The Northern Bullants have blasted their way into back to back VFL Grand Finals with a 12 goal second half over Williamstown prevailing 16.8.104 to 11.12.78 at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday afternoon.
It was heartbreak for premiership favourites Williamstown who were on top early but a big second half to the Bullants spearheaded by forwards Ash Arrowsmith, who booted two goals from 18 disposals, and Carlton youngster Levi Casboult, setup a re-match with last year's opponent North Ballarat at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Midfielder Jarrod McCorkell was pivotal with 28 disposals and a goal, as was Rohan Kerr, (15 disposals, 2 goals), and Joe Anderson, (1 goal from 19 disposals).
Ben Davies was fantastic for the Seagulls off half-back with 37 disposals and a goal while Brett Johnson and Cameron Lockwood both gathered 28 touches.
Andrejs Everitt opened the scoring courtesy of a free kick for a high tackle but Williamstown had to wait another 16 minutes for their second in a scrappy first quarter.
The Bullants were on top with Sam Jacobs dominating the hitouts but couldn't get on the scoreboard until late in the quarter when Chris Johnson sent home a long goal from 50 metres after earlier missed chances.
Brett Thornton, the general in defence with 28 touches, repelled numerous forward thrusts while at the other end Lukas Markovic and Peter Faulks were equally as solid for Williamstown in a scrappy first quarter.
Some clean disposal from Matt Little gifted Everitt his second goal after the quarter time siren giving Williamstown the edge at the first break.
Brad Fisher marked in the goal square and reduced the margin to two points to start the second quarter.
Youngster Ahmed Saad will be attending the upcoming Victorian AFL State Screening session for the Draft combine and when he goaled from a free kick the Bullants were in front.
After numerous turnovers in the midfield Matt Little marked strongly and converted his only goal for the day from 50 to put Williamstown back in front.
The Seagulls got on top for the next 5 minutes but couldn't make the most of the momentum with Captain Brett Johnson, Stephen Tiller and then Liam Jones missing opportunities and when Ahmed Saad's pass found Joe Anderson the lead changed again.
A series of behinds from Williamstown had scores level and the deadlock was broken when Jordan Roughead marked and goaled seconds before half-time giving the Seagulls a 5.5.35 to 4.5.29 lead.
A nervous start after half-time by Williamstown provided the Bullants with numerous opportunities and they were in front again when Jarrod McCorkell hit Ahmed Saad on the lead who kicked his second.
An electrifying 2 minutes of football saw 3 goals kicked quick in quick succession as Rohan Kerr extended the Bullants lead only to be answered by Brett Johnson with a goal on the run from 40 which was cancelled out when Brad Fisher grabbed his second from a quick centre clearance as the game opened up in a free flowing second half.
Levi Casboult produced arguably his best 5 minutes for the Bullants kicking two goals and stretching the margin to 19 points.
The first came when he kicked long to a vacant goal square from 45 metres followed by a strong mark and goal from outside 50.
When Ash Arrowsmith marked strongly on the lead and sent through the Bullants sixth goal for the quarter they held a commanding 24 point lead and Williamstown were staring at defeat.
The Bullants continued their dominance to start the last quarter with Ash Arrwosmith kicking two quick goals extending the lead to 40 points.
Williamstown's hopes were kept alive when Ben Davies drilled a goal with his 32nd disposal and Andrejs Everitt got a second goal in as many minutes with a long bomb but Rohan Kerr steadied the ship for Northern with a freak snap from the boundary.
Two goals to Pat Rose and one to Jordan Roughead reduced the margin to 14 points but goals from David Ellard and Zach Tuohy sealed the Bullants win and a chance to claim their first premiership since 1984.
Northern Bullants 1.5 4.5 10.7 16.8-104
Williamstown 3.1 5.5 6.7 11.12-78
Williamstown
Goals: A. Everitt 3, J. Roughead 2, P. Rose 2, B. Davies, B. Johnson, B. Stack, M. Little
Best: B. Johnson, B. Davies, B. Jolley, L. Markovic, C. Lockwood
Northern Bullants
Goals: A. Arrowsmith 3, B. Fisher 2, L. Casboult 2, R. Kerr 2, A. Saad 2, J. Anderson, Z. Tuohy, C. Johnson, D. Ellard, J. McCorkell
Best: J. McCorkell, S. Jacobs, A. Arrowsmith, J Anderson, R. Gale, B. Thornton
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Williamstown claims VFL minor premiership
Williamstown have taken out the VFL minor premiership with a 94 point thrashing of the Box Hill Hawks at a wet Box Hill City Oval on Saturday afternoon as they look for their first VFL premiership since 2003.
The Seagulls had winners all over the ground but the influence of big men Will Minson, who gathered 22 disposals, Jordan Roughead (19 disposals, 1 goal) and Andrejs Everitt (3 goals from 14 disposals, 9 marks) were particularly telling in the wet conditions as Williamstown won 22.10 (142) to 7.6 (48).
Forward Matt Little claimed the Frosty Miller Medal with 5 goals for the day finishing with 80 for the season and Patrick Rose contributed 3 goals as Ben Jolley gathered 20 disposals in another solid performance.
In contrast it was a tough day for the Hawks who had won their previous seven games with Sam Gibson their best for the day kicking a contender for goal of the year from 17 disposals as Gary Moss gathered 19 disposals in the midfield.
A heavy downpour just before the bounce made for scrappy conditions early with the opening minutes played exclusively in Box Hill's forward half before Cameron Lockwood opened the scoring after he ran into an open goal with Williamstown's first inside 50 of the game.
Box Hill got their first after an inspiring bit of play from Sam Gibson who ran the length of the ground and was involved in a chain of handballs before steadying to kick truly from deep in the left forward pocket.
Matt Little submitted his own contender for goal of the year when a kick off the ground from deep in the right forward pocket curved magnificently through for his 76th of the season.
Williamstown were soon on top when Andrejs Everitt goaled after marking uncontested then Matt Little kicked his second when he took a strong grab on the lead and kicked truly from 50 metres.
Matt Hoegel gave Box Hill their second reducing margin to 13 points but Jordan Roughead, who had reportedly flown to Sydney as an emergency for the Western Bulldogs, marked and goaled soon after as he dominated around the ground all day.
Dane Rampe kicked a long mongrel punt from outside 50 on debut to push the margin to 25 points as the Seagulls dominated the quarter.
Williamstown demonstrated Geelong-like football, cutting in from the back flanks and running the ball through the middle, and this link up play finished with a perfect long kick from Pat Rose to the advantage of Matt Little who took a comfortable mark 25 metres out and slotted his third goal four minutes into the second quarter.
