FIRST pRelImInaRy FInal RecoRd
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40 LEADING THE WAY
St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt addresses reporters after being named captain of the All-Australian team announced on Monday night.
FINALS WEEK THREE SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2009 F E AT U R E S
9
Snapshot
Great photographs from the semi-finals.
40
All-Australian team
The top four clubs dominate this year’s team.
44
Alastair Clarkson
The importance of mentoring.
79
Brownlow Medal guide
A club-by-club preview of this year’s medal.
101
Game reviews
Looking back at the second week of finals. REGULARS
6
Backchat
Have your say about the football world.
14
The Finals Bounce
Views, news, first person, facts, data, culture.
49
Matchday
Stats, line-ups and Denis Pagan’s preview.
Answer Man 118 Collectables 122 Talking Point 116
Paul Roos discusses his new book.
FOR ALL YOUR
2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final week events see pages 4-5
SEE
PAGE 24
Fandemonium!
for your chance to win a Panasonic Lumix TZ7..
THIS WEEK’S COVERS There is a souvenir cover for both matches featuring Saint Leigh Montagna, Bulldog Jason Akermanis, Cat Gary Ablett and Magpie Harry O’Brien. Go to slatterymedia. com/images to order prints.
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MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 21 BROWNLOW LIVE
SEPTEMBER 22 KICKS FOR KIDS
SEPTEMBER 23 IDOLS LIVE: THE TOP 10
Celebrate the tradition of the Brownlow Medal with a fashion parade and appearances by players as we preview the 2009 Brownlow Medal count.
NAB AFL Auskick clinic with players in attendance, family activities.
Network Ten’s Australian Idol Top 10 concert. See the current stars of Australian Idol perform live in concert on the main stage.
Broadcast
Broadcast 9am-7pm: 1116 SEN broadcasting live
9am-7pm: 1116 SEN broadcasting live
Day’s highlights
8pm: Channel 7’s coverage of the Toyota Prius Brownlow Blue Carpet arrivals live on the big screen
10-11am: NAB AFL Auskick clinic in Birrarung Marr (pre-registration), appearances by Jock ‘One Eye’ McPie and Trevor ‘Saint’ Kilda, Cadbury Caramello and Freddo
8.30pm: Channel 7’s coverage of the 2009 Brownlow Medal Count live on the big screen Day’s highlights
11am-1pm: Camp Australia activities 11.45am-12.15pm: NAB AFL Rising Star Panel and interviews
Broadcast 9am-7pm: 1116 SEN broadcasting live Day’s highlights 11.30am: Autograph session with the Idols in the Atrium Noon-1pm: Australian Idol Top 10 live concert on the main stage 1-1.30pm: PlayStation SingStar live
12.30-1pm: Pre-Brownlow Medal Fashion Parade featuring AFL players 1-1.30pm: Brownlow Medal Footy Panel
Broadcasts and content subject to change without notice.
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FREE 2009 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL WEEK ACTIVITIES
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 24 SPIRIT OF FOOTBALL DAY
SEPTEMBER 25 FOOTY ON PARADE DAY
SEPTEMBER 26 GRAND FINAL LIVE
Catch the BigPond Sports Weekend™ preview panel and the Premiership Cup. Fun interactive clinics around Federation Square with player appearances. Broadcast 9am-7pm: 1116 SEN broadcasting live 7.30-8.30pm: Fox Sports AFL Teams broadcasting live Day’s highlights 11am-1pm: Qantas Kickstart player appearances 11am-2pm: Appearance from Cadbury Caramello and Freddo with samples 12.30-1.30pm: BigPond Live on the main stage, Premiership Cup on display 1.30-2pm: Playstation Singstar live 2.15-3.15pm: Home Hardware DIY
Broadcast 6-9am: Channel 7’s Sunrise with Mel and Kochie broadcasting live 9am-noon: 1116 SEN broadcasting live 10am-noon: 774 ABC Melbourne broadcasting live on the main stage Noon-1pm: 7 News coverage of the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final Street Parade live on the big screen 4-7pm: Triple M’s Roy & HG broadcasting live on the main stage Various Fox Sports News crosses throughout the day 6.30-7.30pm: Fox Sports Before the Bounce broadcasting live
CROWN AFL GRAND FINAL EXPERIENCE Noon-1pm: Triple M Premiership Panel
Broadcast 9am-1pm: 1116 SEN broadcasting live 2.30pm: 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final, MCG Day’s highlights 1.30-6pm: Network Ten’s coverage of the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final live on the big screen 6-8pm: Live band on the main stage 8pm: Presentation of the 2009 Premiership team live on the main stage
CROWN AFL GRAND FINAL EXPERIENCE 1.30-6pm: Network Ten’s coverage of the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final live on the big screen 7-10pm: Triple M live – The Peanut Gallery
12.30-1.30pm: Crown Riverside panel show 7-10pm: Triple M live – The Peanut Gallery Special Feature: Celebrity MasterChef Challenge Friday, September 25, 7pm, Crown. Who will be crowned the Toyota AFL Grand Final week MasterChef? See George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan from Network Chef Ten’s hit show MasterChef ed and soon-to-be-launched Celebrity MasterChef team up with AFL stars in a cook-off judged by resident MasterChef food critic Matt Preston.
FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION GO TO AFL.COM.AU
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feedback
backchat HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FOOTBALL WORLD
Umpire spot on In the final minutes of the second semi-final, the wisdom of adopting a three-man umpiring system was brought home with stunning clarity. Adelaide’s Andy Otten marked but umpire Shane McInerney was brilliantly positioned on the boundary line and saw the interference by the Crows’ Ben Rutten, who had pinned Collingwood forward John Anthony’s right arm, just before the ball arrived. Congratulations to the umpires, who were prepared to fearlessly carry out their convictions and correctly award the free kick. Without the three-umpire system, the free kick might have been missed.
ON THE SPOT: A reader praised veteran umpire Shane
McInerney for being in the right position to see the interference against Magpie Jack Anthony.
LEN WILLIAMS, CAULFIELD, VIC.
‘Aka’ has last laugh In reference to the letter from Josh last week, the Lions did not wipe the smile off Jason Akermanis’ face last Friday night, nor did their antics help them in any way and I was glad it was you crying all the way home, and not me.
Final four proves draft is working For the second straight year, four Victorian clubs will compete in the preliminary finals, just three years after four non-Victorian teams (the Sydney Swans, Fremantle, West Coast and Adelaide) made the second-last week of the season. At the time, some Victorian observers were claiming football in the game’s heartland was in crisis, with hysterical demands from some for an inquiry into the state of affairs. Those with a broader view would have remained focused on the evenness and cyclical nature of the competition, and pointed to mechanisms such as the draft, which allows clubs to regenerate and become competitive quickly. Fans of teams near the foot of the ladder should take heart from the efforts this year of Carlton, Essendon and the Brisbane Lions, finalists after several years of collective struggle. 2009 This year’s Toyota AFL Gr an d Final Grand Final edition of the AFL Record goes on sale in newsagencies across Australia from next Monday. At 244 pages, it is the most comprehensive statistical guide to the game’s biggest day and includes a host of contemporary and historical feature stories relating to Grand Finals, as well as full coverage of this season’s trends, highlights and results.
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
S A T U R D AY,
ROSE VILLARI, FOOTSCRAY, VIC.
Hail Mick
Clear path to GF
EDITOR’S LET TER
ARGF p001 Cover
How thankful we are that the AFL adopted a revised final eight system in 2000. This way, there is no uncertainty in week two. Each team and, more importantly, the fans know where and who they will be playing or whether they are out in week two, depending on the results in week one.
I hope those who doubted Mick Malthouse’s ability to keep up with the modern game were watching Collingwood’s second half against Adelaide last week. As president Eddie McGuire said in the papers, the win was a credit to Mick and his ability to stay focused in tough situations. Mick again proved why he is a great finals coach.
BILL VELDMEYER, UPPER COOME, QLD.
TERRY, LILYDALE, VIC.
HAVE YOUR SAY One letter each week receives two DVDs courtesy of the Visual Entertainment Group – Down At Kardinia Park and Sam Newman’s Great at Characters Of Footy. Thiss week’s winner is Bill Veldmeyer. dmeyer. r Email aflrecordeditor@slatterymedia. com or write to AFL Record, Slattery Media Group, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC, 3008.
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GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING & COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS Paul Waldren AFL CORPORATE BUSINESS MANAGER Richard Simkiss AFL RECORD MANAGING EDITOR Geoff Slattery AFL RECORD EDITOR Peter Di Sisto
PRODUCTION EDITOR Michael Lovett WRITERS Nick Bowen, Ben Collins, Jim Main, Peter Ryan, Callum Twomey, Andrew Wallace SUB-EDITORS Gary Hancock, Howard Kotton STATISTICIAN Cameron Sinclair CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrew Hutchison DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Sam Russell
DESIGNERS Jarrod Witcombe, Alison Wright PHOTO EDITORS Natalie Boccassini, Melanie Tanusetiawan PRODUCTION MANAGERS Troy Davis , Cameron Spark PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Stephen Lording DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Adele Morton COMMERCIAL MANAGER Alison Hurbert-Burns
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Nathan Hill AFL CLUB ACCOUNT MANAGER Anthony Palmer ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Deanne Horkings Advertising (03) 9627 2600 PHOTOGRAPHY Sean Garnsworthy, Michael Willson, Lachlan Cunningham AFL Photos (03) 9627 2600 aflphotos.com.au
PRINTED BY PMP Print ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO The Editor, AFL Record, Ground Floor, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, Victoria, 3008. P: (03) 9627 2600 F: (03) 9627 2650 E: peterd@slatterymedia.com AFL RECORD, VOL. 98, FINALS WEEK 3, 2009 Copyright. ACN No. 004 155 211. ISSN 1444-2973, Print Post approved PP320258/00109
6 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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GET YOUR HANDS ON THE OFFICIAL AFL iPHONE APP Packed with the scores and stats that matter, the official AFL Finals app puts game-day action in your back pocket. Follow every match as it happens with live scores and player stats, then review the big moments, including the best goals and big marks, in the video lounge.
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SNAP SHOT
F I N A L S
W E E K
2
The games people
PLAY ometimes, there are fine lines between agony and ecstasy, joy and despair. Effort is usually rewarded but not always, as the four teams competing in last week’s semi-finals at the MCG discovered. Despite trailing Adelaide by 29 points at quarter-time last Saturday night, Collingwood won with almost the last kick of the match, while the Brisbane Lions huffed and puffed the previous night but could not blow the Western Bulldogs away. Perhaps Daniel Rich best exemplified the Lions’ desperate but futile effort to stop the Bulldogs with his chase of midfielder Ryan Griffen (see photo next page). The Crows and the Lions bowed out of the finals, having both registered impressive wins in the opening week. But the Bulldogs and Magpies, third and fourth respectively after the home and away matches, remain in premiership contention. Although a Bulldogs victory over the Lions was rarely in doubt once a game trend was established, the Magpies’ win reflected the remarkably unpredictable nature of football. Collingwood trailed by a point after Adelaide’s Kurt Tippett kicked a goal from a free kick. But, just a minute or so later, the situation was reversed, with Magpies forward John Anthony also converting after a free kick. Little wonder Magpies Harry O’Brien and captain Nick Maxwell (pictured here) celebrated so passionately. Jubilation and heartache in the one kick. That’s why they play the games.
S
JIM MAIN
PHOTO: MICHAEL WILLSON/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP
AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 9
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C AT C H M E I F YO U C A N
Off the leash
SNAP SHOT
WESTERN BULLDOGS vs BRISBANE LIONS S SECOND SEMI-FINAL, MCG The moment captured here symbolises how last week’s second semi-final was won and lost. Ryan Griffen and the Western Bulldogs, stung by their loss to Geelong in the first week of the finals, rediscovered their fast-running game against the Brisbane Lions. As a result, Lions youngster Daniel Rich and his team were often left grasping at fresh air, as they crashed back to earth after their stirring comeback win against Carlton the week before. The Bulldogs showed against the Lions they are genuine premiership contenders – if they continue that form. The match highlighted just how important Griffen is to their chances. The speedy midfielder endured several flat patches in 2009 and was well held by the Cats in the second qualifying final, but he, more than anyone, exemplified the Dogs’ fast-running game at its best against Brisbane. Taking the game on at every opportunity, Griffen cut the Lions up with long searching runs – he had nine bounces for the game, four more than any other player – and pin-point delivery into the Dogs’ forward line. The only downside came when he left the ground late with a corked calf, but he should be available this week. After a stellar debut season, Rich had a quiet night, but he and Brisbane will hope to be back, bigger and better in 2010. NICK BOWEN PHOTO: SEAN GARNSWORTHY/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP
All shots available to view and buy online at aflphotos.com.au
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SNA SHOTP
MOMENT OF TRUTH
The money shot COLLINGWOOD vs ADELAIDE FIRST SEMI-FINAL, MCG It all came down to this – John Anthony’s shot at goal with just 20 seconds left on the clock. Collingwood trailed by a point when Anthony was given a free kick after being held by Adelaide full-back Ben Rutten. Collingwood fans held their breath. Brent Macaffer and Leigh Brown had kicked truly from similar spots in the previous 10 minutes, but this was no gimme. Twelve months earlier, the football world had marvelled at Anthony’s accuracy, with his cast-iron technique netting 24.3 before his first off-target effort of 1.3 in last year’s semi-final loss to St Kilda.
Although he was easily the Pies’ leading goalkicker this season, it seemed the ‘yips’ were getting bigger. Anthony, 21, had made some uncharacteristic blunders in front of goal, including some that under-12s would be disappointed to miss. He had also changed his grip, favouring a higher purchase on the ball, prompting some raised eyebrows among the experts. On top of that, in all but one minute of two finals this September, he had managed a combined total of just six kicks and one goal. Under pressure, we revert to what we know, and Anthony went through his routine. He removed the glove from his left hand, before measuring out his run-up, marking a spot
about 10 metres back from Rutten R (and ( d 48 8 metres from goal), before going back another 20 strides. All the while, he maintained a tunnel-vision-like focus on a spot in the crowd between the goals, seemingly oblivious to the advice offered by teammate Dane Swan. Anthony made a straight approach and made sweet contact – and the ball didn’t deviate from the left of the goalmouth. His 50th goal for the season ended the Crows’ dream and sent the Pies into the preliminary final. Little wonder Anthony was emotional after the game. Many other Pies fans were crying tears of joy with him. BEN COLLINS PHOTO: LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP
All shots available to view and buy online at aflphotos.com.au
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FINALS WEEK THREE
READING BETWEEN THE LINES: This cartoon in The Herald summed up the 1938 preliminary final between Geelong and Collingwood.
YO U B E T T E R B E L I E V E I T
Caught in a web Could Collingwood try the same tactics it used in 1938? JIM MAIN
T
here is little new in football tactics, with Collingwood even using ‘tempo football’ as far back as 1938, with the press dubbing it “spider-web tactics”. In that season’s preliminary final against Geelong, the Magpies deliberately slowed the pace of the game to avoid a repeat of the Cats’ 18-goal effort in the previous year’s Grand Final, which Geelong won by 32 points.
Collingwood picked its targets carefully and waited for its forwards to provide strong leads, instead of just pumping the ball forward. Writing in The Herald, Bert Barclay said the Magpies used “zig-zag movements”, especially their smaller players, in the hope this would “play havoc with the Geelong defence”. Collingwood went into the preliminary final as the
underdog as it had finished fourth on the ladder; the Cats had won the minor premiership. The Magpies thrashed Footscray (playing in its first League final) by 41 points in the first semi-final, while Carlton shocked observers by defeating flag-favourite Geelong by 32 points in the second semi-final. Barclay, in his preview of the preliminary final, suggested “it was hardly likely that a team which played such brilliant football during the season will have two off-days in succession” and tipped the Cats to reach the Grand Final.
A crowd of 60,956 watched Collingwood take control from the start, with full-forward Ron Todd kicking three goals in the first quarter. Geelong was woefully inaccurate in front of goal and scored 1.6 in the first quarter to trail by 18 points at the break. Todd kicked another four goals in the second quarter to help Collingwood march into the half-time break with a 26-point lead, when Cats captain-coach Reg Hickey took himself off the Magpie champion and gave the job to Gordon Abbott. CON T IN U ED PAGE 16
14 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE
Todd kicked four goals in the second half to give him 11 in the Magpies’ 37-point win, while rover Des Fothergill kicked five. In his match summary, Barclay wrote that Collingwood’s “systematic moves” played a big part in its decisive victory. The Magpies were jubilant in reaching the Grand Final but went down to Carlton by 15 points, with Todd restricted to three goals. Blues captain-coach Brighton Diggins led by example, with Jack Hale, Jack Wrout and Mickey Crisp named among Carlton’s best. Diggins, a West Australian who had played in South Melbourne’s 1933 premiership team, had to stand out of football in 1937 to win his release to the Blues. Then, at the start of the 1938 season, Carlton feared it would lose its newly-appointed captain-coach when he was offered a naval position, on special-patrols vessels, on the north coast of Australia. He rejected the offer and made his debut in the Blues’ 16-point defeat of Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval in the opening round. D I D YO U K N O W
There was a really up-beat vibe in the rooms. There was no pressure on us to win; the heat was on Essendon ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES
QUICK FACT
Collingwood champion Ron Todd crossed to VFA club Williamstown without a clearance at the end of the 1939 season and kicked 188 goals for the Seagulls in 1945. BOLT FROM THE BLUE:
Justin Murphy holds the ball aloft after Carlton upset Essendon in the 1999 preliminary final.
1 0 Y E A R S AG O
Blues in monumental upset TON Y DE BOLFO
I
n the second preliminary final in 1999, Carlton pulled off one of the greatest victories of any era, beating Essendon by one point. The Blues won a game most believed they had no chance in. The match featured the game’s two most successful on-field clubs, both with 16 flags. At the end of the home and
FINALS FACTS
away series, Essendon had cemented top spot with 18 wins. It advanced to the preliminary final by beating the Sydney Swans by 69 points at the MCG. Carlton, meanwhile, ended the home and away matches in sixth position with 12 wins. Significantly, the Bombers had comfortably accounted for the Blues in both home and away encounters. In the first meeting, they prevailed by 39 points at the MCG on a night Carlton debutant Matthew Lappin hauled in the mark of the year. Then, in round 16 at the same venue, they belted the Blues by 76 points. Essendon had also twice
accounted for North Melbourne and, while the Roos had already advanced to the Grand Final, Bomber fans were largely of the view that Denis Pagan’s team was ripe for the culling once Carlton was knocked out. Anthony Koutoufides, who later declared his performance against the Bombers in the preliminary final as the greatest of his career, best reflected the view of the Carlton camp in believing an upset was in the offing. “The Essendon supporters basically thought they were in the Grand Final, and there was all this talk of how quickly they
could get away from the ground to queue for Grand Final tickets,” Koutoufides said. “But there was a really up-beat vibe in the rooms among Carlton players, officials and board members during the warm-up. There was no pressure on us to win; the heat was on Essendon.” Carlton set up a handy lead of 16 points at quarter-time, and 24 by the main change. But Essendon’s third quarter return of 7.7 to 2.4 afforded it an 11-point buffer going into the final term, with Steven Alessio extending the lead to 17 points early in the last. Alessio’s goal triggered an extraordinary chain
Cat Ted Tuohill (1938), Bomber Sid Silk (1939) and Pies Len Thompson (1965) and Noel Lovell (1981) debuted in preliminary finals.
16 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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of events. Lance Whitnall forced the ball forward and into the path of Fraser Brown, who twisted, turned and slotted a big goal on the left from the pocket at the city end, reducing the margin to 11. Justin Murphy then thumped the ball from the MCC members’ wing to the edge of the goalsquare, where Koutoufides outleaped and outmarked Sean Wellman. He kicked the goal to reduce the deficit to five points, eliciting manic chants of “Kou-ta, Kou-ta” from Carlton fans. In his 2007 biography, Koutoufides said he had just returned after a five-week lay-off with a knee injury, and had alternated between centre half-back and the back pocket for most of the match.
I anticipated which way he would dodge. I was airborne when I tackled him, and I was confident as I could be of holding him in FRASER BROWN
“At the start of the last quarter, I still had plenty of energy and I was praying, ‘Please, put me in the midfield,’” Koutoufides said. “Funnily enough, the call came from ‘Parko’ (coach David Parkin) a minute later. ‘Kouta, you’re in the midfield,’ he said. ‘I know you’re bursting to get in there. Just attack the ball and run.’” Lappin put Carlton in front with a brilliant snap on the left. Then, Brett Ratten thumped the ball towards goal and Koutoufides marked in a pack that included Whitnall, Aaron Hamill, Paul Barnard and Peter Somerville. He kicked his second and Carlton led by seven points. Matthew Lloyd got one back for Essendon to reduce the deficit to one point. Another from Lloyd, despite the best efforts of the close-checking Stephen Silvagni, gave the Bombers the lead back. By now Koutoufides had pushed into defence, thwarting Essendon’s sorties with three telling marks. The third was his sixth for the quarter. Soon after, Hamill marked and promptly booted his third goal to put the Blues back in front. Whitnall extended his team’s lead to eight points with a thumping 50m bomb.
FINALS FACTS
Still, Essendon hung in and, when Mark Johnson barrelled a goal from centre half-forward, the Bombers were two points in arrears. Mark Mercuri then missed a chance, cutting the margin to one point. With every Essendon player manning up for the kick-off, Craig Bradley, Carlton’s most experienced player, was forced to thump it long – and into the arms of Essendon’s Barry Young. Young fired the ball back to a pack deep in the Bombers’ forward line, with Silvagni spoiling. With just 40 seconds left, Blue Dean Rice gathered the crumb and barrelled the kick as far as he could. Rice’s mongrel punt made it as far as the centre, but Essendon’s Dean Wallis, playing a kick behind the ball, was there waiting. Having marked on his chest unopposed, Wallis quickly weighed up his options. Realising he was in the clear, he took off. Brown emerged in Wallis’ line of vision, which prompted Wallis to veer right, hoping to break through to complete the match-winning play. g him “I remember seeing nd (Wallis) taking the mark and lled. coming at me,” Brown recal recalled. “I saw him take someone on o I anticipated which whicch before, so way he would dodge. I was him m, airborne when I tackled him, uld be and I wass confident as I cou could ng him in.” of holding n won a free kick an nd Carlton and ge was paid, with advantage Murphy clearing to Ratten ecision 30m pass. with a precision The Bluess ran down the 8 clock for a famous win, 16.8 (104) to 14.19 (103). th he “All I can remember is the elation,” Brown said. “I’ve never feltt that elation ever in ver. And that’s Grand Gran nd sport. Ever. cluded. I’ve never felt Finals included. the way I felt at the end of me.” that game.”
PRELIMINARY 2 5 Y E A R S AG O
Bombers were wary of slowing MICH A EL LOV ET T
T
he official attendance for the 1984 preliminary final between Essendon and Collingwood was 73,550 but that number took a significant hit after half-time. There has never been a more lop-sided final, as the Magpies were taken apart by the Bombers in the first half. The margin at the main break was a massive 84 points and that was enough to send many Magpie fans searching for the Waverley Park exits. The final margin – 133 points – is a record for any final, with Essendon booting an incredibly accurate 28.6 (174) to Collingwood’s 5.11 (41). Captain Terry Daniher recalls there was never any thought CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE
The number of preliminary finals played. The first was in 1898, between Fitzroy and Collingwood at Brunswick Street Oval, with Fitzroy winning 2.10 (22) to 1.5 (11). The Magpies’ total is the lowest in a preliminary final.
98,002 The highest attendance for a preliminary final, when Geelong beat Collingwood at the MCG in 2007.
174
Essendon’s 28.6 (174) against Collingwood at Waverley Park in 1984 is the highest preliminary final score.
133
The Bombers’ 133-point g of the Magpies thrashing in that 1984 matc match is the greatest winning g wi margin in any m a final.
3
The number n of 11-goal b a player in a hauls by prelim minary final. nal Carlton’s preliminary V d it in Harry Vallence did ag gainst Coll 1932 against Collingwood M and the th at the MCG Magpiees’ Ron Todd Tod did Magpies’ e, against G it twice twice, Geelong in and against St Kilda 1938 and the ne nex xxt yea yyear, earr, both bot bot times the next M at the MCG. CLUB RECORDS
PIES BOMB OUT:
This is an edited version of a storyy published in n Out Off The Bluee (Carlton (Carlto on Football Club, lub, $49.95 RRP).
115
QUICK FACTS
Terry Daniher led the Bombers to a record-breaking win over the Magpies.
