AFL Record Finals Week 1, 2011

2011 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL WEEK FREE ACTIVITIES AT FEDERATION SQUARE

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28

BROWNLOW LIVE

KICKS FOR KIDS

Channel [V] Live

Noon –4pm: Visit the FOXTEL Dome, for photo opportunities and giveaways

10am –4pm: Visit the FOXTEL Dome, for photo opportunities and giveaways

10am –4pm: Visit the FOXTEL Dome, ies and giveaways for photo opportunities

LIVE BROADCASTS

LIVE BROADCASTS

LIVE BROADCASTS TS

9am –noon: 1116 SEN’s Hungry for Sport with Kevin Bartlett

9am –noon: 1116 SEN’s Hungry for Sport with Kevin Bartlett

Noon –1pm: Crocmedia’s Footy Feast with Damien Barrett and Cameron Luke

Noon –1pm: Crocmedia’s Footy Feast with Wayne Schwass and Cameron Luke

9am –noon: 1116 SEN’s N’s Hungry for Sport with Kevin Bartlett

Noon –4pm: 1116 SEN’s Harf Time with Daniel Harford

Noon –4pm: 1116 SEN’s Harf Time with Daniel Harford

6 –8pm: Crocmedia’s SportsDay with Tony Leonard and Terry Wallace

6 –8pm: Crocmedia’s SportsDay with Nathan Thompson and Terry Wallace

7.30pm: Channel 7’s coverage of the 2011 Brownlow Blue Carpet, presented by Toyota’s Hybrid Camry, on the big screen

DAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

8.15pm: Channel 7’s coverage of the 2011 Brownlow Medal vote count on the big g sc creen screen

DAY’S DA AY’SS HIGHLIGHTS 1 –1 –1.3 –1.30pm: 30pm: Brownlow w Medal Footy Panel 2 –3 3pm: Fashion –3pm: P Pa ra ade e - see the latest Parade B Br own ow nlow w-inspired Brownlow-inspired fash sh s hion before befo fore fashion the bi ig ni nigh gh ht big night

10 –11am: The Drawn Grand Final with Herald Sun cartoonist Mark Knight on the main stage 10 –11.30am: NAB AFL Auskick clinic in B irrrar a un ung g Marr (pre-registration required) Birrarung N oon –12 1 .

12 Noon –12.30pm: NAB Ambassadors panel w wi ith th 2011 th 201 011 11 NAB AFL Rising Star nominees with

N’s Noon –4pm: 1116 SEN’s Harf Time with Daniel Harford 1 –2pm: Crocmedia’s Footy Feast on Luke with Terry Wallace and Cameron sDay 6 –8pm: Crocmedia’s SportsDay with Tony Leonard and Terry Wallace

DAY’S HIGHLIGHTS HTS Noon –1pm: Channel nel [V] presents some of tists the hottest artists around in a lunchtime n the concert on age ge and main stage u the chance gives you eet with the bands s to meet erwards d , with afterwards, an nks to FOXTEL. FOXTEL EL. thanks 1pm: Au 1pm: uto ogr g ap ph Autograph sess ssion wi with th ban a ds d session bands in the he Atr trium m Atrium

WHEN GREATNESS CALLS WHO WILL ANSWER?

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30

SATURDAY OCTOBER 1

SPIRIT OF FOOTBALL

FOOTY ON PARADE

TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL LIVE

10am –8.30pm: Visit the FOXTEL Dome, for photo opportunities and giveaways

Noon: 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final Street Parade from the Victorian Arts Centre to the Old Treasury Building, including the presentation of the Grand Final teams

LIVE BROADCASTS 9am –noon: 1116 SEN’s Hungry for Sport with Kevin Bartlett

10am –8.30pm: Visit the FOXTEL Dome, for photo opportunities and giveaways

LIVE BROADCASTS

Noon –1pm: Crocmedia’s Footy Feast with Terry Wallace and Cameron Luke

6 –9am: Channel 7’s Sunrise with Mel and Kochie, featuring a live performance

by The Living End on the main stage

Noon –4pm –4pm: 1116 SEN’s Harf Time with Daniel Harford

6 –9am: 1116 SEN’s Morning Glory with Tim Watson and Andy Maher

4 –7p pm:1116 6 SEN’s –7pm:1116 The Run R Hom me with Home David d Schw warz and Schwarz Franc cis Lea ch Francis Leach

8.30am –noon: 774 ABC Melbourne

6 –8p pm: 3AW W’s –8pm: 3AW’s Spor rts Today Toda ayy with Sports Gera rd Hea ly Gerard Healy and Dwayne D e Russ sell Russell

9am –1pm: Triple M Melbourne’s Dangerous Dave roaming the Square

6 –8p pm: –8pm: Croc medi d a’s s Crocmedia’s Spor r ay rtsDa SportsDay with t Tonyy Leon nard d an nd Leonard and Terryy Wallace Wallac ce 7.

7 30 0 –8.30p pm: 7.30 –8.30pm: FO OX SP S O TS OR S’ S FOX SPORTS’ A AF T ams w with Brian AFLL Te Teams T Ta y or yl or, Da D v d Parkin, vi Taylor, David Brad Br ad JJohnson, oh ohns hn o on, Tony Shaw Sh aw wa nd LLiam and Pick Pi cke e in er i g Pickering

DDAY’S AY’S YS HIGHLIGHTS HIG GHLIGHTS 1 –2p –2pm: pm: AFLL Media Gran and Final panel, Grand host ed db hosted byy LLeigh Matt th ws the sa and Matthews Luke Darcy, with the Premier P rship Premiership Cup on disp play display

9am –noon: 1116 SEN’s Hungry for Sport with Kevin Bartlett

Noon –1pm: 7 News coverage of the 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final Street Parade on the big screen Noon –1pm: Crocmedia’s Footy Feast with Dr Turf and Cameron Luke Noon–2pm: FOX SPORTS News Long Lunch 4 –7pm: 1116 SEN’s The Run Home with David Schwarz and Francis Leach 4.30 –6.30pm: Triple M Adelaide’s Rush Hour with Mark Ricciuto and Chris Dittmar 7.30 –8.30pm: FOX SPORTS’ After the Bounce with Jason Dunstall, Danny Frawley, Gerard Whateley and Damien Fleming Various FOX SPORTS News crosses throughout the day

DAY’S HIGHLIGHTS 10am onwards: Fun for the whole family, including footy activities, giveaways and live entertainment

2.30pm: 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final, MCG

LIVE BROADCASTS 9 –11am: Crocmedia’s Off the Bench with Craig Hutchison, Liam Pickering and Dr Turf 11am –1pm: 1116 SEN’s Crunch Time with Anthony Hudson, Matthew Lloyd, Dermott Brereton and Mark Robinson 1.30 –2.30pm: Network Ten’s coverage of the 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final pre-match entertainment on the big screen 2.30 –6pm: Network Ten’s coverage of the 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final on the big screen

DAY’S HIGHLIGHTS 10.30 –10.45am: Brett Kirk and the Premiership Cup on the main stage, followed by the walk to the MCG 6 –8pm: Live bands on the main stage 8pm: Presentation of the winning 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final team on the main stage

finals week three | september 23-24, 2011

114

features 9 FOCUS ON FINALS

Th AFL Record’s photographers The bring the best action from week two br of the finals.

38 3 8 PETER MOORE

Tw Brownlow Medals, two clubs Two but there was fi nals heartache for a bu genuine star. ge

51 PREVIEW 5

Th are no second chances for There either side. Our experts analyse who eit will win and why. wi RECOGNIT

IO

N Gary Able tt Chris Judd and the line-up head of st in the 2011 ars AllAustralia n team.

79 BROWNLOW MEDAL A ccomplete guide to football’s biggest night. Can Chris Judd or big Adam Goodes win a third medal?

Ad

101 WEEK 2 REVIEW 10

Ho Hawthorn and West Coast lived How to fight another day, as Sydney and Carlton exit the premiership race.

regulars 6 Backchat 17 The Bounce 49 Matchday 76 Scoreboard 116 Answer Man 120 Kids’ Corner 122 Talking Point

30 » GREAT PRELIMINARY FINALS From Geelong star Doug Wade’s controversial free kick in 1962, to Essendon’s shock loss in 1999, preliminary finals are full of intrigue.

Ted Hopkins’ look at the Brownlow.

The umpire said I held (Peter) Barry back, which I didn’t

MF_PROGNB00029C 9C

DOUG WADE’S ACCOUNT OF THE SHORTS-PULLING INCIDENT IN THE 1962 PRELIMINARY FINAL

THIS WEEK’S COVERS There are dedicated covers for both of this week’s preliminary finals.

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Your say on the world of football

EDITOR’S LETTER

TOP EFFORT: Carlton players, led by (from left) Aaron

Joseph, Chris Judd, Setanta O’hAilpin, Mitch Robinson and Michael Jamison, after last week’s loss in Perth.

Shocked by coaching moves

Brave Blues

Wow! In the blink of an eye, Mark Harvey is out the door as Fremantle coach and Ross Lyon has taken over. I can’t recall being more shocked by a football development than I was by those events. Malcolm Blight’s sacking at St Kilda in 2001 was massive news, but the fact Harvey was sacked and Lyon ‘sacked’ St Kilda within hours of each other made my head spin.

Still, who’s to say Lyon and the Dockers didn’t make the right decision? Who’s to say the time’s not right for a fresh coaching voice at the Saints? However, I do think people should spare a thought for Harvey. I, for one, hope this does not spell the end of his career in coaching.

HEATH PHILLIPS, FLEMINGTON, VIC.

BILL COSTELLO, CARRUM DOWNS, VIC.

Time for CBA resolution I can understand both sides of the collective bargaining

agreement standoff. The players quite rightly want to be fairly paid for putting on the show each week and the AFL has to ensure the money the game generates is allocated fairly to all sectors of football.

I just hope both sides can come together now and thrash out their differences quickly and behind closed doors. Surely, after the AFL’s latest offer, they can’t be that far apart?

WENDY TRUEMAN, DEVONPORT, TAS.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The best letter each round d will receive the 2011 AFL Record Season Guide.

Email aflrecordeditor@ slatterymedia.com or write to AFL Record, Slattery Media Group, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC, 3008.

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6

There’s no tougher AFL assignment than an away fi nal in Perth. I was a bit worried, too, that the ‘Bluebaggers’ might be a little complacent after winning their first fi nal in 10 years in week one of the finals. But Carlton did its supporters proud last Saturday night.

It’s one thing to jump out to an early lead, another thing altogether to come back when the Eagles looked to have the game won. And with Chris Judd well below his best, too. For me, 2012 can’t come soon enough.

I can sense a premiership window opening.

AFL RECORD

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DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Callum Senior

Dockers decision sparks drama » Football usually throws

up a handful of ‘wow’ moments each year, with one of those coming late last week when Fremantle dismissed coach Mark Harvey and appointed Ross Lyon less than 24 hours later.

Lyon had resigned as St Kilda coach the night before his appointment, rejecting a contract extension from the Saints.

A day after Lyon’s appointment, Melbourne became the first of the three clubs we knew were looking for a new coach to make an announcement, with the other two (the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide) quickly following suit (see stories on pages 18-19).

The Lyon-to-Fremantle story, predictably, led to debate in the media and among fans and other observers about subjects including honesty, integrity, values, loyalty, the meaning of contracts, the importance of winning at all costs, confl ict of interest and self-interest.

There’s little to gain by using one’s own set of personal values to pass judgment on the actions of a club or a coach or a player making a decision they believe is the right one for them.

We know the game is fundamentally changing, fu and rapidly. As it continues an to grow, it is only inevitable more of these ‘wow’ m moments will occur. m PETER DI SISTO PE

FINANCE & COMMERCIAL MANAGER PRINTED BY Jeffrey Sickert PMP Print NATIONAL SALES ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO MANAGER – SPORT The Editor, AFL Record, Ground Floor, Shane Purss 140 Harbour Esplanade, ACCOUNT MANAGERS Docklands, Victoria, 3008.

Kate Hardwick, Callum Senior, T: (03) 9627 2600 F: (03) 9627 2650 Rebecca Whiting E: peterd@slatterymedia.com ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR AFL RECORD, VOL. 100, Laura Mullins (03) 9627 2600 FINALS WEEK 3, 2011 PHOTOGRAPHY Copyright. ACN No. 004 155 211.

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putting some extra muscle behind the roos 147kW of power. 470Nm of torque. A 3,350kg towing capacity.

The All-New Mazda BT-50 will deliver some pretty impressive stats when it makes its debut later this year. And the Roos are glad it it’ss wearing the right guernsey.

For more information on the All-New BT-50, visit allnewBT-50.com.au

SNA P SHOTS SEMI-FINA

LS

Caring for a comrade

S

ome 24 hours after Hawthorn comfortably accounted for the Sydney Swans in their semi-final at the MCG, West and Carlton engaged in a fierce contest at Patersons Stadium in Perth, with the Eagles holding on for a three-point win in one of the games of the season.

The game featured much of what we love about football— speed, skill, athleticism and courage. And it also featured a moment when team allegiances were set aside, with veteran Eagle Andrew Embley helping injured opponent Bret Thornton.

The back of Thornton’s head hit the ground after he

flew for a mark in the Carlton forward line with seven seconds left in the second term. Thornton’s effort created a crumb for Aaron Joseph to swoop on and kick an important goal on the siren.

Embley understood the severity of the situation and quickly removed Thornton’s

mouthguard before Carlton trainers arrived. Thornton was taken to hospital with concussion and missed the second half.

The Hawks and Eagles were favoured to advance, their wins setting up showdowns between the season’s top-four in this week’s preliminary finals.

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WHATEVER IT TAKES

SN SHOATPS

By land and by air, the Hawks got their goals—all 19 of them—any which way against the Sydney Swans last Friday night at the MCG. Michael Osborne celebrates his fi rst goal, which came after some fi erce gut-running to get the ball and then slicing a clever left-foot bouncing snap through the goals.

ASHLEY BROWNE PHOTOS: GREG FORD/AFL PHOTOS

10

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GO STRONGER

IT’S ‘BUDDY’ TIME

SN SHOATPS

It took a while, but the Hawks-Swans match eventually became the ‘Lance Franklin Show’, as the champion Hawthorn spearhead marked in front of Ted Richards and Lewis Roberts-Thomson. In doubt all week because of a knee injury sustained late in the loss to Geelong in the qualifying final, ‘Buddy’ kicked four goals to help the Hawks on their way and into the preliminary final against Collingwood.

ASHLEY BROWNE PHOTOS: MICHAEL WILLSON/AFL PHOTOS

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SNAP SHOTS

IN FLIGHT

West Coast ruckman Dean Cox prepares to palm one of his 35 hit-outs against Carlton last Saturday night, having timed his run at the ball better than Blues opponent Robert Warnock. Cox and teammate Daniel Kerr (No. 4, far right) have played together for so long they seem to have an unspoken understanding at ruck contests. Here, Kerr, shadowed

by Carlton’s Andrew Carrazzo, starts to run, little doubt anticipating where Cox will hit

12

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the ball. Kerr was outstanding at the stoppages against the Blues, racking up eight clearances in his 27 possessions. To Cox’s left, teammate Scott Selwood mans a bandaged Mitch Robinson.

This was a rare match-up, with Selwood spending most of the night on Chris Judd, keeping the Carlton skipper to 17 disposals.

NICK BOWEN PHOTO: LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/AFL PHOTOS

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NEW FACES

Demons, Dogs and Crows name coaches.

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MEDAL ODDITY

24 2

The best team doesn’t always produce the best player.

SECOND CHANCE

C Chris Tarrant is enjoying life as a born-again Magpie. a

We’re taking them on, and we’re not scared of anyone

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Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews before the 2001 Grand Final against Essendon, p27

culture

THE

COURAGEOUS: A battered and bruised Bob Skilton received his 1968 Brownlow Medal at the first semi-final. Footscray star Ted Whitten (left) was recognised for setting the offi cial games record (299 day and 15 night) and Hawthorn’s Peter Hudson was acknowledged as that season’s leading goalkicker.

Bed and pyjamas to glitz and glamour ASHLEY BROWNE

W

hen Bob Skilton won his third Brownlow Medal, he was greeted with rapturous applause from all in the room as his standing as one of the greats of the game was confirmed.

The room in question was his lounge room and there may have been a dozen people there— family, friends and journalists.

Skilton was wearing pyjamas.

Welcome to the 1968 Brownlow Medal count. Like those preceding it, the night was a low-key affair.

The votes were counted by the permit committee of the Victorian Football League in a meeting room at Harrison House, the long-since demolished building in Spring

Street in Melbourne that served as the League’s administrative base. The count was broadcast live on radio.

Skilton was not listening to the count. The champion South Melbourne rover had been concussed for the second week on the trot the previous Saturday and was resting in bed at home in Moorabbin when longtime friend and media personality Tom Lahiff excitedly burst through the door to tell him he had made football history.

Skilton was oblivious to it all, and was watching the World War II television drama Combat at the time.

“I knew I was leading, but I didn’t feel well enough to sit and concentrate on the count,” Skilton recalled this week. “It was easier

to watch television and think about something else, so Tom was under instruction not to come in again unless I won it.”

Courtesy of the back-to-back concussions, Skilton had a badly broken nose and stitches over both eyes. His main appointment the following morning was with a surgeon to have his nose put back in place, not the slate of media commitments and celebratory functions next Monday’s winner is likely to have.

Skilton’s only media event of note came later that evening, when he was dragged out of bed (and out of his pyjamas) and driven to Festival Hall in West Melbourne.

Before the Brownlow became a television event—the count

was first telecast in 1970—the winner would be feted on either Graham Kennedy’s show on Channel Nine or TV Ringside on Channel Seven.

Skilton was a Seven man, a mate of general manager Ron Casey, so it was off to the boxing.

With his two black eyes and his badly smashed nose, he looked as though he had just gone several rounds himself.

The Brownlow Medal was always big. But its prestige grew once it became a television event.

The 1971 count was just the second to be broadcast live and a crowd of 400 was on hand at the Chevron Ballroom on St Kilda Road.

“The most glamorous and spectacular night in the history of the Brownlow AFL RECORD

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17

Adelaide’s Matthew Jaensch to have surgery on broken jaw sustained after an attack in an Adelaide hotel last weekend.

Medal,” the Herald described it, and indeed, it was historic as Richmond centreman Ian Stewart won on the final vote of the night, to join Skilton, Haydn Bunton jnr and Dick Reynolds as the only three-time winners.

Stewart, who won the 1965 and 1966 medals while at St Kilda, also became the first player to win the medal at different clubs.

The votes were not counted by games back then. The one votes were counted first, then the two votes and finally the threes.

And with a great sense of theatre, VFL general manager Eric McCutchan shuffl ed the cards to draw the drama out to the very end.

Thanks to the theatrics of 1971, the League knew it was on a winner.

The prestige of the Brownlow has not changed but the glamour seemingly has by the year, what with emphasis on fashion and the introduction of fashion-driven coloured carpets and the like.

But the anticipation ahead of Monday night’s count is palpable, with the two favourites— Carlton’s Chris Judd and the Sydney Swans’ Adam Goodes— both bidding to win for the third time and join the all-time greats in the process.

“They’re both wonderful players,” Skilton said. “We would be very lucky to have players of that calibre become triple Brownlow medallists.

“I’m a bit biased, so I’d love it to be Adam, but both he and Chris are as good as there is going around. It would be wonderful to see either player win it.”

A FULL PREVIEW OF THIS YEAR’S BROWNLOW MEDAL STARTS ON PAGE 79; TED HOPKINS PICKS SCOTT PENDLEBURY TO WIN, SEE PAGE 122.

COACHING APPOINTMENTS

New era as long-term assistants get their chance

KATRINA GILL, MARK MACGUGAN, JASON PHELAN, CALLUM TWOMEY

T

his week marked the start of new eras for three AFL clubs, with Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide announcing new coaches.

Long-term assistant coaches Mark Neeld (Melbourne), Brendan McCartney (Western Bulldogs) and Brenton Sanderson (Adelaide) will begin their senior AFL coaching careers in 2012, having been appointed to their respective positions in the past week.

And last Tuesday night, Carlton confirmed Brett Ratten would coach the Blues for another two years.

Neeld was announced last Saturday, and wants to make his team the hardest to play against in the AFL. “I know the way that the boys are going to play, and we’re going to educate them in that way,” he said.

“That’s going to be our No. 1 challenge, and we’re going to stick to that.”

Neeld takes over a team whose performances swung wildly in 2011, from outstanding to insipid.

“All over the ground, we are going to be the hardest team to

play against, that’s what our aim is. It’s as simple as that.”

The 40-year-old agreed to become the club’s 27th coach, signing a three-year contract.

Neeld coached Bellarine League club Ocean Grove to four straight premierships (2000-03) before joining the Western Jets in the TAC Cup. The former Richmond and Geelong player was an assistant at Collingwood from 2008 until last week.

Neeld said Mick Malthouse and Malcolm Blight infl uenced his coaching style.

He said he had received a commitment that the club would hire people with a track record of success.

“I demand to be surrounded by a solid group of coaches who are successful in their own right,” he said.

“As to the individual make-up of that, we’ll sit down as a group and make sure the appropriate people are appointed and that they’re in the correct roles.”

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab said Todd Viney, who took over as interim coach when Dean Bailey was sacked following the 186-point belting by Geelong in round 19, would continue in “at least” his previous position as general manager of player development.

Last Monday, the Bulldogs announced McCartney as their new senior coach, replacing Rodney Eade.

McCartney comes with 22 years’ coaching experience, including 14 at AFL level.

McCartney, 50, began in the AFL with Richmond in 1998 as a development coach

MARK AND GOAL OF THE YEAR

What a pair of crackers!

» Andrew Krakouer’s

spectacular mark against Adelaide in round nine is the Hungry Jack’s mark of the year.

Krakouer beat an impressive field of contenders, including Carlton’s Andrew Walker, Melbourne’s Ricky Petterd and West Coast’s Nic Naitanui.

But it was Krakouer’s eff ort in the final quarter of the Pies’ win over the Crows that was judged the best.

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BUY THE MARK OF THE YEAR PHOTO FROM

18

Fremantle’s Hayden Ballantyne was the winner of the Panasonic goal of the year for his brilliant effort against Geelong in round two at Patersons Stadium.

Krakouer won the Alex Jesaulenko Medal and $10,000; Ballantyne won the Phil Manassa Medal and a Panasonic prize pack valued at $9000.

LUKE HOLMESBY

AFL RECORD

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AFLPHOTOS.COM.AU

GO

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WIN THE

OF

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YEA

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Long-serving Western Bulldogs property steward Noel Kinniburgh retires after almost 30 years serving the club.

LYON SHOCK

THE NEW GUARD: After paying their dues as assistant coaches, Mark Neeld

(Melbourne), Brendan McCartney (Western Bulldogs) and Brenton Sanderson (Adelaide) were named as senior coaches this week.

after winning four consecutive premierships as coach of Ocean Grove.

After two years at the Tigers, McCartney spent 11 seasons as senior assistant at Geelong, where he was involved in two premierships working with coach Mark Thompson.

He followed Thompson from the Cats to Essendon at the end of last year, and was described by Bombers coach James Hird as the best coach he has encountered in his time in football.

“Brendan’s experience, leadership, technical capacity, values and integrity shone throughout the robust and intensive selection process,” Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick said.

In the third coaching development, Geelong assistant coach Sanderson (the fi rst Brenton to coach at League level) beat Scott Burns and Crows caretaker Mark Bickley for the Adelaide job.

The 37-year-old played six games for the Crows in 1992-93 before being traded

We are going to be the hardest team to play against NEW MELBOURNE COACH MARK NEEELD

Renowned for his teaching ability and people skills, McCartney—the fi rst coach in League history named Brendan— said he was proud to win the role.

“I am very honoured by my appointment,” McCartney said.

“I can’t wait to get into this, and I can’t wait for us to confi rm our place as a footy club that is respected, admired and feared.”

McCartney is the 13th coach not to have played a VFL/AFL game, and the first since Carlton’s Wayne Brittain was appointed in 2001.

The Bulldogs said they were won over by his professionalism.

to Collingwood and playing four games. He forged a successful career at Geelong, playing 199 games and winning the club’s best and fairest in 2001.

Sanderson retired in 2005 and was a development coach at Port Adelaide the next season before returning to the Cats, where he was an assistant for the past fi ve years.

He declined an offer by Geelong coach Chris Scott to remain in his role until the end of the Cats’ season, instead choosing to begin his tenure at Adelaide immediately.

Despite the Crows’ poor 2011

season, Sanderson was buoyant about the club’s future.

“I think success will be a very quick spike at this football club,” he said in his first press conference as coach last Tuesday.