Patrick Rose was on the receiving end soon after with a mark in the goalsquare and Andrew Hooper pushed the half-time margin out further with a snap from 30 metres.
In a sign of the Seagulls dominance Box Hill didn't take their first mark inside 50 until four minutes into the 3rd quarter but Gary Moss couldn't convert pushing his shot accross the face of goal.
Three minutes of football in which Williamstown slammed home three goals from Matt Little, coaches nephew Tom German, then Andrejs Everitt ended the contest.
Matt Little turned provider when he booted the ball deep inside 50 for Brennan Stack to kick the Seagulls sixth of the quarter and take a 73 point lead into the last change.
Patrick Rose kicked a spectacular goal out of mid-air for his third as Brennan Stack joined the party with two goals for the last quarter.
Box Hill grabbed two goals in a row from Ryan Jackson and Liam Shiels but was held to their lowest score of the season as Williamstown ran out comfortable winners.
Williamstown head into the finals as premiership favourites and will play either Port Melbourne or Casey Scorpions first up.
Box Hill Hawks 2.1 4.2 5.3 7.6-48
Williamstown 6.2 11.2 17.4 22.10-142
Box Hill Hawks
Goals: S. Gibson, L. Shiels, R. Jackson, G. Moss, J. Hoegel, T. Duryea, T. Tuck
Best: S. Gibson, L. Shiels, G. Moss, W. Sierakowski, R. Schoenmakers, C. Pedersen
Williamstown
Goals: M. Little 5, B. Stack 3, A. Everitt 3, P. Rose 3, T. German 2, J. Hill 2, D. Rampe, J. Roughead, A. Hooper, C. Lockwood
Best: W. Minson, A. Everitt, J. Roughead, B. Jolley, M. Little, P. Rose
http://www.thesportsbump.blogspot.com/
The Seagulls had winners all over the ground but the influence of big men Will Minson, who gathered 22 disposals, Jordan Roughead (19 disposals, 1 goal) and Andrejs Everitt (3 goals from 14 disposals, 9 marks) were particularly telling in the wet conditions as Williamstown won 22.10 (142) to 7.6 (48).
Forward Matt Little claimed the Frosty Miller Medal with 5 goals for the day finishing with 80 for the season and Patrick Rose contributed 3 goals as Ben Jolley gathered 20 disposals in another solid performance.
In contrast it was a tough day for the Hawks who had won their previous seven games with Sam Gibson their best for the day kicking a contender for goal of the year from 17 disposals as Gary Moss gathered 19 disposals in the midfield.
A heavy downpour just before the bounce made for scrappy conditions early with the opening minutes played exclusively in Box Hill's forward half before Cameron Lockwood opened the scoring after he ran into an open goal with Williamstown's first inside 50 of the game.
Box Hill got their first after an inspiring bit of play from Sam Gibson who ran the length of the ground and was involved in a chain of handballs before steadying to kick truly from deep in the left forward pocket.
Matt Little submitted his own contender for goal of the year when a kick off the ground from deep in the right forward pocket curved magnificently through for his 76th of the season.
Williamstown were soon on top when Andrejs Everitt goaled after marking uncontested then Matt Little kicked his second when he took a strong grab on the lead and kicked truly from 50 metres.
Matt Hoegel gave Box Hill their second reducing margin to 13 points but Jordan Roughead, who had reportedly flown to Sydney as an emergency for the Western Bulldogs, marked and goaled soon after as he dominated around the ground all day.
Dane Rampe kicked a long mongrel punt from outside 50 on debut to push the margin to 25 points as the Seagulls dominated the quarter.
Williamstown demonstrated Geelong-like football, cutting in from the back flanks and running the ball through the middle, and this link up play finished with a perfect long kick from Pat Rose to the advantage of Matt Little who took a comfortable mark 25 metres out and slotted his third goal four minutes into the second quarter.
Patrick Rose was on the receiving end soon after with a mark in the goalsquare and Andrew Hooper pushed the half-time margin out further with a snap from 30 metres.
In a sign of the Seagulls dominance Box Hill didn't take their first mark inside 50 until four minutes into the 3rd quarter but Gary Moss couldn't convert pushing his shot accross the face of goal.
Three minutes of football in which Williamstown slammed home three goals from Matt Little, coaches nephew Tom German, then Andrejs Everitt ended the contest.
Matt Little turned provider when he booted the ball deep inside 50 for Brennan Stack to kick the Seagulls sixth of the quarter and take a 73 point lead into the last change.
Patrick Rose kicked a spectacular goal out of mid-air for his third as Brennan Stack joined the party with two goals for the last quarter.
Box Hill grabbed two goals in a row from Ryan Jackson and Liam Shiels but was held to their lowest score of the season as Williamstown ran out comfortable winners.
Williamstown head into the finals as premiership favourites and will play either Port Melbourne or Casey Scorpions first up.
Box Hill Hawks 2.1 4.2 5.3 7.6-48
Williamstown 6.2 11.2 17.4 22.10-142
Box Hill Hawks
Goals: S. Gibson, L. Shiels, R. Jackson, G. Moss, J. Hoegel, T. Duryea, T. Tuck
Best: S. Gibson, L. Shiels, G. Moss, W. Sierakowski, R. Schoenmakers, C. Pedersen
Williamstown
Goals: M. Little 5, B. Stack 3, A. Everitt 3, P. Rose 3, T. German 2, J. Hill 2, D. Rampe, J. Roughead, A. Hooper, C. Lockwood
Best: W. Minson, A. Everitt, J. Roughead, B. Jolley, M. Little, P. Rose
http://www.thesportsbump.blogspot.com/
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Bendigo scraps win against Coburg
Classic suburban footy was on show as Bendigo continued their solid form heading into the VFL finals with a 22 point over the Tigers at a muddy and windy Coburg City Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers started brightly with athletic tall James Lawton kicking two early goals on his way to three for the day but finals-bound Bendigo were too strong and made the most of the conditions.
Marcus Marigliani kicking four, while the marking of Lachlan Delahunty and defensive efforts of Jason Cloke were a feature in the 12.11 (83) to 9.7 (61) win.
Kicking into a gale the Bombers could only manage 2 goals for the quarter but some terrific run and carry saw the powerfully built Marcus Marigliani open the scoring with a great goal from 50 metres after marking on the lead.
Coburg replied soon after through defender Will Thursfield, who is yet to kick a goal at AFL level for Richmond, when he marked an Alex Rance chip 45 metres out and used the wind to draw the ball into the goal mouth.
Promising youngster James Lawton goaled from a 50 metre penalty and had a second soon after when he took a towering contested mark in the goalsquare following Justin Kahlefeldt's centred kick.