Adelaide Brisbane Carlton Collingwood Essendon Fitzroy Fremantle Geelong Hawthorn Melbourne North Melb Port Adelaide Richmond St Kilda S Melb/Syd S West Coast W Bulldogs
P 6 6 25 33 25 14 1 24 10 17 18 4 13 10 11 5 8
W 2 4 10 18 16 6 0 10 5 9 9 2 8 4 6 4 1
L 4 2 14 15 9 8 1 13 5 8 9 2 5 6 5 1 7
D 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
% 33 67 42 55 64 43 0 44 50 53 50 50 62 40 55 80 12
Collingwood’s Anthony Rocca (2003) was the last of 11 players to miss a Grand Final after being suspended in a preliminary final. AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 17
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of the Bombers relaxing, even though the game was all but over at half-time. “There was a fair bit of pressure on us after we had been given a touch-up by Hawthorn in the ’83 Grand Final and ‘Sheeds’ (coach Kevin Sheedy) had used that as a driving force all year,” Daniher says. Indeed, Sheedy had delivered a stinging address at the Bombers’ post-Grand Final function in 1983, telling players and guests he did not want them to celebrate the night after Hawthorn had recorded a then-record 83-point win.
doesn’t mean anything any more. I don’t think Keith Greig should have won a Brownlow, let alone this year,” he said. Richmond president Ian Wilson suggested there had to be “an in-depth look by the League at the whole Brownlow system”. North president Dr Allen Aylett bought into the debate by saying: “I feel sorry for Richmond in times like these. Perhaps it is this very attitude that ‘kills’ the chances of players like Bartlett. It is not Keith Greig’s fault that he is the Brownlow Medal winner.” The Richmond officials were
TWO IN A ROW: Keith Greig after
winning the 1974 Brownlow Medal.
There was a fair bit of pressure on us after we had been given a touch-up by Hawthorn in the ’83 Grand Final and ‘Sheeds’ used that
The Brownlow Medal doesn’t mean anything any more. I don’t think Keith Greig should have won a Brownlow, let alone this year
TERRY DANIHER
Essendon finished the 1984 home and away season on top of the ladder with an 18-4 win-loss record but lost an epic second semi-final to the Hawks. Collingwood finished fourth (13-9) and made the preliminary final after defeating Fitzroy in the elimination final and Carlton in the first semi-final, but the effect of two hard finals took its toll on the big ground. “The conditions were perfect and it was just a relief to win the way we did,” Daniher says. The Bombers had multiple goalkickers in Leon Baker (six), Paul Vander Haar (five), Mark Harvey and Darren Williams (four each). Daniher was among the best with three. A week later, Essendon avenged its 1983 Grand Final loss, overrunning Hawthorn by 24 points – and this time Sheedy led the celebrations.
! WIN
ALAN SCHWAB AFTER THE 1974 MEDAL COUNT
BROWNLOW UPSET
Tigers snarl over Greig triumph J IM M A IN
R
ichmond officials were accused of having sour grapes in the wake of a second Brownlow Medal win by North
Melbourne winger Keith Greig in 1974. Greig, who also had won the previous year’s Brownlow, polled 27 votes to defeat Melbourne’s Gary Hardeman by four, with Richmond rover Kevin Bartlett third on 22. Several Tigers officials snubbed Greig’s presentation in the belief Bartlett should have won. Although Bartlett offered his immediate congratulations to Greig and said he “wasn’t terribly confident” about the count, Richmond secretary Alan Schwab described the North star’s win as “a joke”. “The Brownlow Medal
heavily criticised for their comments, but Schwab sent a hand-delivered letter to Greig two days after the count. It read: “I am writing to congratulate you on your success in winning the Brownlow Medal for the second time. Since the result has been announced, there has been much comment on the actions of our president, Ian Wilson, and myself. “At that time we were bitterly disappointed that our own player, Kevin Bartlett, of who we are very proud, did not win and, in the excitement of the occasion, over-reacted to his defeat.” Wilson apologised in a letter to The Age, but the Tigers had the last laugh as they defeated the Roos by 41 points in the Grand Final.
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1 9 4 5 P R E L I M I N A RY F I N A L
The toughest final J IM M A IN
A
lthough the 1945 Grand Final always will be referred to as the ‘Bloodbath’, many football historians believe that season’s Carlton-Collingwood preliminary final was even more brutal. Nine players were reported on 15 charges in the Carlton-South Melbourne Grand Final, which the Blues won by 28 points, but the previous week’s preliminary final was headlined a “vicious and spiteful game”. The Herald the following Monday described Carlton’s tactics in its 10-point defeat of the Magpies as “unfair”, with rugged Carlton captain Bob Chitty in the thick of the action. The newspaper asked: “What is the Victorian Football League going to do to prevent a repetition of the disgraceful incidents which marred Saturday’s final at Carlton (Princes Park)? “A great many people were asking this question after the match – officials, supporters of the clubs concerned, disinterested spectators or even ‘stay-at-homes’ – because the broadcast description left no doubt as to the rough nature of the game.”
Percy Beames, a Melbourne premiership player, wrote that players from both teams indulged in punching and kicking In The Age, Percy Beames, a Melbourne premiership player, wrote that players from both teams indulged in punching and kicking. Carlton secretary Harry Bell said his club was “incensed at the tactics of certain players”, while Collingwood secretary Tom Wraith suggested Magpie players “had had the stamina punched out of them”.
FINALS FACTS
NO CHIT-CHAT: Carlton captain
Bob Chitty was involved in the spiteful 1945 preliminary final.
The Herald suggested there were so many vicious incidents that umpires could not “satisfactorily carry out their duties” and proposed the appointment of special stewards for the reporting of players. Despite The Herald reporting that the brawling began with “elbows and sly punches” and ended with “openly swung” punches and kicking, the only player suspended was Carlton’s Fred Fitzgibbon after he had been found guilty of striking Collingwood’s Len Hustler. He was suspended for four matches and was even reported in the Grand Final – as a spectator. Fitzgibbon ran on to the ground in one of the many brawls to help out Carlton teammates and copped another four weeks.
6 0 Y E A R S AG O
The Brownlow ‘Smokey’
MCG. She walked around and around the ground until she was able to convince a gate attendant to let her in. Clegg (pictured below) polled 23 votes to defeat Hawthorn’s Col Austen on a countback, although Austen was awarded a retrospective Medal in 1989. The following summer, Clegg shocked the Swans when he applied for a clearance to Tasmanian club New Norfolk. The champion key position player was just 22 but, as a newlywed, found the Tasmanian offer too good to refuse. New Norfolk offered him a milk bar, a car, rent-free accommodation and good football wages. However, South, the VFL and the Australian National Football Council blocked the proposed move, and Clegg remained a Swan. He did leave the Swans in 1956 when he was appointed captain-coach of North Albury, but his stint in the country lasted just one season and he returned to South as captain. Clegg previously had captained the Swans in 1953-54 and his second stint as skipper lasted four seasons, including the 1958-59 seasons as captain-coach. Clegg, known as ‘Smokey’ through most of his playing career because of his occupation as a cigarette company representative, was one of the most dominant players of his era. Superb in the air, he was credited with 32 marks against Fitzroy at the Brunswick Street Oval in 1952 and was switched from centre half-forward to centre half-back, depending on which way the wind was blowing. Clegg, recruited from Melbourne Boys’ Club, played 231 games with the Swans from 1944-55 and 1957-60. He died in 1990 at just 62.
J IM M A IN
I
n an era well before Brownlow Medal telecasts, South Melbourne’s Ron Clegg was listening with wife Billye to a car radio when it was announced he was the 1949 winner. There was no fanfare and the presentation was made at a special function at the MCG during finals week. Billye missed her husband’s big moment because she did not have a ticket to get into the
Three preliminary finals (1976, 1996 and 1999) have been decided by one point.
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The names
Behind the name
Behind the team
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M I LE S T O N E S – W E E K 3 1965 PREMIERSHIP
100 games
Fraser adopted a motto for life
Travis Cloke Collingwood Jason Gram St Kilda Matt Maguire St Kilda The list includes those not necessarily selected but on the verge of milestones.
C A L LU M T WOMEY
O
n the Thursday night before the 1965 Grand Final, Essendon coach John Coleman gave a speech that resonated so much with his captain Ken Fraser that the message still sticks. It was following team selection and, though Coleman had a fiery reputation with umpires, he was renowned for being straight and fair with his players. On this night at Windy Hill, however, something struck Fraser like none of Coleman’s speeches had before. “We had our pre-match meeting in the rooms, and he went through and explained the tactics for the game. Then his final words were, ‘Second best is never good enough’, and I’ve never forgotten that,” Fraser said recently, as he recalled the finals series in which the Bombers swept aside the rest of the competition to capture their 12th premiership. “It’s always been a motto that I’ve tried to apply to everything. Second best in anything that you do is never good enough. It’s something that has meant a fair bit to me.”
Second best in anything that you do is never good enough. It’s something that has meant a fair bit to me KEN FRASER
A star at centre half-forward, Fraser played 198 games for Essendon from 1958-68. He twice finished second in the Brownlow Medal and, having taken over the captaincy from Jack Clarke at the end of 1964, captained a premiership in his first season, having played under Coleman and Clarke in the 1962 victory. In the 1965 finals series, however, Fraser’s character on
FINALS FACTS
1 9 7 3 P R E L I M I N A RY F I N A L
Tigers roared after slow start
KEEPING THE FAITH: Ken Fraser
C A MERON SINCL A IR
conducted a bible class the day after leading Essendon to the 1965 premiership.
and off the field shone through. With three goals in the first semi-final win over Geelong, the then 25-year-old backed it up with another four in the spiteful preliminary final against Collingwood, remembered for the hit that concussed John Somerville behind play. With momentum behind them, Fraser says the Bombers were peaking as the finals began. “I think our maturity as a team was really good. We had a lot of players in the age group of 22-28,” he said. “There were only six changes between the 1962 premiership team and the 1965 team, so we knew each other and the way each other played and we had that finals experience. Our confidence and form was coming together at the right time. “You hear about people being able to do extraordinary things when they really put their mind to it – and I think that’s what happens in finals. People are able to go beyond what they normally can do.” In the Grand Final, Fraser was again among the best players as Essendon cruised to a 35-point win over St Kilda. Fraser had helped lift his team to another premiership, and as he raised the cup, he said there was a sense of “utter relief”. Indeed, every premiership
captain before and after had probably felt the same euphoric release. But the way in which Fraser, now 69, celebrated the premiership win was perhaps as much a sign of the times as a reflection of the man Fraser was and still is. A strong believer in the Christian faith, Fraser conducted a bible studies class every Sunday at his local church. This was still the case after the Grand Final, and as a geography, maths and history teacher at Oak Park High School in Melbourne’s north, Fraser returned to work on Monday morning having been the toast of the football world only two days earlier. “It was just natural for me because I had a commitment at the church to teach the bible group on Sundays and, at school assembly on Monday morning, the principal was a St Kilda supporter and he got up congratulated me,” he said. “The kids gave a quiet, little applause and then we were all back into the swing of things.” Understated and modest, Fraser (inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2001) was renowned as one of the game’s gentlemen, as well as a champion forward. In both respects, second best simply wasn’t good enough.
T
he 1973 preliminary final between Collingwood and Richmond was set to be one of the biggest matches of the season, with two fierce rivals meeting with a Grand Final spot on the line. By the opening bounce, a massive crowd of 98,652 had packed into the MCG. The Magpies had finished minor premiers two games clear of the Tigers in second place, but had lost their second semi-final in an upset to Carlton and were faced with a sudden-death final. Richmond had also had its troubles, losing the qualifying final to Carlton before defeating St Kilda in the first semi-final. Only one of the top-two teams after the regular season would make it through to the Grand Final.
Richmond fought back, booting six goals in the third quarter to reduce the margin to just eight points at the last change A desperate, tough contest was expected, but it was all Collingwood early. The Pies dominated, booting six goals to two in the opening term and four goals to two in the second and by half-time led by six CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE
Melbourne, with 25.26 (166), and Collingwood, 15.11 (101), combined for the highest preliminary final aggregate – 267 points in 1948.
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Merrett is back for the finals.
If you drink or take drugs and drive, Senior Constable Cameron Merrett, or any of the thousands of other police on the roads this September, will catch you before someone gets hurt.
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goals. Their place in the big one seemed certain. The Tigers didn’t see it that way though and, as the Pies relaxed, Richmond fought back booting six goals in the third quarter to reduce the margin to just eight points at the last change. With Neil Balme, dangerous for the Tigers at full-forward, on his way to five goals and Kevin Bartlett at his elusive best, Collingwood was on the ropes. Len Thompson and Rene Kink tried to lift the Magpies but their efforts were in vain, as Richmond’s momentum carried them to a seven-point win, and a rematch with Carlton in the Grand Final. Of course, the Tigers, who had lost the 1972 Grand Final to the Blues, turned the tables with a convincing 30-point win to claim the flag.
To my horror, the umpire, David Howlett, correctly awarded a 15m penalty to put Buckenara within easy scoring distance JIM STYNES
LESSONS
From preliminary final villain to one of the greats J IM ST Y NES
M
y terrible mistake in the 1987 preliminary final was the most humiliating moment of my life. We were in front by a few points and it was Hawthorn’s last roll of the dice. We just had to hang on and Melbourne would have been in the Grand Final for the first time in 23 years. (Hawthorn’s) Gary Buckenara got a free kick about 50-55m
out. I saw ‘Dipper’ (Robert DiPierdomenico) on his own in the forward pocket, so I ran over to man him up. The thought flashed through my mind that I was running across the mark. To my horror, the umpire, David Howlett, correctly awarded a 15m penalty to put Buckenara within easy scoring distance.
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Then the siren went. Buckenara was a great kick at goal and this one was no exception. Initially, I prayed that no one had seen what I had done, but then reality hit me. I’d stuffed up. Big time. I couldn’t have been more devastated. I couldn’t turn back time or take it back. I didn’t even have another centre
CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE
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bounce to contest to try to steal the game back. I felt so guilty that I couldn’t look any of my teammates in the eye. When I got into the changerooms, (coach) John Northey pointed his finger at me and roared: “Don’t you ever do that again!” If he told me I
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would never play for Melbourne again, I would have accepted it. I wanted to bury myself to escape the nightmare. At the after-match function, I was seated next to (captain) Robbie Flower, a club legend I’d robbed of his only remaining dream in football – to play in a Grand Final. He didn’t play again. But he was great. He told me: “There is nothing you can do to change the result. It’s important now that you learn something from the experience.” Northey and I happened to share a lift on our way out of the ground. He said: “I can’t believe we missed all those chances.” It was probably his way of saying: “You’re not the only one to blame.” Dad (a former Gaelic football star) was a great support. He told the media: “If I had made only one mistake in an entire game, I would feel a hero.” It ruined what should have been a good debut season. (It was Stynes’ 13th senior match.) I couldn’t hide from what I’d done – not even over the other side of the world! Wherever I went in Melbourne, all people wanted to know was how I felt after making such a huge blunder. I’d hear people say: “That’s the guy who ran across the mark”, or they’d call me a “typical, dumb Irishman”. I had to get away from it all, so I went on a holiday through Europe at the end of the year. In Paris, an Aussie came up to me and said: “Aren’t you the guy who ran across the mark?” I nearly fainted! Despite the fact
In Paris, an Aussie came up to me and said: “Aren’t you the guy who ran across the mark?” I nearly fainted! JM STYNES
he’d been in Europe for a year, and communications were not as advanced as they are today, he still knew what I’d done. I realised: ‘You can’t run away from it. You have to face up to it sooner or later.’ I thought long and hard about my life. I accepted full responsibility for my mistake. The hardest thing was the humiliation – I had to face my teammates, the coach and the public. My pride was severely dented. I felt like a failure. People the world over have lost loved ones, become quadriplegic, contracted cancer, suffered all kinds of abuse – all horrific things – so a mishap in sport is nothing compared to that, but
m mishap was the biggest thing my tthat had ever happened to me. I tried to look ahead and see h how I could make up for my m mistake. But then I realised: ‘I w won’t ever be able to make up ffor it. Even if I help us make the Grand Final next year, it won’t be w with the same group of players. W What’s happened has happened. I did the best I could have on the d day, but I stuffed up. Now I’ve g got to get on with my life and my ffooty career and not let it get in tthe way of me doing what I want tto do. I can’t let it get the better of me. And I’ve got to somehow learn from this.’ I was 21 and had a lot of football in front of me. I thought about one of John Northey’s sayings: “Don’t retire from football with regrets.” I was very lucky that it happened at the start of my career rather than the end of it because I didn’t want to be remembered only as the man who cost Melbourne a spot in the 1987 Grand Final. Somehow, I had to try to erase that from people’s memories, or at least make it fade, by distinguishing myself for good deeds. It was the turning point in my football career and had a profound influence on my life. In time, I realised it was actually one of the best things to have happened to me because it changed my attitude. I’d been trying hard, but I knew I could try harder. Before it happened, I wasn’t overly passionate about Australian Football; it was more of a challenge – I was passionate
about Gaelic footy. But then I made the mistake and suddenly I became very passionate about the game, and I was prepared to do whatever it took to be successful. I wouldn’t have achieved as much if I hadn’t run across the mark. That’s cold comfort for my teammates that day who lost the chance to play in a Grand Final, but that’s just the way it is. The journey has been introspective more than anything else. I did a lot of soul-searching and found a deeper meaning to life. I started building a relentless belief in myself and a ferocious determination to succeed and somehow make up a little for what I had done. Failure is never final. Forget the past, and ignore the future. Look after the present – the here and now. If you do that, the result will look after itself. This is an edited version of a story first published in The Champions: Conversations With Great Players and Coaches of Australian Football, by Ben Collins, (Slattery Media Group, 2006).
In 1991, Stynes won the Brownlow Medal as the AFL’s fairest and best player. He played a record 244 consecutive matches and is now Melbourne president. Earlier this year, he revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer, but says he is determined to beat it .
G R A N D F I N A L W E E K AC T I V I T I E S
Melbourne’s Federation Square will host AFL Grand Final week activities again. From this Monday, the six-day event starts with a fashion parade featuring AFL players, a Brownlow Medal footy panel and big-screen coverage of the blue-carpet arrivals and vote count. In the following days, there will be a NAB AFL Auskick clinic with AFL players, as well as a Network Ten Australian Idol concert, autograph sessions and PlayStation competitions. Radio station SEN will broadcast live from Federation Square throughout the week. On Thursday, the 2009 premiership cup will be on display on the main stage, and the countdown to the Grand Final begins on Friday, with Channel Seven’s Sunrise
FINALS FACTS
program with Mel and ‘Kochie’ broadcasting live. The Toyota AFL Grand Final parade will be shown on the big screen, while Triple M’s Roy and HG and Fox Sport’s Before the Bounce will be broadcast from the site. Fans can also visit the AFL Grand Final ‘Experience’ at Crown, from 7pm on Friday to watch chefs George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan from Network Ten’s MasterChef program team up with AFL stars in a cook-off judged by food critic Matt Preston. Those unable to get to the MCG on Grand Final day can watch the game at Federation Square, with a band playing from 6pm and the 2009 premiership team introduced on the main stage at 8pm. Go to afl.com.au for the full schedule.
Carlton holds the record for the best score in any preliminary final quarter – 10.7 (6 (67)) – against i C Collingwood lli d iin the h third hi d quarter iin 1932. 93
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POINT OF IT ALL:
1 91 3 P R E L I M I N A RY F I N A L
St Kilda forced a Fitzroy challenge
Despite finishing his career with a record 1360 goals, Swans champion Tony Lockett will always be remembered for kicking the winning point in the 1996 preliminary final.
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t took St Kilda 17 seasons to reach its first VFL Grand Final, defeating Fitzroy by 25 points in the 1913 preliminary final. St Kilda was one of the VFL’s foundation clubs in 1897, but found the going tough in the competition’s earliest years. The Seasiders finished the 1913 home and away season in fourth position and reached the preliminary final by defeating South Melbourne by 31 points in a semi-final at the MCG. Fitzroy downed Collingwood by 37 points in the other semi-final. Under the system operating at that time, the Maroons would be declared the premiers if they beat St Kilda. But, if the Seasiders won, the Maroons, as top side, had right of challenge in a Grand Final. In front of 54,000 spectators, St Kilda kicked four goals to one in the opening term only for Fitzroy to fight back and snatch a narrow lead by half-time. St Kilda then produced a fine third quarter to take a 12-point lead into the final term and, in a low-scoring match, went on to win by 25 points. However, Fitzroy’s challenge proved successful and the Maroons defeated St Kilda by 13 points in the Grand Final. Of course, it took St Kilda another 53 years to win a flag, defeating Collingwood by a point in 1966.
As soon as the ball left his right boot it looked home, sailing high, long and wide … for a behind
1 9 9 6 P R E L I M I N A RY F I N A L
Goal great feted for a point NICK BOW EN
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he Sydney Swans had not been in a Grand Final for 51 years when Tony Lockett had a shot at goal after the final siren of the 1996 second preliminary final to book a spot on the League’s biggest stage. The champion forward’s task was not easy. He was 55m out and playing his first match
since being sidelined by a groin injury after round 21. But he did have one thing in his favour – accuracy was only a minor consideration. The Swans were tied with their opponent, Essendon, so Lockett could focus on getting the distance, knowing a behind was as good as a goal. The match preceding this drama had been a tight, lowscoring affair. The Swans had led by a point at three-quarter time but, with less than three minutes left, the Bombers led by 12 points. Goals to Dale Lewis and Daryn Cresswell, after a strong pack mark, levelled the scores. With about a minute to go, both sides attacked without success, before a Swans’ pass
found Wade Chapman at half-forward. Playing on, Chapman hit Lockett, steaming out from full-forward, with a well-weighted pass. As the siren sounded, Lockett went back and made his usual slow and methodical approach to goal. As soon as the ball left his right boot it looked home, sailing high, long and wide … for a behind. It was enough to send the Swans – and the crowd – into delirium. Players rushed to Lockett, engulfing the big man at the bottom of a jubilant pack. The Swans were in a Grand Final for the first time since 1945, back when they were based in Victoria and known as South Melbourne. And it felt good.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT BUYING 2009 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL TICKETS Supporters should be aware it is now illegal for an AFL Grand Final ticket to be sold for a premium on its own or as part of a package deal unless the seller is authorised in writing by the AFL. This follows the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final being declared an event under the ticket provisions (Part 9) of the Major Sporting Events Act (2009) that came into operation in June 2009 to provide fairer access for supporters to major events and more transparent ticketing arrangements. Breaches of the Act can mean entry to the event being denied to the ticket holder and fines per ticket in excess of $7,000 for a person or $35,000 for a company – with multiple offences carrying fines up to 10 times these amounts. Each AFL club must detail its ticket distribution arrangements on its website. If unsure whether a ticket seller is authorised, please see the AFL website at www.afl.com.au or contact the AFL on 03 9643 1999.
AFL Grand Final tickets are subject to the following condition of sale: • This ticket is sold or distributed on the condition that it not be resold or offered for resale at a premium or be used for advertising, promotions, competitions or other commercial purposes without the AFL’s prior written authorisation. • Any breach of these conditions allows your ticket to be cancelled and for a Declared Event may be an indictable offence under the Major Sporting Events Act 2009 (Vic).” I thank the AFL for their cooperation with the Victorian Government to ensure their 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final Ticketing Scheme has transparent ticket distribution practices and deters scalping. James Merlino MP Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs
28 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON ON O N > FA F FACTS AC CT TS > DAT D DA DATA AT TA A > CULTURE
FAMILY MATTERS:
A L E G E N D ’ S PA S T
Ron Barassi was a contented man after discovering a great deal about his family’s ancestry.
Barassi now knows who he is MICH A EL LOV ET T
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t takes a lot to shake the emotions of Ron Barassi. Some players he coached over a long journey certainly tested them, but generally he has always been a strong and controlled character. Today, Barassi is still very much a man’s man and a person you would love to have alongside you in the trenches. Which is a particularly pertinent point about the Australian Football legend after watching the first of a six-part series to be screened on SBS. Barassi is one of six prominent Australians who have traced their family tree in a series called Who Do You Think You Are? Barassi’s story is emotional and uplifting because he uncovers aspects of his family history that at times left him in stunned silence and close to tears. It starts with Barassi discovering how his father and former Melbourne player, Ron snr, was killed in Tobruk in 1941 during World War II. Barassi, an only child, was five when news of his father’s death was relayed to the family home in Melbourne. “I remember the night, there were scenes of crying. I was only five but it’s etched in my memory,” Barassi said. After a pause, he added: “I miss not having a father now more than I did as a kid.” Keen to find out more about the details surrounding his
I remember the night, there were scenes of crying. I miss not having a father now more than I did as a kid. RON BARASSI
father’s death, Barassi headed to Canberra to the Australian War Memorial to check his father’s war records. They show that Corporal Barassi, a
mechanical driver, and another soldier were killed as a result of “multiple wounds to the chest” when the vehicle they were standing next to exploded. It’s then Barassi had to compose himself. “It’s awful to think a person can end up as just a couple of words,” he said, staring at the record. Barassi is introduced to two former soldiers, Ronald Williamson and Bert Beverley, who served in the same unit and
were there when Barassi snr was fatally wounded. “He was in a bad way but his main concern was for the young boy – that was you,” they told Barassi. After tracing details of his father’s death, Barassi headed to central Victoria to learn more about his Italian origins. His great grandfather Giuseppe Barassi migrated from Italy in the early 1850s, looking to make his fortune in the goldfields, only to find more than 200,000 other men had the same idea. Barassi discovered how they worked the land instead – and the fact there were dark secrets. Carlo, Giuseppe’s son, had a hatred of alcohol, driven by the fact his wife turned to drink after they married and that caused a fallout between father and son. But by far the biggest knot in the family tree comes after Barassi learns he has Irish blood in his maternal ancestry – and there is an even darker secret. His great, great, great grandfather John Harte was sent from Ireland to Australia as a convict. His crime? He bashed his wife to death in a drunken scene, fuelled by the pressures of no money in the family and trying to raise six young children. That revelation stunned Barassi, who courageously came to the rescue of a woman being assaulted in Melbourne last New Year’s Eve. Harte was convicted on the evidence of his 10-year-old son, who later immigrated to Australia with his sister, and they subsequently reunited with their father. Barassi seemed happy there had been forgiveness, as terrible as the crime had been. His own life was now complete. Who Do You Think You Are? premieres on Sunday, September 27, on SBS. Check local television guides for times.
