(1) NO LOVE LOST BETWEEN ESSENDON AND JAKE STRINGER
I actually went to this game because I have no life and needed something to do for a couple hours on Thursday night to alleviate the boredom. It was a choice between watching paint dry, watching grass grow, or this game.
It turns out I was able to do two out of three of those things.
Midway through the second term when the Bombers posted their eighth straight behind without a goal, I turned my attention to the lush turf of Marvel Stadium, and I swear I almost saw the grass growing.
But I digress.
I had a slight giggle when I read the Giants’ banner which basically had words to the effect of thanking Essendon for Jake Stringer. It had a short poem on it which ended with “Thanks for sending us the Package”. I don’t fully know the circumstances surrounding the Stringer trade, but one things for sure, and that is the Bomber fans are not enamoured with their former player as demonstrated by the boos whenever he went near the ball. And for the Giants to take a swipe at the Bombers in that way, I’m guessing it wasn’t done in a way that both parties liked.
The game itself wasn’t a great spectacle. It went as expected, and the Bombers inability to kick a goal for nearly two quarters meant we all knew the result fairly early. They played better in the second half, but GWS cruised in second gear all night for a simple, bruise-free, 48 point win. Our man Jake would say he had the last laugh with his team easily dispensing his old mob while helping himself to three goals from 18 touches. Callaghan had the most possessions for the Giants with 33, while Tom Green had 30, and Whitfield was next best with 29. The Giants are now eyeing off a Top 4 spot after recording victories in seven of their past eight matches. They take on the Swans, who are daring to dream with a faint hope of making it through to September. The Giants could end their charge while pushing into the Top with a win, but a loss would see them in danger of missing finals altogether. It’s a huge game for both clubs.
Essendon have had a wretched year and look likely to not add any wins to their tally of six so far. Injuries have taken their toll as a bunch of relative unknowns are now playing seniors possibly before truly being ready. As is often the case, Zach Merrett had the most touches for the Bombers with 29, and the next best was Jordan Ridley with 23. Liam McMahon was the good news story of the night kicking two goals on debut after being picked up in the mid-season draft. Peter Wright also kicked two majors. Essendon take on the Western Bulldogs next week, and they’ll be hoping for a better effort than their previous 91 point thumping they suffered back in Round 10 when they last met.
(2) DOGGIES RECORD AGAINST TOP 8 TEAMS WORSENS YET AGAIN
We’ve already talked about the Bulldogs’ poor record against the teams currently in the eight. They definitely had their chances against the Lions, but once again they fell short and slumped to 9th on the ladder. The possibility of missing the finals looms large as they’ve now one just won game from nine played against the sides above them on the ladder. With five games remaining, even if they were to win three of those games, it might not be enough. They have three games against lower reams that they would be expected to win, but they also have to play the Giants who they did beat in Canberra earlier in the year, as well as Fremantle in the final round. Wouldn’t it be something if both of those teams went into that game needing a win in order to play finals? Depending on how the results go between now and then, that’s a scenario that could take place. The Bulldogs simply must win those three games as a bare minimum to play finals, but four wins might be required. Any loss from this point on is trouble.
Brisbane are looking as though they are serious challengers at this stage. Their somewhat indifferent form at times earlier this season seems to be behind them as they’ve now regained a Top 2 spot and might be hard to shift. Will Ashcroft had a big night scoring three goals from 26 touches. Younger brother Levi also booted two majors, as did Berry and Lohmann. The Lions seem to have a vast number of scoring options. Dunkley topped the possession count with 29 while McCluggage was busy with 27. Brisbane are going along nicely after four wins in a row. They have a tricky fortnight ahead taking on the Suns and then the Magpies on the road. A home final is far from assured at this stage, but they will take some beating with the form they’re in.
Rhylee West was very good up forward with four goals and Aaron Naughton kicked two. Bailey Dale had 33 touches in a strong display while Ed Richards was next best with 27. It was another one of those frustrating nights for the Bulldogs where they fell just agonisingly short against a quality side. At this stage their finals credentials are questionable, and only victories against the Giants and Fremantle in the run home will silence those who believe they are not worthy of participating in September action. There’s a lot of pressure on the coach and the players.
(3) GOOD THING TASMANIA’S NEW STADIUM HAS A ROOF.
The Hawks and the Power played off in conditions that Tasmanian winters are famous for with strong winds that made rain fall sideways. It made for scrappy disposals and a game that was no spectacle. And, of course, with Hawthorn now quite familiar with the types of conditions their Tasmanian home away from home can serve up, it was definitely them that adapted better and were able to get the desired result. Port Adelaide Football Club may well feel a little hard done by in terms of fixturing which has seen them not only endure a very tough Tasmanian winter’s day, but earlier in the season they had to go to Ballarat’s Mars Stadium where it blows like crazy, to play against the Bulldogs who have much more experience at that heavily exposed arena. Once a year you might cop it, but twice is tougher than it needs to be.
