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Cats too strong for Dockers

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 29 Juni 2013 | 20.47

Race ... Steven Motlop outpaces Clancee Pearce at Simonds Stadium. Source: Hamish Blair / News Limited

Geelong have roared back to form with a vengeance after last round's fade-out against Brisbane to squeeze the life out of AFL top-four rivals Fremantle in a Simonds Stadium thrashing.

3.4 (22) Q1 0.2 (2)
5.7 (37) Q2 4.2 (26)
7.16 (58) Q3 4.2 (26)
11.19 (85) Q4 7.2 (44)

Joel Corey

2

Michael Walters

3

Tom Hawkins

2

Chris Mayne

1

Steven Motlop

2

Tendai Mzungu

1

Jimmy Bartel

1

Tom Sheridan

1

Taylor Hunt

1

Matthew Taberner

1

Jordan Murdoch

1

James Podsiadly

1

Dawson Simpson

1

The Cats, who had promised to regain their defensive edge, delivered in ferocious style, keeping the Dockers goal-less in the first term and scoreless in the third on the way to their 11.19 (85) to 7.2 (44) win.

Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott said it was the response Geelong had been looking for after their flop against the Lions.

"It was one thing to put in the work during the week and be really clear what we wanted from each other, but another thing to get out there and actually execute it against a really good team," he said.

"There are some good signs there, but we were embarrassed after the week before and we've been questioned on the defensive side of our game and that stings."

The victory over the side that knocked Geelong out of last year's finals lifted the Cats to an 11-2 record and second spot ahead of next Saturday night's blockbuster MCG clash with top-placed Hawthorn.

Tom Hawkins, Steven Motlop and Joel Corey each kicked two majors, but it was the Cats' efforts in winning the contested ball and stifling Fremantle's ball movement that stood out.

It was comfortably the lowest score the Dockers have managed this season and the smallest total to which Geelong have restricted an opponent.

The tone was set early, when the Cats scored the only three goals of the first term, including two to Hawkins.

Fremantle managed to scrounge four straight goals to Geelong's 2.3 in the second quarter to be within 11 points at the main break.

But the Cats then took utter control.

They outscored Fremantle 2.9 to no score in the third quarter and put another two shots out on the full, with the Dockers entering their attacking 50m arc just once for the term and rarely even entering their attacking half.

The Cats dominated clearances and contested ball and when the Dockers did get possession, harassed them and blocked their space to win it back and surge again.

The only blot was a series of missed shots.

But that changed in the last term, with early goals to Motlop and sub Jordan Murdoch, while the Dockers didn't enter their attacking 50m zone until the 10-minute mark.

Midfielder Allen Christensen was outstanding for the Cats with 36 hard-won touches, including 12 in the third quarter, as well as eight tackles, while James Kelly, Mitch Duncan and Jimmy Bartel also shone.

Key defender Harry Taylor provided superb rebound.

For the Dockers, Danyle Pearce battled hard in midfield and tagger Ryan Crowley did well on Joel Selwood.


Re-live the Cats big win over Fremantle in our AFL Match Centre, featuring all the key stats and SuperCoach scores.


Fremantle clearly felt the absence of injured midfield stars David Mundy and Michael Barlow and lost Paul Duffield to an apparent calf injury, while Michael Johnson received treatment to his left knee, although played out the game.

Geelong's Josh Hunt was subbed off with illness.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon said the Cats monstered his side after halftime and were lucky not to lose by more.

"The scoreboard flatters us, 40 points, it felt like 80 points," he said.

He said Fremantle missed Mundy and Barlow, but that pair, Aaron Sandilands, Matthew Pavlich and late withdrawal Lee Spurr should all return against St Kilda next round.


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Watts inspires Demons' thrilling win

Sweet win ... Jack Watts celebrates with teammates after kicking a goal. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Melbourne have triumphed for just the second time this season with a three-point win over the Western Bulldogs who kicked the last seven goals of the match to almost snatch victory.

3.5 (23) Q1 2.2 (14)
8.8 (56) Q2 4.6 (30)
12.12 (84) Q3 6.9 (45)
15.13 (103) Q4 15.10 (100)

Jack Watts

4

Adam Cooney

3

Chris Dawes

3

Daniel Giansiracusa

3

Jack Fitzpatrick

2

Ryan Griffen

3

Jeremy Howe

2

Ayce Cordy

2

Sam Blease

1

Luke Dahlhaus

1

Max Gawn

1

Tory Dickson

1

Nathan Jones

1

Jackson Macrae

1

David Rodan

1

Will Minson

1

The Demons won the round-14 encounter 15.13 (103) to 15.10 (100) to improve their record to 2-11 as interim coach Neil Craig broke through for his first win in his second game in charge following the sacking of Mark Neeld.

Former No.1 draft pick Jack Watts booted a career-best four goals for the Demons and also played a key role in defence in the tense final stages before a crowd of 21,217 at the MCG.

Melbourne's only other victory this season was against bottom side Greater Western Sydney in round four.

Key forwards Watts and Chris Dawes kicked seven goals between them for the Demons while Daniel Giansiracusa, Adam Cooney and Ryan Griffen booted three each for the fast-finishing Bulldogs (3-10).

Melbourne led by nine points at quarter-time and a five-goal burst to the Bulldogs' two in the second term extended the margin to 26 points at the main break.

Jeremy Howe took two spectacular high marks, one over teammate Dawes in the opening term and another over two Bulldogs' defenders early in the second quarter.

Melbourne's pace was a big factor as David Rodan and Sam Blease surged clear to kick goals on the run in the home side's four-goal third term as the Bulldogs found themselves trailing by 39 points at three-quarter time.

The Bulldogs scored the first two goals of the final term but steadying goals from Dawes and Watts, followed by a second major to Howe on his 23rd birthday, gave the Demons a comfortable 44-point margin at the 15-minute mark.

However the Bulldogs wouldn't give up and slammed on seven consecutive goals, inspired by hard-working midfielder Tom Liberatore.\

Neil Craig praised his side although he admitted the Demons had lost control of the game during the final term as Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson and onballer Ryan Griffen took charge.

"I wouldn't say there was panic in the coaches' box. When you're a player out there, that (seven-goal burst) would have felt like an avalanche coming at them," Craig said.

"(But) just to hold their nerve in the last 90 seconds was really good."

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said his men failed to apply adequate defensive pressure in the first three quarters.

"The disappointing thing is we took so long to actually play like that," he said of his side's last-quarter fightback.


Re-live the Demons drought-breaking win over the Bulldogs in our AFL Match Centre, featuring all the stats and SuperCoach scores.


The Bulldogs face a trip to Canberra to play Greater Western Sydney on July while Melbourne host Sydney at the MCG the following day.


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Gatland bemoans Lions' turnovers

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Mistakes aplenty ... Gatland wasn't happy with his side's turnover rate. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

Warren Gatland criticised the Lions' game management after the nail-biting 16-15 second Test defeat to Australia in Melbourne.

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The tourists appeared to be edging towards a series victory having built a 15-9 heading into the latter stages - but Adam Ashley-Cooper's 75th-minute try allowed Christian Leali'ifano to kick the winning points with a conversion.

Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny had a chance to snatch an unlikely victory with the last kick of the game - a penalty from the halfway line - but his effort fell well short, leaving the Wallabies to celebrate.

Gatland said afterwards: "It was tight for both teams. We gave away too many turnovers in that second half and didn't control territory well enough. We put ourselves under pressure when we had a chance to keep momentum going and get a bit of ball. The turnovers really hurt us.

"It shows you how close these two teams are. It's 1-1 now and we've got to get up for it.

"It's just about game management. It's what Test match rugby is about. There were a couple of crucial lineouts and turnovers. When the referee said 'advantage over,' we didn't look after the ball well enough.

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"We felt pretty comfortable at half time but it just shows that they never give up and they took the opportunities that came their way.

"We're disappointed to concede the try at the end at the end. We've got to keep working hard. We missed a few collisions and we didn't control the territory very well in either half."