“I’ve seen how quickly things can change with a new coach coming on board and I was very bullish about the list.

“There are a lot of players here aged 22 or under, and I think we’ll see some great improvement in them, and this footy club very quickly.”

At its routine monthly meeting on Tuesday, the Carlton board ratified the decision to reappoint Ratten as senior coach for a further two years.

“Prior to the season the club and Brett agreed that a decision on his future would not be made until Carlton’s season was completed and the scheduled meeting came just days after our semi-final loss (to West Coast),” Carlton president Stephen Kernahan said.

“We have continued to provide feedback to Brett throughout the season and the decision will enable the club to finalise discussions with Brett and his manager to formally reappoint Brett.”

Ratten took over from Denis Pagan with six games remaining in the 2007 season. The Blues finished 11th in his his fi rst full season in 2008, seventh in 2009, eighth in 2010 and fifth at the end of the 2011 home and away season, winning their first final since 2001 when they defeated Essendon in the elimination final.

» Ross Lyon is the new coach of Fremantle after resigning from St Kilda late last week.

Fremantle announced on the Thursday night it had ended Mark Harvey’s tenure as coach after four seasons that hatwere h atwere wer eree highlighted by a 2010 fi nals appearance.

The Dockers announced Lyon as his replacement for the next four years the following day.

“It is clear that Ross can deliver a consistent and successful game style while at the same time continue to build the culture of our playing group,” club president Steve Harris said.

“Despite the disquiet caused by our decision to end Mark Harvey’s tenure at Fremantle, we believe it was the right decision in the long-term interests to appoint Ross to take over as a senior coach of the club.

“We expect under Ross’s guidance to execute a well-planned pre-season that will lay the foundation for a playing group that is consistent, driven and competitive.”

Lyon joins the Dockers after taking the Saints to four finals series in fi ve seasons, including the 2009-10 Grand Finals (and the replay last year). His 63 per cent winning rate is the highest of any current AFL coach who has coached for more than one season.

“An attractive off er was put in front of me. I’m an AFL career coach, I have a young family, three children and my wife, and they are my purpose,” Lyon said in explaining his decision.

St Kilda CEO Michael Nettlefold said the Saints were disappointed to lose Lyon but praised the job he had done at the club.

“Ross has done a really solid job with our football club over a number of years,” Nettlefold said.

AFL RECORD

NICK BOWEN

visit afl record.com.au

19

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna McKennasays saysclub clubmight m trade its No. 4 pick for an experienced player.

BROWNLOW ANOMALY

MOST BROWNLOW VOTES PER CLUB IN A SEASON

Stars take time to earn umpires’ vote of confidence PETER RYAN

D

ebate this all you like but recognition of performance remains a function of familiarity and expectation, as much as performance. Even for umpires.

How else do you explain Collingwood only earning 89 Brownlow Medal votes last season—15 fewer than Geelong and just one more than the Sydney Swans— in the same year it won 17 home and away games?

Even allowing for the possibility the Pies may be a team that has a bit to say on field, for the dominant team to earn just 67 per cent of the votes on offer in its matches is an interesting quirk, to say the least.

It was the first time since 1999 that a team winning 17 home and away games polled fewer than 90 votes (North Melbourne gathered 83 that year).

Collingwood players drew 59 per cent of votes on offer in the first half of the season and 75 per cent of those allocated in the second half. It won 72 per cent of its games in the fi rst half of the season and 81 per cent in the second half.

Although such numbers seem unusual at first glance, they are merely another indicator that it takes time for some teams to catch the voters’ eyes.

Historic Brownlow returns to the Cats » The first Brownlow Medal has

made its way back home. The 1924 medal, won by Geelong’s Edward ‘Carji’ Greeves , was presented to the club after being sold at auction.

The purchaser, who wishes to remain anonymous, delivered the medal to the club.

20

AFL RECORD

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HARD TO IGNORE: Magpie stars

such as Scott Pendlebury took time to catch the umpires’ attention, but he eventually finished with 21 votes last year.

The Swans polled just 82 votes in their 2005 premiership year while Port Adelaide polled just 90 votes in 2004 when it won the flag. Adelaide polled 70 votes in 1997, its first premiership year (admittedly it won the flag after finishing fourth on the ladder).

Of the four seasons in which the Brisbane Lions made the Grand Final, they received the most votes in 2004, the only time they did not win the fl ag.

The same thing happened with Geelong, which polled more votes in 2008 (runner-up) than it managed in 2007 (premier).

There are exceptions to that rule; St Kilda in 2009 probably the most notable, but the thesis holds up.

In fact, five of the top seven vote-winning teams in history did not win the premiership in the season they headed the club voting tallies. Of the top 20, 11 are premiership teams.

What all this suggests is that it may take the Eagles a while to earn votes this season, despite the standout performances of many of their players. And the Magpies

are likely to be up and running, earning votes from the start.

However, in Collingwood’s case, a turnaround would need to take place from what happened in 2010.

On five occasions when Collingwood drew or won a game, an opposition player received the three votes. And it was not just Chris Judd in round six; it was Aaron Davey in round two and 12, Matthew Boyd in round 11 and David Rodan in round 15.

No Magpies received the three votes on the four occasions Collingwood lost.

The Magpies’ experience went against a trend that sees the top teams winning more votes than ever before. We know that every Brownlow medallist since 2000 has been part of a team in the fi nals.

That trend makes the performance of Gold Coast’s Gary Ablett such an interesting aspect of this year’s count.

However, the 2009 Brownlow medallist will not have to worry about being noticed.

“The medal is on loan to the club so the Geelong community and visitors to the region will be able to see such a significant piece of AFL and club history,” Geelong CEO Brian Cook said.

“The medal will ultimately be displayed so that stadium tours and visitors to the club’s community and wellness centre

will w be able to view v it.”

The Brownlow Medal M has a close c connection to Geelong. It was w instituted in 1924 19 to honour former fo Geelong administrator ad Charles Brownlow, who died aged 62 on January 23, 1924.

The League wanted to honour Brownlow’s contribution to the game—he was a pioneer, first as a player and coach, and

Votes Club Year Players 116 Essendon 2000 18 112 Geelong 2008 14 110 St Kilda 2009 14 106 Geelong 2007 16 104 Geelong 2010 16 103 Geelong 1991 17 102 Bris. Lions 2004 15 101 Hawthorn 1989 18 100 Hawthorn 1988 15 100 Bris. Lions 2002 14 99 Bris. Lions 2001 15 99 Carlton 1995 18 99 Hawthorn 1982 19 99 West Coast 1991 16 98 Geelong 2009 13 97 Pt Adelaide 2003 11 97 Carlton 1987 15 96 Bris. Lions 1999 19 96 Carlton 1981 15 96 West Coast 2006 17

PREMIERSHIP TEAMS AND THEIR TALLIES Votes Club Players 1997 Adelaide 70 1998 Adelaide 87* 1999 North Melbourne 83 2000 Essendon 116* 2001 Brisbane Lions 99* 2002 Brisbane Lions 100* 2003 Brisbane Lions 92 2004 Port Adelaide 90 2005 Sydney Swans 82 2006 West Coast 96* 2007 Geelong 106* 2008 Hawthorn 91 2009 Geelong 98 2010 Collingwood 89 *Most of all clubs.

He catches the eye wherever he goes.

After backing up their 2010 form in 2011, the Magpies can expect to come under more notice, too. That is no one’s fault. Just the way things seem to roll.

later he was without peer as an administrator—so it struck a medal for the fairest and best player in the home and away competition.

Greeves won the League’s inaugural Brownlow in his second season and was runner up in 1925, 1926 and 1928.

Greeves played 124 games with the Cats and was a member of the 1925 and 1931 premiership teams. Both Greeves and Brownlow are members of the Geelong and Australian Football halls of fame.

MICHAEL LOVETT

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Crows re-sign Jason Porplyzia, Daniel Talia, Matthew Wright, Aidan Riley and Sam Shaw.

AROUND ROUND THE AFL

NORTH MELBOURNE

» North Melbourne’s round 23 loss to St Kilda might have helped saved Daniel Wells’ life.

Shortly after that game, with the Kangaroos’ fi nals chances dashed, they elected to book Wells in for minor shoulder surgery. But if they had won, Wells would have played against Richmond the following round— unaware he had life-threatening blood clots in both lungs.

Those blood clots were discovered two days after Wells’ surgery. His doctors told him they were “big” and his condition was “pretty serious”.

Wells told afl.com.au he had not been overly concerned by the diagnosis at the time. But he has since pondered what might have been had his season not ended prematurely.

“The way (the clots were) building up in my lungs, they were blocking off some of the main arteries,” Wells said. “(My doctor) said it could have got a lot worse and a bit of the lungs have actually died from what happened. So if we’d kept (playing) a bit longer … the doctors were saying it was going to be fatal.”

Wells said his doctors had not been able to pinpoint the cause of the blood clots, but believed they had developed over the last six to eight rounds of the season.

NICK BOWEN GO TO AFL.COM.AU FOR FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW.

BRISBANE LIONS

» Brisbane Lions forward Brent Staker will miss the 2012 season.

Staker, 27, had surgery on his right knee last week, with another operation required to fully stabilise the knee.

The injury, sustained in the Lions’ round 23 loss to West Coast at the Gabba, was Staker’s second major knee injury this year.

“Missing another season is shattering after spending so much time on the sidelines this year,” Staker said.

“But it’s a challenge and I’ll do everything I can ca to get myself my ready for fo when I can ca return in 2013.”

MICHAEL WHITING

22

AFL RECORD

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If we’d kept (playing) a bit longer … the doctors were saying it was going to be fatal DANIEL WELLS

HEALTH SCARE:

Doctors discovered blood clots in Daniel Wells’ lungs late in the season.

PORT ADELAIDE

» Youngsters Travis Boak and

Jackson Trengove were last weekend named joint winners of the John Cahill Medal as Port Adelaide’s best and fairest.

Boak, 23, and Trengove, 20, tied with 13 votes, three clear of Tom Logan.

It was the fi rst time two players have shared the medal.

Boak, who led the Power in disposals (458), clearances (79) and inside 50s (85), polled in 10 matches. Trengove earned votes from the coaches in nine games.

Coach Matthew Primus said Boak had been a standout in the midfield in a tough season and praised Trengove for his resilience in defence.

“Travis took his game to a new, more consistent level this season,” Primus said.

“Considering how much time the ball has spent in our back half this year, Jackson certainly took a step up and improved from where he was last year.”

Promising midfielder Hamish Hartlett was awarded the Gavin Wanganeen Medal as the best

rising talent at the club, while Logan received the inaugural coaches’ award.

Skipper Dom Cassisi won the Fos Williams Medal, an awarded nominated by the players.

KATRINA GILL

UMPIRES

» Field umpire umpire Michael Vozz Vozzo o

has retired after 13 years at AFL level.

Vozzo, 38, enjoyed enjoyed aa 281-game 281-game career that career that included included24 24fifinals and two Grand Finals als(2006 (2006and and 2008). He also umpired ump piredin in the 2008 150-year anniversary anniversa ary match between Victoria Vicctoria and the All-Stars, played p played at at the MCG. “Michael was “Michael was aa wonderful umpire at the AFL level and was renowned for his consistency and his stro strong ng and very fair umpiring,” AFL AFL umpiring director Jeff Gieschen said.

“Within the list of senior umpires, he was highly respected as an umpire who had a great feel for the game, was an excellent team man and, despite his success, was very humble.

“In recent seasons, Michael was hampered by back soreness but continued to umpire in brilliant fashion. fashion.”

ESSENDON

» Essendon delisted Taite Taite Silverlock,, Tyson Tyson y Slattery Slattery y and James Webster.

FINAL DECISION:

Field umpire Michael Vozzo has retired after 13 years.

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Essendon’ss M Essendon Michael ich c ael Hibb Hibberd fined $2500 without conviction following an altercation in July.

REVITALISED: Chris Tarrant has

SECOND CHANCE

made the most of his second stint at Collingwood.

Recycled players a valuable commodity PETER RYAN

L

ong before the baseball book Moneyball made the theory of fi nding undervalued players to fulfil specifi c roles fashionable, Mick Malthouse was able to introduce players from other clubs into the Collingwood team and realise their full value.

The Magpies’ 2002 and 2003 Grand Final teams featured 10 players with experience at other clubs and last year’s premiership team had three players (Luke Ball, Darren Jolly and Leigh Brown) who had played at other clubs.

This weekend’s likely preliminary final team has fi ve such players (Chris Tarrant and Andrew Krakouer will join the trio above) who have taken different paths into the line-up.

To insert those players into the team and bring out their best is no small feat.

“I suppose the coaching group can take a bit of credit for that,” Ball said. “They’re really good at instilling confidence in the guys and their ability to play, and I think we try and really preach the team ethos at the club.”

Although some names have fallen into the club’s lap, others have been given a second

opportunity when few options James Clement, Paul Licuria, were being presented. All Carl Steinfort, Shane O’Bree, are similar in make-up: hard Brodie Holland, Anthony workers who Rocca, Jarrod add value Molloy, Scott to the list in Cummings, terms of their Brown and approach Ball. All have to training reputations and their as underrated application of leaders. a team-fi rst Tarrant, who attitude. returned from Before you Fremantle in question the 2011 as a more CHRIS TARRANT validity of that mature athlete statement, and person, look at some recognised of the players who have slotted the coach’s great strength. into Collingwood and made “He (Malthouse) just gets a difference: Shane Wakelin, players playing for each other,

He (Malthouse) just gets players playing for each other

which is probably the hardest thing to do. I think it’s a great strength of his,” Tarrant said.

That means a culture among the playing group that welcomes rookies, draft picks and recycled players in the same manner.

Everyone is equal. Everyone has the chance to make the most of their opportunity.

It is an ethos and capacity Hawthorn shares, seen via its ability to incorporate players from other clubs (Stuart Dew, Stephen Gilham and Brent Guerra in 2008) who were vital to its recent success. The trend has continued with the additions of David Hale, Josh Gibson and Shaun Burgoyne.

Leigh Brown said Malthouse had a vision of a role he thought Brown could fulfi l, but there was nothing specifi c in place when he was recruited.

“It’s worked out really well,” Brown said. “He’s given me a lot of opportunities. I played mainly forward early on and then in the ruck later.”

Selecting people who will make the most of the opportunity is the trick. Under that system, pressure is on everyone—regardless of talent—to give everything they have. Some who do everything right might still miss out. But one thing can be guaranteed: players have to do everything right to earn a spot in the team.

It is one of the reasons Collingwood and Hawthorn find themselves in a preliminary final.

WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JENNIFER WITHAM AND NIALL SEEWANG

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AFL RECORD

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2001 GRAND FINAL

Bad blood boils over as Lions make a stand ADAM McNICOL

M

atthew Lloyd chuckles as he remembers the depth of the animosity that existed between Essendon and the Brisbane Lions a decade ago.

“You couldn’t look them in the eye,” the former Bomber star says.

Lloyd’s recollections feature in the last chapter of The Final Story, the four-part documentary series produced by AFL Media filmmakers Peter Dickson and Wayne Dyer.

In the lead-up to the 2001 Grand Final, and during it, the animosity was continually on public display.

“I remember saying in one of the press conferences, ‘I don’t think the left side of ‘Sheeds’ (Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy) brain would know what his right side was doing’,” Lions coach Leigh Matthews says.

“In a very small way, it was saying to our players, ‘We’re not the little kids taking on the big kids. We’re taking

them on, and we’re not scared of anyone’.”

Before the first bounce, on what was a warm day, many of the Essendon players infl amed the situation by refusing to wrap their black armbands (both sides wore them to commemorate the lives lost in New York on September 11) around their biceps. Instead, they wore their bands just below their elbows.

It was a protest to reports the Lions were using intravenous drips to hydrate during games, a practice that was later banned. “(Craig) Starcevich, their runner … came over and threw the black armband tape at us,” then Essendon defender Damien Hardwick says. “It was to signify, ‘Stick it up yours, you blokes’.”

The rivalry was ignited in round 10 that season when Brisbane hosted Essendon. Matthews motivated his players by drawing inspiration from the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Predator.

“Essendon hadn’t lost a game and Leigh came out with the terminology, ‘If it bleeds, you can kill it’,” star Lions defender Chris Johnson remembers.

The Lions won that game by five goals, and they achieved the same result in the Grand Final, despite having trailed by 20 points late in the second quarter.

“It is a bear … or a gorilla … but it feels like it’s been on your back, and when you do succeed at that moment, it’s almost relief as much as euphoria,” Brisbane star Jason Akermanis says.

llbee.

The documentary includes recollections from four combatants—James Hird, Hardwick, Michael Voss and Brad Scott—who are all now AFL coaches.

“I would like to have played better than I did,” says Hird, who went into the match with a groin injury.

“I played on a very good player that day in Brad Scott, and he gave me a lesson in football.”

Adds Sheedy: “I wasn’t that pleasant to ‘Hirdy’ after the match. I just said, ‘It’s the worst game you’ve played’.”

The Lions’ historic victory, their 16th consecutive win that season, was celebrated by thousands of former Fitzroy and Brisbane Bears supporters.

“I’m not a sook, but I was crying with excitement and pleasure,” recalls Fitzroy legend Kevin Murray.

The triumph proved to be the start of a golden era for the Lions; they played in the next three Grand Finals and won again in 2002-03. It was also the start of a long decline for the Bombers.

“They seized that opportunity after being down for so long,” Sheedy said.

“That’s the hunger that comes out of sides that want to get somewhere when they’ve been nowhere.”

THE FINAL STORY—10 YEARS ON WILL BE SCREENED BY CHANNEL NINE ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25. SEE LOCAL GUIDES FOR DETAILS.

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AFL RECORD

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To subscribe and go into the draw for this awesome prize visit heraldsun.com.au/AFLpackage

Competition closes 11.59pm AEST on 27/9/11. Drawn 1pm 28/9/11 at HWT. Winner will be notified by mail and published in the Herald Sun public notices on 30/9/11. See heraldsun.com.au/competitions for terms and conditions. Credit card payment only. Not available for current subscribers on existing discounted offers. Only one offer per household. More subscriptions may be purchased for family and friends.

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Northern Territory Thunder and Ainslie to play in inaugural North East Australian Football League Grand Final on Saturday.

ST JOHN AMBULANCE

MILESTONES WEEK 3 FINALS

Keeping fans safe a family aair

M

ost footy fans will already have planned what they’re doing for next week’s AFL Grand Final.

As do three generations of the Crennan family, who will be reporting for duty at the MCG and preparing to deliver life-saving ďŹ rst-aid as volunteers for St John Ambulance.

John Crennan, a 68-year-old grandfather from Yarraville in Melbourne’s west, will be volunteering at his 30th AFL/VFL Grand Final.

Joining him will be his 34-year-old daughter Jo-Anne and 14-year-old granddaughter Rachel, who serves as a cadet with St John.

Crennan is St John’s MCG venue manager, responsible for rostering the 100 volunteers who will be on patrol next Saturday.

The Crennans will report for duty at 7am and won’t hang up their hats until 12 hours later, by which point they each will have walked 10-15km.

100 GAMES

Mark LeCras West Coast

50 GAMES

IN THE FAMILY:The Crennan family’s involvement with St John Ambulance

stretches three generations—from left, Rachel, John and Jo-Anne.

Crennan has been a volunteer with St John for 52 years and is driven by the satisfaction of knowing he has helped people. “The ďŹ rst-aid services St John provides signiďŹ cantly increases a person’s chance of recovery,â€? he explained. “We’ll have a team of highly trained volunteers stationed all around the stadium on Grand Final day, so regardless of whether someone needs a band-aid, paracetamol or more urgent life-saving attention, we’ll only ever be a minute away.â€?

During the 1959 Grand Final between Melbourne and Essendon, a baby was born in the MCG stands with St John cadet Terry King the ďŹ rst person on site to lend a hand.

St John has been operating at the MCG for about 95 years. It runs several ďŹ rst-aid rooms and equips and staffs 12 tailor-made buggies that can respond to incidents on the concourses and areas immediately surrounding the ground.

Crennan added: “What a lot of people don’t realise is that St John is a communityfunded organisation that relies fully on the support of the Victorian community to continue operating.�

St John is always on the lookout for ďŹ rst-aid volunteers to provide support at the MCG, Etihad Stadium and a range of other major events and community activities around the state.

Anyone interested in volunteering for St John should visit stjohnvic.com.au.

Brendan Whitecross Hawthorn

MOST CLUB FINALS GAMES

Darren Milburn Geelong.

Set to play his 21st ďŹ nal, which would make him the equal longest-serving player for Geelong in ďŹ nals, alongside Garry Hocking.

The list includes those not necessarily selected but on the verge of milestones.

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GREAT PRELIMINARY FINALS

PHOTO: NEWSPIX

From the Doug Wade shorts-pulling incident to Tony Lockett’s after-the-siren goal, the penultimate matches of the season are always full of intrigue. GLENN McFARLANE

DRAMA: Geelong star Doug Wade, pictured kicking for goal, and Carlton defender Peter Barry, standing the mark, were embroiled in controversy near the end of the 1962 preliminary final at the MCG.

O

n the morning of the 1993 preliminary final between Essendon and Adelaide—the last ‘stand-alone’ preliminary before the introduction of the top eight and two preliminary finals—Brownlow medallist and commentator Gerard Healy made a pertinent prediction.

Healy declared in the Herald Sun: “Expect the unexpected ... that’s the only advice I can give the fans.

What you see is most decidedly not what you will get.”

Although Healy was musing specifically about the clash between the Bombers and the Crows (and his comments would prove remarkably prescient), in many ways he was speaking about how the penultimate match (or matches) of a season can so often turn out to be the ultimate in terms of quality.

That’s often been the case since the advent of the preliminary final under the Page-McIntyre system, introduced in 1931, 80 years ago this season.

And it was most definitely the scenario during the 1990s, when

many AFL Grand Finals, heavily hyped affairs pre-game, resulted in one-sided blowouts appreciated only by fans of the winning team.

In contrast, in that decade, the games played the week before Grand Finals were frequently considered more aesthetically pleasing, with closer fi nishes and a more parochial feel. The purists loved them.

There were some stirring preliminary finals in the 1990s, including five classics over seven seasons. In that decade, six of the 16 preliminary fi nals were decided by 15 points or less; four were determined by a goal

or less; and two by a solitary point. In that time, the smallest winning Grand Final margin was 28 points.

But even in recent years, when we have witnessed some nail-biting Grand Finals, we have been also lucky to have some cracking preliminary finals.

Interest in the third weekend of the finals has elevated. Since 1994, four teams have competed in two preliminary finals, the only route to the Grand Final.

Here are some memorable ones from the past 50 years.

GREAT PRELIMINARY FINALS

THE SHORTSPULLING INCIDENT, 1962 REPLAY

SUBDUED: A crestfallen Jim Stynes bears the brunt of coach John Northey’s wrath after the 1987 preliminary final.

CARLTON 10.18 (78) d GEELONG 10.13 (73)

F

ans thought they had seen their share of drama in the 1962 fi nals series when Carlton drew with Geelong in the preliminary final. But there was more to come.

A week later, the replay was just as tense. With a minute to decide which team would meet Essendon in the Grand Final, the Cats trailed by fi ve points. But as time became the enemy, Geelong fans roared as Doug Wade, already with six goals, marked in front of Peter Barry, 30m out.

Given his accuracy, it seemed logical a goal—and a Grand Final berth—would follow.

But umpire Jack Irving made one of the most controversial decisions in fi nals history, signalling a free to Barry, ruling Wade had held on to the Carlton defender’s shorts before taking the mark.

Cats fans blamed Irving for their team missing the Grand Final; Carlton supporters (including a young Denis Pagan, who later coached North Melbourne to seven consecutive preliminary finals) cheered wildly as the siren sounded soon after to signal the Blues’ fi rst Grand Final berth in 13 years.

Wade and Irving later became close friends, although they always differed on the decision. Wade recalled: “The umpire said I held Barry back, which I didn’t. Jack’s view was that I had interfered.

“All I did was to keep my eyes on the ball and manoeuvre for position. The only possible way he could have penalised me was for sticking out my posterior.”

Irving stood by the decision for the remainder of his life, claiming the justification came when he was chosen a week later to officiate in the Grand Final.

In an interview in the early 1990s, Irving said: “When you make a decision late in a game in front of 100,000 people, the sky just about caves in on you. But I was happy with the support I received.

“If you see the clips off the television, you can see Wade’s hands out the back holding on to Barry’s shorts.”

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FIFTEEN CRUEL METRES, 1987

HAWTHORN 11.14 (80) d MELBOURNE 10.18 (78)

J

im Stynes travelled more than 17,000km from Ireland to Australia to play Australian Football.

But it was 15m that partly defined his AFL career.

