Harry Beitzel on AFL
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Harry Beitzel is one of the AFL's most colourful characters. Here he looks at what's happening in the world of Australia Football.
Hi friends,
I've been writing these columns for over 20 years. I enjoy doing them. Like a 'kid' I'm thrilled with the feedback. I don't expect Andrew D and his staff will always agree with what I write, but at least they know it's coming from the heart and I know I've passed on some of the fans' thoughts about the game we love.
I write three weekly columns: AFL Previews on Fridays, AFL Reviews on Monday and on Wednesday it's AFL 2nd Tier News which interests the 'tragics' and comes mainly from the AFL Media Releases but not used by the 'big media' as they are 'informative' rather than 'controversial'.
I've gone even more hi-tech and am on Twitter www.twitter.com/harrybeitzel
Each Friday I'll include my selections with the latest Betfair odds plus my 'Best Bets' with the points-in starts.
Enjoy! "H".
I've been writing these columns for over 20 years. I enjoy doing them. Like a 'kid' I'm thrilled with the feedback. I don't expect Andrew D and his staff will always agree with what I write, but at least they know it's coming from the heart and I know I've passed on some of the fans' thoughts about the game we love.
I write three weekly columns: AFL Previews on Fridays, AFL Reviews on Monday and on Wednesday it's AFL 2nd Tier News which interests the 'tragics' and comes mainly from the AFL Media Releases but not used by the 'big media' as they are 'informative' rather than 'controversial'.
I've gone even more hi-tech and am on Twitter www.twitter.com/harrybeitzel
Each Friday I'll include my selections with the latest Betfair odds plus my 'Best Bets' with the points-in starts.
Enjoy! "H".
EDITORIAL COMMENT
May 31
A different take on the latest Round. I like Mark's summaries so I wanted to share his thoughts with you - hope you also enjoy it! "H".
Who Shone Who Bombed in round nine Premium Duff - who shone, who bombed in round nine MARK DUFFIELD, The West Australian Updated May 28, 2012 The West Australian chief football writer gives his take on Rd 9 action. (And he's NO "Duffer". Enjoy his summary WA viewpoint HB)
Geelong v Western Bulldogs: The Cats might have avoided losing three in a row for the first time since 2006 but the reigning premiers still have issues. They are ninth, 5-4 and things might have been worse but for inaccuracy in front of goals from young Dogs Jordan Roughead and Liam Jones who showed glimpses but had issues trying to make things count. The Ctas are blooding youngsters but it is the same old crew filling out their best player list every week and this is shaping more and more like a transition year.
Port Adelaide v Gold Coast: Bluey McKenna has a new two year contract and that must be a relief because after an encouraging month the Suns progress has stalled since Nathan Bock broke his leg. They fought strongly with the Power for two quarters but faded badly. Be happy for Port who have been kicked from pillar to post but now have won three games amid further signs they are improving. Brad Ebert has been a big get for them and the resurgent Danyle Pearce was good for the second week in a row but the Suns are woefully short of presence in attack and they are coughing up the ball needlessly all over the park.
Richmond v Hawthorn: Everyone bar the team they beat smiles when the Tigers win. They haven't won much for 30 years and they have the best club song in footy. But there might be some genuine roar behind the novelty factors this time as their gun midfielders Brett Deledio, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin continue to wreak havoc on opponents. With Jack Riewoldt joining in for six goals they were unstoppable. The same can't be said for the Hawks who continue to tease without delivering consistently. They got absolutely whacked in midfield on Saturday on the way to a 10-goal loss. The Tiges are 12th with a bullet. The Hawks are 8th with a limp.
St Kilda v Sydney: Well, what else do you expect on Lord Lenny Hayes 250th. The Saints lifted for one of the club's greatest ever players off a six day break from a trip to Perth and took control of this match from quarter time on. Significantly midfielder David Armitage continues to improve and was arguably best afield on Saturday and, yes, Lenny was where we all expect him to be - among the best. The swans are still well entrenched in the eight but the more we see of them the more they look like a team making up the eight rather than threatening to take it by storm.
Essendon v GWS: No great concerns for the Ginats on the field here. They copped an 11 goal loss but that is to be expected. I reckjon they might have liked a few more than 11,800 bums on their brand new Skoda Stadium seats though when they unveiled it for their not so adoring public/. On field GWS are tracking about where we expected them to be with that unexpected win over the Suns thrown in. Off-field the challenge of craving a niche in Sydney's western suburbs will be at least as hard, and maybe harder than we expected it to be.
Collingwood v Adelaide: This was the biggest statement to come out of round nine. Collingwood, without eight who could lay claim to being in their best 22, not only go toe to toe with the in form crows for three quarters, they then lift a notch in the last to see them off b y almost five goals. This was Nathan Buckley's best moment in coaching so far and announced the Pies as the team to beat for the flag regardless of what the markets say. Pendlebury, Thomas, Sidebottom and beams give them a stellar midfield even with their injuries. Significnatly Cloke and Dawes were goalless in amongst all of this. There is no doubt the Crows are vastly improved but they are in no doubt where the benchmark sits after this.
North Melbourne v Brisbane: Hands up all North Melbourne supporters who got a bit nervous when the Lions rattled on a series of second half unanswered goals to pull from 10 goals down to four and a half goals down by three quarter time. When you have coughed up a six goal lead in ten minutes the previous week that sort of swing is bo9und to give you palpitations. But even though the Kangaroos butchered about seven of that ten goal lead before the final siren they still got the points and that was critical for a club coming off two disappointing losses. Good nes continued with a great return to form from ruckman Todd Goldstein who had more touches than any other player on the ground (28). The Lions subbed a clealr injured Simon Black out of the game and got more run as a result. They got four goals from Aaron Cornelius but this was clealr a case of leaving too much to do in the second half.
Carlton v Melbourne: The Demons came out strongly after their embarrassing 101- point flogging by Sydney but right now there is just too much wrong with Mark Neeld's team to fix it all in one week. Hence after a competitive first half they fell away badly after half time and were on the wrong end of a 58-point flogging. Eddie Betts kicked five goals but this was a job the Blues had to get done rather than one that said anything about premiership credentials. Neeld acknowledged that his team arm wrestled the Blues for three quarters and also acknowledged you don't beat AFL teams when you stop at three quarters. But Mitch Clark kicked three of his team's six goals, a handful of youngsters showed glimpses and that is probably what it is going to be about for Neeld for a few weeks yet.
West Coast v Fremantle: One team is clearly in the 1-3 bracket. The other, right now is in the 10-12 slot. That's the brutal reality of West Coast's eight goal second half garrotting of their cross town rival. The Eagles were brutal in the third term inspired by a Will Schofield goal that set up nine goals on the trot and buried what had been a dour but enthralling first half as a contest. The Eagles are genuine contenders but Fremantle just can't get whacked at stoppages like they have been in the past fortnight and hope to compete with good teams. They are plugging holes around their midfield by putting more numbers around the ball - a fact that just makes it harder for them to score themselves. This (5.6) was their lowest score ever at Patersons Stadium. Matt Rosa's leather poisoning (43 touches) was the end result of an Eagles spread Fremantle couldn't match. Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey also ran up big numbers as the Eagles fed, not only on clearance supremacy and their own teammates but also Fremantle's turnovers. ENDS
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Brisbane Lions Injury update - Simon Black
Brisbane Lions midfielder Simon Black is expected to miss two weeks after scans yesterday revealed no structural damage to his knee. Black was subbed out of the Lions' game last weekend with the injury.
General Manager, Football Operations Dean Warren said that it was a minor injury that would not require surgery.
"Simon had scans yesterday which really just showed a bit of wear and tear," Warren said.
"He'll most likely just miss a couple of weeks, which is a good result given that we have the Bye in Round 11 (next week)."
"He'll have a break, which will be good for him, and no doubt come back firing after the Bye."
Who Shone Who Bombed in round nine Premium Duff - who shone, who bombed in round nine MARK DUFFIELD, The West Australian Updated May 28, 2012 The West Australian chief football writer gives his take on Rd 9 action. (And he's NO "Duffer". Enjoy his summary WA viewpoint HB)
Geelong v Western Bulldogs: The Cats might have avoided losing three in a row for the first time since 2006 but the reigning premiers still have issues. They are ninth, 5-4 and things might have been worse but for inaccuracy in front of goals from young Dogs Jordan Roughead and Liam Jones who showed glimpses but had issues trying to make things count. The Ctas are blooding youngsters but it is the same old crew filling out their best player list every week and this is shaping more and more like a transition year.
Port Adelaide v Gold Coast: Bluey McKenna has a new two year contract and that must be a relief because after an encouraging month the Suns progress has stalled since Nathan Bock broke his leg. They fought strongly with the Power for two quarters but faded badly. Be happy for Port who have been kicked from pillar to post but now have won three games amid further signs they are improving. Brad Ebert has been a big get for them and the resurgent Danyle Pearce was good for the second week in a row but the Suns are woefully short of presence in attack and they are coughing up the ball needlessly all over the park.
Richmond v Hawthorn: Everyone bar the team they beat smiles when the Tigers win. They haven't won much for 30 years and they have the best club song in footy. But there might be some genuine roar behind the novelty factors this time as their gun midfielders Brett Deledio, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin continue to wreak havoc on opponents. With Jack Riewoldt joining in for six goals they were unstoppable. The same can't be said for the Hawks who continue to tease without delivering consistently. They got absolutely whacked in midfield on Saturday on the way to a 10-goal loss. The Tiges are 12th with a bullet. The Hawks are 8th with a limp.
St Kilda v Sydney: Well, what else do you expect on Lord Lenny Hayes 250th. The Saints lifted for one of the club's greatest ever players off a six day break from a trip to Perth and took control of this match from quarter time on. Significantly midfielder David Armitage continues to improve and was arguably best afield on Saturday and, yes, Lenny was where we all expect him to be - among the best. The swans are still well entrenched in the eight but the more we see of them the more they look like a team making up the eight rather than threatening to take it by storm.
Essendon v GWS: No great concerns for the Ginats on the field here. They copped an 11 goal loss but that is to be expected. I reckjon they might have liked a few more than 11,800 bums on their brand new Skoda Stadium seats though when they unveiled it for their not so adoring public/. On field GWS are tracking about where we expected them to be with that unexpected win over the Suns thrown in. Off-field the challenge of craving a niche in Sydney's western suburbs will be at least as hard, and maybe harder than we expected it to be.
Collingwood v Adelaide: This was the biggest statement to come out of round nine. Collingwood, without eight who could lay claim to being in their best 22, not only go toe to toe with the in form crows for three quarters, they then lift a notch in the last to see them off b y almost five goals. This was Nathan Buckley's best moment in coaching so far and announced the Pies as the team to beat for the flag regardless of what the markets say. Pendlebury, Thomas, Sidebottom and beams give them a stellar midfield even with their injuries. Significnatly Cloke and Dawes were goalless in amongst all of this. There is no doubt the Crows are vastly improved but they are in no doubt where the benchmark sits after this.
North Melbourne v Brisbane: Hands up all North Melbourne supporters who got a bit nervous when the Lions rattled on a series of second half unanswered goals to pull from 10 goals down to four and a half goals down by three quarter time. When you have coughed up a six goal lead in ten minutes the previous week that sort of swing is bo9und to give you palpitations. But even though the Kangaroos butchered about seven of that ten goal lead before the final siren they still got the points and that was critical for a club coming off two disappointing losses. Good nes continued with a great return to form from ruckman Todd Goldstein who had more touches than any other player on the ground (28). The Lions subbed a clealr injured Simon Black out of the game and got more run as a result. They got four goals from Aaron Cornelius but this was clealr a case of leaving too much to do in the second half.