Prop Mako Vunipola, deputising for injured England team-mate Alex Corbisiero, endured a torrid first half in the scrum with referee Craig Joubert continually awarding Australia penalties, and Gatland admitted he was left frustrated by several decisions.

The New Zealander said: "We were disappointed with a few things but until we get some clarity from them, you've got to take the good with the bad. It's just the way the scrum is refereed in the modern game.

"I haven't spoken to them (the players) yet. It's a big game next week. There'll be a couple of days off to recuperate and then it'll be heads on for next week."


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Hamilton on pole for British GP

Mercedes' driver ... Lewis Hamilton during the third practice session at the Silverstone circuit. Source: ALEXANDER KLEIN / News Limited

Lewis Hamilton delighted a home crowd on Saturday when he stormed to pole position for the British Formula One Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton clocked 1 minute 29.607 seconds on the 5.891km course on a sunny afternoon, racing almost half a second faster than Rosberg, who had 1:30.059.

It was Hamilton's second pole of the season and fifth for Mercedes.

World champion Sebastian Vettel was third ahead of Red Bull teammate Mark Webber to make the second row of Sunday's grid.

Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen was ninth fastest followed by Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

Vettel commands the standings with 132 points from seven races ahead of Alonso (96), Raikkonen (88) and Hamilton (77). 


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Warne wants Aussie assistant role

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 28 Juni 2013 | 20.47

Australia's Shane Warne ... waves to spectators after Australia won the second Ashes Test in 2005. Source: GREG WOOD / News Limited

Shane Warne says he will accept an offer by Darren Lehmann to assist in an informal coaching role for Australia during the Ashes.

New coach Lehmann has made it clear he wants legends like Warne involved under his regime.

And the leg-spinning great, who is also particularly close with captain Michael Clarke, said he will be available for advice.

"It was very nice of Darren and Michael Clarke to say they would like me to be involved with the Australian team," Warne wrote in a column for London's Telegraph.

"I am always there to help any Australian cricketer and always have been. If I need to be around at practice to have a chat with the boys about tactical stuff or bowling, then I will do that.

"It's good to be part of the set-up but, most of the time, my role will be informal, catching up on the phone or chatting over a drink or meal.

"I do not need a fancy job title to help out."

Warne has held a disregard for cricket coaches over the years, but said Lehmann was more mentor than clipboard holder.

Long-term teammates through the 90s and 2000s, Warne recalls Lehmann's desire to always keep players around in the dressing sheds after play talking cricket.

It's a policy Lehmann has already introduced to the Australian side he took over on Monday after Mickey Arthur was sacked.

"He has an excellent cricket brain and a calm way of going about things. This will be infectious to the team," Warne wrote.

"He loves talking about cricket - his outlook will help the team feel a lot more relaxed about everything.

"Boof likes to sit around after play and debrief the day, talking about what everyone has learned.

"I remember, during the late 1990s, when I was captain of Victoria and he led South Australia. It was the start of the new age with players quick to get out of the dressing room. We made a pact to get back to the old days. When we walked out to the toss, we said after each day's play, whichever team fields comes into the other dressing room after play to talk cricket.

"We would often go home at midnight in taxis."

Warne said England would be feeling flat after losing the Champions Trophy final to India from a winning position, and believes Australia can take advantage in the first Test.

He will also commentate for television throughout the series.


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Super South Sydney thrash Raiders

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South Sydney's ... Issac Luke celebrates after scoring a try. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

State of Origin rivals Greg Inglis and Nathan Merritt flourished in the same side as South Sydney opened up a five-point lead on top of the NRL ladder with a crushing 32-2 win over Canberra on Friday.

6

Tries

0

Sam Burgess 16'
Justin Hunt 19'
Issac Luke 31'
Nathan Merritt 59'
Bryson Goodwin 64'
Dylan Walker 71'

4

Conversions

0

Adam Reynolds 17'
Adam Reynolds 32'
Adam Reynolds 60'
Bryson Goodwin 72'

0

Penalties

1

Jarrod Croker 5'

The classy Rabbitohs scored six tries - three in each half - in steady rain at ANZ Stadium to underline why they are a major title contender.

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Souths had Chris McQueen withdraw before the game and their other Queensland Origin forward Ben Te'o limped off after 35 minutes, but nothing could derail the Souths express.

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Fullback Inglis, who was one of the Queenslanders who tormented NSW debutant Merritt on Wednesday night, turned in a typically busy performance.

He was one of the first to congratulate and embrace Merritt, after the winger put his Origin travails behind him to score a try in the 59th minute.

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Further tries to centres Bryson Goodwin and Dylan Walker rounded off a comprehensive Rabbitohs display.

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Canberra's away record for the season slumped to 1-8, as they failed to capitalise on a good start.

Things looked to be going the visitors' way when Jarrod Croker kicked a fifth-minute penalty to open the scoring and Souths appeared to have a perfectly good try to Goodwin rubbed out for a forward pass.

English lock Sam Burgess highlighted a strong personal first-half performance by sliding over the line for a 16th-minute try following some slick footwork from halfback Adam Reynolds.

Three minutes later, Souths were over again as Justin Hunt, who replaced winger Andrew Everingham in the starting side, squeezed over in the corner.

Outstanding hooker Issac Luke darted over from dummy half at the 30-minute mark to extend the Rabbitohs' lead.

Canberra had winger Sami Sauiluma placed on report for a shoulder charge on Jeff Lima in the first half and failed to take advantage of some pressure early in the second.

They also suffered on the injury front with promising centre Jack Wighton failing to come out for the second half. 


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Swans beat Blues in big wet

Triumphant ... Kurt Tippett celebrates as Sydney win in the wet. Source: PAUL MILLER / AAP

Sydney posted one of their most impressive wins of the AFL season on Friday night, scraping to a 22-point win over Carlton at a waterlogged SCG.

The Swans booted the opening five goals of the game, including two to star recruit Kurt Tippett, and held on for a 8.17 (65) to 5.13 (43) victory in driving rain. 

4.6 (30) Q1 0.3 (3)
5.9 (39) Q2 1.5 (11)
6.11 (47) Q3 4.10 (34)
8.17 (65) Q4 5.13 (43)

Ben McGlynn

2

Dennis Armfield

1

Kurt Tippett

2

Joshua Bootsma

1

Jude Bolton

1

Bryce Gibbs

1

Tom Mitchell

1

Kane Lucas

1

Luke Parker

1

Zach Tuohy

1

Mike Pyke

1

The Blues were far more competitive after halftime and eroded the hosts' lead to just 13 points at three-quarter time.

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Zach Tuohy snapped the first goal of the final term and the Blues had all the momentum, but could not land a killer punch when the game was on the line.

Carlton's Andrew Walker, with time and space and only 15 metres from the goal square, opted to dribble the ball along the ground instead of kicking a standard drop punt.

Sydney defender Dane Rampe came from nowhere to rush a behind with a desperate dive, and the margin was eight points.

It was a perfect snapshot of the game - reflective of the Swans' never-say-die attitude and Carlton's inability to manufacture goals in the wet.

More importantly, it was as close as the visitors would get.

Brandon Jack, Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker all snapped behinds before Ben McGlynn kicked truly after earning a holding-the-ball free kick with a crucial tackle on Lachie Henderson.

The Blues had 13 more inside-50s in the second half, but Henderson, Bryce Gibbs (26 disposals, eight tackles) and Chris Judd (23 possessions, nine tackles) could not drag them over the line.

The Swans, minus nine of their premiership side after the last-minute withdrawal of Mitch Morton, did their best work in the first term.

Tippett, the tallest man on the ground, snaffled a brilliant contested mark over Michael Jamison to lift his side to a 27-point lead at the first break.

In conditions better suited to Carlton's mosquito fleet, Tippett continued to defy his 202cm frame.

The former Adelaide ruck-forward provided the highlight of the night in the second term, when the rain was at its most torrential.

Tippett collected the Sherrin, ducked around would-be tackler Kane Lucas and reeled around to kick a magical goal. 

The Blues looked like going goalless in the first half for the first time since 2009 until umpire Robert Findlay adjudged Nick Malceski to have deliberately rushed a behind with two minutes remaining.