In the final moments of an otherwise scrambling 1987 preliminary final between Melbourne and Hawthorn, 21-year-old Stynes committed the ultimate footy faux pas by running across the mark as Gary Buckenara was lining up for an after-the-siren shot to win the game.

The penalty—a year later it would have been 50m—brought the Hawk forward within 40m of goal. Buckenara made no mistake, inflicting pain on long-suffering Demon fans, and Stynes, who had 13 possessions in his 13th game (in the No. 37 jumper).

A classic photo caught the moment Melbourne coach John

Northey yelled: “Don’t you ever do that again, Jim!” as the players returned to the rooms after the two-point loss.

For a lesser man, that might have been the end of the story.

But Stynes credits it as the most important moment of a career that yielded a Brownlow Medal, the record for consecutive AFL matches (244) and almost universal admiration, and that response says much about the willpower of the big Irishman.

Stynes wrote in his autobiography, Whatever It Takes: “If I had not given Gary Buckenara that 15m penalty, my attitude would not have been what it was in subsequent seasons. I would not have made the most of a rare opportunity to play Australian Rules at the highest level.”

Twenty-one years on, and not all that long before he was diagnosed with cancer, Stynes had the good humour to be involved in a re-enactment for Channel Seven. The wear and tear on Buckenara’s knees meant he couldn’t make the distance.

Both men chuckled, mindful of their roles on a day that changed both their football lives.

SHEEDY’S HOUDINI ACT, 1993

ESSENDON 17.9 (111) d ADELAIDE 14.16 (100)

S

ometimes, even the greatest of escapologists have to admit there is little chance of getting out. It wasn’t quite that bad at the half-time break of the 1993 preliminary final between Essendon and Adelaide, but it was pretty close.

The Bombers trailed by 42 points, and coach Kevin Sheedy knew only a famous comeback akin to Carlton’s in the 1970 Grand Final (44 points down at half-time) could rescue them.

After what Tim Watson called one of the greatest speeches of Sheedy’s tenure, and after the coach reverted to his original team, having earlier tried to create a spark by switching it around, Essendon produced one of the most remarkable revivals in finals history.

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GREAT PRELIMINARY FINALS

The Bombers booted six goals to one in the third term to reduce the margin to 12 points at the last change. Belief was revived and, despite the fact the last term remained tight, Essendon kept coming and it was fi tting when Watson—back after a short-lived retirement—sealed the deal with a goal with 50 seconds left.

“We thought it could have been the end of the line, and I wasn’t sure we had the game until right at the very end,” captain Mark Thompson said at the time. “I was right behind Tim’s kick and it was tremendous to see it go through.

“That (never-say-die spirit) has been one of our best qualities this year. We’ve been able to come back when we’ve been in trouble, and that’s what the boys did.”

The Bombers prevailed by 11 points—one more than the Blues’ 1970 Grand Final margin. But the score-line was eerily similar. Essendon’s 1993 preliminary final score was identical to Carlton’s 1970 Grand Final score.

The Watson fairytale rolled on the next week as Sheedy’s Baby Bombers secured the club’s 15th premiership, beating Carlton.

GAZZA’S LAST STAND, 1994

GEELONG 16.13 (109) d NTH MELBOURNE 14.19 (103)

G

eelong had seemingly used up a fair slice of luck during the 1994 fi nals. The Cats won a qualifying fi nal with a Billy Brownless kick after the siren and overcame Carlton in a semi-final, despite the absence of Garry Hocking, Paul Couch, Mark Bairstow, Michael Mansfield and Barry Stoneham.

Geelong led the preliminary final against North Melbourne for much of the game, until the Roos staged a last-term fi ghtback and the game appeared headed for extra time.

Then, with seconds left, a kick from Leigh Tudor sailed over the head of Kangaroos defender Mick Martyn into the arms of Gary Ablett, who had been well held by Martyn.

“I just kicked it to the goalsquare,” Tudor said. “I knew he (Ablett) would be there. You know every time, even if he doesn’t mark it, the ball will come to ground because no one ‘out-strengths’ him.”

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Brownless gave Ablett advice that he didn’t need as the fi nal siren sounded. “I told him not to kick into the man on the mark and not to play on,” he said. “He didn’t say anything; he just gave me a funny look.”

One of the easiest goals of Ablett’s 1030 in his career followed and he was mobbed by teammates. Nearby, Martyn knelt on the ground, a hand to his head in a pose many observers said was a bleaker version of Rodin’s The Thinker.

North lamented lost opportunities on a day that Wayne Carey staged one of the great individual fi nals performances (six goals), all the while seething about a free-kick deficit of 12 to 33.

Geelong advanced to the Grand Final against West Coast, but its luck had well and truly expired by that stage. An 80-point loss followed.

PLUGGER’S POINT, 1996

SYDNEY SWANS 10.10 (70) d ESSENDON 10.9 (69)

D

espite kicking 1360 goals in a recordbreaking career, Tony Lockett will always be remembered for kicking a behind.

That ‘miss’ had a massive impact given his own circumstances, the fortunes of the team he held in the palm of his hands before taking the kick, and the city in which he started the second phase of his career.

Lockett was lucky to be even playing in the 1996 preliminary final against Essendon at the SCG. He had missed the previous two weeks with a groin injury and could barely kick

YOU BEAUTY: Gary Ablett and Peter Riccardi

celebrate after Ablett’s winning goal in the 1994 preliminary fi nal.

over 35m in the game against the Bombers.

But he found himself with the ball, 50m out with scores tied and only 17 seconds left after a typically gritty effort from the Swans saw them come back from two goals down with four minutes to play.

By the time Lockett was about to kick, the siren had sounded, and the champion forward came in for what Sandy Roberts called “the most important kick of his career”. He summoned every ounce of strength he had and the ball went through to the left, but it was enough to put the Swans into their first Grand Final in 51 years.

A pack of Swans landed on top of Lockett, as the despairing Dons (minus young forward Matthew Lloyd, who had been taken to hospital with a ruptured spleen) slumped to the ground, knowing they had let it slip.

“I was feeling all right and confident about the distance, even though I hadn’t been tested over the distance the previous month,” Lockett said.

“I missed the goal, and that was disappointing, but to sneak a point felt like kicking 10 goals.”

For Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, it was a hollow feeling.

It was only the second time in League history a team had lost a preliminary final by one point (Carlton went down to North Melbourne in 1976).

“To get two goals up and let it slip isn’t good enough, and the players dropped off in the last three or four minutes,” Sheedy said. “We were a kick off the Grand Final, but you might as well come last.”

LOSING THE UNLOSABLE, 1999

CARLTON 16.8 (104) d ESSENDON 14.19 (103)

O

n the day Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett lost the election most tipped he would win in a canter, Essendon lost what many considered the unlosable fi nal.

The Bombers were the outstanding team of 1999, claiming top spot at the end of the home and away season before easily accounting for the Sydney Swans in a qualifying fi nal.

Given Sheedy’s team had beaten the Blues twice during the season, including by an emphatic 76 points only two

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GREAT PRELIMINARY FINALS

months earlier, it seemed as if nothing would go wrong in the preliminary final.

But just as Kennett suffered a backlash in the bush that eventually saw Steve Bracks become Premier, the Blues bit back at the Bombers in the way traditional foes can do when their backs are to the wall.

With Anthony Koutoufi des playing inspired football, Carlton led at the first two changes (by 16 and 24 points) after an inaccurate Essendon went into half-time with only three goals from its 13 scoring shots.

Within nine minutes of the third term, the fi red-up Bombers had regained the lead and, by the middle of the quarter, they looked fresher and more polished, taking an 11-point lead. That was meant to be the end of the Blues’ resistance. Only, it wasn’t.

Words from Steve Silvagni and Craig Bradley at three-quarter time sparked Carlton into action.

Silvagni recalled: “I just said we had to win the ball, get it down to our forward area, and if we did that, and stuck together, then we were a chance.”

Essendon kicked the fi rst goal of the term via Steve Alessio, and that’s when David Parkin conscripted Koutoufi des into the middle. In many ways, his next 30 minutes helped decide the contest.

It was a classic last quarter full of pressure and more than a little panic from both sides.

a point may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose two by that margin looks careless.

Sheedy thought so after the game, saying: “I don’t know whether to feel sorry for him (Wallis) or be annoyed at them (the players).”

A (expletive deleted) point; it kills you BOMBER JOE MISITI

DEJECTED: Dean

Wallis slumps to the ground after Essendon’s shock loss to Carlton by a point in 1999.

The Blues clung resolutely to a lead in the dying stages, when a Mark Johnson goal with just a tick over two minutes left cut the deficit back.

Mark Mercuri had the chance to steal the lead back but he managed only a point. Then a window of hope opened again for Essendon when the kick-in ended with Dean Wallis 65m from goal (and Channel Seven’s clock showing less than 40 seconds remaining).

Wallis had two options—to give off, or to try to get around Fraser Brown. He chose the latter and lived to regret it. Rolling the dice, he took Brown on, but the Blues midfielder locked him down in a memorable tackle, with Justin Murphy collecting the ball and sending it forward before getting it back again on the final siren.

To re-fashion a quote from Oscar Wilde, it might be said that to lose one preliminary fi nal by

Assistant coach Mark Harvey said: “A lot of blokes are taking it to heart and, if there’s a positive out of a negative, hopefully it will make them better next year.” Joe Misiti put it more bluntly: “A (expletive deleted) point; it kills you.”

But it didn’t kill them. It made them stronger.

On preliminary final day a year later, the all-conquering Essendon (which lost only one game for the season) made easy work of Carlton, and just to rub their nose in it, equalled the Blues’ record of 16 fl ags when it beat Melbourne in the Grand Final. And the loneliest man at the MCG that 1999 preliminary final day, Dean Wallis, was one of the best in the 2000 Grand Final.

OTHER NOTABLE PRELIMINARY FINALS FROM THE PAST 50 YEARS* 1965 ESSENDON 14.13 (97) d COLLINGWOOD 6.6. (42) » Remembered mainly for “the Somerville incident”, with Essendon’s John Somerville left sprawled on the ground and Collingwood’s Duncan Wright the nearest player to him.

1984 ESSENDON 28.6 (174) d COLLINGWOOD 5.11 (41) » One of the most lopsided matches in history as the incredibly accurate Bombers smashed the Magpies. Recalled only for the 133-point winning margin.

1976 NORTH MELBOURNE 10.7 (67) d CARLTON 9.12 (66) » After trailing most of the day, the Kangaroos fought back in the last term.

1997 ADELAIDE 12.21 (93) d WESTERN BULLDOGS 13.13 (91) » The Bulldogs looked to have the game —and a Grand Final berth—in their keeping before a spirited comeback from the Crows.

1979 COLLINGWOOD 18.14 (122) d NORTH MELBOURNE 13.17 (95) » Wrestling between ruckmen Peter Moore and Gary Dempsey led to the introduction in 1980 of a line through the centre circle to avoid physical interference at centre bounces.

2001 ESSENDON 11.10 (76) d HAWTHORN 9.13 (67) » A tight and tense match between the rivals, culminating in a near-miss from Hawk Trent Croad late in the game.

1981 COLLINGWOOD 12.10 (82) d GEELONG 11.9 (75) » Cat Garry Sidebottom missed the bus and the game, a second successive close encounter between the teams.

2003 BRISBANE LIONS 14.16 (100) d SYDNEY SWANS 8.8 (56) » The Lions looked tired at the last change, but powered home to set up the chance for a third straight fl ag, kicking six goals to nil.

* EXCLUDES 1962 DRAW BETWEEN GEELONG AND CARLTON.

36

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2004 PORT T ADELAIDE 14.10 (94) d ST KILDAA 13.10 (88) » Nine lead changes, plenty nty of drama, Fraser er Gehrig’s Gehrig’s 100th 100th goal, and a Shaun haunBurgoyne Burgoyne tackle on Brent entGuerra Guerraas ashe hewas was about to kickk for forgoal—this goal—thisgame game had tension from fromstart startto tofifinish before the Power ower prevailed. prevailed.

2007 GEELONG ONG 13.14 13.14 (92) (92) d COLLINGWOOD WOOD 13.9 (87) (87) » After one ofofthe themost most dominant seasons ason onss in i modern memory, the Cats Catswere werepushed pushed all the way inn what what proved proved to to be be Nathan Buckley’s kley’sfifinal game.

TENSION: Not even Fraser Gehrig’s

100th goal was enough for St Kilda to beat Adelaide in 2004.

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RECOGNISING THE GREATS

The prototype of today’s ruckmen PETER MOORE Peter Moore, the dual Brownlow medallist who played in fi ve losing Grand Finals with Collingwood, was driven to succeed by his competitive nature. PETER RYAN

O

ccasionally, players arrive on the scene and shift all thinking that has gone before them.

Peter Moore, the prototype for today’s ruckmen, was one such player. He redefined the rucking role.

In 14 seasons, from 1974-87, he played in five Grand Finals (including the 1977 draw and replay) with Collingwood without a win. He won the 1979 Brownlow Medal with the Magpies, was twice the club’s leading goalkicker and captained the club in 1981-82.

He controversially left Victoria Park to join Melbourne in 1983, winning his second Brownlow Medal in his second season with the Demons, to become—at the time—just the second player to win a Brownlow at two different clubs.

When he retired after 249 games, he left behind a football career that even he admitted never lacked headlines.

“Plenty happened,” he said.

Much of what happened muddied the waters when it

38

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came to outsiders’ perceptions of Moore. But, confident in himself, his decisions and the strong friendships he made through football, Moore did not let perceptions worry him too much.

For a start, he was too busy when his career ended.

A qualified lawyer with a pilot’s licence, Moore, 55 in January, became involved in the resources sector and companies exploring for gold after a period practising law.

The father of four—with two teenagers and two children from his first marriage now in their 20s—continues to work at the edges of business opportunity, and plays golf, does some cycling and, when he can, enjoys skiing in Aspen in the United States.

He is still flying, working in a consulting job that takes him to the skies to do remote sensing for resource companies.

Moore is a successful man with an outstanding football legacy.

As his friend, lawyer and former Melbourne teammate Steven Smith said with a laugh: “I want to come back as ‘Moorey’.”

Plenty wanted to be Moore the footballer, a high-flying blond

who thrilled crowds with his athleticism, high marking and penetrating kicking, despite an idiosyncratic style. But Moore avoided the limelight when he could.

“At the club, he was very committed and contributed, but the adulation, he did not really embrace that,” Smith said.

That unwillingness led some supporters to perceive Moore as aloof.

Noel Spoor, who met Moore at Eltham when he started coaching him in junior football and has remained friends, said the opposite is true: “He never wanted the fame.”

Unfortunately, fame was something Moore was never going to avoid.

In many ways, he was the forerunner to what is expected of tall AFL players now: ruck and run and sit forward and kick goals. Such were his unique attributes, singer Mike Brady even penned a song about Moore around 1980 called T he All-Bionic Footballer, which featured the hilarious, but accurate line “When they build ’em in the future, they’ll build them to Peter’s plan”.

AHEAD OF HIS TIME: Although premiership success eluded him, Peter Moore redefi ned the way ruckmen played, thrilling crowds with his athleticism, high marking and penetrating kicking.

PHOTO: SEAN GARNSWORTHY/AFL PHOTOS

AFL RECORD

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39

PETER MOORE “I reckon he was the fi rst genuine athlete who became a football player,” said Robert Hyde, who started his career at Collingwood around the same time as Moore. “He was six-foot five (198cm), all arms and legs and he could run like the wind and jump everywhere. You could see he might just take a little while to get a sense of the game, but he certainly changed the philosophy around ruckmen.”

Moore was born in Eltham in Melbourne’s north in 1957, the son of Bruce and Pat Moore. Bruce was an academic who represented Australia in sprinting. He is now a professor of geology in the United States.

Pat was a schoolteacher at Eltham High, where Moore attended.

The academically inclined family did not have a lot to do with football, but Moore played the game in school and then joined the Eltham club. He was a state junior basketballer, too, his mix of quickness and agility evident from an early age.

He started playing full-forward in Eltham’s seniors in the Diamond Valley League at 14. It was a tough competition in Collingwood’s zone.

“It was a tough, pretty rugged affair,” Moore said. “I only lasted about half a dozen games because they kept whacking me.”

Soon enough, he was at Collingwood, earning senior selection late in 1974, aged just 17, after arriving at the club as a 16-year-old. In the side were Peter McKenna, Barry Price, the Richardson brothers (Wayne and Max), Ray Shaw and Billy Picken.

Moore had to bide his time because champion Len Thompson and the rangy Bob Heard were ahead of him in the ruck pecking order. Eventually he got his chance—at centre half-back.

“I was busting to play. I could not wait,” he said. “I was frustrated because I was playing pretty well in the seconds but could not get a game.”

He played 39 games from 1974-76 as the Magpies struggled. He did not earn a Brownlow Medal vote during that period but, when Tom Hafey arrived as coach in 1977, Moore’s talent was unleashed.

“When Tommy came in, that’s what transformed my career,” Moore said. “He decided I could be a key forward and play a little in the ruck, a bit like what they do now.”

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UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES:

Moore, pictured rising above Hawthorn counterpart Alan Martello, leapt and ran like no one the game had seen before.

Moore was still raw, his kicking wayward but he electrifi ed the competition in 1977. He kicked 76 goals—including 13 in three games in the finals series.

He wore his socks pulled up with ankle supports on the outside and he leapt and ran like no one the game had seen.

“I was not really a specialist forward, but I used to take a lot of good marks,” Moore said.

One of those was a hanger over Carlton’s Mike Fitzpatrick (now the AFL Commission Chairman) at Princes Park; a framed print was presented

to Fitzpatrick as part of his 50th birthday celebrations. It remains unclear whether the print has pride of place in the Fitzpatrick digs.

Moore never stopped working on his game—on his kicking with Ron Richards and his fitness with Spoor. His skipper Wayne Richardson was a great mentor and role model.

Although Moore said he was naturally fi t and not the hardest trainer around, Spoor remembered things differently.

“He was always a jump ahead,” he said. “In pre-season, we used to go for runs when

others weren’t even thinking about starting to train.”

There was little doubting Moore’s athleticism. He used to win every sprint at training. “He had great, big, long legs and took off like a rocket,” Hyde said.

Moore backed up in 1978 with 54 goals as a 21-year-old, but it was a matter of time before he moved into the ruck.

When Thompson left in 1979 to join South Melbourne, Moore assumed the mantle, raring to go after serving his apprenticeship.

“He was always very gracious to me,” Moore said of Thompson.

“He was very supportive and

This is why you’re photographed when you speed.

Alisha Longmore, 18. Killed 2000.

PETER MOORE

CONFIDENT AND MOTIVATED:

Moore thrived on the high expectations of being Collingwood’s star player.

a real mentor. He was not resenting my presence at all.

He was terrifi c.”

Thompson taught Moore the difficult art of reading the play. Moore said it was not an easy aspect of the game to learn, emphasising ruckmen need time to develop. He said it was about making the decision early to commit to run somewhere.

“You have got to try to read where the ball is going to go and commit to it early and not wait until the ball has already gone, because you won’t get there,” he said.

“So, you need to be two kicks ahead of the game all the time and you have got to be prepared to run a lot and not get the ball.

You may get the ball one in five, but you have to be putting yourself in those positions. A lot of guys stand in the middle of the ground watching.”

Moore mastered Thompson’s on-field repertoire, then extended it further. It was not a conscious decision to change the way the role was played. He simply had some attributes that made him more valuable.

Mainly it was his running power, lethal when combined with his size and strength and clean marking ability.

Although every ruckman had to get back in defence to help out, most would remain there, a kick behind the play. Moore covered the ground, breaking the lines, reaching contests, bouncing the ball, pushing forward.

It wasn’t easy, because ruckmen in those days were tough; Carl Ditterich, Jeff Sarau, Don Scott, Gary Dempsey and Fitzpatrick were just a few of his contemporaries.

Moore loved the battle. Every Friday at 2pm, he would have a kick with Spoor at Binnak Park in Watsonia in preparation for what was ahead. They stood close to each other as Spoor fi red the ball at him to sharpen his touch.

After a couple of shots at goal and a lap or two, they would return to Spoor’s home to chat about the next day’s opponent.

“In those days, they trained only twice a week,”

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SUCCESSFUL: Moore was a high-fl yer on and off the field. Top, he is embraced by

Magpie captain Ray Shaw after winning the fi rst of his two Brownlow medals in 1979 and, above, the qualifi ed lawyer also has a pilot’s licence.

This is a winner-take-all sport and I think it’s the only attitude you can have PETER MOORE

That disappointment became very public when Moore threw away his runner-up medal after the 1981 Grand Final, the ill-conceived initiative to award players from the losing team a medal now part of football folklore.

“My thought at the time was, ‘I don’t want this. I don’t want to come second’,” Moore said. The gesture was, he said, a refusal to accept that coming second was good enough.

“Runner-up and bronze medals are good for some sports, but this is a winner-takes-all sport and I think it’s the only attitude you can have.”

He can chuckle about the furore now. “It was a bit of a silly thing to do, but I did not want to have any runner-up medals in my cupboard.”

He did end up with two Brownlow Medals in the cupboard. The fi rst one, in 1979, was somewhat of a surprise,

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but nevertheless well deserved.

He said he took it with a grain of salt. “Whenever I see Garry Wilson (the Fitzroy great who was favourite that year and finished second, one vote short of the winner), I tell him I’ve got his Brownlow at home,” Moore said, jokingly.

The second one came in 1984, in his second season at Melbourne. Winning the medal became an objective, a way to relieve the pressure that built up after he switched clubs. His move was a massive deal for the time, as was that of Footscray’s champion goalkicker Kelvin Templeton to the Demons at the same time.

“I needed the pressure off personally and that was a good way to do it,” Moore said.

It was the one moment in Moore’s career when he put chasing individual success on a par with pursuing team success.

Of course, the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

“I set myself to win it. I wanted to win it and went after it,” Moore said, candidly.

To understand that comment, you need to imagine the pressure that fell on Moore the footballer post-1981. A fifth Grand fi nal appearance without a win had caused relationships between the coach and the team to fracture. Moore liked Hafey and said the effort to make the 1981 Grand Final after such a devastating loss to Richmond in 1980 was a testament to Hafey’s remarkable coaching ability.

But enough was enough.

“The players were unhappy and then the whole thing derailed after that,” he said.

Moore wore much of the blame for Hafey’s dismissal in the public forum, having taken the players’ views to the board.

He wasn’t happy with how that transpired.

Moore thought the board avoided responsibility for its decision to sack Hafey and was happy for the public backlash to fall on the players and, most of all, on Moore as captain. Being portrayed as the villain was enough to make him explore other options.

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Spoor said. “Peter was smart enough to know it was probably not enough.”

Expectations on Moore were always high. Hafey would phone his star player every Friday night during the season, keeping the pressure on with the words: “Every time you play well, we win.

All you have to do is play well.”

Moore liked that approach.

“I responded to that,” he said. “I was never nervous about losing.

It was a bit of arrogance really.

Assume you’re going to win and beat the guy you’re on, and most of the time you do.”

Moore’s unwillingness to concede was evident in one of his most famous battles, a ‘wrestling’ match with North Melbourne champion Gary Dempsey in the 1979 preliminary final.

Injury had hampered Moore’s leap and the Magpies were being flogged at the centre bounces, so he resorted to running in from the same side as Dempsey and wrestling with him to win the tap.

“The umpires could have stopped it instantly just by giving a free kick,” Moore said. “But they didn’t.”

The duel led to a rule change, with a line in the middle of the centre circle introduced at the start of the next season to force opposing ruckman to start their run-ups on opposite sides.

Despite his competitive nature and the efforts of his teammates, Moore took the field in fi ve Grand Finals but never won a premiership.

He was considered so valuable that he played in the 1981 Grand Final despite tearing his hamstring in the fi rst semi-fi nal.

He had reservations, but the coach wanted him to play and he was desperate to be part of a premiership, so he stood in the goalsquare, minus his natural speed and movement.

Collingwood went close in 1977, with Moore kicking nine goals in the two Grand Finals.

The Magpies went down by fi ve points in 1979, 81 in 1980 and 20 the next year after leading during the third quarter.

“Tommy’s teams were gritty and tough and competitive. It was disappointing not to jag one,” he said.

43

PETER MOORE Melbourne came knocking.

Contrary to popular opinion, it was not money that led Moore to leave Collingwood. He said the Magpies offered him the same amount to stay. It was more to do with the opportunity to play under Ron Barassi, whom he admired from afar; Moore was also aware the club he was leaving was in political disarray.

He has reconsidered his decision since.

“If I had my time again, I probably would have stayed,” Moore said. “I would have liked to have stayed and played my whole career there.”

