AFL Record Round 22, 2023

INSIDE LUKE SHUEY TO SIGN OFF

JACK

ONE WEEK TIME

News from in and around the AFL

BLUES BLOW LID OFF

The lid, understandably, was blown off Ikon Park after Carlton’s 17-point win over Collingwood at the MCG a fortnight ago. The ladder leader. A sell-out Friday night crowd. It was a night to cherish for everyone whose heart bleeds navy blue.

But last Sunday’s win over St Kilda might have topped it.

First-choice selections Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra, Matthew Kennedy, Harry McKay and Jack Silvagni were among the missing.

The Blues trailed by 22 points in the second half but turned the screws after the long interval and kept the Saints to just one more goal for the match en route to a 19-point win.

“It’s certainly one of, if not, the best wins since I’ve been here,” coach Michael Voss said.

“It wasn’t all going for us.

“To be able to reset ourselves at half-time, come out and correct a few things, says a lot about the group, says a lot about their mindset and where they’re at, says a lot about their confidence that they’ve got, says a bit about their belief in our system.

EDITOR’S LETTER MICHAEL LOVETT

u WHO’S IN PLAY

u The strain of a long season –remember there is an extra round in 2023 – is starting to take its toll.

“Our second half was compelling.”

It was Carlton’s seventh successive win and, in that period, they have climbed from 15th to fifth.

The Blues’ first finals appearance since 2013 is now within touching distance, although supporters are understandably too scarred from last year’s four-game collapse that tipped their team out of the eight after the final game of the year, to even think about making plans for September.

Carlton’s finals-worthiness will be tested by Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Demons are also in excellent shape, having won their past five games and are now in second place.

Clayton Oliver is expected to make his long-awaited return from a serious hamstring injury, although just as the Demons appeared to have settled their forward line with the finals on the horizon, Harrison Petty injured his foot.

Straight sets coming up. Won’t win another game this year.” And he barracks for Collingwood.

He won’t play again this year while Bayley Fritsch is on the sidelines until the finals.

Friday night at the MCG will be equally huge when Collingwood takes on Geelong.

The Magpies are still atop the ladder, but they’ve had a difficult fortnight with losses to Carlton and then last week to 16th-placed Hawthorn.

To compound a dirty evening, Collingwood lost star midfielder Nick Daicos to a potentially season-ending knee fracture and Steele Sidebottom for at least a week due to foot soreness.

They host the Cats, whose premiership defence is still flickering. They left it until late to overcome a depleted Port Adelaide last week, but the four points were precious

Upset results, combined with injuries to key players, have form analysts changing their minds on a weekly basis.

And what about the fans?

Many are doing it tough, like the author of this SMS which I received last Sunday afternoon.“We are cooked.

Just over a fortnight ago, the Magpies were all the premiership rage and, as a bonus, Nick Daicos was long odds on to win the Brownlow Medal in just his second season.

Despite back-to-back losses, they are still two games clear in top spot with games to follow against Geelong (ninth),

the Brisbane Lions (third) and Essendon (12th).

Friday night’s clash with the Cats could well define the season for both clubs.

Collingwood has lost Daicos for the rest of the home and away season with a knee injury, while veteran Steele Sidebottom (foot) won’t play this week.

The Cats looked flat against Fremantle a fortnight ago but rebounded in fighting style

against a wounded Port Adelaide last week but they too are nursing injuries to key players.

Collingwood has lost to Carlton – no shame there given how well the Blues are travelling – but last Saturday’s loss to Hawthorn was a concern.

It guarantees almost a full house at the MCG and it might be that way again the following night when the Blues host Melbourne. Yes, that is September you can smell.

ASHLEY BROWNE

BLUE SKIES: Carlton coach Michael Voss, with skipper Patrick Cripps, described last week’s win over St Kilda as possibly the best in his time at the club.

We learnt a fair bit from that Melbourne game a few weeks ago

BRISBANE

STAR LACHIE NEALE AFTER THE LIONS HELD ON TO BEAT FREMANTLE

Our second half was compelling

CARLTON COACH MICHAEL VOSS

and, depending on results, the Cats could be back in the eight by the end of the weekend.

Hopes of Adelaide joining Port Adelaide in the finals remain high.

The Crows remain a game out of the eight and face a difficult trip to the Gabba to face the Lions who are unbeaten at home.

One of the clubs in Adelaide’s sights are the GWS Giants, whose seven-game winning streak ended last week with a home loss to Sydney.

So, the Crows will be hoping the Power do them a favour with a win over the Giants on Sunday evening.

Port needs the win to remain in the hunt for a top-two finish, while the Giants are in the bunched-up group from fifth to 13th still with genuine claims of making the finals.

St Kilda and Richmond were two of last weekend’s more disappointing teams.

As coach Ross Lyon said, the Saints were “obliterated” out of the centre after half-time by the Blues, while the Tigers conceded nine goals in the opening term against the Western Bulldogs and were never in the hunt thereafter.

They’ll get some quality players back for Sunday’s match – Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes and Trent Cotchin were missing – but they have lost seven successive games at Marvel Stadium.

They’ll need to arrest that trend against the Saints because another loss will mean it is curtains for 2023.

The sneakily good game might be Sunday’s Hawthorn-Western Bulldogs clash at UTAS Stadium.

The Hawks pretty much cannot be dislodged from 16th place, but they were bold and brash against the Magpies and the 32-point win offered the strongest evidence yet

AFL Rising Star

OLLIE HOLLANDS CARLTON

Carlton has its first AFL Rising Star nominee for 2023 in the books with Ollie Hollands receiving the round 21 nomination after his stellar outing in the Blues’ win over St Kilda last Sunday.

The outside midfielder had 20 disposals (nine kicks, and 11 handballs) and six tackles and 316 metres gained.

The 19-year-old made his AFL debut in the opening game of the season and played 11 consecutive matches before he suffered a fractured collarbone. Since returning in round 19, he has averaged 17.3 disposals and 3.7 tackles a game.

He was the 11th selection overall at the 2022 NAB AFL Draft and was drafted to the Blues from the Murray Bushrangers. He played junior footy with Wodonga in the Ovens and Murray Football League. His older brother Elijah plays for Gold Coast and received his Rising Star nomination in the same round 12 months ago. Their father Ben played eight games for Richmond (1999) and their grandfather Martin Cross played 36 games for the Blues (1961-63).

ASHLEY BROWNE

that Sam Mitchell’s scorched-earth rebuild was the right move for the club and that a return to the finals is a good chance within the next couple of years.

Mitchell’s use of Finn Maginness as a pure tagger has also sparked debate about why more clubs don’t utilise such a role in the modern game.

Maginness kept Daicos to five touches before the Magpie was injured.

Having taken care of one Brownlow Medal fancy so convincingly, will he be charged with trying to curb Marcus Bontempelli, another leading contender?

It is a game the Bulldogs must win to ensure they stay in the eight, so expect them to comprehensively study the Hawks – and especially Maginness and his methods – a bit more than the Magpies did.

Another loss (for the Tigers) will mean it is curtains for 2023

DAICOS BLOW AS TOLL MOUNTS

With just three weeks left of the home and away season, injuries are becoming an unfortunate by-product and a key storyline as the toll of an arduous campaign comes to a head.

Nick Daicos’ knee setback is a crucial inflection point in Collingwood’s season for several reasons, with the 20-year-old and key Brownlow Medal contender set to miss around six weeks with a hairline knee fracture.

If that timeline is correct, Daicos might only be back for a potential semi or preliminary final, raising more questions about just how match fit he’ll be for the biggest games of the season.

Daicos’ injury setback will also have significant Brownlow ramifications, even more so

ROUND 22 MILESTONES

considering the hot form of Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli in recent weeks.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae revealed the nature of Daicos’ injury on SEN’s The Run Home last Tuesday, saying resting the on-baller had been on the cards before he sustained the knee injury in the loss to Hawthorn.

“I was saying (to Daicos) we might need to look after you and manage you and potentially even sub you in the coming weeks because the loads … he hasn’t missed anything to date,” McRae said.

“Then he gets an impact injury, it’s funny how these things work.

“We were talking about maybe moving him into different roles because people lose sight, he’s only played 40-odd games … he’s a huge asset for us and

we’re looking forward to getting him back.”

But it isn’t just Collingwood which is managing key injury issues ahead of the finals, with Melbourne’s in-form forward Harrison Petty ruled out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury.

Geelong is also managing several injury issues with the latest casualty the versatile Jack Henry, who has a serious foot injury and, like Petty, won’t play again in 2023.

The old adage that the AFL season is a marathon and not a sprint couldn’t be any truer this year given there has been an extra game due to Gather Round.

Meanwhile, Daicos has blown out in Brownlow markets after being as short as $1.70 a few weeks ago. He is now around the $5.50 mark, while Bontempelli is $2.25 favourite.

LAURENCE ROSEN

MEDAL MAYHEM: Nick Daicos’ injury has opened the door for Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli (inset), who has taken over Brownlow favouritism.

EAGLE GREAT CALLS TIME

Luke Shuey has announced his impending retirement at the close of the 2023 season. The West Coast captain, with 247 games to his name, said his body has simply let him down.

Shuey, 33, injured his hamstring in late July and it’s unlikely, but possible, that he’s played his last game.

Despite the Eagles’ poor season in his last year at the club, Shuey has faith that the club is on the right track.

“As much as my mind wants to go on, my body won’t allow it and I have made the decision to retire at the end of this season,” Shuey said.

“We have tried everything to get my body right so I can contribute as I would like, but unfortunately a series of hamstring injuries have led me to this decision.

“I also have great confidence in the senior players who will take the club forward to guide an exciting group of youngsters.

“We are at an important phase of the rebuild. We’ll bring in more talented youngsters in this year’s draft and I know I will enjoy seeing them all make their mark on the competition in the coming years.

“I am incredibly grateful to the football club for the opportunities they have given me, the support I have received since the day I set foot in here and the very special memories that have been created.

“Being a part of a premiership means I will have a lifelong connection with 21 other blokes, but it doesn’t end there.

“The friendships I have made with players, coaches and staff over the last 15 years will remain with me forever.

“I would like to thank my senior coaches – John Worsfold and Adam Simpson – and all my teammates over the journey.

“To my wife Dani, (children) Oliver and Georgia, thank you so much for your amazing support. I look forward to spending some

more time with you and also to forging the next chapter.”

Shuey will be most notably remembered for his Norm Smith Medal-winning performance against Collingwood in the 2018 Grand Final.

Simpson, his long-time coach, praised of the dual best and fairest winner.

“Luke has been a remarkable player for our club, but he also been a wonderful role model and leader,” Simpson said.

“We have seen that impact even this year when he has been able to play but, unfortunately, he has not been able to get out there as often as he would have liked.

“He has driven high standards throughout his career and has certainly provided a great example right from the get-go for the young players who will be the future.

“He will always be a great of the club and we look forward to celebrating his contribution over the closing weeks of the season.”

LUKE SHUEY

Born: June 2, 1990

Recruited from:

Bulleen-Templestowe (Vic)/Marcellin College (Vic)/Oakleigh U18

Debut: Round 1, 2010, v Brisbane Lions

Height: 184cm

Weight: 90kg

Games: 247

Goals: 141

Honours: best and fairest 2016, 2019; 3rd best and fairest 2014, 2017; Norm Smith Medal 2018; All-Australian nominee 2016, 2019; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2011; premiership side 2018; captain since 2020. Brownlow Medal: career votes 91.