Courage shown from Ben Duscher allowed Michael Still to kick Bendigo's second while Sam Power had his jumper ripped apart after a strong tackle in a first quarter that saw Coburg hold the ascendancy by 20 points.
The weeks rain saw a quagmire develop in the centre square as Bendigo piled on the pressure in the second quarter kicking 5.6 to 1.1 and making the most of their opportunity with the wind.
Essendon listed David Myers manufactured two clever left foot snaps including one from the boundary line while at the other end James Lawton kicked his third to keep Coburg in touch as Bendigo took a 9 point lead into the half-time break.
Coburg started the third quarter in ideal fashion when Dean Polo goaled from a kick off the ground after 5 minutes however a bemusing free kick to Marcus Marigliani, awarded when Damian Rayson (who was following Marigliani) was judged to have encroached on the area of a ball up 20 metres out, allowed Bendigo to own the quarter kicking 3.1 to 2.3.
Graham Polak took a fantastic contested mark third man up but couldn't convert and after Marcus Marigliani grabbed his third goal the Bombers were sitting pretty with a 13 point lead at the last change.
When Marigliani kicked his fourth goal after receiving a freekick for holding 59 seconds into the quarter and Michael Still sent through a long bomb from 50 after earning a free for a crunching tackle on Ben Clifton a minute later, the game was effectively over.
Coburg managed a late goal from Alroy Gilligan but the result wasn't in doubt as Bendigo ran out comfortable 22 point victors.
Bendigo Bombers 2.1 7.7 10.8 12.11-83
Coburg Tigers 5.3 6.4 8.7 9.7-61
Coburg Tigers
Goals: J. Lawton 3, M. Ambrose 2, W. Thursfield, D. Polo, A. Gilligan, B. Clifton
Best: S. Power, J. Lawton, J. Kahlefeldt, D. Grimes, A. Rance, P. Contin
Bendigo Bombers
Goals: M. Marigliani 4, M. Still 3, D. Myers 2, J. Cloke, S. Stroobants, M. James
Best: B. Duscher, L. Delahunty, M. Marigliani, M. Quinn, B. Prismall, L. Jetta, J. Cloke
The Tigers started brightly with athletic tall James Lawton kicking two early goals on his way to three for the day but finals-bound Bendigo were too strong and made the most of the conditions.
Marcus Marigliani kicking four, while the marking of Lachlan Delahunty and defensive efforts of Jason Cloke were a feature in the 12.11 (83) to 9.7 (61) win.
Kicking into a gale the Bombers could only manage 2 goals for the quarter but some terrific run and carry saw the powerfully built Marcus Marigliani open the scoring with a great goal from 50 metres after marking on the lead.
Coburg replied soon after through defender Will Thursfield, who is yet to kick a goal at AFL level for Richmond, when he marked an Alex Rance chip 45 metres out and used the wind to draw the ball into the goal mouth.
Promising youngster James Lawton goaled from a 50 metre penalty and had a second soon after when he took a towering contested mark in the goalsquare following Justin Kahlefeldt's centred kick.
Courage shown from Ben Duscher allowed Michael Still to kick Bendigo's second while Sam Power had his jumper ripped apart after a strong tackle in a first quarter that saw Coburg hold the ascendancy by 20 points.
The weeks rain saw a quagmire develop in the centre square as Bendigo piled on the pressure in the second quarter kicking 5.6 to 1.1 and making the most of their opportunity with the wind.
Essendon listed David Myers manufactured two clever left foot snaps including one from the boundary line while at the other end James Lawton kicked his third to keep Coburg in touch as Bendigo took a 9 point lead into the half-time break.
Coburg started the third quarter in ideal fashion when Dean Polo goaled from a kick off the ground after 5 minutes however a bemusing free kick to Marcus Marigliani, awarded when Damian Rayson (who was following Marigliani) was judged to have encroached on the area of a ball up 20 metres out, allowed Bendigo to own the quarter kicking 3.1 to 2.3.
Graham Polak took a fantastic contested mark third man up but couldn't convert and after Marcus Marigliani grabbed his third goal the Bombers were sitting pretty with a 13 point lead at the last change.
When Marigliani kicked his fourth goal after receiving a freekick for holding 59 seconds into the quarter and Michael Still sent through a long bomb from 50 after earning a free for a crunching tackle on Ben Clifton a minute later, the game was effectively over.
Coburg managed a late goal from Alroy Gilligan but the result wasn't in doubt as Bendigo ran out comfortable 22 point victors.
Bendigo Bombers 2.1 7.7 10.8 12.11-83
Coburg Tigers 5.3 6.4 8.7 9.7-61
Coburg Tigers
Goals: J. Lawton 3, M. Ambrose 2, W. Thursfield, D. Polo, A. Gilligan, B. Clifton
Best: S. Power, J. Lawton, J. Kahlefeldt, D. Grimes, A. Rance, P. Contin
Bendigo Bombers
Goals: M. Marigliani 4, M. Still 3, D. Myers 2, J. Cloke, S. Stroobants, M. James
Best: B. Duscher, L. Delahunty, M. Marigliani, M. Quinn, B. Prismall, L. Jetta, J. Cloke
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Scorps sting Suns
Brad Miller has lead Casey Scorpions to a 4 point win against Gold Coast Suns, kicking 10 goals in a high scoring affair played in perfect conditions at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.
A nine goal second quarter from the Gold Coast had them in front by 44 points at half-time before Casey stormed home after Miller kicked 6.2 in the third quarter on his way to 10 goals, sealing the win for Casey 18.11 (119) to 17.13. (115).
Miller's 10.4 came from 20 kicks, 12 marks and 2 handballs in a dominant display while Matthew Warnock set up from defence with 20 disposals and Matthew Bate was solid across half-forward with 17 disposals and a goal.
David Swallow, (19 disposals, 5 goals), and big man Zac Smith, (22 disposals, 1 goal), showed why they will play a big part for the Gold Coast in their inaugural AFL season when they combined to open the scoring, after Swallow received a handball from the athletic ruckman and kicked truly from 50 metres on the burst.
That was the start of a dominant quarter for Swallow who booted three goals from the midfield as Gold Coast held a 12 point lead at quarter time.
Things only got better for the Suns who booted 9.4 recording their best quarter for the season including an amazing 5 goals in 7 minutes with young guns Brandon Matera and Alik Magin leading the charge and giving Gold Coast a 44 point half-time lead.
Miller grabbed two for the quarter however turnovers cost Casey dearly as Gold Coast doubled the inside 50's and the score.
Casey were clearly stung by their first half effort and came out firing with Brad Miller putting on the most dominant individual display of the season kicking 6 goals for the quarter as Gold Coast had no answers.
