AFL Record, Round 20, 2011

round 20 20, august 5-7, 2011

Three ruckmen in a team hasn’t worked

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ROBERT WARNOCK ON THE BIG MAN BATTLE AT CARLTON

E 74

SEE PAG

8

DEAN BAILEY

Swift end for Demons coach.

PAGE 67

features 57 TED RICHARDS

Briefly a Bomber, the Sydney defender reaches 150 games.

PETER RYAN reports.

58 DANIEL KERR

Rebuilding a career that has stalled in recent times.

NATHAN SCHMOOK reports.

64 NICK DAL SANTO How St Kilda’s star midfi elder has increased his workload.

CALLUM TWOMEYreports.

regulars 4 7 25 53 70 74 76

Backchat The Bounce Matchday Dream Team Answer Man Kids’ Corner NAB AFL Rising Star

West Coast’s Andrew Gaff .

78 Talking Point

Ted Hopkins uncovers the mysteries of the forward press.

THIS WEEK’S COVER Daniel Kerr is on the comeback trail as the Eagles continue to march to the finals.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Challenging time for Demons » Earlier this year, after More radio please

With Greater Western Sydney joining the AFL next year, the profile of the AFL will go up a notch or two.

A good percentage of the support for AFL in Sydney and the broader NSW area comes from people who have relocated because of work or family.

It would be good if the AFL could spend some of its money giving NSW fans radio coverage of all games.

Perhaps the AFL, Greater Western Sydney and the Sydney Swans could pool together for the benefit of the game?

ALLAN CAMERON, ASHFIELD, NSW.

Response from the AFL: The AFL receives outstanding radio coverage in NSW from both the ABC and Triple M, which each cover all games played by the Sydney Swans. The AFL is in the midst of radio negotiations for the next fi ve years in all states, and aims to have these concluded by the end of September.

In NSW, our goal is to have all matches for both the Swans and the GWS Giants covered across both commercial radio and the ABC. We have not yet been in a position in NSW where we can have every match of our season for all 18 clubs covered in NSW, but we do make radio calls of all games available via the AFL website, afl .com.au. On the AFL website, fans are able to listen to three or four call options

GENERAL MANAGER, COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS Darren Birch AFL CORPORATE BUSINESS MANAGER Richard Simkiss AFL RECORD MANAGING EDITOR Geoff Slattery

AFL RECORD

from every match of the round if that game is not being called into your particular state.

Hall still has it

The thought of retirement must agree with Barry Hall. How else do you explain his form since he announced he was going to pull the pin at the end of this season?

Admittedly, he kicked fi ve goals against North Melbourne just a few days before he announced his decision, but he’s since followed that up with two more five-goal hauls, against the Swans and Eagles. It’s enough to make any Western Bulldogs supporter ponder whether it’s

PRODUCTION EDITOR Michael Lovett WRITERS Nick Bowen, Ashley Browne, George Farrugia, Katrina Gill, Amy Hawley, Ted Hopkins, Darren O’Shaughnessy Peter Ryan, Nathan Schmook, Callum Twomey, Michael Whiting SUB-EDITORS Gary Hancock, Howard Kotton, Michael Stevens STATISTICIAN Cameron Sinclair

AFL RECORD EDITOR Peter Di Sisto

4

BROAD REACH: A reader is hoping there will be coverage of all games in Sydney next year.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrew Hutchison

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worth begging ‘Bazza’ to play on next year.

Then again, perhaps we should all content ourselves with knowing he’s going out on top. That and knowing he considers himself a Bulldog through and through.

DOREEN CARRUTHERS, SPOTSWOOD, VIC.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The best letter each round nd 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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Melbourne’s poor eff ort against Collingwood on the Queen’s birthday public holiday, the AFL Record wrote about the club’s struggles to gain respect for its on-fi eld performances.

Last Saturday, the Demons put in one of the worst eff orts in the club’s long history (see stories on pages 8-9, 14). Anyone watching knew repercussions were likely, considering there had already been plenty of speculation about the future of fourth-year coach Dean Bailey.

That Bailey was sacked after such a horrendous loss was not surprising. That so much was said and written in detail about the club’s politics in the days after was.

Not for the first time in recent years, Melbourne faces another period of instability as it searches for its new coach, and works to ensure its administration, directors and players are working towards the same goal.

Outside of two short periods when it made the Grand Final (in 1988 and 2000), the club that dominated the competition under coach Norm Smith for u more than a decade from 1954 m h has struggled. Much has been done in recent times to rebuild d Melbourne on and offthe field.

M How it responds to its latest H cchallenges will be instructive.

PETER DI SISTO

PRINTED BY PMP Print ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO The Editor, AFL Record, Ground Floor, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, Victoria, 3008.

T: (03) 9627 2600 F: (03) 9627 2650 E: peterd@slatterymedia.com AFL RECORD, VOL. 100, ROUND 20, 2011 Copyright. ACN No. 004 155 211.

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CHAD CORNES

The end for a brave Port Adelaide warrior.

12

FINALS RACE

17

Analyst Darren O’Shaughnessy predicts the fi nals line-up.

DAVID HALE

What we learned was how far we

still have to go as a football club The big Hawk stars in the Jim Stynes on Dean Bailey’s sacking, page 8 wet, now for his old side.

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THE

The day a stray Cat turned his life around

PLENTY TO SHOUT ABOUT:

Fans continue to marvel at freakish forward Steve Johnson’stransformation into one of the game’s elite players after a wake-up call in 2007.

MICHAEL LOVETT

I

t’s frightening to think the Collingwood line-up, which can flick a scoring switch when it likes, could have included Geelong star Steve Johnson.

At the end of the 2006 season, the Magpies entertained a trade for the then talented but inconsistent forward only to be given a medical report that cast doubts on Johnson’s ankle.

Trade rumours were buzzing that Johnson could be swapped for the equally talented and inconsistent Chris Tarrant but, after lukewarm interest from both parties, the Cats decided to retain their man.

Had Johnson been fi tter, there is every chance he would be floating at the feet of Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes or sharing crumbing duties with Alan Didak, Dale Thomas, Steele Sidebottom and Andrew Krakouer.

That the trade didn’t eventuate says something about Geelong’s belief in the man who has since become a dual premiership player, Norm Smith medallist and three-time All-Australian.

Of course, the Cats’ faith was tested to the limit on the eve of Christmas 2006 when Johnson found himself in a lock-up in his hometown Wangaratta after a night on the town.

What happened back then was a light-bulb moment for Steve FORMER GEELONG CAPTAIN TOM HARLEY

His timing could not have been worse—or, perhaps bizarrely, better.

This time Johnson, who’d had some previous indiscretions, didn’t have to face the wrath of the club’s administration; rather, he was the first test case for a new-look leadership group led by Tom Harley.

Harley, who had taken over as captain from Steven King at the end of the 2006 season, was part of a six-man leadership group that dealt with Johnson’s misdemeanor early in 2007.

“I was away so we did it via a phone hook-up. Everyone had their say and I guess my first words to Steve was how disappointed I was,” Harley said this week.

“I remember we asked Steve to leave the room at the end of the discussion and I asked the others, ‘How is he’? They said he’s extremely contrite and he’s distraught. It jolted me because Steve and I had always been extremely close and the thought of him being upset wasn’t pleasant.”

Johnson was suspended indefinitely by the leadership group, banished to train with the club’s VFL team and was not available for selection in the AFL team until round six.

Harley said although the decision was lauded as a victory for player empowerment, it was AFL RECORD

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7

Essendon midfielder Brent Prismall to miss rest of season after rupturing ACL in his knee.

not about handing out a penalty to shock the football community.

“We never went out to set some sort of precedent (with the size of the penalty),” Harley said.

“But in the cold, hard light of day, Steve needed to know at that stage he was physically shot to bits and he was not looking after himself.”

For Johnson, the penny just didn’t drop, it crashed in resounding fashion.

Anyone who witnessed his game against Melbourne last Saturday could only look back and marvel how Johnson has turned it all around: his football, his attitude and his life.

MELBOURNE CRISIS

Magnitude of Demons’ loss forced Bailey exit

TOM HARLEY AFTER STEVE JOHNSON WENT BACK TO THE VFL

In many ways, Johnson’s 34 disposals, seven goals and 11 goal assists were a microcosm in one afternoon of what he has been doing since he was punished by his peers.

“What happened back then (with the suspension) was a light-bulb moment for Steve,” Harley said.

“I remember seeing him three weeks after he’d been sent back to the VFL team and his physical condition blew me away. He was in the best shape I’d ever seen him.”

With the suspension, however, came some diffi cult moments and Harley wasn’t sure how his mate would react to him as the countdown to his AFL comeback drew closer.

“There was some angst from Steve towards me and probably vice-versa, so I thought it was important we put that aside.

We caught up for a coffee at the club and had a great conversation,” Harley said.

From that moment, Harley says, the pair has never looked back. “I remain very close to Steve. He’s now reaping the benefits of what happened and you only had to see how he played on Saturday to see what a phenomenal player he is.”

AFL RECORD

Bailey accepted responsibility for Melbourne’s woeful performance.

F

He was in the best shape I’d ever seen him

8

DIGNIFIED EXIT: Dean

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PETER RYAN

ailure can come in many forms. For the past three-and-a-half seasons, Melbourne had been prepared to live with losses as it experimented and learned lessons.

It did so in the belief the process followed would lead to eventual success.

Then last Saturday happened.

In football terms, Melbourne’s loss was a catastrophic failure.

Everything that had gone before was blown to smithereens as the team capitulated to Geelong and was at the wrong end of the second biggest margin in the game’s history (see page 14).

Dean Bailey accepted responsibility for the result after the game, although anyone watching knew instinctively the problems went way beyond the coach. Everyone in the club’s football department, including

VINEY IN, BUT NOT FOR LONG

» Former Melbourne captain

Todd Viney will coach the club for the rest of the season, but has no ambitions to keep the role permanently.

Viney admitted his head was “still spinning” after a dramatic few days, but was adamant he would return to his role as general manager of player development when the season ends.

“I’ve never had the desire to be a career coach so I’ll just tackle this fi ve weeks and hopefully do a good job and help steer the club in this difficult time,” he said.

Viney played 233 matches for the Demons from 1987-99 and skippered the team in LUKE HOLMESBY 64 matches.

What we learned was how far we still have to go as a football club JIM STYNES

the players, needed to share responsibility for such failure.

To be fair to the players, they were drawn into playing at a tempo much higher than many could handle. Geelong was on song and the Demons’ confidence plummeted.

The on-field response was not mature or strong, but as Bailey said after the game, the experience might prove a great teacher. After all, Bailey’s final game for Essendon was a 160-point loss in round 20, 1992. The Baby Bombers won the premiership the next season.

Unfortunately for Bailey, he won’t be at the front of the class any longer. Last Sunday night, Melbourne sacked the man who coached it in the past 83 games.

When announcing the decision on Monday, Melbourne president Jim Stynes said the magnitude of Saturday’s loss had forced a decision.

“What we learned on Saturday was how far we still have to go as a football club. The extent of the loss has brought to a head some important decisions our

club was going to have to make in coming weeks,” he said.