BIG GAME PLAYER: Retiring West Coast skipper Luke Shuey will be best remembered for his Norm Smith Medal-winning performance in the 2018 Grand Final.

SEB MOTTRAM

ED’S TIME TO SHINE

The round 16 match between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle at Marvel Stadium was one Ed Fry will never forget.

Ed was front and centre of the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience.

With the support of Down Syndrome Victoria, the Match Day Experience aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for individuals to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role for the AFL umpires on match-day.

The AFL Umpires Association was excited to welcome 18-year-old Ed to join as its participant.

An avid Bulldogs supporter, Ed could not wait to get into the action and meet his heroes on the field.

The day started outside the stadium where Ed and his dad Bill were met by former field umpire Justin Schmitt and chaperones Peter Kelly and Michael Sexton. Ed was nothing but smiles as he was being walked through the stadium and taken on to the field to meet the field and boundary umpires.

‘‘Is this real?’’ Ed asked in disbelief.

He met with field umpires Rob O’Gorman, Brett Rosebury, Ray Chamberlain and Matt Young, boundary umpires Josh Mather, Damien Main, Lachlan Rayner and Patrick Dineen, and goal umpires Luke Edwards, Stephen Williams and Chelsea Roffey (emergency).

Ed even lived the dream to kick the ball around and met Bulldogs player Cody Weightman.

As the warm-ups started, the umpires spotted Ed’s favourite player Bailey Smith, who was more than happy to say hello and have a photo taken.

Next was the coin toss and Ed’s time to shine. After the toss, Bulldog skipper Marcus Bontempelli came and shook Ed’s hand.

“It’s amazing when the players interact with the kids on match-day, because it makes the experience even more memorable for them,” O’Gorman said.

Throughout the game, Ed played a vital role in ensuring the umpires were hydrated and sugared up. But, most importantly, he brought the most positive energy to the team.

Steve McBurney, former field umpire and brother of the late Fiona McBurney, whom the program is named after, said: “The Match Day Experience has always been successful because the participants have always been so welcomed by everyone involved in making the day special. But it’s come a long way since we started it.

“The program used to have the participants come to watch the game, but it’s evolved into a day where they can come and actively get involved with the umpires on match-day, making it memorable for everyone.”

After the game, Ed went into the rooms where he was presented with a signed shirt from all the umpires and a certificate for participating.

With all the officials gathered around him, Ed was asked if he had any words to sum up the day. He paused, then shouted, “Go Bulldogs!” The room erupted with laughter and applause for Ed – a fantastic way to wrap up the day.

ROUNDING OUT A TIGHT SEASON

u A rare Sunday night game with potentially massive implications will close out the 2023 AFL home and away season, one of tightest in League history.

Carlton will host the GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium at 6.10pm to complete a nine-hour football marathon that will start with Port Adelaide hosting Richmond, followed by Sydney and Melbourne at the SCG.

The AFL has brought forward the Adelaide Oval game by 40 minutes to a 12 noon opening bounce (12.30pm AEST) to ensure there is no overlap of games on the final day of the season.

It is the template for what is hoped will become the permanent Sunday schedule going forward.

And while it is foolish to make too many predictions based on what has been a wild season, the AFL has estimated that all six teams on that final day will be playing for something substantial, either a place in the eight, the double chance or home finals.

There are massive games throughout the weekend.

Essendon hosts Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night, with the Bombers likely to be a live chance to make the finals at the start of the round.

St Kilda might need to beat Brisbane at the Gabba in the Saturday twilight game to book a

finals berth while the Lions are still eyeing a top-two finish.

The Saturday night Geelong-Western Bulldogs clash has real ‘win and get-in’ potential, while at the same time, ladder projections also suggest that Adelaide will need to take care of business against West Coast at Optus Stadium to make the finals.

Saturday afternoon will be the time for the ‘dead rubbers’ with the North Melbourne-Gold Coast clash at Blundstone Arena and Hawthorn hosting Fremantle at the MCG.

ASHLEY BROWNE

*Turn to page 54 to view the round 24 fixture.

This is an edited version of an article written by TAYLOR DONLON on the AFLUA website.

DAY TO REMEMBER: Ed Fry with (from left) umpires Ray Chamberlain, Brett Rosebury, Matt Young and Rob O’Gorman

Win a Super VIP experience with Shell*

Enjoy

pass

• Two incredible tickets in the Shell V-Power Superbox at the MCG

• Premium catering and hospitality throughout the day

• Twin share accommodation for 2 nights at Melbourne Pullman on the Park

• For interstate winners, flights and transfers from your nearest capital city (up to $3,000)

Plus a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card to fuel your next adventure.

How to enter

1. Spend $20 or more at any Shell service station in a single transaction on eligible fuel and products until 30 August 2023#

2. Ask for a receipt and keep it safe!

3. Enter online at shell.com.au/superbox before midnight 30 August 2023 AEST

#Excludes LPG, AdBlue®, Apple gift cards and any other gift cards, mobile phones, mobile phone plans, recharge, Opal top-up, calling cards, tobacco and tobacco related product purchases, trailer hire and lottery card purchases, and purchases made with Shell Card, Fleet Card, Motorcharge and Motorpass.

SALUTING TWO TRUE SHINBONERS

North Melbourne tough nuts Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington are about to hang up their boots. We salute a couple of modern-day Shinboners.

ASHLEY BROWNE & ANDREW SLEVISON

If there was a picture next to the entry for ‘Shinboner’ in the mythical dictionary of Australian Football, there is a fair chance it would feature Jack Ziebell.

There may have been better players in his 278-game career for North Melbourne, but few who have typified the Shinboner name and spirit more than Ziebell.

He has played hard, played sore and played well for the club from the moment he made his debut against Melbourne in the opening game of 2009 at the MCG.

Fittingly, it is where it will finish next weekend against Richmond after passing on the round 24 trip to Blundstone Arena.

This Saturday afternoon’s clash against Essendon will be his last at Marvel Stadium and his last in front of the adoring and appreciative home fans.

The Shinboner descriptor sits well for Ziebell.

“I love the word Shinboner,” he told the AFL Record this week.

“I understand the history of it. I understand for some people there’s a bit of a negative connotation to it as well because for some people it means it’s a little bit downtrodden and a little bit starting behind the eight-ball.

“But a Shinboner is just somebody who has got their back against the wall at certain times and it’s an attitude, a belief and it’s something that you just don’t create.”

And even though Ziebell was a highly-rated junior, good enough to be the ninth pick overall at the 2008 National Draft, he embraced the tough-as-nails, old-school values at Arden St from the moment he walked through the doors.

“I think I was somebody who attacked the ball and the contest with ferocity, good pressure,” he said when asked for some self-scouting.

“I was able to go forward and kick some goals while winning a few clearances in the midfield as well. So there’s a bit of versatility in my game.

“I would say that my attack on the ball and the player and creating a contest is probably the one skill, which probably allowed me to play for so long.

“If I wasn’t doing that, I probably wasn’t getting a game to be fair.”

Ziebell was at his best in the middle of the past decade, perhaps not coincidentally when North made back-to-back preliminary finals and was beating teams such as Essendon, Geelong and Richmond in big MCG finals.

“It was a pretty cool experience to be able to do that,” he said.

“And the team we had at that time was awesome.

“We had a great mix of some young players coming through and some older guys as well

I was someone who attacked the ball with ferocity

JACK ZIEBELL’S SELF-ASSESSMENT

LEAPS AND BOUNDS: Jack Ziebell in his 2009 debut season and (right) as a proud and loyal ‘Shinboner’.

and obviously well coached by Brad Scott.

“So yeah, they’re very, very fond memories of that time at North.”

The records will show that he played under eight coaches at the club – Dani Laidley, Scott, Rhyce Shaw, David Noble and Alastair Clarkson were, variously, his senior coaches, while Darren Crocker, Leigh Adams and Brett Ratten were stand-ins.

“He (Scott) appointed me as captain, but through my early days as well, he probably was the person who had the biggest influence on my career and he really gave me confidence that I belonged at the level,” he said.

Ziebell broke a leg in each of his first two seasons at the club and by his own admission said of his third season, “I couldn’t get a kick in a cattle truck.”

“But he stuck by me and Ben Cunnington as well and he saw us as the two future players in the next generation of the North Melbourne midfield and he allowed us to develop and perform to a level to put us in big games, which was great,” Ziebell said.

“I’m forever grateful for what Brad did for us.”

North’s steady and slow decline began in 2016.

The Roos won their first nine games that year, before hitting the wall and limping into the finals with just three more wins for the season and then being well beaten by Adelaide in the elimination final.

They haven’t played finals since.

But Ziebell remained fiercely loyal, to the point where he never had a contract year.

There was always mutual agreement between player and club as to his worth and the contract extensions reflected it.

“We’ve managed to get deals done, so as I said in my (farewell) speech, I’m very proud to be a one-club player and finish as a one-club player and it’s nothing against guys who don’t do that, but individually it’s something that I always wanted to do when I first started,” he said.

“I’ll finish at North and I’m pretty pleased about doing that.

But his future may well lie beyond Arden St.

Ziebell was barely halfway through his playing career when in a survey of senior coaches by AFL Media, his name appeared more than once when they were asked to nominate players at the time who had the attributes to one day join their ranks.

Nearly a decade later, Ziebell would love to know who those coaches were.

“If you can find out, I’ll get them to offer me a job,” he laughed.

But the coaching aspirations are real. He is a development coach with North’s AFLW squad, but is open to whatever opportunities might be available next year.

“Part of my career as a senior player, you do a lot of teaching for young guys, trying to help the coaches implement game-plans and drawing upon your own personal experiences and trying to help develop and fast-track our younger players to be able to let them execute game plans and play with freedom on game day,” he said.

“It’s something I’m looking forward to hopefully going after

once I’ve hung up the boots in a few weeks.”

He has two more games remaining. Not even a lazy 32 touches last weekend has given him pause to think whether he could squeeze out 12 more months.

“I’m done,” he said.

“It’s a relief to finally call it and have the opportunity to enjoy the last four or five weeks of being an AFL player.

“To be honest, it’s nice to play without the fear of making a mistake knowing it’s the last couple of games you’ve got.

“The mistakes you do make, you don’t dwell on them too much; you just look forward to the next bit of play to try and enjoy that as well.

“It’s a nice way to play your footy. I actually wish I’d done this a bit earlier.”

And he is looking forward to his MCG finale next Saturday.

With all due respects to North Melbourne’s home away from home at Blundstone Arena, where the Roos finish their season in round 24, Ziebell wants to wrap up his career in front of as many of his family and friends as he can.

There is also the reality that over his career he has played just 21 games at the MCG. He has made 20 trips to Western Australia by comparison.

“A lot of support has come from my off-field circle, and I want them to watch and celebrate my last game as they all did my first game,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting out on to the hallowed turf one last time.”