Tom McNamara put Casey in front breaking the run of Brad Miller goals however David Swallow showed balance and kicked his fifth to give Gold Coast a 2 point lead at the last change.
Fifteen seconds into a tense final quarter Brad Miller marked strongly in front of Karmichael Hunt but couldn't convert for his tenth and when captain Mark Lock then Matthew Fowler goaled the Gold Coast held a 14 point lead and looked good for their first win in Melbourne.
Casey were able to goal through Danny Nicholls and Ben Macreadie however Gold Coast answered again when ruckman Zac Smith topped off a fantastic game by converting from 15 metres out.
Brad Miller had final say on the game kicking his tenth goal when Maric ran inside 50 and chipped to him in the goalsquare unattended and after Matthew Bate took a strong mark on the lead and kicked truly from right on 50 Casey were in front.
Miller had a chance for an 11th goal but it didn't matter as the Scorpions held on for a 4 point win in one of the comebacks of the season.
Casey Scorpions 3.0 7.2 14.9 18.11-119
Gold Coast Suns 4.6 13.10 14.11 17.13-115
Casey Scorpions
Goals: B. Miller 10, D. Nicholls 2, T. McNamara, B. Macreadie, L. Tapscott, R. McGough, M. Newton, M. Bate
Best: B. Miller, M. Warnock, K. Cheney, M. Newton, B. Macreadie, E. Panozza
Gold Coast
Goals: D. Swallow 5, B. Matera 3, A. Magin 2, D. Stanley 2, M. Lock, J. Stanlake, Z. Smith, M. Fowler, K. Hunt
Best: D. Swallow, Z. Smith, M. Fowler, J. Crawford, B. Matera, D. Stanley, M. Lock
A nine goal second quarter from the Gold Coast had them in front by 44 points at half-time before Casey stormed home after Miller kicked 6.2 in the third quarter on his way to 10 goals, sealing the win for Casey 18.11 (119) to 17.13. (115).
Miller's 10.4 came from 20 kicks, 12 marks and 2 handballs in a dominant display while Matthew Warnock set up from defence with 20 disposals and Matthew Bate was solid across half-forward with 17 disposals and a goal.
David Swallow, (19 disposals, 5 goals), and big man Zac Smith, (22 disposals, 1 goal), showed why they will play a big part for the Gold Coast in their inaugural AFL season when they combined to open the scoring, after Swallow received a handball from the athletic ruckman and kicked truly from 50 metres on the burst.
That was the start of a dominant quarter for Swallow who booted three goals from the midfield as Gold Coast held a 12 point lead at quarter time.
Things only got better for the Suns who booted 9.4 recording their best quarter for the season including an amazing 5 goals in 7 minutes with young guns Brandon Matera and Alik Magin leading the charge and giving Gold Coast a 44 point half-time lead.
Miller grabbed two for the quarter however turnovers cost Casey dearly as Gold Coast doubled the inside 50's and the score.
Casey were clearly stung by their first half effort and came out firing with Brad Miller putting on the most dominant individual display of the season kicking 6 goals for the quarter as Gold Coast had no answers.
Tom McNamara put Casey in front breaking the run of Brad Miller goals however David Swallow showed balance and kicked his fifth to give Gold Coast a 2 point lead at the last change.
Fifteen seconds into a tense final quarter Brad Miller marked strongly in front of Karmichael Hunt but couldn't convert for his tenth and when captain Mark Lock then Matthew Fowler goaled the Gold Coast held a 14 point lead and looked good for their first win in Melbourne.
Casey were able to goal through Danny Nicholls and Ben Macreadie however Gold Coast answered again when ruckman Zac Smith topped off a fantastic game by converting from 15 metres out.
Brad Miller had final say on the game kicking his tenth goal when Maric ran inside 50 and chipped to him in the goalsquare unattended and after Matthew Bate took a strong mark on the lead and kicked truly from right on 50 Casey were in front.
Miller had a chance for an 11th goal but it didn't matter as the Scorpions held on for a 4 point win in one of the comebacks of the season.
Casey Scorpions 3.0 7.2 14.9 18.11-119
Gold Coast Suns 4.6 13.10 14.11 17.13-115
Casey Scorpions
Goals: B. Miller 10, D. Nicholls 2, T. McNamara, B. Macreadie, L. Tapscott, R. McGough, M. Newton, M. Bate
Best: B. Miller, M. Warnock, K. Cheney, M. Newton, B. Macreadie, E. Panozza
Gold Coast
Goals: D. Swallow 5, B. Matera 3, A. Magin 2, D. Stanley 2, M. Lock, J. Stanlake, Z. Smith, M. Fowler, K. Hunt
Best: D. Swallow, Z. Smith, M. Fowler, J. Crawford, B. Matera, D. Stanley, M. Lock
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Bombers upset Seagulls
The Bendigo Bombers have upset ladder leader Williamstown by 3 points at a windy Pt. Gellibrand oval on Saturday afternoon.
A dominant first quarter by the 8th placed Bombers who kicked 4.7 to one behind provided the platform to set up the 9. 16 (70) to 9.13 (67) win.
Kicking to the Hobsons Bay end with the aid of the breeze, two goals from tall forward Jake Carlisle and one each from fellow Essendon listed players Jarrod Atkinson and Jake Melksham gave the Bombers the perfect start.
In comparison it was a tough quarter for the Seagulls whose problems were compounded with the loss of David Stretton who reportedly fractured a collarbone in a heavy clash with Tyson Slattery that could be heard through the TV broadcast effects mics.
Celebrating their inaugural Community Day, Williamstown thought they had a goal to celebrate within a minute of the restart when Mitch Hahn sent a brilliant left foot snap toward goal, only for goal umpire to rule that the ball had brushed the flag behind the post on the way through.
That would be the first of a number of puzzling decisions for the quarter after play on was called when Jarrod Atkinson appeared to be caught high in the Bombers forward line followed by a mark to Patrick Rose in Williamstown's forward pocket which was ruled to have hit the ground.
Nearing the end of a frustrating half for Williamstown where Josh Hill missed a great chance and Mitch Hahn was taken to the rooms in the hands of trainers with a cheekbone injury, Patrick Rose broke the drought on 21 minutes with some individual brilliance when he gathered a contested ball inside 50, broke a tackle and snapped truly from 40 metres.
Bendigo regained the ascendancy however after Jake Carlisle marked strongly and kicked his third to give the Bombers a 27 point lead at half-time.
David Myers extended their lead to 33 points early in the third quarter using the breeze to his advantage with a 55 metre bomb before a Ben Davies kick to advantage allowed Patrick Rose to mark and kick his second, keeping the Seagulls in the contest.
The game developed into an arm wrestle with both teams trading goals through Michael Quinn on the run for Bendigo followed by Rose, who grabbed his third for Williamstown 17 minutes in.