Carlton v Melbourne: The Demons came out strongly after their embarrassing 101- point flogging by Sydney but right now there is just too much wrong with Mark Neeld's team to fix it all in one week. Hence after a competitive first half they fell away badly after half time and were on the wrong end of a 58-point flogging. Eddie Betts kicked five goals but this was a job the Blues had to get done rather than one that said anything about premiership credentials. Neeld acknowledged that his team arm wrestled the Blues for three quarters and also acknowledged you don't beat AFL teams when you stop at three quarters. But Mitch Clark kicked three of his team's six goals, a handful of youngsters showed glimpses and that is probably what it is going to be about for Neeld for a few weeks yet.
West Coast v Fremantle: One team is clearly in the 1-3 bracket. The other, right now is in the 10-12 slot. That's the brutal reality of West Coast's eight goal second half garrotting of their cross town rival. The Eagles were brutal in the third term inspired by a Will Schofield goal that set up nine goals on the trot and buried what had been a dour but enthralling first half as a contest. The Eagles are genuine contenders but Fremantle just can't get whacked at stoppages like they have been in the past fortnight and hope to compete with good teams. They are plugging holes around their midfield by putting more numbers around the ball - a fact that just makes it harder for them to score themselves. This (5.6) was their lowest score ever at Patersons Stadium. Matt Rosa's leather poisoning (43 touches) was the end result of an Eagles spread Fremantle couldn't match. Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey also ran up big numbers as the Eagles fed, not only on clearance supremacy and their own teammates but also Fremantle's turnovers. ENDS
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Brisbane Lions Injury update - Simon Black
Brisbane Lions midfielder Simon Black is expected to miss two weeks after scans yesterday revealed no structural damage to his knee. Black was subbed out of the Lions' game last weekend with the injury.
General Manager, Football Operations Dean Warren said that it was a minor injury that would not require surgery.
"Simon had scans yesterday which really just showed a bit of wear and tear," Warren said.
"He'll most likely just miss a couple of weeks, which is a good result given that we have the Bye in Round 11 (next week)."
"He'll have a break, which will be good for him, and no doubt come back firing after the Bye."
Media releases
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Essendon coach
Jake Carlisle from the Essendon Football Club wins Round Nine NAB AFL Rising Star Nomination
Jake Carlisle from the Essendon Football Club is the Round Nine NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
The 20-year-old defender took seven marks and gathered 13 possessions in the Bombers' 11-goal win over Greater Western Sydney last Saturday night at Skoda Stadium.
Standing at 199cm, Jake has proven to be an asset to the Essendon backline since his debut in 2010. He started the season with 10 AFL matches and has played seven matches in 2012.
James Hird said Jake has found consistent form.
"His football in the back half of last year and so far this year has been very good, so it's a credit to him to get the nomination.
"I think Jake reads the game very well and his ability to take a mark as a defender and use the ball very well helps create our attack.
"We've played him forward and back so it's great to have that versatility in the team," he said.
Jake was recruited from the Craigieburn Junior Football Club in Melbourne's outer northern suburbs.
He represented Vic Metro in the 2009 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and played in the Calder Cannons' 2009 TAC Cup premiership side.
He was selection 24 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft. The 2012 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.
NAB will recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 23 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical resources designed to assist them in developing future champions. Included this year is a life saving St John defibrillator as part of the St John Heart Start program.
The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL. %u2026ends
Issued by: Michelle ClyneAFL Publicity & Promotions Manager 03 9643 1926
SWANS NEWS GOOD FOR SHANE MUMFORD reports Malcolm Conn Daily Telegraph
THIS space-age machine is part of Shane Mumford's desperate bid to play his first game in six weeks. The Swans' leading ruckman declared to The Daily Telegraph last night he was ready to play against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG this Sunday, despite a more cautious approach by coach John Longmire.
"I'm definitely pushing my name out there," Mumford said after a session in the Vacusport negative-pressure chamber that aids recovery by moving fluid around the body.
With the brilliant Adam Goodes still missing through injury, Mumford's imposing presence would be a boost for Sydney as they attempt to overcome a worrying slump of three losses in four weeks.
The Swans are having more problems with their ruck division following the revelation that back-up ruckman Lewis Roberts-Thomson has suffered a recurrence of his bruised heal and is also in doubt for Sunday's match.
Mumford has been sidelined since round three after a cortisone injection for a back injury led to infection and required surgery.
"It's ridiculous. I was the unlucky one in however many hundred thousand chances," he said with a rueful laugh.
"The club doctor has been sending patients for this sort of injection five or six times a week for 20 years and has never known this to happen."
The cruel irony of an injection meant to fix his back stopping his season dead has at least allowed the original injury to heal during a couple of weeks of doing nothing. "My back's feeling heaps better now," Mumford said.
"Slowly I've been doing more training bit by bit.
"I wasn't able to move too much after the surgery and I was still taking antibiotics so I couldn't do too much training for the first couple of weeks."
Mumford was happy with his progress in a solid session yesterday after a strong hit-out last Saturday and will train again tomorrow and on Friday in a bid to convince Longmire he should return. "I'd like to get back straight in," Mumford said.
"I'd much prefer to be playing than watching. It's been a bit hard watching after things haven't been going so well and not being able to have any impact on what's going on." If Mumford gets through a solid week of training, Longmire is unsure whether to play his most important big man in the senior side or the reserves. "It's always tempting (to rush Mumford back) because of the quality player he is," Longmire said. "That doesn't mean he's guaranteed a walk-up start.
"We've got to make sure his body is okay and is resilient enough.
"That's what we'll try and work out with the medical staff this week in relation to the load on his body.
"We're keen to get him back in the seniors as quickly as possible but we want to make sure his body is ready to withstand the rigours of AFL football this week and for the rest of the season. That will be the challenge."
Longmire looks to get Swans out of quagmire
Andrew Wu SMH, May 29
ADAM GOODES has seldom missed a game in the past 14 seasons but his recent absence has served Sydney a sobering reminder of what their future could be like without their champion. And it may not improve this week unless the Swans respond to John Longmire's calls for an improved attitude against the Western Bulldogs, who have ranked first for contested possession differential in the past month. The Swans were within a kick from winning their first six games of the season but, with Goodes sitting in the stands nursing a quadriceps injury, they have since produced two shockers either side of their shellacking of winless Melbourne.
Fifth with six wins from nine games, the Swans will start warm favourites at home against the Bulldogs, who performed admirably last week against reigning premier Geelong, but their finals credentials will dive further if they flop against another lower-ranked opponent this week. In their defeats against fellow finals contenders Richmond and St Kilda, the Swans were beaten for clearances and contested possessions - the latter a in which the Bulldogs have ranked first in the past month.
department
Goodes's injury has also coincided with the Swans' drop in the inside-50 count from fourth in the first six rounds to eighth in the past three weeks, though they fall even further to 14th once the rout against the Demons is excluded. Even in today's professional era where clubs are loath to highlight the importance of one individual over another, there is no denial from Longmire that his team is better for Goodes's presence. It's not a theory that has often been put to the test as Goodes has missed just 10 matches since starting his 305-game career in 1999, of which the Swans have won four and lost six.
''I hope we're not looking for a magic pill because the pill's still a couple of weeks away,'' Longmire said yesterday. ''If we keep looking for that, the jar will be empty. There's no point looking for a magic pill if it's not going to be there. We need to find other avenues to score.
''I think everyone acknowledges that Adam's a reasonable player but he's not there. If you're a player and you're looking across at the No.37 locker waiting for him to pop out he's not going to pop out for another couple of weeks. We've got to get on with it.
''I don't think it's all about Adam Goodes. For me Adam Goodes hasn't played for a month and won't play for another couple of weeks. I'm less about Adam Goodes and more about the players that can actually do something on the weekend.''
Longmire has implored his players to grit their teeth and show more resilience under pressure, which was a trademark of the successful Sydney teams under the stewardship of Paul Roos.
''That's the reality, you've got to do it all the time,'' Longmire said. ''You can't afford to drop off when the opposition really crank it up, to not respond. It took us too long to respond on the weekend and the game slipped away.
''Opposition teams are always going to get momentum at different points of the game. You've got to restrict that momentum a lot earlier and a lot quicker than we did on the weekend.''
Wholesale changes, though unlikely, have not been ruled out but among those in line for a promotion from the seconds are forward Matt Spangher and recruit Tony Armstrong. Ruckman Shane Mumford trained yesterday and how he fares on the track tomorrow and Friday will decide whether he returns this weekend via the reserves or the seniors, if at all. Mike Pyke would be under pressure to retain his place if Mumford returns.
''We're keen to get him [Mumford] back into the seniors as quickly as possible but we just want to make sure his body's ready to withstand the rigours of senior AFL football, that will be the challenge,'' Longmire said.
''We'll get a further idea the longer the week goes.'' ENDS
Swans' 'magic pill' not available for cure
Peter Lalor The Australian, May 29
UNLIKE the elephant, Adam Goodes is not in the room and everybody wants to talk to him.
With the Sydney Swans losing two of the past three games without its dual Brownlow medallist, and suffering from the lack of a key forward target, the discussion invariably turns to when he will be back and how much he is missed.
It is put to coach John Longmire that the absent Goodes is the "magic pill" who will cure its ills.
"I hope we are not looking for a magic pill because the pill is still a couple of weeks away," Longmire replied.
"There's no point looking for a magic pill if it's not going to be there, but I thought on the weekend that wasn't our major concern. Our major concern was being able to get our hands on the ball and get it forward with composure.
"St Kilda to their credit applied strong pressure and showed why they have been a top team over the past three or four years.
"I think everyone acknowledges that Adam's a pretty reasonable player, but he's not there. If you're a player looking across at the No 37
Essendon coach
Jake Carlisle from the Essendon Football Club wins Round Nine NAB AFL Rising Star Nomination
Jake Carlisle from the Essendon Football Club is the Round Nine NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
The 20-year-old defender took seven marks and gathered 13 possessions in the Bombers' 11-goal win over Greater Western Sydney last Saturday night at Skoda Stadium.
Standing at 199cm, Jake has proven to be an asset to the Essendon backline since his debut in 2010. He started the season with 10 AFL matches and has played seven matches in 2012.
James Hird said Jake has found consistent form.
"His football in the back half of last year and so far this year has been very good, so it's a credit to him to get the nomination.
"I think Jake reads the game very well and his ability to take a mark as a defender and use the ball very well helps create our attack.
"We've played him forward and back so it's great to have that versatility in the team," he said.
Jake was recruited from the Craigieburn Junior Football Club in Melbourne's outer northern suburbs.
He represented Vic Metro in the 2009 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and played in the Calder Cannons' 2009 TAC Cup premiership side.
He was selection 24 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft. The 2012 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.
NAB will recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 23 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical resources designed to assist them in developing future champions. Included this year is a life saving St John defibrillator as part of the St John Heart Start program.
The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL. %u2026ends
Issued by: Michelle ClyneAFL Publicity & Promotions Manager 03 9643 1926
SWANS NEWS GOOD FOR SHANE MUMFORD reports Malcolm Conn Daily Telegraph
THIS space-age machine is part of Shane Mumford's desperate bid to play his first game in six weeks. The Swans' leading ruckman declared to The Daily Telegraph last night he was ready to play against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG this Sunday, despite a more cautious approach by coach John Longmire.
"I'm definitely pushing my name out there," Mumford said after a session in the Vacusport negative-pressure chamber that aids recovery by moving fluid around the body.