@hashbrowne

FACT FILE

JACK ZIEBELL

Born: Feb 28, 1991

Recruited from: Wodonga (Vic)/ Murray U18

Debut: Round 1, 2009, v Melbourne

Height: 188cm

Weight: 89kg

Games: 278

Goals: 183

Honours: 2nd best and fairest 2016, 2021; 3rd best and fairest 2021; AFL Rising Star nominee 2009; captain 2017-22. Brownlow Medal: career votes 56.

TOUGH AS THEY COME: Ziebell suffered a broken leg in each of his first two seasons.

BIGGEST SUPPORTER: Ziebell credits former Roo coach Brad Scott as having the biggest influence on his career.

BRAVE BEN SAYS FAREWELL

While Jack Ziebell has two more games in the tank, teammate Ben Cunnington announced this week will be his farewell appearance.

The 32-year-old midfielder has called time on his career which will come to an end against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Cunnington, a two-time Syd Barker medallist, will finish with 238 games when his 14-season career is complete.

The contested beast was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2021 which threatened to derail his career following the back injury that restricted him to three games in 2020.

Cunnington, known for his heart and soul playing style, courageously returned to AFL footy in 2022, but has now opted to step away from the game.

“I couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve achieved on and off the field in the 14 years at this level,” Cunnington told teammates this week.

“From the moment the club drafted me, it was a dream come true as we were surrounded by interstate clubs on draft night. Then to walk into a club that suited

my personality, and allowed me to be myself, I couldn’t have asked for a better recipe to get the best out of myself.

“I’m proud and grateful of what I’ve overcome in the past few years and for the club to give me the best chance and opportunity to play AFL footy again.

“But I felt I lost my hunger once I returned, my perspective in life was too great. Then when I fell out of the senior team, I struggled to have the motivation or drive to get back in.

“That’s when I knew it wasn’t fair on myself or you blokes that I continued on next year without being able to give my 100 per cent effort, especially when there are hungry young kids out there that would do anything for the opportunity and to help this team get better.

“To the club, thank you for the opportunity and journey for me to live out my childhood dream. It didn’t matter who was in charge at the time, but the club has always had me and my family’s best interest at heart on and off the field. It’s something I will never forget.

“This club means the world to me as I’ve almost spent half my life here. The learnings, the memories and the relationships I’ve made will last a lifetime.”

FACT FILE

BEN CUNNINGTON

Born: June 30, 1991

Recruited from: Cobden (Vic)/Geelong U18

Debut: Round 5, 2010, v Hawthorn

Height: 185cm

Weight: 90kg

Games: 237 Goals: 96

Honours: best and fairest 2014, 2019; 2nd best and fairest 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021; All-Australian nominee 2019. Brownlow Medal: career votes 71.

ANDREW SLEVISON

HEART AND SOUL: Ben Cunnington courageously overcame cancer to return to the game.

KYLE LANGFORD

ESSENDON v WEST COAST Marvel Stadium, August 5

u It’s not hyperbole to say Kyle Langford played the most important game of his career last Saturday afternoon against West Coast.

Without him, the Bombers would have lost to one of the poorest-performing teams of the past decade and subsequently thrown away their finals chances.

But with his five goals, Essendon proved it can win ugly and has kept its season alive with three games remaining.

It was the second term where the 26-year-old – playing game No. 127 – sprung to life, kicking four of his eventual five goals as Essendon went from two points down at quarter-time to leading by 23 points at the main break.

And as West Coast hit the front in the dying minutes, it was Langford who read the play the best to get out the back and kick the goal that may have just changed Essendon’s season.

All up, he gathered 13 disposals, of which 10 were score involvements, clearly the best ratio on the ground.

He also took seven marks, two contested, to be best-on-ground.

Langford has quietly moved into the top 10 in the Coleman Medal race with 45 goals from 20 games and is the leading medium forward of the competition.

Interestingly, he was deployed as a defender earlier in the season, a role he was familar with for much of his nine-year career.

All-Australian, anyone? At the very least, he’s played his way into the squad of 44.

SEB MOTTRAM

AFL TRIVIA QUESTION #16

Which AFL team has played in the most grand finals?

MAXIMISE YOUR

PERFORMANCE

WITH NEW COLES PERFORM ELITE ELECTROLYTES AND BCAA

Coles PerForm Elite Electrolytes contains key electrolytes to assist hydration

Coles PerForm Elite BCAA contain 2:1:1 BCAA per serve

Sports Dietitian approved

HASTA Certified supplements and protein powders, batch tested for over 250 WADA banned substances

WHO’S FLYING

Each week throughout the 2023 season we will present Who’s Flying, a series of stories which will encapsulate everything that is good about our great game. It could be a star player, a coach who has inspired his men or a team that is – pardon the pun – flying.

BRENDAN RHODES

analyses Hawk pair James Sicily and Finn Maginness after last week’s upset win over the Pies.

How do you beat Collingwood?

Having an unstoppable captain is a fair start, while an outstanding tagger seems to also be part of the blueprint.

And 16th-placed Hawthorn had both as they stunned the ladder-leading Magpies in fine style at the MCG last Saturday.

The Hawks kicked the first five goals but looked in all sorts of trouble when the Magpies got within five points late in the second quarter.

Those watching assumed Collingwood would just roll over the top of Hawthorn and record a big win.

But what happened was the sign of a team unlikely to be at the bottom of the ladder for long – the Hawks responded.

Brandon Ryan kicked a steadier before the break and another straight after as Hawthorn booted 10 goals to seven to seal a 32-point triumph that made the competition sit up and take notice.

But captain James Sicily and young tagger Finn Maginness were the difference.

Sicily had 21 disposals, nine marks, 305 metres gained and three goal assists in the first half on his way to 37 disposals, 19 marks and 515 metres gained in one of the most

dominant displays by a key position player this season.

And Maginness claimed his second big-name scalp – perhaps the biggest of all this season – holding Brownlow Medal favourite Nick Daicos to just five disposals before the Collingwood wunderkind left the field with a fractured knee in the last quarter.

It was Maginness’ second major victim in a month after he held GWS star Josh Kelly to just six touches in round 17 and he has made himself undroppable after spending time with Box Hill Hawks this season.

As for Sicily, it’s no coincidence most of Hawthorn’s worst performances have come when he was out suspended and he has proven a master stroke appointment by Sam Mitchell.

As a centre half-back, its hard to imagine anyone putting together a better season than his 26.9 disposals, 10.2 marks and 6.2 rebound-50s, having won at least 30 possessions five times in 16 games and had at least 10 marks on eight occasions.

The All-Australian blazer appears to be his to lose.

The Brisbane Lions have three Irish players on their list – James Madden, Darragh Joyce and Conor McKenna.

FOOTY FUN FACTS

DOUBLE ACT: Skipper James Sicily and tagger Finn Maginness were both outstanding in the Hawks’ upset win over the Magpies last week.

What I’m thinking

with Ashley Browne

No more roaring Lyon

One of the most entertaining – and enlightening – radio interviews of the season took place last Sunday in the lead-up to the St Kilda-Carlton clash at Marvel Stadium.

It was on Triple M and it featured the Sunday Rub crew catching up with Saints coach Ross Lyon, their colleague of the past few years.

It was like a school reunion as gags and stories were exchanged.

When asked about the return of gun duo Brad Hill and Max King to the St Kilda side, Lyon quipped that they were “20 per cent of the salary cap”.

He got stuck into veteran boundary rider Michael Roberts because the closed roof at Marvel Stadium prevented him from delivering a proper weather report.

And when asked what he missed sitting in the commentary box, he said, “Yeah, coming in hungover and sleepless and (needing) a couple of bottles of Gatorade.”

Lyon was one of the rising stars of the AFL media caper last year and his work on both Triple M and Channel Nine was captivating.

He was considered and informed and his sense of fun came to the fore. He never took himself or the game especially seriously.

He was also enjoying the wheeling and dealing of the property world he had become immersed in from Monday to Friday and, reportedly, he was quite adept at it. But coaching was and is his true calling.

It is difficult to believe that his return to St Kilda was only set in motion after Brett Ratten’s brutal axing well after last season ended. Influential past players and others

close to the club had been laying the foundations well before then.

Romance came into play as well.

Lyon has ties to the Brisbane Lions through his 127 games for Fitzroy – plus two for the Brisbane Bears –and to Fremantle where he coached for 184 games and eight seasons, and he has connections to Sydney, Richmond and Carlton as well, through several years as an assistant coach at each club. His only taste of premiership success was at the Swans under Paul Roos in 2005

But when he took the job at St Kilda, it was a real homecoming.

If there was a club that was the closest to his heart, he confessed, it was St Kilda, where in his first stint as coach, he led the Saints to the Grand Final twice (2009 and 2010) and was arguably a wretched leg-break bounce of the ball away from becoming just the club’s second premiership coach in both years.

Lyon was adored by many of his players. This columnist remembers being in Adelaide for the National Draft a few seasons back and watching Lyon holding court with a bunch of his former Saints in a hotel lobby. He was telling a few stories and the laughs were coming thick and fast.

To those within the game, Lyon has always been excellent company.

But it is only after his time in the media, and now back in the loving embrace of the Saints, that his true personality has emerged.

And he has clearly evolved.

The days of the ‘Saints Bubble’ have long gone. He no longer appears to be the stern, micro-manager who drove his assistants to breaking point with long hours and a laser focus to match. His approach is now more collegial and he is happy to hand much of the actual coaching and the implementation of the game-plan to his assistants.

There is certainly a feel at Moorabbin at having got the band back together with former St Kilda stars Lenny Hayes and Robert Harvey among his senior assistants, Brendon Goddard holding down a development role and his old fitness coach David Misson serving as the interim head of football.

There is an element of trust that has allowed Lyon a level of comfort and to not always have both hands on the wheel.

He has a plan for the Saints and, while they might yet play finals this year after being widely tipped for as a bottom-six club, 2023 has been about assessing his list and identifying it needs going forward.

St Kilda shapes as one of the really interesting clubs of the forthcoming off-season as Lyon rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.

And the best part of it is that the door will be open and the transparency will be there.

He is taking all of us, not just the inner sanctum at the Saints, along for the ride.

The days of the ‘Saints Bubble’ have long gone

Saints coach happy to share the load in his second coming.

SMILING SAINT: Ross Lyon has a more laidback style since returning to St Kilda; it’s a far cry from his days at Fremantle (inset).

Fillet-O-Fish® McChicken®

Nickname: Rod

Tender portion of fish

Zesty tartar sauce

Melted cheese

Steamed bun

“Does things a little differently”

Nickname: Chicka

Chicken breast in tempura coating

Aussie lettuce

McChicken® sauce

Sesame seed bun

“Executes the simple things right”

Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid.

Go the distance.

Find peace at last with the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. With an impressive range, you can drive further and stop less. Innovative turbo hybrid power not only delivers a satisfyingly smooth drive but the torque you need to make the most of the impressive AWD capabilities. Plus, a range of advanced Hyundai SmartSense® features will give you extra peace of mind. Imagine that.