30 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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1 9 9 4 P R E L I M I N A RY F I N A L
Carey dethroned by Cats NICK BOW EN
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f you had told North Melbourne supporters before the 1994 preliminary final against Geelong that per Wayne Carey would boot skipper oals and pluck 14 marks, six goals they would have rushed out to k their Grand Final tickets. book able ‘The The It was inconceivable King’’ could producee one ual of thee great individu individual finalss performance performancess and not drag ide into its his side first Grand Final sincee 1978. But, ortunately for unfortunately the Kangaroos, that’ss what pened in a happened y-turvy game topsy-turvy re both sides, where ages, looked at stages, the winner. he Roos bounded boundeed The out of the blocks in the first ter, with Careyy dominating quarter, onent Tim McGrath McG Grath in the opponent nd on the grou nd, and led air and ground, 8 points at quarter-time. quarrter-time. by 18
It was a cruel twist of fate for Martyn and the Roos, but it seemed an even crueller ending for Carey who could not have done more tran nsformation A complete transformation gam me in the camee over the game nd quarter whe en the Cats second when ed control in th he midfield seized the ugh Garry Hocking, Hoccking, Liam through ering and Paull Couch. Pickering 4 to the Theyy poured on 7.4 s’ 0.4 to lead by b 24 points Roos’ alf-time. at half-time. orth cut six points poin nts from North h-class the margin in a high high-class d quarter that produced p third a bined 11 goals,, including combined four from Carey. n term, In a pulsating final front at the the Roos hit the front minute mark aft ter John 23-minute after gmire goaled, but b minutes Longmire Wiills behind later an Andrew Wills led the scores. levelled
FINALS ALS FACTS
In the dying seconds, Cat Leigh Tudor swooped on a loose ball in the forward pocket and centred it with a floating kick that lobbed over Mick Martyn’s head and into the lap of Gary Ablett 20 metres from goal. Seconds later the siren sounded. Ablett calmly went back and kicked the goal to put Geelong into the Grand Final. It was a cruel twist of fate for Martyn and the Roos, but it seemed an even crueller ending for Carey, who could not have done more to lead his side into a Grand Final.
MAGPIE MAGICIAN: Peter Daicos used all
his tricks around goals at finals time.
SO CLOSE: Geelong denied
Wayne Carey (here in an earlier final) and the Roos their first Grand Final appearance since 1978.
GAME-BREAKER
Da Daicos magic ma sinks sin Geelong Ge BEN CO COL LINS
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eter Daicos’ boomerang goal against West Coast in the drawn 1990 qualifying final was the ultimate act of wizardry, so it wo would surprise some to hear him rate his match-winning aga goal against Geelong in the pr 1981 preliminary final (also at Waverle Park) as at least Waverley equa its equal. Neari time-on, the Pies Nearing b five points when Daicos trailed by – one of just four teenagers on the m field – marked on the lead about 60m fro from goal. Altho Although it was the dying o a tough game, his legs stages of felt stro strong and his confidence was sky sky-high, having already t kicked three goals for the day – and 74 for the season from a half-for half-forward flank (including bag of at least six goals). five bags Daico quickly glanced Daicos over his shoulder and saw vacant tterritory between him pa of players in the and a pack goalsqu goalsquare, so he instinctively
played on, handballed past the man on the mark – Geelong captain Ian Nankervis – and smartly regathered the ball and kicked truly from 35m. The effort gave Collingwood a one-point lead, and Craig Davis then sealed a seven-point victory that sent the Pies into their third consecutive Grand Final. The risky nature of the manoeuvre is not lost on Daicos. “Had I thought about it, I would never have attempted it,” he says. “It was a split-second decision that was made on pure instinct. It wasn’t a conscious thing. I was re-enacting something I’d probably done a thousand times as a kid.” At the time, chairman of selectors Ron Richards told him: “If the ball had bounced away from you, it might have meant your career (was over).” Daicos agrees: “I could have been labelled selfish and all sorts of things.” This is disputed by then Magpie coach Tom Hafey, who insists: “I wouldn’t have even been upset with Peter if he’d messed it up because it wasn’t like he was attempting something that was beyond his limitations.” “Let’s face it, although he was a kid at the time, he didn’t have many limitations. I wasn’t surprised in the slightest that Peter created that goal when we needed it. He was magic.”
Carlton o overcame ercame a 28-point 28 point defi deficit cit to beat Collingwood Collin in the 1945 194 preliminary final, the greatest last-change comeback in a final.
32 AFL FL RECORD visit afl record.com.au
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No one adds passion and colour to finals footy like 3AW. Join the premier team in Hunt, Cometti, Healy, Leonard, McInnes, Walls, Shaw, Buckley, Bond, King, Pagan, Wilson, Sheahan, Connolly, Cummings and Butler. This September tune into 3AW 693 and hear it like you’re in it.
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o Please tick here if you do not wish to receive any future correspondence by email. Promotion only available at participating stores ˆStarCash is a pre-paid card, which can be used to purchase fuel or shop items. *In a single transaction excluding smoking products and telecommunications. Promotion opens 1/9/09 and closes 2.45pm 25/9/09. Entrants are required to attach a valid purchase receipt to an entry coupon obtained from participating stores, AFL email or AFL Record advertisement during the promotional period and place it in the entry box at the Caltex stand at Federation Square during “2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final week”, from 10am on 21/9/09 to 2.45pm on 25/9/09. 3 prizes will be drawn daily at 3pm on 21/09/09, 22/09/09, 23/09/09 and 25/09/09 and 3.30pm on 24/09/09 on centre stage at Federation Square. 1st daily prize is 2 x general admission tickets to the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final valued at $600.00 (inc GST), 2nd daily prize is a StarCash card valued at $100 (inc GST), 3rd daily prize is a StarCash card valued at $50 (inc GST). Total prize pool value is $3,750.00. Winners will be published in ‘The Australian’ on 9/10/09. Promoter is Caltex Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd ABN 17 000 032 128, Level 24, 2 Market Street, Sydney, NSW. AFL Authorisation Code: GFAFL09/104. Ask in-store for full terms and conditions.
Caltex is the Official Fuel Partner of the AFL.
AFL RECORD visit afl .com.au 33
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VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE
F I R S T P E R S O N – B R U C E M c AVA N E Y SURPRISED
This year will be my 14th time hosting the Brownlow Medal and it’s always an exciting night. It can be daunting, though, because you never quite know what’s going to happen with the count and working with a live audience gives it an extra edge – most of the players are in holiday mode and those in contention are quite toey. People at home might find this funny given it is a long telecast but, as host, the night can go very quickly and you have got to be careful you keep track of the count. You obviously take directions about the other aspects of the coverage but you don’t, for instance, want get to round 18 and find Simon Black is in front and not know how it happened. I guess the key to the night, though, is the response of the winner and whether you can get a reasonable interview. Towards the end of the count, I try to nd what I’m get my head around hoever oever wins, going to say to whoever al a bit of their hoping I can reveal lsso factor in personality but also c the rhythm of thee count. st memorable One of the most a with Jason as interviews I did was 011. ‘Aka’ was Akermanis in 2001. tfful, and funny and insightful, a asn’t his personality wasn’t as s he was well known then, so ass a revelation. It was ca ause different, too, because oom, he wasn’t in the room, he which was one of tthe m me concerns at the time an n with non-Victorian ha teams having such n ng great run in making the Grand Final. There have been some memorable winners in my time as host, the second wins by Greg Williams (1994) and Robertt d Harvey (1998) had y, a sense of history, s’ and Jimmy Stynes’ win in 1991 was FL L one of the best AFL
FINALS FACTS
stories we’ve ever had, with the perseverance Jimmy showed to make it in another code and the recognition his win gave Australian Football in Ireland and beyond. But for me, the most memorable was the Michael Voss-James Hird tie in 1996. You had two great champions who couldn’t be split and you sensed they had so much in front of them. How right we were. This year, I think all the ingredients are there for a beauty. Chris Judd and Gary Ablett will be right in the mix, along with Adam Goodes, while St Kilda should win most of the votes in its games but Brendon Goddard, Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo and Leigh Montagna may end up stealing votes off each other. My tip, though, is Dane Swan, who has had a magnificent year and is a proven vote-winner. AS TOLD TO NICK BOWEN
‘Dipper’ nearly missed hiss moment A NDR EW WA L L ACE
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t is football folklore that Hawthorn’s Robert DiPierdomenico only turned up to the 1986 Brownlow Medal count for a free feed. However, while ‘Dipper’ way admits to using this throwaway line to host Peter Landy upon tying for the award with Greg Williams (Sydney Swans), the fact is the big Hawk came quite close to not attending the function. “We were playing in the Grand Final that Saturday,” DiPierdomenico said. “When that happens, you can get a bit bored at the Brownlow, because you’re focused on the game and you can’t let your hair down.” After completing a training session at the MCG on the Monday afternoon, DiPierdomenico was less than enthused by the prospect of driving back to his home in Boronia in Melbourne’s outer east, collecting his wife Cheryl, and heading back into town for the function at the Southern Cross. “It was at least a two-hour turnaround,” DiPierdomenico said. “Even more by the time Cheryl chose which dress she was going to wear!” Having reluctantly decided to attend, the 28-year-old arrived after the entrée had already been served and found himself in the middle of an enthralling count. “I didn’t have any expectations of winning it, because you just never know how the umpires think,” he said. “I knew I’d played some good games and kicked a couple of bags from the wing, but all of a sudden the television cameras were all around me and (Bulldog) Dougie Hawkins was saying, ‘You’re going to win the Brownlow.’
“It was my turn to shine, and I’ll always remember the words of (coach) Allan Jeans when he congratulated me at the club the next day. He said, ‘Now you have the responsibility of being a Brownlow medallist,’ and I eventually came to understand what he meant – you have to carry the game forward.”
BROWNLOW ON T V
Count has had some changes MICH A EL LOV ET T
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t’s hard to think of a football event that has changed more radically than the coverage of the Brownlow Medal count. For many years, votes were counted at an end-of-season League delegates’ meeting and the winner notified via telegram (in the very early years), a phone call or a young reporter arriving on the winner’s doorstep. From 1959-74, several radio stations broadcast the counts but it wasn’t until 1970 that the Brownlow Medal was first broadcast live on television, via Channel Seven. Before then, there was the occasional interruption to normal television schedules with the winner appearing on a live show. South Melbourne champion Bob Skilton famously, and somewhat appropriately, brandished his 1968 medal on
Of the four teams playing this weekend, Collingwood (33) has played in the most preliminary finals.
34 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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In those first few years I was involved, we still had the captains up on stage updating the club leader boards GORDON BENNETT
Channel Seven’s TV Ringside, sporting two black eyes, courtesy of a knock late in the season. “Boxing promoter Dick Lean later told me I had given his sport a bad name because of my two black eyes,” Skilton told Jim Main in the club’s official team of the century publication Honour The Names. The Brownlow Medal has been telecast live every year since 1970 when another South Melbourne star, Peter Bedford, won by four votes from Footscray ruckman Gary Dempsey. Five years later, an emotional Dempsey won the medal after it was feared he would never play football again when he suffered burns to 50 per cent of his body in the 1969 Lara bushfires.
The Brownlow Medal dinner suit was starting to become a fashion statement and it received wide exposure in 1977, the first year former Channel Seven executive producer Gordon Bennett worked on the count. South Melbourne ruckman Graham Teasdale wore a brown velvet suit – he blames a mix-up by the suit-hire business a teammate recommended – and fashion soon became the talking point of the night. “I read somewhere the other day it is now known as the ‘Glam-low’ and I reckon that’s spot on,” Bennett said. “I can’t believe how much it has changed. In those first few years I was involved, we still had the captains up on stage updating the club leaderboards. I inherited that from (former director) Alf Potter but as we moved into the late 1970s and early 1980s, we started to use computers. “We kept the old hand system going for a while just in case there was a computer
breakdown, but eventually it became pretty much foolproof.” Of course, last year there was a glitch early in the count when AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou read out the wrong round. “I felt very sorry for Andrew – no computer can prepare you for that!” Bennett said.
LOW-KEY
Cordner’s medal minus fanfare BEN COL LINS
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onsidering all the hype that surrounds the Brownlow Medal these days, it’s staggering to consider the case of Melbourne’s 1946 winner, Don Cordner. Cordner, who died
in May at the age of 87, always claimed he never even gave the Brownlow a thought. He wasn’t being modest – he didn’t even know when the count was being held because he hadn’t seen it publicised. This was despite it being the first count after World War II, with the medal being suspended from 1942-45. In 1946, Cordner rarely mixed in football circles, either, having trained only a handful of times as he spent increasing time running a medical practice in Diamond Creek in Melbourne’s outer north-east. He later recalled that at 9pm on a Wednesday night he received a phone call from a local woman who said: “Doctor Don, I’ve just heard on the wireless (radio) that you’ve won something. I don’t quite know what it is, but I’m just ringing to congratulate you and tell you how glad I am.” Cordner was as confused as the caller, although “bells started to ring” in his head that she might have meant the Brownlow. A few minutes later, the phone rang again. It was Percy Beames, the former Melbourne champion who was working as a journalist for The Age. Beames said: “I’ve been at the Brownlow count and I’ve been authorised to tell you that you’ve won.”
I’ve just heard on the wireless (radio) that you’ve won something. I don’t quite know what it is, but I’m just ringing to congratulate you A WOMAN TO DON CORDNER AFTER HIS WIN
COUNTDOWN TO THE COUNT:
League president Dr Allen Aylett (left) and host Peter Landy before the 1981 Brownlow Medal.
FINALS FACTS
Cordner didn’t receive his medal, or any official contact from the VFL, until the following March, when he was invited to attend the VFL’s monthly meeting at league headquarters at Harrison House (near the MCG). “I fronted up, sat down and waited,” Cordner recalled. “There was nobody around and then somebody at the door told me to come in. “There were 24 people around the table. The president, Dr. W.C. McClelland, addressed me: ‘Player Cordner. You have been adjudged as this, this and this. Long may your interest in our game continue. Here’ – and he gave me a citation and the medal. “And that was the end of it.”
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VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE
MULTICULTUR AL PROGR AM CHANGE OF SCENERY:
Shaun Burgoyne is hoping to continue his AFL career elsewhere.
ON THE MOVE
Port shock as Burgoyne seeks trade NICK BOW EN
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here was good and bad news for Port Adelaide this week. The bad news came when 2006 All-Australian Shaun Burgoyne requested a trade to a Melbourne-based club. The out-of-contract midfielder is one of the most explosive on-ballers in the AFL when on song, but injury restricted him to just nine games this season. Burgoyne, 27 in October, played 157 games with Port after debuting in 2002 and was a member of its 2004 premiership side and runner-up in its 2006 best and fairest award.
The out-of contract midfielder is one of most explosive on-ballers in the AFL when on song Burgoyne’s trade request follows his brother, and Power teammate, Peter’s retirement at the end of the season. Shaun Burgoyne has nominated three clubs he would consider joining next year – Melbourne, Essendon and Hawthorn. Burgoyne knows Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, who was an assistant at the Power before joining the Hawks. He also has strong links to the other two clubs. Port Adelaide football operations general manager Peter Rohde stressed the Power would only trade Burgoyne if a favourable deal could be negotiated. Several years ago, the club refused to trade Nick Stevens, who ended up at Carlton via the pre-season draft. Long-time assistant Matthew Primus re-signed for a further two years. The former Port skipper had attracted interest from clubs outside South Australia. FINALS FACTS
In news at other clubs Ryan O’Keefe won the 2009 Bob Skilton Medal as the Sydney Swans’ best and fairest player, polling 528 votes to finish ahead of Rhyce Shaw (453) and Brett Kirk (421). It was O’Keefe’s first best and fairest award. Darren Glass won his second West Coast Club Champion Award with 340 votes, with Shannon Hurn (329) and Mark LeCras (328) filling the minor placings. Tyson Stenglein has announced his departure from the Eagles. He played 102 games with the club, including the 2006 premiership, after playing 106 games for Adelaide. Darren Crocker, North Melbourne’s caretaker coach following Dean Laidley’s resignation at the end of round 12, will remain with the club for a further two seasons, having agreed to
serve as a senior assistant to new coach Brad Scott. Hawthorn vice-captain Luke Hodge has re-signed until the end of the 2012 season. Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd met with coach Matthew Knights to discuss the possibility of him playing on in 2010. At the time of printing, Lloyd was still considering his future. Fremantle has re-signed Stephen Hill and Greg Broughton until the end of the 2012 and 2011 seasons respectively. Brisbane Lions assistant coaches Wayne Brittain, Craig Brittain and Chris Johnson are leaving the club – the Brittains to pursue business interests, Johnson to return to Victoria. The AFL Players’ Association has appointed Matt Finnis as its new CEO. Finnis replaces Brendon Gale, who left to become Richmond CEO.
Camp offers unique experience Fifty young Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will take part in the AFL’s first multicultural academy camp, starting on Sunday in Melbourne. The camp is being conducted in conjunction with AFL Victoria and the AFL clubs involved in the AFL’s multicultural program – Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs. Victorian sport, recreation and youth affairs minister James Merlino and AFL commissioner Linda Dessau will officially welcome participants, who were primarily nominated by schools and local football clubs. Those chosen must be in regular attendance at school (years 7 and 8) and be a recent arrival in the country or have one parent born overseas. Participants were selected based on their leadership qualities, willingness to develop and their athleticism and potential. Organisers aim to provide participants with an opportunity “to engage in a unique football and life educational experience”. The five-day live-in camp will include leadership and skill development sessions, training sessions run by AFL-accredited coaches and players, highperformance testing, talent identification activities and tours of the MCG and Lexus Centre, Collingwood’s training and administration base. Those involved include Essendon player Bachar Houli (right), AIS-AFL Academy coach Jason McCartney, AFL Victoria CEO and former Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab, Collingwood premiership player Peter Daicos, AFL Victoria high performance manager Leon Harris, AFL Foundation CEO Jason Mifsud and AFL multicultural coordinator Nick Hatzoglou. The camp will end with participants taking part in the Toyota AFL Grand Final parade through the streets of Melbourne next Friday PETER DI SISTO afternoon.
Michael Braun, in 2005, was the last of 34 players to have featured in every game in a season before missing the Grand Final.
36 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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RECOGNITION
Programs support young elite A NDR EW WA L L ACE
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xciting prospect Andrew Gaff has joined an elite list of footballers to have received the Jack Collins-Alan Schwab AFL Life Members Scholarship. Hawthorn’s Norm Smith medallist Luke Hodge, Richmond’s No. 1 draft pick Brett Deledio, Geelong’s 2007 NAB Rising Star Joel Selwood and prodigious West Coast talent Nic Naitanui are past recipients of the scholarship, which assists in the off-field development and education of promising youngsters. Gaff, who plays with the Oakleigh Chargers in Victoria’s TAC Cup competition, is part of the current AIS-AFL Academy intake and is highly regarded by AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan. “Andrew is an impressive young man and an excellent role model to all aspiring footballers,” Sheehan said. “He is a very exciting AFL prospect who has performed
EXCITING PROSPECTS: Oakleigh Chargers youngster Andrew Gaff (left) with former champion Bob Skilton after receiving
the Jack Collins-Alan Schwab AFL Life Members Scholarship, and African-born Majak Daw of the Western Jets with AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick after accepting a Mike Fitzpatrick Scholarship.
with great distinction in 2009, be it during the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships or with Oakleigh in the TAC Cup.” The scholarship was presented to Gaff by AFL legend Bob Skilton at a function at the MCG. The AFL Players’ Association also announced 11 other young players would receive the Mike Fitzpatrick Scholarship for 2010. Nicholas Collins (ACT), Jake Neade (NT), Aaron Laskey
(Qld), Luke Wilson (SA), Sam Darley (Tas) and Majak Daw, Dyson Heppell, Jed Lamb, Zack May, Wilbur Pomorin and William Elliot (Vic) will be given support in their education and training as they aspire to reach the AFL level. The scholarship is named after former Carlton captain and AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick. Daw, who accepted the scholarships on
behalf of the 11 recipients, is shaping as an incredible football story. The Western Jets forward was born in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, and after living with his family in Egypt for three years, only arrived in Melbourne in 2003. Should he be drafted, Daw would become the first African-born player to reach AFL level.
AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 37
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thebounce
VIEWS > NEWS > FIRST PERSON > FACTS > DATA > CULTURE
A N A LY S I S
THE GODFATHER OF STATS
Ted Hopkins
Founder of Champion Data and Carlton premiership player HANDS VERSUS FEET The Godfather recently had a premonition. The team to emerge holding the premiership cup next week will lead the count for run-and-kick metres gained and effective kicking retention rate. Does this mean handballs don’t count as much? Certainly not. But it’s a matter of how they are applied. Is the use of handball about gaining extra metres towards goal, or is it about off-loading to a player in a better position to kick or handball? In other words, breaking through defensive lines or off-loading anywhere to a better team option. Each preliminary finalist has credentials making it capable of winning the flag, with St Kilda the frontrunner. Also, each has established its own distinctive handballing and kicking patterns. For sheer handball numbers, Geelong is out there like no other, averaging 213 a game. The Bulldogs averaged 189 (the third most in the competition), St Kilda 178 (eighth) and Collingwood 166 (12th). However, when metres gained from handball are taken into account, a diff erent picture emerges. Table 1 below shows that the Bulldogs use handball for attacking purposes more than the other three preliminary final teams, gaining an average of 423 handball metres a game. Surprisingly, Geelong – despite its high volume of handballs – gains just 296m from them per match. In contrast, Collingwood (with an average 47 fewer handballs a game than Geelong) almost matches the Cats in offensive metres gained from handballs, with 287 a game. St Kilda, which uses handball relatively sparingly, gains an average 197m from those disposals. The Saints’ clear preference this season is to use handball as a means to set up better kicking options. Geelong
FINALS FACTS
QUICK HANDS: The Bulldogs and the Cats will be relying on the handball prowess of star on-ballers such as Adam Cooney and Cameron Ling (below).
players also have a similar approach, using handball to release a teammate who can run and seek a leading uncontested marking target. If the Bulldogs and Collingwood can maximise the metres they gain from handballs against St Kilda and Geelong respectively, both are in with a big show. They will need to do so to crack the almost impenetrable
defensive walls St Kilda and nd Geelong are renowned for. Table 2 highlights what the Bulldogs and Magpies are up against. St Kilda, especially, y, and an nd Geelong are the clear leaders ers when w it comes to out-gaining opponents poneents in run-and-kick metres and d also alsso in finding teammates with their eir kicks. kicks.
Metres gained from handballs per game ROUNDS 12-19
Metres
Handballs per gam game me
W Bulldogs Geelong Collingwood St Kilda
423 296 287 197
189 213 166 178
Run-and-kick metres gained and kicking retention rate ate ROUNDS 12-19
Metres per game
Handballs per game gam me
St Kilda Geelong Bulldogs Collingwood
791 466 353 326
67% 68% 65% 63%
Each of the current 16 clubs has played in at least one preliminary final in the past 10 seasons.
38 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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2009four’n twenty all-australian team
Top four
rewarded The final four teams left in the premiership race dominated selection in the 2009 Four’N Twenty All-Australian team which contains nine first-time selections and seven players from the 2008 team. NICK BOWEN
T
his season’s preliminary finalists accounted for 15 of the 22 members of the 2009 All-Australian team. Not surprisingly, the teams that dominated the competition for most of the season, St Kilda and Geelong, each provided five players. Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo and Brendon Goddard comprised the Saints’ contingent, while Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood and Paul Chapman were the Cats’ representatives. Collingwood was next best with three selections – Nick Maxwell, Dane Swan and Leon Davis – while the Bulldogs had two, Brian Lake and Matthew Boyd. All five of these players were first-time All-Australians. Riewoldt was named skipper for the first time, with last year’s captain, Carlton’s Chris Judd, vice-captain. The team was announced at the Four’N Twenty All-Australian dinner in Melbourne this week. On being named captain, Riewoldt said: “It is a huge honour and I probably won’t have too much time to think about it at the moment, but I will look back on this after my career and be very proud of it.” Judd expressed similar sentiments. “To get named in this side is very humbling and to be named as one of the leaders borders on embarrassing,” he said. Geelong full-back Scarlett and Adelaide skipper Simon Goodwin were the most-capped members of the team, both being selected in their fifth All-Australian sides.