Moore attends Collingwood matches when he can, acted as a mentor for Josh Fraser early in his career and was inducted into the Magpies’ Hall of Fame in 2007, two years after being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Moore’s son Darcy was also showing great talent with Kew Comets and Vic Metro representative sides before a bout of glandular fever sidelined him for this season, and many have earmarked him as a possible father-son recruit for the Magpies.

Smith said the move to Melbourne underlined aspects of Moore’s personality: “He is ambitious and driven and I guess, at the end of the day, he’s a risk-taker,” Smith said.

It was a risk for Moore to leave the Magpies after 172 games and 193 goals, the move creating pressure and more unwanted attention. His thoughts on the move are interesting, considering the decisions many young AFL players have faced in recent seasons.

“I have always worried about the team but, when you shift clubs like that, it becomes such a media event. It shifts from being a team issue to you personally,” he said.

“You have got to play well. The expectation is that you will be a dominant player so it does put a lot of personal pressure on.”

The Brownlow win certainly helped assuage some of that pressure.

Moore’s words to The Age on the eve of the 1983 season reveal his mindset after the move: “The pressure is going to be enormous. I know people are really going to expect a lot from me. I just hope I am judged on an overall performance throughout the year rather than one game. I’m a stone (6.5kg) lighter than last year and I’m 44

AFL RECORD

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FOCUSED: After

switching to Melbourne, Moore set himself to win the 1984 Brownlow Medal.

fitter than I have been for four season. “We weren’t helped or five years.” by our two ‘name’ recruits not Smith said being seen as producing great seasons.” the white knight at Melbourne The assessment was not must have been diffi cult, but completely fair to Moore, who Moore presented as confi dent had been hampered with injury. and positive. “He keeps a lot to To top it off, Barassi had in his himself,” Smith said. “There head that Moore might play as a would have been enormous centre half-forward. That issue pressure on him.” was sorted out in the off-season Moore’s nickname became and Moore set himself for a big ‘Wants’ (as in Wants Moore) year in the ruck in 1984. By when he season’s end, arrived at the he had that Demons, but Brownlow he the jibe was had set himself delivered to win. in jest. Smith Just 39 said he soon games later, became very after a series of popular with back injuries, his teammates.

Moore’s “Peter Moore career was was great. He MELBOURNE TEAMMATE STEVEN SMITH over, having was a played his self-starter and final game in highly motivated to succeed. As 1987. Although publicly his a player, he was really good to recruitment (along with have around the place.”

Templeton) was reported Barassi’s pointed assessment as a failed experiment, Smith of how Moore had fared came (now a vice-president of six months into 1983 when Melbourne Cricket Club) has summing up Melbourne’s a very different view.

Moore was great. He was a self-starter and highly motivated

FACT FILE

30

30

Peter Moore

Born: November 1, 1957 Recruited from: Eltham Debut: Round 1, 1974, v Essendon Height: 198cm Weight: 97kg Games: 249 Goals: 244 Player honours: Brownlow Medal Coll 1979, Melb 1984; Coll best and fairest 1979, 1980; Coll leading goalkicker 1977, 1978; Coll captain 1981-82; Coll pre-season premiership side 1979.

Brownlow Medal: career votes 108

He said Moore was a natural leader who gave everything he had to drag Melbourne up the ladder.

“He just couldn’t do it by himself,” Smith said. “You could never argue he did not succeed at Melbourne.”

For his part, Moore refl ected fondly on the people he met at both clubs.

Working as a lawyer in Eltham, Moore returned to where it all began—perhaps an indication of the true Peter Moore—and coached Eltham in 1989. His team won the premiership, losing only one game for the season.

“I loved the footy. The biggest thrill I had in football was coaching that premiership,” he said.

Business and family commitments meant his coaching career ended after one season, a 99 per cent winning record a feature of his CV. He had the rest of his life to live, faded into the background of the public’s mind, a place he always preferred. When he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, he emphasised that it was the long-lasting friendships he had made through football that he cherished most.

Perhaps the last word about Moore belongs to Spoor, who has been there all along and knows better than most that the good bloke he first met as a teenager always had that little bit extra, a factor that meant he was destined for success.

“He was terribly competitive and that is the nature of the beast and that is probably why he was as successful as he was.

He was a real competitor who hated to fail,” Spoor said.

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Finals Week 3 2011

Your ultimate game guide including statistics, facts facts club news CENTRE OF ACTION: Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell (with ball) will be pivotal to the Hawks’ hopes of defeating the Magpies and advancing to next week’s Grand Final.

overview

First finals clash in 33 years Hawks won their last final against the Pies on their way to their fourth fl ag.

Collingwood v Hawthorn

» The Pies have won two of their past three against

the Hawks, by 64 points in round four last year and by 41 points in round 15. These victories were split by a three-point loss in round 22 last year.

The Hawks triumphed in their four clashes before that, the last three by an average of 55 points.

The two clubs have met only three times in fi nals.

Their first September clash was in the 1974 fi rst semi-final, which Hawthorn won by 50 points after Leigh Matthews slotted 7.1 from 21 kicks.

They met again in the 1977 second semi-fi nal, which the Pies won by two points on their way to a drawn Grand Final and ultimately being runners-up.

The most recent fi nal between Collingwood and Hawthorn was the 1978 qualifying fi nal, which the Hawks won by 56 points on their way to their fourth premiership.

Geelong Cats v West Coast Eagles

AFL TIPSTERS PETER DI SISTO AFL RECORD

Hawthorn 1 point Geelong Cats 24 points TOTALS: Season 127 Finals 4

» Before Geelong and West Coast clashed at

Patersons Stadium in round 16, the Cats had won their previous six encounters by an average of 60 points.

But the then fi fth-placed Eagles produced a performance that confirmed their status as a genuine finals threat, upsetting the top-of-the-table Cats (who were 14-1) by eight points.

The Cats have never beaten the Eagles in a final. The two clubs clashed in four fi nals from 1991-94—each of them in Melbourne— with West Coast winning by an average of 40 points.

Among these encounters were Grand Finals in 1992 (28 points) and 1994 (80 points), the 1991 preliminary final (15 points) and the 1992 second semi-final (38 points).

GERARD WHATELEY ABC GRANDSTAND

Collingwood 15 points Geelong Cats 34 points TOTALS: Season 135 Finals 6

BRIAN TAYLOR 3AW

Collingwood 26 points Geelong Cats 14 points TOTALS: Season 130 Finals 4

ANDREW DEMETRIOU AFL CEO

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Collingwood 16 points Geelong Cats 15 points TOTALS: Season 126 Finals 4

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AFL SEASON STATS Kicks

Dane Swan Collingwood 441 Matthew Boyd Western Bulldogs 398 Marc Murphy Carlton 391 Sam Mitchell Hawthorn 385 Bryce Gibbs Carlton 381 Trent Cotchin Richmond 372 Kade Simpson Carlton 361 Matt Suckling Hawthorn 347 Scott Pendlebury Collingwood 347 Heath Scotland Carlton 346 Scott Thompson Adelaide 343 Brent Stanton Essendon 343 Ryan Griffen Western Bulldogs 341 Nick Dal Santo St Kilda 338 Leigh Montagna St Kilda 335

Marks

Bryce Gibbs Carlton 174 Travis Cloke Collingwood 174 Grant Birchall Hawthorn 166 Heath Scotland Carlton 163 Ben Reid Collingwood 156 Nick Riewoldt St Kilda 154 Sam Fisher St Kilda 153 Quinten Lynch West Coast Eagles 152 Kade Simpson Carlton 147 Bret Thornton Carlton 146 Adam Goodes Sydney Swans 143 Josh Kennedy West Coast Eagles 140 Nathan Bock Gold Coast Suns 139 Matt Suckling Hawthorn 137 Dean Cox West Coast Eagles 137

AFL FINALS WEEK 2 FIRST SEMI-FINAL West Coast Eagles 1.3 9.3 11.8 15.11 (101) Carlton 4.1 7.4 10.5 15.8 (98) Best: West Coast Eagles – Cox, S. Selwood, Kerr, Kennedy, Priddis, Nicoski, Glass. Carlton – Robinson, Murphy, Simpson, Ellard, Carrazzo, Walker.

Goals: West Coast Eagles – Kennedy 3, Nicoski 3, Darling 3, Cox, Priddis, Hurn, Lynch, McGinnity, LeCras. Carlton – Walker 3, Murphy 2, Ellard 2, Garlett 2, Betts, Thornton, Joseph, Scotland, Simpson, Tuohy.

Substitutes: McGinnity (WCE), Tuohy (Carl).

Umpires: R. Chamberlain, B. Rosebury, M. Stevic.

Crowd: 42,803 at Patersons Stadium.

SECOND SEMI-FINAL Hawthorn 3.5 10.5 12.6 19.8 (122) Sydney Swans 0.1 4.1 9.6 13.8 (86) Best: Hawthorn – Gibson, Hodge, Mitchell, Smith, Burgoyne, Hale, Franklin, Puopolo. Sydney Swans – Kennedy, Mumford, Goodes, McVeigh, Shaw, Bolton.

Goals: Hawthorn – Franklin 4, Puopolo 3, Bateman 2, Hale 2, Hodge, Burgoyne, Lewis, Rioli, Osborne, Bailey, Shiels, Suckling. Sydney Swans – Goodes 3, O’Keefe 3, McVeigh, Bird, Mumford, Kennelly, Reid, Rohan, Spangher.

Substitutes: Suckling (Haw), Parker (Syd).

Umpires: C. Donlon, M. Nicholls, S. Ryan.

Crowd: 55,198 at the MCG.

NO ROOM TO MOVE:

Carlton skipper Chris Judd was kept under constant pressure by the Eagles, with defender Shannon Hurn laying this tackle.

Handballs

Matt Priddis West Coast Eagles 372 Chris Judd Carlton 332 Scott Pendlebury Collingwood 330 Scott Thompson Adelaide 330 Daniel Cross Western Bulldogs 323 Marc Murphy Carlton 308 Simon Black Brisbane Lions 305 Matthew Boyd Western Bulldogs 303 Gary Ablett Gold Coast Suns 301 Andrew Swallow North Melbourne 294 Sam MitZchell Hawthorn 285 Brett Deledio Richmond 282 Nick Dal Santo St Kilda 277 Nathan Fyfe Fremantle 274 Heath Scotland Carlton 271

Tackles

Inside 50

Adam Goodes Sydney Swans 136 Ryan Griffen Western Bulldogs 130 Dane Swan Collingwood 118 Quinten Lynch West Coast Eagles 116 Matthew Boyd Western Bulldogs 115 Kade Simpson Carlton 114 Travis Cloke Collingwood 113 Luke Shuey West Coast Eagles 112 Marc Murphy Carlton 111 Trent Cotchin Richmond 108 Chris Judd Carlton 105 Joel Selwood Geelong Cats 104 Sam Mitchell Hawthorn 103 Daniel Wells North Melbourne 101

Rebounded from 50

Nathan Bock Gold Coast Suns 117 Pearce Hanley Brisbane Lions 116 Shannon Hurn West Coast Eagles 112 Rhyce Shaw Sydney Swans 111 Robert Murphy Western Bulldogs 111 Graham Johncock Adelaide 111 James Frawley Melbourne 110 Chris Yarran Carlton 99 Scott McMahon North Melbourne 95 Heath Grundy Sydney Swans 95 Dustin Fletcher Essendon 95 Matt Suckling Hawthorn 93 Ted Richards Sydney Swans 91

Hard-ball gets

Josh Kennedy Sydney Swans 171 Chris Judd Carlton 166 Matt Priddis West Coast Eagles 162 Andrew Swallow North Melbourne 146 Gary Ablett Gold Coast Suns 138

76

AFL RECORD

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Matthew Boyd Western Bulldogs 132 Scott Pendlebury Collingwood 131 Trent Cotchin Richmond 125 Sam Mitchell Hawthorn 122 Marc Murphy Carlton 119 Ryan O’Keefe Sydney Swans 118 Simon Black Brisbane Lions 117 Nathan Foley Richmond 117 Ben Hudson Western Bulldogs 117

Loose-ball gets

Ryan O’Keefe Sydney Swans 97 Dane Swan Collingwood 96 Adam Goodes Sydney Swans 87 Scott Pendlebury Collingwood 84 Gary Ablett Gold Coast Suns 83 Matthew Boyd Western Bulldogs 83 Marc Murphy Carlton 83 Scott Thompson Adelaide 73 Brent Harvey North Melbourne 72 Daniel Hannebery Sydney Swans 71 Tom Rockliff Brisbane Lions 71 Jarrad McVeigh Sydney Swans 71 Nick Dal Santo St Kilda 70 Josh Kennedy Sydney Swans 69

Frees for

Marc Murphy Carlton 60 Joel Selwood Geelong Cats 56 Dean Cox West Coast Eagles 56 Andrew Swallow North Melbourne 49 Todd Goldstein North Melbourne 47 Adam Selwood West Coast Eagles 43 Matt Priddis West Coast Eagles 42 Jude Bolton Sydney Swans 41 Drew Petrie North Melbourne 41 Dean Brogan Port Adelaide 40 Matthew Boyd Western Bulldogs 39

Sam Mitchell Hawthorn 39 Angus Monfries Essendon 39 Gary Ablett Gold Coast Suns 38

Frees against

Lance Franklin Hawthorn 50 Scott Thompson Adelaide 45 Daniel Jackson Richmond 43 James Kelly Geelong Cats 42 Shane Mumford Sydney Swans 41 Andrew Swallow North Melbourne 39 Brad Ottens Geelong Cats 39 Luke Ball Collingwood 38 Mark McVeigh Essendon 37 Ben Hudson Western Bulldogs 37 David Armitage St Kilda 36 Stephen Milne St Kilda 35 Darren Jolly Collingwood 34 Todd Goldstein North Melbourne 33

Hit-outs

Todd Goldstein North Melbourne 741 Matthew Leuenberger Brisbane Lions 724 Dean Cox West Coast Eagles 704 Shane Mumford Sydney Swans 662 Sam Jacobs Adelaide 611 Robert Warnock Carlton 591 Ben McEvoy St Kilda 497 Mark Jamar Melbourne 484 Brad Ottens Geelong Cats 452 Nic Naitanui West Coast Eagles 435 Aaron Sandilands Fremantle 432 Ben Hudson Western Bulldogs 383 Angus Graham Richmond 331 Darren Jolly Collingwood 330 Patrick Ryder Essendon 329 Note: Totals include fi nals

Source: CHAMPION DATA

Scott Selwood West Coast Eagles 196 Matt Priddis West Coast Eagles 188 James Kelly Geelong Cats 167 Jack Redden Brisbane Lions 166 Jude Bolton Sydney Swans 154 Ben Howlett Essendon 153 Luke Ball Collingwood 151 Chris Judd Carlton 148 Liam Shiels Hawthorn 147 Andrew Swallow North Melbourne 145 Clinton Jones St Kilda 142 Scott Pendlebury Collingwood 140 Ryan O’Keefe Sydney Swans 139 Josh Kennedy Sydney Swans 135 Daniel Cross Western Bulldogs 125

THE HIGH-DEFINITION SPECIALIST VFL – FINALS

WAFL – FINALS

NEAFL NORTH – FINALS GRAND FINAL NT Thunder 4.3 9.10 15.16 26.22 (178) Morningside 5.3 7.6 10.7 12.8 (80) BEST: NT Thunder – Dignan, Roe, McLeod, Farrer, J. Ilett, Tungatalum. Morningside – Brown, Bell, Holman, Price, Yagmoor, Mugavin.

GOALS: NT Thunder – Tungatalum 5, Farrer 5, McLeod 4, Ewing 3, C. Ilett 2, Palipuaminni, Rosier, Tyrrell, Maher, Rioli, J. Ilett, Roberts. Morningside – Mugavin 4, Brown 2, Lucy 2, Abey, Bonney, Holman, Starcevich.

FIRST PRELIMINARY FINAL Port Melbourne 6.4 10.8 12.13 18.19 (127) Northern Bullants 4.2 9. 13.8 16.9 (105) BEST: Port Melbourne – Baird, Galea, Pinwill, Valenti, Dillon, Burstin. Northern Bullants – Russell, Dare, Houlihan, Curnow, Meese, Austin.

GOALS: Port Melbourne – Galea 5, Rose 3, Cain 2, Valenti 2, Pleming 2, McMahon, McGrath, Francis, Burstin. Northern Bullants – Houlihan 5, Saad 3, Austin 2, Kerr 2, Waite, McLean, Watson, O’Keefe.

FOR YOUR NEAREST STORE CALL

TOUGH IN TIGHT:

PRELIMINARY FINAL Subiaco 1.4 3.4 7.7 8.8 (56) West Perth 1.2 3.6 4.7 5.11 (41) BEST: Subiaco – Wheeler, Horsley, Phelan, Hampson, Bristow, Parker, Randall, Bloxsidge. West Perth – Hutchings, Salecic, Morrow, Pearce, Browne.

GOALS: Subiaco – Hampson 3, Keevers 2, Parker, Cockie, Stevenson. West Perth: Gobbels 2, Strijk, Guadagnin, Saylor.

AFL TASMANIA – FINALS

Bullant Brock McLean attempts to break free.

NEAFL EAST – FINALS GRAND FINAL Ainslie 6.3 9.5 12.9 19.11 (125) Sydney Swans 4.2 5.7 6.8 10.13 (73) BEST: Ainslie – Crook, Vandenberg, Griffi n, Harris, Stone, Paine.

Sydney Swans – Potter, Murphy, Seaby, McNeil, Brain, Gordon.

GOALS: Ainslie – Paine 5, Crook 3, Hughes 3, Lawless 2, Vandenberg 2, Argall, Bowles, Love, Mathis. Sydney Swans – Dennis-Lane 2, Gordon 2, Seaby 2, Murphy, Jetta, Pyke, Everitt.

SECOND PRELIMINARY FINAL Williamstown 6.6 14.7 19.11 23.19 (157) Werribee Tigers 0.3 6.4 9.6 11.8 (74) BEST: Williamstown – Goodes, Minson, Reid, Djerrkura, Hill, Howard. Werribee Tigers – Hartigan, MacMillan, Tighe, Rockefeller, Mangan, Tuck.

GOALS: Williamstown – Reid 5, Hooper 3, Roughead 3, Tutt 2, Panos 2, Howard, Hill, Djerrkura, Barlow, Minson, Johnson, Addison, Cravino. Werribee Tigers – McKinley 3, Urquhart 2, Ross 2, Sharp, Harding, Martiniello, Tuck.

PRELIMINARY FINAL Launceston 6.3 8.9 11.9 13.15 (93) Clarence 1.0 3.5 8.8 8.10 (58) BEST: Launceston – O’Keefe, Stephens, Whiting, Finch, Groenewegen, Thurlow. Clarence – Setchell, Savage, Drury, French, Nibbs, Baker.

GOALS: Launceston – Whiting 4, Ellis 2, Thurlow 2, Finch, Sheppard, Sinclair, Stephens, McCabe. Clarence – Thurley 3, Paine, McVilly, French, Standen, Gleeson.

TAC CUP – FINALS SANFL – FINALS ELIMINATION FINAL Panthers 5.4 8.7 11.13 14.17 (101) Glenelg 2.4 6.6 8.7 10.10 (70) BEST: Panthers – Horne, Gotch, Brooksby, Carey, Stribling, Liddle. Glenelg – Shaw, Adlington, Sellar, McMahon, Cranston, Curran.

GOALS: Panthers – Wundke 3, Horne 3, Ainger 2, MacLeod 2, Stribling, Rolfe, Daniel, McKay. Glenelg – Kane 2, Tenace 2, Grima 2, Allen, Kirkby, Murphy, Kennedy.

AFL SYDNEY – FINALS GRAND FINAL East Coast Eagles 9.4 14.7 14.9 17.12 (114) Balmain 1.1 3.3 7.7 10.11 (71) BEST: East Coast Eagles – Dimery, Jamie Vlatko, Doyle, Spiteri, Bilkey, Bourke. Balmain – Stevens, Bates, Maniscalco, Coulloupas, Lilly, Farrell.

GOALS: East Coast Eagles – Jamie Vlatko 4, Doyle 4, O’Connor 3, Spiteri 2, Silvester, Bilkey, Maher, Costello. Balmain – Edwins 2, Saddington 2, Davis 2, Yeomans, Osland, Coulloupas, Howard.

QUALIFYING FINAL Norwood 3.4 9.7 12.11 17.12 (114) Eagles 3.0 4.3 5.4 8.5 (53) BEST: Norwood – Suckling, Shenton, Webber, Campbell, Pfeiffer, Brown. Eagles – Petrenko, Goldsworthy, Cicolella, Day, McKenzie, Jarrad.

GOALS: Norwood – Shenton 6, Eagleton 2, Fuller 2, Brown 2, Hughes, Pfeiffer, Campbell, Doyle, Webber. Eagles – Parry 2, Grocke, Cicolella, Petrenko, Hall, Allmond, Goldsworthy.

FIRST PRELIMINARY FINAL Sandringham Dragons 2.1 5.4 6.4 10.13 (73) Calder Cannons 2.5 4.10 8.14 8.16 (64) BEST: Sandringham Dragons – Darrou, Coleman, Anastasio, Heagney-Steart, Fallon, Woodward. Calder Cannons – Talia, Angus, Uysal, Saad, Ellis, Ball.

GOALS: Sandringham Dragons – Anastasio 3, Williams, Boyd, Paine, Ong, Coleman, Temay, Roberts. Calder Cannons – Hetherington 2, Fletcher 2, Bailey 2, Ball, Sheahan.

SECOND PRELIMINARY FINAL Oakleigh Chargers 3.2 6.6 9.8 13.9 (87) Dandenong Stingrays 3.1 5.3 8.9 11.12 (78) BEST: Oakleigh Chargers – Tyson, Tomlinson, Gotch, Jong, Mascitti, Pearce. Dandenong Stingrays – Kelly, Minchington, Haynes, Benbow, Whitfi eld, Hill.

GOALS: Oakleigh Chargers – Soriano 3, Gotch 3, Mascitti 2, Williams, Pearce, Greene, Viney, Murphy. Dandenong Stingrays – O’Hanlon 2, Wright, Pongracic, Minchington, Whitfi eld, Benbow, Salopek, Calvert, Wallace, Elton.

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77

2011

BROWNLOW MEDAL

C

ould we see history created on Monday night?

Most experts believe we will if Carlton champion Chris Judd or Sydney Swans superstar Adam Goodes claim their third Brownlow Medal.

Having won the medal in 2004 with the West Coast Eagles, Judd became a dual Brownlow medallist in 2010, this time as a Blue. Last year, he joined a select group of nine players who have won the Brownlow Medal twice.

Goodes is already in that group, having tied in 2003 with Collingwood’s Nathan Buckley

and Adelaide’s Mark Ricciuto, before winning it outright in 2006.

And now, after outstanding seasons for their respective clubs, Judd and Goodes are a chance of joining an exclusive club: triple Brownlow medallists.

Just four men have won the coveted medal three times.

Fitzroy’s Haydn Bunton won in 1931, 1932 and 1935; Essendon’s Dick Reynolds in 1934, 1937 and 1938; South Melbourne’s Bob Skilton in 1959, 1963 and 1968; and Ian Stewart for St Kilda in 1965 and 1966 and for Richmond in 1971.

Standby for some history.

AFL RECORD

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79

20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

Adelaide TOP PERFORMEREXPERT FORMER GUIDE

Scott Thompson

XXXXXXX:

XXXXXX XXXXX

» Thompson has been a regular

Brownlow Medal vote-winner in recent seasons, and could go close to becoming Adelaide’s second winner in its history. In 2007, Thompson polled 18 votes to finish in the top 10, followed by a 15-vote effort in 2008 and 11 votes in 2009. Last year, he polled 15 votes, and looks set to eclipse that mark after an outstanding season in 2011.

Thompson played every game this year, and accumulated a career-high 673 possessions to sit among the elite midfi elders in the competition. He led the club in kicks, handballs, handballs received, tackles, loose-ball gets and inside 50s, and was ranked second (behind Patrick Dangerfield) in hard-ball gets.

Seems certain to poll three votes for his 51-possession effort against the Gold Coast in round 22.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 8 goals, 343 kicks, 94 marks, 330 handballs, 119 tackles, 46 rebound 50s, 97 hard-ball gets, gets, 73 loose-ball gets Career 198 games, 129 goals, 78 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION RATION

Patrick Dangerfi eld

Graham Johncock

» Had an inconsistent

» Provided great

dash from defence all season and averaged more than 18 disposals a game.

Played every game and had a season-high 31 touches against Gold Coast in round eight.

rol e he was moved into a tagging role attracted mid-year. May have attracted umpires the attention of the umpires jobson on with tight-checking jobs riddisand and West Coast’s Matt Priddis aptain Western Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd.