With the brilliant Adam Goodes still missing through injury, Mumford's imposing presence would be a boost for Sydney as they attempt to overcome a worrying slump of three losses in four weeks.
The Swans are having more problems with their ruck division following the revelation that back-up ruckman Lewis Roberts-Thomson has suffered a recurrence of his bruised heal and is also in doubt for Sunday's match.
Mumford has been sidelined since round three after a cortisone injection for a back injury led to infection and required surgery.
"It's ridiculous. I was the unlucky one in however many hundred thousand chances," he said with a rueful laugh.
"The club doctor has been sending patients for this sort of injection five or six times a week for 20 years and has never known this to happen."
The cruel irony of an injection meant to fix his back stopping his season dead has at least allowed the original injury to heal during a couple of weeks of doing nothing. "My back's feeling heaps better now," Mumford said.
"Slowly I've been doing more training bit by bit.
"I wasn't able to move too much after the surgery and I was still taking antibiotics so I couldn't do too much training for the first couple of weeks."
Mumford was happy with his progress in a solid session yesterday after a strong hit-out last Saturday and will train again tomorrow and on Friday in a bid to convince Longmire he should return. "I'd like to get back straight in," Mumford said.
"I'd much prefer to be playing than watching. It's been a bit hard watching after things haven't been going so well and not being able to have any impact on what's going on." If Mumford gets through a solid week of training, Longmire is unsure whether to play his most important big man in the senior side or the reserves. "It's always tempting (to rush Mumford back) because of the quality player he is," Longmire said. "That doesn't mean he's guaranteed a walk-up start.
"We've got to make sure his body is okay and is resilient enough.
"That's what we'll try and work out with the medical staff this week in relation to the load on his body.
"We're keen to get him back in the seniors as quickly as possible but we want to make sure his body is ready to withstand the rigours of AFL football this week and for the rest of the season. That will be the challenge."
Longmire looks to get Swans out of quagmire
Andrew Wu SMH, May 29
ADAM GOODES has seldom missed a game in the past 14 seasons but his recent absence has served Sydney a sobering reminder of what their future could be like without their champion. And it may not improve this week unless the Swans respond to John Longmire's calls for an improved attitude against the Western Bulldogs, who have ranked first for contested possession differential in the past month. The Swans were within a kick from winning their first six games of the season but, with Goodes sitting in the stands nursing a quadriceps injury, they have since produced two shockers either side of their shellacking of winless Melbourne.
Fifth with six wins from nine games, the Swans will start warm favourites at home against the Bulldogs, who performed admirably last week against reigning premier Geelong, but their finals credentials will dive further if they flop against another lower-ranked opponent this week. In their defeats against fellow finals contenders Richmond and St Kilda, the Swans were beaten for clearances and contested possessions - the latter a in which the Bulldogs have ranked first in the past month.
department
Goodes's injury has also coincided with the Swans' drop in the inside-50 count from fourth in the first six rounds to eighth in the past three weeks, though they fall even further to 14th once the rout against the Demons is excluded. Even in today's professional era where clubs are loath to highlight the importance of one individual over another, there is no denial from Longmire that his team is better for Goodes's presence. It's not a theory that has often been put to the test as Goodes has missed just 10 matches since starting his 305-game career in 1999, of which the Swans have won four and lost six.
''I hope we're not looking for a magic pill because the pill's still a couple of weeks away,'' Longmire said yesterday. ''If we keep looking for that, the jar will be empty. There's no point looking for a magic pill if it's not going to be there. We need to find other avenues to score.
''I think everyone acknowledges that Adam's a reasonable player but he's not there. If you're a player and you're looking across at the No.37 locker waiting for him to pop out he's not going to pop out for another couple of weeks. We've got to get on with it.
''I don't think it's all about Adam Goodes. For me Adam Goodes hasn't played for a month and won't play for another couple of weeks. I'm less about Adam Goodes and more about the players that can actually do something on the weekend.''
Longmire has implored his players to grit their teeth and show more resilience under pressure, which was a trademark of the successful Sydney teams under the stewardship of Paul Roos.
''That's the reality, you've got to do it all the time,'' Longmire said. ''You can't afford to drop off when the opposition really crank it up, to not respond. It took us too long to respond on the weekend and the game slipped away.
''Opposition teams are always going to get momentum at different points of the game. You've got to restrict that momentum a lot earlier and a lot quicker than we did on the weekend.''
Wholesale changes, though unlikely, have not been ruled out but among those in line for a promotion from the seconds are forward Matt Spangher and recruit Tony Armstrong. Ruckman Shane Mumford trained yesterday and how he fares on the track tomorrow and Friday will decide whether he returns this weekend via the reserves or the seniors, if at all. Mike Pyke would be under pressure to retain his place if Mumford returns.
''We're keen to get him [Mumford] back into the seniors as quickly as possible but we just want to make sure his body's ready to withstand the rigours of senior AFL football, that will be the challenge,'' Longmire said.
''We'll get a further idea the longer the week goes.'' ENDS
Swans' 'magic pill' not available for cure
Peter Lalor The Australian, May 29
UNLIKE the elephant, Adam Goodes is not in the room and everybody wants to talk to him.
With the Sydney Swans losing two of the past three games without its dual Brownlow medallist, and suffering from the lack of a key forward target, the discussion invariably turns to when he will be back and how much he is missed.
It is put to coach John Longmire that the absent Goodes is the "magic pill" who will cure its ills.
"I hope we are not looking for a magic pill because the pill is still a couple of weeks away," Longmire replied.
"There's no point looking for a magic pill if it's not going to be there, but I thought on the weekend that wasn't our major concern. Our major concern was being able to get our hands on the ball and get it forward with composure.
"St Kilda to their credit applied strong pressure and showed why they have been a top team over the past three or four years.
"I think everyone acknowledges that Adam's a pretty reasonable player, but he's not there. If you're a player looking across at the No 37
Media releases 2
'It's not all about Goodes'
James Dampney AFL.com.au, May 28
SWANS coach John Longmire had a blunt response on Monday to a number of questions regarding injured star Adam Goodes - he's still not fit and it's up to the rest of the team to lift. Goodes - who tore his left quad muscle against Adelaide in round six and has missed the past three weeks - is at least another fortnight away from a return to full fitness. The Swans have lost two of the three matches without their co-captain, against Richmond and St Kilda, either side of a 101-point win over Melbourne.
But in better news for the Swans, Shane Mumford has returned to training and is an outside chance of meeting the Western Bulldogs at the SCG this Saturday. But Longmire seemed bemused about the number of questions about Goodes and whether he was the solution to the club's issues. "I don't think it's all about Adam Goodes," he said.
"Adam Goodes hasn't played for a month and won't play for another couple of weeks.
"I'm less about Adam Goodes and more about the players who can actually do something on the weekend.
"It doesn't concern me too much because there's no point worrying about it."
He was also asked if Goodes would provide a quick fix to any possible worries in the midfield and up forward, and even if the Swans are a better side with the superstar in it. "I think everyone acknowledges that Adam's a pretty reasonable player, but he's not there," he said. "If you're a player looking across at the No. 37 locker waiting for him to pop out, he's not going to pop out for another couple of weeks.
"So we've got to get on with it." ENDS
Longmire to contemplate changes
Tanya Paolucci sydneyswans.com.au, May 28
John Longmire said changes will be made to the side that went down to St Kilda by 28 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The Swans' coach said Saturday's poor performance will lead to an assessment of both the team's structure and personnel ahead of this Sunday's round 10 match against the Western Bulldogs.
"It's not about sending messages, it's about reacting to what you see in front of you and if what you see in front of you is a continued poor performance from an individual or a group of individuals then you make changes and that's what we look at," Longmire said.
"That's what we'll do this week and there will be changes, but how many I'm not sure, but there are (changes) most weeks.
"You sit down and look at it in the cold light of day and make sure you make changes that are worthwhile adding to the team and we'll do the same again this week." Swans' ruckman Shane Mumford could be in the mix for Sunday's clash at the SCG after six weeks on the sidelines with a back injury. Longmire said while Mumford is no certainty, he will be considered if he gets through this week's full training schedule. ENDS
Jordan Laing Communications & Media Coordinator
Glass, Rosa sign on for WCE
Skipper Darren Glass and wingman Matt Rosa, two of the stars of West Coast's emphatic victory in Sunday's Carlton Mid Derby, have this week signed contract extensions with the club.
Rosa, who won the Ross Glendinning Medal for a best-on-ground 43-possession performance against Fremantle, and Glass, who was runner-up in the voting after an outstanding display in the last line of defence, both represent key signings for the club.
West Coast will not release the length of the contract extensions, but is delighted to secure players who will have a strong say in how far the Eagles advance in the 2012 campaign.
Glass could lay claim to being the most influential captain in club history since John Worsfold and has offered the playing group outstanding direction since taking on the captaincy at the end of the 2007 season.
A three-time Club Champion and All-Australian, Glass was superb on Sunday, particularly in the first half when Fremantle were on top in the balance of play and he consistently won his one-on- and has said consistently in the last couple of years that he would continue as long as he felt he was deserving of his position.one battle against various opponents.
A skipper who offers great direction for his teammates, his decision to continue beyond 2012 is a tremendous fillip for the club.
"I am enjoying being around this team and playing my role within it," Glass said today. "I would like to continue to play my role in the evolution of the squad for as long as I think I have something to contribute.
"It's a pretty exciting time at the football club and we are all enjoying the development of the younger players, who have helped to re-energise the senior players. We have a good mix and are optimistic about the future."
The 228-game veteran is a selfless leader
Rosa, 25, is one of the quiet achievers in the squad, but as evidenced by Sunday's performance, is one of the team's key play-makers. He has now played 116 senior games and was undoubtedly missed when he could not play in last year's finals series.
One of the most efficient ball distributors, he played the first 18 games last season before suffering a knee injury and although he fought bravely to be fit for the September action, ran out of time.
"It's good to have the contract sorted so that I can concentrate purely on playing football in the second half of the season," Rosa said. "We have a great mix of senior, mid-range and younger players in our group at the moment and it's an exciting time to be a football club."
West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said it was important to secure two vit
"Both Darren and Matt have played a significant part of our resurgence over the past 18 months and we look forward to them continuing to play their part in the bigger picture targets for the club," Nisbett said.
"Obviously, Darren has been a wonderful leader for our club and has provided valuable guidance for the younger guys, both on and off field, over the last few seasons. To have him commit beyond this season is fantastic for the club and particularly the playing group as he is a leader of rare quality.
"Matt has been a terrific contributor to the club as well and is now a very mature and consistent player who is a leader in his own right and who has enormous respect across the club." ENDS Gary Stocks WCE 0412 144 588 or 9388 4543
FACELIFT FOR TIGERS PUNT ROAD OVAL
Wednesday May 30, 2012
Richmond's famous Punt Road Oval will undergo a major facelift from next month, with resurfacing and reconfiguration works set to bring it to Etihad Stadium proportions.
The support generated by the Club's Fighting Tiger Fund, combined with AFL support, has made the project possible.
Importantly, the new state-of-the-art surface will be complete in time for beginning of the 2013 pre-season - the most critical time of the year for training.
"It is imperative the surface is available for pre-season, which is when it is used most by players - that is why it makes sense to push ahead with these works now," said Richmond CEO Brendon Gale.
"The timing is never ideal, but now is the right time to move. There will be some short-term inconvenience, but it is simply something that needed to be done for the long-term benefit of the Club.
"It is the players' most important piece of equipment, and it is critical we give them the best possible surface.