The decision and its timing is a matter for debate. That the loss had damaged the club’s standing and Bailey’s hopes for an extended contract was not.

In truth, Bailey had fulfilled his brief when he was appointed. He had used the draft. He had developed players. He had forsaken results in the immediate term to lay a foundation for sustainable success at the later date. But a series of non-competitive performances from the team— against West Coast, Carlton, North Melbourne, Collingwood and finally Geelong—had increased pressure on the coach.

When Melbourne won, it was impressive. When it lost, it capitulated. After 17 games, it had won 22 quarters for the season. Only Gold Coast (15) and Port Adelaide (22) are in the same grouping. But such is life with a young team.

When embarking on such long-term projects, the coach needs the confidence of those around him to have any chance

St Kilda defender Zac Dawson suspended one match for striking Gold Coast’s Josh Fraser.

of success. Once doubt creeps into a club, it can have an insidious effect. Saturday’s loss appears to have given full voice to doubts.

Bailey left with integrity and respect intact, his good relationship with the players undiminished. He was respectful to everyone he came across and will be a great asset to another club.

The playing list would be an enticing prospect for the next coach.

In Inverting The Pyramid , Jonathan Wilson’s classic book on soccer tactics, there is a line that may give strength to the club: “Progress began with a defeat. As so often happens.”

Bailey started the progress.

One dark day stopped him from seeing it come to fruition.

BOUNCING BACK

History shows clubs respond after a drubbing

T

PETER RYAN

he big question that will be answered this round is, how will Melbourne respond after being defeated by 186 points—the second biggest margin in the game’s history— last week against Geelong?

History provides some hope that the Demons can turn their form around in the short-term.

Of the top three losses recorded before Saturday, two of the losers won the next week. The other was leading at three-quarter time. Of the top-10 big losers, the team on the receiving end won the following week.

In 1979, after losing to Fitzroy by 190 points in round 17, the Demons hit back the following week to defeat Essendon by 29 points at the MCG. In the week leading up to the game, Melbourne captain-coach Carl Ditterich admitted in The Age he had

DEMORALISED: Skipper Brad Green

leads the Demons offthe field after their 186-point drubbing last week.

no doubt the players would rebound in round 18. “I think they will be in the right frame of mind because of the humiliation,” he said. “You can cajole them, rant and rave, whatever you want, but it is up to each one of them to realise the position the club is in and, accordingly, to lift.”

After six changes, including the inclusion of Ditterich and Robert Flower, the Demons overcame the Bombers, who were at the end of a four-game losing streak, but went on to make the finals that season.

Melbourne also managed to defeat Fitzroy at VFL Park when the two teams next met in round two of 1980.

Of course, with the sacking of Dean Bailey this week, the Demons’ preparation would have been less than ideal.

In 1979, Collingwood dismantled St Kilda at Victoria Park to win by 178 points.

The Saints were in crisis, as their reserves (coached by John Northey) lost by 151 points and the under-19s by 106. It was a dark day.

The result had come just three weeks after they started the season with a win over the defending premier, Hawthorn.

Barry Breen was in his fi rst season as captain, while Mike Patterson was in his second season as coach.

Back at home against Geelong the next week, the Saints were

Of the top three losses recorded before Saturday, two of the losers won the next week competitive and threatened to pull off an unlikely victory when they kicked seven goals to five in the third quarter to be five points up at the last change.

But the Cats eventually won by 30 points.

St Kilda won only one more game before round 17, and only three for the season.

In 1919, the Saints were on the receiving end of what was, until Saturday, the third biggest margin in the game’s history: a 171-point loss to South Melbourne. South, ahead by 65

points at three-quarter time, kicked 17 goals in the last quarter.

The Saints failed to score in the first and last quarters.

St Kilda faced Essendon the following week and responded.

Led by captain-coach Wels Eicke, the team took a three-goal lead in at half-time and ended winners by 15 points.

The Saints then defeated Geelong the following week.

It’s possible, but it will take some courage.

Have the Demons got what it takes?

MAKING A STATEMENT Losing teamMarginYearResult next game Melbourne1901979Melbourne won by 29 Melbourne1862011Melbourne plays Carlton this week St Kilda1781979St Kilda led at three-quarter time, lost by 30 St Kilda1711919St Kilda won by 12 N Melbourne1681931N Melbourne lost by 40 S Melbourne1651964S Melbourne won round one the next season Brisbane Bears1641992Brisbane Bears lost by 74 Essendon 1631987Essendon lost to Carlton by one point Sydney Swans1621993Sydney Swans lost by 25 St Kilda1611899St Kilda won round one the next season Essendon1601992Essendon won by 32 AFL RECORD

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9

Essendon’s Travis Colyer likely to miss rest of the season after knee, lower leg and ankle injuries.

FAREWELL GAME

Cornes calls time on stellar career KATRINA GILL AND MICHAEL WHITING

P

ort Adelaide veteran Chad Cornes announced announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending speculation he will continue Greater his career at Greater Western Sydney. h is Cornes will play his last game, as planned planned with the club clubtwo two months ago, against Collingwood at AAMI AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

PROUD: Chad

Cornes will bow out as one Port Adelaide’s two greatest players, according to Power coach Matthew Primus.

The 31-year-old has been a victim of rookie coach Matthew Primus’ long-term approach to selection this season, being limited to only eight appearances despite displaying good form when given an opportunity.

His predicament prompted calls for him to leave the Power and further his decorated career at a rival club.

When quizzed about his future plans, Cornes initially left the door ajar for a comeback with another team but, when w pressed, said he accepted accep his play ying days day would come playing to a an end this t week. ““That’s it,” i Cornes said d. “I’m pretty p said. com mfortab with comfortable tthe decision deci and have had h no though thought of playing anywh anywhere else.

“You “You’ve just got to realise when your time is up. I’m very much re m retired.”

Cornes was made awa are of Primus’ Pr aware plans to rebuild the t list listat a the start of last pre-season, pre-sseason,but admitted there weree times timesduring the year when he h struggled strug to accept his coach’s co oach’s decision. de Cornes and an nd Primus Primu were “best mates s” in their the playing mates” days and, although alt the even nts of this thi season have events tested d their friendship, f Corness was hopeful ho the relationship rela ationsh would continue e, possibly possib with him continue,

staying on as a strength and conditioning coach next season.

A proud person and distinguished player, Cornes would have preferred his career to end on a higher note.

The 2004 premiership player was originally against the idea of a farewell game, but said he “owed” it to the Power faithful to say goodbye.

Primus praised Cornes’ trademark passion and the legacy of hard work and determination he would leave behind, saying the dual All-Australian would go down as one of the “top-two players” in the club’s short AFL history.

Cornes will fi nish his career on 238 games.

B

risbane Lions premiership ruckman Jamie Charman retired this week, saying his body could no longer cope with the demands of the game.

The 29-year-old has been dogged by leg, knee and shoulder injuries for the past three seasons.

He played the last of his 129 AFL games in round four of 2009.

Charman managed his fi rst competitive match in 16 months two weeks ago when he lined up for the Lions’ reserves against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

But he recovered poorly.

Charman was a member of the 2003 premiership team and will be remembered by Lions fans for his bullocking, no-nonsense attitude.

FIRST RECRUIT

Young Crow is bound for Giants

» Young Adelaide defender

Phil Davis this week told teammates of his intention to leave the Crows and join Greater Western Sydney next season.

Davis’ announcement came almost 12 months after his one-time mentor Nathan Bock made headlines by becoming the first player to pledge his allegiance to Gold Coast.

Davis grew up in the ACT before moving to Adelaide with his family as a teenager, and insisted the chance to be part of a new team in a developing market was the main reason behind his decision to leave Adelaide.

“There were a few shocked faces when I told the boys, which I expected,” he said.

Davis, recovering from a shoulder surgery, has played 18 matches for the Crows. He was drafted with pick 10 in 2008.

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AFL RECORD

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Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett to miss clash with Geelong at Skilled Stadium with a hamstring injury.

PREDICTIONS

MATHEMATICIAN AND IT CONSULTANT DARREN O’SHAUGHNESSY LOOKS AT THE CHANCES OF CLUBS IN THE FINALS RACE. IF IT...POSITION AFTER ROUND 20FINALS CHANCES

1

v Port Adelaide AAMI Stadium, Saturday night

2

v Gold Coast Skilled Stadium, Saturday

3

v Nth Melbourne Aurora Stadium, Sunday

4

v Melbourne MCG, Saturday

5

v Richmond Patersons Stadium, Sunday

6

v Essendon Etihad Stadium, Saturday night

7

v Fremantle Etihad Stadium, Friday night

8 9 10 11

v St Kilda Etihad Stadium, Friday night

v Sydney Swans Etihad Stadium, Saturday night

v Hawthorn Aurora Stadium, Sunday

v Carlton MCG, Saturday

WINS

First

LOSES

Second, but with a game in hand if Geelong wins; first if Geelong loses

Round 24 against the Cats would decide the minor premiership

WINS

Second if the Magpies win; fi rst if it loses

The Cats will start strong favourites in their next three games, but have to hope the Magpies slip up to take the minor premiership in round 24. Even two more winning margins like last week’s would not be enough to catch Collingwood on percentage

LOSES

SecondVery likely to fi

WINS

Third

Ninety per cent chance of fi nishing third and avoiding Collingwood in first final

LOSES

Down to fourth if Carlton wins; stays third if Blues lose

Fifthy per cent chance of fi nishing third, opening the door for Eagles and Blues to get double chance

WINS

Fourth if Hawthorn wins; third if Hawthorn loses

Could win every match and still miss out on the double chance

LOSES

Fifth if West Coast wins; otherwise stays fourth

Would have to rely on a top-four rival falling over; virtually certain to fi nish fifth

WINS

Remains fifth if the Blues win; into fourth place if they lose

Hard to see the Eagles fi nishing lower than fourth. Remain on the Hawks’ heels for a possible (20 per cent likelihood) third-place finish

LOSES

Remains fifth

None of the Eagles’ opponents for the rest of the year are in the top eight, while rivals Hawthorn and Carlton play each other. West Coast should still make the top four

WINS

Will drop to seventh if the Saints win by more than the Swans do; otherwise stays sixth

Finals are virtually guaranteed, with a 70 per cent chance of hosting one

LOSES

Seventh if the Saints win, eighth if they lose narrowly. A 12-goal loss could see the Swans out of the eight this week if the Dockers win

Ten per cent chance of missing the fi nals altogether (although one win might be enough). Only 40 per cent probability to host a fi nal

WINS

Up to sixth if it can surpass the Swans’ winning margin, or if the Swans lose; otherwise seventh

Will play finals unless collapses from here. Round 22 in Sydney will likely decide whether the Saints will have a home final, or have to fly back there three weeks later

LOSES

Drop to eighth

Facing Collingwood next week, the Saints would be in significant danger of missing the fi nals altogether (40 per cent probability of dropping out)

WINS

If the Swans lose, up to sixth; if they win, seventh

Seventy per cent likelihood of playing fi nals

LOSES

Either the Kangaroos or the Bombers can take the Dockers’ eighth position with a win; stay eighth if both lose

Thirty per cent likelihood of playing fi nals with a tough draw ahead: round 22 against North Melbourne could decide fate

WINS

Will take righth from Dockers if they lose, but would have to beat Sydney by 12 goals to pass the Swans. Otherwise stays ninth

A solid grasp on eighth spot with a 66 per cent chance of playing fi nals

PREDICTED FINAL LADDER

LOSES

Ninth if North Melbourne loses, 10th if it wins

Just a 20 per cent chance of making the eight

1 Collingwood

WINS

Into the eight if both Fremantle and Essendon lose; ninth if one does; stays 10th if they both win

50-50 to make the eight. Faces fi nals rivals Fremantle and St Kilda after the bye

LOSES

Eleventh if the Demons win; 10th Less than 20 per cent prospect of fi nals, probably needing if they lose to win all three from here

WINS

Up to 10th if the Kangaroos lose; 11th if they win

LOSES

Stay 11thOnly fi

THESE PREDICTIONS WILL FEATURE IN THE 12

AFL RECORD

THE LONGSHOTS

Would have to lose two of four in a soft draw to miss out on the minor premiership

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nish second

» The Western Bulldogs

will have to win all four matches, including two against rivals ahead of them. If they can get past North Melbourne’s percentage, they would likely squeeze into eighth from there. Richmond would have to win its last fi ve games to reach 42 points, which won’t be enough given its percentage—the computer shows about a 15 per cent probability for the Tigers from 10½ wins. Adelaide’s chances from its maximum 40 premiership points (were it to win every game) are effectively zero.