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 23 goals, 204 kicks, 64 marks, 171 handballs, 72 tackles, 69 inside 50s, 105 hard-ball gets, 45 loose-ball gets Career 64 games, 71 goals, 2 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 5 goals, 289 kicks, 104 marks, 123 handballs, 33 tackles, 111 rebound 50s, 49 loose-ball gets Career 206 games, 99 goals, 29 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats tats 19 games, 172 kicks, 87 87marks, marks, 180 handballs, 70 tackles, kles, 42 rebound 50s, 45 loose-ball gets Career 207 games, 444goals, goals, 9 Brownlow votes

season, but was central to several of Adelaide’s best performances. Appears likely to poll three votes for his six-goal and 23-possession effort against the Gold Coast in round eight.

Michael Doughty y

» Showed his versatility tilitywhen when

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNER

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS LIANS

Nathan van Berlo (captain), Scott Thompson, Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Patrick Dangerfield

Mark Ricciuto (2003 tied)

None

INELIGIBLE Ivan Maric, Kurt Tippett, Richard Tambling, Sam Jacobs, Chris Knights

80

AFL RECORD

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RELIABLE: Michael Doughty hty tility. impressed with his versatility.

» Adelaide’s disappointing

season will do little to help Scott Thompson’s chances of becoming only the second Crows player to win the Brownlow. The last winner from a team outside the top eight was in 1999, when Hawthorn captain Shane Crawford won when the Hawks finished ninth. It seems unlikely Thompson will break that drought, despite having a career-best season. The only Crow to win the medal is Mark Ricciuto in 2003, when he tied with Collingwood’s Nathan Buckley and the Swans’ Adam Goodes. Talented midfielder Rory Sloane may win votes in the best of his three seasons at AFL level, and Patrick Dangerfield’s flashes of brilliance are sure to catch the umpires’ eeye, ey yee,, but bu b ut in ut in its iittss worst worrssttseason wo se sea aso as on n in nh his hi history, ist sto tor ory ry, y,, A Ad Ade Adelaide dela ela laid aide dee iss u un unlikely nli nlik like kel ely lyy to op po poll olll w we wel well. ell ll. l.

Join n the th Brownlow wnl Medal Meeda conversation nvver on non o Twitter tter– useethe thehashtag htag #Brownlow row w

Brisbane Lions TOP OP PERFORMER PERFORMEREXPERT GUIDE

Simon Black » The 2002 Brownlow

medallist has an outstanding record in Brownlow counts. In addition to his win nine years ago, he has had two runner-up finishes, in 2007 (equal) and 2008, and an equal-fourth placing in 2009. Surprisingly, his strong 2010 form was rewarded with only three votes in last year’s count, but you can expect him to win more plaudits from the umpires this season. As prolifi c as ever at stoppages, Black averaged almost 27 possessions a game this season. He had 30 or more possessions in 10 games but, unfortunately, only two of those were won by the Lions.

With the umpires likely to favour winning teams, Black could lose votes to opposition players in those games. But, as unlikely as a 2011 Brownlow win seems, Black can never be discounted.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Tom Rockliff

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 4 goals, 285 kicks, 62 marks, 305 handballs, 95 tackles, 80 inside 50s, 41 rebound 50s, 117 hard-ball gets, 66 loose-ball gets.

Career 296 games, 163 goals, 164 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION RATION

Matthew Leuenberger

Jack Redden

midfielder was outstanding in 2011, averaging 27.7 possessions a game and racking up 30 or more disposals nine times. He led the Lions in kicks (310) and was second in contested possessions (215).

» Carried the

Lions’ ruck division almost single-handedly this season. Finished second in the competition for total hit-outs (724) and also had an impact around the ground, averaging nearly 16 disposals a game.

brigade Lions’ young midfi eldd brigade who shone in 2011. A tough shed inside player, he fi nished AFL equal second in the AFL d for tackles (166), and in was third at the Lionssin nce disposals (526). Chance to poll his first votes.

2011 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 12 goals, 310 kicks, 111 marks, 244 handballs, 108 tackles, 61 inside 50s, 71 rebound 50s, 98 hard-ball gets, 71 loose-ball gets.

Career 40 games, 16 goals

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 5 goals, 171 kicks, 91 marks, 171 handballs, 52 tackles, 724 hit-outs, 81 hard-ball gets, 43 loose-ball gets.

Career 64 games, 10 goals, 1 Brownlow vote

2011 Home & Away Stats ts 22 games, 14 goals, 284 4 kicks, 119 marks, 242 handballs, 166 tackles, 60 60 inside 50s, 74 hard-ball gets, 61 loose-ball gets.

Career 54 games, 24 goals als

» The third-year

» Redden was another her of of the the

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS NS

Jonathan Brown (captain), Simon Black (past winner), Tom Rockliff, Matthew Leuenberger, Mitch Clark, Pearce Hanley

Michael Voss (1996 tied) Jason Akermanis (2001) Simon Black (2002)

None

INELIGIBLE Jack Redden, Jed Adcock

» The Brisbane Lions enjoyed a golden run in the Brownlow Medal in the late 1990s-early 2000s. Michael Voss, now senior coach, won the Lions’ first Brownlow as a 21-year-old in 1996, while the club dominated the medal count during its 2001-03 premiership era, winning the 2001 and 2002 counts, through Jason Akermanis and Simon Black respectively.

While the Lions’ on-field fortunes have dipped since that remarkable run, Black has ensured they have never been far from the winner’s circle, notching consecutive runner-up finishes, in 2007 and 2008, and fi nishing equal fourth in 2009. Black was typically prolific in 2011 and should again poll well. Other Lions who should feature prominently include young midfielders Tom Rockliff and Jack Redden, and ruckmen Matthew atthew Le at Leuenberger L eu ueenb nbeerrg geerr an a and nd d Mitch Mitc Mi Mit tch ch h Clark.

Cllar Cla C ark rk. k.However, Ho H ow weevveer er,r,the tth hee Lions’ Lio Li Lio ons ns’ sp s’ po poo poor oor orr ssea se season— eas aso son on n— — they they th the eyy won w wo on n just jus jju ustt four fo fou four urr games—will gam ga gam mees— ess— —will —w willl probably prob pr pro oba ba ab bly lyy m me mea mean ea an n their th heeirr players heir pllay pla p aye yer ers rssfifi fin find nd d votes vote vo vot tes ess hard ha h arrd ard d to to ccome co come om me by. me by. by by.

EMERGING STAR: Jack Redden n was was

ackles ck e s equal second in the AFL for tackles this season.

AFL L RECORD RE R EC CO COR OR ORD

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81

20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

Carlton TOP PERFORMEREXPERT GUIDE

» Chris Judd became only

Chris Judd

» It is hard to go past the

Carlton skipper after another outstanding season. He entered exalted status when he was a dual winner of the medal last year and is a hot favourite to become only the fifth player to win it for a third time. He was a model of consistency again, with his standout games being against the Sydney Swans (round six), Essendon (round 18) and Melbourne twice (rounds 10, 20). He is also likely to poll votes against Geelong (round nine), Brisbane Lions (round 12), Collingwood (round 17) and Fremantle (round 21).

He led the AFL in hard-ball gets (156) and was equal third in clearances (148). He was Carlton’s top tackler (137) and led the Blues in handballs (316) and inside 50s (101). Made the All-Australian team for the sixth time.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 13 goals, 281 kicks, 64 marks, 316 handballs, 137 tackles, 101 inside 50s, 156 hard-ball gets, 52 loose-ball gets.

Career 222 games, 193 goals, 162 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION

Marc Murphy

Bryce Gibbs

Heath Scotland

» Has become an

» Was given tough

» The accomplished veteran

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 19 goals, 356 kicks, 102 marks, 283 handballs, 97 tackles, 99 inside 50s, 38 rebound 50s, 109 hard-ball gets, 71 loose-ball gets Career 126 games, 104 goals, 33 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 18 goals, 369 kicks, 170 marks, 162 handballs, 79 tackles, 78 inside 50s, 66 rebound 50s, 66 hard-ball gets, 55 loose-ball gets Career 112 games, 61 goals, 28 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 4 goals, 324 kicks, 1500 marks, 249 handballs, 64 tackles, es, 86 inside 50s, 51 rebound 50s, 722 hard-ball gets, 59 loose-ball gets ts Career 223 games, 72 goals, 43 Brownlow votes

elite midfi elder and is expected to challenge Judd for Brownlow honours in many games. Started the season brilliantly against Richmond and had numerous standout games.

seems to be getting better withh age. He won plenty of the ball and generally used it well. Thee utility led the Blues in long kicks (113) and was second in handball receives (220). Playedd every game in 2011.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Chris Judd (captain, past winner), Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson, Heath Scotland, Chris Yarran

Bert Deacon (1947) John James (1961) Gordon Collis (1964) Greg Williams (1994) Chris Judd (2010)

Chris Judd, Marc Murphy

INELIGIBLE Mitch Robinson, Bret Thornton

82

assignments by coach Brett Ratten and handled them with aplomb.

Led the Blues in kicks (369) and marks (170) and was second in rebound 50s (66). Likely to catch the umpires’ attention.

AFL RECORD

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BETTER WITH AGE: Veteran

defender Heath Scotland enjoyed a career-best season.

the fifth Carlton player to win the Brownlow, and the first since Greg Williams in 1994, when he won by four votes last year. He is a hot favourite to win again and join Haydn Bunton snr, Dick Reynolds, Bob Skilton and Ian Stewart as the only players to be triple Brownlow medallists. But Judd will have strong competition both from within and outside the Blues. Teammates Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs were instrumental in most of Carlton’s 14 wins. Murphy has moved into the elite class and is expected to challenge Judd for best-afield honours in several games. Gibbs is full of class and an excellent ball user. Veteran Heath Scotland was a consistent performer again and Kade Simpson, Andrew Walker, Chris Yarran, Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and Mitch Robinson should be among the votes in a few games.

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Collingwood TOP PERFORMEREXPERT MER GUIDE

Scott Pendlebury

» Pendlebury had his most

consistent season and was rated at times through 2011 as the most effective midfi elder in the competition. A proven vote-winner, he polled 21 votes last season (equal fourth with five best-on-grounds) on the way to winning a Norm Smith Medal and premiership medallion.

At times, he was sublime this season, accumulating possessions at will and using them effectively. He worked hard defensively and offensively and played every game, spending more time on the ground because of the substitution rule and kicking 24 goals. He was on the winning team on all but two occasions and was rarely out of the best players. He is one of the main chances and it would be a great surprise if Pendlebury did not poll at least 20 votes.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 24 goals, 328 kicks, 95 marks, 311 handballs, 134 tackles, 92 inside 50s, 125 hard-ball gets, 80 loose-ball gets.

Career 125 games, 84 goals, 42 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION N

Travis Cloke

Dane Swan

Luke Ball

» His best season

» Finished third last

» Another great season innand an nd

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 62 goals, 281 kicks, 170 marks, 69 handballs, 63 tackles, 111 inside 50s.

Career 147 games, 218 goals, 13 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 30 goals, 419 kicks, 117 marks, 246 handballs, 109 inside 50s, 102 hard-ball gets, 91 loose-ball gets.

Career 173 games, 132 goals, 79 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 15 goals, 246 kicks, ks, 91 marks, 206 handballs, 145 45 tackles, 80 hard-ball gets.

Career 188 games, 81 goals,, 32 Brownlow votes

yet with 62 goals and dominance in the air. Is not a big vote-winner with fi ve votes his highest one-year tally, but he played every game and will poll well in the Magpies’ best and fairest.

season with 24 votes but a quiet patch when hampered with injury mid-season made 2011 less consistent. But don’t write him off. He began the season with a burst and was brilliant late after freshening up in Arizona.

ha as under for the Magpies. Hee has nerr, never been a big vote-winner, but 2011 was his most consistent season for threee years. If a teammate wins he the medal, he will have the former St Kilda captain to thank.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS S

Nick Maxwell (captain), Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Leon Davis, Travis Cloke, Ben Reid

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)

Travis Cloke, Leon Davis, Scott ott Pendlebury, Ben Reid, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas

INELIGIBLE Cameron Wood, Dale Thomas, Ben Johnson

» Only polled 89 votes as a club last season but had two players—Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury—in the top five placegetters.

This year, the Magpies were even more dominant, losing just two games. Pendlebury, Swan and Dale Thomas (who is ineligible) are expected to attract many votes while great performers Luke Ball, Leon Davis, Travis Cloke, Heath Shaw, Ben Reid and Sharrod Wellingham were also in the elite category this season.

The most recent Brownlow winner from the Magpies was Nathan Buckley, who tied for the medal in 2003 before playing in a losing Grand Final on the Saturday. Peter Moore won the medal in 1979 and was again a member of a losing Grand Final side that year. His teammate, champion ruckman Len Thompson, won the t e medal th medal al inn 1972, 1972 72,while whi h legreats greea gr atts of of the tth hee past, pa pas past st, t,Des DeessFothergill, Des D F Fot Fo oth the her errgil erg gill ll, l, Marcus Marcu Ma Mar arc rcu cus uss W Wh Whelan, hel ela an an, n, S Syyd Syd d Coventry Cove Co Cov ven ent ntr try ryy and an and and dthe the tth hee Collier Colli Co Col llie lier err b br bro brothers, rot oth the her ers rs, s,, Albert Albe Al Alb ber ert rtt and an a nd d Harry, Harry Ha Har rry ry, y, also aals allso so owon w wo won on n the thee a th award. aw wa war ard rd d.

CONSISTENT: Luke Ball has shone onee o

with his grunt in the midfi eld.

AFL RECORD

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83

20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

Essendon TOP PERFORMEREXPERT R GUIDE

» Essendon’s most recent

Jobe Watson

» Watson’s brilliant first half of

the season ensures the Essendon captain is likely to again be the Bombers’ top vote-winner in 2011. Watson, like his team, started the season in stunning form, averaging 31 disposals in the first seven games. He also moved forward to kick 11 goals in the seven-game patch.

Given Essendon’s strong form in the opening half of the year, it is possible Watson could be leading the count by round eight. But there’s little hope of the two-time best and fairest winner maintaining that lead, with a hamstring injury in round eight against the Brisbane Lions halting his season. Watson missed only two weeks with that injury, but three weeks later strained his other hamstring in Essendon’s round 14 clash with Hawthorn. He missed another four games.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Michael Hurley

2011 Home & Away Stats 16 games, 15 goals, 225 kicks, 67 marks, 199 handballs, 62 tackles, 59 inside 50s, 97 hard-ball gets, 38 loose-ball gets.

Career 132 games, 59 goals, 36 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

David Zaharakis

» Hurley’s season

IN CONSIDERATION

Dyson Heppell

was interrupted by several injuries, but the 21-year-old had some outstanding performances in between at either end of the ground. On several occasions, he was the side’s match-winner.

» Zaharakis

played every game this year, kicked 31 goals and averaged 21 disposals. His most complete performance came in round eight when he kicked four goals and had 25 touches against the Brisbane Lions.

» The first-year Bomber played every game in his debut AFL season. He will catch the eye of the umpires with his flashy skill off half-back, and could poll in several wins. Has already won the 2011 NAB AFL Risingg Star award.

2011 Home & Away Stats 17 games, 27 goals, 154 kicks, 88 marks, 94 handballs, 21 tackles.

Career 47 games, 49 goals, 2 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 31 goals, 264 kicks, 98 marks, 188 handballs, 88 tackles, 93 inside 50s, 64 hard-ball gets, 51 loose-ball gets.

Career 53 games, 57 goals

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 3 goals, 252 kicks, 1300 marks, 223 handballs, 60 tackles, es, 52 rebound 50s, 64 hard-ball gets, ets, 48 loose-ball gets.

Career 23 games, 3 goals

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Jobe Watson (captain), Michael Hurley, Dyson Heppell, David Zaharakis, Patrick Ryder

Dick Reynolds (1934, 1937, 1938) Bill Hutchison (1952 tied, 1953) Graham Moss (1976) Gavin Wanganeen (1993) James Hird (1996)

None

INELIGIBLE Heath Hocking, Kyle Hardingham, Brent Stanton

EYE-CATCHER: Dyson Heppell was

outstanding in his debut season.

84

AFL RECORD

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Brownlow medallist is its current coach, James Hird, who won in 1996. Three years earlier in 1993, Hird’s teammate Gavin Wanganeen claimed the medal in Essendon’s premiership season. But, for all of its success, Essendon has had only five players win the Brownlow, including multiple winners Dick Reynolds (three times) and Bill Hutchison (twice). Graham Moss was the other, when he polled 48 votes in 1976. With a full season, captain Jobe Watson may have come close to breaking that drought. He is a known vote-getter—he polled 16 votes in 2010—but missed six games with injury.

After a slow start to the season, Brent Stanton should poll well in the second half of the year, particularly in his 39-possession effort against the Western Bulldogs B Bu Bul ull lld do dog ogs gss in n round ro rrou round ou un nd d 21..

21 21.

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“YOU NEVER FORESEE DYNASTIES, THEY HAPPEN IN RETROSPECT” LEIGH MATTHEWS

GRAND FINAL

ANNIVERSARY SERIES ‘71, ‘81, ‘91, ‘01 HEAD TO AFL.COM.AU FOR YOUR LOCAL BROADCAST TIME

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20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

Fremantle TOP PERFORMEREXPERT FORMER GUIDE

» The Dockers are yet to have

Nathan Fyfe

» One of the emerging stars

of the competition, Fyfe was brilliant in the fi rst 18 rounds, his form only dropping off slightly in the fi nal month.

Fyfe is a natural ball-winner and an excellent mark for his size and has drawn comparisons to Essendon champion James Hird. He was the go-to person when the Dockers needed a get out target and led the team in disposals.

Courageous and an outstanding one-touch player, he has become a favourite with fans and had more than 25 possessions in eight games. Fyfe turned 20 only last week and looks set to become one of the game’s premier midfielders. He polled five votes in his fi rst season but will definitely poll more this season. Was nominated for the All-Australian team and should figure prominently in his club’s best and fairest.

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 18 goals, 253 kicks, 111 marks, 274 handballs, 85 tackles, 79 inside 50s, 33 rebound 50s, 107 hard-ball gets, 67 loose-ball gets.

Career 39 games, 32 goals, 5 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

Matthew Pavlich

» It has been a

KEEP AN EYE ON

Aaron Sandilands

IN CONSIDERATION

David Mundy

frustrating season for Pavlich, but he has been brilliant as usual, overcoming all sorts of hiccups and injury niggles. Regularly polls well but his efforts are always team oriented. Genuine champion.

» Hard to believe a

player who played just 13 games is considered likely to be one of the team’s best vote-winners, but Sandilands is a rare talent. Dominant early in the year until he injured his toe.

» Starred in the fi rst half of the season until a leg injury nds forced him out between rounds 13-21. Had 30 disposals and nine tackles in the round fourr win against North Melbourne.e. with h Missed the final two games with further injury problems.

2011 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 21 goals, 272 kicks, 73 marks, 199 handballs, 86 tackles, 83 inside 50s, 29 rebound 50s, 77 hard-ball gets, 42 loose-ball gets.

Career 256 games, 489 goals, 98 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 13 games, 6 goals, 82 kicks, 54 marks, 143 handballs, 24 tackles, 432 hit-outs, 64 hard-ball gets.

Career 169 games, 66 goals, 50 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 12 games, 7 goals, 137 kicks, 44 marks, 148 handballs, 68 tackles, 43 inside 50s, 63 hard-ball -balll gets, 34 loose-ball gets.

Career 142 games, 56 goals, 9 Brownlow votes

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Matthew Pavlich (captain), Greg Broughton, Nathan Fyfe, David Mundy, Aaron Sandilands

None

None

INELIGIBLE Luke McPharlin, Dylan Roberton, Adam McPhee, Clayton Hinkley, Nick Lower

86

AFL RECORD

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SIDELINED: Injuries restricted David d

Mundy to just 12 appearances, but he should still poll well.

a Brownlow medallist in their short history and are unlikely to break the duck this year.

Aaron Sandilands finished equal sixth last year with 20 votes, the highest one-season tally of any Docker, while Matthew Pavlich was equal sixth in 2006 with 15 votes.

In 2003, former captain Peter Bell fi nished three votes off the winner with 19 votes, but had six players ahead of him in the count. In 2011, the Dockers were hammered with injuries and their experienced, proven vote-winners such as Sandilands and David Mundy missed much of the second half of the season. Last year’s sensation Michael Barlow (he polled 12 votes before breaking his leg) returned to the team but played only nine games. Only the emerging Nathan N Na atth ha an n Fyfe Fyyfe Fyf fe is iissaarealistic re rea real alis ist sti ticc chance ch cha han anc nce cee o off figuring gu gur gurin ring ng g in iin nthe tth the heefifini finish. n nissh. nish h..

Join n the th Brownlow wnl Medal Meeda conversation nvver on non o Twitter tter– useethe thehashtag htag #Brownlow row w

Geelong Cats TOP PERFORMEREXPERT ER R GUIDE

» For a side that won 19

Jimmy Bartel » The 2007 Brownlow

medallist should be well up on the leaders’ board again following another consistent season. Missed just one game after being accidentally collected by teammate James Podsiadly in round 13, and played a variety of roles. Was used in the midfi eld, in attack, on the wing and occasionally in defence and averaged 22 disposals a game. Kicked more goals (21) in the home and away season than he has in his previous nine seasons and his work to win contested possessions should not go unnoticed. Had 27 touches and an equal career-high 13 marks against Port Adelaide in round three. Since his 2007 win when he recorded 29 votes, Bartel has polled consistently well, with 10 votes in 2008, 13 in 2009 and nine in 2010.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 21 goals, 288 kicks, 125 marks, 178 handballs, 86 tackles, 82 inside 50s, 30 rebound 50s, 62 hard-ball gets, 53 loose-ball gets.

Career 203 games, 132 goals, 88 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION N

Steve Johnson

James Kelly

Paul Chapman

» Should poll well

» Another

» Perhaps not his best season ason

2011 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 44 goals, 276 kicks, 130 marks, 182 handballs, 72 tackles, 77 inside 50s, 65 hard-ball gets, 40 loose-ball gets.

Career 173 games, 358 goals, 42 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 5 goals, 272 kicks, 53 marks, 239 handballs, 160 tackles, 92 inside 50s, 31 rebound 50s, 104 hard-ball gets, 50 loose-ball gets.

Career 192 games, 75 goals, 18 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 23 goals, 273 kicks, ks,110 110 marks, 204 handballs, 94 tackles, ackles, 80 inside 50s, 27 rebound 50s, 0s,61 61 hard-ball gets, 44 loose-ball ll gets.

Career 220 games, 287 goals, ls, 67 Brownlow votes

in both games against Gold Coast (seven goals in round 10 and 34 touches and six goals in round 20). Destroyed Melbourne with 34 disposals and seven goals in round 19.

WHO’S INVITED Cameron Ling (captain), Jimmy Bartel (past winner), Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, James Kelly, Steve Johnson, Paul Chapman

INELIGIBLE Matthew Scarlett, Joel Selwood, Matthew Stokes, Joel Corey,

consistent season should see him better his record of six votes in 2004 and 2007. Spent more time in the midfield and his clean use of the ball was a big factor for the Cats.

Josh Hunt, Brad Ottens, Cameron Mooney

PAST WINNERS Carji Greeves (1924), Bernie Smith (1951), Alistair Lord (1962) Paul Couch (1989), Jimmy Bartel (2007), Gary Ablett jnr (2009)

of its 22 games in 2011, you would think Geelong would be right in contention to produce a Brownlow Medal winner. But so even are the Cats, and with Gary Ablett heading north to join the Gold Coast Suns, the workload was shared among their group of superstars. There is also another factor with four of Geelong’s biggest names—Joel Selwood, Joel Corey, Matthew Scarlett and Brad Ottens—all ineligible. But the Cats have several players who are proven vote-winners, with 2007 winner Jimmy Bartel probably their best chance.

Steve Johnson had several games where he went to another level while James Kelly was consistently good.

A win w n this wi tth his iss year yyea yeear arr would wo wou ulld d give g giv vee the tth hee Cats Ca Cat Cats tss thre three tth thr hre ree eee Brownlow B Br Bro row ow wn wnl nlo low ow w Me M Medals ed da allss als in tthe in th hee past p pa pas ast stt fifi five ve ve sseasons. se ea asso on nss.

mes, but had some standout games, including 23 disposals, 10 ainst tackles and three goals against Starred Hawthorn in round fi ve. Starred in the Cats’ big late-seasonn wins over Melbourne and Gold Coast.