The breeze in the first half heavily favoured the end Port Adelaide were kicking to quite strongly, but with the scores level at the first change, it looked as though the Hawks would take full toll and win comfortably. It took a little while to shake off the visitors, but eventually the game was blown wide open in the last quarter with five goals to one which including three goals in six minutes off the boot of Jarman Impey. Jack Gunston also finished with three goals for the game with two to Calsher Dear and Dylan Moore, who also topped the possession numbers with 32. The Hawks still have a chance to make the Top 4, and their recent history against the struggling Blues would suggest that they should be a step closer in a week’s time.
Port will feel that they did OK despite suffering a 37 point loss in what weeee very hard conditions to play in. Lukosius and Georgiades were the only multiple goal scorers with two each. Ollie Wines and Jase Burgoyne had the most possessions for the Power with 26 each. The normally prolific Butters was held to just 18 touches. With Port Adelaide all but gone from finals calculations after this loss, it will come down to how much nuisance value to the sides in the eight they want to be. They’ll probably want to end Hinkley’s tenure at the club on a positive note so I suspect they’ll give it their all starting with this week’s big Showdown!
(4) HEENEY WAS BEST ON GROUND BY THE LENGTH OF THE SCG
If on Brownlow night when they’re calling the votes from each game, you can say with certainty that this game will be marked with an emphatic three votes to I Heeney of the Sydney Swans. There has been instances of players being overlooked in some games by the umpires who vote, but even an umpire with a serious vision impairment couldn’t look past a guy that amassed 34 disposals on his way to kicking a bag of five majors if you don’t mind! It was a flawless game and a timely reminder that the Swans may still find a way to extend their season. A lot has to go right for that to happen, but if Heeney plays this way between now and then, it will go a long way towards an unlikely finals berth.
Aside from the heroics of Heeney, Nick Blakey was very busy with 29 touches with the skipper having 28. The Swans were just too classy for their opponents in North Melbourne, and you could mount a case for the Swans to sneak into the eight, but it’s never ideal relying on certain teams to lose in order for your team to achieve your goal. It will be a steal if they can somehow get there, and winning five of their last six games is a fair start.
North Melbourne were competitive up until half time, but as the game wore on you could see the Swans had control and would win comfortably as they did in the end by 31 points. Cooper Harvey was the only multiple goal scorer with two. Jy Simpkin had the most possessions for North with 28. Sheezel and Daniel were next with 27 apiece. With the Tigers beating West Coast, the Kangaroos now find themselves back in 17th place on the AFL Ladder. However, they play the Eagles in Round 21. In the meantime the Kangaroos have a date with the Cats at Marvel Stadium this coming Saturday in what will be a tough day.
(5) CHARLIE GOES FROM ZERO TO HERO
You really couldn’t have scripted it any better. It was the 28th minute of the final quarter and the Blues were clinging to a two-point lead after the Demons had scored the last two goals. Carlton had been in front for all but two minutes of the game, but the steal was well and truly on. Enter Charlie Curnow, who had scored two early goals to break his run of duck eggs for the last month. After being awarded an off the ball free kick 50 metres out from goal, with the weight of the massive Carlton army behind his shoulders, he calmly slotted it and took his moment. It’s been a hellish month for him and the club, but on Saturday night he reminded us all that he’s not the spent force some have been suggesting. There’s still more to do for sure, but fingers crossed this will end his indifferent form and the next five games he can terrorise opposition defences like he has done for the past few seasons.
And if seeing Charlie have the impact that he had on Saturday didn’t warm the hearts of the Carlton faithful, seeing Ashton Moir kicking four majors in his 6th game would’ve done it. Supporters have been screaming for this kid to be given his chance, and now it looks like he might just be part of that next wave of Carlton stars that some thought might not exist. Lachie Cowan, who is also just 20 years old, had one of his best games for the club finishing with 16 touches that included several intercepts and one grab marks in slippery conditions, and there was also a 19 year old css as led Matthew Carroll who showed us he can play a bit as well.
Patrick Cripps also was back to somewhere near his best ending the match with a game high 29 touches. With him and Charlie’s three goals alongside the young guns, maybe all is not lost for the Navy Blues. The Hawks should still prove to be too good for the Blues on Thursday, but Blues fans will see a ray of hope in what has been a bleak year, and will we the “good” Carlton for the remainder of the season? Time will tell.
As a spectator at this game, it’s really hard to put into words what is going on with Melbourne. They were heavily backed favourites to win this game, but from the start they looked a little off. Pickett was on fire and finished with five goals from 23 possessions. Fritsch was the only other multiple scorer with two. A long list of Melbourne players got 20 or more touches while only two Carlton players achieved this. That list included Rivers with 27, Oliver and Bowey with 27, Salem with 25 and Petracca and Pickett with 23. They had 80 more possessions than the Blues, more inside 50s, but they couldn’t get the result. It was almost as though the jumpers were swapped pre-game because that’s often the case with the Blues. The Demons face the Saints in a dead rubber clash next week. They’ll want to make amends for their poor performance when they last met.
