact teams have to get on the plane for four and a half hours to play us will be the major advantage."

West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett pointed to his team's good record at Docklands this season as proof that a good team will win anywhere.

"I don't think (the new dimensions) bothers (coach) John (Worsfold) too much. I think his position is wherever you play, you just have to adapt," Nisbett said.

The new stadium, which is to be built at Burswood, will have an initial capacity of 60,000, but future expansion could see the capacity rise up to 80,000.

Nisbett revealed West Coast had a current waiting list of around 9,000 for new memberships, and said the extra capacity would allow a new generation of fans to watch the game.

The stadium will have an east-west orientation, which meets the requirements of the International Cricket Council for international cricket.

AAP

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

First posted May 07, 2012 20:02:12

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South East Footy: Top teams remain dominant in KNT

The KNT Football League were the only teams on the scoreboards after a series of byes around the region over the weekend except for an indigenous recognition match between Heywood and Portland for WB.

Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League

Kybybolite vs Kingston

Kybybolite had no trouble with winless Kingston in KNT football. They worked their way to a 34 point lead by quarter time and steadily increased it from there. Kingston never threatened but at least they kept the margin below 100 points. Kyby wasted plenty of chances in front of goal as the game petered out in the last quarter with Kyby up by 87 points. On-ballers Ryan Woite, Ray Jaensch and Dave Arnold did most of the damage and Sam McCracken booted 5 goals for Kyby. Ben Warner and the consistent Kirby Scott battled hard for Kingston.

Padthaway vs Bordertown

Padthaway took control of the game against Bordertown with a seven goal burst in the second-quarter. Key goal-kickers Matt Lampard and Brendon Moon provided good targets with 5 goals a piece. The Lions went further ahead in the second-half despite a greater effort from the Roosters through Crilly and Cammarano. The Lions added 6 goals in the last quarter to win easily by 45 points. Jason Degabriele continued his good form to be best a-field ahead of Darren Francis, Moon and Aaron Wanders. Mick Crilly with 4 goals, Cammarano and Jamie Grosser stood out for Bordertown.

Keith vs Lucindale

Keith with some good recent form looked a serious threat to Lucindale but after an even first-quarter they were hardly sighted. Lucindale with a greater spread of talent led by powerful bigman Mark Snowball charged away in the second-quarter to lead by 48 points at the main break. Stan Freeman and Tim Walsh were creating havoc around goals and both finished with 6 goals. Keith offered only token resistance and struggled to get the ball forward as Lucindale dominated around the mid-field through the class of Ryan McInerney, Josh Walker also relished the chance to move forward and he kicked 3 goals as well. Lucindale finished off with a 9 goal last quarter as Keith tumbled to a 102 point thrashing.

Naracoorte vs Mundulla

Naracoorte quickly took control over Mundulla when they held a 5 goal lead at quarter time. They put great pressure on the Moots who turned the ball over too easily and the quality players such as Mitch Hartree, Michael Childs and Kane Jericho made them pay. Mundulla battled hard in the second-quarter but still couldn't contain Naracoorte who had the best ruckman with Craig Beggs on top at the stoppages. A strong third-quarter by Mundulla brought the game alive and Ben Douglas booted 3 goals in a solo effort and Jake McGrice and Boyd Packer lifted around the forward line. Mundulla closed to within 3 goals but Naracoorte saw of the challenge with a powerful last-quarter when their class players again took control and raced away to win by 37 points even after Boyd Packer took a screamer to lift his side. Tom Prebble was best for Naracoorte ahead of Childs, Jericho and Hartree. Mundulla were valiant to the end but can't afford to give big starts to top teams. McGrice, veteran Nick Davis and Packer were best for Mundulla.

Western Border Football League

Heywood vs Portland

The only game played in WB footy was the Indigenous Recognition game between Heywood and Portland. It was a mis-match on form but Heywood who could have been crushed by 40 goals made Portland work for the win. They maybe winless but Heywood always give a bit extra against rival Portland. Marcus England was best in another hard-running, kick-winning display, Jason Saunders also played well and mobile ruckman Cam Mather controlled the aerial duels for Portland who still won easily by 118 points. The Bens, Millard and Nash stood out for Heywood and Tyson Lovett-Murray battled stoutly to the finish.

With Tash Impey

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Dumped coach swaps teams

Updated June 30, 2011 08:50:00

Former North Hobart coach Clinton Brown has signed with Glenorchy, just days after he was dumped by the Demons.

Brown's tenure at North Hobart was cut short on Monday, following the club's fourth loss in five weeks.