For more information, visit hyundai.com/au/en/fleet or contact the Hyundai fleet team on hyundai.com/au/en/fleet#contact

2023 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON

ROUND 13

Thursday, June 8

Syd 9.12 (66) v StK 12.8 (80) (SCG) (N)

Friday, June 9

WB 13.7 (85) v PA 16.11 (107) (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, June 10

Haw 15.8 (98) v BL 11.7 (73) (MCG)

Adel 27.12 (174) v WCE 8.4 (52) (AO) (T)

Frem 10.10 (70) v Rich 12.13 (85) (OS) (T)

Sunday, June 11 NM 11.9 (75) v GWS 15.13 (103) (BA)

Carl 6.16 (52) v Ess 13.8 (86) (MCG) (N)

Monday, June 12

Melb 8.18 (66) v Coll 9.8 (62) (MCG)

Byes: Geelong Cats, Gold Coast Suns

ROUND 14

Thursday, June 15

PA 16.14 (110) v Geel 11.6 (72) (AO) (N)

Friday, June 16

BL 13.19 (97) v Syd 12.9 (81) (G) (N)

Saturday, June 17

GWS 16.10 (106) v Frem 5.6 (36) (GS) (T)

Rich 13.12 (90) v StK 11.4 (70) (MCG) (N)

Sunday, June 18

Carl 18.12 (120) v GCS 8.13 (61) (MCG)

NM 13.6 (84) v WB 15.15 (105) (MRVL) (T)

Byes: Adelaide Crows, Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, West Coast Eagles

ROUND 15

Thursday, June 22

Geel 11.12 (78) v Melb 8.15 (63) (GMHBA) (N)

Friday, June 23

StK 8.8 (56) v BL 12.12 (84) (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, June 24

Syd 31.19 (205) v WCE 5.4 (34) (SCG) (T)

Frem 14.9 (93) v Ess 9.7 (61) (OS) (T)

Sunday, June 25

Coll 12.10 (82) v Adel 11.14 (80) (MCG)

GCS 14.17 (101) v Haw 5.4 (34) (HBS) (T)

Byes: Carlton, GWS Giants, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Richmond, Western Bulldogs

ROUND 16

Thursday, June 29

BL 20.14 (134) v Rich 7.11 (53) (G) (N)

Friday, June 30

Syd 6.18 (54) v Geel 7.12 (54) (SCG) (N)

Saturday, July 1

WB 16.6 (102) v Frem 11.7 (73) (MRVL) (N)

Adel 21.12 (138) v NM 11.6 (72) (AO)

GCS 5.12 (42) v Coll 18.12 (120) (HBS) (T)

Ess 10.14 (74) v PA 11.12 (78) (MCG) (N)

Sunday, July 2

Haw 7.10 (52) v Carl 17.10 (112) (MCG)

Melb 5.15 (45) v GWS 7.5 (47) (TIO)

WCE 12.5 (77) v StK 12.13 (85) (OS)

ROUND 17

Thursday, July 6

Rich 12.16 (88) v Syd 11.9 (75) (MCG) (N)

Friday, July 7

WB 11.11 (77) v Coll 13.11 (89) (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, July 8

BL 16.20 (116) v WCE 5.5 (35) (Gabba)

GWS 12.13 (85) v Haw 10.12 (72) (GS)

StK 8.10 (58) v Melb 12.7 (79) (MRVL) (N)

PA 16.10 (106) v GCS 11.7 (73) (AO) (N)

Sunday, July 9

Geel 19.11 (125) v NM 9.9 (63) (GMHBA)

Ess 17.13 (115) v Adel 15.7 (97) (MRVL)

Frem 6.9 (45) v Carl 14.14 (98) (OS) (T)

ROUND 18

Thursday, July 13

Syd 11.12 (78) v WB 11.10 (76) (SCG) (N)

Friday, July 14

Melb 16.9 (105) v BL 16.8 (104) (MCG) (N)

Saturday, July 15

Coll 18.5 (113) v Frem 10.7 (67) (MCG)

GCS 11.11 (77) v StK 8.3 (51) (HBS)

Carl 18.14 (122) v PA 10.12 (72) (MRVL) (T)

Geel 18.14 (122) v Ess 7.3

ROUND

v NM 15.9 (99) (MRVL) (T)

Byes: Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, St Kilda, Sydney Swans

Friday, August 4

WB 19.12 (126) v Rich 10.11 (77) (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, August 5

Ess 10.13 (73) v WCE 11.6 (72) (MRVL)

Adel 13.11 (89) v GCS 9.7 (61) (AO)

Haw 16.9 (105) v Coll 11.7 (73) (MCG) (T)

Geel 14.13 (97) v PA 12.13 (85) (GMHBA) (N)

GWS 12.13 (85) v Syd 15.6 (96) (GS) (N)

Sunday, August 6

NM 10.11 (71) v Melb 15.13 (103) (BA)

StK 8.6 (54) v Carl 10.13 (73) (MRVL) Frem 11.8 (74) v BL 11.11 (77) (OS) (T)

ROUND 22

Friday, August 11

Collingwood v Geelong Cats (MCG) (N)

Saturday, August 12

North Melbourne v Essendon (MRVL)

Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns (SCG)

Brisbane Lions v Adelaide Crows (G) (T)

Carlton v Melbourne (MCG) (N)

West Coast Eagles v Fremantle (OS) (N)

Sunday, August 13

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs (UTAS)

St Kilda v Richmond (MRVL)

Port Adelaide v GWS Giants (AO) (T)

ROUND 23

Friday, August 18

Collingwood v Brisbane Lions (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, August 19

Richmond v North Melbourne (MCG)

Gold Coast Suns v Carlton (HBS)

GWS Giants v Essendon (GS) (T)

St Kilda v Geelong Cats (MRVL) (N)

Adelaide Crows v Sydney Swans (AO) (N)

Sunday, August 20

Western Bulldogs v West Coast Eagles (MRVL)

Melbourne v Hawthorn (MCG)

Fremantle v Port Adelaide (OS) (T)

ROUND 24

Friday, August 25

Essendon v Collingwood (MCG) (N)

Saturday, August 26

North Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns (BA)

Hawthorn v Fremantle (MCG)

Brisbane Lions v St Kilda (Gabba) (T)

Geelong Cats v Western Bulldogs (GMHBA) (N)

West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows (OS) (N)

Sunday, August 27

Port Adelaide v Richmond (AO)

Sydney Swans v Melbourne (SCG)

Carlton v GWS Giants (MRVL) (N)

2023 TOYOTA AFL FINALS SERIES

Date TBC

Week One – Qualifying & Elimination Finals (4)

Date TBC

Week Two – Semi-Finals (2)

Date TBC

Week Three – Preliminary Finals (2)

Date TBC

Week Four – Toyota AFL Grand Final

Quarter Pounder ® Big Mac®

Nickname: Pattie

100% Aussie Beef

Cheese

Onions

Tangy mustard Pickles

Sesame seed bun

“Always brings the beef”

Footy. i’m lovin it

Nickname: Macca

2 all Australian beef patties

Special sauce

Lettuce

Cheese

Pickles & Onions

Sesame seed bun

“A legend of the game”

SCOREBOARD – ROUND 21

Western Bulldogs 9.3 12.5 16.7 19.12 (126)

Richmond 2 .1 5.5 7.8 10.11 (71)

BEST: Western Bulldogs – Bontempelli, Liberatore, Ugle-Hagan, L. Jones, Treloar, Naughton. Richmond – Taranto, Prestia, Short, Nankervis.

GOALS: Western Bulldogs – Ugle-Hagan 5, Bontempelli 3, Naughton 3, Lobb 2, West 2, Daniel 2, Weightman, English. Richmond – Riewoldt 3, Ross 2, Cumberland, Bolton, Baker, Pickett, Bauer.

Substitutes: Western Bulldogs – A. Jones (replaced Scott); Richmond –Mansell (replaced Hopper).

AFL Coaches Votes: 10 Bontempelli (WB), 6 Treloar (WB), 6 Ugle-Hagan (WB), 6 Liberatore (WB), 1 L. Jones (WB), 1 Dale (WB).

Umpires: H. Gavine, B. Rosebury, A. Stephens, N. Williamson.

Crowd: 39,304 at Marvel Stadium.

West Coast Eagles 2 .2

BEST: Essendon – Langford, Parish, Hind, Merrett, Redman, Durham. West Coast Eagles – Kelly, Hunt, Duggan, Witherden, L. Edwards.

GOALS: Essendon – Langford 5, Durham, Perkins, Parish, Wright, Redman. West Coast Eagles – Cripps 2, Darling 2, Allen 2, Maric 2, Hewett, J. Williams, Petruccelle.

Substitutes: Essendon – A. Davey (replaced Caldwell); West Coast Eagles – Clark (replaced J. Williams).

AFL Coaches Votes: 8 Kelly (WCE), 8 Langford (Ess), 7 Parish (Ess), 3 Merrett (Ess), 2 Duggan (WCE), 1 Hind (Ess), 1 Hunt (WCE).

Umpires: A. Adair, N. Brown, J. Dalgleish, M. Young.

Crowd: 30,742 at Marvel Stadium.

Adelaide Crows 5.2 8.4 8.11 13.11 (89)

Gold Coast Suns 0.3 3.6 6.6 9.7 (61)

BEST: Adelaide Crows – Hinge, Laird, Crouch, Fogarty, Dawson, McAdam. Gold Coast Suns – Witts, Ainsworth, Powell, Farrar, Flanders, Andrew.

GOALS: Adelaide Crows – Fogarty 3, McAdam 3, Walker 2, Crouch, Dawson, Keays, Murphy, Soligo. Gold Coast Suns – Casboult 2, King 2, Lukosius 2, Ellis, Macpherson, Rowell.

Substitutes: Adelaide Crows – Sloane (replaced Jones); Gold Coast Suns – Tsitas (replaced Hollands).

AFL Coaches Votes: 9 Hinge (Adel), 9 Fogarty (Adel), 6 Crouch (Adel), 2 Smith (Adel), 2 Murphy (Adel), 1 Andrew (GCS), 1 Borlase (Adel).

Umpires: C. Deboy, L. Haussen, J. Mollison, E. Tee.

Crowd: 35,777 at Adelaide Oval.

Hawthorn

BEST: Hawthorn – Sicily, Day, Maginness, Newcombe, Moore, Hardwick, Nash. Collingwood – Crisp, Pendlebury, Elliott, Sidebottom.

GOALS: Hawthorn – Ryan 3, Breust 3, Morrison 2, Moore 2, Lewis 2, Weddle, Reeves, Koschitzke, Newcombe. Collingwood – Elliott 3, McStay 2, De Goey 2, McCreery, N. Daicos, Pendlebury, Hill.

Substitutes: Hawthorn – Mackenzie (replaced Mitchell); Collingwood –Markov (replaced Mitchell).

Umpires: L. Fisher, D. Johanson, N. Toner, B. Wallace.

AFL Coaches Votes: 10 Sicily (Haw), 8 Day (Haw), 5 Nash (Haw), 3 Newcombe (Haw), 2 Maginness (Haw), 1 Moore (Haw), 1 McCreery (Coll).

Crowd: 62,134 at the MCG.

Geelong 7.2 9.5 10.9 14.13 (97)

Port Adelaide 5.1 6.6 10.8 12.13 (85)

BEST: Geelong – Miers, Dangerfield, Stewart, Smith, O. Henry, Stanley. Port Adelaide – Rozee, Butters, Horne-Francis, Burton, Boak, Rioli.

GOALS: Geelong – O. Henry 4, Miers 2, Cameron 2, Stengle, Smith, Duncan, Dangerfield, Bowes, Close. Port Adelaide – Rioli 4, Powell-Pepper 3, Marshall 2, Horne-Francis, Butters, Boak.