Stewart Crameri roosted a long goal from 50 on the run before Josh Hill became the first Williamstown player to kick a goal other than Patrick Rose, marking in the goal square after another long kick from Ben Davies, reducing the margin to 29 points at three quarter time.
Williamstown, who are the last quarter specialists of the VFL, would have to produce their best effort to have any chance of victory and they got off to the best start possible when Dylan Addison goaled from a 50 metre penalty however this was cancelled out almost immediately by Nathan Lovett-Murray who drilled a goal from 40 metres to restore the margin held at three quarter time.
Williamstown rallied with the breeze through Peter Faulks, who kicked his second goal in as many weeks, followed by 2 goals from Jarrod Bouman while at the other end Bendigo narrowly missed chances from Ben Duscher and Jake Carlisle to seal the game.
Despite being two men down on the interchange bench for most of the day, Willamstown were able to get within 3 points when Patrick Rose kicked his fourth late in the game but the Bombers held on for a memorable win and consolidated their spot in the top eight.
Bendigo Bombers 4.7 5.9 8.14 9.16-70
Williamstown 0.1 1.6 4.9 9.13-67
Williamstown
Goals: P. Rose 4, J. Boumann 2, J. Hill, D. Addison, P. Faulks
Best: T. Callan, C. Lockwood, P. Faulks, B. Davies, J. Daniels, J. Boumann
Bendigo Bombers
Goals: J. Carlisle 3, J. Melksham, D. Myers, N. Lovett-Murray, J. Atkinson, M. Quinn, S. Crameri
Best: J. Flaherty, J. Carlisle, B. Collins, N. Lovett-Murray, D. Myers, J. Cloke
A dominant first quarter by the 8th placed Bombers who kicked 4.7 to one behind provided the platform to set up the 9. 16 (70) to 9.13 (67) win.
Kicking to the Hobsons Bay end with the aid of the breeze, two goals from tall forward Jake Carlisle and one each from fellow Essendon listed players Jarrod Atkinson and Jake Melksham gave the Bombers the perfect start.
In comparison it was a tough quarter for the Seagulls whose problems were compounded with the loss of David Stretton who reportedly fractured a collarbone in a heavy clash with Tyson Slattery that could be heard through the TV broadcast effects mics.
Celebrating their inaugural Community Day, Williamstown thought they had a goal to celebrate within a minute of the restart when Mitch Hahn sent a brilliant left foot snap toward goal, only for goal umpire to rule that the ball had brushed the flag behind the post on the way through.
That would be the first of a number of puzzling decisions for the quarter after play on was called when Jarrod Atkinson appeared to be caught high in the Bombers forward line followed by a mark to Patrick Rose in Williamstown's forward pocket which was ruled to have hit the ground.
Nearing the end of a frustrating half for Williamstown where Josh Hill missed a great chance and Mitch Hahn was taken to the rooms in the hands of trainers with a cheekbone injury, Patrick Rose broke the drought on 21 minutes with some individual brilliance when he gathered a contested ball inside 50, broke a tackle and snapped truly from 40 metres.
Bendigo regained the ascendancy however after Jake Carlisle marked strongly and kicked his third to give the Bombers a 27 point lead at half-time.
David Myers extended their lead to 33 points early in the third quarter using the breeze to his advantage with a 55 metre bomb before a Ben Davies kick to advantage allowed Patrick Rose to mark and kick his second, keeping the Seagulls in the contest.
The game developed into an arm wrestle with both teams trading goals through Michael Quinn on the run for Bendigo followed by Rose, who grabbed his third for Williamstown 17 minutes in.
Stewart Crameri roosted a long goal from 50 on the run before Josh Hill became the first Williamstown player to kick a goal other than Patrick Rose, marking in the goal square after another long kick from Ben Davies, reducing the margin to 29 points at three quarter time.
Williamstown, who are the last quarter specialists of the VFL, would have to produce their best effort to have any chance of victory and they got off to the best start possible when Dylan Addison goaled from a 50 metre penalty however this was cancelled out almost immediately by Nathan Lovett-Murray who drilled a goal from 40 metres to restore the margin held at three quarter time.
Williamstown rallied with the breeze through Peter Faulks, who kicked his second goal in as many weeks, followed by 2 goals from Jarrod Bouman while at the other end Bendigo narrowly missed chances from Ben Duscher and Jake Carlisle to seal the game.
Despite being two men down on the interchange bench for most of the day, Willamstown were able to get within 3 points when Patrick Rose kicked his fourth late in the game but the Bombers held on for a memorable win and consolidated their spot in the top eight.
Bendigo Bombers 4.7 5.9 8.14 9.16-70
Williamstown 0.1 1.6 4.9 9.13-67
Williamstown
Goals: P. Rose 4, J. Boumann 2, J. Hill, D. Addison, P. Faulks
Best: T. Callan, C. Lockwood, P. Faulks, B. Davies, J. Daniels, J. Boumann
Bendigo Bombers
Goals: J. Carlisle 3, J. Melksham, D. Myers, N. Lovett-Murray, J. Atkinson, M. Quinn, S. Crameri
Best: J. Flaherty, J. Carlisle, B. Collins, N. Lovett-Murray, D. Myers, J. Cloke
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Captain Carnell Sparks Coburg
Coburg Captain Nick Carnell has lead the Tigers to a 16 point victory over bottom placed Frankston kicking 7 goals at a windy Highgate Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
Carnell kicked 5 of his teams first 6 goals in an even first half which saw Frankston leading by a point before the Tigers prevailed to win 12.9 (81) to 10.5 (65) in a game which produced another Graham Polak concussion.
In a free flowing first quarter Frankston lead Coburg by 8 points after kicking with the wind and Carnell already had 3 goals to his name.
Frankston in search of just their second win of the season came out strong to start the second quarter registering the opening goal through Clifton Proctor.
The Dolphins took the ball the length of the ground following a Coburg behind and after a strong mark from Khan Haretuku 60 metres out he chipped over to Proctor who waltzed into an open goal.
A strong mark from Alex Rance who kicked to a Carnell lead gave Coburg their fifth of the game and Carnell his fourth after 15 minutes. Two minutes later he had his fifth following a strong ruck contest from Tyrone Vickery which allowed the captain to snap truly from 40 metres.
A long goal from Mark Baguley gave Franston their first of the third quarter before Graham Polak put Coburg in front after marking and goaling from 50 metres, this was followed by a terrific Robin Nahas snap across his body from the right forward pocket when he ran onto a loose ball inside 50.
The Dolphins replied through Tobias Thoolen after a good spell of pressure
but it was Nick Carnell who provided all the answers for Coburg when he made a strong tackle and goaled from the resulting free kick after the siren to extend Coburg's lead to 8 points at the last change.