TEAM OF CHAMPIONS: (L-R) – Andrew Demetriou (non-voting chairman), Corey Enright (Geelong Cats), Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda), Brendon Goddard (St Kilda), Simon Goodwin (Adelaide), Lenny Hayes (St Kilda), Leigh Montagna (St Kilda), Matthew Scarlett (Geelong Cats), Nick Riewoldt (captain, St Kilda), Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans), Chris Judd (vice-captain, Carlton), Gary Ablett (Geelong Cats), Paul Chapman (Geelong Cats), Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle), Dane Swan (Collingwood), Nick Maxwell (Collingwood), Joel Selwood (Geelong Cats), Jonathan Brown (Brisbane Lions), Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs), Craig Bolton (Sydney Swans), Leon Davis (Collingwood) and Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs). PHOTO: MICHAEL WILLSON/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP.
Both also moved into equal-second place at their clubs for most selections. Scarlett equalled Mark Bairstow at the Cats, with only Gary Ablett snr head of him (eight selections). “It does (sink in) when you mention the great man (Ablett snr). I’m not sure I’m going to catch his eight, but I’m very honoured to be in the side again,” Scarlett said. For the Crows, Goodwin trails only Mark Ricciuto (eight selections), having drawn level with Andrew McLeod. Just behind Scarlett and Goodwin are Riewoldt and Judd, both selected for the fourth time, while Hayes, Brendan Fevola (Carlton), Ablett and Adam Goodes
(Sydney Swans) were all third-time selections. The team again had a fresh feel to it this season, with nine players selected for the first time – Lake, Maxwell, Montagna, Selwood, Chapman, Swan, Davis, Boyd and Goddard. This matched the nine new faces in the 2008 team, but was shy of the 11 debutants selected in 2006 and 2007. Just seven players from the 2008 season held their places this year – Riewoldt, Judd, Ablett, Scarlett, Enright, Fevola and Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands. Swan injected some humour into the dinner when asked by interviewer Brian Taylor whether he had inherited his
football ability from his father, Billy, a star with Port Melbourne and Williamstown in the VFA and joint winner of the 1982 J.J. Liston Trophy. “I didn’t get it from my mother,” Swan said, deadpan. Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown, who became a two-time All-Australian, also had the crowd in stitches. Explaining he and his wife, Kylie, were expecting a baby on Melbourne Cup day, he said jokingly he was hoping to get it induced so he could enjoy the day’s festivities with his mates. This year’s backline contains a great mix of defensive steel and attacking flair and, notably, sees the game’s premier full-backs, Scarlett and Lake, join forces.
40 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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Four’N Twenty All-Australian Team 2009 Matthew Scarlett (Geelong Cats)
Corey Enright
Backs
(Geelong Cats)
Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs)
Craig Bolton (Sydney Swans)
Simon Goodwin
Nick Maxwell
(Adelaide)
(Collingwood)
Half-Backs Centres
Leigh Montagna
Joel Selwood
(St Kilda)
(Geelong Cats)
Lenny Hayes (St Kilda)
Half-Forwards
Paul Chapman
Dane Swan
(Geelong Cats)
(Collingwood)
Nick Riewoldt (c) (St Kilda)
Forwards Jonathan Brown
Leon Davis
(Brisbane Lions)
(Collingwood)
Brendan Fevola (Carlton)
Interchange Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs)
Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)
Nick Dal Santo
Rucks R
(St Kilda)
Brendon Goddard (St Kilda)
Chris Judd (vc)
Gary Ablett
(Carlton)
(Geelong Cats)
ARF3 p040-42 All-Aust.indd 41
Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans)
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2009four’n twenty all-australian team Scarlett, named at full-back, and Lake, in a back pocket, are two of the most attacking defenders in the competition and, despite regularly taking the opposition’s best key forward, averaged 18.2 and 19 possessions respectively this season. Lake’s preparedness to back himself in the air against his opponents was highlighted when he finished second in the competition for marks and fourth for contested marks. The team’s midfield has an embarrassment of riches. It is headlined by Ablett and Judd, both among the League’s top handful of players, while Selwood is generally seen as their heir apparent.
The team’s midfield has an embarrassment of riches ... Ablett and Judd while Selwood is their heir apparent A strong St Kilda flavour was a must in the engine room. Hayes, Montagna, Dal Santo and Goddard, when released from his defensive duties, provided the Saints with much of their trademark drive and suffocating pressure and were thoroughly deserving selections.
The firepower on the forward line is perhaps best illustrated by some of the players who missed out – six-time All-Australian Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle) and 2008 Coleman medallist Lance Franklin (Hawthorn). With Riewoldt, Fevola and Brown as key forwards, and Chapman, Davis and Swan to mop up any crumbs, it has a good balance of strength, marking power, speed and goal sense. Notably, for the first time since 2004, the team is without West Coast ruckman Dean Cox, an All-Australian fixture from 2005-08. In his absence, Sandilands has been entrusted with the No. 1 ruck position, with Goodes capable of providing support. Seven clubs were not represented in the team – Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Richmond and West Coast. The All-Australian team was selected by Adrian Anderson, Kevin Bartlett, Gerard Healy, James Hird, Glen Jakovich, Mark Ricciuto and Robert Walls, with Andrew Demetriou as non-voting chairman.
A F L A R M Y AWA R D
Top honour for courageous Cat Geelong forward Tom Hawkins (right) was announced as the 2009 AFL Army Award winner at the All-Australian team dinner. The 21-year-old was presented with the AFL Army Award Medal by CommanderForces Command, Major General David Morrison, AM. The award was introduced in 2007 and recognises onfield displays of courage, initiative and teamwork, with Hawkins chosen for his superb defensive effort against Fremantle in round 22, when he smothered a kick, then got up and chased hard to put on a strong tackle (pictured). Hawkins said he was honoured, albeit surprised, to win the award. “The act that I have been recognised for was one that all players would try to do for their team each week,” Hawkins said. “Perhaps the greatest honour for me is that I have won an award that is named after our defence force.” Hawkins’ effort received 54 per cent of the public vote, which was endorsed by the All-Australian committee.
SECURE YOUR SEAT NOW TO THE HARDEST, STT, FASTEST, FIERCEST FINALS SERIES EVER.
Port Adelaide’s Jacob Surjan finished second with 26 per cent of the vote. As part of his award, Hawkins will receive a travel voucher to the value of $10,000 and an invitation to be a guest of the Army.
OP CA BOEN ALLLLWCENT OK EEK RE NO END W .
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AFL FINALS TRAVEL OFFICE. YOUR OFFICIAL FINALS DESTINATION. 42 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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COACHES ON COACHING – PART 11
The importance of Mentoring systems are crucial to developing and maximising the attributes of all club football staff, whether they be coaches or players. Hawthorn’s Alastair Clarkson explains in the AFL Record’s Coaches on Coaching series.
I
t’s a pretty insular existence as an AFL coach. Relatively few people have done the role and know the demands of the role, so it’s of real value where you can to link in with people who understand it. And that’s not always someone who has actually been a senior AFL coach, but maybe somebody who has had experience working with senior coaches; those type of people are invaluable in terms of providing you with guidance and advice about how you best go about it. I’ve had a number of people who have given me assistance over the journey. Some of it is in direct day-to-day dealings, and it doesn’t always necessarily have to be an older person. We’ve got a very strong coaching group at Hawthorn, and the everyday stuff we bounce off one another within our own football program. We’ve got Chris Fagan at our club, whose specific role is to oversee the development of both our players and our football staff. Jason Dunstall has also got great experience in the game, and outside of that on a more irregular basis, I tap into the advice of David Parkin, Allan Jeans and John Kennedy. All of those guys are invaluable
because of their strong Hawthorn connection; I really value the views they have on the game and how it’s evolved since their time coaching League football. I also still touch base with Tim Watson, and I’ve got a great relationship with Mark Williams from Port Adelaide. Even though the game is very tribal and it makes it difficult to talk day-to-day or week-to-week with Mark, he’s helped my development enormously as a coach.
On a more irregular basis, I tap into the advice of David Parkin, Allan Jeans and John Kennedy. All those guys are invaluable ALASTAIR CLARKSON
I won’t hesitate to sound out any one of those guys, especially Chris, my fellow coaches, and our footy manager Mark Evans. Sometimes though, you just need an outside perspective, and I’ve got another really good friend from my South Australian days, Ken Russell, who has been a player and president at Central District (SANFL), as well as a successful
businessman. Ken’s just got a great knowledge of the game and an understanding of the politics of footy and the landscape of the game itself. I speak to him regularly about the game and where we are going, and he gives me a great outside perspective. It’s of even more benefit that Ken is outside Victoria; he lives in Adelaide so he doesn’t see the goings on from day to day, but makes casual observations from afar. Some of that is reasonably critical and some is praiseworthy, but whatever feedback I get, I know it’s honest and forthright, and he tries to help me as much as he can. But there are many levels of mentoring within a football club. It is a people’s game, and the development of relationships is absolutely crucial. What has been an enormous focus over the past six to eight years with the drafting of young players is their specific development programs. Just as importantly at our club in more recent times, we have been focusing on development programs for all of our staff. A great by-product of that has been the appointment and emergence of (former Hawthorn assistant) Damien Hardwick
as a senior coach at Richmond. It is a direct result of the work that Chris Fagan and our club have put into Damien and his development and, while we are disappointed to lose his services, we also recognise that he has achieved his aspiration of becoming a senior AFL coach. The whole process has involved a lot of mentoring, both by his peers and through the relationships he has developed with the players, as well as external mentors who have given an outside perspective from time to time.
44 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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PART OF THE TEAM: Alastair Clarkson values the input of his football staff including high performance coach David Rath (left), player welfare manager Jason Burt (holding board) and football manager Mark Evans.
It shows you why mentoring is just so important at this level – you can maximise the attributes of all of the people filling roles in your organisation. We know that the game is not a product, it’s actually a service that is provided, and all services rely predominantly on people skills to ensure they are successful. By having a properly managed development program for each individual within the football program, whether they are a coach or a player, means you have the greatest chance of maximising your
output, developing people and satisfying them, as well as motivating them to achieve the levels they aspire to. At Hawthorn, we have got various mentoring systems, and they are across a number of different levels. There is a strong relationship between the line coaches and the players, there is the relationship that develops between senior and junior players, and we have a mentoring system with ex-players and current players. There are also mentoring systems put in place to provide
external business, career development-type mentoring to our players. So at different stages, while we don’t want to dilute the influence of any one particular mentor, a certain player could have as many as three or four people they have built close and trustworthy relationships with to provide the best possible outcomes and influence. When you are allocating a senior player mentor to a junior player, there are a number of factors to consider. Some of it is to do with where they grew up; if two guys were
from a similar type of area, you might set them up. Or it might be to do with the position they play; you might see a real benefit with a young defender linking up with a guy who has been playing in defence for the past 10 years. You also take a look at the personality type; two guys might simply get along particularly well. The important thing is, we don’t select mentors on day one of the pre-season – we do so after a period of time, when you have watched the establishment of relationships AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 45
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COACHES ON COACHING – PART 11
and seen how the different players have gelled together. Some guys just click straight away, and you think that would be a great little relationship to build upon, but there’s no one right or wrong way of doing it – you just try to find the best fit based on the demographics that you think suit both players. It’s hard to tell exactly how much difference effective mentoring can make, but what I do know is this is such a demanding and evolving game and there are challenges constantly thrown at you from every angle. To cope with all those challenges in isolation as an individual is pretty demanding and difficult, so any people from within and outside the club who can provide some sort of support and guidance are really important. I just know that using people for advice and assistance along the way makes the whole journey more rewarding, but also provides critical support in those tough times that inevitably come in this very demanding game we play.
It doesn’t come down to my advice on who is best to trust; that element only comes after you have built a strong relationship ALASTAIR CLARKSON
I’ve got a strong view that it’s very difficult to try to do it all in isolation. We have got so many players at our club who benefit from either providing advice to other players, or seeking advice from others inside or outside the club. For as long as I’m involved at Hawthorn, I’ll continue to try to foster those types of relationships that assist with the players’ development, both as footballers and as citizens. While we’ve got that in place, we’ll be a lot more comfortable with being able to live up to our motto of making sure that whoever comes into our football program leaves as a better person. So much of any mentoring relationship is based on trust. To build up trust with the player, they need to feel like you are genuine in trying to provide them with assistance that will make them a better person. As soon as you can develop
1
The position of a senior co oa acch h ca c n be a lonely one, so make su re you have trusste d people inside and outsi de the club you ca c n turn to for advice. Football is a re lationship p--b ba asseed industry, and pl ayers and club staff need to have soundin g boards on a nu n mber of different lev els. Factors such as ba ckground, playin ng g position, personality type and chemisttry ry shou o ld be taken into accoun t when assig gn nin ing g a junior player with a senio r mentor. Trust is the most important aspect t of any mentoring relat ionship. The only wa w y to establish trust is through a geen nu uin ine ne desire to help the other person. Once trust has be en establish heed d,, th thee mentor is able to provide complet e honest ely feedback, both critical and su up pp po orrttive.
2 3 4 5
that level of trust, you can be as challenging and confronting as you like, you can be as supportive and as comforting as you like. When that genuine trust has been built, you have got a real chance of being able to maximise potential. It even applies to mistakes you might make as a mentor. Everyone has got their weaknesses, and when you are a more senior figure providing advice to others, the whole idea of the relationship is that the junior member can be providing advice to the guy doing the mentoring. The building of that relationship is a two-way street and, while initially it might start off as one person providing more advice to the other, if the relationship is built on trust, there will be advice going both ways, which is important. One thing I will never do is tell my players who they should or shouldn’t be listening to. It doesn’t come down to my advice on who is best to trust; that element of trust only comes after you have built a strong relationship. I would say to any person, not just our players but any person in life, that you build trust only with people you have established a strong relationship with, who you have got a good rapport with. And when you have built that, you know that the guidance they will provide is genuine, and you can’t go too far wrong. AS TOLD TO ANDREW WALLACE
46 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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WE KNOW
BECAUSE WE RUN
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nationalscoreboard AFL FINALS – WEEK 2 6.6 3.7
11.8 5.7
BEST: Western Bulldogs – Boyd, Cross, Higgins, Giansiracusa, Cooney, Hargrave, Griffen, Hahn. Brisbane Lions – Brown, Brennan, Merrett, Power, Johnstone, Clark, Bradshaw GOALS: Western Bulldogs – Hahn 4, Eagleton 3, Ward 2, Higgins 2, Cooney, Akermanis, Gilbee, Griffen, Minson. Brisbane Lions – Bradshaw 3, Brown 3, McGrath, Redden. Umpires: S. Ryan, M. Stevic, S. Meredith. Crowd: 47,030 at the MCG FIRST SEMI-FINAL Collingwood 1.4 6.3 Adelaide
3.5 7.7
9.7 7.9
ELIMINATION FINAL Eagles 2.6 6.9 11.11 15.12 (102) North Adelaide 2.2 9.2 10.4 14.7 (91) BEST: Eagles – Jarrad, Treeby, Powell, Salter, Fairclough, Polec. North Adelaide – Allan, Archard, Stewart, Ryswyk, Cunningham, Stribling. GOALS: Eagles – Salter 5, Fairclough 2, Treeby 2, Polec 2, Goldsworthy, Grocke, Passador, Miles. North Adelaide – Stewart 4, Delvins 3, Ryswyk 2, Pfeiffer, Archard, Younie, Allan, Alleway.
PRELIMINARY FINAL Subiaco 3.4 10.8 12.9 13.11 (89) Swan Districts 3.1 4.5 8.9 9.16 (70) BEST: Subiaco – Mapleston, Broadhurst, Chick, Parker, Keevers, Horsley. Swan Districts – Roberts, Simpson, Hansen, Spaanderman. GOALS: Subiaco – Smith 3, Mapleston 3, Dennis-Lane 2, Keevers, Chick, Horsley, Hildebrandt, Stenglein. Swan Districts – Hansen 3, Simpson 2, Jetta, Twomey, Notte, Pearce.
16.11 (107) 8.8 (56)
QUALIFYING FINAL Central District 1.4 4.4 6.8 11.9 (75) Sturt 2.3 5.5 6.8 10.9 (69) BEST: Central District – Mackenzie, Thomas, J. Gowans, Spurr, O’Sullivan, Sansbury. Sturt – Sheedy, Crane, Trengove, Jaensch, Vassal, Coad. GOALS: Central District – Havelberg 3, Sansbury 2, C. Gowans 2, Schell, J. Gowans, Giles, Westhoff. Sturt – Trengove 2, Sharples 2, Vassal, Gum, Thurstans, Johncock, Evans, Sheedy.
VFL – FINALS SECOND SEMI-FINAL Collingwood 5.3 7.5 9.12 13.16 (94) Williamstown 0.3 1.4 4.7 7.12 (54) BEST: Collingwood – Dyas, K. Pendlebury, Stanley, Frost, Blair, Reid. Williamstown – Brett Johnson, Skipper, Jolley, Wood, Stretton, Lynch. GOALS: Collingwood – Dawes 2, Stanley 2, McCarthy 2, Frost, Reid, Corrie, Bennell, Barham, Reed, Blight. Williamstown – Rose 2, Everitt 2, Cloke, Gotch, Joyce.
12.11 (83) 11.12 (78)
BEST: Collingwood – Sidebottom, Maxwell, Shaw, Swan, Wellingham, Thomas. Adelaide – Vince, Johncock, Tippett, Mackay, Thompson, Goodwin. GOALS: Collingwood – Dick 2, Johnson 2, Macaffer, Swan, O’Brien, Anthony, Brown, Wellingham, Cloke, Lockyer. Adelaide – Tippett 4, Dangerfield 2, Thompson 2, Burton, Knights, Hentschel. Umpires: R. Chamberlain, B. Rosebury, S. McInerney. Crowd: 62,184 at the MCG.
AFL SYDNEY – FINALS
FIRST SEMI-FINAL Port Melbourne 6.3 8.8 14.9 19.14 (128) Box Hill Hawks 4.2 8.4 14.9 19.10 (124) BEST: Port Melbourne – Bonaddio, Dwyer, Nixon, Fanning, S. Brewer, McGrath. Box Hill Hawks – Yze, Kiel, Curnow, Markovic, Pedersen, Morton. GOALS: Port Melbourne – Bonaddio 5, McGrath 2, Pinwill 2, Batsanis 2, Cain 2, Dwyer, Pitt, Neville, Suckling, McMahon, Fanning. Box Hill Hawks – Breust 3, Yze 3, Walsh 2, Pedersen 2, Savage 2, Neil, Lisle, Morton, Iles, Curnow, Gibson, Williams.
AFL QUEENSLAND – FINALS PRELIMINARY FINAL Mt Gravatt 4.3 6.6 9.8 17.12 (114) Southport 4.1 9.4 13.7 14.9 (93) BEST: Mt Gravatt – Morrison, Head, Hamill, Yoshiura, Barry, Scott. Southport – Wise, Screech, Charleston, Niklaus, O’Brien, Betts. GOALS: Mt Gravatt – Morrison 4, Barry 3, Dosser 2, Vearing 2, Grose 2, Savage, Head, Gilliland, Yoshiura. Southport – Screech 3, Jarjoura 3, Thompson 2, Wise, McCauley, Wilson, Burge, Charleston, James.
PRELIMINARY FINAL UNSW/ES 4.1 7.3 9.4 12.7 (79) 2.8 3.8 9.11 (65) Western Suburbs 1.5 BEST: UNSW/ES – Beardsley, O’Regan, Henderson, Underwood, Ward, Shaw. Western Suburbs – Simpson, D’Arcy, Roehrig, Noordhof, Bedwell, Hudson. GOALS: UNSW/ES – Underwood 3, Abbott 3, O’Regan, Rutland, Kefalas, Gulden, Robbie, Collett. Western Suburbs – M. Eurell 3, Absolum, A. Eurell, E. Kassem, M. Kassem, Withers, Bedwell.
A F L S E A S O N S TAT S Rebounded from 50
Kicks Dane Swan Rhyce Shaw Leigh Montagna
Collingwood Sydney Swans St Kilda
433 373 368
St Kilda Brisbane Lions Western Bulldogs
214 204 201
Geelong Cats Western Bulldogs Western Bulldogs
417 400 378
Sydney Swans Port Adelaide Sydney Swans
170 161 155
Carlton St Kilda Collingwood
137 128 117
Rhyce Shaw Heath Shaw Ryan Hargrave
Nick Riewoldt Jonathan Brown Brian Lake
Gary Ablett Shane Tuck Simon Black
Geelong Cats Richmond Brisbane Lions
140 134 130
Collingwood Carlton St Kilda
112 87 85
Sydney Swans Fremantle Brisbane Lions
682 659 528
Brisbane Lions Hawthorn Hawthorn
48 46 41
Loose-ball gets
Handballs
PRELIMINARY FINAL Clarence 4.1 6.4 10.6 16.7 (103) 2.3 9.6 12.7 15.10 (100) Burnie BEST: Clarence – Thurley, Setchell, Sharman, Whitelaw, Webberley, French. Burnie – Russell, Munday, Shackleton, Davis, Banham, Brown. GOALS: Clarence – Dutton 4, Thurley 3, Whitelaw 2, Setchell 2, Green 2, Baker, Geappen, French. Burnie – Russell 3, Smith 2, Gardam, Davis, Dean, Murphy, Brakey, Munday, H. Walters, Brown, N. Walters, Shackleton.
116 112 107
Hard-ball gets
Marks
A F L TA S M A N I A – F I N A L S
Sydney Swans Collingwood Western Bulldogs
Gary Ablett Daniel Cross Matthew Boyd
Dane Swan Marc Murphy Leigh Montagna
SOURCE: CHAMPION DATA
SECOND SEMI-FINAL Western Bulldogs 4.2 Brisbane Lions 0.6
SANFL – FINALS
WA F L – F I N A L S
Hit-outs
Tackles Brett Kirk Domenic Cassisi Jude Bolton
Darren Jolly Aaron Sandilands Mitch Clark
Frees against
Inside 50 Chris Judd Jason Gram Dane Swan
Mitch Clark Simon Taylor Lance Franklin
Official 2009 AFL Premiership Season Ladder (after round 22) P
W
L
D
Gls
For Beh
Pts
Gls
Against Beh Pts
%
Mtch pts
Home W L
Away W L
Strks Scores Av margin W < L < Pls Rnd 22 1st Yr Qtrs 4th W/l High Low W L 7 pts 7 pts used 2008 Players Won Qtrs W
1
ST KILDA
22
20
2
0
322
265
2197
206
175
1411
155.71%
80
10
1
10
1
1W
161
59
39
3
2
2
30
4
1
60
2
GEELONG CATS
22
18
4
0
337
290
2312
269
201
1815
127.38%
72
11
0
7
4
1W
134
62
33
24
4
1
33
1
4
52
14 11
3
W BULLDOGS
22
15
7
0
351
272
2378
284
236
1940
122.58%
60
7
4
8
3
3W
157
61
39
22
0
3
31
3
4
47
14
4
COLLINGWOOD
22
15
7
0
313
296
2174
255
248
1778
122.27%
60
6
5
9
2
1L
169
40
42
34
1
2
37
8
4
51
12
5
ADELAIDE
22
14
8
0
307
262
2104
262
217
1789
117.61%
56
7
4
7
4
3W
176
48
40
31
1
1
34
5
6
49
14
6
BRISBANE LIONS
22
13
8
1
298
229
2017
273
252
1890
106.72%
54
8
3
5
5
2W
119
33
29
32
0
1
36
10
6
51
12
7
CARLTON
22
13
9
0
333
272
2270
300
255
2055
110.46%
52
6
5
7
4
1L
153
40
38
31
1
2
37
11
5
50
15
8
ESSENDON
22
10
11
1
303
262
2080
310
267
2127
97.79%
42
6
4
4
7
1W
136
57
30
31
3
1
36
12
3
42
11
9
Hawthorn
22
9
13
0
285
252
1962
306
284
2120
92.55%
36
5
6
4
7
1L
135
45
25
29
1
1
38
2
7
42
7
10
Port Adelaide
22
9
13
0
290
250
1990
332
252
2244
88.68%
36
8
3
1
10
4L
147
36
31
41
1
2
35
13
4
39
10
11
West Coast Eagles
22
8
14
0
272
261
1893
297
247
2029
93.30%
32
7
4
1
10
1W
125
48
32
28
1
2
38
15
5
39
8
12
Sydney Swans
22
8
14
0
278
220
1888
294
263
2027
93.14%
32
6
5
2
9
3L
143
56
27
25
1
2
33
6
4
41
11
13
North Melbourne
22
7
14
1
244
216
1680
293
257
2015
83.37%
30
4
7
3
7
2W
125
24
19
33
3
0
37
7
7
30
6
14
Fremantle
22
6
16
0
254
223
1747
333
261
2259
77.34%
24
4
7
2
9
1L
141
13
23
40
1
1
40
14
11
34
4
15
Richmond
22
5
16
1
255
244
1774
348
300
2388
74.29%
22
1
9
4
7
4L
115
36
12
42
3
1
40
9
7
28
8
16
Melbourne
22
4
18
0
252
194
1706
332
293
2285
74.66%
16
3
8
1
10
2L
127
34
25
37
0
1
40
16
9
33
11
76 AFL RECORD visit afl .com.au
ARF3 p076-077 Scoreboard.indd 76
16/9/09 2:30:29 PM
national scoreboard TAC C U P – F I N A L S
ADVERTISEMENT
SECOND SEMI-FINAL Calder Cannons 2.4 8.8 12.10 15.17 (107) Gippsland Power 4.0 6.2 11.2 15.5 (95) BEST: Calder Cannons – Temel, Lucin, Long, Carlisle, Wallis, Guthrie. Gippsland Power – Northe, Sing, Heppell, Corry, Weston, Asa Leausa. GOALS: Calder Cannons – Temel 7, Lawton 3, Fewster 2, McCallum, Watson, Thompson. Gippsland Power – Weston 4, Northe 4, Asa Leausa 2, Butcher 2, Lamb 2, Tynan. FIRST SEMI-FINAL Geelong Falcons 3.3 6.9 8.13 11.14 (80) Gold Coast 2.0 2.3 4.7 5.9 (39) BEST: Geelong Falcons – Christensen, Ledin, Smedts, Hussey, Fisher, Bright. Gold Coast – Thompson, Harley, Lock, Smith, Milani, Thomson. GOALS: Geelong Falcons – Hollmer 2, Tutton 2, Rohan, Bright, McCormack, Dahlhaus, Christensen, Grabowski, Sodomaco. Gold Coast – Lock 2, Dixon, Grayson, Rolfe.