WINS NEEDED TO MAKE THE EIGHT

» The three draws this

year have complicated the picture of how many premiership points will be needed to make the eight. It appears that 44 points (11 wins) is a 66 per cent shot, improving to 80 per cent for a team with a percentage above 105.

For teams with a draw on their result sheet, 46 points and a percentage of 105 or more is a virtually guaranteed finals ticket, and even 42 points could be enough.

2 Geelong 3 Hawthorn 4 WC Eagles (Up 1)

Still a solid 30 per cent chance of making the fi nals with three very winnable games to fi nish ve per cent chance of making the fi nals

AFL RECORD FOR THE REST OF THE HOME AND AWAY SEASON.

5 Carlton (Down 1) 6 Sydney 7 St Kilda 8 Essendon (Up 1)

Sydney Swans premiership coach Paul Roos rules out a return to AFL coaching.

A STATISTICIAN’S DELIGHT AT SKILLED STADIUM

Records tumble in Cats rampage » Geelong moved into the

top five in several scoring and overall margin categories with its 186-point win over Melbourne at Skilled Stadium last Saturday.

The Cats fell six points shy of recording the biggest score in AFL/VFL history and were just four points away from the biggest winning margin.

HAPPY CATS:

Joel Selwood, Steve Johnson and Jimmy Bartel salute the crowd as the scoreboard tells the tale.

Their half-time lead of 114 points was the second largest in history and they now rank third for the biggest three-quarter time score and margin.

Geelong also recorded its biggest score and greatest winning margin at home and its 510 disposals was an AFL record.

HIGHEST SCORES 37.17 (239)Geelong v Brisbane Bearsround 7, 1992Carrara 36.22 (238)Fitzroy v Melbourneround 17, 1979Waverley Park 36.20 (236)Sydney v Essendonround 17, 1987SCG 37.11 (233)Geelong v Melbourneround 19, 2011Skilled Stadium 36.15 (231)Hawthorn v Fitzroyround 6, 1991North Hobart

BIGGEST WINNING MARGINS 190 pointsFitzroy v Melbourneround 17, 1979Waverley Park 186 pointsGeelong v Melbourneround 19, 2011Skilled Stadium 178 pointsCollingwood v St Kildaround 4, 1979Victoria Park 171 pointsS Melbourne v St Kildaround 12, 1919Lake Oval 168 pointsRichmond v N Melbourneround 2, 1931Punt Road Oval

BIGGEST HALF-TIME SCORES 21.5 (131)Bris Lions v Fremantleround 20, 1999Gabba 20. 7 (127)Hawthorn v N Melbourneround 16, 1982Princes Park 19.12 (126)St Kilda v Melbourneround 6, 1978MCG 20.6 (126)Geelong v Richmondround 6, 2007Docklands 19.10 (124)Brisbane Bears v Sydneyround 8, 1993Gabba 20.4 (124)Geelong v Melbourneround 19, 2011Skilled Stadium

BIGGEST THREE-QUARTER TIME MARGINS 161 pointsBrisbane Bears v Sydneyround 8, 1993Gabba 144 pointsGeelong v Richmondround 6, 2007Etihad Stadium

BIGGEST HALF-TIME MARGINS

142 pointsGeelong v Melbourneround 19, 2011Skilled Stadium

120 pointsBrisbane Bears v Sydneyround 8, 1993Gabba

141 pointsFitzroy v Melbourneround 17, 1979Waverley Park

114 pointsGeelong v Melbourneround 19, 2011Skilled Stadium

138 pointsHawthorn v Essendonround 20, 1992MCG

113 pointsBris Lions v Fremantleround 20, 1999Gabba

OTHER RECORDS

107 pointsRichmond v N Melbourneround 2, 1931Punt Road Oval 107 pointsGeelong v Richmondround 6, 2007Docklands

BIGGEST THREE-QUARTER TIME SCORES 29.9 (183)Geelong v Richmondround 6, 2007Docklands 27.17 (179)Brisbane Bears v Sydneyround 8, 1993Gabba 28.8 (176)Geelong v Melbourneround 19, 2011Skilled Stadium 27.12 (174)Geelong v St Kildaround 7, 1989Kardinia Park 26.17 (173)Fitzroy v Melbourneround 17, 1979Waverley Park

14

AFL RECORD

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» »

Highest score at Skilled Stadium, passing 35.18 (228) by Geelong v St Kilda, round 7, 1989.

Greatest winning margin at Skilled Stadium, passing 129 points by Geelong v Brisbane Bears, round 8, 1989 » 12.1 (73) in the second quarter was Geelong’s highest ever second quarter.

» Geelong’s effort to outscore Melbourne by 66 points in the second quarter is a club record.

» Geelong recorded 100-plus points in each half last Saturday for the fourth time. The next best in AFL/VFL history is Hawthorn with two 100-point or better halves.

Port Adelaide thanks its ‘foundation onleaders’ leeade aders’ rsfor fortheir fo r thei their$1.1 r $1.1 $1.1 million milli llion contribution contribution to to thethe club’s club’s debt debt reduction reduction campaign. campa

NEW AFLPA BOARD

Indigenous players to benefit from more support AMY HAWLEY

T

here are 78 indigenous players in the AFL in 2011. In order to provide more focused and specialised support and guidance to them, the AFL Players’ Association has formed an indigenous players advisory board to be chaired by Sydney Swans co-captain Adam Goodes.

The other players on the board are Xavier Clarke (Brisbane Lions), Graham Johncock (Adelaide), Roger Hayden (Fremantle), Aaron Davey (Melbourne), Chance Bateman and Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn) and Nathan Lovett-Murray (Essendon).

According to the AFLPA, the players will use their knowledge

CULTURAL CONNECTION: Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes, centre, will chair a new AFLPA advisory board which will deal with indigenous player issues.

and experience to seek feedback from their peers and to influence positive change for all indigenous players.

“As a group, we’re really looking forward to providing recommendations to the AFLPA, as well as discussing any issues that affect indigenous players and working towards resolutions,” Burgoyne said.

The idea for the board was first discussed at this year’s indigenous camp in Sydney.

Player development managers from all 17 clubs were invited to attend the camp and participate in discussions about indigenous issues and culture.

The discussions made the managers aware of the differences between the cultural backgrounds of individual players, and raised the issue that a “one size fits all” approach was unrealistic in terms of making allowances for their cultural duties and commitments.

Due to the increasing number of indigenous players in the AFL, those who attended the camp believed there was value in setting up the advisory board.

They hope it will help indigenous players feel more comfortable about approaching the AFLPA and using its services.

Earlier this season, the AFL Record spoke with Aaron Davey and other indigenous players about the challenges they faced trying to make their way in the AFL. “With the indigenous boys, it’s basically (connection to and wanting to stay with) family,” Davey said.

Both Davey and St Kilda’s Clarke spoke about the importance of building trust with indigenous players, and that teammates needed to treat them just like they would anyone else.

A recent study conducted by David Gallant from La Trobe University found indigenous players felt teammates, coaches and club administrators did not properly understand their cultural connections and duties.

In that study, 24 players from seven Victorian clubs were interviewed.

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Simon Baker – Actor

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The Brisbane Lions searching ing for for aanew newtraining trainingand andadministration administrationbase. base.

DEBUNKING A THEORY

Hale, the man of the moment, rain, hail or shine

STANDING TALL:

David Hale was one of the stars of Hawthorn’s win in the wet last week.

ASHLEY BROWNE

T

he Perth weather radar last Saturday afternoon looked grim, with storms of biblical proportions set to dump loads of rain on Patersons Stadium before and during the Fremantle-Hawthorn match.

The forecast spooked the Dockers enough to make a last-minute change, replacing ruckman Jonathon GrifďŹ n with the mid-sized Clancee Pearce.

But inside the Hawthorn bunker, there was not a hint of panic.

Three hours later, the Hawks’ calm before the storm was vindicated with forward David Hale turning in one of his most impressive performances for the year and belying the age-old

football dictum that big blokes can’t play in the wet.

Hale had only 11 touches, but booted three goals and handled the conditions with aplomb.

Hawks assistant coach Leon Cameron said he was delighted

the beneath-the-legs stuff, it’s great for the team,� he said.

The 27-year-old decided to leave Arden Street at the end of last year after nine seasons in a bid to play more regular senior footy. He ďŹ elded an offer from Melbourne, but chose the Hawks, a decision he must be delighted with for all sorts of reasons.

Apart from a four-week knee injury mid-season, he has been a ďŹ xture in the Hawthorn side.

But his importance grew after the Geelong game in round 12 when the Hawks lost Brent Renouf and Jarryd Roughead to serious injuries.

Hale returned the next week and, together with Max Bailey, the pair has held the Hawks’ ruck division together. And Hale has provided a valuable marking target close to goal. “We’ve been rapt with his input,â€? said Cameron, who oversees the forward line. “With ‘Roughy’ going down, he has with the former Kangaroo’s output stepped up in the forward line and the ruck as required and is in such difďŹ cult conditions. chipping in for two or three goals “He hit the scoreboard three a game.â€? times for three goals; one from a Hale is forming a ďŹ ne stoppage, one from an intercept partnership with Lance Franklin. and one from a ground ball.

The Hawks have a couple of When the big blokes are doing

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17

Essendon’s 2010 seatbelt campaign with the TAC recognised at the Australasian Sponsorship Awards.

alluring targets to kick to when they get the ball forward of centre, and Hale is proving to be a good contested mark and a reliable kick for goal.

He obviously figures to be a key weapon in Hawthorn’s bid to upstage Collingwood and Geelong to win this year’s premiership, but beyond that, the Hawks believe he will remain in their best 22 next season once Roughead recovers from his ruptured achilles.