Substitutes: Geelong – Parfitt (replaced J. Henry); Port Adelaide – Mead (replaced McKenzie).

COATES TALENT LEAGUE – ROUND 15

Best: Eastern Ranges – Vippond, Baldwin, Sruk, Windsor, Trembath, Moraes. Oakleigh Chargers – Walker, Gross, Smith, Tovey, Brown, Lorenz.

Goals: Eastern Ranges – Laplanche 2, Tanzimat 2, Weatherill 2, Moraes, Spencer, Vippond, Windsor, Wright. Oakleigh Chargers – Gross 2, Hicks 2, Walker 2, Brown, Lorenz, Philactides. GWV

Best: GWV Rebels – Faull, Jess, Stevens, Lawson, Hannaford, Lual. Northern Knights – Wallace, Ferronato, Caddy, D’Arro, Harvey, Raphael.

Goals: GWV Rebels – Unwin 4, Byrne 2, Caldow 2, L. Charleson 2, Faull, Lloyd, Renfree. Northern Knights – Caddy 4, Farrar, Ferronato, Harvey, Moate, Wallace. Gippsland

Best: Gippsland Power – Z. Duursma, Lindsay, Mentha, Killoran, Reid, Callahan. Bendigo Pioneers – Gordon, Poole, Hillier, Watson, Hogan, Geister.

Goals: Gippsland Power – Z. Duursma 6, Mentha 3, Reid 3, Amoroso, Hoghton, Matthews, Smith. Bendigo Pioneers – Geister 2, Hillier 2, Poole 2. Geelong Falcons 5.1

(63)

Best: Geelong Falcons – Rudd, Burke, White, Kershaw, Morrison, Borys. Western Jets –Impey, Smith, Gallop, Fitzgerald, Miller, Morris.

AFL Coaches Votes: 10 Butters (PA), 7 Miers (Geel), 4 Ratugolea (Geel), 3 Rozee (PA), 3 Horne-Francis (PA), 2 O. Henry (Geel), 1 Dangerfield (Geel). Umpires: J. Broadbent, A. Gianfagna, B. Hosking, S. Meredith. Crowd: 21,279 at GMHBA Stadium.

BEST: Sydney Swans – Gulden, Lloyd, Parker, Fox, Mills, McLean, Rowbottom. GWS Giants – Green, Coniglio, Briggs, Bedford, Ash, Ward.

GOALS: Sydney Swans – McLean 4, Amartey 2, Gulden 2, Heeney 2, Wicks, Warner, Papley, Hayward, Florent. GWS Giants – Greene 3, Brown 2, Hogan 2, Ward, Riccardi, Lloyd, Haynes, Bedford.

Substitutes: GWS Giants – Angwin (replaced Riccardi); Sydney Swans –Stephens (replaced McDonald).

AFL Coaches Votes: 10 Gulden (Syd), 7 McLean (Syd), 6 Green (GWS), 5 Lloyd (Syd), 1 Ash (GWS), 1 Rowbottom (Syd).

Umpires: C. Dore, R. Findlay, N. Foot, J. Howorth.

at Giants Stadium.

BEST: Melbourne – Pickett, Petracca, Brayshaw, Hunter, Viney, Harmes. North Melbourne – Ziebell, Ford, Simpkin, Davies-Uniacke, Scott.

GOALS: Melbourne – Pickett 3, Neal-Bullen 3, Chandler 3, Petty 2, Petracca 2, van Rooyen 2. North Melbourne – Ford 3, Goldstein 2, Scott, Larkey, Curtis, Simpkin, Taylor.

Substitutes: North Melbourne – Lazzarro (replaced Hansen); Melbourne – Hibberd (replaced Petty).

AFL Coaches Votes: 9 Brayshaw (Melb), 9 Viney (Melb), 4 Pickett (Melb), 3 Ziebell (NM), 3 Petracca (Melb), 1 Thomas (NM), 1 Neal-Bullen (Melb).

Umpires: A. Heffernan, C. Jones, N. McGinness, A. Whetton.

Crowd: 8034 at Blundstone Arena.

BEST: Carlton – Newman, Fisher, Acres, Cripps, Weitering, Docherty, Dow. St Kilda – Crouch, Wood, Wilkie, Clark, Battle, Marshall, Clark.

GOALS: Carlton – Motlop 2, Acres 2, Owies, Martin, Dow, De Koning, C. Curnow, Cuningham. St Kilda – King 2, Butler 2, Phillipou, Marshall, Higgins, Crouch.

Substitutes: St Kilda – Stocker (replaced Phillipou); Carlton – E. Curnow (replaced Fogarty).

AFL Coaches Votes: 7 Acres (Carl), 6 Fisher (Carl), 5 Cripps (Carl), 5 Newman (Carl), 3 Weitering (Carl), 2 De Koning (Carl), 1 Wilkie (StK), 1 Wood (StK).

Umpires: R. Chamberlain, C. Donlon, R. O’Gorman, M. Rodger.

Crowd: 42,656 at Marvel Stadium.

BEST: Brisbane Lions – Neale, McCluggage, Berry, Cameron, Rayner, McCarthy. Fremantle – Serong, Jackson, Young, Brayshaw, Sturt.

GOALS: Brisbane Lions – Cameron 2, Daniher 2, Gunston 2, Ah Chee, Berry, Hipwood, McCarthy, McCluggage. Fremantle – Sturt 3, Frederick 2, Schultz 2, Amiss, Corbett, Jackson, Treacy.

Substitutes: Fremantle – Johnson (replaced Hughes); Brisbane Lions –Robertson (replaced Fletcher).

AFL Coaches Votes: 10 Jackson (Frem), 7 Berry (BL), 4 Serong (Frem), 4 Young (Frem), 2 McCluggage (BL), 2 McCarthy (BL), 1 Andrews (BL). Umpires: C. Fleer, J. Fry, J. Power, P. Rebeschini.

Crowd: 37,845 at Optus Stadium.

AFLCA Champion Player of the Year

Goals: Geelong Falcons – Davey 3, Hughes 3, McLachlan 3, Rudd 2, Hastie, Kershaw, Lowther, Murray, Sinnott, White. Western Jets – Morris 3, Freeman 2, Impey, Moloney, Parker, Smith.

Murray Bushrangers 3.0 4.2 6.5 11.9 (75)

Calder Cannons 2 .3 7.7 9.11 10.14 (74)

Best: Murray Bushrangers – James, Newton, Hewitt, Darcy Wilson, Whitlock, Williams. Calder Cannons – Croft, Barbaro, Brodie, Hollow, Gallagher, Nguyen.

Goals: Murray Bushrangers – Whitlock 2, Williams 2, Hart, James, McCormack, Murphy, Paul, Way, Darcy Wilson. Calder Cannons – Kako 4, Croft 3, Garcia 2, Ryan.

Bye: Dandenong Stingrays, Sandringham Dragons, Tasmania Devils.

LADDER: Sandringham Dragons 36 (129.6%), Tasmania Devils 32 (143.6%), GWV Rebels 32 (129.3%), Northern Knights 32 (120.3%), Calder Cannons 28 (156.4%), Geelong Falcons 28 (118.7%), Eastern Ranges 28 (114.9%), Gippsland Power 24 (105.2%), Bendigo Pioneers 20 (98.0%), Dandenong Stingrays 20 (97.2%), Western Jets 16 (86.4%), Oakleigh Chargers 12 (84.2%), Murray Bushrangers 12 (75.8%), Swans Academy 8 (92.2%), Suns Academy 8 (91.3%), Lions Academy 0 (58.5%), Giants Academy 0 (37.7%), Thunder Academy 0 (21.2%).

LEADING GOALKICKERS

TOP DOCKER: Luke Jackson led from the front to earn 10 AFLCA votes.

VFL –ROUND20

Best: Southport – Heron, Gahan, Woodcock, Foot, Dawson, Bowman. Essendon – Baldwin, Reid, Lord, Voss, Wanganeen, Hayes.

Goals: Southport – Foot 3, Foggo 3, Banks-Smith, Fields, Molloy, Sexton, Pescud, Woodcock. Essendon – Wanganeen 4, Voss 3, Munkara 2, Cootee, McCarty, Montgomerie.

Best: Footscray – Sullivan, Baker, Drummond, McLean, Chatfield, Craig-Peters. North Melbourne – Howe, Greenwood, Dawson, Stevens, Bonar, Lowson.

Goals: Footscray – Lewis 3, Macisaac 3, Khamis 2, McComb 2, Raak 2, Baker, Clarke, Hannan, McLean, Sullivan, Sweet. North Melbourne –Howe 4, Lowson 3, Sellers.

Best: Sydney – Konstanty, Gould, Corey Warner, Bartholomaeus, Roberts, Arnold. GWS –Cadman, Wehr, Madden, Fahey, McMullin, Flynn.

Goals: Sydney – Buller 4, Gould 4, Konstanty 4, Hall-Kahan 3, Cabor, Gander, Ladhams, Magor, McAndrew, Mitchell, Morrison. GWS – Cadman 3, Flynn 2, Stone 2, Creighton, Fahey.

Best: Williamstown – Hore, Triffett, Gadsby, McDonald, Ellison, Ottavi. Richmond – Lefau, Dow, Ralphsmith, Brown, Sonsie, Melville.

Goals: Williamstown – Ellison 4, Ottavi 4, Gadsby 2, Andrews, Ebinger, Pickess. Richmond – Bradtke 2, Ryan 2, Green, Miller, Ralphsmith, Yassine.

QAFL –ROUND19

Best: Labrador – Cecchin, Gregory, Coombes, Brown, Anderson, Joshua Young. Aspley – Harker, Wolbers, Joseph, Templeton.

Goals: Labrador – Coombes 4, Henderson 3, Law 3, Back, Hammond. Aspley

Best: Surfers Paradise – Williams, Ireland, Beardsell, Corbett, Fraser, Nieass. Morningside – Robinson, Buzza, Cox, Barry, Godfrey, Griffiths.

Goals: Surfers Paradise – Mitchell 3, Corbett 2, Finch 2, Curtis, Ford, Fraser, Nieass, Shea, Woodburn. Morningside – Buzza 4, Dadds 2, Barry, Castle, Downie, Horne, Lewis, McLeod, Robinson. Maroochydore

Best: Maroochydore – McLachlan, Thomas, Wagner, Jacka, Govan, O’Leary. Palm Beach-Currumbin – Nicholson, McBurnie, Joyce, Cornish, Frazer, Thynne.

Goals: Maroochydore – McLachlan 3, Scholard 2, Thomas 2, Keleher, Robinson. Palm Beach-Currumbin – Nicholson 4, Beaman, Evert, Katsiris.

Bye: Broadbeach, Mt Gravatt, Noosa, Redland-Victoria Point, Sherwood, Wilston Grange.

LADDER: Aspley 54 (183.2%), Redland-Victoria Point 52 (165.0%), Broadbeach 46 (138.1%), Surfers Paradise 44 (123.7%), Wilston Grange 36 (101.8%), Labrador 30 (90.0%), Morningside 28 (89.1%), Palm Beach-Currumbin 26 (79.4%), Maroochydore 24 (100.1%), Mt Gravatt 20 (81.0%), Noosa 20 (77.3%), Sherwood 4 (50.9%).