The small crowd fell silent early in the last quarter when Polak who was bumped mid air by his Frankston opponent hit his head on the ground and had to be helped off by trainers with concussion.
This inspired the Tigers to go on with the game when Jayden Post roved beautifully and goaled from 45 metres in time on after a Robin Nahas centre clearance the margin was 10 points.
Nick Carnell iced the game when he took a strong mark 20 metres out and kicked his
7th goal in a fantastic individual performance to give Coburg a 16 point win.
Coburg Tigers 4.0 6.2 9.6 12.9-81
Frankston 5.2 6.3 8.4 10.5-65
Coburg Tigers
Goal Kickers: N. Carnell 7, J. Post 2, R. Nahas, G. Polak, B. Clifton
Best Players: N. Carnell, A. Rance, D. Rayson, S. Power, D. Gourdis, J. Kahlefeldt
Frankston
Goal Kickers: C. Proctor 3, T. Thoolen 2, L. Potts, M. Baguley, M. Collison, A. Simpson, R. Gabriel
Best Players: R. Gabriel, M. Baguley, M. Hibberd, M. Westcott, A. Simpson, L. Potts
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Gulls too good for Bullants
After winning 6 of their past 7 games the Northern Bullants suffered a 73 point loss to ladder leader Williamstown in cool conditions at the NAB oval on Saturday afternoon.
A competitive first half between two form teams saw the Bullants trailing by only 15 points at half-time before Williamstown powered away kicking 13 goals in the second half to record a comfortable 23.12 (150) to 11.11 (77) victory and consolidate their position as VFL flag favourites.
Patrick Rose (6 goals, 9 marks, 14 disposals), and Matt Little (5 goals, 14 disposals), set up the win for Williamstown while Ben Davies in his 100th VFL game was fantastic across half-back with 28 disposals and goal.
Captain Brett Johnson again controlled the midfield stoppages with 22 possessions while fullback Peter Faulks laid a goal saving smother while holding Ash Arrowsmith to just one goal and managing to grab one of his own, further pressing his claims for another shot at AFL level.
In contrast it was a tough day for the Bullants with Jarrod McCorkell (22 disposals) solid in the middle as always, Mitch Robinson who was terrific in the first half and Steven Browne contributing 18 possessions each while ruckman Sam Jacobs added a goal and was handy around the ground.
Matt Little opened the scoring after nudging his opponent in the contest and running on to a loose ball to kick the Seagulls first, while a poor cross field kick from Matthew Grossman allowed Sam Jacobs to intercept and get the Bullants on the scoreboard soon after.
Two long bombs from Patrick Rose and Andrejs Everitt followed by an acrobatic snap from Matthew Panos in the goal square gave Williamstown the ascendency in a tight first quarter.
It was more of the same from Patrick Rose to start the second quarter, slotting a wonderful goal from 40 metres out deep inside the right forward pocket, followed by a great goal from fullback Peter Faulks who took possesion at half forward after running the length of the ground before steadying and drilling home from 50 metres.
A tackle from Matthew Panos on Mitch Robinson lead to Matt Little kicking he's second stretching the margin 23 points.
Brad Fisher dribbled through the Bullants first of the quarter before the battle of the Davies took place with Williamstown's Ben Davies effort, who broke through a tackle and kicked truly from 50 metres, quickly answered by the other Davies, (Carlton listed Marcus), who did the same for the Bullants kicking a lovely goal from 50 out on the run.
The two top ranked attacks in the VFL lived up to their billing with the game turning into a shootout as both teams went goal for goal in an entertaining end to the first half finishing with a great snap around the body from the Bullants Tyson Thomas and an Ash Arrowsmith goal to reduce the margin to 15 points at the main break.
The game was effectively over as a contest after the Seagulls slammed home 7 goals in a lopsided third quarter which included a special effort from Matt Little for his fourth running towards the pocket and dribbling home from tight on the boundary line.
Northern Bullants 3.1 7.5 9.9 11.11-77
Williamstown 4.2 10.2 17.7 23.12-150
Northern Bullants
Goal Kickers: B. Fisher 2, A. Saad 2, J. Anderson, S. Jacobs, L. Casboult, R. Gale, T. Thomas, M. Davies, A. Arrowsmith
Best Players: J. McCorkell, M. Robinson, S. Jacobs, S. Browne
Williamstown
Goal Kickers: P. Rose 6, M. Little 5, B. Jolley 2, A. Hooper 2, M. Panos 2, B. Davies, L. Jones, P. Faulks, D. Stretton, M. Cravino, A. Everitt
Best Players: P. Faulks, P. Rose, M. Little, T. Callan, B. Davies, B. Johnson, A. Everitt
A competitive first half between two form teams saw the Bullants trailing by only 15 points at half-time before Williamstown powered away kicking 13 goals in the second half to record a comfortable 23.12 (150) to 11.11 (77) victory and consolidate their position as VFL flag favourites.
Patrick Rose (6 goals, 9 marks, 14 disposals), and Matt Little (5 goals, 14 disposals), set up the win for Williamstown while Ben Davies in his 100th VFL game was fantastic across half-back with 28 disposals and goal.
Captain Brett Johnson again controlled the midfield stoppages with 22 possessions while fullback Peter Faulks laid a goal saving smother while holding Ash Arrowsmith to just one goal and managing to grab one of his own, further pressing his claims for another shot at AFL level.
In contrast it was a tough day for the Bullants with Jarrod McCorkell (22 disposals) solid in the middle as always, Mitch Robinson who was terrific in the first half and Steven Browne contributing 18 possessions each while ruckman Sam Jacobs added a goal and was handy around the ground.
Matt Little opened the scoring after nudging his opponent in the contest and running on to a loose ball to kick the Seagulls first, while a poor cross field kick from Matthew Grossman allowed Sam Jacobs to intercept and get the Bullants on the scoreboard soon after.
Two long bombs from Patrick Rose and Andrejs Everitt followed by an acrobatic snap from Matthew Panos in the goal square gave Williamstown the ascendency in a tight first quarter.
It was more of the same from Patrick Rose to start the second quarter, slotting a wonderful goal from 40 metres out deep inside the right forward pocket, followed by a great goal from fullback Peter Faulks who took possesion at half forward after running the length of the ground before steadying and drilling home from 50 metres.
A tackle from Matthew Panos on Mitch Robinson lead to Matt Little kicking he's second stretching the margin 23 points.
Brad Fisher dribbled through the Bullants first of the quarter before the battle of the Davies took place with Williamstown's Ben Davies effort, who broke through a tackle and kicked truly from 50 metres, quickly answered by the other Davies, (Carlton listed Marcus), who did the same for the Bullants kicking a lovely goal from 50 out on the run.