“Most teams have two tall defenders, but not many have three, so we could create some nightmares for opposition defenders,” Cameron said.

This Sunday at Aurora Stadium marks the fi rst time Hale has opposed his former club, at least in an offi cial clash.

The Hawks and the Kangaroos locked horns in the pre-season, with Hale kicking two goals.

Cameron said he expected either Luke Delaney or Scott Thompson to get first crack at their former teammate.

INJURY-FREE RUN

Raines’ self-belief rewarded with Lions MICHAEL WHITING

W

ith a body he can now rely on, Brisbane Lions midfielder Andrew Raines is starting to repay the faith shown in him by the club when he headed north in 2010.

Raines had the ‘star of the future’ tag hanging around his neck when a breakout 2006 netted

him second place in Richmond’s best and fairest award.

He was all excitement and run-and-carry from the back half and, when a solid 2007 followed, the former Southport Shark appeared to have a bright future.

But what followed was a horrific run of injuries. Knee injuries in 2008-09, followed by a troublesome quad in 2010 limited him to just 15 games in three seasons.

Even with a full pre-season and some solid early form behind him this year, Raines wore an accidental elbow from Gold Coast’s David Swallow in round seven that led to concussion and more weeks on the sidelines.

But the 25-year-old never doubted his ability and, over the past five weeks, has clearly been one of the Lions’ best.

Raines has reinvented himself, switching from the backline to the midfield, carrying out a number of successful run-with roles that most recently landed him the scalp of Geelong’s Joel Selwood.

“After spending the majority of my career as a defender, I wanted to get up the ground a bit,” Raines said.

“The job was there to play a bit of a defensive role as I had in the past on attacking players, so it was no different to my role down back, it was just in the midfi eld.

“I’ve relished it throughout my career. I had some big roles at Richmond and, this year, I’ve enjoyed the role and the challenge.

“It’s in my nature each week to go out there and take the opportunity.

“I’ve had Selwood, (St Kilda’s Nick) Dal Santo, (the Suns’ Gary) Ablett, the best midfi elder in most teams. It’s been a good learning experience.”

Raines returned ‘home’ to the Lions at the start of 2010 and, after sustaining the quad injuries last season, said having a full

pre-season under his belt had made the world of difference.

“I did doubt my body,” he said.

“I’ve never doubted my ability or myself. It’s very important for any professional athlete to never doubt their ability, but it’s human nature to doubt your body when ou get up and down again again and and you hat happened happen ned to me many many that mes in two two o or or three three years. years . times sta art of pre“At the start eason, I was wa as able to get season, raight into into o itit and and it’s it’s the the straight rst pre-season pre-sea asonIIhad hadin inaa first ng time. Itt was great.” great.” long h Not only has aines man naged Raines managed o keep his to

direct opponents in check, he has also found plenty of the footy in recent weeks.

He had a season-high 29 disposals in the round 15 win over Port Adelaide and has averaged 22 touches over the past five matches.

It is undoubtedly Raines’ Raines’ best stretch of footy in in four years, with tthe he son of Richmond great Geoff havin another havingg another season to run run on on his contract. contract .

FIT AND FIRING:

Andrew Raines has put his injury worries behind him to be a valuable player for the Lions.

I did doubt my body.

I never doubted my ability or myself ANDREW RAINES

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AFL RECORD

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North Melbourne midfielder Jack Ziebell bellaccepts acceptsreprimand reprimandfor forstriking Carlton’s Kade striking Simpson.

Carlton’s Ka

FASTEST TO 50 GOALS

DYNAMIC DEMON:

Allen Jakovich burst on the scene with 50 goals in his first nine games, including 11 in round 20, 1991.

Jakovich an enigma who ‘could have been anything’ ASHLEY BROWNE

H

ad you asked any football fan at the end of 1991 to forecast which of the Jakovich brothers, Glen or Allen, was on track for a better career, the more likely answer would have been Allen.

Glen had a fine season for West Coast in 1991, holding down a key defensive post in a side that reached the Grand Final.

But Allen, five years older, was a star from the start.

The flamboyant full-forward joined Melbourne in 1991, fresh off a century of goals for Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL, and in his fi rst season, booted 71 goals in just 14 games.

It was a remarkable season for

Jakovich.

Jakovich.

He was kept goalless in the opening opening game against West Coast and th e did not return to the team until round 10 against Adelaide Adelaide, when he kicked one goal.

He was out of the team again until the clash with Hawthorn in round 14, when he booted three goals. After that, the dam walls burst.

Over the next six weeks, he si eight kicked bags of eight, six, six, and seven and, then at the MCG a in round 20, he kicked 11 against Melbourne.

North Melbourne. w His final goal that day was seaso n,kicked ki his 50th for the season, pla in just nine games. No player g had made it to 50 career goals soqquickly. uickly so Hence the excitement about Jakovich and the hope that footy had unearthed its next superstar.

A genuine showman, he was powerfully built and was a great kick on either foot. He looked

like the prototype footballer for the 1990s.

The highlight that afternoon was a famous scissor-kick goal.

With the ball bombed long towards the Punt Road end goal, the ball spilled off the hands of Melbourne’s Darren Bennett and North Melbourne defender Darren Crocker straight at the feet of Jakovich, who, while falling to the ground, simply wound up his right foot, met the ball and slammed it through the goals in one fluid motion.

“He had this freakish ability when he got going,” John Northey, his coach at the Demons at the time, said this week.

“He didn’t train too hard, mind you, but he could have been anything.”

Due to injuries and attitude, Jakovich ended up playing just 54 games (47 for Melbourne from 1991-94 and seven for Footscray in 1996) and kicked 208 goals.

Glen Jakovich, of course, played a club-record 276 games for West Coast, won two premierships and is in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

WATCH THE SCISSOR-KICK GOAL youtube.com/watch?v=SKSJTLXhWtE

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AFL says it has no plans p to form a reserves competition. p

PROUD HISTORY

Lions unite as three eras come together

T

NICK BOWEN

he Brisbane Lions are unique. As the only club in the competitionn to have been formed via a merger, the Lions’ history includes the feats and characters of three different clubs: Fitzroy (1883-1996), the Brisbane Bears (1987-96) and the Lions (since 1997).

This year, Brisbane has movedd to recognise its proud history by reinvigorating its strong past players and officials group.

Before the Lions’ match against North Melbourne in round 18, the club hosted a reunion of about 150 past players and officials at Etihad Stadium.

The AFL Record attended the function and spoke with former players from all three of the Lions’ eras.

The oldest living ex-player, Des Calverley, 91, was a rover/winger who played 52 matches for Fitzroy from 1940-46 and another 18 for Richmond from 1947-48.

Calverley said the Lions had been the first League club to establish a past players and officials association, in 1955.

Calverley, whose sons Ray and Graham also played for Fitzroy, said he had always felt part of the Brisbane Lions, even after the 1996 merger.

“To get three premierships under the Lions name (in 2001-03) made us feel really good,” he said.

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LIONHEARTS: Des Calverley (middle) and sons Ray (left) and Graham all played with Fitzroy.

Fitzroy people can come along and be part of the broader club SIMON HAWKING

“As a club, we hadn’t won a premiership since 1944, so it had been a long wait, but it was worth it.

“And it’s lovely to see all these old players here today and to still feel part of the club.”

Craig Evans was on the Brisbane Bears’ inaugural list, in 1987. Having played nine games in 1986 for Geelong, Evans played two games for the Bears before a serious groin injury ended his League career at the end of 1987.

Although the fi rst batch of Bears players battled a lack of resources and support, Evans,

46, said he had fond memories of the times he shared with players such as Mark Roberts, Chris Stacey, Bernie Harris, Jamie Duursma and Geoff Raines.

“Obviously, in starting up, we were all fairly competitive to get a game, but because we were the first to go up there, we were all very close,” he said.

“That’s why (this) function is exactly what’s needed because it allows guys like me who went up from Victoria and came back again to stay involved with the club.”

Simon Hawking was one of eight Fitzroy players selected by

the Lions under under the the club’s club’s merger concessions.

Although he spent just the 1997 season in Brisbane and did not play a game because of injury, he said it was “a brief but good time”.

Hawking, 38, said he hoped the Lions’ past players initiative would help ex-Fitzroy players reconnect with the club. “(Former Fitzroy player and Lions board member) Laurie Serafini mentioned that Jimmy Wynd felt a little bit uncomfortable coming along because he hadn’t played for Brisbane,” Hawking said.

“But, hopefully, (the function) shows Fitzroy people can come along and be part of what’s now the broader club.”

The Lions will hold a reunion event for their Queensland-based past players at the Gabba later this season.

Richmond to hold its annual Hall of Fame amefunction functionon onAugust August19.

19.

INTERNATIONAL CUP

For young PNG star, epic journey is paying off CALLUM TWOMEY

W

hen Brendan Beno, South Pacific’s quick and clever forward, kicked five goals to lead his team to its landmark two-point victory over Tasmania last month, veteran recruiter John Turnbull wasn’t surprised.

Turnbull, who works for Melbourne and was previously Hawthorn’s head recruiter, saw Beno more than two years before his heroics in the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships.

In March of 2009, Turnbull, as part of the Flying Boomerangs program (an under-age indigenous team), travelled to Papua New Guinea as a talent scout, where he met Beno at Port Moresby.

PROMISING: Brendan Beno’s skill and natural Beno, then 14, was the ability have seen the PNG youngster put on the youngest player selected in Brisbane Lions’ international scholarship list. the AFL Papua New Guinea under-18s squad to face the Britain before talking a steam Boomerangs in two games. strong and told me to just keep “Brendan hadn’t played much ship captain into letting him practising my footy. catch a two-day boat ride back to in the previous weeks leading “I love playing the game and Port Moresby. He arrived at the to game one, but struggled using my speed. I go for a kick at game only 10 minutes before the to influence either match,” least once a day when at home.” opening bounce.

Turnbull said.

Next Saturday at Blacktown, “Understandably, he struggled “In the latter stages of Beno, who turns 17 this week, to influence the game, but game two, he demonstrated he will represent Papua New he was clearly a class above could read it at stoppages and Guinea in the 18-team Australian everyone else in the games he one long handball with vision Football International Cup. (He played with was excellent.” is one of 10 AFL international South Pacifi c, Turnbull had scholarship list players from the and they seen a little bit South Pacific who will take part wouldn’t have in the carnival.) of talent, but not won against enough to quite He’s looking forward to Tasmania match the hype playing with, and against, older if he hadn’t put on Beno by the competition. Turnbull is just as have played,” locals. But Beno bullish about the tournament.

Turnbull said. had a fair alibi.

“It’s terrifi c that clubs have Beno’s skill Only weeks taken the initiative now and guys BRENDAN BENO and natural before facing the like Brendan are the forerunners ability—he Boomerangs, of what can happen over the next is a short and strong attacking Beno had returned to his home generations,” Turnbull said. player who is smart at the island of Bougainville. The rush “If people are patient, it will stoppages—saw him placed on back to Port Moresby in time for pay dividends in 10, 15 and 20 the Brisbane Lions’ international the game was diffi cult. years time.” scholarship list, and he has visited He walked from his village to THE INTERNATIONAL CUP RUNS FROM the club several times since. the main highway, hitchhiked AUGUST 12-27, WITH GAMES PLAYED IN “I met Jonathan Brown,” Beno to Buka Island, canoed across SYDNEY AND MELBOURE. GO TO IC11.