"The first phase of the Fighting Tiger Fund provided us with the financial support to reduce our debt by $1 million and, combined with AFL support, provide the necessary funding for us to reconfigure and resurface Punt Road Oval.
"With the relocation of Richmond Cricket Club and the development of the new ME Bank Centre, we will have a first-class facility for the preparation of our players by the end of this year."
Richmond's players will utilise Craigieburn's MCG-sized Highgate Reserve, and Victoria Park, for training, while works are completed on Punt Road Oval.
More than $3 million has been pledged to the Fighting Tiger Fund so far, and the Club will hold a fundraising function at the ME Bank Centre this Saturday, June 2, in a bid to further reduce debt and invest in football programs. ENDS
Saints fundraise for Baldock Memorial
The Football Club is calling on Saints supporters to dig deep and donate on Friday night, in honour of Club Legend Darrel 'the Doc' Baldock who passed away last year.
St Kilda is throwing its support behind the Darrel Baldock Memorial Fund, to raise money for a $400,000 monument that will commemorate the Tasmanian-born AFL Legend.%u2028%u2028
The man affectionately known as 'Mr Magic' played 119 games for St Kilda from 1962-68, and captained the Club's only Premiership side in 1966.
He was the Club's Best and Fairest in 1962, 1963 and 1965, and kicked 237 goals over his career.
In 1996 the Doc was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame and was elevated to Legend status in 2006.
He was also the first person to be granted Legend status in St Kilda's Hall of Fame in 2003.
"This memorial will serve as a permanent reminder of the Doc's legacy," said St Kilda Chief Executive Officer Michael Nettlefold.
"A true icon, Darrel Baldock's contribution to the St Kilda Football Club is a fundamental part of the Saints 139 year history."%u2028
This weekend, St Kilda will be joined by the Hawthorn Football Club, along with every football club in Tasmania, in raising money for the Darrel Baldock Memorial monument, which will be established at Latrobe Recreational Ground in Tasmania.
To donate, see the Official Fund Collectors at Etihad
Ends
James Dampney AFL.com.au, May 28
SWANS coach John Longmire had a blunt response on Monday to a number of questions regarding injured star Adam Goodes - he's still not fit and it's up to the rest of the team to lift. Goodes - who tore his left quad muscle against Adelaide in round six and has missed the past three weeks - is at least another fortnight away from a return to full fitness. The Swans have lost two of the three matches without their co-captain, against Richmond and St Kilda, either side of a 101-point win over Melbourne.
But in better news for the Swans, Shane Mumford has returned to training and is an outside chance of meeting the Western Bulldogs at the SCG this Saturday. But Longmire seemed bemused about the number of questions about Goodes and whether he was the solution to the club's issues. "I don't think it's all about Adam Goodes," he said.
"Adam Goodes hasn't played for a month and won't play for another couple of weeks.
"I'm less about Adam Goodes and more about the players who can actually do something on the weekend.
"It doesn't concern me too much because there's no point worrying about it."
He was also asked if Goodes would provide a quick fix to any possible worries in the midfield and up forward, and even if the Swans are a better side with the superstar in it. "I think everyone acknowledges that Adam's a pretty reasonable player, but he's not there," he said. "If you're a player looking across at the No. 37 locker waiting for him to pop out, he's not going to pop out for another couple of weeks.
"So we've got to get on with it." ENDS
Longmire to contemplate changes
Tanya Paolucci sydneyswans.com.au, May 28
John Longmire said changes will be made to the side that went down to St Kilda by 28 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The Swans' coach said Saturday's poor performance will lead to an assessment of both the team's structure and personnel ahead of this Sunday's round 10 match against the Western Bulldogs.
"It's not about sending messages, it's about reacting to what you see in front of you and if what you see in front of you is a continued poor performance from an individual or a group of individuals then you make changes and that's what we look at," Longmire said.
"That's what we'll do this week and there will be changes, but how many I'm not sure, but there are (changes) most weeks.
"You sit down and look at it in the cold light of day and make sure you make changes that are worthwhile adding to the team and we'll do the same again this week." Swans' ruckman Shane Mumford could be in the mix for Sunday's clash at the SCG after six weeks on the sidelines with a back injury. Longmire said while Mumford is no certainty, he will be considered if he gets through this week's full training schedule. ENDS
Jordan Laing Communications & Media Coordinator
Glass, Rosa sign on for WCE
Skipper Darren Glass and wingman Matt Rosa, two of the stars of West Coast's emphatic victory in Sunday's Carlton Mid Derby, have this week signed contract extensions with the club.
Rosa, who won the Ross Glendinning Medal for a best-on-ground 43-possession performance against Fremantle, and Glass, who was runner-up in the voting after an outstanding display in the last line of defence, both represent key signings for the club.
West Coast will not release the length of the contract extensions, but is delighted to secure players who will have a strong say in how far the Eagles advance in the 2012 campaign.
Glass could lay claim to being the most influential captain in club history since John Worsfold and has offered the playing group outstanding direction since taking on the captaincy at the end of the 2007 season.
A three-time Club Champion and All-Australian, Glass was superb on Sunday, particularly in the first half when Fremantle were on top in the balance of play and he consistently won his one-on- and has said consistently in the last couple of years that he would continue as long as he felt he was deserving of his position.one battle against various opponents.
A skipper who offers great direction for his teammates, his decision to continue beyond 2012 is a tremendous fillip for the club.
"I am enjoying being around this team and playing my role within it," Glass said today. "I would like to continue to play my role in the evolution of the squad for as long as I think I have something to contribute.
"It's a pretty exciting time at the football club and we are all enjoying the development of the younger players, who have helped to re-energise the senior players. We have a good mix and are optimistic about the future."
The 228-game veteran is a selfless leader
Rosa, 25, is one of the quiet achievers in the squad, but as evidenced by Sunday's performance, is one of the team's key play-makers. He has now played 116 senior games and was undoubtedly missed when he could not play in last year's finals series.
One of the most efficient ball distributors, he played the first 18 games last season before suffering a knee injury and although he fought bravely to be fit for the September action, ran out of time.
"It's good to have the contract sorted so that I can concentrate purely on playing football in the second half of the season," Rosa said. "We have a great mix of senior, mid-range and younger players in our group at the moment and it's an exciting time to be a football club."
West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said it was important to secure two vit
"Both Darren and Matt have played a significant part of our resurgence over the past 18 months and we look forward to them continuing to play their part in the bigger picture targets for the club," Nisbett said.
"Obviously, Darren has been a wonderful leader for our club and has provided valuable guidance for the younger guys, both on and off field, over the last few seasons. To have him commit beyond this season is fantastic for the club and particularly the playing group as he is a leader of rare quality.
"Matt has been a terrific contributor to the club as well and is now a very mature and consistent player who is a leader in his own right and who has enormous respect across the club." ENDS Gary Stocks WCE 0412 144 588 or 9388 4543
FACELIFT FOR TIGERS PUNT ROAD OVAL
Wednesday May 30, 2012
Richmond's famous Punt Road Oval will undergo a major facelift from next month, with resurfacing and reconfiguration works set to bring it to Etihad Stadium proportions.
The support generated by the Club's Fighting Tiger Fund, combined with AFL support, has made the project possible.
Importantly, the new state-of-the-art surface will be complete in time for beginning of the 2013 pre-season - the most critical time of the year for training.
"It is imperative the surface is available for pre-season, which is when it is used most by players - that is why it makes sense to push ahead with these works now," said Richmond CEO Brendon Gale.
"The timing is never ideal, but now is the right time to move. There will be some short-term inconvenience, but it is simply something that needed to be done for the long-term benefit of the Club.
"It is the players' most important piece of equipment, and it is critical we give them the best possible surface.
"The first phase of the Fighting Tiger Fund provided us with the financial support to reduce our debt by $1 million and, combined with AFL support, provide the necessary funding for us to reconfigure and resurface Punt Road Oval.
"With the relocation of Richmond Cricket Club and the development of the new ME Bank Centre, we will have a first-class facility for the preparation of our players by the end of this year."
Richmond's players will utilise Craigieburn's MCG-sized Highgate Reserve, and Victoria Park, for training, while works are completed on Punt Road Oval.
More than $3 million has been pledged to the Fighting Tiger Fund so far, and the Club will hold a fundraising function at the ME Bank Centre this Saturday, June 2, in a bid to further reduce debt and invest in football programs. ENDS
Saints fundraise for Baldock Memorial
The Football Club is calling on Saints supporters to dig deep and donate on Friday night, in honour of Club Legend Darrel 'the Doc' Baldock who passed away last year.
St Kilda is throwing its support behind the Darrel Baldock Memorial Fund, to raise money for a $400,000 monument that will commemorate the Tasmanian-born AFL Legend.%u2028%u2028
The man affectionately known as 'Mr Magic' played 119 games for St Kilda from 1962-68, and captained the Club's only Premiership side in 1966.
He was the Club's Best and Fairest in 1962, 1963 and 1965, and kicked 237 goals over his career.
In 1996 the Doc was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame and was elevated to Legend status in 2006.
He was also the first person to be granted Legend status in St Kilda's Hall of Fame in 2003.
"This memorial will serve as a permanent reminder of the Doc's legacy," said St Kilda Chief Executive Officer Michael Nettlefold.
"A true icon, Darrel Baldock's contribution to the St Kilda Football Club is a fundamental part of the Saints 139 year history."%u2028
This weekend, St Kilda will be joined by the Hawthorn Football Club, along with every football club in Tasmania, in raising money for the Darrel Baldock Memorial monument, which will be established at Latrobe Recreational Ground in Tasmania.
To donate, see the Official Fund Collectors at Etihad
Ends
EDITORIAL COMMENT May 29
I recall writing after Rd 4 we should wait until Rounds 8 and 9 before making definite predictions as to what is likely to be the Final 8, the Final Four and also the Grand Final teams and the 2012 Premiers. In the past four weeks we have heard from the experts and the 'bookies' their "favourites for the flag!". It has fluctuated between Geelong, Carlton, Collingwood, Sydney was fancied until stars Adam Goodes and Shane Mumford suffered serious injuries then Hawthorn was red-hot until The Tigers gave them a towelling, and Adelaide was praised but The Magpies took care of them. Despite woeful injuries the consistent WC Eagles are Flag Favourites at $5 from Hawthorn and Collingwood at $5.50, Essendon $6, Adelaide $8 with Carlton and Geelong $12. Sydney has drifted from $10 to $26 while The Saints have shortened from $45 to $21. The biggest change has been Fremantle $25 after Rd 7 to $71 after the weekend.
There was another analysis which highlighted the Final 8 for years rarely altered after the Rd 7 teams positions. In this accepted "even season" it could be different. The ladder after Rd 7 was WCE, Essendon, Crows, Carlton, Swans, Freo, Magpies and St Kilda with Hawthorn, Geelong, Nth Melb, Richmond and W Bulldogs filling 9th to 13th spots. The ladder after 9 games is WCE, 'Dons, Crows, Magpies, Swans, Carl, Hawks, Saints, Geelong and Freo then Richmond, North Melb and Bulldogs up to 13th spot.
Will it change further? I think of the Top 4 only WCE are safe with six teams Hawthorn, Collingwood, Carlton, Geelong, Essendon and Crows to have a tough fight for the remaining three positions while the final 8th spot is another "toss-up"!
Other than the fanatical Magpie and Tiger fans who expected these two teams to enjoy such decisive wins?