The two top ranked attacks in the VFL lived up to their billing with the game turning into a shootout as both teams went goal for goal in an entertaining end to the first half finishing with a great snap around the body from the Bullants Tyson Thomas and an Ash Arrowsmith goal to reduce the margin to 15 points at the main break.
The game was effectively over as a contest after the Seagulls slammed home 7 goals in a lopsided third quarter which included a special effort from Matt Little for his fourth running towards the pocket and dribbling home from tight on the boundary line.
Glenn Grigic on debut for the Bullants laid two great tackles which lead to an Ahmed Saad goal but is was all one way traffic as Rose added 3 for the quarter and stretched the margin to 46 points at the last change.
Williamstown ran away with the game in the last quarter kicking 6 goals to 2 with Matt Little and Patrick Rose adding their fifth and sixth goals respectively while Levi Casboult and Ryan Gale added a goal each for the Bullants in junk time.
However it was not enough to prevent Williamstown from recording a comfortable 73 point victory and cementing their position at the top of the ladder.
Northern Bullants 3.1 7.5 9.9 11.11-77
Williamstown 4.2 10.2 17.7 23.12-150
Northern Bullants
Goal Kickers: B. Fisher 2, A. Saad 2, J. Anderson, S. Jacobs, L. Casboult, R. Gale, T. Thomas, M. Davies, A. Arrowsmith
Best Players: J. McCorkell, M. Robinson, S. Jacobs, S. Browne
Williamstown
Goal Kickers: P. Rose 6, M. Little 5, B. Jolley 2, A. Hooper 2, M. Panos 2, B. Davies, L. Jones, P. Faulks, D. Stretton, M. Cravino, A. Everitt
Best Players: P. Faulks, P. Rose, M. Little, T. Callan, B. Davies, B. Johnson, A. Everitt
Saturday, July 3, 2010
'Hand of God' returns in Uruguay V Ghana quarter-final
LATE drama emerged in last nights Word Cup qtr final between Uruguay and Ghana at Soccer City stadium in Johanesburg as Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez claimed "I have the 'Hand of God' now" after his deliberate, last minute, extra time handball denied Ghana a history making place in the semi-finals.Suarez was red-carded by Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca for acting as goalkeeper in denying young striker Dominic Adiyah's header, which was bound for the back of the net, and Ghana the chance of becoming the first African team ever to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Ghana were given another opportunity with the penalty however Asamoah Gyan sent his kick - the last of the game - crashing into into the crossbar silencing the vuvuzuela's and sending the game to a shoot-out where the South Americans prevailed 4-2 .
The chance came about after a free kick in the dying seconds was swung into the Uruguayan the penalty area where a scramble ensued with Steven Appiah's close range strike cleared off the line before Suarez parried the header and a penalty was awarded.
Earlier, Sulley Muntari who was almost sent home last week for discplinary reasons, brought the game to life with a swerving long range effort from 30 yards which caught Fernando Muslera out and gave Ghana the lead seconds before half-time.
Man of the match Diego Forlan provided the equaliser on 55 mins with a beautifully crafted free-kick which swung in from the edge of the penalty area beating Ghana keeper Richard Kingson at his far post as Uruguay enjoyed the better chances in an open second half.
Forlan continued to provide headaches for Ghana as he's cross was met by Suarez, who lashed the ball into the side netting on 62 minutes, and later forced a save from Kingson after a speculative free kick from long range on 77 minutes.
Mauricio Victorino was caught napping in possesion gifting Gyan and Ghana a chance on 72 minutes however Muslera saved and a close range strike from Luis Suarez tipped over sharpley by Kingson in the dying minutes ensured the game would go to extra time.
The game reached climax in an amazing last minute which saw Suarez dismissed and the Gyan penalty smashed into the crossbar.
Fernando Muslera saved from Ghana captain John Mensah who sidefooted his shot off one step straight at the Uruguay keeper and again from Dominic Adiyah to send La Celeste through to the semi-finals for the first time since 1970 where they will meet Holland.
Fernando Muslera saved from Ghana captain John Mensah who sidefooted his shot off one step straight at the Uruguay keeper and again from Dominic Adiyah to send La Celeste through to the semi-finals for the first time since 1970 where they will meet Holland.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Does Israel hold the key to the AFL's promised land?
AS the AFL's newest franchises the Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney ramp up their recruiting efforts before entering the competition in 2011 and 2012 respectively, the debate rages on whether or not the marketing tactic of poaching big name NRL players will prove a success, and asks are they worth the huge salaries reportedly being offered?
In the wake of the Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal big name league players such as Billy Slater and Greg Inglis have been linked with a switch to the AFL. Particulalry the two new teams who, with strong backing from the AFL in the form of draft and salary cap concessions in their eagerness to gain a foothold in rugby league heartland, are able to offer much more attractive wages than they would receive plying their current trade.
Billy Slater's courage and dash off a half-back flank would be an asset to most clubs with the only factor against a potential switch being his age, at 27, and ball reading ability as supported by GWS coach Kevin Sheedy.
"I won't be getting Billy Slater." Sheedy said. " He is an amazing athlete but...it wouldn't be my go to look at getting a rugby league player who is turning 27 this year."
Inglis was recently linked with an approach from Essendon when Chief Executive Ian Robson said "We are always looking for opportunities to bring elite athletes to the club, particularly during a period when the game is undergoing significant expansion."
"We haven't put an offer to Greg but should he express an interest in playing AFL we would like to be at the front of what would be a very long queue." Robson said.
Leigh Matthews recently commented on radio that $1 million contracts for untried players from other codes was insulting to the greats of the game.
Speaking on Melbourne's 3AW Matthews expressed dissapointment that unproven players like Israel Folau were able to walk into the competition commanding such salaries and labelled it nothing more than a "money spinner" to garner support in a developing market.
In the wake of the Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal big name league players such as Billy Slater and Greg Inglis have been linked with a switch to the AFL. Particulalry the two new teams who, with strong backing from the AFL in the form of draft and salary cap concessions in their eagerness to gain a foothold in rugby league heartland, are able to offer much more attractive wages than they would receive plying their current trade.
Billy Slater's courage and dash off a half-back flank would be an asset to most clubs with the only factor against a potential switch being his age, at 27, and ball reading ability as supported by GWS coach Kevin Sheedy.
"I won't be getting Billy Slater." Sheedy said. " He is an amazing athlete but...it wouldn't be my go to look at getting a rugby league player who is turning 27 this year."
Inglis was recently linked with an approach from Essendon when Chief Executive Ian Robson said "We are always looking for opportunities to bring elite athletes to the club, particularly during a period when the game is undergoing significant expansion."