COM.AU FOR MATCH DETAILS. said this week. “He was big and to the mainland of West New

I love playing the game and using my speed

Young stars nominate for Giants

» Four All-Australians from the 2011 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships feature in the group of players to nominate for the Greater Western Sydney mini-draft to be held in October.

West Australian Jaeger O’Meara, South Australian pair Ben Kennedy (above) and Brodie Grundy and Victorian Brad Crouch head the impressive list.

The others are Chase Bower (SA), Adam Carter (WA), Dayle Garlett (WA), Matthew Haynes (Vic), Riley Hutchinson (WA), Emmanuel Irra (SA), Aaron Loccon (SA), Sean Lynch (WA), Todd McKay (SA), Jonathan O’Rourke (Vic), Jason Pongracic (Vic), Mason Shaw (WA), Josh Simpson (SA), Jake Stringer (Vic), Shannon Taylor (WA), Jimmy Toumpas (SA), Nick Vlastuin (Vic), Matt Wallis (SA), Laine Wilkins (WA), Daniel Williamson (SA) and Christopher Yarran (WA).

A player needs to have been born in 1993 or earlier to be eligible for this year’s NAB AFL Draft, but one of the concessions granted to Greater Western Sydney allows for players whose birthdays fall between January 1 and April 30, 1994, to be claimed by a club with one of four special picks the Giants will trade away for draft picks, experienced players or both, over the next two years.

Those selected at the mini-draft won’t be able to play for their new club until 2013, thanks to a rule that requires players to turn 19 in their first year at AFL level.

JASON PHELAN

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St Kilda fined $10,000 for late inclusion of Justin Koschitzke in round 17.

MILESTONES ROUND 20

250 GAMES

Chris Tarrant Collingwood

AFL 200 CLUB

Michael Gardiner St Kilda

150 GAMES

Ted Richards Sydney Swans

100 GAMES

Hamish McIntosh N Melbourne Daniel Jackson Richmond

50 GAMES

Jack Redden Brisbane Lions Robert Findlay umpire The list includes those not necessarily selected but on the verge of milestones.

FREAK MISHAPS

Eagle joins long list of bizarre injuries MICHAEL LOVETT

J

osh Kennedy probably wasn’t laughing when an errant tennis ball caught him flush on the eye last week, but the West Coast forward has joined a long list of players to be sidelined through a freak accident.

Kennedy missed last Saturday’s win over the Western Bulldogs after teammate Dean Cox hit him with a tennis ball during an indoor training session.

He spent several days in hospital, mainly to prevent bleeding in his eye but could be back for this round.

However, Kennedy can take solace that he’s not the fi rst— and he certainly won’t be the last—player to miss a game through an off-field mishap.

Here’s a list of some unusual accidents that have occurred over the years (apologies to those we had to leave out): South Melbourne champion forward Bob Pratt missed the 1935 Grand Final after being hit by a truck while getting off a tram the day before the game.

Bill James played one League game for Richmond—in the 1920 premiership—but put a bullet through his foot in a rabbit-shooting accident weeks later and never played again. again.

Star Geelong mid midfifielder Garry Hocking rolled his ankle a nkle on his garbage run in 19 92 1992 having a kick-to-kick kickwith wi with th kids in the the street. street.

Nigel Smart burnt burrnt his his feet feet attempting a firewalk rew walk during during a pre-season cam withthe the camppwith Adelaide Crows Crowsin in n 1993.

1993.

North Melbourne’s Melbourn ne’s Levi Greenwood caught his toe putting onhis putting on his tracksuit pants and fell down down the stairs ing stairsdur during the 2010 preseason.

Brisbane Lions star Michael Michaell Voss had his fi ngerr caught ttrailer caught hitching hitchingaatrailer to his car, almost severing s severing it in 1999. He drov ve himself to drove himself to hospital where where doctors docctorsassured assured him the finger could cou uld be be saved. saved.

Brad Ottens has set the pace for bizarre injuries

Other famous fi nger injuries occurred to former Melbourne forward Jack Mueller, who lost the top of two fingers in a work accident in 1934, and Carlton Chitty, who who lost lostaa hard man Bob Chitty, played finger at work and then played in two of the toughest fi nals preliminary ever—the 1945 preliminary i t Collingwood C lli d and d against Collingwood and ‘Bloodbath’ Grand Grand the ‘Bloodbath’ h Final against againstSout South Melbourne.

2006, Richmond’s Richmond’s In 2006, Andrew Kellaway strained his hamstring surfing at

TUMBLE: Roo Levi

Greenwood fell down the stairs while putting on his tracksuit pants.

Last quarter.

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22

AFL RECORD

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The Brisbane Lions fined $5000 for fi elding a different starting 18 tooteam teamlodged lodge g dbefore beforeround round17.

17.

Phillip Island, forcing him to miss a match.

Geelong and former Richmond ruckman Brad Ottens has set the pace for bizarre injuries. Several years ago, he was impaled by a garden stake and, more recently, he damaged his hand in a water skiing accident.

Essendon defender Ian ‘Bluey’ Shelton missed the entire 1964 season due to an injury he suffered during a farming accident.

Melbourne champion Ron Barassi caught measles from Norm Smith’s son Peter and missed a game in the mid-1950s.

Collingwood hero Peter Daicos kicked five goals in just over a half against Geelong at Waverley Park in 1992—but went off with a shoulder injury in the third quarter. Days later he rolled over in bed and aggravated the injury and missed several weeks.

Western Bulldog Jarrad Grant, who was drafted from the Dandenong Stingrays, stood on a stingray during the 2008 pre-season while, last year, teammate Will Minson poisoned himself with soy milk.

PASSING OF A GREAT

Jacobs a doyen of the footy airwaves

His long association a with Harry Beitzel was part of football folklore

MICHAEL LOVETT

W

hen Bill Jacobs turned 90 in 2008, a ‘who’s who’ of Australian sport rubbed shoulders to celebrate the occasion with him.

From Richie Benaud, the doyen of cricket commentators, to Sam Newman, football’s most controversial media performer, they gathered to acknowledge a great sporting all-rounder.

Sadly, they were gathering again this week to farewell a giant of football, cricket and the media after Jacobs died on July 29, aged 93.

Jacobs held positions at the top of sport few could aspire to. His contribution to football was vast, calling the

SAD LOSS:

Bill Jacobs was a giant of football cricket and the media.

game for 3AW in Melbourne for 34 years, including 25 consecutive Grand Finals.

His long association with No. 1 caller Harry Beitzel and their sidekick, the legendary Tommy Lahiff, was part of football folklore in Melbourne for decades.

Jacobs was also a leading cricket administrator and managed the Australian team that toured the West Indies under Ian Chappell in 1973. He also managed

the Rest of the World team tha that toured Australia in 197 1971-72 after South Africa had been exiled from inte international cricket.

He was also a Victorian cricket selector and played 266 straight matches for Fitzroy in District cricket as a wicketkeeper.

On the football fi eld, he once kicked 23 goals in a game for Brunswick in the Victorian Football Association.

Jacobs is survived by his wife Joyce, son Ken, daughter Lorraine, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Ken was CEO of Cricket Victoria for 26 years.

AFL RECORD

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23

Footy clubs take a Blood Oath and win $30,000.

Congratulations to the Southern Dragons and Yarra Junction Eagles.

The Blood Oath campaign has been a great success and generated huge support from all across Victoria.

The Southern Dragons, who play in Melbourne’s Southern Football League, led the metropolitan-based leader board with 1,669 oaths, and the Yarra Junction Eagles, who play in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League, led the country-based clubs with 1,616 oaths.

We thank everybody for being involved and taking the oath to always put your mate’s safety first when driving.

TED RICHARDS

Dry wit and deadpan humour behind his 150 games A regimented approach approach to preparationn has also helped turn this his Swan’s Swan’s career around. PETER RYAN

S

ydney Swans defender Ted Richards worked out some time ago that he plays his best football when he’s busy. His performances would suggest he’s been flat out for a few years now.

The defender has missed only one match this season, regularly taking on the game’s star forwards and performing well.

He’s doing an internship at Citi one day a week and is studying a master’s degree in fi nance, after completing a bachelor of commerce degree last year.

He pens a weekly column for the Sydney Swans’ website, The Richards Report, which is good for a laugh, and recently he’s taken his dry wit to the screen on Ted TV , a short online video for the club’s website.

A former teammate reckons Richards is one of the funniest people he knows, and you don’t have to watch one of his videos for long to understand he has a gift for serious nonsense, his deadpan approach making teammates laugh.

At the end of most seasons, Richards travels overseas, heading off in October/ November for a short break and returning ready to go on day one of the pre-season. He has roamed around Europe, the United States and Cuba in recent years.

“If I’m sitting around too much all I do is think about football and it can wear me out a bit,” he said.

This week, he plays his 150th game, coincidentally against Essendon, the team that drafted him in 2000. The Swans also announced he had signed a two-year contract extension that committed him to the club until the end of 2013.

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TEAM MAN: Those close to Ted Richards say he is passionate about his club and his mates.

The obstacles make you deal with adversity better TED RICHARDS

It’s a fine achievement for a player who did not have an easy ride into the game.

He spent five years at the Bombers after being drafted as a 17-year-old as a forward. He could not get a regular game, despite regularly showing glimpses of his talent.

When he departed after 33 games (including one fi nal), he

was popular with both Essendon supporters and his teammates.

But that counted for nothing as he headed north to the Swans. He was 22 and slightly apprehensive about the move away from family and friends.

The battles to win selection had inevitably created some doubt and frustration. He made it work quickly, improving every

week and performing very well in the second half of the 2006 Grand Final. Looking back now, Richards sees some benefits in his path being rocky at the start.

“The obstacles make you deal with adversity better,” he said.

“I think it’s something that’s helping me at this end of my career playing at full-back. As a full-back, you get goals kicked on you, but you need to put that behind you as quickly as possible to get yourself right for the next contest.”

Those who know Richards best say he’s a passionate person, passionate about his football and his club and his mates.

You get the sense he is a team player in every sense of the word, a person who values his opportunities. Behind the humour lies a determination to get the best out of himself.

One characteristic that makes him good to watch is the intensity he brings to every contest. He is not only working hard, he looks as though he is, often wearing an expression more befi tting a rescue operation worker than defender rebounding from 50.

His actions, however, are calm and he makes good decisions.

He is strong, brave and an excellent mark. Beyond the humour, he also carries another handy asset. He knows how to switch on and off.

As the game approaches, his competitive mindset kicks in. “I probably become quite boring as the game approaches. Some people might say I am anal in my preparations,” he said.

Those preparations have served the 28-year-old well. He has played 116 of a possible 135 games since joining the Swans and appears to have more football ahead of him as a key defender.