COMING SOON

Best: Werribee – Sodomaco, Cooper, Malual, Paea, Henderson, T. Gribble. Collingwood – Cox, Hustwaite, Tardrew, Kreuger, Ruscoe, Murley.

Goals: Werribee – Garoni 3, Paea 3, Keast 2, Selsby 2, T. Gribble, Hayes, Malual, Porter. Collingwood – Ginnivan 2, Cox, Harrison, Kreuger, McInnes, Murley, Tomasiello.

Best: Sandringham – Campbell, Bytel, Membrey, Paton, Hayes, Connolly. Northern Bullants – Velissaris, Johnson, Hurley, Gentile, Delbridge, D. Clarke.

Goals: Sandringham – Membrey 4, Keeler 3, Campbell 2, Heath 2, Peris 2, Bytel, Hayes, Hipwell, Lohmann, Lowe, O’Leary, Paton. Northern Bullants – Barling, D. Clarke, Fairlie, Maley.

BYE: Box Hill Hawks, Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Casey Demons, Coburg, Frankston, Geelong, Gold Coast, Port Melbourne.

LADDER: Werribee 60 (168.5%), Gold Coast 56 (172.5%), Box Hill Hawks 52 (130.7%), Brisbane Lions 50 (161.6%), Williamstown 48 (115.1%), Casey Demons 44 (133.0%), Footscray 40 (124.4%), North Melbourne 40 (111.6%), Carlton 36 (118.5%), Collingwood 36 (110.6%), Richmond 34 (96.4%), Southport 32 (112.5%), GWS 32 (82.4%), Geelong 30 (82.0%), Port Melbourne 24 (88.8%), Sandringham 18 (84.5%), Essendon 16 (79.7%), Sydney 16 (78.5%), Frankston 12 (68.5%), Northern Bullants 8 (40.3%), Coburg 0 (54.4%).

AFL SYDNEY – ROUND 17

Gordon, Kimpton, Robertson.

UNSW-Eastern Suburbs – Kilpatrick, Jack, Foster, Peter, Morrison, Bambrick. East Coast – Foxall, Jones, Organ, Gauci, Sutherland, Johns.

UNSW-Eastern Suburbs – Emery

Foster

Geddes, Kilpatrick, Romensky. East Coast – Delana 2, McNeil, Organ.

Best: North Shore – Barkley, Woodman, Meacham, Bradley, Chalmers, Netting. Sydney University – Barton, Kozlik, Gibbs, Fitzroy, Dimery, Davis.

Goals: North Shore – Bradley 2, Brewer 2, Chalmers 2, Alexander, Drum, Hill, Parks, Woodman. Sydney University – Gibbs 2, Hughes 2, Lucy 2, Hawkins, McLean. Manly-Warringah

Best: Manly-Warringah – Wright, McGrath, Babic, Youlten, Fraser, Gabila. St George – Coenen, Hodgson, Jones, Maunder, Nash, P. Tegg.

Goals: Manly-Warringah – Youlten 4, Gabila 2, Trevaskis 2, Sheldrick, Stubbs, Washington, Wright. St George – Maunder 3, Hodgson 2, Ayres, Coenen, Kenny, Lycakis, Maher.

BYE: Pennant Hills.

LADDER: North Shore 56 (225.1%), UNSW-Eastern Suburbs 44 (183.3%), Pennant Hills 44 (136.9%), Sydney University 44 (119.6%), Manly-Warringah 28 (109.2%), St George 24 (79.5%), Inner West 16 (91.0%), UTS 12 (53.6%), East Coast 4 (38.0%).

TSL – ROUND 17

Best: North Hobart – Norton, Sandric, Campbell, White, Liefhebber, Cleaver. Glenorchy – C. Ling, M. Dilger, Waight, Roach, Wright, Phillips.

Goals: North Hobart – Bingham 2, Stephenson 2, Daly, Hilder, Jackson, Keeling, Norton, Walker, White. Glenorchy – C. Ling 2, Manson 2, M. Dilger, Joseph, Waight.

Best: Kingborough – Lovell, Zeitzen, Tomkinson, Bastick, Griggs, Brereton. Clarence – Christensen, Franklin, Martin, Bellchambers, Hooker, Treasure.

Goals: North Launceston – Zeitzen 4, Tomkinson 2, Brereton, Collidge, Lovell. Lauderdale – Siggins 3, Stanley 2, Gridley.

Best: Launceston – Jake Hinds, Madden, House, Beaumont, Palfreyman, Foley. Clarence – Preshaw, Garland, Wylie.

Goals: Launceston – Hyatt 3, Jones 3, Riley 2, Beaumont, Madden, McKercher, Pfeiffer, Schoenmaker. Clarence – Alomes, Dolliver, Garland, N. Holmes.

Bye: North Launceston

LADDER: Kingborough 52 (194.8%), North Launceston 48 (162.1%), Launceston 32 (121.2%), Clarence 32 (90.9%), North Hobart 24 (84.5%), Lauderdale 16 (83.5%), Glenorchy 0 (39.8%).

WAFL –ROUND17

Best: Swan Districts – Turner, Clarke, Ehlers, Reidy, Humphries. South Fremantle – Kelly, Donaldson, Drage, T. Blechynden.

Goals: Swan Districts – Jones 3, Turner 3, Palmer 2, Edwards, Noble, McLachlan, Reidy, Lynch. South Fremantle – Donaldson 2, J. Blechynden 2, Kelly, Hall, Main.

Best: Peel Thunder – Emmett, Bell, Reidy, Sears, Wilson. West Coast –Browne, Hansen, Kemp, Foley.

Goals: Peel Thunder – Bell 4, Taberner 3, Reidy 2, Middleton 2, Emmett 2, Colyer, O’Driscoll, Brodie, Sellwood, Wilson, Sears. West Coast – Foley, Dewar, Burke, Levien, Nitschke.

Best: East Fremantle – Joyce, Bailey, Lawler, Jansen, Jupp. Claremont –Miles, Edwards, Curtin, Eastland.

Goals: East Fremantle – Lawler 4, O’Reilly 3, Eardley, Leggett, McGuire, Walker. Claremont – Manuel 3, Treacy, Bolton, Smallwood, Hardisty.

Best: West Perth – Todd, Rotham, Keitel, Pegoraro, Meadows. Perth –Cooley, Cary, Byrne, Coniglio, Manzone.

Goals: West Perth – Keitel 6, Pegoraro 4, Hinder 2, Meadows, Peirce, Todd, Dixon, Julian. Perth – S. Stubbs 3, Byrne, Sinclair, Manzone, Cary, Ajang, Davis, Philip, Hayward.

Bye: East Perth, Subiaco.

LADDER: East Fremantle 44 (145.8%), East Perth 44 (135.7%), Subiaco 40 (134.9%), Peel Thunder 40 (133.3%), Claremont 40 (123.4%), West Perth 32 (118.2%), Swan Districts 28 (101.0%), South Fremantle 12 (93.9%), Perth 10 (66.3%), West Coast 2 (37.0%).

2023 AFLW SEASON GUIDE DIGITAL EDITION

The NAB AFL Women’s Competition is back for its eighth season and to coincide with its phenomenal growth, SEN Publishing will be producing a special FREE digital standalone AFLW publication – AFLW Record 2023

NAB AFLW SEASON 8.

AFLW Record Season Guide 2023 includes:

„ Team lists and guernsey numbers for all 18 teams.

„ A club-by-club preview of Season 8 as well as a season preview.

„ Stats, fixtures, all the award winners and draft selections since AFLW started in 2017.

OFFICIAL 2023 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON LADDER

AFL UMPIRES 2023

BOUNDARY: Jordan Andrews, Michael Baker, Michael Barlow, Simon Blight, Chris Bull, Ian Burrows, Sean Burton, Adam Coote, Patrick Cran, Damien Cusack, Brett Dalgleish, Chris Delany, Patrick Dineen, Nathan Doig, Ty Duncan, Chris Esler, Benjamin Fely, Kieran Ferguson, Daniel Field-Read, Joshua Furman, Josh Garrett, Christopher Gordon, Matthew Jenkinson, Matthew Konetschka, Drew Kowalski, Mitchell Le Fevre, Tim Lougoon, Ben MacDonald, Damien Main, Michael Marantelli, Josh Mather, Jason Moore, Sean Moylan, Nicholas Phillips, Lachlan Rayner, Adam Reardon, Jordan Russell, Michael Saunders, Sam Stagg, Nick Swanson, Shane Thiele, Matthew Tomkins, David Wood.

GOAL: Jesse Baird, Dylan Benwell, Sally Boud, Matthew Bridges, Peter Challen, Michael Craig, Matthew Dervan, Luke Edwards, Daniel Hoskin, Sam Hunter, Brodie Kenny-Bell, Callum Leonard, Matt Maclure, Taylor Mattioli, Angus McKenzie-Wills, Rhys Negerman, Steven Piperno, Simon Plumridge, David Rodan, Chelsea Roffey, Brett Rogers, Tom Sullivan, Sam Walsh, Stephen Williams, Adam Wojcik, Jason Yazdani.

KYNETON TOYOTA SUPPORTS THE TIGERS

What makes Toyota Good for Footy?

X Through its Good For Footy program, Toyota is committed to helping grow Australian Football across the entire community.

And in 2023, Toyota is celebrating the fact $15 million has been raised through its Good For Footy and Cricket programs.

Local footy clubs partner with their local Toyota dealer and together they can fundraise through the Good for Footy Raffle.

Tickets are just $5 and the club gets to keep 100 per cent of the proceeds – plus there is the opportunity to win one of three new Toyotas!

In fact, there’s more than $250,000 in prizes up for grabs ... that’s a whole lot better than a sausage sizzle!

Just head to your local club’s good For Footy Raffle page to buy tickets.

Through Toyota’s Good For Footy program, more than 500 local clubs from every state and territory have benefited, including Kyneton Football Netball Club.

COMMUNITY PRIDE: Kyneton fields senior men’s and women’s teams, as well as running a strong junior program and an all-abilities team.

People (are) buying tickets all around the country

Ky neton Football Netball Club as links dating back to the foundation years of Australian Football in the 1860s.

The Tigers pre-date the VFL (today’s AFL) which started in 1897. Kyneton played in various local competitions an, like many country clubs, it had to endure a tough period during two World Wars.

Having also played in the Castlemaine District Football League, Kyneton re-joined the Bendigo Football League in 1947 where it has won premierships in 1960, 1961, 1966, 1995 and 1997. Kyneton also won the 1936 premiership in the Bendigo FL.

Today, Kyneton boasts teams in senior men’s and senior women’s competitions and has a strong junior football arm.

On top of that, the Tigers field netball teams and a FIDA (Football Integration Development Association) all-abilities team.

The Tigers aim to be a proud, competitive, sustainable and family-focused club that provides the opportunity for players, members, spectators – and the wider

community – to participate in sport and social activities of the club.

They have committed to work together to ensure it is an open and inclusive club that offers the opportunity to participate. In 2021, Kyneton won the AFL Community Most Inclusive Club of the Year.

The Tigers foster health and well-being for the community in all their activities, providing an enjoyable and safe environment for members. And they commit to communicate their relevance with their members and the wider community, encouraging others to contribute to the long and proud Tiger story.