Josh Bootsma, who hustled Maceski over the goal line, kicked the resultant goal.


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Hughes scores before declaration

Australian batsman ... Phil Hughes stars in their pre-Ashes tour game against Somerset in Taunton. Source: AAP

Phil Hughes produced a timely 76 not out but the Australians put team first by declaring early on day three of their pre-Ashes tour game against Somerset in Taunton.

Hughes looked comfortable at the crease, pocketing 12 boundaries in an innings which might go a long way to helping save his position for the first Test at Trent Bridge.

However, the left-hander was robbed of a chance to push for a century when Michael Clarke made it clear he's playing for the win by declaring with just a one-run lead at five for 321.

Somerset are 0-62 at lunch, and lead by 61 runs.

Hughes' demotion to No.5 for the tour match indicates he has some work to do to play in the Test series.

He's certainly dropped in the pecking order for top-three positions, but Hughes showed perhaps he could work as a middle-order batsman during his composed 163 minutes at the crease.

James Faulkner was the other not out batsman for the Australians with 22, an important contribution as he builds his case for first Test inclusion.

New coach Darren Lehmann already made it clear he wanted to see runs from Faulkner if the Tasmanian was to force his way in as a fourth pace bowling option.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was out lbw on the first ball of the day for 38.

Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle made a better start to the second innings than he did in the first, and had figures of 0-11 from five overs.

James Pattinson and Faulkner also threatened early but with no breakthrough. 


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Slammin' Sam storms into third round

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 27 Juni 2013 | 20.47

Sam Stosur ... cruises into Wimbledon's third-round after win over Olga Puchkova. Source: Sang Tan / AAP

Sam Stosur has forged into career-best territory at Wimbledon, gorging on Olga Puchkova's feeble serving to reach the third round.

World No 14 Stosur advanced to the round of 32 at the All England Club for only the second time with a 6-2 6-2 throttling of outclassed Puchkova.

Ranked 85th in the world, Puchkova practically donated the match to Stosur, winning a meagre 11 points from seven service games.


Miss something? Catch every Wimbledon result here, plus the Ultimate Guide to the A-ll England Club.


The Russian won two of 18 service points in the first set, winning her only two games with service breaks against the 2011 US Open champion.

She was marginally better in the second set, actually holding serve twice.

But she was virtually an invisble obstacle against Stosur, whose only other appearance in the third round here came in 2009.

Delighted after the 52-minute rout, Stosur will next face 23rd seed Sabine Lisicki.

The German overwhelmed Russian Elena Vesnina 6-3 6-1.

A semi-finalist here two years ago, Lisicki is armed by a wicked serve and, up until the start of this tournament, had served more aces this season apart from Serena Williams.

Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova powered into the third round with a 6-0 6-1 whipping of Spain's Maria-Theresa Torro-Flor.

Impressive young American Madison Keys upset German 30th seed Mona Barthel 6-4 6-2.


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Smith: First 20 was like a dream

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Clutch performer ... Sam Thaiday was outstanding in Origin II. Source: Darren England / News Limited

Queensland skipper Cameron Smith has admitted the first 20 minutes of State of Origin II was so good for his side, he couldn't have even dreamed it up.

While the Maroons had gone public with their disappointment at "missing the jump" in Sydney and made no secret that opening game two with increased intensity was a focus, Smith was surprised by how well that plan was put into effect.

"We planned to start well but we never thought we were going to start that well," Smith confessed in a live cross to Fox Sports show Sterlo on Thursday night.

"Obviously our plan was to put a lot of pressure on the Blues by running aggressively with plenty of support and kicking long.

"But the way the game panned out, as you said, we couldn't have wished for a better start and it pretty much felt like we were camped down there end for the majority of the first half.

"Every time we kicked long we had a really good kick-chase, we got (NSW fullback Josh) Dugan within his own 10 metres, our first two tackles were really good, our line-speed was really good, and we had a couple of balls bounce our way."

In his usual laconic way, Smith almost managed to undersell the significance of the start.

But if it was difficualt to put into words, the true story was told by the numbers collated by Fox Sports Stats in the opening quarter of the game.

"Eighty-two per cent to 18 per cent was the possession, now obviously that has an impact on the tackles and the go-forward when it comes to the tackles," said Peter Sterling.

"Almost 11 extra sets forced for NSW to defend there. Over 400m for the Queenslanders going forward, short of 60 for NSW - in your wildest dreams you couldn't have thought that would be the opening 20 minutes."

And if Smith was pleasantly surprised by the ferocity of Queensland's start, his NSW counterpart Paul Gallen was stunned.

"We just burned too much energy in that half," Gallen conceded.

"I thought our forwards still played pretty well - I thought we punched through them when we did have the ball.

"But as I said, the start took too much petrol out of us and we didn't have enough energy to get back into the game."

And nowhere did the fatigue become more apparent for the Blues than in the kicking games of Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney and Robbie Farah.

While Matty Johns urged NSW coach Laurie Daley to keep the faith with the core of his team, including the halves combination of Pearce and Maloney, he was critical of their kicking game, and said it was one of the major areas that needed fixing before the decider.

"In game one I thought NSW kicked really well but in game two I thought it was really poor," Johns said.

"There were a few Maloney kicks where you went, 'gee, that's unlike Jimmy Maloney'.

"But when you look at his tackle count and the gas they took out of him in that first 20 minutes, some of those attacking kicks were rushed, there wasn't a lot of thought put into them. A lot of it is fatigue."

Gallen agreed with Johns that stability was important but hinted that Nathan Merritt and Aaron Woods would be dropped for game three.

"I think there'll be minor changes, there always is, there's no point saying there won't be," Gallen said.

"I'm hoping I'm alright but if I'm not alright then someone will have to come in for me.

"I think Jimmy Tamou will come straight back in, other than that one incident (a high-range drink-driving charge) there was no reason for him to get dropped.

"Jarryd Hayne was one of our best players in game one, so he'll come back into contention but I'm just not sure where because I think his best spot in that side is fullback.

"Josh Dugan played pretty well, he got players' player and played pretty well."  


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Wrap: Pies' injury woes continue

Out ... Collingwood's Darren Jolly won't play against Port Adelaide. Source: Scott Barbour / Herald Sun

Collingwood's debilitating run of injuries this season continues, with big men Darren Jolly and Ben Reid the latest casualties.

P W D L % Pts
1 Hawthorn 12 11 0 1 143.00 44
2 Essendon 13 10 0 3 129.51 40
3 Geelong 12 10 0 2 126.27 40
4 Fremantle 12 9 1 2 132.29 38
5 Sydney 12 8 1 3 130.22 34
6 Richmond 12 8 0 4 119.36 32
7 Collingwood 12 8 0 4 108.47 32
8 Port Adelaide 12 7 0 5 115.57 28
9 Carlton 12 6 0 6 116.89 24
10 West Coast 13 6 0 7 110.02 24
11 Adelaide 12 5 0 7 103.55 20
12 Gold Coast 12 5 0 7 92.55 20
13 North Melbourne 12 4 0 8 107.00 16
14 Brisbane 12 4 0 8 76.08 16
15 St Kilda 12 3 0 9 89.80 12
16 Bulldogs 12 3 0 9 73.38 12
17 Melbourne 12 1 0 11 50.87 4
18 Greater Western Sydney 12 0 0 12 51.41 0

Jolly is not the only top ruckman out of action this weekend, with Richmond also losing Ivan Maric.

Jolly will miss the Magpies' big away match on Saturday against Port Adelaide with a toe injury.

Reid is one of Collingwood's top defenders and he is out of the side because of a hamstring problem.

While Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh told the club website their absences are not expected to be long term, the timing is awful for them.

Collingwood are seventh, only one game ahead of Port Adelaide, and the Power will fancy their chances after last week's stunning upset win over Sydney Swans.

One positive for the `Pies is that star onballer Luke Ball returns from a calf injury, with Jordan Russell also recalled and Ben Hudson taking Jolly's place.

Youngster Adam Oxley was the third omission.

Port regained captain Travis Boak and Travis Trengove for Matt Thomas and Campbell Heath.