“You draw celebrations from playing a role,” Richards said. “You don’t have those celebrations (that come with) kicking a goal. It’s just about doing your role for the team in shutting someone down.”

R R E K L E I DAN

IN THE TOP. SEASON HE PROOF THIST’S PLANNED RETURN TO WEST COAS

Nic Naitanui, and the quick feet and burst of speed out of stoppages is returning slowly.

One thing Kerr has never lost—and he has worked tirelessly to maintain it as his greatest strength—is his cleanness at ground level.

“I was always confident I could still play the game at the top level if my body allowed me to,” he said.

“But I had massive doubts on whether my hamstring would heal in the recovery process and whether I would be able to get back to sprinting and kicking and running long distances.

“I still had faith that if my body could do the work, then I’d be able to perform.”

The story of Kerr’s wretched run with injury begins in August of 2007, when he had surgery to re-attach a snapped tendon on the ring finger of his left hand.

He had the choice of playing on and losing the ability to move that finger, or having surgery and missing the fi nals.

“In hindsight, I think I would have given up the mobility of that finger,” he said. “It was probably the toughest decision of my career and I think either way, I would have looked back and decided I’d made the wrong decision.”

Kerr watched from the stands as Collingwood eliminated the Eagles in a thrilling extra-time semi-final at Subiaco Oval that year, describing the club’s most recent September appearance as the low-point of his career.

But there was more pain to come, with knee, calf and two separate three-game suspensions limiting Kerr to 11 games in 2008, and a debilitating groin injury ending his 2009 campaign after round 13 (and just 11 games).

Still, all of those injuries pale in comparison to the horrendous hamstring tear he suffered on the verge of half-time against Essendon in mid-April last year.

It was unprecedented in its severity and Kerr knew he had suffered a serious injury when he heard “the crack of a whip” and felt a “shatter down his leg”.

“That was probably the one that was a little bit more mentally challenging than the other injuries,” he said. “There wasn’t really a person who I 60

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FACT FILE

4

Daniel Kerr

Born: May 16, 1983 Recruited from: East Fremantle Debut: Round 1, 2001 v Geel Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg Games: 181 Goals: 100 Player honours: 2nd Brownlow Medal 2005; 2nd best and fairest 2002; All-Australian 2007; International Rules Series 2002; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2001; premiership side 2006 Brownlow Medal: career votes 99

DETERMINED: Kerr believes

his body can hold up after a series of frustrating injuries.

could base my recovery on. leading to bleeding for fi ve There was no one who had come weeks. There is a 20cm scar back who we could say, ‘This is running down Kerr’s right leg the timeline we’re looking at’. as a reminder.

“That was the most frustrating “It wouldn’t close up because it thing, having an injury I really was scar over scar and it has left didn’t know how long would a nasty gash over the back of my take to heal or if it was going to leg,” Kerr said. heal at all,” he said.

“But it’s all tied up pretty “At times, I felt like football tight I’m assured and it feels may be a long reasonably way away.” good at the There were moment. It’s international not without examples for pain, but West Coast’s it does feel medical connected, team to cite which is what I during Kerr’s was after.” recovery, but Kerr none involving admitted DANIEL KERR athletes who he was a had played a challenging game similar to person to be Australian Football. Most were around for the best part of endurance athletes or those who 12 months during his recovery, had suffered impact injuries. but he has emerged optimistic There were setbacks, too, about the future. with pins inserted during After a long and lonely surgery irritating Kerr’s hip rehabilitation program, during and the incision then used to which he said he felt like a tennis remove the pins failing to heal, player or a middle-distance

At times, I felt like football may be a long way away

runner, he said it was great to be involved in the team environment again.

“I was training with no one and haven’t had a lot to do with the boys, so it’s good just to feel like you’re in a team sport again,” he said.

“Just being out there is the most enjoyable aspect, and having some good wins.”

There is no doubt team success this year has helped Kerr find his feet again at AFL level, with opposition stoppers no longer making a bee-line for the nuggetty on-baller as Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Mark LeCras and Shannon Hurn demand attention.

Quinten Lynch, who has spent 14 of the past 15 years playing alongside Kerr, still rates his good mate as an A-grade midfielder and describes his presence this year as a massive bonus for the club.

“We all knew he was a premier midfielder while he was up and firing before the injury setbacks and we definitely didn’t forget how good he could be,” Lynch said. “It’s just a matter of getting him out there.

“I might be biased, but I still think when he’s up and going, he’s still in the upper echelon and he does a lot of damage when he’s got the ball in his hands.”

Lynch fi rst played alongside Kerr at Perth’s Aquinas College in 1996 and he has watched his recovery as a footballer with interest. But he has also seen an off-field transformation in his 2006 premiership teammate.

A magnet for trouble in the past, Lynch said Kerr

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R R E K L E I DAN

IN THE TOP. SEASON HE PROOF THISTTS’SPPLLAANNNED RETURN TO ASS WEST COA

had mellowed following his marriage to Natasha Pozo and the birth of the couple’s daughter, Lola Violet, in June.

Kerr agreed that starting the next chapter of his life had been good for him.

“It’s really settled me down and I wish I’d married when I was younger. It might have kept me out of trouble a little bit,” he said.

“Having the baby has put things into perspective and getting married was fantastic for me.”

There is also the maturing of those around him to consider and the influence that has had on Kerr.

He is one of nine premiershipwinning Eagles who have survived the club’s youth-driven rebuild since the end of 2007,

Not getting hit for three years has got to help him ASSISTANT COACH SCOTT BURNS

joined in order of age by Darren Glass, Andrew Embley, Dean Cox, Brett Jones, Lynch, Adam Selwood, Sam Butler and Beau Waters.

They are a close group of senior players who have been instrumental in West Coast’s climb back up the ladder this season, with Glass, Cox and Embley enjoying standout seasons.

Kerr said despite already being premiership players,

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kerr wants to be part of an Eagles side that can climb from the bottom in 2010 to the top in 2011.

the elder statesmen have unfinished business.

“I don’t want to finish my career remembered for being involved in the first Eagles squad to win a wooden spoon,” he said.

“I’d rather finish as part of the Eagles squad that came back from that and won a premiership. I really want to get back out there and have some success with this group.

“We know how good it feels to be involved in a successful

group and that want and desire has only been fed by the disappointment of the last couple of years.

“We’re really keen to get back to what we had.”

As a respected senior player, Kerr exerts a signifi cant influence on West Coast’s young midfielders, many of whom grew up watching him at his best.

For the record, Kerr insists 2006 was when he was at his absolute peak, despite the fact

he finished runner-up in the Brownlow Medal in 2005 and equal runner-up in 2007, and third in 2006 (he was ineligible in ’06 and ’07).

He hasn’t given up on again hitting those levels of excellence, and assistant coach Scott Burns believes he has another four or five years of good football in him.

“Even though he’s 28, I think of him as a 26-year-old because he’s missed a lot of footy,” the Eagles midfield coach said.

“That’s defi nitely going to help him down the track.

“He gets knocked around a lot and not getting hit for three years has got to help him.

He hasn’t had that volume of pounding on the road with his running, either.”

Kerr agreed, and said he had ambitions to play on well into the future.

West Coast might not have received close to what it expected when it extended the one-time superstar’s contract by four years at the end of 2008, but he could yet repay the club late in his career.

“If I can get through this year without serious injury and do a full pre-season, I think I can get back to my best,” he said.

“One of the positives (of having so much time off) is that the rest of the niggles I was carrying have completely healed.

“The rest of my body hasn’t felt this good since I was in my early 20s and, if I can get the hamstring right, I think the two years I’ve had off will backdate to the end of my career,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve got a lot left in me.”

EAGLES ROCK 25 YEARS ON

» West Coast is marking its 25th

anniversary as an AFL club with a series of events this weekend, including the announcement of its inaugural Hall of Fame members at a black-tie function in Perth on Friday evening.

“Given the achievements and impact of so many eminently qualified people, the task for the selection committee has been onerous, but the inaugural inductees have been determined

62

AFL RECORD

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and those wonderful contributions will be recognised as part of a glorious weekend of celebrations,” Eagles general manager of communications Gary Stocks wrote on the club’s website.

A host of activities will be held on Sunday when the Eagles host Richmond at Patersons Stadium.

West Coast beat the Tigers by 14 points at Subiaco Oval in its inaugural match in round one, 1987, with Laurie Keene and Andrew MacNish each kicking three goals.

Fans will be invited on to the th ground after the mat and treated to a stage match show, sho featuring interviews with wit club legends and a pe performance of Eagle Rock

by Daddy Cool’s Ross Wilson.

The evening of family fun will also include giveaways and an autograph session with past and present West Coast players.

“Throughout our proud history, the unwavering support of our passionate members and supporters has been the driving force behind our success and we are looking forward to sharing our milestone with the people who have made the club what it is today,” the club’s website said.

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NICK DAL SANTO

Blossoming as an inside midfielder With Lenny Hayes out, Nick Dal Santo has picked up the engine-room slack.

O

ne of the constants in St Kilda’s fascinating 2011 season—a year of intrigue—has been the form of Nick Dal Santo.

The 27-year-old, in his 10th season, is playing the best football of his career. The numbers don’t lie.

But, beyond merely the career-high averages in disposals and several other key indicators, Dal Santo is excelling in a slightly different role to the one he had when he made his debut in 2002.

The season-ending knee injury Lenny Hayes suffered in round two dictated that someone had to step into that inside midfield role if the Saints were to again challenge for the premiership. And that’s what Dal Santo has done.

Dal Santo is averaging 27.1 disposals a game in 2011, only slightly down on his 2009 season when he averaged 27.9 in 24 games.

But Dal Santo’s average of 10.3 contested disposals a game is a career-high, and he is dominating

at stoppages, winning 5.1 clearances each game.

Importantly, he is also averaging 1.4 scoring assists every game, double his tally of last year, while also lifting his average tackle count to a career-high 5.2 a game.

Indeed, if football is a game broken down to three basics—winning the ball, using it, and getting it back—Dal Santo is doing it all.

Dal Santo’s career has mostly been characterised by his efficiency with the ball in hand and in space. The classic image of him would see him gliding through traffic to set up play with an effortless left-foot pass.

With time, however, Dal Santo has matured into a reliable, consistent midfi elder capable not only of creating, but controlling, a game’s flow.

In St Kilda’s 20-point win over Gold Coast last week, Dal Santo collected a season-high and equal career-high 39 possessions.

Quality over quantity is not an issue with Dal Santo. He gets the ball and uses it well.

CALLUM TWOMEY

He doesn’t bust through packs like Geelong’s Joel Selwood, or have the running capacity of Collingwood’s Dane Swan, but Dal Santo impacts a game in his own neat way. A 75 per cent disposal efficiency rating this season is proof of that.

In the past nine games, he has averaged 30 disposals. It is no coincidence that St Kilda has won seven of those nine, with losses only to Collingwood and Geelong, clearly the AFL’s best two teams.

With captain Nick Riewoldt suspended last week against the Suns, and Hayes missing, St Kilda coach Ross Lyon praised the club’s remaining leaders, including Dal Santo. “(Without) our two great leaders of effort, it was good that Dal Santo, Brendon Goddard and Leigh Montagna really stood up on that front,” Lyon said.