"We haven't put an offer to Greg but should he express an interest in playing AFL we would like to be at the front of what would be a very long queue." Robson said.
Leigh Matthews recently commented on radio that $1 million contracts for untried players from other codes was insulting to the greats of the game.
Speaking on Melbourne's 3AW Matthews expressed dissapointment that unproven players like Israel Folau were able to walk into the competition commanding such salaries and labelled it nothing more than a "money spinner" to garner support in a developing market.
Matthews said that he didn't have a problem with athletes without AFL backrounds coming into the sport but argued they should only be paid rookie wages the same as most Irish players in the game currenlty receive.
During the same discussion retired Richmond legend Matthew Richardson said "I'd be rubbing my hands together if I was still playing up forward, walked out to my position and Karmichael Hunt was standing next to me."
When asked about signing Israel Folau during an online blog for the HeraldSun.com.au today, Kevin Sheedy said "All I ever did was ask Israel are you very serious about playing AFL, and I ended up down that well-known creek."
He went on to say that he would talk to anyone that considers playing AFL and drew comparisons with Jimmy Stynes and the current form of Setanta O'Hailpin.
The raw talent of Nic Naitanui has been a highlight so far this season fueling speculation Folau could demonstrate the same freakish ability given the chance at AFL level. Gold Coast recruiting manager Scott Clayton told Kevin Sheedy he would hand over picks one, two and three for the dreadlocked kid with Fijian heritage.
In his regular newspaper column with the Sunday Herald Sun Sheedy said as a coach it was his duty to look into recruiting Folau who he described as "a fantastic athlete and young enough to change codes."
He alluded to past recruiting failures of other clubs in the game with many potential stars having slipped though the net due to poor decision making and said this was the reason GWS football manager Graeme "Gubby" Allan "will be the most dangerous person in the AFL".
These comments will surely re-inforce the fact that the AFL's established teams are in for a fight.
Regardless of whether or not Israel Folau becomes the next big recruiting coup GWS and the Gold Coast, with sizeable assitance from the AFL, will leave no stone unturned in their mission to establish a sustainable market in the northern states.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Eade and Lake, footy's odd Couple.
WESTERN Bulldogs fullback Brian Lake and coach Rodney Eade are footy's version of the odd couple.
Apart from the obvious debate about where Gazza's going to be playing in 2011, injuries and the speed of the game, an interesting side note to this AFL season I've discovered is the love hate relationship between the Bulldogs Lake and Rodney Eade.
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott was subject to criticism from former "old school" coach and now commentator Malcolm Blight recently for being too soft on his players in the wake of the 104 point thumping at the hands of St.Kilda.
Eade however, another coach from the old school, could not be criticised of the same treatment on Brian Lake.
Watching with interest I cringe at the sight of a costly turnover by Lake in the backline knowing that along with powerade, the inevitable spray from Eade will be waiting for him at the quarter time break.
Sure enough Rocket doesn't dissapoint, marching out to the huddle with hands raised, brow furrowed and in true Bulldog style barking in the direction of a frustrated Lake. What ensues can be compared to a school headmaster chastising a misbehaving student.
During a recent interview on Channel 10's Before The Game team mate Ben Hudson muses at the "stare" that Lake offers Eade when on the receiving end of a grilling.
The comedy act continues at the conclusion of the game. TV cameras capture Rocket and Lake in the change rooms, now arm in arm giving a rousing rendetion of the team song after a Bulldogs win. However when all appears forgiven Eade isn't finished and turns to Lake, finger pointing and offering yet more helpful advice as the other players disperse to begin their warm down, classic stuff.
Still, in a day of modern coaches teaching an nurturing players, choosing constructive criticism and being careful not to break the spirits of young charges in particular, no player repsonds to a quarter time spray quite like Lake.
Against Hawthorn he held the superstar forward Lance 'Buddy' Franklin goal less, collecting 27 disposals along the way, and went with Brisbane champion Jonathon Brown, who many have recently compared to Wayne Carey , for three quarters until he ran out of steam in the GABBA heat conceding two late goals in a 22 point loss.
Ranked in the top 15 for total marks this season with 35 in 5 games, including, 10 against the Crows, the number 71 pick of the 2001 draft formerly of Weribee is in solid form and has become one of the competitions premier fullbacks. Rodney Eade will be hoping that this form doesn't deviate as the Bulldogs continue the push for just their second premiership.
Otherwise there are sure to be plenty more bakes in store for big Brian Lake.
Apart from the obvious debate about where Gazza's going to be playing in 2011, injuries and the speed of the game, an interesting side note to this AFL season I've discovered is the love hate relationship between the Bulldogs Lake and Rodney Eade.
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott was subject to criticism from former "old school" coach and now commentator Malcolm Blight recently for being too soft on his players in the wake of the 104 point thumping at the hands of St.Kilda.
Eade however, another coach from the old school, could not be criticised of the same treatment on Brian Lake.
Watching with interest I cringe at the sight of a costly turnover by Lake in the backline knowing that along with powerade, the inevitable spray from Eade will be waiting for him at the quarter time break.
Sure enough Rocket doesn't dissapoint, marching out to the huddle with hands raised, brow furrowed and in true Bulldog style barking in the direction of a frustrated Lake. What ensues can be compared to a school headmaster chastising a misbehaving student.
During a recent interview on Channel 10's Before The Game team mate Ben Hudson muses at the "stare" that Lake offers Eade when on the receiving end of a grilling.
The comedy act continues at the conclusion of the game. TV cameras capture Rocket and Lake in the change rooms, now arm in arm giving a rousing rendetion of the team song after a Bulldogs win. However when all appears forgiven Eade isn't finished and turns to Lake, finger pointing and offering yet more helpful advice as the other players disperse to begin their warm down, classic stuff.
Still, in a day of modern coaches teaching an nurturing players, choosing constructive criticism and being careful not to break the spirits of young charges in particular, no player repsonds to a quarter time spray quite like Lake.
Against Hawthorn he held the superstar forward Lance 'Buddy' Franklin goal less, collecting 27 disposals along the way, and went with Brisbane champion Jonathon Brown, who many have recently compared to Wayne Carey , for three quarters until he ran out of steam in the GABBA heat conceding two late goals in a 22 point loss.
Ranked in the top 15 for total marks this season with 35 in 5 games, including, 10 against the Crows, the number 71 pick of the 2001 draft formerly of Weribee is in solid form and has become one of the competitions premier fullbacks. Rodney Eade will be hoping that this form doesn't deviate as the Bulldogs continue the push for just their second premiership.
Otherwise there are sure to be plenty more bakes in store for big Brian Lake.
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