Richmond lost Maric with groin soreness for Sunday's match against St Kilda at the MCG and David Astbury (hamstring) is also out.

But the Tigers are confident key defender Troy Chaplin will play after hurting his knee last weekend.

Top side Hawthorn lost three players through injury for Sunday's Launceston game against Brisbane Lions.

After announcing earlier this week that Grant Birchall (knee) will be out of action for around six weeks, they also have left Brent Guerra (back) and Max Bailey (knee soreness) out of their squad.

Brendan Whitecross was named in the extended squad for the first time since his knee reconstruction last September.

Carlton recalled Chris Yarran for Friday night's SCG match against Sydney.

He was dropped after reacting badly to having the substitute's role in the round-11 loss to Essendon.

The Blues lost captain Marc Murphy (fractured cheekbone) and dropped Sam Rowe, with Simon White also returning.

Adam Goodes' knee injury put him out of action and the Swans dropped Tony Armstrong as Andrejs Everitt and Brandon Jack return.

Steve Johnson's suspension means Josh Caddy rejoins the Geelong side for their Saturday night home game against Fremantle, who lost Michael Barlow (jaw) and recalled Tom Sheridan.

Gold Coast emerged from the bye with five changes for Saturday's home game against Adelaide.

Karmichael Hunt is back for his first game since round six and the Suns also named Greg Broughton, Maverick Weller and Steven May.

Adam Boston will make his senior debut.

Apart from losing Michael Rischitelli (elbow), Luke Russell (hip) and Tom Lynch (knee), the Suns dropped Liam Patrick and Jack Hutchins.

Adelaide recalled Brent Reilly, Aidan Riley and Brad Crouch for David Mackay, Ian Callinan and Shaun McKernan.

James Frawley and Max Gawn return for Melbourne, who lost Jake Spencer to suspension and dropped Cam Pedersen ahead of Saturday night's MCG game against the Western Bulldogs.

Ayce Cordy, Mitch Wallis and Tory Dickson are back for the Dogs.


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Late Bomber blitz stuns Eagles

West Coast v Essendon ... the Eagles take on the Bombers at Patersons Stadium. Source: Paul Kane / Herald Sun

Essendon has mounted a stunning last-quarter rally to edge past West Coast by seven points in front of a hostile crowd at Patersons Stadium.

3.4 (22) Q1 4.1 (25)
6.6 (42) Q2 6.3 (39)
12.10 (82) Q3 10.5 (65)
13.13 (91) Q4 15.8 (98)

Jack Darling

3

Jason Winderlich

3

Mark LeCras

3

Jake Carlisle

2

Bradd Dalziell

2

Alwyn Davey

2

Josh J. Kennedy

2

Jobe Watson

2

Dean Cox

1

Stewart Crameri

1

Daniel Kerr

1

Courtenay Dempsey

1

Matt Priddis

1

Brendon Goddard

1

Dyson Heppell

1

Jackson Merrett

1

Patrick Ryder

1

The Eagles led by 17 points at three-quarter time, but couldn't hold off the Bombers on their way to the 15.8 (98) to 13.13 (91) win.

The Eagles suffered a blow before the game when important onballer Luke Shuey was a late withdrawal, but the Bombers also had to deal with some injury hardship when forward Stewart Crameri limped off the field with an ankle injury in the third term.

The Dons played the rest of the game a player down as coach James Hird had already subbed out ruckman Tom Bellchambers in a tactical move. 

More to come.


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Origin II player ratings: Blues

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 26 Juni 2013 | 20.47

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NSW Blues ... concede a try to Queensland during State of Origin 2. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

New South Wales were extremely quiet in their 26-6 thrashing at the hands of Queensland and we break down the team performance and give every player a score out of 10.

Fullback: Josh Dugan - Looked one of the Blues' most dangerous all night, but never really got into a position to get some points on the board. Rating: 6.

Winger: Brett Morris - Capitalised on the only chance he got when he pounced on a Farah kick for the Blues' only try on what was otherwise a quiet night. Rating: 6.

Centre: Michael Jennings - Was lucky not to be binned for flying into the brawl, which was his most telling impact on a quiet night. Rating: 5.

Centre: Josh Morris - Didn't excel, didn't disappoint. Not a game in which he could really shine. Rating: 6.

Winger: Nathan Merritt - A debut to forget. Exposed defensively a number of times, which was one of NSW's biggest fears coming into the game. Rating: 4.

Five-eighth: James Maloney - The kicking game which catapulted the Blues to victory in game one was nowhere to be seen. Rating: 5.

Halfback: Mitchell Pearce - Ditto for Pearce regarding the kicking game, which Maroons legend Wally Lewis described as deplorable. Rating: 5.

Prop: Paul Gallen - Had just two runs in the opening half with his side staved of possession, but he did his best in the second stanza to get the Blues back into the game. Rating: 7.

Hooker: Robbie Farah - Tackled his heart out, but struggled to make any impact in attack until the clever kick for Brett Morris to score. Rating: 6.

Prop: Aaron Woods - Would have liked to have done more in his first Origin game than five runs for 38 metres, much of which came in the last ten minutes. Rating: 5.

Second-row: Luke Lewis - Gave it everything in both attack and defence. If he'd had a few more teammates do the same, his impact would have been more telling. Rating: 7.

Second-row: Ryan Hoffman - His lack of punch out wide could cost him when it comes to picking the Blues side for the decider. Rating: 5.

Lock: Greg Bird - He gives the Blues a rugged quality, but his decision to run into the brawl proved costly. Rating: 6.

Interchange:

Andrew Fifita - His introduction helped stop the early rot with some powerful runs. Rating: 7.

Trent Merrin - His best display in a sky blue jumper was marred by the punch which kick-started the brawl which saw four players sin-binned. Rating: 5.

Josh Reynolds - Got a taste midway through the second half, but impact was negligible. Rating: 5.

Anthony Watmough - Never seems to go close to dominating Origin games like he once used to. Rating: 5.


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Origin II player ratings: Maroons

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Cam Smith ... was one of the stand-outs for Queensland. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Queensland were incredible in their 26-6 thrashing of New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium and we break down the team performance and give every player a score out of 10.

Fullback: Billy Slater - Popped up in the Maroons line at times with good effect. Placed on report for an elbow on Mitchell Pearce. - Rating: 7.

Winger: Darius Boyd - Destroyed opposite number Nathan Merritt and scored two tries. Remains one of the best finishers going around and made over 100 metres from nine runs. - Rating: 9.

Centre: Greg Inglis - Much improved on game one. Scored a try, defended strongly and had a typical long-range line break in the first half. - Rating: 8.

Centre: Justin Hodges - Constantly attacked NSW's line with the ball and made several tackle busts. Was sin-binned for fighting in second half and did make a couple of errors. - Rating: 7.

Winger: Brent Tate - Made a couple of his usual bustling runs and did a job when called upon. Was harshly sent to the sin bin after being hit by Trent Merrin in the second half. - Rating: 7.

Five-eighth: Johnathan Thurston - After a quiet game one, Queensland's chief playmaker was brilliant in Brisbane. Set-up two tries and ran the game for long periods. - Rating: 9.

Halfback: Cooper Cronk - Kicking game was superb and he grabbed two try assists. At the heart of Queensland's dominance. A top display. - Rating: 9.

Prop: Matt Scott - Much improved on game one. Made 18 runs in the game and recorded a whopping 170 metres as well as 22 tackles. - Rating: 8.

Hooker: Cameron Smith - Didn't do a heap in attack with Thurston and Cronk calling the shots but was the top tackler in the game with 40. Named man of the match. - Rating: 8.

Prop: Nate Myles - Moved into the front-row and did well, particularly early as Queensland roared out of the blocks. Over 100 metres gained and nearly 30 tackles. - Rating: 8.

Second-row: Chris McQueen - Did well in his second game of Origin. Made a couple of tackle busts and ran dangerously at times. - Rating: 7.

Second-row: Sam Thaiday - Made a barnstorming start to the game, scoring the first try and even putting in a grubber that just eluded Tate. Key to how Queensland got the jump on the Blues. - Rating: 8.