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS Corey Enright, James Kelly, Matthew Scarlett

ALL CLASS: Paul Chapman may have have e t stil still lacked his usual consistency, but still produced some standout games..

AFL RECORD RECORD

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87

20112 2011 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

Gold Coast Suns TOP PERFORMEREXPERT MER GUIDE

» Could the Suns make

Gary Ablett » The Suns captain is no

stranger to Brownlow Medal night, having been a leading contender over the past few seasons. As a Cat, he was second in the 2010 count and, of course, won in 2009 when he was a popular pick with most experts.

Now, he is attempting to win in his first year leading a young Gold Coast side and, while the Suns have had a couple of predictable big losses, Ablett’s output has been superb. Has played 20 of a possible 22 games and had some standout performances, including a 41-possession and four-goal effort against Adelaide in round eight. Led the Suns in several statistical categories and is clearly the best chance to take home the Brownlow Medal in the club’s inaugural year.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 18 goals, 304 kicks, 45 marks, 301 handballs, 119 tackles, 99 inside 50s, 62 rebound 50s, 138 hard-ball gets, 83 loose-ball gets.

Career 212 games, 280 goals, 112 Brownlow voteses

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION ONSID DERATION

Michael Rischitelli

Jared Brennan

Zac Smith h

» Another

» Now a more

» First-year ar ruckman ruck kman who who

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 10 goals, 241 kicks, 97 marks, 257 handballs, 114 tackles, 90 inside 50s, 35 rebound 50s, 91 hard-ball gets, 62 loose-ball gets.

Career 132 games, 57 goals, 14 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 11 goals, 253 kicks, 99 marks, 156 handballs, 110 tackles, 61 inside 50s, 43 rebound 50s, 95 hard-ball gets, 53 loose-ball gets.

Career 141 games, 86 goals, 27 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Awa ay Stats Stats 20 games, 14 goa goals, ls, 135 135 kicks, 61 marks, arks, 133 1 handballs, 39 tac tackles, kles, 327 hit-outs, s,53 53 hard-ball gets. ets.

Career 20 games, ames,, 14 14 goals. goals.

experienced campaigner who had a fine season guiding his young teammates. After winning the Lions’ best and fairest in 2010, Rischitelli was a tower of strength in the midfield for the Suns.

WHO’S INVITED

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Gary Ablett (captain, past winner), David Swallow, Michael Rischitelli, Zac Smith, Jared Brennan

Gary Ablett

INELIGIBLE Campbell Brown, Nathan Bock, Karmichael Hunt

88

complete player, Brennan did everything the Suns asked of him this year, dashing out of defence and creating opportunities further afield. Averaged almost 19 disposals a game.

AFL RECORD

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w his with his agility agilit y caught the eye with andlin ng skills. and ball-handling skills.

Played 20 gamess and averaged uts. Looks Looks aa star star 16.3 hit-outs. re and and dshould should of the future many more more feature in many Meda al counts. counts.

Brownlow Medal

BUDDING STAR: R:: Youn Young Y un ng g ruckman ruckman ma a Za Zac Zac a

st art rttto to his his hi career. career.

Smith made a fine start

history and produce a Brownlow medallist in their first season? When the player in question is Gary Ablett, anything is possible and the former Geelong superstar will collect his share of votes.

The only drawback is the Suns took a couple of hammerings in their first season and it is unlikely he will poll votes in those games. In fact, the leading vote-getters from the Suns should be a group of uncontracted players they lured north at the end of the 2010 season. Michael Rischitelli was in the thick of the action, while Jared Brennan and Jarrod Harbrow led a young defence that included the ineligible pair Nathan Bock and Campbell Brown. Note that Gavin Wanganeen polled 11 votes in Port Adelaide’s first year in 1995. in 119 995 99 5..

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Hawthorn TOP PERFORMEREXPERT MER GUIDE

» Brownlow night will

Luke Hodge

be a frustrating aff air for Hawthorn fans because Sam Mitchell is likely to poll a swag of votes, but he is ineligible to win the award, courtesy of a rough conduct penalty imposed by the Match Review Panel in round five against Geelong.

Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli have been brilliant for the Hawks this year as well, but are also ineligible for the same reason. How Mitchell polls will be fascinating and, with an average of 31.1 possessions and 5.8 clearances a match, he will likely fi nish in the top three after his best year yet. With 18 wins for the season, there will be plenty of other votes out there for the Hawks.

» When fit and firing, Hodge

always attracts votes. In 2010, he polled 16 in a team that won 13-and-a-half games. This year, the Hawks won 18, so expect the Hawthorn skipper to poll well again. Hodge started the season nursing an achilles injury and took about a month to find full fi tness, but has been a consistent performer thereafter, with some great footy at both ends of the ground and as a part of a deep and talented midfi eld. Had 40 touches against Collingwood in round 15, the last time the Hawks lost, but he had three other matches with 30 or better. His average for the season is a healthy 24.4, and he has such an infl uence on games when the Hawks are winning that he has to capture the attention of the umpires when they sit down to vote.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 19 games, 15 goals, 281 kicks, 91 marks, 18181 handballs, 60 tackles, 64 inside 50s, 41 rebound 50s, 63 hard-ball gets, 37 loose-ball gets.

Career 194 games, 134 goals, 69 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION

Brad Sewell

Grant Birchall

Josh Gibson

» Second for

» His form over

» In career-best form and, while while

2011 Home & Away Stats 19 games, 5 goals, 209 kicks, 67 marks, 238 handballs, 94 tackles, 67 inside 50s, 105 hard-ball gets, 47 loose-ball gets.

Career 144 games, 22 goals, 44 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 3 goals, 302 kicks, 147 marks, 197 handballs, 32 tackles, 56 rebound 50s, 58 loose-ball gets.

Career 128 games, 15 goals, 2 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 210 kicks, 111 marks,s, 164 handballs, 52 tackles, 60 rebound 50s, 52 hard-ball gets,s, 36 loose-ball gets.

Career 101 games, 2 goals, 4 Brownlow votes

clearances at Hawthorn, averaging nearly five a game and also among the top six for disposals. Is back to his 2008 form, a year he polled 16 Brownlow votes.

the second half of the season has been outstanding. Leads the Hawks in marks (147) and his rebounding and elite kicking make him a standout. Stiff to miss All-Australian selection.

ny key defenders don’t poll many and votes, his marking, spoiling and line attacking play from the backline om will attract some attention from on the umpires.Should improve on nlow his career tally of four Brownlow Medal votes.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Luke Hodge (captain), Josh Gibson, Brad Sewell, Grant Birchall, Shaun Burgoyne, Liam Shiels

Col Austen (1949 tied) Robert DiPierdomenico (1986) John Platten (1987 tied) Shane Crawford (1999)

Lance Franklin, Sam Mitchell

INELIGIBLE Cyril Rioli, Sam Mitchell, Lance Franklin, Jordan Lewis,

IMPRESSIVE: Josh Gibson produced d

several dashing defensive displays..

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89

20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

Melbourne TOP PERFORMEREXPERT MER R GUIDE

» The Demons have had

James Frawley » The 2010 All-Australian

defender has had another super season, backing up last year’s form as the mainstay of the Demons’ defence. Missed the opening game with a torn pectoral muscle, but slotted straight back into the team in round two and was given some tough assignments.

Regularly asked to play on the opposition’s best key forward, Frawley relished every challenge thrown at him. One of his best efforts was a career-high 28 disposals against West Coast in round 21 when the side was under constant pressure in the fi rst half. Also had 26 touches and seven marks in the round seven win over Adelaide. Averaged 18.7 disposals a game and will be looking to add to his career tally of three Brownlow Medal votes which he collected in 2010.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 1 goal, 238 kicks, 109 marks, 154 handballs, 32 tackles, 110 rebound 50s, 46 hard-ball gets, 39 loose-ball gets.

Career 82 games, 3 goals, 3 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION

Jack Watts

Nathan Jones

Stefan Martin

» Started to

» The tough and

» Versatile big man who

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 21 goals, 197 kicks, 124 marks, 157 handballs, 53 tackles, 39 inside 50s, 26 rebound 50s, 40 loose-ball gets.

Career 40 games, 33 goals

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 14 goals, 266 kicks, 100 marks, 241 handballs, 68 tackles, 83 inside 50s, 47 rebound 50s, 73 hard-ball gets, 56 loose-ball gets.

Career 114 games, 52 goals, 12 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 10 goals, 225 kicks, 966 marks, 139 handballs, 42 tackles, s, 314 hit outs, 58 inside 50s, 31 rebound 50s, 70 hard-ball gets, 36 loose-ball gets.

Career 50 games, 16 goals

blossom into the player the Demons banked on when they selected him as the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft. Looked comfortable at either end and played every game.

shouldered the ruck-work d. when Mark Jamar was injured.

Enjoyed his best season in the AFL, averaging 17.3 disposals and 15 hit-outs a game. Should poll his fi rst Browlow Medal votes.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Brad Green (captain), James Frawley, Nathan Jones, Stefan Martin, Jack Watts

Ivor Warne-Smith (1926, 1928) Don Cordner (1946) Brian Wilson (1982) Peter Moore (1984) Jim Stynes (1991) Shane Woewodin (2000)

None

INELIGIBLE Luke Tapscott, Jack Trengove, Lynden Dunn, Brent Moloney, Colin Sylvia, Aaron Davey

90

tenacious on-baller was never far from the action and gave the Demons plenty of drive through the middle. Used the ball well with his long, penetrating kicking a feature.

AFL RECORD

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BIG IMPROVER: Stefan Martin stepped up in the ruck in Mark Jamar’s absence.

reasonable success in the Brownlow Medal in the past decade or two. Brian Wilson (1982), Peter Moore (1984), Jim Stynes (1991) and Shane Woewodin (2000) added their names to early winners Ivor Warne-Smith (1926, 1928) and Don Cordner (1946). However, it’s unlikely they will produce a winner in 2011, given it has been a tough year on and off the fi eld. Aaron Davey has been one of their most prolific vote-getters in recent seasons but he struggled with a knee injury. Brent Moloney was their most consistent player but a rough conduct charge in round 15 pushed him over the eligible points limit. Key position players James Frawley and Jack Watts look the best chances while Nathan Jones had a ssolid so sol olid lid d year ye yyea ear arr in in n the the tth hee midfi m dfi mid midfi fiel eld eld. eld. d.

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North Melbourne TOP TO T OP PERFORMER PERFORMEREXPERT R GUIDE

» The Kangaroos have

Daniel Wells

» After several injury plagued

seasons, Wells finally got his body right this season and the results have been stunning.

Although Wells lost none of the outside run that has characterised his career, he was also a prolifi c ball-winner at stoppages, rising to coach Brad Scott’s challenge to add a tougher inside edge to his game—he was 19th in the competition for clearances (94) when a shoulder injury ended his season after round 23. Wells also bridged the gap between his best and worst performances in 2011, finally fi nding the type of consistency that separates elite players from the very good.

He averaged a career-high 23.4 disposals and had fi ve games of 28 possessions or more. Wells does not have to rack up huge possession counts to attract the umpires’ attention.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 17 goals, 312 kicks, 80 marks, 180 handballs, 80 tackles, 101 inside 50s, 37 rebound 50s, 72 hard-ball gets, 46 loose-ball gets.

Career 170 games, 102 goals, 34 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION N

Drew Petrie

Andrew Swallow

Todd Goldstein

» Petrie’s effort to

» Swallow continued

» With Hamish McIntosh

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 48 goals, 222 kicks, 129 marks, 72 handballs, 58 tackles, 98 hit-outs.

Career 199 games, 203 goals, 30 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 11 goals, 268 kicks, 69 marks, 294 handballs, 145 tackles, 95 inside 50s, 146 hard-ball gets.

Career 106 games, 56 goals, 18 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 13 goals, 151 kicks, 73 73 marks, 137 handballs, 92 tackles, kles,, 67 hard-ball gets, 741 hit-outs.s.

Career 58 games, 34 goals, 2 Brownlow votes

rebound from the serious foot injuries that ruined his 2010 season was remarkable. He was a towering presence in North’s forward 50, finishing equal third in the AFL in contested marks (49) and eighth in goalkicking (48).

to do his best work under the umpires’ noses in 2011, averaging nearly 26 possessions and finishing equal third in the AFL in clearances (148) and fifth in contested possessions (302). He had 30 or more disposals in eight games.

ostof o of sidelined with injury for most rth’ss 2011, Goldstein carried North’s stylee, ruck division. He did so in style, leading the AFL in hit-outs (741) and averaging nearly d 14 disposals. He also kicked ed for fo or 13 goals and was nominated the All-Australian team.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Brent Harvey (captain), Daniel Wells, Andrew Swallow, Drew Petrie, Todd Goldstein

Noel Teasdale (1965 tied) Keith Greig (1973) Keith Greig (1974) Malcolm Blight (1978) Ross Glendinning (1983)

Drew Petrie

INELIGIBLE Michael Firrito, Levi Greenwood, Jack Ziebell

not produced a Brownlow medallist since Ross Glendinning in 1983. This 28-year drought is the second longest in the club’s history, with Noel Teasdale winning the Roos’ first in 1965—he was awarded it retrospectively after tying with St Kilda’s Ian Stewart—40 years after North entered the League in 1925.

The Roos enjoyed a golden run in the 1970s, winning three times, with Keith Greig going back-to-back in 1973-74, and Malcolm Blight saluting in 1978. Corey McKernan was desperately unlucky not to join them in 1996, when he tied with that year’s joint winners Michael Voss (Brisbane Lions) and James Hird (Essendon) but was ineligible because of suspension. North’s best finish since has been Brent Harvey’s tie for second in 2007, but Daniel Wells looks hiss teams h hi team’s tteea am m sbest best bessttbet be bet bettthis be this th thiissyear, year, yyeea arr, cclosely cl clo lllflld los ose sel ely ly fo ly ffollowed oll llow llo low weed wed d

by D by Dre Drew reew rew w Pet Pe P Petrie etr trie rie ie and an nd dA Andrew An nd ndr dre rew ew w Swallow.

S Sw wa wal all llo ow w..

DOMINANT: Todd Goldstein led the he AFL for hit-outs with 741.

AFL RECORD AFLRECORD

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91

20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

Port Adelaide TOP PERFORMEREXPERT MER GUIDE

» Travis Boak is again

Travis Boak

» The 23-year-old midfi elder

continued his spectacular improvement from last season and again led the Power in overall disposals with 458. In 21 games, he amassed 236 kicks, 76 marks and 222 handballs and also laid 98 tackles. A proven vote-winner— he polled 16 last season—and is again sure to come under the umpires’ notice, albeit that the Power failed to flatter throughout the season, winning just three games and copping some fearful hidings. An effective ball-winner at stoppages and damaging in open play, Boak’s development has been one of the team’s highlights. Elevated into the leadership group, he shared the Power’s best and fairest with defender Jackson Trengove. A pivotal player in Port Adelaide’s rebuild.

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 12 goals, 236 kicks, 76 marks, 222 handballs, 98 tackles, 85 inside 50s, 107 hard-ball gets, 52 loose-ball gets.

Career 90 games, 45 goals, Brownlow votes 23

KEEP AN EYE ON

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION ON

Jay Schulz

Robbie Gray

Domenic Cassisi

» The Power’s

» Played every

» Returned from an early rly

2011 Home & Away Stats 16 games, 31 goals, 112 kicks, 78 marks, 45 handballs, 30 tackles.

Career 103 games, 122 goals, Brownlow votes 7

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 32 goals, 216 kicks, 81 marks, 179 handballs, 85 tackles, 62 inside 50s, 90 hard-ball gets.

Career 68 games, 102 goals, Brownlow votes 9

2011 Home & Away Stats 13 games, 6 goals, 129 kicks, cks, 30 marks, 128 handballs, 102 tackles, 67 hard-ball gets. gets..

Career 184 games, 73 goals. als.

Brownlow votes 16

most productive key forward in 2011, Schulz booted 31 goals, including seven in a losing side against the Brisbane Lions in round 15. Polled five votes in 2010 and should add a few more to his career tally.

game, compared to his 11 last year, when plagued by persistent hamstring injuries. Had some standout performances in losing games, including 26 disposals and eight tackles against St Kilda in round 16.

season knee injury that roun nds sidelined him between rounds reat 2-13 to again provide great mostt 20 leadership. Averaged almost 20 klesaa disposals and eight tackles 100 per p per game and always gave 100 eam cent and did well in a team that struggled.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS NS

Domenic Cassisi (captain), Jackson Trengove, Travis Boak, Jay Schulz, Robbie Gray

None

None

INELIGIBLE Cameron O’Shea LEADERSHIP: Domenic Cassisisiled led l dbe b be ury. ury r example after overcoming injury.

92

AFL RECORD

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expected to lead the Power vote-getters, although his influence could be lessened because of the team’s dramatic downturn in fortunes. Jay Schulz and Robbie Gray could also attract the umpires’ attention in a season where there were few standout performers. Captain Domenic Cassisi always puts himself to the forefront of attention because of his fearless attack on the ball.

Other potential vote-winners include the classy Danyle Pearce, the high-marking Justin Westhoff and promising young defender Jackson Trengove. The Power is yet to produce a Brownlow medallist, the closest being Josh Francou, who was second with 21 votes in 2002. in 20 2 00 02 2.

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Richmond TOP PERFORMEREXPERT FORME ER GUIDE

» Trent Cotchin played

Trent Cotchin » Trent Cotchin has polled

only five Brownlow votes in his three previous seasons, but is set to reverse the trend this year. When Cotchin played well, so did the Tigers, such was his influence in the midfi eld.

His best games were against Fremantle (round seven), Essendon (round nine) and Adelaide (round 23), followed closely by his efforts against the Brisbane Lions (round 13) and Sydney Swans (round 21)—all matches won by Richmond. He is also set to poll votes in three consecutive games, against Essendon (round 16), Gold Coast Suns (round 17) and Geelong (round 18). Free of injury, the inside midfi elder played every game and was often on the receiving end of plenty of attention from the opposition.

He led the Tigers in kicks (372), hard-ball gets (125), loose-ball gets (59) and inside 50s (108). g

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 18 goals, 372 kicks, 80 marks, 158 handballs, 73 tackles, 108 inside 50s, 47 rebound 50s, 125 hard-ball gets, 59 loose-ball gets.

Career 64 games, 34 goals, 5 Brownlow votes otes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERAT CONSIDERATION TION

Dustin Martin Dus D

Brett Deledio

Robin in Nahas

» TThe powerful

» A playmaker

» Had ad his best best season seasonat at

2 2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 2 g 33 goals, 311 kicks, 78 marks, 175 handballs, 73 tackles, mar m 93 inside 9 in 50s, 56 rebound 50s, 106 hard-ball gets, 39 loose-ball gets. hard h Career 43 games, 44 goals, Care C 6 Br Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 9 goals, 281 kicks, 91 marks, 282 handballs, 65 tackles, 85 inside 50s, 82 rebound 50s, 78 hard-ball gets, 49 loose-ball gets.

Career 150 games, 99 goals, 27 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats Statts 22 games, ames, 29 goals, 212 2 12 2kicks, kicks,89 89 marks, ks, 209 handballs, 94 994 tackles, tackles, 62 inside side 50s, 63 hard-ball har d-b ballgets, gets, 44 loose-ball ose-ball gets.

Career er 55 games, 63 goa goals, als, 3 Brownlow ownlow votes

m mid midfielder played a ke key role in the vvict victories over North Melbourne ((rou (round fi ve) and the Brisbane Lion L Lions (round 13). His strong mar m marking and goalkicking (33) are features of his game. a

off half-back, his standout performances were against St Kilda (round two), restricting Saints star Brendon Goddard and collecting plenty of possessions, and the Sydney Swans (round 21).

ha rd r in in this level, working hard forward the midfield and up forward spire his team. His H is to inspire ormance against FFremantle performance againstFremantle und seven was his hiss best, best, in round cting 30 30 possessions possessio onsand and collecting ing four four goals. goals. kicking

WHO’S INVITED W

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIA ALL-AUSTRALIANS ANS

C Chris Newman (captain), Bachar Houli, Brett Deledio, Trent H Cotchin, Dustin Martin C

Stan Judkins (1930 tied) Bill Morris (1948) Roy Wright (1952 tied, 1954) Ian Stewart (1971)

None

INELIGIBLE IN A Alex Rance, Luke McGuane, Daniel Jackson, Jake King, D Tyrone T Ty y Vickery

every game this season and is a slick mover who is constantly under the umpires’ eyes, so this should ensure that he figures prominently, particularly in Richmond’s eight victories. Another young Tiger, Dustin Martin, was a match-winner in attack and midfield in a few games and should poll well. Brett Deledio accumulates plenty of possessions and generally uses the ball well off half-back with an occasional run in the middle. Robin Nahas had his best season and Jack Riewoldt, although not kicking big bags like last year (his best was 6.1 in round one against Carlton), is capable of spectacular feats.

Four Tigers, Stan Judkins, Bill Morris, Roy Wright and Ian Stewart, have won the Brownlow. Wright won it twice, in 1952 and 1954, and Stewart S Ste teew wa art rtt was w wa assthe tthe th heemost most mo osstrecentt recent reece rec ceen nt Tiger T Tig geerr to ger g to win, w wiin, win n,, in iin n 1971.

119 9771.

971 1.

LIVEWIRE: IRE: RE Robin ob b Nahas Nahas as sparked spa arked r rk gers with hhis is pace ppaceararound o d ound the Tigers withhis cks. the packs.

AFL RECORD RECORD

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93

20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

St Kilda TOP PERFORMEREXPERT GUIDE

» Nick Dal Santo is

Nick Dal Santo » Dal Santo has been a

regular Brownlow Medal fancy since he fi nished third in 2005 behind West Coast duo Ben Cousins and Daniel Kerr. The smooth-moving midfielder wins his own possessions and looks effortless in doing so, before generally finding a teammate with his skilful left foot or quick hands. It was the case again in 2011, with the Saint enjoying the best season of his career, particularly the second half of the year as he led the club to its fourth consecutive fi nals campaign in the absence of injured star Lenny Hayes. In the six-game winning streak from round 15-20, Dal Santo averaged 31 disposals and kicked four goals in a form patch likely to be acknowledged by the umpires on Brownlow night.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 13 goals, 320 kicks, 74 marks, 262 handballs, 117 tackles, 76 inside 50s, 67 rebound 50s, 105 hard-ball gets, 68 loose-ball gets.

Career 216 games, 118 goals, 88 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION

Sam Fisher

Brendon Goddard

Clint Jones

» The reliable

» Had a slow start

» Jones has expanded

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 2 goals, 277 kicks, 146 marks, 188 handballs, 55 tackles, 70 rebound 50s, 59 hard-ball gets, 50 loose-ball gets.

Career 167 games, 20 goals, 5 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 11 goals, 297 kicks, 126 marks, 226 handballs, 86 tackles, 77 inside 50s, 64 rebound 50s, 64 hard-ball gets, 44 loose-ball gets.

Career 185 games, 92 goals, 43 Brownlow votes

2010 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 6 goals, 188 kicks, 47 marks, 225 handballs, 136 tackles, 55 inside 50s, 64 hard-ball gets, 48 loose-ball gets. ts.

Career 97 games, 27 goals, 4 Brownlow votes

defender continues his consistent form. Started the season in excellent touch and should draw votes for his 28-disposal game against the Brisbane Lions in round four, St Kilda’s first win.

WHO’S INVITED

Armitage, Stephen Milne

Nick Riewoldt (captain), Nick Dal Santo, Sam Fisher, Ben McEvoy, Brendon Goddard

PAST WINNERS

INELIGIBLE Zac Dawson, Leigh Montagna, Steven Baker, Brett Peake, Justin Koschitzke, Nick Riewoldt, David

94

to the year, but improved to fi nish the season in stellar form.

Much of the Saints’ attack started with the damaging midfielder and he was central to their push to the finals.

AFL RECORD

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Colin Watson (1925) Brian Gleeson (1957) Neil Roberts (1958) Verdun Howell (1959 tied) Ian Stewart (1965, 1966) Ross Smith (1967)

his game from a tagging player to a midfielder capablee of hurting the opposition.

Gathered 30 touches in the Saints’ round 13 loss to Geelong and twice had 29 disposals.

Tony Lockett (1987 tied) Robert Harvey (1997, 1998)

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS Nick Dal Santo, Stephen Milne

TENACIOUS: Clint Jones has

r. developed into a genuine midfi elder.

St Kilda’s best chance to add to its impressive Brownlow Medal history. In making the Grand Final in the past two seasons, St Kilda has often shared its load in the midfield. But with key on-baller Lenny Hayes missing for the majority of the year with a knee injury, and Leigh Montagna slightly down on form, Dal Santo had the best season of his career.