After initially planning to play on with the Demons, Brown has now opted to see out the season with the Magpies.

He says it would have been too difficult to remain at North Hobart.

The Magpies play North Hobart this weekend and Brown's presence in black and white could have set up a sensational clash.

However, he has opted not to play out of respect for his former club.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, tas, glenorchy-7010, north-hobart-7000

First posted June 30, 2011 08:12:00

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Flight delays hamper AFL teams

Published:Wednesday, June 15, 2011 7:23 AESTExpires:Tuesday, September 13, 2011 7:23 AEST

An ash cloud from a Chilean volcano is disrupting the travel plans of AFL teams competing at locations around Australia.

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Tags: volcanic-eruption, australian-football-league, travel-health-and-safety, melbourne-3000

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South East Footy: Undefeated teams humbled

Sweating it out on football grounds around the region this weekend some surprising wins and standout players saw a few big scores brought home despite some trying weather conditions.

Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League (KNT)

Mundulla vs Padthaway

Mundulla returned to the winners list when they took control of their game against Padthaway in the second half. The Lions had looked a better side early and held a 14 pt lead at the long break. Mundulla kept Padthaway goal-less in the third term and raced to a 20 pt lead with Jason Milligan back from injury leading the way in ruck. Sam Luckett around the packs benefited from the ruck dominance and Mundulla kept the momentum in the last qtr with 5 more goals to win convincingly by 37 pts. Boyd Packer, 4 goals and Grady Obst also played well for Mundulla. Matt Dean and co-defender Darren Francis battled hard for the Lions but were overwhelmed in the end.

Kybybolite vs Keith

Kybybolite was another team to win after a humiliating loss last week but not without a battle. Very little separated the Keith Crows and Kyby at half time with Kyby in front by just 7 pts. Slowly Kyby increased its lead in the third quarter with strong work from Ray Jaensch, Chris Hanley at half-forward. Mark Slotegraaf was playing a fine captain's game around the mid-field as well for Kyby. Keith had one last chance with a quarter to go but didn't have enough good players to do it. Jon Wright across the centre, Nick Hunt in defence and James McEntee , 5 goals tried hard but the Crows fell 18 pts short.

Border Districts vs Naracoorte

Border Districts pulled off the biggest upset of the year when they blitzed undefeated Naracoorte after half time. The Eagles led narrowly in the first half but just when most spectators expected Naracoorte to burst clear the opposite happened. Borders charged away with 6 goals to one in the third term and held a match-winning 35 pt lead. Paul Smith, 9 goals and Clint Barras 6 were creating havoc for the Demon defenders and Borders rubbed salt into the wounds with another 6 goals in the last quarter to win by 64 pts and leave the tiny town of Frances fairly rocking for the best win Borders have had in a long time. Sean King at half-forward and Nick Tarca were in everything for Borders. Naracoorte were stunned by the loss. Ever reliable Mitch Hartree, Michael Childs and Matt Willison were the Demons best.

Kingston vs Bordertown

Kingston climbed out of the grave to nearly snatch their first win in 2011. The Saints led early only to see Bordertown charge away in a dominant second quarter and lead by 30 pts. Bordertown were still going strongly in the third quarter but Kingston were showing plenty of resolve and booted 7 goals to trail by 11 pts with a quarter to play. Both sides went goal for goal in the last quarter but it was Bordertown who got a last gasp win by 3 pts. Jamie Grosser a forward lifeline for Bordertown booted 7 goals, Clint Williams played strongly across half forward and Kane Cuthbertson was creative. Kingston's best were Ben Warner in defence, Nathan Daniels up forward with 5 goals and Jacob Brown.

Lucindale vs Kaniva-Leeor United

Lucindale, another undefeated team were always under siege from a resurgent Kaniva-Leeor United. Whenever Lucindale threatened to break away the consistent Shain Vivian, Ash Baxter or Dylan Williams would conjur a goal. KLU's straighter kicking kept them in front through the third quarter whilst their defenders forced errors on the Lucindale forward line. KLU had played Lucindale to a standstill and slammed on 6 last quarter goals to win by 38 pts, their most impressive win of the season. Neil Reeve starred in the ruck for KLU, Williams, Shane Dodson and Brad McCabe were strong contributors. Ryan McInerney was again best for Lucindale, Tim Walsh and consistent Kyle Press never stopped trying.