Every Round from now to season's end will produce surprise winners and changes to the Top 8. It will be a bonanza for the AFL and interest should be at fever pitch. If you are considering investing on who will make the Final 4 and Final 8 you must study the draw as to which of the current top 13 teams meet the bottom five, (Brisbane, Port Adel, GWS, GC Suns and Melbourne) in the 13 remaining games. Hawthorn, 5 Wins need 8 more to be safe in the Top 8. They meet four of these bottom sides BUT Port Adel (2), and miss Melbourne, play three teams currently below them North Melb, Bulldogs, Geelong plus the struggling Sydney and Carlton. This accounts for 10 matches - the other three clashes are tough, WCE, Essendon and Collingwood.
I was impressed with the Skoda Stadium and its facilities. The 11,887 was a reasonable crowd and had The Giants kicked straight they should have led at quarter time. This would have resulted in a confidence boost. Next week they travel to Geelong while The Swans play The Bulldogs at SCG on Sunday evening. It is great having an AFL game every week in our city.
A few years back I well remember the meagre par or two our AFL managed in the NRL biased media. It dominated across ALL media, TV, Press and Radio. Now we are swamped in the Daily Telegraph with Neil Cordy and Malcolm Conn, The Australian with Peter Lalor, The SMH with Michael Cowley
Two of my friends Dr Allen Aylett, President and the late Jack Hamilton CEO ran the VFL and had the foresight to push our game into the future to become a truly National competition. In 1982 South Melbourne became The Sydney Swans. The ANFC was abandoned, the VFL brand became the AFL. The traditional VFL 12 Team competition broadened in 1987 to 14 with the inclusion of West Coast and Brisbane.
Adelaide joined in 1991 so now there were 15 Teams and a bye for the next 4 years when Fremantle joined in 1995. In 1997 Fitzroy amalgamated to become The Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide joined as the SA second Home club. There was always strong interstate prejudice to have another AFL team in every State which overtime has developed into two Teams with local Derbies. The AFL 16 Teams ran and consolidated for 18 years until GC SUNS in 2011 and GWS this year joined the party.
In the 30 years growth of the AFL into a National competition and more realistically in the past 20 years Interstate teams have won 10 Premierships, WCE 3, Brisbane 3, Adelaide 2, Port Adelaide, Sydney, one each. I say that's some success story!
I met up with Dr Allen Aylett and his charming wife Marge at the GWS game where he was invited to hand the balls to the umpires. Allen (Mick) was a champion player, captain, rover for North Melbourne and won the Tassie Medal at the ANFC 1958 Carnival. Allen became President of North Melbourne and in 1973 he lured Ron Barassi from Carlton to coach North to their first Premiership. Allen in turn was lured from his beloved Shinboners to become President of the VFL and as the saying goes "the rest is history".
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
There was another analysis which highlighted the Final 8 for years rarely altered after the Rd 7 teams positions. In this accepted "even season" it could be different. The ladder after Rd 7 was WCE, Essendon, Crows, Carlton, Swans, Freo, Magpies and St Kilda with Hawthorn, Geelong, Nth Melb, Richmond and W Bulldogs filling 9th to 13th spots. The ladder after 9 games is WCE, 'Dons, Crows, Magpies, Swans, Carl, Hawks, Saints, Geelong and Freo then Richmond, North Melb and Bulldogs up to 13th spot.
Will it change further? I think of the Top 4 only WCE are safe with six teams Hawthorn, Collingwood, Carlton, Geelong, Essendon and Crows to have a tough fight for the remaining three positions while the final 8th spot is another "toss-up"!
Other than the fanatical Magpie and Tiger fans who expected these two teams to enjoy such decisive wins?
Every Round from now to season's end will produce surprise winners and changes to the Top 8. It will be a bonanza for the AFL and interest should be at fever pitch. If you are considering investing on who will make the Final 4 and Final 8 you must study the draw as to which of the current top 13 teams meet the bottom five, (Brisbane, Port Adel, GWS, GC Suns and Melbourne) in the 13 remaining games. Hawthorn, 5 Wins need 8 more to be safe in the Top 8. They meet four of these bottom sides BUT Port Adel (2), and miss Melbourne, play three teams currently below them North Melb, Bulldogs, Geelong plus the struggling Sydney and Carlton. This accounts for 10 matches - the other three clashes are tough, WCE, Essendon and Collingwood.
I was impressed with the Skoda Stadium and its facilities. The 11,887 was a reasonable crowd and had The Giants kicked straight they should have led at quarter time. This would have resulted in a confidence boost. Next week they travel to Geelong while The Swans play The Bulldogs at SCG on Sunday evening. It is great having an AFL game every week in our city.
A few years back I well remember the meagre par or two our AFL managed in the NRL biased media. It dominated across ALL media, TV, Press and Radio. Now we are swamped in the Daily Telegraph with Neil Cordy and Malcolm Conn, The Australian with Peter Lalor, The SMH with Michael Cowley
Two of my friends Dr Allen Aylett, President and the late Jack Hamilton CEO ran the VFL and had the foresight to push our game into the future to become a truly National competition. In 1982 South Melbourne became The Sydney Swans. The ANFC was abandoned, the VFL brand became the AFL. The traditional VFL 12 Team competition broadened in 1987 to 14 with the inclusion of West Coast and Brisbane.
Adelaide joined in 1991 so now there were 15 Teams and a bye for the next 4 years when Fremantle joined in 1995. In 1997 Fitzroy amalgamated to become The Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide joined as the SA second Home club. There was always strong interstate prejudice to have another AFL team in every State which overtime has developed into two Teams with local Derbies. The AFL 16 Teams ran and consolidated for 18 years until GC SUNS in 2011 and GWS this year joined the party.
In the 30 years growth of the AFL into a National competition and more realistically in the past 20 years Interstate teams have won 10 Premierships, WCE 3, Brisbane 3, Adelaide 2, Port Adelaide, Sydney, one each. I say that's some success story!
I met up with Dr Allen Aylett and his charming wife Marge at the GWS game where he was invited to hand the balls to the umpires. Allen (Mick) was a champion player, captain, rover for North Melbourne and won the Tassie Medal at the ANFC 1958 Carnival. Allen became President of North Melbourne and in 1973 he lured Ron Barassi from Carlton to coach North to their first Premiership. Allen in turn was lured from his beloved Shinboners to become President of the VFL and as the saying goes "the rest is history".
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Sheeds' folklore
A Sheeds Folklore Legacy, "The Night of WAVING-WAVING-SCARVES and JACKETS at the historic first game in the brand new Skoda Stadium next Saturday Night", presented by GWS Giants and Essendon FCs, Directed and Produced by Kevin Sheedy and his personal Deputy Director James Hird!
A touch of Fun and Entertainment as promised by the Master Marketer and Media Magnet who started the 'fairy-tale' story in Perth against the WCEagles in what was a very big win! The Eagles and Bomber fans have continued the concept and rightly will now be joined by Sheeds GWS Giants. Mates "Sheeds and Hirdy" sharing the footy stage as opponents - it doesn't seem right! Doesn't matter just get The Wave going with gusto!
So roll-up, roll-up! Make a sea - wave upon wave of colour - with Orange, Red and Black scarves and jackets.
Another AFL, Andrew D success, "One small step in a Giant journey into NSW's setting sun of the West."
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
A touch of Fun and Entertainment as promised by the Master Marketer and Media Magnet who started the 'fairy-tale' story in Perth against the WCEagles in what was a very big win! The Eagles and Bomber fans have continued the concept and rightly will now be joined by Sheeds GWS Giants. Mates "Sheeds and Hirdy" sharing the footy stage as opponents - it doesn't seem right! Doesn't matter just get The Wave going with gusto!
So roll-up, roll-up! Make a sea - wave upon wave of colour - with Orange, Red and Black scarves and jackets.
Another AFL, Andrew D success, "One small step in a Giant journey into NSW's setting sun of the West."
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
EDITORIAL COMMENT May 21
Does honesty always pay especially with the current umpires and the way they adjudicate? It's a question Magpie Alex Fasolo may well ask after declaring he put it over experienced umpire Mat Stevic (180G10F32yrs) and "milked" a vital 50m penalty. It occurred with 90 seconds to play and the scores tied on 84 points for a charity goal.
I milked it, Fasolo admits Luke Holmesby AFL Media (Alex see what's happened to Ballantyne, Milne, Monfries and Stevie J can't get a free! H)
COLLINGWOOD forward Alex Fasolo says he was ready to play on and admits he 'milked' the contentious 50m penalty that sealed Collingwood's win over Geelong on Friday night. Fasolo took a mark 70 metres from goal with scores level and just over a minute remaining on the clock when he was held up by Cats defender Josh Hunt. The slight contact from Hunt was enough to convince umpire Matt Stevic (180G,10F,32yrs) to blow the whistle and put Fasolo within goal scoring range.
He kicked his third goal of the night to give the Magpies the lead and seal the win for his team.
After the match, the small forward told AFL.com.au he was ready to pass the ball off when he felt the bulky Hunt's arms around him.
"When I marked it I was going to give it to Pendles (Scott Pendlebury) and then I thought, 'Hang on a second, we want to slow this game down'," Fasolo said.
"Then Josh Hunt grabbed me and I milked it for all it was worth. I went back and I was a bit nervous but I slotted it. I couldn't be happier."
But Fasolo insists the infringement was there and Stevic made the right decision.
"He got a good chunk of me and there was plenty of hold. I think there's been plenty of lesser ones that have been given," he said.
Fasolo's opinion was echoed by Geelong coach Chris Scott.
"I'll have to have a good look at it, but my instincts were that it was a free kick," Scott said.
"The rule's pretty clear. If a player plays on but the umpire hasn't called play-on, it's not play-on. Simple."
Luke Holmesby is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter
Back to the Future!
After Round 7 we knew the competition had evened up. Now we're not too sure with Collingwood getting revenge over Geelong by two last minute goals but write The Cats off at your own peril, Port Adelaide's 2 points win over demoralised North Melbourne, The Hawks demolition of Freo by 56 points, Adelaide on top of the ladder and killing Carlton by 69 points and giving them the real 'Blues' while WCE proved too strong for The Saints winning by 5 goals. Essendon got on top of The Tigers who hit the lead at the 13 minute mark of the 4th qtr to go down by 19 points to signal their genuine improvement' The remaining games were percentage builders for Bulldogs over a better Gold Coast, Swans 101 points victors over miserable Melbourne and Brisbane hitting some form winning by 92 points over GWS.
The ladder and therefore the Top 8 looks as though it's down to 11 teams: Adelaide, Essendon 28pts; Swans, WCE, Magpies 24pts; Hawks, Carlton, Freo 20pts; St Kilda, Geel, Bulldogs 16pts; North, Rich, Bris 12pts; Port Adelaide 8pts; GWS Giants 4pts; Gold Coast Suns, Melbourne 0 points.
Play-on Rule After Mark a Joke!
I asked myself why under the control of one and even the two Field umpires for over 130 years we never had confusion with the automatic rule 'of play-on'.
The answer keeps coming back we umpires were not burdened by 1) having to blow the whistle then, 2) call "Play-on" and 3) if the player standing the mark knew his opponent was going to 'play-on' he had to try and stop him otherwise get abused by his coach. But now when he instinctively moves on the mark the whistle blows and a 50m penalty applies and many times a vital charity goal ensures.
Today the umpires are "too slow to call 'play-on' and 'too quick to apply a charity 50m penalty'. Whoever brought in this current 'play-on' ruling reverse it so there are no charity goals resulting. And if there is confusion allow the player in possession to come back to the 'mark' and take his kick. The only group who will be unhappy will be the small number of umpires whose eyes light up with power as they step out the 50 metres.