If he could break through for the win, he would become the ninth St Kilda player to achieve the feat and it would be the 11th year the club has produced a winner (Robert Harvey and Ian Stewart both won it twice). Other St Kilda Brownlow medallists were Tony Lockett, Ross Smith, Verdun Howell, Neil Roberts, Brian Gleeson G Gl leeeesso on and and nd Colin ColinWatson.

Co Wat a son on..

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Sydney Swans TOP PERFORMEREXPERT GUIDE

» Brownlow night is usually

Adam Goodes » Let’s face facts. Adam

Goodes loves the Brownlow Medal and the Brownlow Medal loves Adam Goodes.

Only twice in the past nine seasons has he failed to poll in double figures and, of course, he is a dual winner of the award—in 2003 when he tied with Nathan Buckley and Mark Ricciuto, and in 2006.

When the Swans win, Goodes usually plays well and he has been an important player again in 2011, averaging 21 touches and six marks a week.

What always brings him to the attention of the umpires are the big marks, the wonderful bursts out of the centre and the freakish goals and there have been enough of those in 2011 to suggest he will contend again this year. If successful, he will become just the fi fth triple winner in League history.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 36 goals, 293 kicks, 138 marks, 173 handballs, 82 tackles, 16 hit-outs, 124 inside 50s, 65 hard-ball gets, 77 loose-ball gets.

Career 300 games, 352 goals, 137 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION

Jude Bolton

Josh Kennedy

Daniel Hannebery

» Struck a rich

» Continued his

» The 2010 NAB AFL Rising

2011 Home & Away Stats 20 games, 19 goals, 215 kicks, 48 marks, 182 handballs, 139 tackles, 70 inside 50s, 90 hard-ball gets.

Career 279 games, 144 goals, 69 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 10 goals, 253 kicks, 48 marks, 220 handballs, 130 tackles, 86 inside 50s, 153 hard-ball gets, 63 loose-ball gets.

Career 61 games, 24 goals

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 6 goals, 240 kicks, 89 marks, 230 handballs, 75 tackles, 73 inside 50s, 97 hard-ball gets, 69 loose-ball gets..

Career 52 games, 16 goals, 9 Brownlow votes

vein of form in the middle of the season, and with almost 20 possessions a week and a season-high tackle count for the Swans of 139, is sure to get votes.

upward spiral and, for the second successive year, played in all 22 home and away games. Works hard at the contests and should collect his first Brownlow votes.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

Adam Goodes (captain, past winner), Daniel Hannebery, Josh Kennedy, Jude Bolton, Rhyce Shaw

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)

INELIGIBLE Shane Mumford, Ryan O’Keefe

full of interest for Swans fans. On the rare occasion that Adam Goodes wasn’t in contention, the likes of Brett Kirk or Barry Hall usually were. Both are not there any more, of course, so interest surrounds Goodes again and he should poll a double-figure tally. Kieren Jack, Ryan O’Keefe and Jude Bolton have also enjoyed good seasons and it will be intriguing to see whether young forward Sam Reid polls a few votes after emerging as a likely future star. But it will get back to Goodes, who has averaged 13.7 votes a year for the past 10 seasons and has the 2003 and 2006 medals to show for his star factor. He might be approaching approaching a ap app ppr prroa proa oac ach chi hin ing ng gthe tth the heetwilight tw ttwi twilight willigh wili gh httof o of offhis h his hi his s ccareer, ca car are ree eer er,r, but bu b utt he he he never n neeve nev ver errfails ffai faails ilssto tto o sshine sh hin nee at at th the hee Bro B Brownlow. ro ow wnlo wn low ow w.

Star showed great maturity and increased his work-rate.

Had 30 disposals in the Swans’ ’ win over the Western Bulldogss in round 18 and played every game in 2010.

Gerard Healy (1988) Paul Kelly (1995) Adam Goodes (2003 tied, 2006)

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS Adam Goodes MATURING: Daniel Hannebery

continued to blossom in 2011.

AFLL RECORD AF RECORD

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95

20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

West Coast Eagles TOP PERFORMEREXPERT GUIDE

» The Eagles produced

Dean Cox

» Free of injuries in 2011, the

Eagle star confi rmed his status as the AFL’s No. 1 ruckman with a season reminiscent of his efforts in 2005-08 when he made four successive All-Australian sides. For the second consecutive season, he played every game but his numbers in marks and hit-outs were up signifi cantly.

Showed no sign of the groin problem that hampered him in 2010 and was a major factor in West Coast’s turnaround from wooden-spooner last year to finalist in 2011. Kicked a career-best 19 goals in the home and away season and worked wonderfully well in tandem with rising young star Nic Naitanui. His best effort in the Brownlow was 12 votes in 2006 and, with a career-high 657 hit-outs this season, is sure to figure prominently.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 19 goals, 249 kicks, 128 marks, 154 handballs, 38 tackles, 657 hit-outs, 58 inside 50s, 90 hard-ball gets.

Career 226 games, 120 goals, 38 Brownlow votes

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION ERATI ON

Matt Priddis

Andrew Embley

Luke Shuey

» Has developed

» The 13-year

» Overcame injuries riesto toshow s show

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 7 goals, 242 kicks, 73 marks, 344 handballs, 166 tackles, 80 inside 50s, 24 rebound 50s, 147 hard-ball gets, 65 loose-ball gets.

Career 107 games, 32 goals, 34 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 17 goals, 274 kicks, 102 marks, 185 handballs, 96 tackles, 94 inside 50s, 39 rebound 50s, 55 hard-ball gets, 49 loose-ball gets.

Career 230 games, 203 goals, 29 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Awayy Stats Stats 22 games, 23 goals, ,286 286kicks, k icks, 61 marks, 160 handballs, dballs,85 8 85 tackles, 102 inside 50s, 31 rebound 50s, 75 hard-ball rd-balll gets, 56 loose-ball gets. gets.

Career 30 games, 299 goals goalss

into a crucial player in and around the stoppages and averaged almost 27 disposals a game. Polled 13 votes in a side that won only four games last year.

veteran was back to the form that won him the Norm Smith Medal in the 2006 Grand Final. Starred with 32 touches in the round 16 victory over Geelong.

ted him him mso so why the Eagles rated took him him highly when they took 008 Draft.

Dra aft. at No. 18 in the 2008 ngStar Sta ar The NAB AFL Rising dispossalsand and runner-up had 30 disposals heround roun nd20 20 seven tackles in the nd. win over Richmond.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS ALIAN NS

Darren Glass (captain), Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Josh Kennedy, Luke Shuey, Andrew Embley

Chris Judd (2004) Ben Cousins (2005)

Dean Cox, Darren Glass llass a

INELIGIBLE Scott Selwood, Will Schofield, Quinten Lynch, Nic Naitanui

96

AFL RECORD

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INFLUENTIAL: Luke Shuey huey exc excelled celled el ed at the stoppages.

Brownlow medallists in 2004 (Chris Judd) and 2005 (Ben Cousins) when they were finalists and they could follow the same trend in 2011. Ruckman Dean Cox looks their best bet after producing a magical year to give his midfi elders an armchair ride. His smaller men did not let him down with Matt Priddis, Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr (when fit) and Luke Shuey providing drive and excellent work at the stoppages. A 10-goal haul by key forward Josh Kennedy against the Western Bulldogs in round nine is sure to give him maximum votes while 2010 All-Australian Mark LeCras was a consistent goalkicker, with a best of fi ve in round 12 against Adelaide. Former Eagle Judd will be hard to beat again but don’t be ssurprised su urrp prriisseed d ifif Cox Co Cox can ca can anfifill ll tthe th hee q qu quin quinella. uin neell nel lla la. a.

20112 0 BROWNLOW BR W OMEDAL W ME AL

Western Bulldogs TOP PERFORMEREXPERT GUIDE

» Matthew Boyd is expected

Matthew Boyd » Polled 20 votes last season

and had an equally impressive year, despite the Bulldogs’ relatively poor performances.

That factor could count against the Dogs captain, who has led from the front in all 22 games.

However, on statistics alone, Boyd must have attracted the umpires’ eyes. He led the competition in overall disposals with 398 kicks and 303 handballs in 22 games, and also laid 113 tackles in a remarkably consistent season. Those statistics mirror his efforts of 2009 when he had 328 kicks and 394 handballs in 25 games (including three finals) to take out the Bulldogs’ best and fairest award. His performances have vindicated the decision to elevate him to the captaincy and it would surprise if he didn’t win a second Charles Sutton medal.

KEEP AN EYE ON

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 8 goals, 398 kicks, 85 marks, rks,303 303 handballs, 113 tackles, 115 inside 50s, 75 rebound 50s, 132 hard-ball rd-ball gets, 83 loose-ball gets.

Career 185 games, 65 goals, Brownlow votes 52

KEEP AN EYE ON

IN CONSIDERATION ATION

Ryan Griff en

Robert Murphy

Daniel Giansiracusa sa

» Was again one

» Was the

» Stepped up as onee of the club’s c

2011 Home & Away Stats 22 games, 24 goals, 341 kicks, 75 marks, 187 handballs, 102 tackles, 130 inside 50s, 50 rebound 50s, 96 hard-ball gets, 59 loose-ball gets.

Career 143 games, 98 goals, 27 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away Stats 21 games, 6 goals, 306 kicks, 77 marks, 128 handballs, 36 tackles, 44 inside 50s, 111 rebound 50s, 51 loose-ball gets.

Career 209 games, 152 goals, 31 Brownlow votes

2011 Home & Away ay Stats Stats 20 games, 45 goals, als, 229 229 kicks, 114 marks,,135 135handballs, handb alls, 56 tackles, 50 inside side50s, 50s,47 47 hard-ball gets, 40 loose-ball gets.

Career 213 games, mes,252 252goals, goals, 30 Brownlow votes otes

of the mainstays of the Bulldogs midfield, with his run and carry an important factor, particularly with teammate Adam Cooney missing with injury for most of the season.

WHO’S INVITED

PAST WINNERS

Matthew Boyd (captain), Adam Cooney (past winner), Ryan Griffen, Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa, Dale Morris

Allan Hopkins (1930 tied) Norman Ware (1941) Peter Box (1956) John Schultz (1960) Gary Dempsey (1975) Kelvin Templeton (1980) Brad Hardie (1985) Tony Liberatore (1990)

INELIGIBLE Ryan Hargrave, Daniel Cross

98

Bulldogs’ major playmaker out of defence with All-Australian full-back Brian Lake, Jarrod Harbrow, Ryan Hargrave and Lindsay Gilbee missing for one reason or another.

AFL RECORD

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ithaa leaders, finishing with career-best 45 goalss to equally follow on from an equally meritorious 2010 when p-three he had his first top-three b’s best best placing in the club’s and fairest.

Scott Wynd (1992) 992) 99 92 9 2) Adam Cooney y (2008) 8 8)

2011 ALL-AUSTRALIANS AUSTRALIANS Matthew Boyd, yd,, Ro R Robert Robert o Mur Murphy rp phy p hy hy

EXPERIENCE: E:: Daniel ni l G Giansiracusa Giansiracusa sa

withaacareer-high career-high car are 455goals. goa g oals. a stepped up with 45

to lead the way for the Bulldogs after another excellent and consistent all-round season in the midfield. Ryan Griffen is also certain to attract the umpires’ attention because of his run and carry. Robert Murphy is the side’s most creative playmaker/rebounder out of defence and rarely wastes a kick, although he is not a proven vote winner, failing to get a vote last season. Newcomer Jason Tutt could also score three votes for his sensational debut game against Port Adelaide when he goaled with his fi rst three kicks.

The Bulldogs have had 10 Brownlow medallists, the thee latest th latest lla attes teesstt Adam A Ad Adam da am Cooney in n 2008.

2008.

20 2 00 08 08.

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Need a ticket to the 2011 toyota aFL GraNd FiNaL? The Western Bulldogs have packages available for ALL footy fans For more information call (03) 9680 6333, (03) 9680 6302 or visit www.westernbulldogs.com.au

Get in early!

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Finals Review Week Two Surviving the battle

IMAGES ON FOLLOWING PAGES: AFL PHOTOS

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WARRIORS:

Heavily bandaged but jubilant, Hawks Shaun Burgoyne and Lance Franklin celebrate a goal.

PHOTO: MICHAEL WILLSON/AFL PHOTOS

inals are all about pressure and winning, and there was enormous pressure on Hawthorn and West Coast last week to win their respective semi-fi nals.

Late in each of their cut-throat encounters, the Hawks and Eagles—both qualifying final losers the previous week to Geelong and Collingwood respectively—faced the real, and extremely unpalatable, prospect of dropping out of the race.

After finishing the minor rounds in the top four to earn the prized double chance, and showing enough to suggest they would be serious premiership threats, there could have been no greater disappointment than to disappear from fl ag calculations in the shortest time possible.

It would have been the difference between being contenders or pretenders.

The Hawks appeared to have booked a preliminary fi nal berth when they led the Sydney Swans by 46 points midway through the third term.

But that was the cue for former Hawk Josh Kennedy and 300-game co-captain Adam Goodes to inspire the Swans to score 4.4 to nothing and reduce the margin to just 18 points by the final change.

Then Hawk champion Lance Franklin, playing with a knee injury, iced the game with three last-quarter goals as Hawthorn won by 36 points.

The Eagles had an even bigger scare against Carlton at Patersons Stadium.

The Blues kicked the fi rst four goals but seemed spent when the home team led by 21 points at the 21-minute mark of the final term.

However, Carlton kicked the next three goals, and a deep forward entry by the Blues in the dying stages was followed by vain pleas for a free to Andrew Walker.

The Eagles held on by three points.

It was finals football at its BEN COLLINS tense best.

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101

FIRST SEMI-FINAL West Coast Eagles 15.11 (101) d Carlton 15.8 (98)

Heartbreak for Blues as Eagles hold on in classic

F

or the first 20 minutes of last Saturday night’s epic semi-final at Patersons Stadium, West Coast’s efforts to secure a top-four berth and a home fi nal looked destined to go unrewarded.

There was an omen before the bounce when Carlton’s We Are The Navy Blues was played briefl y instead of Advance Australia Fair, and the visitors went on to make a rampaging start.

Carlton’s first task was to silence the Perth crowd, which had not witnessed a West Coast final since 2007, and when Chris Yarran courageously charged off half-back to set up the Blues’ fourth goal in a row at the 17-minute mark, the hometown faithful were stunned.

Although starved of recent finals action, West Coast supporters have been spoiled with success this season, witnessing 11 wins from 12 matches at Patersons Stadium, where the team’s forward press has become an unbreakable barrier for visiting teams.

But in the first quarter last Saturday night it wilted under the pressure of Carlton’s persistent attacks, and the Eagles—who were beaten 43-31 in contested ball—needed a circuit-breaker at the start of the second term.

It was premiership stars Daniel Kerr and Dean Cox who stood up at a crucial junction in the game, drawing on their combined 22 games of finals experience.

Cox dictated play with his deft tap work in the ruck and Kerr

burrowed into every contest, winning nine possessions for the term to get the ball heading West Coast’s way.

Within 10 minutes, Mark Nicoski had booted two goals from half chances, Quinten Lynch had converted a long set shot and the Blues were panicking, with Marcus Davies dragging Jack Darling to ground once play had halted and gifting a goal to the first-year forward, who also returned later to stamp himself on the match.

Cox had a clear advantage over Robert Warnock in the ruck, but also highlighted his superiority around the ground 22 minutes in when he drifted away from his opponent to mark 45m from goal and converted an important set shot.

The hero of this quarter, however, was key forward Josh Kennedy, who had left the ground early in the first term after a nasty head clash with Carlton’s Lachie Henderson.

The Eagles agonised over whether to substitute Kennedy out of the match, but the 24-year-old insisted he play on, returning to kick back-to-back goals late in the second quarter and give his team a 17-point lead and an emotional lift.

Just as Cox and Kerr had risen to the challenge early in the second quarter, the stage was set in the third for their 2006 premiership captain, Chris Judd, with his second club’s final hopes on the line.

Opposed to shutdown specialist Scott Selwood, however, Judd had just three

The Eagles agonised over whether to substitute Kennedy

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OUT OF MY WAY:Eagles captain Darren

Glass handballs clear after disposing of an opponent, while below left, Chris Judd, Je Garlett and Eddie Betts celebrate a Carlton goal; Nic Naitanui leaps over Robert Warnock; and (right) a disconsolate Lachie Henderson contemplates the three-point loss.

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FIRST SEMI-FINAL disposals for the quarter, with Mitch Robinson and Marc Murphy, who was outstanding in his two finals, shouldering the midfield load.

Little had separated these clubs in their fi ght for a top-four position, but the Eagles’ seven consecutive wins to round out the season were enough to secure them the prized fourth spot and a home fi nal— should one need to be played —in week two.

That home advantage was realised in the fourth quarter.

No longer silenced, the West Coast supporters came alive and provided an electric atmosphere that several Eagles credited with helping the team home in the thrilling final stages.

One player who relished the big stage was Darling, who entered the AFL with a reputation for losing his cool but has done anything but in his first two fi nals.

The 19-year-old, who was the youngest player on the ground, took a towering contested mark and kicked two goals—one a set shot, one a right-foot snap—as the Eagles resisted the Blues’ charge.

The visitors were brave, but even they might have seen this as a lost cause 21 minutes into the final term when Mark LeCras put the Eagles 21 points clear. They didn’t, rising again to kick three unanswered goals in a glorious fi nale.

Andrew Walker marked and converted the set shot that put Carlton within three points, and was also the centre of attention minutes later when he tangled with West Coast full-back Darren Glass just 15m from the Blues’ goal.

Carlton supporters howled for a free kick, but none was forthcoming, and West Coast defender Sam Butler double-fisted the ball though for a rushed behind.

For the third straight year, the Blues’ season ended with a heartbreaking September defeat, following away losses to the Sydney Swans (by five points last season) and the Brisbane Lions (seven points in 2009).

The Eagles, meanwhile, moved on to a preliminary final clash with Geelong, with the value of a top-four finish and home fi nal never more evident.

NATHAN SCHMOOK

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IT’S OURS: Beau Waters, Andrew Gaff and Matt Priddis are jubilant after Quinten Lynch outmarks Lachie Henderson and goes back for his kick on the fi nal siren.

Carlton’s Michael Jamison looks on in dismay.

PLAYER FOCUS WEST COAST EAGLES

Kerr masters comeback – yet again

GAME-CHANGING:

Daniel Kerr had nine possessions in the second quarter to give the Eagles the ascendancy.

» Daniel Kerr had played only three of his team’s past nine matches, but against Carlton in a classic semi-final last Saturday night, he proved to be the master of the comeback game.

The key on-baller has endured four spells on the sidelines this season, and has returned from each to be pivotal in a West Coast win.

Following impressive comeback matches against Port Adelaide (25 possessions), Adelaide (27) and Richmond (34) earlier this season,

Kerr took his place in the Eagles’ midfield against the Blues following three weeks sidelined with a lingering back complaint.

But if there were any doubts around his ability to return from injury and influence a fi nal, they were quickly dispelled in a brilliant second quarter that swung the game West Coast’s way.

After being dominated in the contested-ball count early, the rattled Eagles desperately needed someone to generate momentum in the midfield.

No player was better suited to the assignment than Kerr. The 28-year-old took to it with vigour, combining brilliantly with ruckman Dean Cox to win nine possessions (four contested) and three clearances for the term.

Like he had in his prime, Kerr burrowed into packs, emerged

with the ball at speed, drew opponents to him and released his teammates into space.

It was a game-changing burst as the Eagles went from 24 points behind to 11 points clear at half-time, and Kerr was judged by many as best on ground for his infl uence.

Running head-to-head with star Blue Marc Murphy for much of the first half, Kerr drew shutdown specialist Andrew Carrazzo for periods in the second, but he persevered to finish with 27 disposals and eight clearances.

His value was in the time and space afforded to young teammates, including Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Scott Selwood, who benefi ted from his presence.

NATHAN SCHMOOK

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105

FIRST SEMI-FINAL WHAT THE COACHES SAID

John Worsfold

WEST COAST EAGLES With that last three or four minutes, we just really tried to shut it down and hold on. Our players have treated every week as a challenge, and every opposition as a different group presenting us with a challenge to see where we’re at. You never deserve anything in this game; you get what you work for. We didn’t start the year thinking we deserved anything other than what we’re prepared to work hard for, and I think the players have earned the right to play against Geelong.

The players are looking forward to a big challenge.

BRAVE BLUE: Mitch Robinson typified Carlton’s gallant display against the Eagles with his fierce attack on the ball.

PLAYER FOCUS CARLTON

Robinson relishes big-game pressure

» From the first time he pulled on a Carlton jumper, Mitch Robinson has relished the big stage.

On debut in round one, 2009, at the MCG in front of more than 87,000, Robinson kicked three goals against Richmond, and on the strength of his past two games, he is not bothered by finals pressure.

In his first two seasons after being picked at No. 40 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, the Tasmanian played mostly in attack, with an occasional burst in the midfi eld.

This season the 22-year-old became a regular in the midfield, leaving his mark around the stoppages and clearances with his fi erce attack on the ball. He played in all but

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one game, the Blues’ previous encounter against West Coast, at Etihad Stadium in round 14.

In the first elimination final against Essendon, he performed the key role of restricting veteran Bomber defender Dustin Fletcher, a task he had done with aplomb in round 19 last season.

He harassed Fletcher to the extent the Bomber was under pressure every time he won possession of the ball. Robinson also won his fair share of the ball, collecting 17 possessions and kicking a goal.

In a high-pressure semifinal last Saturday night, he produced one of the best performances of his 49-game career. The statistics were

impressive —27 possessions (13 contested), eight marks and eight tackles—but his eff ort should not be measured by only numbers.

It was his commitment, desperation and determination that typified his and his team’s gallant display against the odds in front of a parochial crowd at Patersons Stadium.

Although he has taken massive strides this year, there is still room for improvement.

Occasionally, he lacks composure and can be wayward in front of goals—he kicked 10.21 for the season.

But he has shown he will be a key member of the Blues’ line-up for years to come.

HOWARD KOTTON

Brett Ratten CARLTON

I couldn’t really ask anything more of the players; they gave everything they had. It’s a game of inches and our players have grown enormously this year and I’m really proud of them. We’ve made some real inroads into that top-four area, but we’re still just a bit short and, as a football club, we need to get there so we have a real chance of continuing in the finals series going forward.

The players have got a fair bit of ammunition over the last three years to be this close but yet so far. And that’s the hard thing.

SECOND SEMI-FINAL Hawthorn 19.8 (122) d Sydney Swans 13.8 (86)

Knees up for Buddy, and that’s fi nal

T

he build-up to this match was all about Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.

The Hawthorn forward had seemingly done great damage to his knee when he landed awkwardly after a marking attempt during the last quarter of the qualifying fi nal loss to Geelong. Speculation buzzed through offi ces and over neighbourhood fences as fans discussed whether the big man would play against the Sydney Swans.

There was relief early in the week—Franklin belongs not just to Hawthorn fans, but to fans of all clubs—when he was cleared of ligament damage. The injury was deemed to be bruising of the knee bone.

Former Western Bulldogs champion Chris Grant, who had suffered bruising of the bone during his playing career, was among the many who declared Franklin would be sidelined for the rest of the season. Certainly he was out for one week.

And yet Hawthorn said he might play. There was much excitement. This could happen only in September.

Sure enough, Franklin’s name was on the team sheet 90 minutes before the match. He jogged out with the Hawthorn team. He took his place at full-forward and his knee didn’t crumble into tiny pieces.

During the fi rst quarter, he was tentative. The intrigue continued. In the second quarter, he took a strong mark against his respected opponent,

Ted Richards, and kicked a behind. There were no leaps over tall buildings, but he was moving freely.

Then the fans got what they craved. After receiving a handball out of a pack, Franklin curled one through from just on the 50m arc. It was a Buddy special. The Hawks, seeking their first victory in a fi nal since the 2008 Grand Final, led by 40 points at half-time. Franklin had played only a small part but just his presence lent confi dence.

Early in the third quarter, Cyril Rioli sharked perfectly from a stoppage and dished off to Chance Bateman, who kicked a goal. The margin was out to 46 points. The question now was whether the Hawks should take Franklin off and eliminate the risk of damage. But Franklin stayed on. His knee seemed fine. Sydney, however, changed the script.

Adam Goodes, playing his 300th match, came into the game. Scott Mumford threw his weight around. Matt Spangher and Tadgh Kennelly kicked goals. Gary Rohan, the tearaway teenager, stuck his arms up in the goalsquare and took an inspiring grab. He followed his goal by moving the ball to Ryan O’Keefe, who kicked another. The Swans kicked five of the last six goals in the third quarter. They had 18 inside-50s to six during that term. The Hawks led by 18 points at the final break.