It’s something that has characterised Dal Santo’s season.

Every challenge has been met with a response indicative of a footballer in control, comfortable in his surroundings and intent on continuing his development.

NICK DAL SANTO’S CAREER AVERAGES SeasonGamesKicksHandballsDisposals

2002186.34.210.678.94.66.32.702.21.8 2003811.57.51983.67.611.85.10.63.34.5 20042511.47.518.879.87.211.34.213.23.3 20052414.28.422.681.89.712.94.61.23.53.2 200623148.122.180.28.613.5513.14.2 20072213.28.321.582.48.612.431.43.23.7 200824148.122.175.87.214.64133.2 20092416.111.827.972.89.817.33.71.34.74.1 20102514.910.725.670.29.615.44.20.73.94.6 20111715.211.927.175.110.315.73.71.45.15.2

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Disposal efficiency %

Contested possessions

Uncontested possessions

Marks

Scoring assists

ClearancesTackles

VERSATILE: Nick Dal Santo has done a superb job this season covering for the loss of Lenny Hayes.

PHOTO: LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/AFL PHOTOS

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65

ROBERT WARNOCK

RUCKMAN REVELLING IN THE NO. 1 ROLE Stepping out of the vast shadow of Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands, the 206cm Blue is forging his own reputation. HOWARD KOTTON

T PHOTO: LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/AFL PHOTOS

here were high expectations on Carlton’s Robert Warnock this year after his strong finish nish to to last l season. He played the th last six home and away games gam and loomed as a potential match-winner in the elimi elimination final against the Sydney Sydne Swans at ANZ Stadium, kicking two vital goals as a marking target on the forward forwa line. man ways, Warnock’s In many 2011 season seas has mirrored that of the tea team. Carrying a heavy responsib responsibility as the No. 1 ruckman ruckman, he started the season in fine fashion fas before being knocked out o during the frenetic finish nish to to the t round nine clash against G Geelong. Warnock was awarded awar a free kick after copping a high tackle. hind In hindsight, he should not have taken take the kick as he was concusse concussed, but at the time he felt he was wa OK. His kick, from about 20m out almost directly in front, missed, m and the Blues lost by tw two points.

He rem remembers nothing of the incident incid and the drama

It just took me a few weeks to get over it ROBERT WARNOCK ON THE KNOCK HE RECEIVED IN ROUND NINE AGAINST GEELONG

at the end of the game. “It just took me a few weeks to get over it,” Warnock said. “I couldn’t remember a whole lot of stuff.”

As a result of that incident, he spent a few days in hospital.

He returned via the VFL and was elevated to the AFL team for the round 14 game against West Coast to replace the injured Shaun Hampson.

Since his return, his progress has been steady. He has won plenty of hit-outs and his work around the stoppages has been exemplary, although there are areas of his game he needs to improve, including taking more

marks around the ground.

At 206cm, he not only gets his hand on the ball fi rst on many occasions, but also his ability to follow up on the ground with clean hands makes him an important weapon in the midfi eld.

Warnock said his talent to fi nd the ball at ground level has come naturally. “It’s more natural to me than the previous generation of big blokes. It’s nothing I’ve worked on specifically,” he said.

Warnock’s kicking has been regarded as a strength, although he admits he needs to work on his kicking for goal. He has not kicked a goal since that missed opportunity in round nine and last week, against North Melbourne, he hit the post from a relatively easy set shot to bring his season’s tally to 3.8 in 14 games, a big contrast to last year when he notched 8.2 in 12 games.

“It’s defi nitely something I need to work on,” he said. “I probably haven’t done as much practice on it as I should’ve.”

In Warnock’s favour is he has played only 47 games and, traditionally, big blokes take longer to reach their peak.

ROBERT WARNOCK

He believes there is plenty of scope for improvement in his game.

“I’d like to think that I’ve only scratched the surface,” the 24-year-old ruckman said.

“There hasn’t been a whole lot of continuity there.”

The introduction of the substitution rule this year has changed the role of the ruckman, with many forced to spend more time on the ground.

As the Blues have lacked height in attack recently in the absence of the injured Jarrad Waite, Warnock and Matthew Kreuzer have spent more time in attack to provide another tall target and complement talented smaller forwards Eddie Betts and Jeff Garlett.

The Blues welcomed back Kreuzer in round 12 against the Brisbane Lions, after a year on the sidelines following a knee reconstruction and Warnock is enjoying renewing his relationship with the young star.

“I play the majority of the game in the ruck and pinch-hit up forward when Kreuzer rucks and I think that works well,” he said. “‘Kreuze’ is getting better and better each week. With the amount of footy he has missed, it’s always going to take a bit of time to come back and he has still got so much improvement ahead of him.”

Hampson is scheduled to return soon and the competition will be hot for places in the team. As much as he would like to see three ruckmen in the team, Warnock is unsure if it would work.

“We’ve never really done it,” he said. “Traditionally, three ruckmen in a team hasn’t worked. Essendon tried it, to a degree of success—sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t.”

Warnock arrived at Visy Park with plenty of fanfare, the Blues having given up three draft picks in a trade with Fremantle at the end of 2008 (the Dockers also gave Carlton pick No. 65 in the deal, which the Blues used to select Rhys O’Keeffe).

After 21 games in two seasons (2007-08) with the Dockers, he returned to Victoria to fulfi l an ambition of becoming the No. 1 ruckman after playing in the vast shadow

68

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FACT FILE

11

Robert Warnock

Born: January 19, 1987 Recruited from: Old Brighton/Sandringham U18/Fremantle Debut: Round 6, 2007 v Brisbane Lions Height: 206cm Weight: 103kg Games: 47 Goals: 11 Previous AFL club: Fremantle (2007-08: 21 games, 4 goals).

UP AND AWAY: Robert Warnock gets

a well-timed leap in against North Melbourne’s Drew Petrie.

Traditionally, three ruckmen in a team hasn’t worked ROBERT WARNOCK

of the 211cm Aaron Sandilands at Fremantle. But there was a setback in his fi rst season at Carlton in 2009 when a stress fracture of the foot restricted him to a few games in the VFL. In the past two seasons he has worked hard on his fitness and durability, aiming to better withstand the rigours of ruck play.

Warnock enjoys being part of one of the strongest midfi elds in the game. “That makes your job a lot easier,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of good chemistry going there.

I think we’ve got a great mix now. “‘Murph’ (Marc Murphy) is in fantastic touch. Mitch Robinson is in some great form as well and ‘Juddy’ (Chris Judd) is looking at maybe a third Brownlow.”

Warnock and his teammates are back at the MCG this week, where he believes Carlton plays its best football.

“We probably are suited to the MCG a bit more,” he said.

“That’s where fi nals are played, so it’s not such a bad thing.

But we’ve got to tighten up at Etihad as well.”

The Blues are aware they have to keep winning and face a tough task this weekend against a fired-up Melbourne, with a new coach, Todd Viney, at the helm after the tumultuous events of the past week.

“Tradition says once the coach has been sacked, they come out and play some good footy,” Warnock said. “We’ve just got to make sure that we stick to what we’ve been doing and working for us.”

The pain of two failed fi nals campaigns remains apparent for the Blues. Warnock felt the disappointment last season and is determined to erase that memory as they approach another finals series.

The Blues have their sights on a top-four finish and the prospect of playing their fi rst final in Victoria for 10 years.

“To have a home final would be great for us and great for our supporters,” he said.

Brett Ratten has been one of his greatest supporters and he wants to repay the coach’s faith.

“It’s great to play under him and the boys down here are loving him, and that’s shown through in our performances,” the ruckman said. “Hopefully, we can have some success this year.”

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Our AFL history guru answers your queries.

Bartlett’s double ton at the MCG

NAME GAME

Has any player ever played 200 games on the MCG?

An artist in action

» The Judds’ choice of names

NEVILLE DAVITT, EAST BENTLEIGH, VIC

CH: Kevin Bartlett played 403

matches for Richmond in a 19-season career which began in 1965. Exactly 200 of his games were at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Of that total, 138 of them resulted in wins, including five premiership victories, and there were two draws. During his career, he missed just 12 Tigers’ matches at the venue. Melbourne’s David Neitz and Essendon’s Dustin Fletcher have both played 169 games at the MCG. If Fletcher continues with the Bombers for the next three seasons, he could have an opportunity of breaking Bartlett’s record.

WRITE TO ANSWER MAN

The Slattery Media Group, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, 3008 or email michaell@slatterymedia.com

MCG MASTER:

Former Tiger champion Kevin Bartlett played exactly 200 games at the MCG in his 403game career.

GENUINE SENIOR FOOTBALLERS

» Bill Shelton was born on August 3, 1902, and played his early football with Brighton. He made his debut for Melbourne as a 16-year-old ruckman in 1919 and played 54 matches in seven seasons, gaining selection for Victoria three times in 1924.

He died at the age of 92. Harry Walker was born on August 7, 1892, and was recruited by Richmond from Kew in 1912. He played nine games wearing guernsey No. 8 during a two-year career. He lived to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Do you know of other senior players who are close to 90 or older, or who reached such an age before passing on?

Should you have such information, contact Col Hutchinson on (03) 9643 1929 or col.hutchinson@afl.com.au.

T THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF A F FOOTY LEGEND, TO TOLD IN STORIES, P PHOTOGRAPHS AN A AND MEMORABILIA “ A MU S T REA D”

KEVIN SHEEDY

VVISIT FOOTYBOOKCLUB.COM 70

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for their new-born son has not burdened him with great sporting expectations. Oscar and Dylan are given names more associated with the arts than with sport (e.g., Oscar Hammerstein, Oscar Levant, Dylan Thomas). The possibility Oscar Judd may be drafted under the father-son rule in 17 years’ time had the football media revealing that only three Oscars had previously played senior League football: Skalberg (North Melbourne), Hyman (Collingwood) and Manchester (Carlton). They played a combined 63 games, with Hyman playing in the Magpies’ 1901 Grand Final side as one of his 41 games. There are or have been just fi ve Dylans at senior level: Addison (Western Bulldogs), Grimes (Richmond), Roberton (Fremantle), McLaren (ex-Brisbane Lions and Carlton) and Smith (ex-North Melbourne and Fremantle). Oscar is derived from two Irish elements: os, meaning “deer” and cara, “friend”.

Dylan is of Welsh origin, being derived from the elements dy, meaning “great” and llanw, meaning “sea”.

KEVAN CARROLL

NEWBOOK OUT U T NOW NO OW O W

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Ask the expert about all your footy memorabilia. mor I have a Collingwood Football Club book, 1892-1948, by Percyy Taylor, No. 2956, and it is signedd

by Bill Twomey and Ron Todd.

I wonder how much it is worth?

IN BLACK AND WHITE: This Collingwood

Football Club book was one of the fi rst issued and is valued at more than $200.

CRAIG MACKIE, VIA EMAIL

RM: Craig, this is quite a famouss

book—one of the fi rst issued with a history of a VFL team.

It sells for $200 or so, with an extra $40 for the autographs.