Swans Succeed in Sydney Despite 30 Tough, Stand Alone years
By Harry Beitzel
I was there commentating for 3AW when Sydney Swans team ran onto the SCG in 1982 and the earlier odd matches trialled to test the Harbour City waters. I was there again on Saturday night to rub shoulders with Barry Round, Stuart Gull, Ricky Quade, physio Dougie Coleman, original Chairman Sir James Hardie (Jim of Yachting and Wines-NOT asbestos!) and many others who had the faith how far this club would come in 30 years. From being strangers in a NRL town to AFL premiers in 2005, the club has grown from easy beats to one of the most respected and leading clubs in the AFL. All successful clubs have top administrators - today Swans have Richard Colless, loyal deputy Andrew McMaster, Andrew Ireland and Paul Roos' coaching legacy run by the savvy John Longmire.
Here are Swans board acting Chairman Andrew McMaster's comments prior to the weekend's game against the Demons, the first team the Swans hosted at home in 1982. It was the perfect occasion to celebrate the club's historic feat with the commemorative jumper. "It is a replica of the guernsey that was worn in the first match in 1982 against Melbourne," he said.
"In the red V of the guernsey, are the names of the team that ran out in our first match, captained by Barry Round.
"The body of the jumper contains the names of the 299 players that have represented the Swans over the 30 years from 1982 to 2011." McMaster said it was a fantastic opportunity to honour those players who had been a part of the club's historic rise in New South Wales. "A lot has happened during that time and it's been a long, eventful and sometimes difficult, but most importantly it's been a rewarding journey for everyone, highlighted by the 2005 premiership.
"I think it's fantastic that we can honour all of those players who've worn the red and white during that period.
"They were pioneers in every sense of the word that paved the way for a strong football club 30 years down the track." ENDS
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
I milked it, Fasolo admits Luke Holmesby AFL Media (Alex see what's happened to Ballantyne, Milne, Monfries and Stevie J can't get a free! H)
COLLINGWOOD forward Alex Fasolo says he was ready to play on and admits he 'milked' the contentious 50m penalty that sealed Collingwood's win over Geelong on Friday night. Fasolo took a mark 70 metres from goal with scores level and just over a minute remaining on the clock when he was held up by Cats defender Josh Hunt. The slight contact from Hunt was enough to convince umpire Matt Stevic (180G,10F,32yrs) to blow the whistle and put Fasolo within goal scoring range.
He kicked his third goal of the night to give the Magpies the lead and seal the win for his team.
After the match, the small forward told AFL.com.au he was ready to pass the ball off when he felt the bulky Hunt's arms around him.
"When I marked it I was going to give it to Pendles (Scott Pendlebury) and then I thought, 'Hang on a second, we want to slow this game down'," Fasolo said.
"Then Josh Hunt grabbed me and I milked it for all it was worth. I went back and I was a bit nervous but I slotted it. I couldn't be happier."
But Fasolo insists the infringement was there and Stevic made the right decision.
"He got a good chunk of me and there was plenty of hold. I think there's been plenty of lesser ones that have been given," he said.
Fasolo's opinion was echoed by Geelong coach Chris Scott.
"I'll have to have a good look at it, but my instincts were that it was a free kick," Scott said.
"The rule's pretty clear. If a player plays on but the umpire hasn't called play-on, it's not play-on. Simple."
Luke Holmesby is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter
Back to the Future!
After Round 7 we knew the competition had evened up. Now we're not too sure with Collingwood getting revenge over Geelong by two last minute goals but write The Cats off at your own peril, Port Adelaide's 2 points win over demoralised North Melbourne, The Hawks demolition of Freo by 56 points, Adelaide on top of the ladder and killing Carlton by 69 points and giving them the real 'Blues' while WCE proved too strong for The Saints winning by 5 goals. Essendon got on top of The Tigers who hit the lead at the 13 minute mark of the 4th qtr to go down by 19 points to signal their genuine improvement' The remaining games were percentage builders for Bulldogs over a better Gold Coast, Swans 101 points victors over miserable Melbourne and Brisbane hitting some form winning by 92 points over GWS.
The ladder and therefore the Top 8 looks as though it's down to 11 teams: Adelaide, Essendon 28pts; Swans, WCE, Magpies 24pts; Hawks, Carlton, Freo 20pts; St Kilda, Geel, Bulldogs 16pts; North, Rich, Bris 12pts; Port Adelaide 8pts; GWS Giants 4pts; Gold Coast Suns, Melbourne 0 points.
Play-on Rule After Mark a Joke!
I asked myself why under the control of one and even the two Field umpires for over 130 years we never had confusion with the automatic rule 'of play-on'.
The answer keeps coming back we umpires were not burdened by 1) having to blow the whistle then, 2) call "Play-on" and 3) if the player standing the mark knew his opponent was going to 'play-on' he had to try and stop him otherwise get abused by his coach. But now when he instinctively moves on the mark the whistle blows and a 50m penalty applies and many times a vital charity goal ensures.
Today the umpires are "too slow to call 'play-on' and 'too quick to apply a charity 50m penalty'. Whoever brought in this current 'play-on' ruling reverse it so there are no charity goals resulting. And if there is confusion allow the player in possession to come back to the 'mark' and take his kick. The only group who will be unhappy will be the small number of umpires whose eyes light up with power as they step out the 50 metres.
Swans Succeed in Sydney Despite 30 Tough, Stand Alone years
By Harry Beitzel
I was there commentating for 3AW when Sydney Swans team ran onto the SCG in 1982 and the earlier odd matches trialled to test the Harbour City waters. I was there again on Saturday night to rub shoulders with Barry Round, Stuart Gull, Ricky Quade, physio Dougie Coleman, original Chairman Sir James Hardie (Jim of Yachting and Wines-NOT asbestos!) and many others who had the faith how far this club would come in 30 years. From being strangers in a NRL town to AFL premiers in 2005, the club has grown from easy beats to one of the most respected and leading clubs in the AFL. All successful clubs have top administrators - today Swans have Richard Colless, loyal deputy Andrew McMaster, Andrew Ireland and Paul Roos' coaching legacy run by the savvy John Longmire.
Here are Swans board acting Chairman Andrew McMaster's comments prior to the weekend's game against the Demons, the first team the Swans hosted at home in 1982. It was the perfect occasion to celebrate the club's historic feat with the commemorative jumper. "It is a replica of the guernsey that was worn in the first match in 1982 against Melbourne," he said.
"In the red V of the guernsey, are the names of the team that ran out in our first match, captained by Barry Round.
"The body of the jumper contains the names of the 299 players that have represented the Swans over the 30 years from 1982 to 2011." McMaster said it was a fantastic opportunity to honour those players who had been a part of the club's historic rise in New South Wales. "A lot has happened during that time and it's been a long, eventful and sometimes difficult, but most importantly it's been a rewarding journey for everyone, highlighted by the 2005 premiership.
"I think it's fantastic that we can honour all of those players who've worn the red and white during that period.
"They were pioneers in every sense of the word that paved the way for a strong football club 30 years down the track." ENDS
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
EDITORIAL COMMENT May 18
In today's 'speak' much credence is given to the X Factor. Three AFL giants in my view have this 'mysterious, magical' X Factor quality. Andrew D, "DD, Dynamo Dave" Matthews GWS CEO and its Coach Sheeds. (GWS Giants, the team experts said would not win a game this season has defeated GCSuns twice!) X Factor?
After Rd 6 the AFL was knocked mercilessly as a "lopsided competition with only six of the 18 clubs a real chance". (Crows, Carlton, Magpies, WCE, Essendon and Swans), the next five clubs fighting to make the last two places for the Final 8, (Geelong, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Fremantle and North Melbourne), two clubs (Richmond and Bulldogs) needing a miracle turn-a-round, and five Clubs (Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, GWS and GCSuns) as 'no contest, percentage builders' dragging down crowds and TV ratings. Round 7 results and the same experts are predicting this season is the most even since 1997 when 14 of the 16 teams could have made the Finals. In one week 13 clubs can now make the Final 8! And the 'no-hopers' Giants win was the best received. X Factor?
If you watched the Bombers 61 points thrashing of leaders WCE you witnessed the Sheedy legacy of 'jacket/scarf' waving by both the Dons and Eagles fans, now a fun tradition of AFL folklore entertainment. X Factor?
In Rd 9 Sheedy's Giants play its 1st Home-ground game at Skoda Stadium. Against Essendon! A jubilant frenzy of 25,000 fun-filled jacket-waving fans. The Sheedy Legacy who promised us entertainment at the boutique Skoda Stadium no matter the winner. And the Winner Is? The AFL Industry, Aussie Football and the 18 Clubs. X Factor?
The AFL was also attacked on the Rules, "outlawing changes on the run for sliding feet first or kneeing tackles", charity frees for staging around the neck, head-high tackles, the TV Goal decisions, time-wasting for Umpires taking too long to break-up the Rugby style brawling scrums. Indeed the only thing going for the AFL was the odd exciting cliff-hanger finishes to big games.
What a 'whirlwind twister' blew in from nowhere in Round 7. Odds-on Cats $1.65, Swans $1.90, GCSuns $1.35, North M $1.35, and the 'creme de la creme' result Saints defeating Carlton $1.30, all 'bit the dust'. Essendon $1.85 was the exception destroying WCE. And now the experts predict a 'dog' fight to the finish with Richmond and W Bulldogs joining the 'good chances group'. X Factor?
Is the X Factor tied into the 'old-fashioned good luck' theory? Did it have anything to do with the turn-a-round?
Experience tells me "successful people" seem to enjoy "Good Luck" at the most appropriate time. My definition was part of my "Up on Cloud" talk for Tom Hafey's Tigers on the eve of the 1967 Grand Final against Geelong. I was asked by the canny John Northey what part "Good Luck" plays in football? My response: "I believe 'luck' is the point where Ability, Attitude and Hard-work meet on and off the field. We make our own luck". It's still my philosophy. And my three nominated AFL X Factor gents plus Sydney Swans Success Story confirm my theory.
Swans celebrate 30 Long, Lonely, Tough, Survival Years to establish AFL in NSW. No Swans-No GWS. Well done!
Selections: Injuries are playing a role in match results. Hopefully NO last minute changes. Tonight it's last year's Grand Final replay. The Cats $2.25 must lift to defeat The Magpies $1.65 and I think they can. Geelong. In the other big game Carlton are strong favourites $1.38 to win over impressive Adelaide $3.10 without the suspended Taylor Walker. I believe the 'bookies' are being over generous with The Crows odds take the Points-In. Carlton to win.
I pick all the other favourites, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Bulldogs, Essendon, Brisbane, WCE.
Oh Sheeds you love Theme Names for important and traditional clashes. I still like "Battle of The Bridges" for the local NSW Derby Swans v Giants. Because of your involvement with Essendon and GWS Giants which may grow into the biggest rivalry of all I put forward two "naming themes". Try "The Wave Craze Cup" or "Air-Wave Giant Bomber Bash" which I'm informed was a specially built aircraft for bombing raids by the US during WW2.
You started the 'wave-craze'. You will never be forgotten. This 'wave-craze' can be your 'signature contribution' to our game. It's your baby. You're smart so what's your Naming Theme' for your Rd 9 match? Try the X Factor.