TAC Cup ladder P W L
D
For Agst %
1 Geelong Falcons
17 16 1
0
1664 1099
151.41
Pts
2 Gold Coast
17 10 6
1
1341 1167
114.91
42
3 Dandenong Stingrays 17 10 7
0
1655 1343
123.23
40
64
4 Gippsland Power
17 10 7
0
1575 1284
122.66
40
5 Eastern Ranges
17 10 7
0
1560 1347
115.81
40
6 North Ballarat Rebels 17
9
7
1
1235 1181
104.57
38
7 Calder Cannons
17
9
8
0
1432 1593
89.89
36
8 Northern Knights
17
8
9
0
1422 1386
102.60
32 30
9 Oakleigh Chargers
17
7
9
1
1286 1297
99.15
10 Murray Bushrangers
17
7
9
1
1415
1483
95.41
30
11 Western Jets
17
6 10
1
1236 1602
77.15
26
12 Bendigo Pioneers
18
4 14
0
1321
1738
76.01
16
13 Sandringham Dragons 17
4 13
0
1212
1703
71.17
16
TAC Cup statistics Goalkickers (season) Luke McDonald Serhat Temel Jed Lamb Levi Casboult
Eastern Ranges Calder Cannons Gippsland Power Dandenong Stingrays
64 (-) 49 (7) 47 (2) 41 (-)
Gun forward on target again for Cannons
I
n line with the AFL, the TAC Cup competition moves into preliminary final weekend, after two more teams fell by the wayside last week. Another bag of goals from key forward Serhat Temel steered Calder past Gippsland by 12 points, with the Cannons advancing into a cross-town clash with the Eastern Ranges. Temel’s match-winning seven goals came from 14 possessions and seven contested marks. It followed his eight-goal haul in the elimination final win against North Ballarat. Calder was cruising midway through the third quarter and established a
41-point semi-final dismantling of the Gold Coast. The Falcons were led by polished midfielder Allen Christensen, who tore the game apart with 31 disposals. Geelong was superb defensively, conceding just five goals as back pocket Mitchell Fisher (18 possessions, five marks) and Billy Smedts controlled the last line. The win sets up a showdown with last year’s runner-up Dandenong, which lost to the Falcons by 34 points in round 16. The preliminary finals will be played as a double-header at Visy Park on Saturday, with the winners progressing
Kicks (finals - week 2) Mitch Wallis Allan Christensen Dyson Heppell Taylor Rolfe
Calder Cannons Geelong Falcons Gippsland Power Gold Coast
21 18 16 16
Marks (finals - week 2) John Butcher Jake Carlisle Serhat Temel Tim Northe
Gippsland Power Calder Cannons Calder Cannons Gippsland Power
10 9 9 9
Handballs (finals - week 2) Tom Liberatore Zachary Ledin Anthony Long Allan Christensen
Calder Cannons Geelong Falcons Calder Cannons Geelong Falcons
21 16 14 13
Temel’s match-winning seven goals came from 14 possessions and seven contested marks. It followed his eight-goal haul in the elimination final win against North Ballarat. 36-point lead. To the Power’s credit, they lifted their work-rate and kicked seven straight majors to snatch the lead with only a few minutes to play. But the Cannons answered with consecutive goals to shut out the lights on the higher-ranked Power’s year. Calder playmaker Mitchell Wallis amassed 33 possessions, while Thomas Lucin collected 26 disposals. For Gippsland, highly touted draft prospect John Butcher took 10 marks and kicked two goals, while fellow forward Tim Northe booted four goals from 24 possessions and set up four others. The Geelong Falcons avenged last week’s qualifying final loss and avoided an early exit with a comprehensive
to the TAC Cup Grand Final on Friday, September 25, at Etihad Stadium. The big game will be followed by the VFL Grand Final that evening. Meanwhile, Northern Knights rover Anton Woods has capped a stellar season by claiming the 2009 Morrish Medal. Woods won with 24 votes, ahead of Geelong pair Allen Christensen and Ben Cunnington on 17 votes. Woods polled in 10 of 18 matches, including six best-on-ground performances. To rubber-stamp his great year, Woods was also named the 2009 TAC Cup Coaches’ Award winner. The last player to win the double was another Northern Knight, Matthew Kreuzer in 2007. TRAVIS PARNABY
SPEARHEAD: Leading goalkicker
Luke McDonald will be a key for the Eastern Ranges in this week’s preliminary final against Calder.
AFL RECORD visit afl .com.au 77
ARF3 p076-077 Scoreboard.indd 77
16/9/09 2:30:45 PM
CONGRATULATIONS TOM HAWKINS. THE 2009 AFL ARMY AWARD WINNER. Round 22 saw the Geelong Cats take on Fremantle at Skilled Stadium. While the Geelong Cats ran out eventual winners, it was Tom Hawkins of the Geelong Cats whose inspiring play was voted by you as this year’s finest and followed up with a heavy tackle. At this year’s Four‘N Twenty All Australian Awards, Hawkins was declared the 2009 AFL Army Award winner. To view Hawkins’ award-winning performance, visit afl.com.au
ARF3 p078 ADF Ad.indd 1
GPY&R MDFA2978
example of courage, initiative and teamwork. Hawkins smothered a kick
16/9/09 12:08:51 PM
2009 B R O W N L O W M E D A L
W
hen the Brownlow Medal was first presented in 1924 in memory of former Geelong player and administrator Charles Brownlow, few would have envisaged the massive event it has become today. It’s a night we laud the players by celebrating and reflecting on their outstanding achievements over the season. In recent years,
a dose of glamour has been added to the event, and blue carpet is rolled out at Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Complex to welcome the game’s stars and their partners. Fashion and football have gradually become a high-profile mix. Once inside, though, the tension starts and, if it’s anything as exciting as last year’s drama-filled count, won by Western Bulldog Adam Cooney, viewers and those in attendance are in for a treat.
AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 79
ARF3 p079-099 Brownlow.indd 79
16/9/09 3:14:19 PM
2009brownlow medal 2 20
Adelaide K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
TYSON EDWARDS
Scott Thompson Thompson has been a consistent vote-winner over the past two seasons and is likely to poll well again. The classy midfielder polled 18 votes in 2007 and 15 last year to lead the Crows’ vote-winners in both seasons. The 26-year-old played all but one game this season and was outstanding in many of them, giving off more handpasses (324) than any other Crow. He also had the fifth most kicks (233) for Adelaide and stood out with his strong work around the packs. Thompson also would have caught the eye with his ability to kick brilliant goals at vital stages of matches. Having chalked up his 150th game this season, he is one of the Crows’ hardest workers and his class would have stood out in most games. His consistency in an evenly balanced team again should see him the Crows’ main chance, although he is likely to have several teammates taking votes from him.
Veteran Tyson Edwards was again at the heart of the Crows midfield, racking up important possessions and generally delivering the ball to perfection. He was the Crows’ leading vote-winner in 2005 with 16, just four fewer than winner Ben Cousins.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Simon Goodwin (captain), Kurt Tippett, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson, Bernie Vince, Jason Porplyzia INELIGIBLE
None PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 21 games, 8 goals, 233 kicks, 102 marks, 324 handballs, 96 tackles, 80 inside 50s, 28 rebound 50s, 70 hard-ball gets, 55 loose-ball gets CAREER 155 games, 109 goals, 52 Brownlow votes
Mark Ricciuto (2003 tied) 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIAN
Simon Goodwin LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Scott Thompson 15
Andrew McLeod
Bernie Vince
The veteran 33-year-old should win his share of votes. He was outstanding in several matches, often providing the Crows with tremendous dash from defence or in the midfield. Second only to Bernie Vince for kicks at Adelaide in 2009.
The fair-haired midfielder had a wonderfully consistent 2009 and amassed more kicks than any other Crow. Used the ball well es’ attention and would have caught the umpires’ mances. He also with several outstanding performances. was in the Crows’ top bracket for marks.
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 10 goals, 280 kicks, 66 marks, 194 handballs, 56 tackles, 102 inside 50s, 38 rebound 50s, 31 hard-ball gets, 50 loose-ball gets Career 328 games, 266 goals, 134 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 13 goals, 306 kicks, 132 marks, 291 handballs, 63 tackles, s, 75 inside 50s, 42 rebound 50s, 48 hard-ball gets, 56 loose-ball oose-ball gets Career 55 games, 31 goals, 8 Brownlow low votes
Expert guide Adelaide’s strong season should see its players pick up plenty of votes, but the big problem will be the sharing of the votes. The Crows rely enormously on teamwork and discipline and, ironically, this could cost them the chance of producing this year’s winner. Although Adelaide is highly efficient as a team, there generally are few standouts, with all players expected to run the lines. The Crows more or less carbon-copied
EYE-CATCHER: Jason Porplyzia
was dangerous up forward with 52 goals.
recent seasons by making the fi finals nals for a fifth consecutive year, but have not had a leading votewinner in any of these seasons.. Tyson Edwards was equal fifth in 2005, no Crow o finished in the ow top 12 in 2006, Scott Thompson o was ninth in 2007 on and equal 12th last year. Thee last time the Crows had a leading vote-winner was as 2004 when Mark Ricciuto (pictured) polled 23 3 to t be runner-up to West Coast’s Chris Judd (30). ). Of O course, Ricciuto shared Brownlow honours with witth Collingwood’s Nathan Buckley and the Sydney ydneey Swans’ Adam Goodes the previous year. Ricciuto Riccciuto is the Crows’ only winner and this is iss unlikely to change this year.
80 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
ARF3 p079-099 Brownlow.indd 80
16/9/09 12:21:58 PM
Brisbane Lions K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
DANIEL RICH
Simon Black One of the serious contenders for this year’s medal. Black is a proven vote-getter, having won the 2002 Brownlow. He also finished equal second in the 2007 count behind Geelong’s Jimmy Bartel and outright second last year, when he polled an astonishing 20 votes in the first 11 rounds only to be pipped by one vote late in the count by Adam Cooney. Black has enjoyed another outstanding season in the midfield, where he has continued to rack up high possession tallies, most notably at stoppages where he was again one of the League’s leading contested-possession winners. Significantly, he does a lot of his best work in close – right under the umpires’ noses. The fact the Lions have enjoyed their best season since 2004 is also likely to help Black’s chances, given winning teams tend to poll strongly. May lose votes to teammates such as Brown and Clark.
Only two players have won the Brownlow in their debut season – Fitzroy’s Haydn Bunton in 1931 and Footscray’s Brad Hardie in 1985 – but Rich has had a superb first year. Has not missed a game and his penetrating left-foot kicking and mature body have made him an instant star.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Jonathan Brown (captain), Simon Black (past winner), Mitch Clark, Luke Power, Daniel Rich, Justin Sherman INELIGIBLE
Jared Brennan, Tim Notting PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 21 games, 10 goals, 230 kicks, 59 marks, 311 handballs, 99 tackles, 70 inside 50s, 33 rebound 50s, 122 hard-ball gets, 52 loose-ball gets CAREER 256 games, 153 goals, 142 Brownlow votes
Michael Voss (1996 tied), Jason Akermanis (2001), Simon Black (2002) 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIAN
Jonathan Brown LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Jonathan Brown
Mitch Clark
No key forward has won the Brownlow since St Kilda’s Tony Lockett in 1987, but the competition’s most imposing spearhead has been Brisbane’s best player this year. Has played his share of three-vote games, but must poll in other matches to figure.
Drafted as a key-position player, Clark has been a revelation in the ruck this year. A solid tap ruckman but is most dangerous around the ground, where his run and agility allow him to dominate. Had plenty of highpossession games that should win votes.
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 78 goals, 255 kicks, 179 marks, 96 handballs, 21 tackles, 60 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 47 hard-ball gets, 31 loose-ball gets Career 184 games, 423 goals, 72 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 7 goals, 181 kicks, 133 marks, 184 handballs, 86 tackles, 51 inside 50s, 34 rebound 50s, 59 hard-ball gets, 32 loose-ball gets Career 46 games, 25 goals, 0 Brownlow votes
Expert guide
from 2005-08, Brisbane players continued to poll strongly, with Luke Power ninth in 2005 and Black second in 2007 (equal) and 2008. Having returned to the finals this year, the Lions can expect to poll even more strongly. Black again looks their most likely winner, after another excellent season. Fellow midfield veteran Power has had a consistent year, while Jonathan Brown was again a colossus on the forward line – though history suggests key forwards are unlikely winners. Of the younger brigade, ruckman Mitch Clark’s athleticism around the ground would have grabbed the umpires’ attention, while midfielder Daniel Rich’s first AFL season was remarkable.
The Lions had a golden run in the Brownlow Medal during their successful late 1990s-early 2000s era. Current coach Michael Voss (pictured) was the club’s first winner in 1996, when he shared the award with Essendon’s James Hird, while Jason Akermanis and Simon Black won in the first two of Brisbane’s three consecutive premiership years, 2001 and 2002 respectively. Despite missing the finals
ARF3 p079-099 Brownlow.indd 81
Simon m n Black a 23 DOMINANT DOMINANT: MN T
Skipper i e Jonathan o h Brown o wass again a a colossus o s s up forward r r for o thee Lions. o
16/9/09 12:22:36 PM
2009brownlow medal 2 20
Carlton K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
BRENDAN FEVOLA
Chris Judd The Carlton captain has made a profound impact in his two seasons at Visy Park. After winning the Blues’ best and fairest and finishing with 16 votes in the Brownlow last year, eight behind Adam Cooney, Judd was pivotal in Carlton’s rise to play in its first finals series since 2001, being instrumental in most of its victories. Judd has always been a favourite with umpires since his debut in 2002, polling 110 votes and becoming West Coast’s first Brownlow medallist in 2004. Judd is second only to Bryce Gibbs in disposals for the Blues this season and led the club in long kicks, handball receives, hard-ball gets, inside 50s and tackles. Importantly, he played all 22 home and away games . Thirteen of the past 17 winners (including joint winners) have appeared in every game. The champion midfielder is eligible to win the medal despite being suspended for three matches after the elimination final.
The flamboyant spearhead won the Coleman Medal with 86 goals and put in several standout performances, including 9.1 against Richmond in round 15, bags of eight against Hawthorn (round six) and the Brisbane Lions (round 11) and seven against Melbourne (round 21).
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Chris Judd (captain, past winner), Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Bret Thornton, Brendan Fevola INELIGIBLE
Kade Simpson, Mitch Robinson, Mark Austin PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 22 games, 11 goals, 299 kicks, 52 marks, 280 handballs, 101 tackles, 129 inside 50s, 27 rebound 50s, 127 hard-ball gets, 71 loose-ball gets CAREER 178 games, 165 goals, 110 Brownlow votes
Bert Deacon (1947), John James (1961), Gordon Collis (1964), Greg Williams (1994) 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIANS
Chris Judd (vice-captain), Brendan Fevola
Marc Murphy
Bryce Gibbs
Murphy has developed into one of the game’s most damaging midfielders. He has improved his disposal, becoming an important contributor on the scoreboard. He has played every game this season and leads the club in handballs and loose-ball gets.
Gibbs is the Blues’ barometer – if he plays well, generally Carlton is successful. He has enjoyed his most consistent season in the AFL, forming a lethal partnership in the middle with Judd and Murphy. He leads the Blues in kicks and disposals.
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 30 goals, 276 kicks, 105 marks, 287 handballs, 86 tackles, 98 inside 50s, 38 rebound 50s, 68 hard-ball gets, 82 loose-ball gets Career 80 games, 63 goals, 13 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 15 goals, 315 kicks, 138 marks, 282 handballs, 90 tackles, 106 inside 50s, 47 rebound 50s, 75 hard-ball gets, 64 loose-ball gets Career 66 games, 34 goals, 7 Brownlow votes
Expert guide
trio is expected to figure prominently again, particularly Judd who had an even better season than in 2008 and has strong claims to win his second Brownlow. Murphy continued his development into one of the elite midfielders and Fevola won the Coleman Medal for the second time with 86 goals. Bryce Gibbs was a prolific ball-winner in the Blues’ midfield and should catch the eye of the umpires. Others who should pick up votes include hard-running midfielder Kade Simpson (ineligible), young ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and talented utility Jarrad Waite before he was injured in round nine. The Blues have not had a winner since Greg Williams (pictured) in 1994.
Carlton finished in the eight for the first time since 2001, winning three more games than last season, so it is a reasonable expectation the Blues should win more of the accolades from the umpires. Last year, Carlton polled a total of 68 votes, with three players combining for more than half of the team’s total – skipper Chris Judd, star full-forward Brendan Fevola and gun midfielder Marc Murphy. This
LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Chris Judd 16 COMPOSURE: Bryce
Gibbs has become a key component of the Blues midfield.
82 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
ARF3 p079-099 Brownlow.indd 82
16/9/09 12:23:16 PM
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2009brownlow medal 2 20
Collingwood K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
SCOTT PENDLEBURY
Dane Swan They say he’s an ugly duckling who can’t kick and doesn’t hurt the opposition, but ‘they’ should get their heads read. When you touch the ball more than any other player in the competition – including a 48-disposal effort against Port Adelaide at the MCG in round 10 – and have such a profound effect on your team’s fortunes, you deserve truckloads of respect and, presumably, a swag of votes. The 25-year-old has strong form in the Brownlow, receiving 42 votes over the past three seasons. His best effort has been 20 votes (equal sixth, and just two behind the runners-up) in 2007, when he wasn’t invited to the count and watched it from teammate Alan Didak’s house while dressed as Spiderman after the Magpies’ ‘Mad Monday’ celebrations. Swan was even better this season, providing a staple diet of 30 disposals in a remarkably sustained display of consistency.
The rangy midfielder often flies under the radar while his higher-profile teammates receive most of the attention, but anyone who is around the 30-disposal mark most weeks cannot be discounted. This year he won more contested possessions and clearances right under the umpires’ noses.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Nick Maxwell (captain), Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Alan Didak, Leon Davis INELIGIBLE
Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, John Anthony PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 22 games, 17 goals, 401 kicks, 149 marks, 299 handballs, 65 tackles, 113 inside 50s, 50 rebound 50s, 98 hard-ball gets, 105 loose-ball gets CAREER 124 games, 77 goals, 43 Brownlow votes
Leon Davis
Alan Didak
When he’s hot – and he’s been hot for most of the season – the Magpie magician lights up stadiums like few others in the competition. Continuing on from his superlative late-season form last year, he amassed careerbest tallies of disposals and goals. Pure silk. 2009 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 34 goals, 326 kicks, 98 marks, 105 handballs, 80 tackles, 70 inside 50s, 39 rebound 50s, 50 hard-ball gets, 50 loose-ball gets Career 183 games, 236 goals, 11 Brownlow votes
Expert guide Dane Swan is becoming Collingwood’s perennial fancy for the Brownlow Medal, and it would surprise no one if he became just the fourth Magpie medallist in 69 years. Teammates with claims include fellow ball-magnets Leon Davis, Alan Didak and Scott Pendlebury, each of whom, like Swan, have enjoyed career-best seasons. Swan should poll consistently throughout the count, Davis enjoyed
The brilliant left-footer’s transition from spasmodic small forward to ultra-consistent high halfforward/midfielder is complete. Could poll heavily between rounds 11 and 15 when he had at least 24 kicks in five consecutive games, prompting some to compare him favourably with club great Peter Daicos. 2009 Home & Away Stats 17 games, 19 goals, 326 kicks, 94 marks, 127 handballs, 31 tackles, 78 inside 50s, 27 rebound 50s, 27 hard-ball gets, 54 loose-ball gets Career 157 games, 214 goals, 10 Brownlow votes
Syd Coventry (1927), Albert Collier (1929), Harry Collier (1930 tied), Marcus Whelan (1939), Des Fothergill (1940 tied), Len Thompson (1972), Peter Moore (1979), Nathan Buckley (2003 tied) 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIANS
Leon Davis, Dane Swan, Nick Maxwell LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Paul Medhurst, rrst, Dane Da Swan 12 D SMOOTH: Scott cott t
Pendleburyy was again prominentt agpie gpie in the Magpie midfield..
a sensational first half of the season and lifted again late, Didak missed games early but was dominant from mid-year, while Pendlebury was a steady contributor for the entire season. With Collingwood winning 12 of its last 14 games, this quartet should figure prominently. Unusually, in light of their history of individual and team brilliance, the Magpies boast relatively few Brownlow medallists – just eight, including three who tied for the medal. Their most recent success was six years ago when then-skipper Nathan Buckley (pictured) was involved in a three-way tie with two other modern greats, Sydney’s Adam Goodes and Adelaide’s Mark Ricciuto.
84 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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16/9/09 12:24:05 PM
Essendon K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
ANDREW LOVETT
Jobe Watson Like Geelong’s Gary Ablett, Watson has had a bigger burden than most to carry in his short AFL career – being the son of a former club champion. He might be a few years behind Ablett, but like the Cats star, he is starting to emerge from that giant shadow and become a wonderful player in his own right. It appears he is enjoying more responsibility under Matthew Knights and is a lot more confident than the young man who first appeared for the Bombers in 2003. His kicking, an area of his game that had been criticised, has improved and, while he has a higher handball-to-kick ratio (314 handballs, 215 kicks), Watson is a genuine accumulator of the ball. He is now a critical player in Essendon’s midfield and is sure to improve on his career total of 10 Brownlow votes. His standout game was a commanding 37-disposal haul in the Bombers’ upset win over St Kilda in round 20.
This time last year, it appeared Lovett was going to be traded to another club but, when potential deals fell through, he knuckled down and played some inspired football in 2009. Is a smooth mover and uses the ball brilliantly.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Matthew Lloyd (captain), Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton, Dustin Fletcher, Jason Winderlich INELIGIBLE
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 21 games, 10 goals, 215 kicks, 72 marks, 314 handballs, 94 tackles, 72 inside 50s, 29 rebound 50s, 114 hard-ball gets, 63 loose-ball gets CAREER 94 games, 34 goals, 10 Brownlow votes
Brent Stanton
Dustin Fletcher
Now an important member of Essendon’s midfield, Stanton continued to impress in 2009. Played every game, averaging 25 disposals, and had a career-high 36 touches against Hawthorn in round seven. His relentless running is sure to catch the umpires’ attention.
The veteran full-back was again the mainstay of the Bombers’ defence, despite missing five games with a broken leg. Has polled Brownlow votes in all but two of his 17 seasons and his best effort was 11 votes in 2000.
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 14 goals, 317 kicks, 134 marks, 231 handballs, 85 tackles, 92 inside 50s, 58 rebound 50s, 34 hard-ball gets, 55 loose-ball gets Career 121 games, 75 goals, 23 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 17 games, 1 goal, 213 kicks, 82 marks, 92 handballs, 30 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 75 rebound 50s, 32 hard-ball gets, 38 loose-ball gets Career 312 games, 66 goals, 47 Brownlow votes
Expert guide The Bombers haven’t produced a medal winner since 1996 when James Hird (pictured) tied with Michael Voss and their best chance of breaking the drought probably lies with Jobe Watson. The son of former Essendon champion Tim Watson has enjoyed his most consistent season since he made a somewhat nervous debut back in 2003. With a changing of the guard at Windy Hill in recent
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Adam McPhee, Mark McVeigh, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Patrick Ryder, Matthew Lloyd, Sam Lonergan PAST WINNERS
Dick Reynolds (1934, 1937, 1938), Bill Hutchison (1952 tied, 1953), Graham Moss (1976), Gavin Wanganeen (1993), James Hird (1996 tied) LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Mark McVeigh 13 SPEEDSTER: Jason Winderlich enjoyed another productive season.
seasons, expect a new breed of players to be prominent at Monday’s count. Patrick Ryder has been a revelation in the ruck since being moved into the role when No. 1 ruckman David Hille went down with a season-ending knee injury on Anzac Day. The ultra-consistent Brent Stanton is sure to poll his share of votes, particularly when he was freed up from close-checking taggers. Ricky Dyson played every game and was high up in several statistical categories while Andrew Lovett and Jason Winderlich showed their great skill on many occasions. Five Essendon players have won the Brownlow, including multiple winners Dick Reynolds (three times) and Bill Hutchison (twice).