I have a Carlton premiership pennant from 1949 and I want to know if it is worth anything.

It is navy blue with a white border and has the Carlton logo at the top, then the list of players running down it. Any help would be appreciated.

ANDREW INGILS, VIA EMAIL

RM: Andrew, these pennants

sell very well. Not less than $150 if it is in good shape.

I have been collecting team 2010 cards and have come across a Domenic Cassisi star wildcard.

I recently got it signed by him at a junior member day. I would appreciate the value. I also have full sets (common, silver, gold) of Robbie Gray, Chad Cornes, Travis Boak and Troy Chaplin, each signed. I also have all of the 166 common cards. I also

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have star wildcards ardsof ofKieren Kieren Jack, Lindsay Gilbee and Paul Paul lbee and Hasleby. Also a star tarwildcard wildca dof Gary Ablett when he was playing for Geelong. I would appreciate values for each.

KYLE THOROGOOD, 12, SA , VIA EMAIL

RM: Although we normally ask

for just one inquiry per person, but here goes, in order: $50, $12

for each of the four, four $30 for a set of com common cards, $55 for each of the three, and $65. Hope this helps Kyle. Keep collecting!

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.

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rick milne RICK’S RARITY

» In the late 1940s and 1950s,

Kia-Ora (a cordial) sponsored ‘Sports Parades’. These were variety v concerts, often held at a the Melbourne Town Hall.

Ev Every VFL team had its ‘Night of Nights’. Usually, the players would do a ballet, other wo pla players and professionals wou sing, act the clown would and generally entertain the vast number of fans of that particular club. Remember, parti this was w in the days before television televis so, for many fans, it was as a close as they ever got to their heroes. ‘Uncle t Doug’ E Elliott was one of the coordinators and hosts, and coordina Red (shown below) was Max Reddy another. TThe programs were broadcast over long-gone Melb Melbourne radio station 3KZ. A rare and unusual radio/Aussie e!

Football collectable!

Incidentally, Max was the father of singer Helen Reddy, who won fame with her anthem, I Am Woman.

BRAINS

answers at bottom of page

Find the 5 DIFFERENCES between the 2 cards

Unscramble Jar Kick Nee to Can you guess this AFL discover the AFL player’s name! Player’s NICKNAME?

______ ____

4

____

Who is the only West Coast Eagles player to have kicked 100 goals in an AFL season?

B&F

game card

A. Quinten Lynch B. Peter Sumich C. Scott Cummings D. Mark LeCras

Silver CODE cards and enter codes to play

Answers: 1. Essendon logo turned, player rotated, red glow around player, missing logo on pants, missing stars on stats 2. Kieren Jack 3. Axel 4. Peter Sumich (B)

NEW!

TV N O N AS SEE

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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

FIVE TO FIND

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Hawk Shane Savage’s black arm band removed; Bupa logo removed from Savage’s shorts; red on Demon Jack Trengove’s shorts removed; white square with number removed from Savage’s back; player removed from background.

EXTENDED PLAYTIME FREE ENTRY

The AFL Playground outside the MCG will continue to operate for the rest of the season due to popular demand.

The playground, the coolest fan zone for kids looking to test their footy skills and warm up before watching the footy, attracted more than 14,000 kids and families in the first nine rounds of the season.

Located below Gate 6, the playground features activities of all types for kids, with club mascots also in attendance.

It is open 90 minutes before the start of the match until the end of the half-time break. (An AFL Playground is also operating at Metricon Stadium.)

Visit afl.com.au/ playground for more information.

Scrambled Sc S crra am mb blleed Footballer: Fo F oot otb ba all ller er: Cryptic Cr C ryyp pti tiicc Footballers: Fo F oo ottb ba alllleerrss:: BI B IG MOUTH: MO M OU UT TH H:: BIG 74 AFL L RECORD R EC RECO RE CO COR OR ORD RD visit viis vvis isit itafl afl afl flrec record.com.au rree ord.com.au

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West Coast’s Andrew Gaff has praised ed the substitutee rru rule ule l for his rise this season. NATHAN SCHMOOK

T

here is perhaps no club and no player in the AFL to have benefi ted from the introduction of the substitute rule more that West Coast and its young midfielder Andrew Gaff.

The former Carey Grammar student from Melbourne earned this week’s NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his 31-possession game against the Western Bulldogs in round 19, but the secret to his recent success lies in his management earlier this season.

Recruited by West Coast with pick No. 4 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, Gaff made his debut in round one wearing the green vest. He collected 14 possessions, including seven in the fi nal quarter, against North Melbourne.

So great was his impact coming on and running hard late in the game, he played fi ve of his first six matches as the substitute, quickly earning a reputation as the “super sub”.

It is not the ideal situation for a young player, and Gaff admitted to some frustration at having his game time limited—he was energetic and ready to go, he said.

But the Eagles’ shrewd management of their prized young midfielder has earned praise, and Gaff conceded playing as the substitute early has helped him immensely later in the year.

“I’ve been able to run out full games whereas some guys might not be able to in their first year,” Gaff said.

“You want to play full games and you want to play 90 per cent of the game each week, but with my body being pretty

2011 NAB AFL RISING STAR NOMINEES Round 1 Dyson Heppell (Ess) Round 2 Luke Shuey (WCE) Round 3 Mitch Duncan (Geel) Round 4 Jasper Pittard (PA) Round 5 Brandon Matera (GCS) Round 6 Jack Darling (WCE) Round 7 Zac Smith (GCS) Round 8 Shane Savage (Haw) Round 9 Reece Conca (Rich) Round 10 Jack Steven (St K) Round 11 Jordan Gysberts (Melb) Round 12 Sam Reid (Syd) Round 13 Daniel Menzel (Geel) Round 14 David Swallow (GCS) Round 15 Luke Breust (Haw) Round 16 Jake Batchelor (Rich) HELD BACK: After

playing several games as a substitute earlier this year, Andrew Gaffis reaping the benefits.

light, I probably wasn’t able to handle that early on.

“Playing the fi rst few games as a sub probably has really helped me in the latter run this year.”

After averaging 10 possessions a game in his first stint at senior level, Gaff was sent back to the WAFL, where he set about accumulating the ball for South Fremantle and gaining match fitness over four quarters.

His outstanding form demanded a recall and he has played the past three games at AFL level, kicking two goals to go along with his career-high 31 possessions against the Dogs at Etihad Stadium, a ground he appears to enjoy playing at.

“I think it’s a bit wider than

Subiaco, and I quite like playing on the wings there and getting out into a bit of space,” he said.

Gaff said he could sense a revival when he arrived at West Coast late last year, with the senior players determined to rebound from the club’s fi rst wooden spoon.

He said he felt lucky to have arrived at a club on the rise and the prospect of playing fi nals in his first AFL season was a bonus.

“I felt straight away that there was a real commitment from the guys to improve on last year and obviously put that year behind them and step up towards contending for the fl ag.

“It’s great to be involved in a team that’s up and about.”

Round 17 Trent McKenzie (GCS) Round 18 Allen Christensen (Geel) Round 19 Andrew Gaff (WCE)

THREE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

1

Gaff made his TAC Cup debut as a 16-year-old, one year ahead of schedule, in the Oakleigh Chargers team led by his Eagles teammate Luke Shuey.

2

He comes from a strong tennis family and is a handy player himself after representing Victoria at under-12 level.

3

In 2009, he was awarded the Jack Collins-Alan Schwab AFL Life Members Scholarship, joining previous winners Joel Selwood, Luke Hodge, Brett Deledio and Nic Naitanui.

Each week throughout the home and away season, a panel of judges will select the nominee for the 2011 NAB AFL Rising Star. At the completion of the season, one outstanding player will be chosen as the 2011 NAB AFL Rising Star winner. He will receive an investment folio, a dedicated personal banker, a financial planner and the Ron Evans Medal, all courtesy of the NAB. The NAB Rising Star award is the final stage of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfi l their dream of playing in the AFL.

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Applying data laterally to analyse yse and and nd d under understand the modern game.

Mysteries of the forward press explained

RUTHLESS:

Chris Dawes applies some of Collingwood’s renowned forward pressure to Roo Brady Rawlings.

L

ast week, I’m sure I witnessed a prime example of a ‘forward press’ in action. It was at half-time, during a NAB AFL Auskick game.

All the youngsters from both teams were jumbled around the ball and chasing each other in the forward zone. As the ball eventually transferred to the other end, the same pattern repeated itself.

I recall a similar pattern of play during my junior days playing for the Moe under-12s in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria’s east, but there were subtle differences.

All we wanted to do was chase the ball and get a sniff of it, and not shiver to death at one end of the ground when the ball was at the other.

The coach patrolled the boundary line waving his arms and yelling at us to keep the forward line open, which rarely happened. Watching the Auskick game, I imagined the coach was now urging the opposite.

It is “so cool” to press forward like the AFL players do.

The forward press has become the vogue expression of expert commentators. It has spread like a virus throughout the footy industry.

It has reached the stage where an expert can merely utter “press” to announce who is switched on or not. Scant mention of what it means or how it is applied is seldom offered.

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Indeed, the first welcome explanation I have come across was a Herald Sun article by former Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos.

Under the heading ‘Slicing up the Pies’, Roos used Collingwood to illustrate the difference between a team’s preference for defending by advancing, rather than retreating.

Roos says of Collingwood previously: “If you won the ball in their forward 50, they would fold back to defend dangerous zones. As you moved the ball up upfi eld, they would continue to retreat.

“It wasn’t hard to get the ball out of their back half, but it was difficult to run through the corridor and particularly hard to score if you were slow with ball movement.”

In contrast, Roos says for the past two seasons, the Magpies

have been an aggressive forward-pressing team: “Once they got in their forward 50, their motto became try and keep it in at all costs, thereby forcing scoring opportunities with instant pressure.”

Yes, but this explanation still seems obvious and recognisable with footy tactics of yesteryear.

Traditional positional footy is founded on the principles of each line advancing and retreating according to any given situation.

Flooding of backlines and forward lines is not new. If experts want to claim the press is an original development, more than platitudes are required.

It would be useful to know how it is being orchestrated, why and when.

A deeper insight into how a press is applied comes from

A press cannot function without its elected managers

soccer writer and historian Jonathan Wilson in his 2008 book on football tactics, Inverting The Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics.

“Great teams own the ball.

When they lose it, they defend space. Pressing is about controlling space. Pressing is psychological as much as physical. Partial pressing, full pressing (win ball) fake pressing (rest).”

In an AFL context, this involves players collectively reading game situations and territory and then knowing when to go man-on-man or guard zones; committing to running ahead of the ball or getting behind it, or playing fast or slow.

Its ultimate purpose is to put doubt into the ball-carrier’s head. It can happen anywhere on the field.

In practice, the 22 players from each team are expected to know how to interlock, when and where to go and when to stay.

In previous years, coaches spent considerable time teaching us how to play a position and technique. Today, the focus is mostly on performing multiple roles.

Having great team leaders has always been critical, but more so now because a press cannot function without its elected managers.

A forward press may look simple, but it’s not. It’s a mighty management and education task.

It can look chaotic but, when it clicks for a team, the impact is generally compelling.

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

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