Lock: Corey Parker - Justified his promotion to a starting role with a solid display. Made the most runs in the game (19) and recorded 169 metres gained. - Rating: 8.

Interchange:

Matt Gillett - Did a job off the bench but was unable to dominant in attack as the Blues rallied. Made over 20 tackles though. - Rating: 6.

Daly Cherry-Evans - Came on just before halftime but had little impact in the match. - Rating: 6.

Ben Te'o - Ran hard at the Blues line when he came on and also had one memorable hit in defence in the first half. - Rating: 7.

Josh Papalii - Didn't make the impact that was expected of the giant Canberra forward with only five hit-ups and six tackles. - Rating: 6


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I didn't work hard enough: Hannebery

Lesson ... Dan Hannebery is led to the ball by Port tagger Kane Cornes. Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

Sydney Swans star Daniel Hannebery admits he was tagged out of his side's shock loss to Port Adelaide too easily, but has pledged to work harder to overcome close-checking tactics in future.

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Power veteran Kane Cornes was never far from the young Swan's side in the 18-point upset loss and kept him to just 13 possessions - well down on his season average of 27.

"I think I had a pretty honest assessment of my game … and I think fundamentally he out-worked me – he beat me on the day," Hannebery said on Wednesday night's episode of AFL 360.

"He was harder than me and I didn't work hard enough. It was a real lesson for me and if it happens in the coming weeks I'll be better equipped to deal with it.

"There's no doubt on the day he and a lot of the other Port guys worked harder than us.

"I don't think I consciously didn't bother to run – I think he played it smarter. The way that he persisted and the way he outworked me he probably did get into my head a little bit, but I've got to be able to work through that and be better than that.

"When that comes again I've got to be a bit mentally tougher than I was on the weekend and not give in like I suppose I did."

The unexpected defeat could have dire consequences for the Swans' battle to secure a top-four berth, but Hannebery said it had served as a timely wake-up call for the team.

"We can't just go out there and expect to win games of footy," he said.

"We're not a side that's ever done that and we probably don't have the talent to be able to do that.

"We'll work together as a team and work really hard. That's what makes us a good footy team – when we all work hard together as a unit."


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Hewitt suffers shock loss at Wimbledon

Shock loss ... Lleyton Hewitt is knocked out of Wimbledon in the second round. Source: Kirsty Wigglesworth / AAP

Lleyton Hewitt's Wimbledon campaign ended with a shock loss to flamboyant German qualifier Dustin Brown in the second round on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Australian failed to build on his first round-upset win over 11th seed Stanislas Wawrinka, losing 6-4 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 to 189th-ranked Brown.

It was only Hewitt's second loss in 13 matches against qualifiers at grand slam events and the defeat leaves Bernard Tomic as the only Australian left in the men's singles draw.

Journeyman Brown, 28, produced one of the performances of his life as he reached the third round of a grand slam for the first time.

Sporting long, dreadlocked hair, the German - who changed his nationality from Jamaican in 2010 - came out swinging from the hip.


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And his high-risk approach paid off with Hewitt, the 2002 Wimbledon champion, troubled from the outset by his big serve and ferocious forehand.

Just when Hewitt looked to be grinding his opponent down, Brown broke serve at 5-4 to steal the set, celebrating wildly with his arms raised.

The Australian tried to pump himself up after breaking serve in the opening game of the second set but Brown hit back soon after and a poor service game from Hewitt allowed the qualifier to go two sets up.

Hewitt won six straight points in in the third tie-breaking, extending the match to a fourth set.

But Brown quickly wrestled the momentum back, breaking twice to race to a 4-1 lead and serve out the match in two hours and 23 minutes.

Brown, who spent four years earlier in his career travelling around Europe in a campervan to play tournaments, was in tears as he walked off the court.

"It's going to take a while to sink in,'' Brown said.

"I'm not normally a guy to cry, I don't really know what happened.

"I'm playing Lleyton Hewitt, a guy that you're watching when you're growing up.

"I've been so often close to winning big matches but couldn't put it together and this is the first time I just went through with it.''

After a surprise run to the Queen's Club semi-finals and his superb first round performance, world No.70 Hewitt had been eyeing a run deep into the draw in his 15th consecutive Wimbledon campaign.

Following the shock opening-round defeat of Rafael Nadal, his section of the draw opened up further when 18th seed John Isner retired hurt with a knee injury on Wednesday, giving Frenchman Adrian Mannarino a free passage into a third-round meeting with Brown.


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Crowley pinched me 300 times: Harvey

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 25 Juni 2013 | 20.47

Pinched ... Ryan Crowley found guilty of pinching Brent Harvey. Source: Herald Sun

Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley has been found guilty of pinching North Melbourne star Brent Harvey.

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Crowley denied pinching Harvey but the Kangaroos veteran maintained the Dockers tagger had done so repeatedly.

Harvey twice told umpires during the game about the pinching and repeated the accusation to an AFL investigator on Monday, before giving evidence to the tribunal.

Crowley's advocate Seamus Rafferty put it to Harvey that the reason there was no footage of any pinching was that it didn't happen even once.

"You're right. It didn't happen once. It happened about 300 times,'' Harvey replied.

In the night's other case, Geelong's Steve Johnson had his two-match AFL ban upheld at the tribunal and the Cats star will have extra demerit points hanging over his head for the rest of the season.

Johnson will miss crucial games against the Dockers and Hawthorn, and will carry 79.04 points, rather than 9.28 had he pleaded guilty.

The midfielder-forward instead unsuccessfully argued his high bump on Brisbane's Pearce Hanley during the Cats' shock fade-out loss to the Lions at the Gabba on Sunday was unavoidable.

Coach Chris Scott had earlier admitted earlier on Tuesday it was a big risk by the club to challenge the rough conduct charge, even though the suspension would have been two games either way.

"It's a huge risk, to take that many carryover points into the late part of the season,'' Scott told reporters.

"But we feel really strongly about it that we have an obligation to defend our player.''

It's the second time this season the Cats have gone to the tribunal over a bump and lost, after James Kelly copped a two-match ban for an incident with Essendon's Brendon Goddard in round seven.

Johnson argued that his initial aim was to tackle Hanley, but after teammate Joel Corey reached him first and laid a tackle he changed his mind and braced for contact instead.

His advocate Peter Murdoch QC argued Johnson couldn't have reasonably foreseen that Corey would tackle Hanley before he got there.

But Johnson himself admitted under cross-examination there was nothing unexpected in what happened.

Earlier on Tuesday, West Coast's Andrew Embley (one match), Melbourne's Jake Spencer (three games) and St Kilda's Tom Simpkin (two) all accepted suspensions for various offences.


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Lions boost momentum with Rebels win

Mauling ... The Lions get revenge on provincial side the Rebels. Source: Mark Dadswell / AAP

The British and Irish Lions' build-up to their crunch Test against the Wallabies got a boost with a convincing 35-0 win over the Melbourne Rebels.

0

Tries

4

Conor Murray 16'
Sean Maitland 28'
Sean O'Brien 50'
Ben Youngs 73'

0

Penalty Tries

1

Penalty Try 63'

0

Conversions

5

Owen Farrell 17'
Owen Farrell 29'
Owen Farrell 51'
Stuart Hogg 63'
Stuart Hogg 74'

The touring side are looking to wrap up their three-match series on Saturday night in Melbourne after taking game one 23-21 in Brisbane.

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While their first choice Test players watched from the stands, the Lions had too much class for the Rebels, who were without their Test players James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Kurtley Beale and injured skipper Scott Higginbotham.

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Without those players Melbourne lacked strike-power in attack, compounded by the Lions' focus on the breakdown that starved the home side of quick ball.

Rebels coach Damien Hill said he knew his team couldn't beat the Lions at their own game.

"Playing orthodox rugby against a representative team like the Lions, you're playing to their strengths really,'' said Hill.

"We put a few things in there to change things up; they didn't all come off.''

He said his players told him post-match that the game was a step up from anything they'd ever experienced.

"The great thing was that they never gave up.

"I felt their defence at times was outstanding; it's just a shame we couldn't finish a few things off.''

