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AFL 2020 Round 2 Preview – A tipster’s nightmare

We’re back.

It’s been a long ten weeks since an AFL game last graced the field. For the first time in months, the sweet sound of the siren will ring out over a handful of corporate fans and the fresh Sherrin will be slammed into the pristine deck. It’s the small things that have been missed most.

Round 2 of the 2020 AFL season serves as a secondary slice of round one. Just like its previous round, the second week of the competition will be unpredictable. Before the first match, pre-season form and off-season development means there will always be upsets. But Queensland hubs, a lack of crowds and the internal toll of self-isolation could impact AFL teams and players in ways we cannot predict. The result is nine games that hold no assumptions. How does one team hold a better claim for favouritism than any other? All sides are at square one. It should provide for a batch of exciting games.

Taking this into consideration, here is a preview of an exciting round of footy.

Finally, the AFL will commence action once again (AFL)

Richmond v Collingwood

Thursday 7.40PM

MCG

Before COVID-19 blitzed through the world and interrupted national sport, the AFL community were frothing at the mouth for this round two match-up.

In the past couple of years, the proud Victorian powerhouses have forged a modern-day rivalry. They have been perennially successful in the past two Septembers, and play differing brands of footy that are only similar in terms of speed and skill. If their past meetings are anything to go by, this clash will be intense.

Richmond didn’t particularly impress in round one, but they are always a threat (Dylan Burns/ AFL Photos/ Getty Images)

What can we expect from Richmond after round one?

The reigning premier’s opening round clash with Carlton did little to answer questions about Richmond’s 2020 form.

Starting off with a scintillating procession of goals, the Tigers looked as slick and bold as they have ever been. Marlion Pickett proved his Grand Final was no aberration with a steady midfield performance, while Dion Prestia and Dustin Martin were in sparkling touch.

But in the second half of the match, and particularly in the last quarter, a youthful Carlton side made Richmond look vulnerable. The Blues out-ran the Tigers and were able to constantly bounce through their vaunted defence. Jack Martin kicked four goals in a wonderful debut, and Patrick Cripps could not be curtailed by Trent Cotchin and the Richmond midfield. In the end, a four-goal win did little to stamp their authority over the competition.

Will the Tigers have rectified their sloppy second half, or does their Collingwood meeting spell a major opportunity for the Pies to bring the Richmond castle toppling down?

Jordan De Goey is set to once again be a headache for the Tigers (AAP: Julian Smith)

Does Collingwood have what it takes to overcome the Colli-wobbles in 2020?

Round one was a thrilling start for all black and white fans.

Coming up against the highly touted Bulldogs, they destroyed the 2016 premiers from the get-go. Scott Pendlebury was as industrious as ever in the midfield, while Jordan De Goey and Jamie Elliott gave the Bulldogs defence constant headaches en route to a 52-point demolition job. The most impressive part of their win was the impact promising young players in John Noble, Josh Daicos and the Brown brothers had. This group kept Jaidyn Stephenson out of the side, and were essential in firing the Pies to a massive win.

But did the coronavirus break come at the worst time for Collingwood?

Their depth looks as deep as it has ever been in recent years with the likes of Stephenson, Travis Varcoe, Rupert Wills, Brayden Sier and Matt Scharenberg not cracking into the side. The key will be how Collingwood have come back from the self-isolation period. Will the black and white train roll smoothly on from round one, or was the bump in the road disorienting for a side who are fully focused on more finals action?

What impact will Darcy Cameron have for Collingwood?

The only change Collingwood made following their round one win was the introduction of Darcy Cameron for the ginger Mason Cox.

Originally a back-up ruckman at Sydney, Cameron impressed in his pre-season hit out against the Tigers, where he constantly looked to be a threat up forward and supported Grundy ably in the ruck. But now he has to handle the pressure of the big stage. Can Cameron stand up to become the tall forward option Collingwood yearn for so badly? Or will he falter under the Thursday night lights? A major factor on the result lies with Cameron – if he can give Richmond’s small defence some headaches, then De Goey and Elliott can clean up his crumbs and kick a winning score.

Tip: This is a hard one. Both teams have significant claims on this match. I’m going with the Pies by 11 points, due to their depth and dynamic round one effort. But it’s difficult to count the Tigers out of any contest nowadays.

Darcy Cameron v Ivan Soldo should be a telling battle on Thursday night footy (AAP: Michael Dodge)

Geelong v Hawthorn

Friday 7.50PM

GMHBA Stadium

This is going to be a different game in many ways.