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
After Rd 6 the AFL was knocked mercilessly as a "lopsided competition with only six of the 18 clubs a real chance". (Crows, Carlton, Magpies, WCE, Essendon and Swans), the next five clubs fighting to make the last two places for the Final 8, (Geelong, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Fremantle and North Melbourne), two clubs (Richmond and Bulldogs) needing a miracle turn-a-round, and five Clubs (Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, GWS and GCSuns) as 'no contest, percentage builders' dragging down crowds and TV ratings. Round 7 results and the same experts are predicting this season is the most even since 1997 when 14 of the 16 teams could have made the Finals. In one week 13 clubs can now make the Final 8! And the 'no-hopers' Giants win was the best received. X Factor?
If you watched the Bombers 61 points thrashing of leaders WCE you witnessed the Sheedy legacy of 'jacket/scarf' waving by both the Dons and Eagles fans, now a fun tradition of AFL folklore entertainment. X Factor?
In Rd 9 Sheedy's Giants play its 1st Home-ground game at Skoda Stadium. Against Essendon! A jubilant frenzy of 25,000 fun-filled jacket-waving fans. The Sheedy Legacy who promised us entertainment at the boutique Skoda Stadium no matter the winner. And the Winner Is? The AFL Industry, Aussie Football and the 18 Clubs. X Factor?
The AFL was also attacked on the Rules, "outlawing changes on the run for sliding feet first or kneeing tackles", charity frees for staging around the neck, head-high tackles, the TV Goal decisions, time-wasting for Umpires taking too long to break-up the Rugby style brawling scrums. Indeed the only thing going for the AFL was the odd exciting cliff-hanger finishes to big games.
What a 'whirlwind twister' blew in from nowhere in Round 7. Odds-on Cats $1.65, Swans $1.90, GCSuns $1.35, North M $1.35, and the 'creme de la creme' result Saints defeating Carlton $1.30, all 'bit the dust'. Essendon $1.85 was the exception destroying WCE. And now the experts predict a 'dog' fight to the finish with Richmond and W Bulldogs joining the 'good chances group'. X Factor?
Is the X Factor tied into the 'old-fashioned good luck' theory? Did it have anything to do with the turn-a-round?
Experience tells me "successful people" seem to enjoy "Good Luck" at the most appropriate time. My definition was part of my "Up on Cloud" talk for Tom Hafey's Tigers on the eve of the 1967 Grand Final against Geelong. I was asked by the canny John Northey what part "Good Luck" plays in football? My response: "I believe 'luck' is the point where Ability, Attitude and Hard-work meet on and off the field. We make our own luck". It's still my philosophy. And my three nominated AFL X Factor gents plus Sydney Swans Success Story confirm my theory.
Swans celebrate 30 Long, Lonely, Tough, Survival Years to establish AFL in NSW. No Swans-No GWS. Well done!
Selections: Injuries are playing a role in match results. Hopefully NO last minute changes. Tonight it's last year's Grand Final replay. The Cats $2.25 must lift to defeat The Magpies $1.65 and I think they can. Geelong. In the other big game Carlton are strong favourites $1.38 to win over impressive Adelaide $3.10 without the suspended Taylor Walker. I believe the 'bookies' are being over generous with The Crows odds take the Points-In. Carlton to win.
I pick all the other favourites, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, Sydney, Bulldogs, Essendon, Brisbane, WCE.
Oh Sheeds you love Theme Names for important and traditional clashes. I still like "Battle of The Bridges" for the local NSW Derby Swans v Giants. Because of your involvement with Essendon and GWS Giants which may grow into the biggest rivalry of all I put forward two "naming themes". Try "The Wave Craze Cup" or "Air-Wave Giant Bomber Bash" which I'm informed was a specially built aircraft for bombing raids by the US during WW2.
You started the 'wave-craze'. You will never be forgotten. This 'wave-craze' can be your 'signature contribution' to our game. It's your baby. You're smart so what's your Naming Theme' for your Rd 9 match? Try the X Factor.
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
EDITORIAL COMMENT May 14
Congrats to the AFL - Round 7 turned the season around from what looked like an exclusive fight of five into a real stoush. A fight not only for the top 4 but also for the Final 8. How did you go with your Team Tips?
What was the deserved highlight of the action packed weekend? For me, and probably Andrew D, plus all the GWS group was the Giants first win. Importantly it was in the ACT. It was a tough, fierce contest in which sportsmanship was always predominant. It brought so many happy smiles to the sports loving locals of the nation's gloom and doom capital after another week of 'muck-throwing' taunts. Pity 'pollies' don't emulate the best in sport!
And it was capped off with Giants ACT Fan Day on Sunday! Great timing "DD" (Dynamic Dave Matthews CEO), Sheeds and the Team.
But Bombers, Crows, Tigers, Freo and Bulldog fans are saying "Great Giants! But what about us? We've arrived!"
Adelaide gutted Geelong with a 50 points demolition to prove under Brenton Sanderson they are the real thing. They intend to stay humble and forget the 'Cocky Crows' tag. Sam Jacobs like Hawk Hale is now accepted as an all-round ruckman and genuine mark, kick player. The Cats are by no means a spent force but there are problems, holes to be filled and they could not afford the loss of veterans Jimmy Bartel and Matty Scarlett. What other team could cover the exit of star leaders Cameron Ling, Brad Ottens, Cam Mooney, Darren Milburn and last year Gary Ablett jnr.? The Bulldogs 18 points win may have knocked North chances to make the Final 8.
Essendon 61 points victors over leaders WCE can further improve with return of injured stars, David Hille, Michael Hurley, Michael Hibberd, Scott Gumbleton, Jason Winderlich and Brent Prisnall. What depth to call upon. The Dons look Top 4 for sure. The Eagles injuries are bigger, Mark Le Cras season, Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Mark Nicoski and Bradd Dalziell all 8-10 weeks while Nic Naitanui, Adam Selwood and Mitchell Brown to be tested.
The Tigers, Dogs and Freo looked good and are on the improve. Superman Matt Pavlic booted his 500th goal.
Melbourne is shaping as a real 'basket-case' except for chasing Mitch Clark (Bris) and hopefully coach Mark Neeld. Hawthorn must be thankful they signed discards David Hale (North Melb) and Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adel), for its past two wins as the road ahead has loomed rockier than anticipated, Freo (H), Rich, North Mel, Port Adel (A.). The experts have rated you four wins and a return to the Top 8 but two results could spell danger.
Sydney without Adam Goodes, Shane Mumford, Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Sam Reid's loss of confidence and form is in trouble. The Swans were outclassed by Richmond once again on the bogey, hallowed turf of the MCG. What a golden opportunity for the much tried Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt and Trent Dennis-Lane. If picked to play against Melbourne take your chances, back yourself to outgun your opponent. You would not have got this far with your career if you had little or no ability, so "play for your AFL life".
Round 8 will be a ripper!
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
What was the deserved highlight of the action packed weekend? For me, and probably Andrew D, plus all the GWS group was the Giants first win. Importantly it was in the ACT. It was a tough, fierce contest in which sportsmanship was always predominant. It brought so many happy smiles to the sports loving locals of the nation's gloom and doom capital after another week of 'muck-throwing' taunts. Pity 'pollies' don't emulate the best in sport!
And it was capped off with Giants ACT Fan Day on Sunday! Great timing "DD" (Dynamic Dave Matthews CEO), Sheeds and the Team.
But Bombers, Crows, Tigers, Freo and Bulldog fans are saying "Great Giants! But what about us? We've arrived!"
Adelaide gutted Geelong with a 50 points demolition to prove under Brenton Sanderson they are the real thing. They intend to stay humble and forget the 'Cocky Crows' tag. Sam Jacobs like Hawk Hale is now accepted as an all-round ruckman and genuine mark, kick player. The Cats are by no means a spent force but there are problems, holes to be filled and they could not afford the loss of veterans Jimmy Bartel and Matty Scarlett. What other team could cover the exit of star leaders Cameron Ling, Brad Ottens, Cam Mooney, Darren Milburn and last year Gary Ablett jnr.? The Bulldogs 18 points win may have knocked North chances to make the Final 8.
Essendon 61 points victors over leaders WCE can further improve with return of injured stars, David Hille, Michael Hurley, Michael Hibberd, Scott Gumbleton, Jason Winderlich and Brent Prisnall. What depth to call upon. The Dons look Top 4 for sure. The Eagles injuries are bigger, Mark Le Cras season, Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Mark Nicoski and Bradd Dalziell all 8-10 weeks while Nic Naitanui, Adam Selwood and Mitchell Brown to be tested.
The Tigers, Dogs and Freo looked good and are on the improve. Superman Matt Pavlic booted his 500th goal.
Melbourne is shaping as a real 'basket-case' except for chasing Mitch Clark (Bris) and hopefully coach Mark Neeld. Hawthorn must be thankful they signed discards David Hale (North Melb) and Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adel), for its past two wins as the road ahead has loomed rockier than anticipated, Freo (H), Rich, North Mel, Port Adel (A.). The experts have rated you four wins and a return to the Top 8 but two results could spell danger.
Sydney without Adam Goodes, Shane Mumford, Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Sam Reid's loss of confidence and form is in trouble. The Swans were outclassed by Richmond once again on the bogey, hallowed turf of the MCG. What a golden opportunity for the much tried Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt and Trent Dennis-Lane. If picked to play against Melbourne take your chances, back yourself to outgun your opponent. You would not have got this far with your career if you had little or no ability, so "play for your AFL life".
Round 8 will be a ripper!
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
EDITORIAL COMMENT May 8
All the favourites won except for Adelaide's five points thriller over Sydney Swans. The Ladder is taking shape as preseason fancies Geelong, Fremantle and Collingwood are now rightfully in the Top 8'. The Hawks languish in 11th spot, on percentage, but surely not for long as "Buddy" Franklin kicked 5.6 and Cyril Rioli 6.1 to hit top form.
Next weekend's Round 7 looms as the AFL's dream contests with most games evenly matched-up 'on paper'.
The huge concern are the severe injuries to the big stars in so many teams even down to new clubs GC Suns and GWS Giants. It is yet another worry for Adrian Anderson as to what more can he do to prevent these injuries. The Rules have been regularly tinkered with in an endeavour to lessen mishaps but they keep happening.
The regular publicity by coaches and the media about "ducking and diving" for 'charity' frees is inconclusive. The 'slide' tackles by feet and knees is on the way out as too is 'putting, poking, sticking or leading head-first into an opponent or pack' to cop a free for 'head-high' tackle. Interestingly most of the current injuries are for legs, ankles, knees and arms not head high concussions. Indeed many are without body contact by an opponent but caused by twisting and turning in open general play. What's the answer - is the '$64 question?'
More and more commentators and coaches are now having a say on umpires rulings and inconsistencies even though this was "The Umpires Round". I'm not buying into that discussion today!
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say"!
Next weekend's Round 7 looms as the AFL's dream contests with most games evenly matched-up 'on paper'.
The huge concern are the severe injuries to the big stars in so many teams even down to new clubs GC Suns and GWS Giants. It is yet another worry for Adrian Anderson as to what more can he do to prevent these injuries. The Rules have been regularly tinkered with in an endeavour to lessen mishaps but they keep happening.
The regular publicity by coaches and the media about "ducking and diving" for 'charity' frees is inconclusive. The 'slide' tackles by feet and knees is on the way out as too is 'putting, poking, sticking or leading head-first into an opponent or pack' to cop a free for 'head-high' tackle. Interestingly most of the current injuries are for legs, ankles, knees and arms not head high concussions. Indeed many are without body contact by an opponent but caused by twisting and turning in open general play. What's the answer - is the '$64 question?'
More and more commentators and coaches are now having a say on umpires rulings and inconsistencies even though this was "The Umpires Round". I'm not buying into that discussion today!
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say"!