The Lions led 14-0 at halftime, with their second try one of the best of the tour.

Centre Manu Tuilagi, in his first match back after injuring his shoulder two weeks ago against Queensland, proved a handful for the Rebels defence and was key to that try.


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The English tackle-buster broke through the Melbourne defence and got a one-handed pass away to winger Sean Maitland.

He found No.8 Toby Faletau, who looked certain to score before slipping just short of the tryline.

Faletau, who was among the Lions' best and pushing Jamie Heaslip for the Test role, was able to play the ball back to centre Brad Barritt and he sent the ball on to winger Simon Zebo before Maitland finished off the move.

Their other first half try was scored by halfback Connor Murray, who scooped the ball up as they attempted a pushover try and dived across the line.

Lions coach Warren Gatland may have vacancies for the second Test with prop Alex Corbisiero (calf) and centre Jamie Roberts (hamstring) rated very doubtful.

"I think they will be right for the third Test but they're unlikely to be right for Saturday,'' Gatland said.

Gatland said the win was a good response to the disappointment of losing to the Brumbies last week and he was particularly pleased with the spirit shown by his players.

"That really came out,'' Gatland said.

"It showed how good these guys have been both on and off the field and I think that was demonstrated tonight with the spirit that was displayed, not conceding any points.

"We were really pleased with that performance.''

The Rebels toiled hard but were unable to build enough pressure on the Lions with a lack of possession.

In front of a sell-out crowd of 28,658, they were attempting to replicate the Brumbies, who delivered the Lions' first defeat by an Australian provincial side since 1971 with a 14-12 victory.

"It's disappointing when you look at that scoreline,'' said Rebels skipper Gareth Delve.

"The boys went out there and tried to do a few things and it was always going to be a bit hit and miss.''

The Lions' other points came in the second half through flanker Sean O'Brien after a set move off a line-out, while referee Glen Jackson awarded the side a penalty try and yellow-carded Rebels No.7 Jordy Reid, who came in cynically from the side with a try beckoning.

Impressive reserve halfback Ben Youngs also touched down after a dashing solo run off a line-out late in the half.


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Real confirm Ancelotti as coach

Appointed ... Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as Real Madrid coach. Source: Michel Euler / AP

Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed the new coach of Real Madrid on a three-year deal.

"Carlos Michelangelo Ancelotti will be the coach of Real Madrid next season,'' a statement on the club's website read.

"Experience, success and reliability in all the countries in which the Italian has worked, he arrives in the Spanish capital after being chosen as coach of the year in France.''

Ancelotti will be formally presented to the media on Thursday morning, the Spanish club confirmed.

The 54-year-old Italian's protracted move from Paris Saint-Germain was finally confirmed after the French champions appointed Laurent Blanc to be their coach on Tuesday.

That cleared the path for Madrid to end a five-week wait to announce their new boss after it was announced Jose Mourinho would not be continuing at the club last month.

The former Juventus, AC Milan and Chelsea boss has always been Real president Florentino Perez first choice to replace Mourinho and arrives with a impressive CV, having won league titles in Italy, England and France.

Ancelotti's proven track record in the Champions League was key attraction for Perez as winning a 10th European Cup remains Madrid's primary objective.

After falling short at the semi-final stage under Mourinho for the past three seasons, Perez has now entrusted Ancelotti to take what is currently the most expensive squad ever assembled in the history of the game to land Madrid's first Champions League trophy since 2002.

The arrival of Ancelotti is also likely to signal the beginning of major moves in the transfer market from the Spanish giants who have so far just exercised their right to buy-back Spanish under-21 international Dani Carvajal from Bayer Leverkusen and converted 21-year-old Brazilian Casemiro's loan deal from Sao Paulo into a permanent move.

The purchase of Malaga midfielder Isco for a price in the region of 30 million euros (A$42.5 million) is also expected to be completed this week as Real look set to beat off strong competition from Manchester City for the highly rated Spanish international.

Real have also been strongly linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale and Liverpool's Luis Suarez, however one of Ancelotti's first jobs may be to sanction a few transfers out of the club to create the funds for future moves.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain has spoken of his desire to leave the club and his father admitted on Sunday that the player was close to reaching an agreement with either Arsenal or Juventus.


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Stosur blasts into second round

Through ... Samantha Stosur blasts into the second round. Source: AAP

Samantha Stosur blasted her way into the second round at Wimbledon with a dominant win over Slovakian teenager Anna Schmiedlova on Tuesday.

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Wimbledon: Ladies Singles

Round 1, 25/06/13

The 14th seed made an ideal start to her 11th straight Wimbledon campaign, needing little more than an hour to secure a 6-1 6-3 win.

Stosur has set up a second-round clash with Russian Olga Puchkova.

The 29-year-old Australian is targeting a breakthrough result at the grass-court grand slam, having never made it past the third round.

While her best results have come on clay and hard courts, Stosur looked every bit the grass-court player on Tuesday.

Lucky loser Schmiedlova, ranked 119th, lost in qualifying but earned a spot in the main draw because of a withdrawal.

But her reward was a daunting opening encounter against Stosur, the highest-ranked player she's faced.

Despite serving and striking the ball well, the 18-year-old was blown off the court as Stosur blended ferocious power with deft touch to wrap up the first set in 27 minutes.

Stosur wasn't quite as clinical in the second set but she wrapped up a professional performance with minimal fuss.

Stosur is the sole Australian woman playing in singles at Wimbledon, the first time the nation has only one female representative since 1950.


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Tigers outclass Western Bulldogs

Written By Unknown on Senin, 24 Juni 2013 | 20.47

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Routine ... Bachar Houli fires a handball in Richmond's comprehensive win over Western Bulldogs. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

Richmond's bid for a long-awaited finals berth is gathering pace, after smashing the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

The 17.19 (121) to 8.13 (61) victory was the Tigers' third straight and the second time this season they have made light work of the Dogs, having also belted them by 67 points in round three.

3.3 (21) Q1 4.8 (32)
5.9 (39) Q2 8.13 (61)
5.11 (41) Q3 13.16 (94)
8.13 (61) Q4 17.19 (121)

Jake Stringer

2

Jack Riewoldt

3

Matthew Boyd

1

Reece Conca

2

Adam Cooney

1

Shaun Grigg

2

Daniel Giansiracusa

1

Tyrone Vickery

2

Lachlan Hunter

1

Trent Cotchin

1

Liam Jones

1

Aaron Edwards

1

Robert Murphy

1

Nathan Foley

1

Bachar Houli

1

Daniel Jackson

1

Dustin Martin

1

Nick Vlastuin

1

Matt White

1

Bachar Houli and Brett Deledio again gave Richmond strong drive off halfback, despite the close attention of Bulldog taggers Nick Lower and Liam Picken respectively.

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Midfielder Dustin Martin gathered 23 disposals, kicked a classy goal in the second quarter and set up several others with penetrating passes.

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Former Port Adelaide key defender Troy Chaplin again showed his worth as a recruit for the Tigers, keeping Bulldog spearhead Liam Jones quiet to lead a tight Richmond defence, while hard man Steven Morris blanketed Dogs livewire Luke Dahlhaus.

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals.

The win lifts Richmond to sixth spot, above Collingwood on percentage and two games clear of ninth-placed Carlton, with the Tigers on an 8-4 record.

Only twice in the past three decades have Richmond been as well or better-placed 12 games into a season, in 1995 and 2001 - also the only two years they've played finals in that stretch.

Despite being on top throughout, the Tigers took time to put the Bulldogs away.

They kicked three of the first four goals, but followed that with a string of five consecutive behinds, allowing the Dogs to stay within 11 points at the first change.

Richmond opened the second quarter with four quick goals, but the Bulldogs steadied late in the half and an after-the-siren goal to Jake Stringer from a 50m penalty kept the halftime margin to 22.

But the Tigers blasted 53 points clear with 5.3 to two behinds in the decisive third quarter.

Big man Ty Vickery kicked two goals for the term, including one from a clever pack mark with the flight of the ball.

The last quarter became Tiger party time, with Daniel Jackson snapping a banana goal he could barely believe himself.