16/9/09 12:24:53 PM
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Fremantle K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
DAVID MUNDY
Aaron Sandilands One of the competition’s premier ruckman, Sandilands has become a tall-walking headache for opposition coaches. Having developed a rounded game, Sandilands has been rewarded with All-Australian selection in 2008 and 2009 and polled 10 votes in last year’s count. Sandilands’ height no doubt catches the eye of umpires, who may reward him more readily this season, despite Fremantle’s generally poor form. Six times during the season, Sandilands had more than 40 hit-outs in a match, highlighted by his 25-possession, 42-hit-out performance in a win over Carlton in round seven. Averaging almost 10 contested possessions a match, Sandilands is part of the new breed of mobile ruckmen, and has been a standout performer in an otherwise disappointing year for the Dockers.
Not having missed a game since debut in 2005, Mundy has developed into a leader at Fremantle. Versatile enough to play in the middle or down back, Mundy has shown flashes of excellent play and could poll in multiple matches.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Matthew Pavlich (captain), Aaron Sandilands, Chris Tarrant, Paul Duffield, Paul Hasleby INELIGIBLE
Byron Schammer, Antoni Grover, Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew de Boer
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 20 games, 13 goals, 143 kicks, 80 marks, 205 handballs, 34 tackles, 37 inside 50s, 13 rebound 50s, 110 hard-ball gets, 27 loose-ball gets, 659 hit-outs CAREER 135 games, 47 goals, 20 Brownlow votes
PAST WINNERS
None 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIAN
Aaron Sandilands LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Matthew Pavlich
Paul Hasleby
A proven vote-winner, Pavlich was forced into a midfield role when injuries mounted at Fremantle. He dominated and racked up disposals with his impressive combination of size and agility, and will undoubtedly poll well despite team struggles.
After missing all of 2008 with a knee injury, Hasleby’s re-emergence in 2009 was a welcome sight for Fremantle fans. His uncanny ability to win the ball at c ontested stoppages and move it quickly could see him poll votes.
2009 Home & Away Stats 19 games, 28 goals, 237 kicks, 78 marks, 176 handballs, 72 tackles, 93 inside 50s, 29 rebound 50s, 73 hard-ball gets, 38 loose-ball gets Career 213 games, 407 goals, 79 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 9 goals, 205 kicks, 94 marks, 328 handballs, 54 tackles, 62 inside 50s, 26 rebound 50s, 79 hard-ball gets, 61 loose-ball gets Career 188 games, 109 goals, 60 Brownlow votes
Expert guide
again struggle to garner much attention. The loss of young star Rhys Palmer to injury early in the season undoubtedly stifled the team plans. However, with the emergence of Aaron Sandilands as a premier ruckman and Paul Duffield and Garrick Ibbotson making remarkable development as young players, votes will be more hotly contested this year. The winning streak the team put together in April and May showed promise, and Docker players should feature prominently in the votes for those games. Pavlich was able to dominate games even from the midfield at times, although his presence in the middle meant the team had less firepower going forward.
Fremantle’s best Brownlow Medal result came when Peter Bell (pictured) finished equal third in 2003, but since then, Matthew Pavlich has essentially played a lone hand for the Dockers on Brownlow night. The superstar often polls in the top 10 and is usually well ahead of teammates. A disappointing year in 2009, and the historical trend of losing teams not polling well, means Fremantle’s players may
Matthew Pavlich 17 INSPIRATIONAL:
Matthew Pavlich is a proven vote-getter and dominated in a midfield role this season.
86 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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16/9/09 3:39:12 PM
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Geelong Cats K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
JIMMY BARTEL
Gary Ablett The little champion polled 20 votes in 2007 and 22 in 2008 and, if anything, took his game to another level this season. He was a clear favourite after the first six rounds but missed rounds seven and eight and was rested in round 15 when the Cats lost to the Brisbane Lions. Since a 22-game season was introduced in 1994, no player has won the medal missing three games (Greg Williams missed two in 1994 and Jimmy Bartel two in 2007). But Ablett has had some freakish games, including a career-high 46 touches against Adelaide in round five and 44 against the Sydney Swans in round 20. In all, he had six games where he gathered 40 possessions or better and, apart from the odd quiet game towards the end of the season, he was Geelong’s dominant player. His numbers certainly stack up but it could be a case of those three missed games proving costly. Few would deny he would be a thoroughly deserving winner.
It might seem odd to use the term ‘outsider’ for a previous winner but Bartel, while not quite as dominant as 2007 and 2008, has still been consistent, averaging 26 disposals in a high-rotating midfield. Had 41 touches against Melbourne in round six.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Tom Harley (captain), Jimmy Bartel (past winner), Steve Johnson, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood, Paul Chapman, Andrew Mackie INELIGIBLE
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 19 games, 24 goals, 252 kicks, 81 marks, 402 handballs, 83 tackles, 67 inside 50s, 36 rebound 50s, 137 hard-ball gets, 52 loose-ball gets CAREER 166 games, 215 goals, 56 Brownlow votes
Joel Selwood
Paul Chapman
The rising superstar had a brilliant season, averaging more than 28 disposals a game. He was best-on-ground in the Cats’ heart-stopping win over Hawthorn in round 17 when he gathered 42 disposals. Polled 19 votes in 2008.
Whether up forward or charging through the midfield, Chapman has enjoyed an outstanding season, despite missing four games with injury. His best efforts were 41 disposals against Melbourne in round six and six goals against Adelaide in round 18.
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 10 goals, 272 kicks, 95 marks, 344 handballs, 110 tackles, 75 inside 50s, 31 rebound 50s, 103 hard-ball gets, 50 loose-ball gets Career 68 games, 23 goals, 21 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 17 games, 27 goals, 294 kicks, s, 112 marks, 174 handballs, 46 tackles, 94 inside 50s, 27 rebound 50s, 50 hard-ball gets, 39 loose-ball gets Career 173 games, 233 goals, 47 Brownlow votes
Expert guide
again, with Ablett the standout and the exciting g Joel Selwood emerging as a serious threat. Classy forward Steve Johnson should poll well, particularly in the first half of the season, and Paul Chapman was damaging in several games. Bartel should be up there again and defenders Andrew Mackie and Corey Enright have both been consistent. Geelong produced the first Brownlow medallist llistt with ‘Carji’ Greeves in 1924. It took a while for or th the he Cats to produce their next – back pocket Bernie rnie Smith in 1951 – and then came centremen Alistair Alista air Lord (1962, pictured) and Paul Couch (1989) 9) before beffore Bartel’s success two years ago.
It’s not surprising Geelong players have polled well in the Brownlow Medal in recent years, given the Cats’ stunning form. Boasting a winning success rate of about 87 per cent since the start of the 2007 season, the Cats claimed a medal in 2007 via Jimmy Bartel and were close in 2008 when Gary Ablett finished equal third, just two votes behind Adam Cooney. This year, Geelong should figure prominently
Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes, Cameron Ling, Joel Corey PAST WINNERS
Edward ‘Carji’ Greeves (1924), Bernie Smith (1951), Alistair Lord (1962), Paul Couch (1989), Jimmy Bartel (2007) 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIANS
Corey Enright, Matthew Scarlett, Gary Ablett, Paul Chapman, Joel Selwood LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Gary Ablett 22
CONSISTENT:
2007 winner Jimmy Bartel has again been outstanding this season.
88 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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16/9/09 12:27:17 PM
Hawthorn K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
LUKE HODGE
Brad Sewell With the reigning premier decimated by injury, Sewell proved a brilliant performer through the middle of the ground. No longer just a superb run-with player, the 25-year-old won plenty of his own football, averaging 26 possessions as well as laying almost seven tackles a game and finishing 35 clear of second-placed Cyril Rioli in the club count. In the manner of Geelong’s Gary Ablett, Sewell showed an amazing ability to shrug off opponents and get his hands free under pressure and, importantly, did his best work right under the umpires’ gaze at stoppages. The on-baller topped the Hawks for inside 50s and hard-ball gets, and was a close second to the ineligible Sam Mitchell in long kicks, handballs and loose-ball gets. Four times Sewell racked up 30 possessions or more, enhancing his chances of multiple votes. Goalkicking could be the only area that counts against the former rookie, who kicked just four in 19 games.
Hodge’s ability as an on-field leader and match-winner came to the fore in rounds 15 and 16 against the Roos and Pies respectively, performances likely to earn consideration for maximum votes. But an adductor problem and heavy opposition scrutiny prevented him from achieving 2008 levels.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Sam Mitchell (captain), Brad Sewell, Luke Hodge, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli INELIGIBLE
Simon Taylor, Sam Mitchell, Lance Franklin, Chance Bateman PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 19 games, 4 goals, 209 kicks, 83 marks, 281 handballs, 124 tackles, 94 inside 50s, 25 rebound 50s, 96 hard-ball gets, 52 loose-ball gets CAREER 104 games, 16 goals, 25 Brownlow votes
Col Austen (1949 tied), Robert DiPierdomenico (1986 tied), John Platten (1987 tied), Shane Crawford (1999) LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Lance Franklin 20 (ineligible)
Jarryd Roughead
Cyril Rioli
Following his 75-goal haul last season, the key forward opened 2009 in red-hot form, highlighting an improved goalkicking technique with eight straight against Carlton in round six. Kicked two bags of five to top 50 for the year, but missed the last three games.
Had his season curtailed by injury, with a hamstring sidelining the supremely skilled youngster betweens rounds 12 and 14. However, his regular feats of wizardry would not have gone unnoticed by the officials, along with his 88 inside 50s and 89 tackles.
2009 Home & Away Stats 19 games, 51 goals, 150 kicks, 87 marks, 93 handballs, 40 tackles, 26 inside 50s, 6 rebound 50s, 43 hard-ball gets, 33 loose-ball gets Career 102 games, 184 goals, 9 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 19 games, 21 goals, 168 kicks, 74 marks, 129 handballs, 89 tackles, 88 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 53 hard-ball gets, 44 loose-ball gets Career 44 games, 45 goals, 2 Brownlow votes
Expert guide Considering the array of champions Hawthorn has produced in its 85-year history in the League, along with the club’s dominance through the 1970s and 1980s, it is surprising only four Hawks have claimed the game’s highest individual honour. Legends Leigh Matthews, Peter Hudson and Jason Dunstall never took home the Brownlow, with Shane Crawford (pictured) being the club’s most recent success in
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FOCAL C POINT: N
Keyy forward r r JJarryd r d Roughead R u he d topped p 50 goals g l for a second e n successive c s season. season a .
1999 and only outright winner. Col Austen (1949), Robert DiPierdomenico (1986) and John Platten (1987) all tied for the award. Unfortunately, captain Sam Mitchell, who led the club for kicks, handballs, handball receives and rebound 50s (equal with Grant Birchall) in 2009, is ineligible due to a striking charge in round 10. Chance Bateman and Lance Franklin have also been ruled out through suspension. In last year’s premiership season, 100-goal hero Franklin finished just four votes off the pace on 20, while Brad Sewell (16) and Mitchell (15) also polled strongly. But with the club missing the finals this time around, it is hard to see a winner emerging from the Hawks.
16/9/09 3:40:03 PM
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Melbourne K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
CAMERON BRUCE
Aaron Davey The star on-baller had a standout season, taking his game to another level in a freewheeling role running through the midfield. Davey was the only Melbourne player to appear in all 22 games and averaged 23 disposals a match. In seven games, he collected 30 or more touches, showing his class all over the ground. Davey led the Demons in kicks, handballs received and tackles, was second in loose-ball gets, third in rebounds from 50 and fourth in inside 50s. He relished the chance to roam all over the ground and often pushed deep into defence where his pinpoint kicking helped Melbourne out of many a tricky situation. It was a far cry from the disappointment of 2008, a season which saw Davey struggle with injuries and form. He finished 20th in the best and fairest and, while he missed seven games, it was not the result most Melbourne fans would expect from a player of his class.
The veteran’s year finished on a sour note when he suffered a season-ending wrist injury in round 19. However, he was one of Melbourne’s most consistent players to that point, averaging 25 disposals a game. He collected 37 touches in the round 15 win over Port Adelaide.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
James McDonald (captain), Cameron Bruce, Aaron Davey, Brent Moloney, Matthew Warnock INELIGIBLE
Colin Sylvia PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 22 games, 9 goals, 357 kicks, 60 marks, 147 handballs, 90 tackles, 73 inside 50s, 56 rebound 50s, 34 hard-ball gets, 53 loose-ball gets CAREER 119 games, 139 goals, 4 Brownlow votes
Ivor Warne-Smith (1926, 1928), Don Cordner (1946), Brian Wilson (1982), Peter Moore (1984), Jim Stynes (1991), Shane Woewodin (2000) LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Cale Morton
Brent Moloney
The rangy midfielder led the Demons in general marks and rebounds from 50 and was second in kicks, and showed no signs of second-year blues. Morton had a career-high 37 disposals against the Western Bulldogs in round eight and is an outstanding prospect.
The hard-running, long-kicking midfielder was free of the injury problems that have troubled him since he joined the d Demons from Geelong in 2005. He worked he hard in the middle of the ground, leading the Demons in handballs, inside 50s, hard-balll gets and loose-ball gets.
2009 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 9 goals, 261 kicks, 146 marks, 215 handballs, 39 tackles, 42 inside 50s, 68 rebound 50s, 28 hard-ball gets, 42 loose-ball gets Career 40 games, 21 goals, 4 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 7 goals, 229 9 kicks kicks, s, 98 marks, 283 handballs, 78 tackles, 78 inside 50s, 0s, 35 rebound 50s, 89 hard-ball gets, 57 loose-ball gets ets Career 90 games, 23 goals, 3 Brownlow votes
Expert guide While the Demons haven’t had a successful season on the field, they should fare better than last year’s effort of just 24 team votes, shared by 10 players. In fact, the winner, Western Bulldogs’ on-baller Adam Cooney, equalled Melbourne’s total. This year, the Demons have had a standout in Aaron Davey, who should poll well even though Melbourne won just four games. Davey relished a new role
Brock McLean, Paul Wheatley 5 RELIABLE: L B
m o Bruce B c Cameron e 2 averaged 25 s s n a possessions m before b n y game injury d his h season s s ended i rround nd 19 19. 9 in
in the midfield and, statistically, he was well ll ahead of any other Melbourne player. However, ever, several Demons improved their rating in 2009, 009, including impressive youngster Cale Morton, on, who wh ho picked up from where he left off in 2008. Brent rent Moloney finally shook off the injury woes that hat have plagued him in recent seasons and played ayed 21 2 of a possible 22 games. Cameron Bruce hass been n one of the club’s most consistent players over ver the th he past decade and should attract his share off votess again. Melbourne’s last Brownlow medallist st wass Shane Woewodin (pictured) in 2000 and, before efore that, current chairman Jim Stynes recorded da memorable win in 1991.
90 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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16/9/09 12:28:37 PM
North Melbourne K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
ADAM SIMPSON
Brent Harvey As unlikely as it may sound, it’s a fair bet Harvey will be North Melbourne’s leading vote-getter for a third consecutive season. Although he missed seven games after dislocating his elbow in round five against Richmond – and played less than a quarter of that game – Harvey is far and away the Kangaroos’ biggest ball-winner. His 33 disposals and three goals against the Bombers in round four should be rewarded by the umpires, while he is also a strong chance to poll in rounds 13 (28 possessions against the Western Bulldogs), 16 (31 and two goals against Richmond), 18 (32 and one against Carlton), 19 (26 and one against Melbourne) and 20 (31 against West Coast). With his speed and ability to dodge and weave around opponents, Harvey has long been a favourite of the umpires, most notably finishing equal second in the 2007 count, sixth in 2001 and eighth last year.
Although he retired after round 18, to that point of the season, Simpson was the Roos’ leading possession-winner by a wide margin. With an average of nearly 25 disposals a game, including four matches of 30 or more, the former skipper could poll well.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Brent Harvey (captain), Hamish McIntosh, Brady Rawlings, Andrew Swallow INELIGIBLE
Drew Petrie, Daniel Pratt PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 15 games, 12 goals, 193 kicks, 62 marks, 142 handballs, 31 tackles, 50 inside 50s, 20 rebound 50s, 27 hard-ball gets, 40 loose-ball gets CAREER 279 games, 319 goals, 125 Brownlow votes es
Hamish McIntosh
Andrew Swallow
After an injury-plagued 2008 season, McIntosh returned to form this year as the Roos’ No. 1 ruckman. A strong competitor at ruck contests, McIntosh’s mobility around the ground and strong marking when moved to the forward line made him one of North’s standout performers.
Another Kangaroo to bounce back strongly from a disappointing 2008 season, Swallow re-emerged as a key w member of North Melbourne’s midfield, where ested d he shone with his ability to win contested als when w possessions at stoppages and kick goals drifting forward.
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 13 goals, 174 kicks, 112 marks, 188 handballs, 45 tackles, 47 inside 50s, 20 rebound 50s, 55 hard-ball gets, 35 loose-ball gets, 514 hit-outs Career 79 games, 37 goals, 4 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 17 goals, als, 187 1 kicks, 85 marks, 224 handballs, 152 tackles, 49 inside nsidee 50s, 23 rebound 50s, 84 hard-ball gets, 40 loose-ball ball gets g Career 62 games, 29 goals, 0 Brownlow votes tes
Expert guide After a successful run in the Brownlow in the 1970s and early ‘80s, North Melbourne has since endured a barren period. From 1973-83, Kangaroos players won the Medal four times – Keith Greig in 1973-74, Malcolm Blight (pictured) in 1978 and Ross Glendinning in 1983. Since then, no Roo has taken out football’s highest individual honour, although Brent Harvey came close in 2007, finishing equal
ARF3 p079-099 Brownlow.indd 91
Noel Teasdale (1965 tied), Keith Greig (1973, 1974), Malcolm Blight (1978), Ross Glendinning (1983) LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Brent B e t Harvey H r y 17 REMARKABLE: M R B :
Adam a Simpson S p n was a averaging e g g 25 ttouches c a game m when w n hee retired t d after fte round o d 18 18. 8
second behind Geelong’s Jimmy Bartel.. Harvey Ha arvey has consistently polled well in recent counts, coun nts, but missing seven games with injury this is year yeear will damage his chances. North’s poor seas season son also makes it unlikely any of its best performers erforrmers will take home the medal. Hamish McIntosh ntosh was excellent in the ruck but stood out more re for for his consistency than vote-catching brilliance. nce. Andrew A Swallow enjoyed a breakthrough season on in n the midfield, while Leigh Harding spent more ore time time on the ball and was eye-catching at times.. Don’t Don n’t be surprised if Adam Simpson is among the he be better etter pollers as he was a big possession-winner ner before b retiring after round 18.
16/9/09 12:29:31 PM
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Port Adelaide K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
ROBBIE GRAY
Kane Cornes Cornes’ consistency in Port Adelaide’s extremely inconsistent 2009 season was remarkable. Finishing eighth in the AFL for disposals, Cornes racked up 29 possessions or more in 11 games – rounds one (against Essendon), two (West Coast), three and 15 (Melbourne), six (Adelaide), seven and 22 (North Melbourne), 10 (Collingwood), 11 and 19 (Fremantle) and 12 (Western Bulldogs) – when he must be a strong chance to poll. It is worth remembering Cornes generates such possession tallies while standing one of the opposition’s best midfielders. Traditionally, run-with players have not polled as well in the Brownlow as they do in club best and fairests, but Cornes is always in the umpires’ line of sight and wins so much of the ball he may be too hard to ignore. Although he would be a worthy winner, Cornes’ chances are likely to be hurt by the Power’s ordinary season.
Talented small forward who improved in his third season to become an influential player. Strong in the body and at the contest, he kicked an impressive 30 goals in 20 games. Kicked four goals in Port’s round 18 win over Hawthorn.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Domenic Cassisi (captain), Travis Boak, Robbie Gray, Jacob Surjan, Warren Tredrea INELIGIBLE
Dean Brogan, Domenic Cassisi, Peter Burgoyne, Matt Thomas, Troy Chaplin, Nick Lower PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 22 games, 7 goals, 285 kicks, 106 marks, 310 handballs, 76 tackles, 54 inside 50s, 47 rebound 50s, 59 hard-ball gets, 56 loose-ball gets CAREER 184 games, 76 goals, 36 Brownlow votes
None LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Daniel Motlop 10
DASHER:
Travis Boak
Warren Tredrea
In his third AFL season, Boak impressed in the midfield with the Power. Is a class act who does not need huge possession tallies to stand out. Nonetheless, Boak had 25 or more possessions in 10 games and 30 or more in four.
The four-time All-Australian returned to form in 2009, kicking 51 goals – his highest return since 2005. Six-goal al games in rounds three and four and a seven-goal haul in round eight, in particular, may have attracted the umpires’ attention.
2009 Home & Away Stats 18 games, 7 goals, 223 kicks, 81 marks, 204 handballs, 73 tackles, 64 inside 50s, 23 rebound 50s, 49 hard-ball gets, 48 loose-ball gets Career 49 games, 20 goals, 2 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 51 goals, 188 kicks, s, 143 marks, 91 handballs, 33 tackles, 56 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50s, 40 hard-ball gets, 28 loose-ball gets Career 248 games, 539 goals, 73 Brownlow votes
Expert guide Port Adelaide is yet to produce a Brownlow Medal winner since entering the AFL in 1997 – but it has come close. In 2002, Josh Francou (pictured) was runner-up to Brisbane’s Simon Black, while the following year Gavin Wanganeen came within one vote of tying with joint winners Mark Ricciuto, Nathan Buckley and Adam Goodes. In 2001, Francou finished equal third, four votes behind Jason Akermanis,
Despite being dropped twice, David Rodan had some outstanding games.
although he was ineligible because of suspension.. This year had its share of ups and downs for Port. At times, the Power resembled the exciting team that rode a fast-running game-plan all the way to the 2007 Grand Final, at other times they looked like an also-ran. Throughout it all, Kane Cornes stood tall, regularly shutting down the opposition’s best midfielders while racking up big possession tallies himself. Despite being dropped twice, David Rodan was one of the Power’s better performers and his willingness to take on the opposition ensures he stands out. Former skipper Warren Tredrea enjoyed a renaissance and should d win votes for several big goal hauls.
92 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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16/9/09 12:30:29 PM
Richmond K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
BEN COUSINS
Brett Deledio In a challenging year for Deledio, the talented 22-year-old speedster celebrated playing his 100th game under the cloud of a potential axing, yet his possession tally remained consistently impressive with more than 23 disposals a game. His outstanding performance in the round 10 win over Fremantle at Subiaco when he collected 27 touches, took 10 marks and kicked two goals is sure to feature prominently in the votes. A stern word from caretaker coach Jade Rawlings saw Deledio raise his contested game to new heights in the latter part of the year, an area which had long been perceived as a weakness for the lightning-fast midfielder who made his debut in 2005. Richmond’s best and fairest winner last season, Deledio could well be the Tiger to garner the most votes for the club on Brownlow night.
The 2005 Brownlow medallist is a proven vote-winner who should poll in a handful of games. A string of superb performances in the second half of the season from the highly skilled midfielder could hint at what’s to come in 2010.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Chris Newman (captain), Ben Cousins (past winner), Brett Deledio, Richard Tambling, Daniel Jackson, Shane Tuck INELIGIBLE
Jake King, Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Tom Hislop
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 22 games, 20 goals, 254 kicks, 117 marks, 279 handballs, 78 tackles, 99 inside 50s, 45 rebound 50s, 90 hard-ball gets, 69 loose-ball gets CAREER 106 games, 88 goals, 15 Brownlow votes
PAST WINNERS
Stan Judkins (1930 tied), Bill Morris (1948), Roy Wright (1952 tied, 1954), Ian Stewart (1971) LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Richard Tambling
Daniel Jackson
Tambling emerged in 2009 as one of Richmond’s best in the middle, lifting his average disposals from 17 in 2008 to 22 this season. Had a number of solid performances and should poll in multiple matches.
After struggling to cement a place in the side last year, Jackson rose to the challenge this season and played in every game for the Tigers. Had 33 touches and took 11 marks in the round five win over North Melbourne.
2009 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 8 goals, 241 kicks, 125 marks, 189 handballs, 63 tackles, 69 inside 50s, 37 rebound 50s, 55 hard-ball gets, 42 loose-ball gets Career 95 games, 58 goals, 4 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 4 goals, 286 kicks, 107 marks, 221 handballs, 107 tackles, 65 inside 50s, 40 rebound 50s, 65 hard-ball gets, 48 loose-ball gets Career 69 games, 19 goals, 1 Brownlow vote
Expert guide Limited success at team level usually provides limited opportunity for individual awards, and so it has been with Richmond. The last Tiger to win a Brownlow was Ian Stewart (pictured) who claimed his third medal in 1971, and the sporadic performances of the team since the 1980s means votes have been hard to come by. The Tigers’ poor record in 2009 means they will again struggle to poll votes. The current
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Matthew Richardson 22 HAMSTRUNG: UNG: N
After finishing shing h rd d last l stt equal third a e season, Matthew son’s n Richardson’s season wass d wrecked ry. by injury.
crop may not match Matthew Richardson’s equal third placing in the count last year and, of course, Richardson has missed half of 2009 through injury. Yet there are undoubtedly positives to emerge from Richmond’s season. Young players Brett Deledio and Richard Tambling emerged as solid and reliable midfielders. Not one of the three leading goalkickers at the club has turned 23 yet; Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt and Robin Nahas may provide a glimpse into the future up forward for the Tigers. The return of Ben Cousins to the AFL provided more than a surge in membership, as the former Eagle champion showed he was still capable of breaking a game open.