Kyneton is also fortunate to have the support of Kyneton Toyota which has provided the vehicle for the club’s popular major raffle for three years.

“Their support has meant this sought-after prize has managed to gain a very large following with people buying tickets all around the country,” Kyneton president Hayden Evans said.

Kyneton Toyota also supported the Tigers with their Easter ‘Longest Kick’ competition in 2022.

KYNETON PRESIDENT HAYDEN EVANS

CHADSTONE TOYOTA SUPPORTS THE KNIGHTS

What makes Toyota Good for Footy?

X Through its Good For Footy program, Toyota is committed to helping grow Australian Football across the entire community.

And in 2023, Toyota is celebrating the fact $15 million has been raised through its Good For Footy and Cricket programs.

Local footy clubs partner with their local Toyota dealer and together they can fundraise through the Good for Footy Raffle.

Tickets are just $5 and the club gets to keep 100 per cent of the proceeds – plus there is the opportunity to win one of three new Toyotas!

In fact, there’s more than $250,000 in prizes up for grabs ... that’s a whole lot better than a sausage sizzle!

Just head to your local club’s good For Footy Raffle page to buy tickets.

Through Toyota’s Good For Footy program, more than 500 local clubs from every state and territory have benefited, including East Malvern Junior Football Club.

The East Malvern Junior Football Club, or the Knights, was originally part of the East Malvern Football Club (the Blue Knights) and was formed in 1927.

The junior teams played within the overall structure of the club, fielding teams from the under-9s to under-14s. To give the junior teams greater representation, a junior committee was formed late in 1984 for the start of the 1985 season.

Each year the Knights continue to grow. For the 2023 season, they have 790 registered players from under-8s to under-18s, playing across 35 teams.

The Knights are also very proud of their girls’ footy program, which comprises 30 per cent of the membership.

Another impressive figure is that almost 550 families are involved in the East Malvern Junior Football Club community.

The Knights’ mission is to provide kids a safe, supportive

and inclusive environment which develops, promotes and encourages participation in Australian Football. They aim to develop young adults who show respect to others and integrity in all they do.

Chadstone Toyota has been incredibly committed to the East Malvern Junior Football Club and the two have enjoyed a great journey over the past couple of years.

“The Good For Footy nights at the club always bring a smile to the kids’ faces,” East Malvern Junior Football Club president Dugald McWilliams said.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a generous sponsor in Chadstone Toyota to help us provide the best environment for our young members.”

Chadstone Toyota marketing manager Joy Chan said: “We support them through Toyota Good For Footy Legend initiative and the Good For Footy Raffle to help the club to generate some much-needed funds.”

HAPPY DAYS & KNIGHTS: East Malvern Junior Football Club fields teams in boys’ and girls’ competitions.

The Good For Footy nights always bring a smile to the kids’ faces

EAST MALVERN PRESIDENT DUGALD McWILLIAMS

THAT’S BIG!

Since 2008, the Toyota ‘Good for…’ program has raised a whopping 15 million dollars for grassroots sporting clubs around Australia. That’s real cash helping real community clubs survive and thrive. How good is that?

REVERED AND REVERED AGAIN

There aren’t many players who have a resume as long as the great Ian Stewart.

Just four players in the history of the game have won three Brownlow Medals, but while the others – Bob Skilton, Dick Reynolds and Haydn Bunton – are Legends of Sydney, Essendon and Fitzroy respectively, Stewart is the only man to have won Brownlow Medals, premierships and club best and fairest awards at two different clubs.

The Tasmanian centreman was part of St Kilda’s only premiership in 1966, winning the second of his back-to-back Brownlows for the Saints that year, while he also claimed the club’s top honour in 1964 and 1966, was named All-Australian in the flag year and captained the club

in 1969 across 127 games in eight seasons.

He crossed to Richmond in a high-profile trade with Tigers star Billy Barrot in 1971 and promptly won his third Brownlow and the Jack Dyer Medal in his first year before leading his new club to the 1973 flag.

He went on to play 78 matches in five seasons for a total of 205 at the highest level before injury curtailed his career at just 31 and is revered by both clubs and the game as a whole.

Stewart was an inaugural inductee in the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 before being elevated to Legend status the following year and was selected in both clubs’ Teams of the Century and inducted in both their Halls of Fame.

DISTINGUISHED: Ian Stewart was a champion player for two clubs –St Kilda and Richmond –winning a Brownlow Medal, a premiership and best and fairest at both.

He is also an official Legend at St Kilda.

St Kilda and Richmond have recognised his greatness by awarding the Ian Stewart Medal for the best player on the ground when they play each other for the first time each season, with GWS recruit Tim Taranto taking the most recent honour back in round 14. While a medal won’t be awarded on Sunday, some wonderful modern-day players are on the list, with Tiger superstars Jack Riewoldt (2010, 2012), Brett Deledio (2011, 2015) and Dustin Martin (2017, 2019) being the only multiple winners, while Saints greats Nick Dal Santo (2005), Lenny Hayes (2006), Leigh Montagna (2007), Stephen Milne (2008) and Brendon Goddard (2009) all feature.

u NAB AFL Auskick is the best way to introduce kids to the great game of Australia Football.

Auskick is all about fun, getting hands on the ball and constantly being involved in exciting activities in an inclusive environment.

This week, at our half-time experiences we will be celebrating our all-girls groups by having all girls take the field to play Auskick.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate girls who want to be involved and participate with other girls.

There are optional all-girls Auskick groups across the country – find yours today and join the fun at play.afl/Auskick.

theTRADeRS

PIG OF THE WEEK

DANE SWAN MEDAL

favourable match-up this week against the Dogs at UTAS Stadium where he scored 151 against them last year. Talking about accumulative defenders, hopefully you followed our advice last week and grabbed Nic Newman (DEF, $838,000), who took advantage of a soft match-up for defenders against the Saints. He took 13 marks to go with 35 possessions to score 139, his fourth hundred in five weeks, with a low of 93 in that time. Marcus Bontempelli (MID, $1.04M) bounced back from his first sub-100 score in 12 weeks by dominating the Tigers with 32 possessions, six marks, nine tackles and three goals for 151. Luke Jackson (FWD/RUC, $734,000) enjoyed the ruck responsibilities and his numbers reflected that with a season-high 44 hit-outs and 149 leading into two soft match-ups, while Giant Tom Green (MID, $871,000) returned from injury to score an impressive 141.

TOP ROUND 21 SCORERS

CASH COW OF THE WEEK

MICHAEL BARLOW MEDAL

u James Sicily (DEF, $951,000), aka the ‘Sic Dawg’, was at his barking best against the Pies last Saturday, putting on an absolute display to be the top scorer of the round. The accumulating defender mopped up across half-back, collecting 37 possessions and taking 19 marks for a score of 160. His season average is up to an impressive 108 and he has a

Warnie

WARNE DAWGS

ROUND 21 2289 pts

Unfortunately, my side took a tumble last week, getting knocked out in the first week of our Bacon Cup Classic finals. I’m facing elimination in my Draft final, but free agent Matt Crouch might help get me over the line against red-hot team, Brett’s “Manzacs”.

Roy DESTROY

5 James Borlase

ADEL, DEF – 90

u What a fantastic debut which we didn’t see coming. Borlase was averaging 65 points this year in the SANFL and had a great day down back with nine marks and four tackles.

4 Ollie Hollands CARL, MID – 87

u B ack into the Blues’ line-up, Hollands filled the stat line in Carlton’s important win against the Saints last Sunday afternoon, racking up 20 disposals, four marks and laying six tackles.

3 Will Phillips NM, MID/FWD – 83

u Not too many coaches have Phillips in their Fantasy Classic teams, but consider the Roo for your Keeper League going into next season. Seven tackles helped boost his score.

2 Kade Chandler MELB, FWD – 81

u It has been a great season for the small forward. He booted three goals in the Demons’ win against the Roos in Hobart. It was the fifth time he’s booted three goals this year.

1 Dylan Williams PA, DEF/FWD – 79

u If there’s one thing we’ve learned this year, it’s Williams loves a mark. He took nine at GMHBA Stadium to take his average to 4.8 for the year. He has also gained $252K in value.

ROUND 21 2347 pts

It was a week of torment at destROY. I traded out Callum who returned to form, scoring 117. To rub salt into the wound, I originally Nic Newman (139) sitting there as his replacement, but updated the trade to bring in Josh Dunkley (81).

Calvin CALVINATOR

ROUND 21 2451 pts

I had one out of the box last week! Marcus Bontempelli as my captain, scoring 151, and James Sicily leading the backline with 160.

I am looking forward to heading to UTAS Stadium in round 22 to watch my two Fantasy stars dominate live.

LEADERBOARD: 71 – Harry Sheezel; 42 – Will Ashcroft; 17 – Will Phillips; 14 – Angus Sheldrick, Kade Chandler; 13 – Matthew Johnson, Ollie Hollands; 12 – Darcy Wilmot; 11 – Reuben Ginbey; 10 – Dylan Williams; 9 – Alex Cincotta, Seamus Mitchell; 8 – Bailey Humphrey, Josh Weddle, Corey Wagner; 7 – Cameron Mackenzie, Anthony Caminiti.

THE TRADERS’ FANTASY CLASSIC STOCK MARKET

STOCKS UP

When a popular star like Nick Daicos (DEF/MID, $894,000) goes down with an injury, it’s no surprise the top five most popular trade targets have defender status. That list is headlined by Hawks skipper James Sicily (DEF, $951,000), who has a three-game average of 125 on the back of his 161 and has a favourable match-up down at ‘Pig Park’ in Tassie this week. He has a BE of 95, which he should easily surpass against the Dogs, and is a player you need to own for the run home because it’s a lonely place for non-owners when he pumps out a big one. Nic Newman (DEF, $838,000) remains under-priced despite his $56K weekly price rise after scoring an impressive 139 to leave him with a BE of just 57 leading into his match-up with the Demons. He has a five-game average of 114 and looks like being one of the top-scoring defenders in the next three weeks. As far as safe options go, you can’t go past inspirational Blue Sam Docherty (MID/DEF, $908,000), who scored his fifth hundred in seven weeks against the Saints after collecting 26 possessions, seven marks and six tackles in a well-rounded performance for 112. On the other end of the scale is retiring Roo Jack Ziebell (FWD/DEF, $605,000), who returned to his free-scoring role down back under Alastair Clarkson and notched his first hundred in seven weeks with 138, which included an impressive 12 marks.

STOCKS DOWN

As mentioned, it’s a devastating blow losing popular young star Nick Daicos (DEF/MID, $894,000) to an injury that will see him miss the remainder of the Fantasy season. He has been amazing in just his second year, averaging an impressive 109 and increasing $125K on his original asking price despite last week’s significant drop of $71K following his injury-affected 37. Speaking of star youngsters, everyone’s favourite rookie Harry Sheezel (FWD/DEF, $775,000) fell well below his three-game average of 109 to score just 53 last week while playing a variety of roles against the Demons. That leaves him with a BE of 108 heading into this week against the Bombers in a match-up I’m tipping he bounces back to his best. Either way, he is the second-most traded out player this week. Versatile Giants defender Harry Himmelberg (FWD/DEF, $676,000) hasn’t scored like we expected to see following his move down back, averaging less than 80 in his past five games. He has scored below 80 in four of his past five games on the back of just 73 despite playing a season-high 91 per cent game-time. He has a tough fixture for the run home including games against Port Adelaide and Carlton. After a run of hot form and being a popular trade target, Saints skipper Jack Steele (MID, $898,000) scored an unimaginable -2 in the last quarter to finish on just 59 which has resulted in several justified rage trades.