But the mood soured slightly when Chaplin went off with a leg injury late in the game, while fellow Tigers defender David Astbury was icing his left hamstring after being subbed off in the third term.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Chaplin's knee injury wasn't believed to be serious.

"Structurally we think he's fine, we just have to work our way through it, whether he twisted his knee we're not too sure,'' he said.

"He seems to think he'll be fine but we'll get some tests.''

Hardwick said he was disappointed Richmond wasted chances in the first half but was pleased to finish off with a 60-point win.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said his young side was simply outclassed.

"We got beaten by a team that's better than us, quite clearly better than us,'' he said.

"They're a good team, they broke our tackles, tackled us, kicked the ball better, got the ball into space and set up some nice goals.''

Captain Matthew Boyd was the Dogs' best, gathering 34 touches and keeping opposing skipper Trent Cotchin quiet, while fellow midfielder Ryan Griffen (38 disposals) was also prolific.

Click here to see all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.


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NRL wins its first fight hands down

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Fight breaks out ... between Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers in Holden Cup. Source: RENEE MCKAY / AAP

It was only a matter of time before the NRL's "one punch and you're off" edict got its first test case.

Less than a week after this newspaper splashed the story across the front page, rugby league had its first punch-up at Campbelltown last night.

And to the NRL's credit, four players from the Wests Tigers-Canberra Raiders Holden Cup match got their marching orders - two players were sent off and two to the sin bin.

The referees were outstanding. No questions asked - they just did their job and got rid of the offenders and then put the entire brawl on report.

It sends a clear message to every rugby league player at every level of the game.

If you want to fight, take up boxing.

If you want to play rugby league, you play by the rules. It's a tough enough game without the violence we witnessed on Saturday night.


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Lions hold off wounded Wallabies

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Thriller ... the Lions celebrate after Kurtley Beale misses the match-winning kick. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

A brilliant two-try debut from Israel Folau wasn't enough for the battered Wallabies who fell 23-21 to the British and Irish Lions in an epic first Test battle on Saturday night.

2

Tries

2

Israel Folau 13' George North 26'
Israel Folau 35' Alex Cuthbert 49'

1

Conversions

2

James O'Connor 15' Leigh Halfpenny 28'
Leigh Halfpenny 50'

3

Penalties

3

James O'Connor 52' Leigh Halfpenny 25'
Kurtley Beale 62' Leigh Halfpenny 32'
Kurtley Beale 68' Leigh Halfpenny 66'

In a gripping contest, a courageous Australia almost fought back from an eight-point second-half deficit but Kurtley Beale missed two penalty goal attempts in the final five minutes that would have stolen the win.

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Beale had edged the Wallabies to within two points with 13 minutes left in front of a record Suncorp Stadium crowd of 52,499, but he skewed his first match-winning attempt and then slipped as he fired off a last-minute shot from 45m.

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The reserve fullback, in his first-class return following his second suspension for alcohol issues, shouldn't shoulder all the blame as poor goalkicking severely cost the home side throughout.

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With first-choice kicker Christian Lealiifano taken off on a stretcher in the first minute, five-eighth James O'Connor stepped up but missed two attempts in the opening eight minutes.

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O'Connor also missed a kickable conversion from Folau's second try, meaning the Wallabies left 14 points in total out on the field.


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In contrast, Lions' radar boot Leigh Halfpenny slotted five from six.

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There was little in the invigorating contest as momentum swung back and forward and Folau produced one of the best Test debuts by crossing twice in the first half and also saving a try.

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The Australian scrum also stepped up when required, spoiling the Lions ball five metres out late in the game and also forcing the late penalty for Beale's failed shot at glory.

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The Lions seemed to be in control as they jumped to a 20-12 lead in the 50th minute when winger Alex Cuthbert brushed off Michael Hooper and then Beale to score a try which had a hint of obstruction with Brian O'Driscoll running into O'Connor.

The carnage for the home side didn't end with Lealiifano, who was knocked out in tackling opposite number Jonathan Davies.

Berrick Barnes (jaw) and Pat McCabe (neck) were also replaced, forcing flanker Hooper to play in the midfield for the last 35 minutes.

In a magnificent first half, the superstar wingers of both sides shone with Folau's double plus Welsh giant George North scoring a sensational 60m solo try.

It was stand-out halfback Will Genia who sparked Folau's opening try with a superb 80m counter-attack by taking a quick tap and bamboozling the Lions' thin defence, before grubber kicking to the former league international and AFL flop.

But the home side's 7-0 lead didn't last long as the tourists gained the ascendancy in the set pieces and North punished a poor high kick by Barnes by blitzing two chasers and then stepping around Barnes to score.

The Welsh 21-year-old almost had a second five-pointer four minutes later but was denied by Folau who held him up in the left corner and his elbow landed on the sideline.

Genia, again, started Folau's second try by wrapping around Kane Douglas and quick hands had the lanky Waratah in space and he burnt Jonny Sexton and Alex Corbisiero to cross.


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Wallabies v Lions: Brissy breakdown

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Review ... Wallabies star Kurtley Beale after missing the match-winning penalty. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

There was no better advertisement for rugby union than the incredible exhibition of skill, heart and determination on display in the British and Irish Lions win over the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium.

Rarely has there been so much hype surrounding a three Test series and the contest in Brisbane lived up to all expectations.

Foxsports.com.au reviews the thrilling first Test.

THE MATCH

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Both teams showed how desperate they were to secure the crucial first win of the three-match series. It was a physical contest from the first collision with Wallabies debutant Christian Lealiifano colliding with the hip of opposition number Jonathan Davies. The impact of the Brumbies sharpshooter being stretchered off was immediate as James O'Connor took over the kicking duties. O'Connor missed two early penalties, but the misses were soon forgotten when Will Genia chanced his hand with a quick tap, travelling 80 meters downfield to send another Wallabies debutant, Israel Folau, over his first Test try. Two penalties from Lions' hitman Leigh Halfpenny and a brilliant solo try from his Welsh teammate George North put the tourist back in front. The Wallabies had their chance to take the halftime lead after Folau scored his second incredible try, but O'Connor missed his third kick of the night. After the break, Alex Cuthbert sliced through the Wallabies defensive line, brushing off several players on his way to the try-line. The Wallabies were always chasing from here, but kept in touch with penalties. Kurtley Beale had the chance to win the match twice. On the second occasion the Wallabies' scrum earn a tight-head penalty, but as the fulltime siren went Beale slipped as he connected with the ball. What a game!

TURNING POINT

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The Wallabies had three backline stars stretchered from the field and another leave it late in the game. At one stage in the game Michael Hooper was playing inside centre and replacement halfback Nick Phibbs was grazing on the wing. But it was debutant Lealiifano's absence that really hurt the Wallabies. O'Connor and Beale missed a combined total of 14 points from penalties and a conversion which ultimately cost the Wallabies victory in Brisbane. Lealiifano was selected by Deans for his ability to read the game, his solid defence and his place-kicking prowess.

LIONS STANDOUT

Jonathan Sexton. The Irish five-eighth was simply outstanding. He has an uncanny but effective style, with the ability to control the tempo of the game. Sexton stood so flat when taking on the Wallabies' defensive line that it attracted two or three defenders, creating acres of space for his support players. His pinpoint open-field kicking put a massive amount of pressure on the Wallabies' back-three and forced the homeside's forwards backwards. His variety constantly had the Wallabies' defence in two minds.

WALLABIES STANDOUT(S)

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How do you separate Genia and Folau? The Wallabies' little general was in everything; covering tackles, creating tries and controlling a breakdown that was constantly under pressure from the Lions. Without Genia the Wallabies could have been facing a much bigger scoreline at the final siren. Was Folau's Wallabies' debut the greatest of all-time? That is a debate best decided in the pub. He is such an incredible athlete. All of Folau's attributes were on display when he scored his two first half tries; power, skill, speed and balance.

WHERE TO NOW?