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St Kilda K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
NICK RIEWOLDT
Leigh Montagna When you average 28 possessions and rack up an incredible 139 tackles at the most dominant club in the competition, as well as topping 30 touches eight times and leading your side for kicks, long kicks and loose-ball gets, you know you’ve had a standout year. One that could end with an esteemed individual honour dangling around your neck. Montagna was simply superb in his eighth AFL season, playing all but one game and proving damaging with the ball in his hands. The 25-year-old gathered a career-high 43 disposals in round 15 against the West Coast Eagles and surely drew attention to himself with his raking right foot and willingness to run and carry. A product of the Northern Knights’ highly successful TAC Cup program, Montagna pumped the ball inside attacking 50 on 110 occasions, but also ran back hard to help the defence, accumulating 53 rebound 50s in his 21 matches.
The only reason Riewoldt isn’t rated as a favourite for this year’s medal is the inherent difficulty forwards have these days in scoring votes. But with the skipper topping the AFL for marks and slotting 68 goals in a super year, maybe that is about to change.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Nick Riewoldt (captain), Nick Dal Santo, Leigh Montagna, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert INELIGIBLE
Steven King, Michael Gardiner, Justin Koschitzke, Zac Dawson, James Gwilt
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 21 games, 7 goals, 347 kicks, 109 marks, 247 handballs, 139 tackles, 110 inside 50s, 53 rebound 50s, 69 hard-ball gets, 85 loose-ball gets CAREER 120 games, 68 goals, 23 Brownlow votes
Nick Dal Santo
Lenny Hayes
Yet another Saint in his prime, Dal Santo has evolved into the player so many had forecast after his axing in round 13 last year. The smooth mover showed his willingness to work with a club-high 281 handball receives and led the way for hard-ball gets.
Hayes’ impact cannot be summarised with statistics, impressive as they are. The veteran’s almost suicidal attack on the ball, combined with scrupulous fairness, embody the spirit of the Brownlow. Having tallied 15 votes last season, look for Hayes to again do well.
2009 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 15 goals, 333 kicks, 77 marks, 255 handballs, 84 tackles, 95 inside 50s, 51 rebound 50s, 78 hard-ball gets, 69 loose-ball gets Career 166 games, 87 goals, 64 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 19 games, 3 goals, 253 kicks, 79 marks, 274 handballs, 124 tackles, 77 inside 50s, 34 rebound 50s, 73 hard-ball gets, 56 loose-ball gets Career 212 games, 70 goals, 64 Brownlow votes
Expert guide It is common knowledge players from the victorious team overwhelmingly receive the majority of Brownlow Medal votes allocated by AFL umpires after each game. If that trend continues in 2009, the Saints are on track to produce their first Brownlow medallist since Robert Harvey (pictured) claimed back-to-back awards in 1997-98. With 20 wins and only two narrow late-
season losses, the brilliant St Kilda brigade of Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Nick Riewoldt and Brendon Goddard could all shape as realistic chances to take home the medal. And for those who subscribe to the theory that players from winning sides steal votes from each other, it is worth noting the past four Brownlow medallists – Ben Cousinss (West Coast), Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans), Jimmy Bartel (Geelong) and Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs) – emerged from top-fourr sides. Importantly, the Saints have maintained ned discipline on the field, with none of their highly ghly rated chances ineligible due to suspension..
PAST WINNERS
Colin Watson (1925), Brian Gleeson (1957), Neil Roberts (1958), Verdun Howell (1959 tied), Ian Stewart (1965, 1966), Ross Smith (1967), Tony Lockett (1987 tied), Robert Harvey (1997, 1998) 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIANS
Nick Dal Santo, Brendon Goddard, Nick Riewoldt (captain), Leigh Montagna, Lenny Hayes LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Lenny Hayes 15 PROMINENT: PROMIN O N
B nd n G God dd d ddard d Brendon Goddard o of o several seeeveral r is one a t midfieelders e Saints h have ha ave shone sshone n who this i se eason. eeason o season.
94 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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Sydney Swans K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
RHYCE SHAW
Adam Goodes Goodes collects votes like bees collect honey and must be rated one of the top chances. He had a mixed season but, significantly, his best was outstanding. For example, he looked a class above the rest in the round 19 clash with Richmond and was spectacular in the round 21 loss to Collingwood. Although the Magpies defeated the Swans by 41 points, Goodes was a standout with 23 possessions and three goals. He was brilliant in the second half of the year and could storm home following a switch to centre half-forward late in the season. He would have caught the eye with his strong overhead marking, his agility and his knack of kicking spectacular goals. He had a relatively poor season last year, but still polled 21 votes, only three fewer than Bulldog Adam Cooney’s winning total. With Brownlows in 2003 and 2006, Goodes could end the night as a triple medallist.
The defender would have caught the umpires’ eye with his dash and daring. The former Magpie was the go-to man in defence and often launched attacks with his run-and-bounce style. Played every game and was effective in many of them.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Brett Kirk (captain), Adam Goodes (past winner), Ryan O’Keefe, Jarrad McVeigh, Darren Jolly, Rhyce Shaw INELIGIBLE
Barry Hall PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 22 games, 38 goals, 294 kicks, 135 marks, 175 handballs, 72 tackles, 111 inside 50s, 32 rebound 50s, 72 hard-ball gets, 55 loose-ball gets CAREER 252 games, 267 goals, 107 Brownlow votes
Ryan O’Keefe
Darren Jolly
Although not previously a big vote-winner, O’Keefe would have drawn attention in his new midfield role. He had a slow start, but was one of the Swans’ most prolific possession-winners in the second half of the season and won the best and fairest.
Jolly had an outstanding season in the ruck, dominating the hit-outs in most matches, taking marks around the ground and kicking goals. His ruck play would have attracted attention as he was superb in set-plays at bounces and throw-ins.
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 13 goals, 287 kicks, 95 marks, 238 handballs, 117 tackles, 68 inside 50s, 48 rebound 50s, 90 hard-ball gets, 64 loose-ball gets Career 186 games, 191 goals, 29 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 16 goals, 134 kicks, 92 marks, 127 handballs, 61 tackles, 41 inside 50s, 20 rebound 50s, 42 hard-ball gets, 23 loose-ball gets Career 166 games, 70 goals, 7 Brownlow votes
Expert guide The Sydney Swans have made a habit of producing either the Brownlow medallist or a surprise vote-winner who finishes high in the count. Since the Swans moved to Sydney in 1982, they have had five Brownlow triumphs – Greg Williams (1986), Gerard Healy (1988), Paul Kelly (1995, pictured) and Adam Goodes (2003 and 2006). As South Melbourne, the club had winners with Herbie
Herbie Matthews (1940 tied), Ron Clegg (1949 tied), Fred Goldsmith (1955), Bob Skilton (1959 tied, 1963, 1968), Peter Bedford (1970), Graham Teasdale (1977), Barry Round (1981 tied), Greg Williams (1986 tied), Gerard Healy (1988), Paul Kelly (1995), Adam Goodes (2003 tied, 2006) 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIANS
Adam Goodes, Craig Bolton LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Adam Goodes 21 (ineligible) eligible g lee DOMINANT: DOMINAN DOMINA O N
Darren a e Jolly o sto stood a in n thee ruc c tall ruck with h 682 2 hit-outs hit-out hitt ut with o the h season. season e o for
Matthews (1940), Fred Goldsmith (1955), Bob Skilton (1959, 1963 and 1968), Peter Bedford (1970), Graham Teasdale (1977) and Barry Round d (1981). It is a phenomenal record and Goodes this year is rated an excellent chance to take football’s most prestigious individual honour for a third time. The Swans might have had a mediocre season by their recent standards, butt won enough games to challenge for the eight and went down narrowly in several others to suggest gest they will win their share of votes. Sydney wass still a chance to make the eight late in the year and was rarely beaten by big margins, suggesting players could poll late votes.
96 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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West Coast Eagles K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
MATT PRIDDIS
Mark LeCras The medium-sized forward, considered unlucky to miss All-Australian selection, enjoyed his best season since making his debut for West Coast late in the 2005 season. Led the Eagles’ goalkicking with 58 in 21 games and finished fifth overall in the AFL. Proved a headache for opposition defenders with his quick leads, sure hands and strong overhead marking. Booted six goals in the opening round against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba and six against Carlton in round 10 at Docklands Stadium. Also had a haul of five goals in the final round against Richmond and two bags of four. Was named in the original 40-man All-Australian squad after averaging nine kicks and four marks a game. Looks set to add to his career tally of three Brownlow Medal votes. Has won two NAB AFL Rising Star nominations and having just turned 23, looks to be the type of player the Eagles can build their future around.
Priddis was a stand-out in many games and gave West Coast plenty of run through the midfield. Led the Eagles in handballs (309 in 20 games) and averaged 25 disposals a game with his clever use of the ball. Polled nine votes in 2007 and four last year.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Darren Glass (captain), Dean Cox, Shannon Hurn, Mark LeCras, Matt Priddis INELIGIBLE
Daniel Kerr PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 21 games, 58 goals, 194 kicks, 87 marks, 98 handballs, 48 tackles, 44 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 48 hard-ball gets, 43 loose-ball gets CAREER 57 games, 124 goals, 3 Brownlow votes
Shannon Hurn
Andrew Embley
The strong and durable Hurn was second behind Andrew Embley for kicks at the Eagles and stood out for his ability to win contested possessions. His long kicking was a feature and he provided plenty of run.
The 2006 Norm Smith medallist had an outstanding season, leading the Eagles for kicks, being third for marks and generally using the ball well. Was West Coast’s most consistent player and produced several outstanding performances.
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 4 goals, 282 kicks, 106 marks, 159 handballs, 24 tackles, 44 inside 50s, 89 rebound 50s, 54 hard-ball gets, 44 loose-ball gets Career 58 games, 17 goals, 1 Brownlow vote
2009 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 16 goals, 292 kicks, 102 marks, 180 handballs, 53 tackles, 80 inside 50s, 49 rebound 50s, 53 hard-ball gets, 56 loose-ball gets Career 187 games, 175 goals, 22 Brownlow votes
Expert guide West Coast has produced just two Brownlow Medal winners since joining the League in 1987 – Chris Judd in 2004 and Ben Cousins (pictured) the following year. But, of course, Judd is now at Carlton and Cousins is with Richmond. The Eagles struggled through most of the season and are unlikely to have too many players being judged best on ground enough times to land this year’s medal. West
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Chris Judd (2004), Ben Cousins (2005) LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Daniel Kerr 7 (ineligible)
SIDELINED: Ruck star Dean Cox was restricted t t tto ju jjust 13 3 games a s because becau e of injury. injurr
Coast endured a fl at period early in the second half of the year, but good wins over Essendon in round 18, the Western Bulldogs in round 19, North Melbourne in round 20 and Richmond in round 22, and a gallant 20-point loss to the then-undefeated St Kilda in round 15, could see their players pick up important votes at the tail-end of the count. However, the Eagles also suffered several heavy defeats and would struggle to poll votes in those matches. Clubs low on the ladder rarely produce one of the big vote-winners and this looks like being West Coast’s fate this season. No Eagle finished in the top 20 last year.
16/9/09 12:33:47 PM
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Western Bulldogs K E Y P L AY E R S T O WAT C H
OUTSIDER
DANIEL CROSS
Matthew Boyd Boyd enjoyed a remarkably consistent season and was in the vanguard of the Bulldogs’ charge to a top-four finish. He played all 22 games, averaging almost 29 possessions and topping the club for hard-ball gets, loose-ball gets and handball receives. He was also in the thick of the action at the clearances, dishing out 338 handballs to finish second to Daniel Cross at the Whitten Oval. Further boosting the 27-year-old’s chances is the fact he became more dangerous in the front half, booting a career-high 15 goals and being a multiple goalscorer on four occasions. Boyd amassed 30 or more disposals seven times, including 39 against St Kilda in round 17, and was more than capable of winning his own ball. In an interesting quirk, the midfielder received six Brownlow votes in 2007, doubling his tally to score 12 last year. Should the trend continue, Boyd could be right at the forefront of the leaderboard on Monday night.
Formed an irrepressible double-act with Boyd in the midfield, leading the Bulldogs for handballs and tackles, and only failing to reach 20 possessions on two occasions. Missed two matches late in the year, but is coming off a career-high 12 Brownlow votes in 2008.
Quick info WHO’S INVITED
Brad Johnson (captain), Jason Akermanis (past winner), Adam Cooney (past winner), Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave INELIGIBLE
Jason Akermanis, Scott Welsh PAST WINNERS
2009 HOME & AWAY STATS 22 games, 15 goals, 293 kicks, 106 marks, 338 handballs, 81 tackles, 86 inside 50s, 39 rebound 50s, 98 hard-ball gets, 77 loose-ball gets CAREER 139 games, 49 goals, 18 Brownlow votes
Adam Cooney
Brian Lake
Surgery to a fractured kneecap as well as Achilles and groin problems limited the Brownlow medallist’s pre-season output, but he still managed 20 productive matches. Would have caught the umpires’ attention with standout performances later in the season.
The 27-year-old defender took his game to new heights, proving a nightmare for opposition coaches with his ability to read the play and create counter-attacks. Led the AFL in picking off opposition kicks and was second only to Saint Nick Riewoldt in marks.
2009 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 13 goals, 242 kicks, 76 marks, 289 handballs, 51 tackles, 66 inside 50s, 51 rebound 50s, 83 hard-ball gets, 65 loose-ball gets Career 134 games, 127 goals, 52 Brownlow votes
2009 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 2 goals, 258 kicks, 192 marks, 160 handballs, 29 tackles, 12 inside 50s, 79 rebound 50s, 24 hard-ball gets, 44 loose-ball gets Career 146 games, 15 goals, 4 Brownlow votes
Expert guide While the Bulldogs have chalked up only one premiership since entering the competition in 1925, the club has churned out its fair share of Brownlow medallists. Adam Cooney’s memorable win last year made him the 10th Bulldog to claim the game’s highest individual honour, giving the club an impressive record of almost one Brownlow every eight years. Cooney’s success came after a drought
Allan Hopkins (1930 tied), Norm Ware (1941), Peter Box (1956), John Schultz (1960), Gary Dempsey (1975), Kelvin Templeton (1980), Brad Hardie (1985), Tony Liberatore (1990), Scott Wynd (1992) 2009 ALL-AUSTRALIANS
Brian Lake, Matthew Boyd LEADING VOTE-GETTER (2008)
Adam Cooney y 24 ((winner)) BUSY: BUSY SY: Daniel D n C Cross s h s usual u wass his o fic self l in the prolifi Bulld B llldo ogs m midfi idfi field. ld Bulldogs
of sorts for the red, white and blue, with ruckman Scott Wynd (pictured) being the last to stand on the main stage, in 1992. With injuries restricting Cooney in the early stages of 2009, it seems fans will be denied another dose of deadpan comedy from the South Australian when this year’s acceptance speech is made, but the Dogs are not without a chance. On-baller Matthew Boyd has enjoyed a career-best year, Brian Lake stamped himself an elite defender and Daniel Cross has been as prolific as ever. Unfortunately, several scintillating performances by 2001 winner Jason Akermanis will count for little, as the veteran was suspended for tripping in round four.
98 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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Looking for a ticket to the 2009 Toyota AFL Grand Final? The Western Bulldogs have packages available to all football supporters. For more information please call 1300 GO DOGS (46 36 47) or email corporate@westernbulldogs.com.au
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The Spirit of Australia
Turning up the heat A
n established trend from recent seasons has the two top-four teams that lose in the opening week of the finals series winning the following week, when they cash in the second chance afforded them by finishing in the top four. Victories by the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood last weekend were in line with this trend, and 15 of the past 16 qualifying final losers have won
their semi-finals. The numbers suggest a passage through to preliminary final weekend is oh so easy for the qualifying losers. The truth is otherwise. Granted, the Bulldogs always had control of their match against the Brisbane Lions but they had to complete their business in tough conditions; it was relatively warm and blustery when they played the Lions at the MCG last Friday, not ideal for a team that relies on a fast, hard-running style.
The following night, also an uncomfortably warm one for September, the Magpies looked finished at half-time, seemingly incapable of stifling an Adelaide team whose precision ball movement and clinical attacking had it 26 points ahead at the break. Collingwood was superb in the third quarter, and its last-minute goal provided another stunning finals moment. PETER DI SISTO
BULLDOGS IN ARMS: The Western Bulldogs were a tight-knit bunch from the start of last week’s semi-final against the Brisbane Lions after being slow out of the blocks the previous week against Geelong. PHOTO: DAVID CALLOW/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP
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AGONY AND ECSTASY: Jubilant Magpies
(from left) Cameron Wood, Ben Johnson, Shane O’Bree and Alan Toovey raise their arms while Crow Bernie Vince is a picture of despair after Collingwood’s narrow win. PHOTO: LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP
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finalsreviews
FIRST SEMI-FINAL Collingwood 12.11 (83) d. Adelaide 11.12 (78)
Magpies rise from the canvas again Undermanned, written off, backs to the wall … in hindsight, Collingwood was a certainty against Adelaide last week. ANDREW WALLACE
P
erhaps the bookies, punters and so-called AFL experts should have known better. Adelaide started last week’s knockout semi-final against Collingwood as a solid $1.65 favourite but, if recent history were any guide, the Magpies should have been almost unbackable. The black and whites were right in their element – backed into a corner and roundly written off. Coming off successive deflating losses against the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda, Collingwood looked set to exit the 2009 season in inglorious fashion, with injuries to a host of key players and a finals draw that seemed to conspire against it. First-choice ruckman Josh Fraser, key ball-winner Scott Pendlebury, veteran power forward Anthony Rocca and emerging midfielder Dayne Beams all succumbed to injury during the six-day lead-in to a knockout clash against a Crows outfit considered the form side of the competition and coming off an eight-day break. But coach Mick Malthouse thrives on such challenges. It’s almost as if the degree of difficulty must be heightened for he and his players to produce their best. And that degree of difficulty sky rocketed in a frenetic opening last Saturday, with Adelaide jumping like a
Jamaican world champion from the blocks on a balmy, blustery night at the MCG. With on-baller Bernie Vince racking up 14 touches in the first term and skipper Simon Goodwin close behind with 13, the visitors continued the recent trend of starving Collingwood of the football, out-possessing the Pies by an incredible 69 touches by quarter-time. The scoreboard showed Adelaide six goals to the Magpies’ one, with the Crows well on track to match their recent tallies of 27 goals against Carlton in round 22, and 26 in the previous week’s elimination final against the Bombers. However, the lopsided scoreline proved simply another warning sign for the South Australians.
Phase two was to reproduce a brand of football perhaps not seen from his team for almost 18 months Malthouse’s stated goal for the second stanza was to start breaking even in general play and stem the flood of goals against his battered side. By half-time, he had achieved his objective, with Adelaide adding a single goal to Collingwood’s two. Phase two of ‘Mick’s Masterstroke’ was to reproduce a brand of football perhaps not seen from his team for almost 18 months. In round nine, 2008, the Magpies stunned premiership favourite Geelong with one of the most ferocious and relentless displays of recent times, piling on 85 tackles on their way to an 86-point thumping of the Cats. CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE
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finalsreviews The first 15 minutes of the second half last week were played in much the same way. Collingwood slashed into the 26-point deficit, with Dane Swan kicking off the rampage with a snap around the corner. But, surprisingly, the revival was not led by the usual band of suspects. Swan, Leon Davis and Alan Didak took a backseat as youngsters Steele Sidebottom and Sharrod Wellingham provided crucial drive through the middle of the ground, while another lesser light did the damage on the scoreboard. Ben Johnson, whose reputation is built more on hard running and evasive skills rather than damaging kicking, sent the pro-Collingwood crowd into a frenzy with back-to-back goals and Travis Cloke overcame his issues in front of goal to put the Magpies in front for the first time. The story of the see-sawing final quarter was dramatically told via Channel Ten’s regular cuts to Collingwood president Eddie McGuire watching from the stands. Anxiety as the Crows piled on the first three goals of the term to re-establish a narrow lead. Joy and steely resolve when fourth-gamer Brent Macaffer replied to tip the balance back in Collingwood’s favour. Horror and disbelief as Crow forward Kurt Tippett received a free kick and goaled from long range to give his side a one-point lead with only a minute remaining. Redemption when Magpie straight-shooter John Anthony received a free kick at the other end, goaling to put the Pies back in front. Agony, then ecstasy as McGuire waited for the final 20 torturous seconds of play to elapse, embracing his two sons when the final siren sounded. Afterwards, Adelaide coach Neil Craig was quick to point out the final umpiring call was not what cost his side a place in the preliminary final. He insisted he could pick out 30 basic errors from his players that proved even more telling. However, maybe if Craig could have his time over, he would wish he had been facing a full-strength Magpies team going into the game as red-hot favourite after an extended break. Under these circumstances, maybe Collingwood would have been just a little less dangerous.
NERVES OF STEELE:
Collingwood youngster Steele Sidebottom stood up on the big stage last week.
Sidebottom meets Pies’ needs Talent identification and recruitment at AFL level remain areas in many ways shrouded by secrecy. Clubs go to great lengths to protect internal indicators and processes used to sort the next 200-gamer from the highly rated youngster who might not make the grade. But in recent times, Collingwood has made one aspect of its recruitment policy crystal clear. In September 2005, the Magpies watched on keenly as teenager Dale Thomas put in a best-on-ground performance in the TAC Cup Grand Final, booting four goals to steer the Gippsland Power to victory. Two months later, Collingwood pounced on Thomas with its prized No. 2 pick at the NAB AFL Draft.
In 2008, the Magpies again used a first-round draft pick (No. 11) to bring Steele Sidebottom to the club. Sidebottom had made a name for himself with a 10-goal effort for the Murray Bushrangers in that year’s TAC Cup Grand Final. Put simply, the brains trust at the Lexus Centre wants young footballers who can perform when it counts on the big stage. In the thrilling five-point victory over Adelaide, Thomas and Sidebottom went some way to validating Collingwood’s strategy. In particular, the semi-final was a breakout game for 18-year-old Sidebottom. With fellow first-year player Dayne Beams out with a calf injury and midfield igniters Alan Didak and Leon Davis well
held, Sidebottom proved an unexpected source of drive for the Pies, roaming far and wide to pick up 25 possessions and six inside 50s on the night. The teenager showed impressive poise for a player in just his 10th AFL game, often running on to the loose ball and hitting up teammates with precise disposal by hand and foot. But Sidebottom’s work was not merely consigned to the outskirts of the packs; he was as desperate as any player on the field, laying a game-high 10 tackles. Aside from setting up the Magpies’ first goal with a spearing pass to Tarkyn Lockyer, Sidebottom was at the forefront when the side made its move in the crucial third quarter, finishing with nine possessions for the term. “It’s the best thing ever,” an elated Sidebottom told Channel Ten after the win. “This isn’t even a Grand Final, but I don’t know how it can get any better than this.” Maybe he will find out in a week. ANDREW WALLACE
104 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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Side by Side A SEASON WITH COLLINGWOOD P E T E R R YA N Foreword by Nick Max well
‘
A remarkable no-holds-barred book that tells the truth about a club and modern football like none before it. EDDIE McGUIRE
ARRIVING NOVEMBER AT
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&
VIS IT CO L L I N G W O O D F C . C O M . A U F O R M O R E I N F OR M A T I O N
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finalsreviews
PIE DELIGHT: Brad Dick
celebrates one of his two goals last week, leaving Adelaide skipper Simon Goodwin grounded and looking slightly perplexed. PHOTO: GREG FORD/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP
106 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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finalsreviews W H AT T H E C O AC H E S S A I D
Mick Malthouse COLLINGWOOD In the second quarter, we really just needed to break even. We just had to tidy it up, (ensure there was) no more damage, and come in at half-time and just re-assess. We were comprehensively poor in a number of things but, more importantly, we were getting beaten in two areas we needed to address. Some things you do come off, and some don’t. We were fortunate to fix the two things we needed to fix, reload the pressure back and give us a chance to reverse the score. I’m normally the pessimist in the box, but I thought Jack (Anthony) could (kick the matchwinning goal). I was actually hoping he’d take another 15 seconds, quite frankly, to take as much off that clock as possible. I didn’t want to go through a drawn final again.
INTENSE:
Adelaide coach Neil Craig makes a point to his players.