Rather than panic, Hawthorn maintained its composure.

Liam Shiels kicked a goal, with Sydney’s Craig Bird replying.

Jordan Lewis kicked a goal

The fans got what they craved ... it was a Buddy special

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HAPPY HAWKS: Cyril Rioli gets his kick away despite the close attention of Sydney’s Kieren Jack. Rioli was relatively quiet, but Hawthorn still had too much in reserve for the Swans, who cut forlorn fi gures after the game (below left).

It was a different story in the Hawks’ rooms with Brendan Whitecross, Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson and Shaun Burgoyne belting out the club song. Below right, Whitecross and Brent Guerra put the clamps on Sydney star Adam Goodes.

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109

SECOND SEMI-FINAL to take the margin out to 26 points. Then Franklin edged out Richards and ran in for his second. At the other end, Josh Gibson was on a spoil-fest, punching the ball clear most times Sydney thrust forward.

O’Keefe and Goodes kicked goals for the Swans, who refused to go away. The Hawks needed some magic to finish them off. Enter Franklin, who took a mark on the boundary and kicked a banana goal. Then the ball fell free from a scramble about 30m from the Hawthorn goal. Shaun Burgoyne handballed to Franklin, who ran in for his fourth, and his third for the quarter. The risk of playing him had been vindicated. The risk of leaving him on the ground until the end of the game also justifi ed.

Ruckman David Hale kicked a goal before defender Matt Suckling curled a bouncing shot through from the boundary, a neat trick that put a full stop on Hawthorn’s performance.

O’Keefe responded for the Swans and was enveloped in silence. It was all too late. The Hawks were home by 36 points, a margin that failed to refl ect the tension before Franklin kicked his last two goals.

Gibson’s tally of spoils was revealed to be 21 (a record, according to Champion Data), with 16 effective.

His fellow tall defender Ryan Schoenmakers also deserved comment. The big Geelong forwards had monstered the 20-year-old Hawk in the qualifying fi nal. His opponent against the Swans was Sam Reid, 19.

The two have lean builds. It was an even contest. Reid completed his season of great promise in only fair form as Shoenmakers held him to one goal.

The Hawks discovered an extra string to their bow in playing Paul Puopolo as a defensive forward. Puopolo kicked three goals while also subduing Tadgh Kennelly in what turned out to be the Irishman’s last AFL game.

The only concern for the Hawks was the form of Rioli, who kicked one goal and again was relatively quiet.

Franklin said in a television interview after the match he had been confident of playing since early in the week. Why did anyone doubt it?

PAUL DAFFEY

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SWANSONG: Tadhg Kennelly is

chaired from the ground after bringing down the curtain on a fine career, while Adam Goodes’ 300th game failed to produce the fairytale ending he was hoping for.

SURPRISE PACKET: Speedster Isaac Smith has shone under the bright lights of fi nals football, producing his best form at the right time of the season.

PLAYER FOCUS HAWTHORN

Smith not overawed on the big stage » It was Robert DiPierdomenico

who used to brag to his Hawthorn teammates in the late 1980s that he was “born to play fi nals”.

A quarter of a century later, Isaac Smith might be making the same boast to the present crop of Hawks because, on the available evidence of two fi nals in 2011, he loves the big stage and the bright lights of the MCG in September.

Against Geelong a fortnight ago, he started brilliantly with 11 possessions in the opening term as, initially at least, the Hawks ran the Cats off their legs. He backed that up with 10 touches in the opening term against the

Sydney Swans last Friday night, and finished with 22 possessions and seven marks.

Of course, the 22-year-old speedster came to prominence at the end of 2010 with a slashing performance for North Ballarat in the VFL Grand Final, an effort that elevated him into draft calculations.

“Finals footy is what it’s all about,” he said after the win over the Swans. “It’s cut-throat. I have always loved to play fi nals.

“What’s there to be overawed about?”

In his 15 matches this year, Smith has brought a much-needed element to

Hawthorn. The Hawks boast a deep and talented group of inside midfielders, but what Smith brings to the table is his ability to win the ball and a penetrating left-foot kick. He can take a 50-50 contest on a flank or a wing and turn it into a scoring opportunity.

And, as his form attests, he is playing his best footy at a time of the season many fi rst-year players start to wilt.

“I’m pretty lucky because I’m pretty fi t,” he said. “I’m feeling a bit tired, but it doesn’t aff ect me as much as some fi rst-year players because I’m a bit older.”

ASHLEY BROWNE

AFL RECORD

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111

SECOND SEMI-FINAL IMPOSING PRESENCE:

WHAT THE COACHES SAID

Ruckman Shane Mumford, up against Max Bailey here, improved his game in every area in 2011, becoming one of the AFL’s premier big men.

Alastair Clarkson HAWTHORN

We started the game really well. To restrict the Swans to only a point at quarter-time was a terrifi c effort. But when you’re playing in the last three weeks of the season, you expect you’re going to have a fight at some point in time, and that certainly came in the third quarter. That 300-gamer (Adam Goodes) got hold of us for a while. We’d been able to keep him in reasonable check in the fi rst half, but he just exploded. Luckily, at three-quarter time we were able to rally the troops a bit and they responded in the right manner in the last quarter.

PLAYER FOCUS SYDNEY SWANS

Mumford’s physical presence a rucking force » By any measure, Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford has been a success story since leaving Geelong and accepting the Swans’ offer after the 2009 season.

After only 21 games at Geelong, in which he was forced to play second fi ddle to Brad Ottens or Mark Blake, Mumford shone in the premier ruckman’s role in his fi rst year at Sydney, finishing second in the best and fairest (behind Kieren Jack).

And Mumford’s fi gures this year reflect an improvement on his 2010 season.

The 25-year-old had more kicks, marks and tackles, and kicked more goals (11 after four last year).

His biggest area of improvement was in the key part

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of a ruckman’s game, stoppages; he went from an average of 26 hit-outs a game to 35.

Mumford showed his increasing capacity at stoppages in the last quarter of the semi-final against Hawthorn when he tapped perfectly to midfielder Jarrad McVeigh.

McVeigh kicked a running goal that gave the Swans a sniff of hauling in the Hawks’ four-goal advantage.

Halfway through the second quarter, Mumford showcased another area where his game has improved when he took a towering mark in attack. He went back and kicked his fi rst of two goals for the match.

He ended the semi-fi nal with 48 hit-outs, his second

best performance; he had 54 against St Kilda in round 22. The Western Bulldogs’ Will Minson holds the record with 56.

Hawthorn’s ruckmen against the Swans, David Hale and Max Bailey, had 28 and 25 hit-outs respectively. Sydney’s second ruckman, Jesse White, had three tap-outs, showing clearly that Mumford had to shoulder the burden on his own.

Perhaps Mumford’s greatest asset to Sydney is in the unquantifi able area of physical presence. At 199cm and 108kg, he’s a big man.

It is his willingness to impose that weight on those around him that makes him a rucking force.

PAUL DAFFEY

John Longmire SYDNEY SWANS

Ultimately, it’s pretty hard to be too positive sitting here after a loss in a final. There were probably a few boys in there who have been sore for a couple of weeks, but we just didn’t have that same intensity for the first quarter that they showed. After half-time, I thought we showed enormous character to get back into the game, but we hadn’t done it early enough.

We had to exert too much energy in that third quarter and it just wasn’t enough.

The improvement from our list this year, I thought, was pretty good, but (the loss) highlights that we’ve got to keep improving.

all-australian 2011

ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM2011 Top-four clubs dominated selection in the 2011 Four’N Twenty All-Australian team.

CALLUM TWOMEY

DARREN GLASS

T

WEST COAST EAGLES

hirteen of the 22 players selected in the 2011 Four’N Twenty All-Australian team came from top-four clubs, underlining their dominance.

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett capped off an outstanding season when he was named All-Australian for the fi fth consecutive year (the previous four as a Geelong player) and picked as skipper for the fi rst time.

It was the first time a player from the wooden spoon team was named captain of the team.

Ablett and his father Gary snr are the only father-son combination to be named All-Australian captains. Gary snr was honoured with the captaincy in 1995.

“It is a big honour, but I don’t think it’d be too hard to captain these boys. It wasn’t expected, but it’s pretty special,” Ablett said.

“I’ve learned a lot (in my fi rst year as captain). Obviously spending so many years at Geelong and, with their great leaders, I learned a lot from them, and to be able to captain (a club) is definitely something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Six sets of father-sons have been named All-Australians since the team was fi rst picked in 1947 by Sporting Life magazine.

And, in the current selection format (in place since 1991), Ablett is the sixth player to be

BACKS

MATTHEW SCARLETT

COREY ENRIGHT

GEELONG CATS

GEELONG CATS

BEN REID COLLINGWOOD

ROBERT MURPHY

HALF-BACKS

LEON DAVIS COLLINGWOOD

WESTERN BULLDOGS

CENTRES

DALE THOMAS COLLINGWOOD

SAM MITCHELL

SCOTT PENDLEBURY COLLINGWOOD

HAWTHORN

HALF-FORWARDS

MARC MURPHY

TRAVIS CLOKE

CARLTON

COLLINGWOOD

DANE SWAN COLLINGWOOD

FORWARDS

STEPHEN MILNE ST KILDA

ADAM GOODES LANCE FRANKLIN

SYDNEY SWANS

HAWTHORN

RUCKSINTERCHANGE MATTHEW BOYD

JAMES KELLY

WESTERN BULLDOGSGEELONG CATS

DEAN COX

CHRIS JUDD

WEST COAST EAGLESCARLTONGOLD COAST SUNS 114

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GARY ABLETT

NICK DAL SANTO ST KILDANORTH MELBOURNE

DREW PETRIE

TEAM OF CHAMPIONS: Back row (left to right)—Robert Murphy, Corey Enright, Chris Judd, Matthew Scarlett, Adam Goodes, Drew Petrie, Ben Reid, Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke and Dane Swan; front row—James Kelly, Gary Ablett, Nick Dal Santo, Matthew Boyd, Stephen Milne, Sam Mi tchell, Leon Davis and Marc Murphy.

Absent—Dean Cox, Darren Glass and Lance Franklin.

named in the team after his club won the wooden spoon.

West Coast’s Mark LeCras was in that category last year.

Ablett was one of only four players—with North Melbourne’s Drew Petrie and Western Bulldogs pair Matthew Boyd and Robert Murphy—selected from teams outside the top eight.

Collingwood’s dominant home and away season—it lost only two games—was recognised with six players in the team, including three for the first time.

Brilliant midfield duo Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury held their places from last year’s line-up, Leon Davis was named in defence and teammates Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke and Ben Reid were among the nine players making their fi rst appearance in the team.

Two years ago, Davis was named in the forward pocket.

His rebirth as an attacking half-back is one of the success stories of the season.

Davis played 18 home and away games in 2011 and

averaged 21 possessions, Dual Brownlow medallist reinventing himself as a and Sydney Swans co-captain creative defender. It’s a great Adam Goodes gained his fourth turnaround after he was All-Australian honour after dropped for the another Grand Final season full of replay last year highlights, and missed and champion playing in Geelong Collingwood’s defender premiership.

Matthew This year’s Scarlett joined All-Australian Carlton’s Chris team recognised Judd as the several other only players players who in the team returned to to have been GARY ABLETT career-best form selected six in 2011. times. Only 15 players have been West Coast pair Dean Cox selected more than six times. and Darren Glass led that There were several fi rst-timers. group, picked as All-Australians Former Hawthorn captain for the first time since 2008 Sam Mitchell was rewarded and 2007 respectively. for a career-best season with After two injury riddled a spot in the centre, St Kilda’s seasons, Cox regained his title Stephen Milne was named in the as the No. 1 ruckman in the forward pocket after kicking 55 game, while Glass’ defensive goals, and Robert Murphy was work was crucial in West Coast’s given the nod at half-back. surprise jump from 16th in 2010 Geelong’s James Kelly—one of to this week’s preliminary fi nal three Cats to be named, alongside clash with Geelong.

Scarlett and Corey Enright—was

picked for the first time, as was 28-year-old Petrie.

Petrie’s inclusion ahead of teammate Todd Goldstein as the second ruckman points to the All-Australian selection panel— consisting of Andrew Demetriou (chairman), Adrian Anderson, Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Danny Frawley, Glen Jakovich, Leigh Matthews and Mark Ricciuto—choosing a balanced team which could actually take the field.

The veteran North Melbourne utility played every game and kicked 48 goals, while also spending significant time in the ruck assisting Goldstein.

Blue Marc Murphy’s emergence as an elite midfielder was confirmed with his selection at half-forward, while Saint Nick Dal Santo was named on the bench.

Lance Franklin was picked for the third time after 71 goals and a second Coleman Medal.

The All-Australian team and other award winners were announced last Monday night at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It’s a big honour but I don’t think it would be too hard to captain these boys

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT BUYING 2011 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL TICKETS 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final tickets are subject to the following condition of sale: Condition: 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.

I thank the AFL for their cooperation with the Victorian Government to ensure their 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final Ticketing Scheme has transparent ticket distribution practices.

The Hon. Hugh Delahunty MP Minister for Sport and Recreation AFL RECORD

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Supporters should be aware it is illegal for a 2011 Toyota 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. The 2011 Toyota AFL Grand Final has been declared an event under the ticketing provisions (Part 9) of the Major Sporting Events Act 2009 to provide more transparent ticketing arrangements and fairer access for supporters to major events.

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 contact the AFL on 03 9643 1999

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Our AFL history guru answers your queries.

MOVING ON: Collingwood will be one of six teams to have a new coach in 2012 after Mick Malthouse hands the reins over to Nathan Buckley.

THECOACHING THE COACHING MERRY GO ROUND

Six AFL clubs will replace coaches for the 2012 season. Has the League ever had as many changes from one season until the next?

M. RILEY, EAST FREMANTLE, WA

CH: In 1928, when the League

had 12 clubs, eight began the season with new coaches.

There were six fresh playing coaches—Ray Brew (Carlton), Gordon Rattray (Fitzroy), Tom Fitzmaurice (Geelong), Bert Sutton (Hawthorn), Charlie Tyson (North Melbourne)

and Ivor Warne-Smith (Melbourne)—and two new non-playing coaches—Charlie Hardy (Essendon) and George Sparrow (St Kilda). In 1933, there were seven replacement year, coaches from the previous year, including Jack Bisset (Southh miidt Melbourne) and Billy Schmidt heeir (Richmond), who guided their nd teams to the premiership and Th here second place respectively. There 1 1941. were also seven changes in 1941. ma any On 10 other occasions, as many ro om as six changes were made from one year to the next.

col hutchinson NAME GAME

In name and deed

» The surname of St Kilda’s

Brendon Goddard should please St Kilda supporters and his teammates. Goddard is of Norman origin and derives from the given name Godhard.

This, in turn, is based on the Germanic elements g_d, meaning “good” (or possibly god/got meaning “god”) and hard meaning “brave”, “strong”.

Players who are both good and strong are always welcome and Goddard certainly lives up to his surname. We have met the element hard in other names suitable for players; for example, Ellard (noble and brave); and Harding (son of a strong man).

The motto of the Goddard family is cervus non servus — ”a stag, not a slave”; that is, a free spirit, not someone tied down; or, perhaps, one to be tagged, not to tag.

Despite it being a reasonably common name, Goddard has appeared only once previously in League ranks: Bill Goddard played 48 games with South Melbourne, St Kilda and Carlton Carltonfrom from 1907-11.

1907-11.

190711.

KEVAN CARROLL KEVANCARROLL KEVAN

GENUINE SENIOR FOOTBALLERS » There have been 21 known cases of twin brothers playing at League level. Ruckmen Hal and Alex Hanton were born on May 25, 1922, and learned their football with Frankston, where they attracted the attention of legendary Blues recruiting scout

Newton Chandler. Hal gained senior selection in the fi rst two o rounds of 1945 and Alex madee his only appearance in round 10, 10,, 10 10, 1946. Sadly, they recently died,d, within nine days of each other— r— r— Alex on September 5 and Hal on on on September 14.

Do you have knowledge of any players who are close to 90 or older, or who reached such an age before passing? Contact Col Hutchinson on (03) 9643 1929 or col.hutchinson@afl.com.au.

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WRITE TO ANSWER MAN The Slattery Media Group, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, 3008 or email michaell@slatterymedia.com

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rick milne

Ask the expert about all your footy memorabilia.

RICK’S RARITY POSTER STARS:

» Believe it or not, until 1950, a hand held bell was used to signify the end of each quarter of all VFL games.

As you can imagine, it would have been impossible to hear if there was an exciting fi nish to the game. From the start of the 1950 season, the VFL agreed to install (offi cial letter below) and use “as the official time sounding device, the R. V. Butler Sirens, and to retain the existing bell system for emergency purposes”. Which is not to say the siren has always been perfect—especially if you were a Dockers or Saints fan at the game in Tasmania a few years back. Still, all things considered, the siren has been a far superior sounding device than the bell.

A reader has a framed signed poster of the 1998 West Coast squa d, including Ben Co usins (pictured) and Gu y McKenna (right).

Ih have a v eaaWest W e sCoast t C o guernsey astguernsey which has been signed by Wally, Peter and Phil Matera. I was wondering if you could tell me how much it is worth and how much it would be worth if framed.

LEWIS MITCHELL, VIA EMAIL

RM: Lewis, I like it. A real

family affair. About $500 and add the cost of framing.

I have a yellow, full size Sherrin match ball autographed by the 2000 Essendon premiership team and Kevin Sheedy. It is in very good condition. Value please?

BRENTON SMITH, VIA EMAIL

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RM: They must have signed

heaps, as I’m often asked about this one. Generally, signed footballs aren’t the best of sellers anyway, as signatures often fade, and the ball eventually goes fl at.

Maybe $400 on a good day.

I bought some memorabilia at auction years ago for $100 and wonder if it has increased in value. It is a framed poster/ picture of the 1998 West Coast Eagles, signed by the whole squad including John Worsfold,

Guy McKenna, Peter Matera and Ben Cousins. Malthouse has also signed it.

MARK BLUNDELL, VIA EMAIL

RM: It is worth plenty more

Mark. Closer to $500. And if they go all the way this year, add another $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.

BRAINS FINAlSanswers at bottom of page

1

Which Collingwood player has kicked more Finals goals than any player in AFL history with 112 goals?

A. Nathan Buckley B. Peter McKenna C. Gordon Coventry D. Peter Daicos

2

Which former Hawks star has played the most Finals in AFL history with 39 matches?

A. Leigh Matthews B. Don Scott C. Dermott Brereton D. Michael Tuck

3

When Geelong won the 2007 Premiership, they broke a drought of how many years?

A. 11 years B. 22 years C. 33 years D. 44 years West Coast Eagles’s most recent flag came in the 2006 season. Who was Captain of that side?

A. Dean Cox B. Ben Cousins C. Chris Judd D. Darren Glass

4

B&F

game card

Spot the 7 DIFFERENCES between the 2 cards

NEW!

Silver CODE cards and enter codes to play

Answers: 1. C, 2. D, 3. D, 4. C, 5. Hawks logo flipped, “Franklin Lance”, missing hand on left side, missing player on right side, missing Puma logo on guernsey, missing puma logo on shorts, missing yellow stripe on bottom of sock

5

TV N O N E AS SE

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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

FIVE TO FIND

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Powerade changed to green; ‘b’ on James Podsiadly’s shorts changed to ‘d’; 50m line on the grass behind Jimmy Bartel removed; barcode removed from Bartel’s water bottle; writing on white sign in top left of image removed.

EXTENDED PLAYTIME The AFL Playground which was a huge hit with young fans outside the MCG in the first two weeks of the AFL finals series, has moved to Melbourne’s Federation Square this Friday and Saturday and will continue to operate during the school holidays from September 26-30.

The playground is the coolest fan zone for kids looking to test

FREE ENTRY

their footy skills and to warm up before watching the footy.

The playground features activities of all types for kids, with club mascots also in attendance. Federation Square is located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

Visit afl.com.au/ playground for more information.

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AFL AF FL F L RECORD RECOR RE COR CO ORD

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Applying data laterally to analyse and understand the modern game.

Pendlebury gets the nod for ‘virtual’ Brownlow

RUNAWAY VICTORY: The data

analysis computer gives Magpie Scott Pendlebury 31 virtual Brownlow votes, compared with Blue Chris Judd’s 21.

I

t’s that time of the year in the southern portions of Australia—early spring, wattle blooming and footy finals being played. It seems everyone I meet asks the same two questions: who will win the Brownlow? And who will win the premiership?

This year, there’s a subtle difference. Some of those asking the Brownlow question are following with their own answer.

Chris Judd’s a certainty, isn’t he?

“Yes,” I say in agreement. But why? He’s a proven vote-winner.

He won it last year (for the second time) and according to the pundits, he has played even better this season.

When everyone is talking about the importance of winning stoppages, it is universally acknowledged that Judd is the ‘Stoppages King’. He has got that look about him. Fashion counts. And he has a showreel of exceptional highlights longer than Lady Gaga’s.

Is he that far ahead? My job focuses on data analysis. What do the stats say?

First up, I set aside the vast volumes of ineffectual wallpapered numbers crowding the footy scene.

What does it mean that Judd rates eighth for disposals in the competition, third for clearances, fi fth for tackles and seventh for inside-50 entries?

The first rule of footy is this: win the ball, and if you haven’t got it, work hard to get it back.

On this score, Judd is super-elite, as indicated by his high ranking

in total possessions, clearances, and tackles; and especially so given the intensity of attention he receives from opponents each game.

The second rule is this: once you have the ball, do something with it. On this count, Judd is just above the competition average.

Several of his counterpart ball-magnets rate higher in their use of the ball.

An obvious example is teammate Marc Murphy, who is exquisite at both aspects.

The statistical model I use places extra emphasis on the disposal because this is ultimately where the game is won. Most of the major player awards, including the

Several of Judd’s counterparts rate higher in their use of the ball

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umpires’, tend to focus on the player winning the ball, and not always as much on what happens down the line.

If a player gets the ball in space, there is an expectation he should put the opposition on notice with his delivery. If this occurs, the model upgrades the worth of a player’s contribution, and in the opposite case, a downgrading. Exemplars in the positive range are Collingwood’s Leon Davis, the Western Bulldogs’ Robert Murphy, the Brisbane Lions’ Jed Adcock and Richmond’s Brett Deledio.

In extreme pressure situations, a player’s delivery options are mostly limited.

Nevertheless, the cleaner the exit from a scrimmage situation, the more valuable it is.

Far too often a player takes possession in the kitchen heat and sprays the ball into more chaos.

He can be excused, but if the delivery gets the team cracking,

then an upgrade is warranted.

T is where This J Judd excels.

But there a others on are th ‘clean exit the ra radar’, such as C Collingwood’s Sc Pendlebury, Scott Ca Carlton’s Heath Sc Scotland, the Bu Bulldogs’ Murphy, Gee Geelong’s Jimmy Bar and North Bartel Me Melbourne’s Andrew Swallow.

The next step in weighing up Brownlow Medal prospects is to get sports mathematician and software guru Darren O’Shaughnessy to process the data and calculate each player’s value. In a spectacular runaway victory, the computer gives Pendlebury 31 virtual Brownlow votes.

Teammate Dane Swan is next with 26, followed by St Kilda’s Nick Dal Santo on 23 and Carlton’s Murphy and West Coast’s Dean Cox both on 22.

Next in line is Judd, sharing 21 virtual votes with Swallow.

Completing the top 10 Brownlow computer nominations are the Western Bulldogs’ Matthew Boyd on 20, Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin with 18 and Collingwood’s Dale Thomas on 17.

The first observation is that the top 10 vote-catchers mostly come from teams in the top half of the ladder. This is because umpires and pundits invariably favour casting three votes to the player on the winning team.

To arrive at this vote tally, the prediction formula was adjusted to account for this bias, which is why Gold Coast’s Gary Ablett does not make the top 10. Without the computer adjustment, ‘Gazza’ would have popped up second to Pendlebury, with Swan third.

TED HOPKINS IS A CARLTON PREMIERSHIP PLAYER AND FOUNDER OF CHAMPION DATA. HIS BOOK THE STATS REVOLUTION (SLATTERY MEDIA GROUP) WAS RELEASED RECENTLY AND IS AVAILABLE VIA FOOTYBOOKCLUB.COM

A true legend stands the test of time.

Jonathan Brown

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He’ll selflessly give his all, day in, day out. He puts his body on the line and backs himself to go the distance. When the team is down, he’ll courageously step up, take on a bigger workload and go even harder. A reputation for toughness that can’t be faked, it’s been earned with every challenge conquered. It’s the confidence to never give in until you come out on top.

That’s what makes it the unbreakable, New-Look HiLux.