(6) WEST COAST ARE WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT
With the game being played in Perth, and with the Eagles showing some signs of improvement in recent weeks, you might’ve thought win number two was on the cards against the struggling Tigers. But it was anything but as the Tigers got the chocolates by a sizeable 49 points. It was the prize recruits from a few seasons back in Taranto (three goals, 30 disposals) and Hopper (two goals, 33 disposals) that lead the charge. Ryan Mansell also kicked three majors. Five wins is five more than many thought they would have. A date with the Pies next week probably won’t end well, however.
West Coast look likely to end the year with that single win now. This seemed their only legitimate chance at a win in the run home but the Tigers embarrassed them I would have to say. Liam Duggan had the most touches finishing with 31 while Harley Reid continues his great form with 27 touches and two goals. Boy do they need to make sure he remains an Eagle beyond this season! Liam Ryan also kicked two, including a goal of the year contender. The Eagles play in the Derby against the Dockers next week. Even if they rise for that occasion, I can’t see them troubling the in-form Fremantle.
(7) CATS A LOCK FOR TOP 4 WITH THE EASIEST RUN HOME
Losing to the Giants in the previous round was not the end of the world for the Cats. Their last six weeks of home and away games consists of games against teams no higher than tenth on their ladder. Their luck could not get any better than that, and it’s reasonably likely that they win them all which will put them well and truly in that double chance zone.
Cameron took another big step towards Coleman glory with five goals. He currently is 11 goals clear of the field. Max Holmes had the most possessions for the Cats yet again. Gryan Mires had 26 touches and Ollie Dempsey had 25. Next week sees the Cats up against the Kangaroos who shouldn’t be too much trouble for them.
It seems like Ross Lyon has decided that Wanganeen-Milera is good enough to play a midfield role, and the result is that this kid is even better than we thought. He had 36 touches and booted two majors. Perhaps the Saints should focus more on keeping him at their club rather than throwing away massive coin to entice TDK away from Carlton. Owens, Sharman, Higgins, Wood and Wanganeen-Milera all kicked two goals. The Saints will see next week’s clash with the Demons as a chance for win number six.
(8) THE DOCKERS DID A COLLINGWOOD TO PINCH A WIN
So many times we’ve seen Collingwood storm home to steal a victory after trailing for a good portion of the game. The Pies had their noses in front going into the last quarter, and when they got out to a 22 point lead five minutes into that final term, it looked like the Dockers were done. Fremantle showed great character to pile on the last four goals of the game and edge out the top side by just one point.
Patrick Voss was the star of the day kicking a career-high six goals and getting the better of Darcy Moore many times throughout the day. He’s been building for a while but this was his breakout game, and Bomber fans will be sick in the stomach as he was on their list for two years and couldn’t get a game before being delisted. Caleb Serong starred with 37 touches. Six weeks out from finals, you won’t get a bigger confidence boost than beating the top team on the G. They’ve won eight of their last nine games and should easily make that nine from ten against the Eagles next week.
Collingwood did not play badly, but there was an element of disconnect up forward with countless inside 50s bearing no fruit. They had 20 inside 50’s to just six in the third term, yet only scored one goal. Nick Daicos will most likely gain another three Brownlow votes with his superb 43 possession game. Up forward there was Mihocek, Elliott and Sidebottom with two goals each. The Pies are now in danger of being dislodged from the top of the ladder, although one suspects they’ll be back on the winners list after they play the Tigers next week.
(9) ADELAIDE MAKE A BIG STATEMENT
Adelaide started the season well, but we were wondering if they’d maintain that form all year. Well, if I’m not mistaken, they’re even better now and you’d have to say that their coach has done some solid work over the past four years.
The Suns were considered a danger game for the Crows, but it was a horror day for the visitors, who had failed to score a goal in the first half and were a huge disappointment. One of Adelaide’s best was Alex Neal-Bullen. Since coming across from the Demons he has fit in seamlessly as a Crow. He had a day out finishing with 31 touches and three goals. The trio of Thilthorpe, Rankine and Walker also finished with 2. The Crows have the showdown this week, and while the Power are always going to rise for these occasions, the Crows should prevail as they charge towards finals.
The Suns will be dealing with talk in the football world of them still being the Suns of old from time to time, but they’re definitely in a better place than they were. This was a poor result nonetheless, and how costly it is remains to be seen, although talk of them missing finals is premature. As far as the numbers go, the usual suspects still had plenty of the ball including Rowell (30), Fiorini (28), Flanders (28) and Anderson (27). Hopefully, for their sake, you can put it down to one of those days. That’s not unusual when playing the Crows in Adelaide who have only lost one from ten home games this year. Gold Coast have another tough opponent in the Lions next week. How they bounce back from this defeat will say a lot about how far or otherwise they have come.