Craig keeps faith in game-plan Adelaide coach Neil Craig is a professional, no-nonsense man who always conducts himself appropriately post-match, win or lose. But it wasn’t hard to detect his deep disappointment as he sat down and explained the Crows’ heartbreaking loss to Collingwood last week. Even his normally neat hair was slightly out of place, perhaps a sign the man known as one of the most level-headed and logical people in the business was just a little rattled at what had happened about an hour before. But with club CEO Stephen Trigg and retiring football manager John Reid watching on, Craig remained positive about his club’s position, and its aim to continue the significant
improvement it made in the second half of the season. He dismissed suggestions his zone-based style – so effective in the first half against the Pies but exposed to a degree when Collingwood made adjustments after the break – would not stand up under pressure over a full finals series. Craig said it was pleasing the Crows were able to get back in front in the last quarter after the Magpies’ rampaging third term, suggesting past Adelaide teams would have wilted in similar circumstances. Craig said the gap between his team’s best and worst efforts was getting smaller, and he indicated he would continue introducing more young players into the team.
Although the side still features veteran stars including Andrew McLeod, captain Simon Goodwin and Tyson Edwards, youth has more or less taken over, with Bernie Vince, Patrick Dangerfield, Chris Knights, Jason Porplyzia, Nathan van Berlo and Kurt Tippett forming an impressive core for Craig to build around. Late in the season, Adelaide was one of the form teams of the competition, playing with significantly more flair while maintaining an emphasis on well-organised defence, a Craig trademark. The Crows perfected that mix in the first half last week, and the way players set up in formation across the ground to put pressure on Collingwood – especially in the middle – was instructive. That the ‘system’ unraveled in the third term will likely have Craig looking at ways of improving it with a wrinkle or two. A noted student of the game and other elite sports, Craig knows standing still will not get his team where he wants it to be. It will be fascinating to watch how the Crows adjust. PETER DI SISTO
Neil Craig ADELAIDE The lesson we learned from (the loss) is (about) hardness. It’s not a physical hardness, it’s a mental hardness and we’re still developing as a club and as a group of players. We just can’t have those sort of lapses because when the best play the best … the best don’t do it. It’s certainly something that we don’t just throw under the carpet. The pleasing thing was we were able to regain (our composure) rather than just sit there for the rest of the game and just watch it drift away from us. I thought our capacity to regroup towards the end of that third quarter and go on with it in the last quarter gives me a lot of hope for the future. AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 107
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finalsreviews
SECOND SEMI-FINAL Western Bulldogs 16.11 (107) d. Brisbane Lions 8.8 (56)
Desperate Dogs blow the Lions away for 2009 Speedy Bulldogs leave Brisbane in their wake as they advance to another preliminary final. NICK BOW EN
S
low starts have often cost the Western Bulldogs this year so it was imperative they made a good start in the sudden-death second semi-final against the Brisbane Lions last week. The Dogs would also have been mindful that the Lions were riding a wave of emotion after coming back from a record last-quarter margin (30 points) to defeat Carlton in their elimination final. And, in skipper Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw, the Dogs knew the Lions had the forward-line firepower to trouble them. Both sides were confronted with extremely windy conditions – and a noticeable amount of empty pie wrappers and other rubbish – when they ran on to the ground. The wind, while swirling, appeared to favour the Punt Road end of the MCG and the Bulldogs made a good start when they won the toss and chose to kick to that end. But when Brown found Bradshaw on the lead inside the first minute of the game, the Dogs could have been forgiven for thinking they were destined to play another game of catch-up. But Bradshaw, usually deadly accurate in front of goal, could manage only a behind. Inaccuracy would tell the tale of the Lions’ quarter, as they
struggled to adjust to the wind, kicking 0.6. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, quickly slipped into their running game, moving the ball quickly and using quick-fire handball to break the Lions’ defensive lines. And, where the Lions were butchering the ball in front of goal, the Bulldogs were far more assured, with long-range, running shots from Callan Ward at the nine-minute mark and Nathan Eagleton late in the term standing out. The Bulldogs started with Brian Lake on Brown and Dale Morris on Bradshaw. Brown had a lot of the ball early but the Bulldogs would not have been unduly concerned because he earned most of them up the ground.
Where the Lions were butchering the ball in front of goal, the Bulldogs were far more assured, with longrange, running shots In another key match-up, Daniel Cross went to Simon Black, best on ground against the Blues a week earlier, and cut him out of the game. Restricted to two possessions in the first quarter, and just 14 for the game, Black had minimal influence. Late in the quarter, two pieces of play highlighted just how desperate the Dogs were not to drop out of the finals. First, Jarrod Harbrow showed considerable courage to run straight at the ball, despite CON T IN U ED ON PAGE 110
DOG ON A LEAD: Bulldog forward Mitch Hahn shows the value of playing in front as the Lions’ Jared Brennan tries desperately to spoil him in last Friday’s semi-final at the MCG. PHOTO: MICHAEL WILLSON/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP
108 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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finalsreviews knowing he was running sideways into Brown’s path and an inevitable collision. The small defender did not flinch and forced a boundary throw-in. Then with just seconds left to quarter-time, a desperate smother in the Dogs’ back pocket stopped Black from kicking the Lions’ opening goal. The Dogs led by 20 points at the opening break, but the Lions twice pegged the margin back to nine points in the second quarter. Where others continued to struggle with the flukey wind, Brown showed impressive accuracy, kicking two goals for the term as the Lions went into half-time 17 points down. Despite being outscored in the second term, the Bulldogs would have been heartened by the form of Ryan Griffen, who racked up 15 first-half possessions and broke the lines with several searching long runs. Griffen would finish with a game-high nine bounces, while the Brisbane side could manage just 12. The Dogs effectively killed the game as a contest in the third quarter, rattling on five goals to two. No doubt mindful of the Lions’ comeback against Carlton, they kept the pressure on in the final quarter, eventually cruising to a 51-point victory. Veterans Eagleton and Mitch Hahn were prominent in the second half and finished with three and four goals respectively. Brown and Lake fought a fascinating duel and, while the Lions skipper took the points with three goals, Lake was far from disgraced. Ultimately, the Lions’ lack of goalscoring options was reflected by the fact Brown and Bradshaw contributed six of their eight goals for the game. The Mitch Clark-Ben Hudson ruck duel pitted the young buck against the old bull. Clark had a considerable advantage with his spring – he almost took a mark of the year contender in the first quarter (see photo right) – but Hudson’s greater strength was telling at ruck contests, and he was more effective around the ground. When the siren finally came, the Dogs could look forward to a preliminary final against St Kilda, while the Lions were left to lick their wounds and look to 2010. Fittingly, the retiring Tim Notting was chaired from the ground by Brown and Clark after a distinguished 208-game career.
FLYING LION: Lions ruckman Mitch Clark soars high over young Bulldog Callan Ward in the difficult conditions at the MCG last Friday night. PHOTO: MICHAEL WILLSON/SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP
110 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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finalsreviews
SPOILING THE PARTY:
Bulldog Dale Morris makes one of his gamehigh nine spoils, this time against Daniel Bradshaw.
Morris rises to the challenge In many ways, Dale Morris is just as vital to the Western Bulldogs’ defence as full-back Brian Lake. While Lake has the height and strength to match the League’s power forwards in the air and often out-mark them – he struggles to match elite runners such as St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt. Morris has the endurance to match it with such forwards and, at 190cm and 92kg, regularly concedes significant height and weight advantages to his opponents but still holds his own. Against the Brisbane Lions last Friday night, Morris spent most of the game on Daniel Bradshaw (192cm and 95kg).
Along with his co-forward Jonathan Brown, Bradshaw presented one of the biggest dangers to the Bulldogs. While Bradshaw provided a good target and kicked three goals, Morris wore him tightly and ensured he didn’t run amok. Testament to his closechecking game was the fact he made nine effective spoils for the match, two more than any other player on the ground. And when Lake left the ground briefly in the second quarter, Morris was able to go to Brown, with Scott Welsh going to Bradshaw.
Morris said the Bulldogs defenders were given some latitude by defensive coach Peter Dean to switch opponents when they saw fit. For example, Morris will often go to Lake’s opponent if he roams outside the forward 50. “Most of our back six have played a lot of footy together now. We stick together … we’re a team within a team and we need to be on our game to stop the goals,” Morris said. Morris looks set for a vital role again this weekend against St Kilda. Like the Lions, the Saints are blessed with two elite power forwards, Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke.
While Lake could go to either, he seems a natural match-up for the 197cm Koschitzke. Morris played on Saints small forward Adam Schneider when the sides last met in round 17, but Tom Williams was in the Dogs’ side then. Williams is some chance to return from injury this week but, even if he does, he may struggle to keep up with Riewoldt. While Lake may go to Riewoldt when he plays deep in the forward line, it seems Morris is destined to spend at least part of the game on him. There are no bigger jobs in football, but Morris has a habit of rising to a challenge. NICK BOWEN
112 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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“Just think how much fun the finals would be if you couldn’t follow what was happening because you had irreversible brain damage.”
“Just think how much an alcohol-fuelled fight could hurt your finals.”
We’re not saying don’t drink,
PA 8199 297x210-C.indd 1
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finalsreviews W H AT T H E C O AC H E S S A I D
Rodney Eade WESTERN BULLDOGS I thought across the board, the courage and commitment of the players was fantastic, and every key indicator we won easily. Perhaps if it wasn’t windy, it might have been a few goals more. I thought we dominated for most of the night. We won the hard ball and clearances were good, and I thought we put pressure on exceptionally well. We still made a number of fumbles and dropped chest marks, which was frustrating in the first half. I don’t think the game is going to be on a highlights reel but, having said that, I thought we persisted very well and the commitment to the task was great. We have a bit more maturity and confidence about ourselves. The players should take a bit of confidence going in next week.
RALLYING THE TROOPS: Lions captain Jonathan Brown addresses his teammates after their 51-point loss to the Bulldogs.
Lions can still move further In reaching the finals for the first time since their 2004 Grand Final loss to Port Adelaide, the Brisbane Lions’ improvement came from the top down. Undoubtedly, Michael Voss’ first season as coach was a success. According to triple premiership player Luke Power, however, there’s much improvement left in the squad, despite the disappointing 51-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in last week’s semi-final. “The message from ‘Vossy’ after the game was, ‘Well done, but don’t be happy with the season.’ He still thinks this group can achieve a lot more than we did, he still thinks we’re scratching the surface,” Power said. “I think we’ll come back next year and hopefully it can
encourage us and we can have a better year. We went down to a good side and it was a bit disappointing the way we lost, but this team has shown we have a lot of fighting characteristics and that’s something to be proud of.” The Lions’ season was marked by the rapid development of key players who sparked the group into playing a fresh, exciting brand of football. Ash McGrath moved to the backline in a set-up role that flushed out his excellent foot skills and pace, and the emergence of first-year player and NAB AFL Rising Star winner Daniel Rich brought class and strength to the line-up. Perhaps the biggest improver in the competition, however, was Mitch Clark in his role as a genuine ruckman.
Athletic and strong, Clark was sensational and close to All-Australian honours. Where Clark fits next season, however, is one of the questions that will need to be answered quickly. Ruckmen Matthew Leuenberger and Jamie Charman are due back from long-term injuries, and whether Clark stays in the ruck or moves forward will be a key factor in determining the Lions’ structure in 2010. Of course, the Lions still have captain Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw playing at close to their best in key forward posts, but doubtless the Lions could do with another option. Brisbane stormed into the semi-final courtesy of a brilliant last-quarter comeback over Carlton, and was outclassed and outplayed by a strong Bulldogs outfit. Power said the side hadn’t suffered a letdown after the elimination final win, and that the younger squad has him excited for next season with “bigger and better things” ahead. At their rate of development, better things look possible for the Lions. CALLUM TWOMEY
Michael Voss BRISBANE LIONS We are not pleased with where we are at – a lot of people will pat us on the back for where we have got to – I don’t subscribe to that at all. I don’t think we have met our expectations at all. We might have met external expectations but we didn’t meet our own. That is the standard we must hold higher than anything else. I thought we had a good structure, we were competing pretty well and we were getting our fair share of the ball coming into the forward 50. I think finals are about taking your opportunities – they made the most of their opportunities and we squandered ours. It gives us a clear focus of where we are at, and what we have to work on over pre-season.
114 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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FINALS WEEK THREE
PAUL RO OS
p122
Answer man
time on NAME GAME
AFL history guru Col Hutchinson answers your queries.
Job description
Golden oldies
Experienced finals player Adam Schneider (right) looms as one of the threats to the Western Bulldogs this weekend. Television buffs would know exactly the person the Bulldogs should use to counter him. Older readers will recall the cult British series Callan, starring Edward Woodward. It was set in the murky world of espionage in which David Callan was a reluctant professional killer for a shadowy branch of the British Government’s intelligence services. The pilot for the series was titled A Magnum for Schneider in which Callan’s assignment was to eliminate Schneider, a gun-runner. Clearly the man to look after the Saints’ Schneider is Tim Callan – or, if he fails, Callan Ward. Callan is of Irish origin; it is the anglicised version of Ó Cathaláin, ”descendant of Cathal”, a name composed, appropriately, of the Celtic elements cad “battle” and valos “strength”. Ward was an English occupational name for (also appropriately) “guard” and derives from the Old English word weard, a guard.
Could you please tell me the name of the oldest living Brownlow medallist. I believe it is Peter Box from Footscray, but a friend says it is Fred Goldsmith from South Melbourne. Which one of us is correct? Is it someone else? NEVILLE O’CONNOR, VIA EMAIL
CH: Neville, you are correct.
Goldsmith was born on August 20, 1932, and won his award in 1955. Box, the 1956 winner, was born on March 22, 1932. The next oldest living Brownlow medallist is St Kilda’s Neil Roberts, who won the 1958 award. He was born on June 15, 1933. Of the 78 men to have won Brownlow medals (1924-2008), 52 are still alive. Two Bulldogs have been the only recipients to reach the age of 90 before passing away. Allan ‘Banana Legs’ Hopkins, who shared the honour in 1930, died aged 97 in 2001, and Norm Ware, the 1941 winner, was 92 when he died in 2003.
LIVING LEGENDS: Swan S F Fred d Goldsmith (left) and Bulldog Peter Box are the oldest living Brownlow medallists. Both are 77.
WRITE TO ANSWER MAN The Slattery Media Group 140 Harbour Esplanade Docklands, 3008 or email michaell@slatterymedia.com
P L AY E R I N F O R M AT I O N S E A R C H
Are you, or do you know, a descendant of any of the following players? All were born before 1920 and the AFL would be keen to know what has happened to them since their playing days. Gordon Abbott (Geelong 1936-38 & Essendon 1941-47), Stewart Anderson (St Kilda 1933-35 & North Melbourne 1937-38), Harry Brown (St
Kilda 1927), Alex Clarke (North Melbourne 1930-31; 1933), Ray Clarke (North Melbourne 1930), Jim Morton (North Melbourne 1927), Ted McCarthy (St Kilda 1933), Jack R. McLeod (St Kilda 1933), Jack Palmer (St Kilda 1926), George Schlitz (St Kilda 1933), Steve Stevens (St Kilda 1920),
coolaustralia.org
Keith Storey (St Kilda 1930), Ken Walker (St Kilda 1938-45) and George M. White (St Kilda 1931). Should you have any information regarding any of the above, including date of death, if applicable, contact Col Hutchinson on (03) 9643 1929 or col.hutchinson@afl.com.au.
KEVAN CARROLL
OCT 11-17 2009
.org
It’s easy being green
REGISTER NOW 116 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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COLLECTABLES WITH RICK MILNE
Bulldogs with bite A weekly look at collectables, memorabilia and all footy things stored in boxes and garages. I have a 1954 Footscray Grand Final pennant, with the names of all players including, of course, Ted Whitten, Charlie Sutton and Harvey Stevens. It is 18cm in length and on a stick. I also have an attached “premiers” pennant. I would appreciate a valuation.
RICK’S RARITY
Although ruckman Jack Cashman played 76 games with Fitzroy from 1926-31 and 17 with Carlton in 1934-35, he never played in a VFL final. However, he was a premiership hero as he captained West Perth to the 1932 flag and, after he left Carlton, was captain of Yarraville when it won its first VFA (now VFL) flag in 1935. This card shows he was an exponent of the now almost-forgotten drop-kick.
LANCE, VIA EMAIL
RM: This is a beauty, Lance!
The best part is the “premiers” addition because this had to be bought after the Grand Final. It is worth at least $500. I have a junior-size Geelong Cats jumper signed by 2007 premiership players including Nathan and Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood, and coach Mark Thompson. I bought the jumper when the players went to Swan Hill for a community camp. It is fully framed and has a GFC pin with a list of players and the Grand Final scores. Value? DAVID, VIA EMAIL
RM: Quite a few of these jumpers
were sold, but yours is signed and worth $2000 – more if the Cats win the flag this year. I have a 1966 St Kilda premiership pennant with the names of the players in position and the Grand Final scores. Does this have any value. JOAN, VIA EMAIL
RM: You have the rarer of two
versions. One was produced before the Grand Final, but yours was produced after the Saints defeated Collingwood and is worth $750, and more if the Saints win this year’s flag.
BULLDOG GREAT: The legendary Ted Whitten’s name is featured on a 1954 Footscray Grand Final pennant, which has been valued at $500.
I have a photo album of 1962 Geelong players. It was issued by Coca-Cola and, unfortunately, my album is missing photo cards of John Yeates and Roy West. GARRY, BY PHONE
RM: Although the Cats went on
to win the flag the following
year, they went down to Carlton (after a draw and then a replay) in the 1962 preliminary fi nal. A full set of these cards would be worth $400 but, with two cards missing,you are looking at about $200.
CONTACT RICK MILNE mrpp@iprimus.com.au or drop him a line: 5 Cooraminta St, Brunswick, Vic, 3056 or call (03) 9387 4131. One query per reader.
WATCH BEFORE THE GAME SATURDAY NIGHTS ON TEN
beforethegame.com.au
TIPSTERS
ANDY
DAVE
SAM
LEHMO
MICK
STRAUCHANIE
St Kilda
Western Bulldogs
St Kilda
St Kilda
St Kilda
Western Bulldogs
Geelong Cats
Geelong Cats
Geelong Cats
Geelong Cats
Geelong Cats
Geelong Cats
TOTAL
131
TOTAL
118 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au b4thgame_wk3_PF.indd 1
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TOTAL
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118
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NSM0775_297x210_R.pdf
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Congratulations to Daniel Rich The 2009 NAB AFL Rising Star Daniel Rich has been a tough man to catch this year, though on game day you might find him running the lines or at the base of a pack chasing the hard ball. It is these qualities, plus many more, that made him a standout choice for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NAB AFL Rising Star Award. Taken by Brisbane Lions with their first selection in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, Rich made his debut against St Kilda in Round One of the 2009 NAB Cup. From NAB AFL Auskick, to the NAB AFL Rising Star program and beyond, NAB is as passionate about the potential of young Australians as we are about footy and we congratulate Daniel on his achievements.
Š2009 National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937 NSM0775/D/R
timeon
KNOWLEDGE
Spot the difference FTOIVE FIND
AC R O S S 2
Bobby of Brownlow fame (7)
3
Won a premiership for the Tigers as a player; and two with West Coast as a coach (9)
Commonly given to most B&F winners (5)
4 6 Peter ..... carried number 4 for the Hawks in 1978 and 1986 premiership teams; ended career at 5 St Kilda (5) 9
‘Junkyard dog’ (7)
10 ‘Plough’ (7) 11 Brad ....., former rover for Fitzroy and Saints; successful VFL coach (5) 12 Saints premiership player, and Brownlow medallist; became AFL’s first Game Development Manager (4, 5)
‘Twinkle Toes’ Laurie ..... one of three of this dynasty to play for the Kangaroos (5) Keeps the game from anarchy (3)
6 Assist 5 down, operationally (5) 7
Shane Crawford might have had more of this than any other, save perhaps Robert Harvey at his peak (7)
8
Guernsey number of Sydney’s former bustling forward (3)
13 Essendon’s midfield has plenty of this (5)
15 Given name of first Fremantle skipper (3)
14 Ken ..... a former Carlton captain, and coach; passed over the reins to Ron Barassi at the end of 1964 (5)
17 West Coaster, dubbed by Rex Hunt as ‘The Appliance’ (5)
15 Brisbane, formerly (5)
18 Keeps leg and foot together; too often sprained (5)
16 Part of 3KZ’s famous team, The Captain and The .....; also colloquial for ‘goal’ (5)
20 Ken ....., a former Hawthorn half-forward; coached Hawks and Eagles, then became ABC radio commentator (5) 21 Emergency call (3) 22 The only bin of this nature is in the International Game (3) 23 Opposite to “against” on the ladder (3)
17 Brother of Brisbane’s coach (5, 4) 19 Col ....... coached Sydney from 1989-91, but most of his career was in administration at Carlton (7) 21 Versatile word, applies often to those plucking big grabs from nowhere; also surname of Demon defender in 1988 Grand Final team (7)
25 Number carried by EJ (5)
23 Far-reaching term for the game, the ball, or the experience (5)
27 Sits on Corio Bay (7)
24 We’re all wise ..... the game (5)
29 Once the place for standing room only (5)
26 Clanger, in stats-speak (5)
30 Appointed Bulldogs’ captain in 2005 (5) 31 There are seven of these between goalposts (5)
27 Nickname never embraced by Cat number 5 (3) 28 ... powerhouse half-back for Saints from 1957-61; most often associated with adjective ‘good’ (3)
Scrambled footballer
THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS
Derm’s pet
Cryptic footballers 1. Firm unknown at West Coast. 2. Magpie’s terrible fears ahead of second preliminary. 3. Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad, for example, at Adelaide. 4. Last Dog replaces first Dog in horrible shindig at Whitten Oval. 5. Robin’s companion – about the last Hawk. 6. Bulldog somehow eligible (I being absent) [initial and given name required]. 7. Cat’s red shirt. 8. War in Italy ... or in Spain ... or at Hawthorn. 9. Docker deserts, reportedly.
SCRAMBLED FOOTBALLER: Dempster CRYPTIC FOOTBALLERS: 1. Cox 2. Fraser 3. Knights 4. Higgins 5. Bateman 6. L. Gilbee 7. Scarlett 8. Guerra 9. Sandilands 10. Eagleton
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Given name of former Blues premiership player, committeeman and powerbroker (3)
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Stripes on left sock missing, Ten Logo on ball changed colour, collar on guernsey changed colour, Adidas logo missing, finger on ball missing.
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10. Bulldog’s two under par, finishing with 100. 120 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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timeon TALKING POINT 2009seasonreview
football’s mysteries There are many lessons in life to be learnt from football. PAU L ROOS
I
’ve been approached to write a book a number of times, but I never really wanted to do a traditional footy book. It’s not because I don’t enjoy them, but because I think I have a different perspective, and also because my wife Tami has provided enormous benefits with the work she does in the area of meditation, and we’ve also completed courses together on subjects such as happiness. I believe there are a lot of similarities between what exists in sport and in general life, hence the title – Sport is Life, Life is Sport. Hopefully, when people put the book down, it will almost be like unravelling the mystery of football at AFL level. Every day, AFL coaches are trying to get the best out of themselves and the people around them. There are so many aspects of footy that are really similar to the corporate world or just general life; there’s the meditation side of it, leadership – all of these things are kind of shrouded in mystery in the AFL. I’ve given talks to corporate groups and people always come up to me at the end and say, “I thought you were going to tell us footy stories, but that was really interesting. How do I put that into practice?” They’re really surprised it’s not just a story about Brett Kirk’s kick, Barry Hall’s mark or Micky O’Loughlin’s goal. This book wouldn’t have been representative of myself or the Swans without Tami’s input. She is highly educated, has a business and marketing degree, an MBA in international management and a PhD in parapsychic science (the study of psychological phenomena) and, being American, she’s got a really different outlook on life. It’s helped me throughout my entire football career. I felt, to tell the full story, it had to have Tami involved, and I hope it opens up a broader perspective of women in sport, women in business and women in life.
A SPORTING LIFE: A new book by Swans coach Paul Roos and wife Tami provides an insight into the similarities between sport and life.
Hopefully, it’s really powerful to have the two of us talking about a lot of different subjects. A lot of the beliefs I express in the book are reasonably simple, talking about hard work and so forth, but there are a lot of lessons I’ve learned that can be used in business, sport or life. I also talk about junior sport and the importance of good sportsmanship and making sure kids have fun, and that it’s not just all about winning. If you look at the Swans’ leadership program, there are ways this can be used not only in schools, but perhaps in the family structure. I didn’t want this to be a football book about football stories, because football has helped me a lot more than just how to mark, kick and handball. It’s a really broad
There are so many aspects of footy that are really similar to the corporate world or just life in general PAUL ROOS
range of subjects Tami and I are trying to cover. In the football world, we go through a lot as coaches and footballers, and you come across some tremendously courageous people throughout all walks of life. The power of positive thinking is amazing, and an example of that is David Wade. David is a Swans fan and businessman who was diagnosed with cancer – he was basically told he was going to die. I invited
him into the th coach’s h’ b box d during i 2005, and as we went through that season, to be perfectly frank, we were all wondering when he was going to pass away. But he kept on going and going, and then went overseas and had an operation and got through that. His doctors were then shocked when they discovered he was in remission, but David really believes being around the positive environment at the footy club gave him an amazing ability to overcome that particular ailment. There are a lot of stories in the book about other people who have inspired us, and hopefully readers will be able to take something out of it all. Sport is Life, Life is Sport (Macmillan Australia, $35 RRP) will be launched on September 29.
122 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au
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oh what a feeling!
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