Western Border Football League (WB)

East Gambier vs Portland

East Gambier took the game right up to Portland in WB footy and only trailed by a point at half time. East tackled strongly and had plenty of willing workers to keep the game in the balance in an entertaining first half. Portland always looked dangerous however with Jarrod Hayse giving his opponent a torrid time at full forward with only his inaccuracy letting him down. Portland slowly got on top in the third quarter with Marcus England winning kicks all over the ground and Cam Mather doing well on the ball and across half-back. East lacked the depth of Portland and although they battled hard they couldn't hold Portland out. The Victorian Tigers had a stack of chances and wasted many but they won by 21 pts after a couple of late East goals. Marcus England, Cam Mather and a fitter Heath Brown in ruck were Portland's best. Shaun Phillips used his pace to break many attacks for East across half-back, on-baller Chris Anderson and Matt Roscow were East's best.

North Gambier vs Hamilton

North Gambier outplayed a dispirited Hamilton after a scrappy first half. Displaying better teamwork and foot-skills North booted 5 goals to take a 27 pt lead at three-quarter time. North dominated play in the final term with a further 6 goals after more constructive forward play to win by 46 pts. Cam Campbell at half-back starred for North, Pat Perry in the centre and Anthony Kilsby both had excellent games. Jesse Hawkins was best for Hamilton ahead of Dylan Gunning and Weston but they lacked plenty in the help department.

South Gambier vs Millicent

South Gambier had a tough battle against the improving Millicent. South led early but Millicent wasted plenty of chances and trailed by 2 pts at quarter-time. South got moving before half time through perpetual motion men Tim Stringer and Simon Berkefeld to hold a 27 pt lead. Millicent fought back strongly and reached the lead briefly late in the third quarter but South regained it by 5 pts. The game was anybody's and Millicent grabbed the lead again in the last quarter but South steadied with youngsters Jed Mullen and Brodie Foster playing well and kicked away late in the game to win by 35 pts. Defenders Matt Bryant, Reece Duncan and Brad Tilley played strongly to keep Millicent alive for most of the day but ran out of legs at the end.

West Gambier vs Casterton

West Gambier appeared headed for an easy win over lowly Casterton when they led easily at half and three-quarter time. Casterton who had battled hard but lacked the class of West then produced a 9 goal last quarter to liven up the game and West were forced to lift the tempo, which they did with 5 goals but it was a reality check to win by 36 pts. Mercurial forward Jarrod Ryan booted 8 goals but speedy little man Al Kennedy was best along with Luke Davey and Josh Jones for West. Matt Killey, Ben Currie and the classy Brad Vassal played for the Cats.

Heywood vs Imperials

Winless Heywood kept Imperials goal-less in the first quarter but any thoughts of an upset vanished when Imps raced on 6 goals to nil and lead by 19 pts at half time. Imps powered away after that and recorded a solid 69 pt win. Heywood were not disgraced and battled it out to the end. Hugh Douglas booted 8 goals for Imps and Jason McIntosh was best afield in the ruck and booted 5 goals. Ben Millard and youngster Steve Keiller tried hard for Heywood.

Mid South East Football League (MSE)

Hatherleigh vs Nangwarry

Hatherleigh continued their improvement in MSE with an easy 116 pt win over bottom placed Nangwarry. Matt Faulkner provided the highlight with 13 goals for Hatherleigh who were untroubled from quarter-time onwards.

Glencoe vs Tantanoola

Glencoe had a solid 50 pt win against Tantanoola after a 9 goal burst in the third quarter which opened up an 81 pt margin. Glencoe cruised in the last qtr as Tant gained some pride with 6 goals. Josh Wilson, Matt Sinkunas and Zac Cocks were best for Glencoe whilst Cameron Saint, veteran Jason Rowe and Lyndon Smith played well for Tant.

Mt Burr vs Kalangadoo

Undefeated Mt Burr savaged a devestated Kalangadoo by 184 pts outlined further their invincible status. The Mozzies tore great chunks out of the Kalangadoo backline and led by 105 pts at half-time. Kalangadoo barely offered any resistance and Mt Burr slammed on another 11 goals in the last term. Coach Mark Kruger and forward Jack Gregory booted 8 goals each for the Mozzies who had players lining up for a shot at goal. Peter Agnew, veterans Scott Bevan and Matt Leslie were best but met little opposition. Kalangadoo, well they were just smashed!

Robe vs Kongorong

Robe recorded a hard working 32 pt win over Kongorong who let the game slip away in the second quarter. Both teams scored 8 goals after half-time but the damage had been done. Bigman Dylan Coxon was best on ground for Robe, Jaryd Dawson, Ben Jess and high flying Stuart Cooper played well.

with Tash Impey

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