There are no beds left in the Wallabies' casualty ward. Lealiifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe and Berrick Barnes will all undergo scans. The Wallabies found a nice balance to their side in the first Test and need to reassess their team for the do-or-die battle in Melbourne. Will Quade Cooper come into the side? O'Connor didn't set the world on fire and was completely out-played by his opposite number. Beale showed glimpses of why he is considered one of the most dangerous players in world rugby. Does he start at fullback or switch with O'Connor? There will no doubt be a number of backline changes for the second Test. The Wallabies pack held their own against a monster pack and should stay unchanged. The Lions team should be one to 15 for the Melbourne Test, resting several frontline players for the Rebels game.


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NRL wins its first fight hands down

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 23 Juni 2013 | 20.47

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Fight breaks out ... between Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers in Holden Cup. Source: RENEE MCKAY / AAP

It was only a matter of time before the NRL's "one punch and you're off" edict got its first test case.

Less than a week after this newspaper splashed the story across the front page, rugby league had its first punch-up at Campbelltown last night.

And to the NRL's credit, four players from the Wests Tigers-Canberra Raiders Holden Cup match got their marching orders - two players were sent off and two to the sin bin.

The referees were outstanding. No questions asked - they just did their job and got rid of the offenders and then put the entire brawl on report.

It sends a clear message to every rugby league player at every level of the game.

If you want to fight, take up boxing.

If you want to play rugby league, you play by the rules. It's a tough enough game without the violence we witnessed on Saturday night.


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Tigers outclass Western Bulldogs

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Routine ... Bachar Houli fires a handball in Richmond's comprehensive win over Western Bulldogs. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

Richmond's bid for a long-awaited finals berth is gathering pace, after smashing the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

The 17.19 (121) to 8.13 (61) victory was the Tigers' third straight and the second time this season they have made light work of the Dogs, having also belted them by 67 points in round three.

3.3 (21) Q1 4.8 (32)
5.9 (39) Q2 8.13 (61)
5.11 (41) Q3 13.16 (94)
8.13 (61) Q4 17.19 (121)

Jake Stringer

2

Jack Riewoldt

3

Matthew Boyd

1

Reece Conca

2

Adam Cooney

1

Shaun Grigg

2

Daniel Giansiracusa

1

Tyrone Vickery

2

Lachlan Hunter

1

Trent Cotchin

1

Liam Jones

1

Aaron Edwards

1

Robert Murphy

1

Nathan Foley

1

Bachar Houli

1

Daniel Jackson

1

Dustin Martin

1

Nick Vlastuin

1

Matt White

1

Bachar Houli and Brett Deledio again gave Richmond strong drive off halfback, despite the close attention of Bulldog taggers Nick Lower and Liam Picken respectively.

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Midfielder Dustin Martin gathered 23 disposals, kicked a classy goal in the second quarter and set up several others with penetrating passes.

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Former Port Adelaide key defender Troy Chaplin again showed his worth as a recruit for the Tigers, keeping Bulldog spearhead Liam Jones quiet to lead a tight Richmond defence, while hard man Steven Morris blanketed Dogs livewire Luke Dahlhaus.

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals.

The win lifts Richmond to sixth spot, above Collingwood on percentage and two games clear of ninth-placed Carlton, with the Tigers on an 8-4 record.

Only twice in the past three decades have Richmond been as well or better-placed 12 games into a season, in 1995 and 2001 - also the only two years they've played finals in that stretch.

Despite being on top throughout, the Tigers took time to put the Bulldogs away.

They kicked three of the first four goals, but followed that with a string of five consecutive behinds, allowing the Dogs to stay within 11 points at the first change.

Richmond opened the second quarter with four quick goals, but the Bulldogs steadied late in the half and an after-the-siren goal to Jake Stringer from a 50m penalty kept the halftime margin to 22.

But the Tigers blasted 53 points clear with 5.3 to two behinds in the decisive third quarter.

Big man Ty Vickery kicked two goals for the term, including one from a clever pack mark with the flight of the ball.

The last quarter became Tiger party time, with Daniel Jackson snapping a banana goal he could barely believe himself.

But the mood soured slightly when Chaplin went off with a leg injury late in the game, while fellow Tigers defender David Astbury was icing his left hamstring after being subbed off in the third term.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Chaplin's knee injury wasn't believed to be serious.

"Structurally we think he's fine, we just have to work our way through it, whether he twisted his knee we're not too sure,'' he said.

"He seems to think he'll be fine but we'll get some tests.''

Hardwick said he was disappointed Richmond wasted chances in the first half but was pleased to finish off with a 60-point win.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said his young side was simply outclassed.

"We got beaten by a team that's better than us, quite clearly better than us,'' he said.

"They're a good team, they broke our tackles, tackled us, kicked the ball better, got the ball into space and set up some nice goals.''

Captain Matthew Boyd was the Dogs' best, gathering 34 touches and keeping opposing skipper Trent Cotchin quiet, while fellow midfielder Ryan Griffen (38 disposals) was also prolific.

Click here to see all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.


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Lions hold off wounded Wallabies

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Thriller ... the Lions celebrate after Kurtley Beale misses the match-winning kick. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

A brilliant two-try debut from Israel Folau wasn't enough for the battered Wallabies who fell 23-21 to the British and Irish Lions in an epic first Test battle on Saturday night.

2

Tries

2

Israel Folau 13' George North 26'
Israel Folau 35' Alex Cuthbert 49'

1

Conversions

2

James O'Connor 15' Leigh Halfpenny 28'
Leigh Halfpenny 50'

3

Penalties

3

James O'Connor 52' Leigh Halfpenny 25'
Kurtley Beale 62' Leigh Halfpenny 32'
Kurtley Beale 68' Leigh Halfpenny 66'

In a gripping contest, a courageous Australia almost fought back from an eight-point second-half deficit but Kurtley Beale missed two penalty goal attempts in the final five minutes that would have stolen the win.

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Beale had edged the Wallabies to within two points with 13 minutes left in front of a record Suncorp Stadium crowd of 52,499, but he skewed his first match-winning attempt and then slipped as he fired off a last-minute shot from 45m.

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The reserve fullback, in his first-class return following his second suspension for alcohol issues, shouldn't shoulder all the blame as poor goalkicking severely cost the home side throughout.

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With first-choice kicker Christian Lealiifano taken off on a stretcher in the first minute, five-eighth James O'Connor stepped up but missed two attempts in the opening eight minutes.

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O'Connor also missed a kickable conversion from Folau's second try, meaning the Wallabies left 14 points in total out on the field.


Miss something? Re-live all the action with Match Centre, featuring video highlights!


In contrast, Lions' radar boot Leigh Halfpenny slotted five from six.

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There was little in the invigorating contest as momentum swung back and forward and Folau produced one of the best Test debuts by crossing twice in the first half and also saving a try.

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The Australian scrum also stepped up when required, spoiling the Lions ball five metres out late in the game and also forcing the late penalty for Beale's failed shot at glory.

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The Lions seemed to be in control as they jumped to a 20-12 lead in the 50th minute when winger Alex Cuthbert brushed off Michael Hooper and then Beale to score a try which had a hint of obstruction with Brian O'Driscoll running into O'Connor.

The carnage for the home side didn't end with Lealiifano, who was knocked out in tackling opposite number Jonathan Davies.

Berrick Barnes (jaw) and Pat McCabe (neck) were also replaced, forcing flanker Hooper to play in the midfield for the last 35 minutes.

In a magnificent first half, the superstar wingers of both sides shone with Folau's double plus Welsh giant George North scoring a sensational 60m solo try.

It was stand-out halfback Will Genia who sparked Folau's opening try with a superb 80m counter-attack by taking a quick tap and bamboozling the Lions' thin defence, before grubber kicking to the former league international and AFL flop.

But the home side's 7-0 lead didn't last long as the tourists gained the ascendancy in the set pieces and North punished a poor high kick by Barnes by blitzing two chasers and then stepping around Barnes to score.

The Welsh 21-year-old almost had a second five-pointer four minutes later but was denied by Folau who held him up in the left corner and his elbow landed on the sideline.

Genia, again, started Folau's second try by wrapping around Kane Douglas and quick hands had the lanky Waratah in space and he burnt Jonny Sexton and Alex Corbisiero to cross.


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