1

HEALTHY BODY

The importance of exercise in our daily lives in order to maintain a strong and healthy body. Participants will partake in a range of group cardio fitness activities and challenges.

2 HEALTHY FOOD

To keep our body and mind healthy, we need to fuel ourselves with a range of nutritious and delicious foods. Participants’ knowledge will be challenged in multiple food activities that will test andproblem-solvingtheirskills understanding of food.

HEALTHY TEAM

Theimportanceofworking together,supportingone anotheranddeveloping relationships.Participants willplayarangeof team-buildinggames, with the inclusionofcompetitions andchallenges.

4 HEALTHYMIND needTotrulybehealthy,wetocareforourmind justasmuchasourbody. ParticipantswilllearnBox tacticsBreathingstrategiesand tohelpregulatetheiremotions.

Coles Healthy Kicks aims to educate, activate and motivate students to become more physically active, eat nutritious foods and develop a healthy mind while having fun with others.

The program is built on four key pillars – Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Food and Healthy Team.

Healthy Food is all about helping kids make the right choices.

Fuelling growing bodies with the right foods and nutrients is critical to development.

Coles Healthy Kicks aims to make preparing and cooking simple healthy food fun for the whole family.

OAT BARS WITH BERRIES AND CHOCOLATE

Recipe by Courtney Roulston

MAKES 12 BARS

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

⅓ cup pepita seeds

Pinch of sea salt flakes

2 ripe bananas, peeled, mashed 250ml coconut cream (from a can)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

2 tablespoons honey

½ cup each of blueberries and raspberries

70g milk or dark chocolate

Method

1. P re-heat the oven to 180 degrees C.

2. Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm slice pan with baking paper.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pepita seeds, salt, mashed bananas, coconut cream, cinnamon, vanilla and honey. Stir well until everything is combined. Fold through half of the berries, being careful not to break them up too much.

4. P our the mixture into the prepared pan and use the back of a spoon to even out the mixture. Pour over the remaining berries and gently press into the surface.

5. B ake for 35 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.

6. A llow to cool in the pan for one hour then remove and cut into 12 bars.

7. Melt the chocolate in a zip lock bag and snip off one corner to make a piping bag. Drizzle the chocolate over the bars and place into the fridge for 10 minutes to set before serving.

Can you unscramble these letters to reveal the AFL players’ names?

OJSH EBURC

AKJC RAGAHM

LRLEMI BGNMAER HMCIT WILSE

LCEAIH IIFWLDHTE SIION ULMILN

WORD FIND

Can you find these Coles Healthy Food words and the surnames of these Joshs?

Josh Battle Nuts

Josh Kelly

Egg

Josh Dunkley Cheese

Josh Schache

Fibre

Josh Rachele Organic

Josh Weddle Natural

Josh Goater

Josh Honey Probiotic

Josh Daicos

UOEBATTLELIPCYACSN

XDRTVLVZBDRMFYTHCR NADKKKKOWHGGEPIZHG RNUTSHEHYELKNUDEAD TECLCZLOZCINAGROCY SOCIADLNTGOATERHHK GSKLITYEFTCVFMWFER KFIBREGYPLYHGGQQOH VZIVELEHCARYEZEJXS PLARUTANSJAJWEDDLE RMEPROBIOTICTCSTVB RVAJOXCAZKTFIYYENI

FACE FACEMASH MASH MASH

Can you name the two players who have been merged to create these new faces?

GO END TO END FOR A GOAL!

Your team is four points down with 30 seconds remaining. Can you help it score a goal from a kick-in to win the game?

DESIGN YOUR OWN FOOTY JUMPER and BAAAAALLLL!

Watermelon and bananas are berries, but strawberries are not.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE TO

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Saint Mitch Owens is missing the MOSH logo on his guernsey; the first ‘R’ on teammate Hunter Clark’s shorts is reversed; Clark’s headband

is now yellow; Blue Patrick Cripps has more hair; the McDonald’s logo on the football has changed colour.

ANSWER MAN with LACHLAN

I noticed that GWS Giants ruckman Braydon Preuss weighs 118kg! Is he the heaviest player to have played in AFL/VFL history?

CHARLIE HARPER, BRIGHTON, VIC

LE: There have been 24 players who have weighed 110kg-plus in AFL/VFL history. Preuss is the heaviest current player, 4kg heavier than West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui

Former North Melbourne premiership ruckman Mick

Nolan holds the record as the heaviest player in League history, weighing a whopping 124kg! Nicknamed the ‘Galloping Gasometer’, Nolan helped guide the Roos to their first premiership in 1975. The lightest player in history was Essendon’s George Shorten, who weighed only 51kg. Shorten played 52 games for the Bombers between 1923-26. Two-time Fremantle best and fairest and four-time All-Australian Aaron Sandilands was one of the greatest tap ruckmen to have played the game and is the equal record-holder as the tallest player in history, standing at 211cm, alongside former Cat and Bulldog Peter Street and current Magpie Mason Cox

HEAVIEST PLAYERS

ROUND 22, 2022

CAN YOU ASSIST?

u Adrian Cox was recruited to Hawthorn from Hayfield and Gippsland under-18s in 1998. Cox made his debut in 1999 and went on to play 54 games for the Hawks until the end of 2004. His grandfather Roy Crozier played only one career game, for Footscray in round 11, 1952.

If you know of other examples of recent AFL players who have ancestors with a different surname who also played League football contact col.hutchinson@afl.com.au.

u Sydney ended Collingwood’s 11-game winning streak with a 27-point win in front of 44,659 fans at the SCG – the biggest home and away crowd at the venue since 1997. Melbourne climbed off the canvas in a thrilling final quarter after Charlie Curnow looked set to send Carlton into its first finals appearance since 2013 with three minutes remaining. But Jake Melksham’s fourth goal closed the gap to one point before Kysaiah Pickett ‘s stunning snap in the final 14 seconds consigned the Blues to a heart-breaking five-point defeat. The Brisbane Lions held off a third-quarter surge from St Kilda to move into fourth spot, with Max King‘s goalkicking woes (0.5) helping the visitors. The Western Bulldogs remained in finals contention with a narrow five-point win over GWS while Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch booted eight goals against Hawthorn to guarantee the Tigers a finals spot. There was a big fallout in the wake of Essendon’s 84-point loss to Port Adelaide. Bombers president Paul Brasher resigned the following day and coach Ben Rutten’s future was uncertain.

HEAVYWEIGHTS: Former Kangaroo Mick Nolan and Giant Braydon Preuss (inset) are among the heaviest players in League history.

* Current player

AFL

1

Who kicked four goals in the first quarter of the Western Bulldogs’ thrashing of Richmond last week?

A Aaron Naughton

B J amarra Ugle-Hagan

C C ody Weightman

D M arcus Bontempelli

2

The Bulldogs wore the last guernsey they donned under the Footscray name. What is it colloquially known as?

A Diamond Dog B Foot-a-scray Fire

C W hitten’s Warrior D Cartoon Pup

3

How long was a Richmond supporter suspended for after patting Marlion Pickett on the back from over the fence?

A 1 week B 1 month C 1 year D Life

4

Who saved Essendon’s blushes and kept the Bombers’ season alive with a late goal against West Coast?

A Kyle Langford B Peter Wright

C Z ach Merrett D Darcy Parish

Wereyou payingattention?

5

How many games out of 11 has Gold Coast won at Adelaide Oval after its loss to the Crows last week?

A 10 B 6 C 3 D 0

6

Who made his AFL debut last week with a performance that earned him a coaches’ vote?

A Mark Keane B Luke Nankervis

C Ja mes Borlase D Josh Worrell

7

How many years has it been since Port Adelaide defeated Geelong at GMHBA Stadium?

A 12 B 14 C 16 D 18

8

Which Cat booted four goals to help cover the absence of Tom Hawkins?

A Jeremy Cameron B Gryan Miers

C Tyson Stengle D Ollie Henry

Blastfrom thepast

Name: Travis Cloke

Games: 256 (Coll 246; WB 10)

Goals: 452 (Coll 441; WB 11)

Club span: Collingwood 2005-16; Western Bulldogs 2017

Player honours: Coll best and fairest 2007; Coll 3rd best and fairest 2011; Coll leading goalkicker 2011 (69), 2012 (59), 2013 (68), 2014 (39); All-Australian 2011, 2013; Coll pre-season premiership 2011; Coll premiership 2010.

Who won the Brett Kirk Medal in Sydney’s Derby win over GWS last week?

A Errol Gulden B Luke Parker

C J ake Lloyd D Callum Mills

Who limited Toby Greene’s influence and picked up 12 intercept disposals to be one of the Swans’ best?

A Harry Cunningham B Robbie Fox

C Tom McCartin D Oliver Florent

How much did North Melbourne lead Melbourne by early in the second quarter in Hobart?

A 13 B 23 C 33 D 43

The Demons’ comeback subjected the Kangaroos to their longest losing streak since which year?

A 2009 B 1982 C 1954 D 1935

Max King kicked St Kilda’s last goal against Carlton eight minutes into the third term. How many did the Blues kick after that?

A 6 B 7 C 8 D 9

Who had 35 disposals in a starring role for the Blues?

A Patrick Cripps B Nic Newman

C Z ac Fisher D Blake Acres 15

Who did the coaches unanimously vote as best-on-ground in Brisbane Lions’ thrilling win over Fremantle?

A Lachie Neale B Luke Jackson

C C aleb Serong D Hugh McCluggage

whoamI?

6pts: Born in Tasmania in 1943, I fought tooth and nail to join my chosen club, eventually debuting in 1963.

5pts: I played 127 games for that club and became a future Legend both there and in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

4pts: I changed clubs in 1971 and became a great of my second team in 78 more matches.

3pts: After my playing career, I had coaching stints at two different clubs, totalling 114 games.

2pts: I am the only man to win Brownlow Medals, premierships and best and fairests for two different clubs and was selected in the Teams of the Century and Halls of Fame by both.

1pt: The best player on the field wins a medal named after me when my clubs, St Kilda and Richmond, play in the first game between them each year.

Recruited from Park Orchards and the Eastern Ranges, Cloke was a powerful mobile forward who had a booming left foot and was strong overhead. Burst on to the scene in 2007 when he won Collingwood’s best and fairest. He took it to another level a few years later and was the Magpies’ leading goalkicker between 2011-14, earning All-Australian honours in 2011 and 2013. Cloke was traded to the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2016.

Who Am I?: Ian Stewart

WITH LACHLAN ESSING

Hot Apple Pie Hot Fudge Sundae

Nickname: Scorch

Crispy pastry

All Australian apples

Served piping hot

“Known for their hot starts”

Nickname: Softie

Creamy soft serve

Gooey warm chocolate fudge

A combo of hot and cold

“Soft serve that hits hard”

ISBN 978-0-6456573-1-9