EDITORIAL COMMENT
May 10
(Selections: Hawks, GWS, Geelong, Sydney, Essendon, Collingwood, North Melb, Freo, Carlton.)
I dedicate this Editorial to you football fans who like the elite coaches, players, media experts and umpires who seem to be confused by what is a "fair-dinkum" free-kick in today's football. Two weeks back I called upon the umpires to take control of the game and adjudicate it strictly to the Laws of our game. It fell on 'deaf ears'!
Jeff Gieschen, the AFL's Umpiring Manager was wrong in his published comments earlier this week about WCEs "ducking" tackling techniques (full article quoted immediately below this Comment). These illegal 'tackle tactics' strategies are already covered by the Laws of the Game (ref P50 AFL Laws of the Game 15.4.1 a (2ii) which says: ".... a player can be tackled below the shoulder and above the knee." (above the shoulder is around the neck or a 'head-high' tackle; similarly below the knee contact is automatic 'tripping' which is also a reportable offence. HB)
If the player with the ball is correctly tackled beneath the shoulders he must play it on by hand or foot. If he chooses to contort his body, shrug his shoulders and duck his head to make the "tackle appear head-high", he must be penalised for "holding the ball".
He has refused the privilege of "prior opportunity" for a deliberate act of "staging" for a charity "head-high" free-kick. There are four quotable examples of your umpires getting it right with 'staging' by personality players. They are in 2011, Bomber Angus Monfries and the two Stevies, Saints Milne and Cats Johnson and this year Freo's Hayden Ballantyne whose comeback is at only 60% of his true ability. It works! Now they must earn a free-kick.
Umpires should have outlawed these tactics years ago. Instead you will again throw the onus back onto "AA", Adrian Anderson to bring in "interpretations" to cover "ducking and sliding" like "hands-in-the-back", players "shepherding or wrestling" at throw-ins, ball-ups and marking contests when the ball is more than 5 metres away.
(I had already written my Editorial Comment before AA's MEDIA RELEASE late Thursday (see below) - again doing the Umpires' job!)
Jeff, it's a one Round exercise. Coaches and Players will get the message. Tell your Umps to Focus on the Laws!
I quote from your comments (reprinted below) re the legitimacy of WCE tackling technique. "I wouldn't say West Coast are exploiting the rules (but) I agree when they are taken high they are accentuating the fact and showing everybody they've been taken high." Then: "...the umpires at the WCE v North Melbourne game were correct to give West Coast their frees. But we understand the outcry at the moment about what the Eagles are doing."
Jeff this is a 'cop-out'. It's endemic in our AFL. Demand your umpires "pay the frees as written in the Rulebook".
Our game is the BEST football game in the world. And so too are the tried and proven Laws which govern it.
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
I dedicate this Editorial to you football fans who like the elite coaches, players, media experts and umpires who seem to be confused by what is a "fair-dinkum" free-kick in today's football. Two weeks back I called upon the umpires to take control of the game and adjudicate it strictly to the Laws of our game. It fell on 'deaf ears'!
Jeff Gieschen, the AFL's Umpiring Manager was wrong in his published comments earlier this week about WCEs "ducking" tackling techniques (full article quoted immediately below this Comment). These illegal 'tackle tactics' strategies are already covered by the Laws of the Game (ref P50 AFL Laws of the Game 15.4.1 a (2ii) which says: ".... a player can be tackled below the shoulder and above the knee." (above the shoulder is around the neck or a 'head-high' tackle; similarly below the knee contact is automatic 'tripping' which is also a reportable offence. HB)
If the player with the ball is correctly tackled beneath the shoulders he must play it on by hand or foot. If he chooses to contort his body, shrug his shoulders and duck his head to make the "tackle appear head-high", he must be penalised for "holding the ball".
He has refused the privilege of "prior opportunity" for a deliberate act of "staging" for a charity "head-high" free-kick. There are four quotable examples of your umpires getting it right with 'staging' by personality players. They are in 2011, Bomber Angus Monfries and the two Stevies, Saints Milne and Cats Johnson and this year Freo's Hayden Ballantyne whose comeback is at only 60% of his true ability. It works! Now they must earn a free-kick.
Umpires should have outlawed these tactics years ago. Instead you will again throw the onus back onto "AA", Adrian Anderson to bring in "interpretations" to cover "ducking and sliding" like "hands-in-the-back", players "shepherding or wrestling" at throw-ins, ball-ups and marking contests when the ball is more than 5 metres away.
(I had already written my Editorial Comment before AA's MEDIA RELEASE late Thursday (see below) - again doing the Umpires' job!)
Jeff, it's a one Round exercise. Coaches and Players will get the message. Tell your Umps to Focus on the Laws!
I quote from your comments (reprinted below) re the legitimacy of WCE tackling technique. "I wouldn't say West Coast are exploiting the rules (but) I agree when they are taken high they are accentuating the fact and showing everybody they've been taken high." Then: "...the umpires at the WCE v North Melbourne game were correct to give West Coast their frees. But we understand the outcry at the moment about what the Eagles are doing."
Jeff this is a 'cop-out'. It's endemic in our AFL. Demand your umpires "pay the frees as written in the Rulebook".
Our game is the BEST football game in the world. And so too are the tried and proven Laws which govern it.
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
EDITORIAL COMMENT May 4
Will there be surprise winners in Rd 6? It would be a miracle if The Western Bulldogs toppled Collingwood ($1.10) tonight at Etihad, likewise with other short priced favourites Essendon (1.15) v Brisbane, Geelong (1.03) v Melbourne, Fremantle (1.11) v GCSuns at Metricon, Hawthorn (1.30) v St Kilda at the MCG, Carlton (no S/P quoted say $1.005 but to win by 1-79 points $2.00) v GWS Giants, WCE (1.33) v North Melbourne in Perth and Richmond the "Bookies" (1.70 only betting proposition) v Port Adelaide (2.15) at AAMI.
Obviously all the 'pro-tipsters' and supposed footy experts have picked the favourites and I'm with them.
We knew there would be many one-sided results with GCSuns and GWS but we expected improvement from Melbourne, Bulldogs, Port Adelaide, Richmond and Brisbane. The Tigers appear to have the best chance of winning some games but only Adelaide, Essendon and North Melbourne are genuine challengers to change the regular Final Eight places. Sydney Swans are surely cemented in the Top Four and their clash tomorrow night against The Crows will provide some answers as to Adelaide's road ahead. Most would agree Collingwood (10th), Hawthorn (11th) and perhaps Fremantle (9th) will finish in the Top 8 which means at least two current teams will drop-out. My guess is Adelaide, St Kilda and North Melbourne.
Andrew D, his Commissioners and his management team knew when expanding to 18 Teams they had a tough fight ahead to hold crowd and supporter interest. The media coverage is mammoth. It is like a giant octopus with tentacles stretching out and strangling every detail, major or minor, of players, clubs, administration, rules and governance of our game both on and off the field.
Competiveness, like Courage, Contest, Challenge, Combat, Conflict, Control is high on the essential 'C's' list because a successful AFL is like the steel chain - it is only as strong as its weakest link. And for the next three years there will be at least three weak links.
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's my Say!"
Obviously all the 'pro-tipsters' and supposed footy experts have picked the favourites and I'm with them.
We knew there would be many one-sided results with GCSuns and GWS but we expected improvement from Melbourne, Bulldogs, Port Adelaide, Richmond and Brisbane. The Tigers appear to have the best chance of winning some games but only Adelaide, Essendon and North Melbourne are genuine challengers to change the regular Final Eight places. Sydney Swans are surely cemented in the Top Four and their clash tomorrow night against The Crows will provide some answers as to Adelaide's road ahead. Most would agree Collingwood (10th), Hawthorn (11th) and perhaps Fremantle (9th) will finish in the Top 8 which means at least two current teams will drop-out. My guess is Adelaide, St Kilda and North Melbourne.
Andrew D, his Commissioners and his management team knew when expanding to 18 Teams they had a tough fight ahead to hold crowd and supporter interest. The media coverage is mammoth. It is like a giant octopus with tentacles stretching out and strangling every detail, major or minor, of players, clubs, administration, rules and governance of our game both on and off the field.
Competiveness, like Courage, Contest, Challenge, Combat, Conflict, Control is high on the essential 'C's' list because a successful AFL is like the steel chain - it is only as strong as its weakest link. And for the next three years there will be at least three weak links.
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's my Say!"
EDITORIAL COMMENT May 2
I've been asked to give my opinion why Sydney Swans are the current AFL leaders and on current results the clear top team with not only five straight wins but also its winning margins of 63 points v GWS, a low 13 against Fremantle, 22 over Port Adelaide, 36 v North Melbourne and 37 v Hawthorn which is an average of 28.5 points.
These victories despite injuries to top players Shane Mumford, Ryan O'Keefe, Luke Parker, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Gary Rohan and the suspension of Adam Goodes. Of course they have not been tested by WCE, Geelong, Carlton, Collingwood and St Kilda but many good judges believed Freo, North Melbourne and Hawthorn would prevail.
Where has the improvement come from? First the extra pace, courage, tackling of the whole team and confidence of the midfield especially Lewis Jetta, Kieran Jack, the running half backs Marty Mattner, Alex Johnson, Craig Bird, Nick Malceski and Dan Hannebery. Most of these are kids.
Secondly there are the shut-down stars, Ted Richards currently AFL's best defender, Rhyce Shaw, Bird, Smith, Johnson and the dependable Jude Bolton, Heath Grundy and O'Keefe plus match winners Adam Goodes and Josh Kennedy with the up and comer Sam Reid.
Thirdly The Swans are no longer the "stoppages" kings as their tactics are to work the ball into the open spaces, centre it and use the direct line to goal, only hug the boundary defensively. They let the umpires and opposition develop the packs, scrimmages and stoppages but work hard inside to get it out to a team-mate.
These are all subtle additions to the Roos doctrine but the new-comers to the team of the past two years have added the important ingredients of pace, flair and 'risk taking' and it's working like a charm. If coach John Longmire can maintain the team confidence The Swans are more than Top Four - they are definite Grand Finalists.
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
These victories despite injuries to top players Shane Mumford, Ryan O'Keefe, Luke Parker, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Gary Rohan and the suspension of Adam Goodes. Of course they have not been tested by WCE, Geelong, Carlton, Collingwood and St Kilda but many good judges believed Freo, North Melbourne and Hawthorn would prevail.
Where has the improvement come from? First the extra pace, courage, tackling of the whole team and confidence of the midfield especially Lewis Jetta, Kieran Jack, the running half backs Marty Mattner, Alex Johnson, Craig Bird, Nick Malceski and Dan Hannebery. Most of these are kids.
Secondly there are the shut-down stars, Ted Richards currently AFL's best defender, Rhyce Shaw, Bird, Smith, Johnson and the dependable Jude Bolton, Heath Grundy and O'Keefe plus match winners Adam Goodes and Josh Kennedy with the up and comer Sam Reid.
Thirdly The Swans are no longer the "stoppages" kings as their tactics are to work the ball into the open spaces, centre it and use the direct line to goal, only hug the boundary defensively. They let the umpires and opposition develop the packs, scrimmages and stoppages but work hard inside to get it out to a team-mate.
These are all subtle additions to the Roos doctrine but the new-comers to the team of the past two years have added the important ingredients of pace, flair and 'risk taking' and it's working like a charm. If coach John Longmire can maintain the team confidence The Swans are more than Top Four - they are definite Grand Finalists.
"I'm Harry Beitzel and That's My Say!"
by Shamrock_Murphy
AFL is my game. Read my comments each day
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