The two rivals are used to Friday night match ups under the intense scrutiny of the entire AFL world. They have done battle on many a September night. But now, Hawthorn must travel to a rather empty GMHBA Stadium, where the home side are notoriously successful.

Geelong need the win, for their brave showing in round one did little to quell GWS’ influence. They only have another season or two before their aging stars fall out of premiership contention. Jack Steven was an obvious recruit to lift them over the line in key September moments. They must bounce back if they are to be any threat for the flag.

Who will stop Jon Patton?

The boom Hawthorn recruit looks fit and ready to fire.

Ex-Giant Jon Patton could be the answer Hawthorn are looking for up forward (News Corp Australia/ Andrew Henshaw)

After multiple serious injuries, Patton’s move to the Hawks heralded a serious potential to take Hawthorn back into the top eight in 2020.

Just looking at his highlights from GWS, it’s obvious how destructive Patton can be when in full flight. If Hawthorn can get Patton reaching his peak, Harry Taylor and Mark Blicavs will struggle to contain him. He’s the missing link Hawthorn are crying out for. But can he prove himself against a fierce foe?

Will the return of Tom Mitchell make Hawthorn’s midfield unstoppable?

Not since the days of Sam Mitchell has Hawthorn’s midfield looked so irresistible.

Now, Tom should line up in his return season from his gruesome broken leg, standing alongside the likes of Jaeger O’Meara, Chad Wingard, Tom Scully and James Worpel in the centre circle.

With their midfield stocks boosted, the brown and gold could trouble the Cats. They have youth and serious pace on their side, while Worpel and Wingard hold the dynamic ability to regularly hit the scoreboard. The result will depend on the Hawks’ midfield. They easily have the potential to control the clearances and give Patton perfect delivery. But will they perform?

What impact will Geelong’s aging recruits have?

Geelong made their premiership intentions clear in the 2019 end-of-season trade period.

Swooping on Josh Jenkins and Jack Steven, the Cats are looking to go further than their 2019 preliminary final exit.

The Cats have plenty of talented youngsters, but heavily rely on Taylor, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins to be successful. Looking to the 2020 season, Jenkins and Steven were brought in to address two current issues in their outside running speed and their tall forward stocks behind Hawkins.

These trades have the potential to blow up in Geelong’s face and push them down the ladder. But they may also be shrewd moves if the pair are to rediscover their footing at GMHBA Stadium and power the Cats back into flag contention.

Tip: Another 50/50 call. But if any coach is able to handle the coronavirus break best, it’s Alastair Clarkson. Hawks by 23.

Jack Steven during the Marsh Community Series. His presence could lift the Cats to greater heights (Sports Media Image/ Marcel Berens)

Brisbane v Fremantle

Saturday 1.45PM

The Gabba

When the AFL world went into a COVID-19 limbo, Brisbane managed to slip away from some scrutiny.

Coming off a shock 2019 season where they shot back up the ladder and into the finals, they now face a fierce challenge to deliver again in 2020. A round one loss to Hawthorn did little to alleviate the heat. Now, they must beat Fremantle in a shortened season if they are to cast their eyes on a top-eight place for the second consecutive season.

The Dockers, under new coach Justin Longmuir, fought back bravely in their narrow round one loss to the Bombers. They are mysterious – the likes of James Aish could add plenty of depth to Fremantle’s youthful line up. Has the time off given Freo a chance to develop a more attacking game plan?

Will Lachie Neale and Charlie Cameron replicate their 2019 form?

A major part of Brisbane’s top four finish last season was the All-Australian years Neale and Cameron had. The former dominated in the midfield and was up the pointy end in Brownlow Medal contention. Cameron kicked a dazzling 57 goals and became a versatile deep forward who had the potential to become unstoppable.

With his motorbike celebration, Charlie Cameron will need to kick many more goals for his Lions in 2020 (Darren England)

But now we are into a new season, and the two Brisbane stars must find new ways to dominate if their side is to emulate their 2019 season. Fremantle have spent 10 weeks studying the game of Brisbane’s best players. Neale and Cameron will have to go to a new level if they are to lead the Lions to a much-needed victory.

Can Fremantle finally find a working tall forward combination?

The biggest issue facing the Dockers is their lack of tall forward options. It’s been a pressing issue since the Ross Lyon days, where Matthew Pavlich received little assistance in the air. For them to take a step up the ladder, it’s a problem they must figure out sooner rather than later.

Fremantle have plenty of handy half-forward flank options in Matt Taberner and Sam Sturt. Michael Walters is a match-winning midfield and small forward option. Other than that, Cam McCarthy has big shoes to fill if he is to regularly kick bags of goals. His fitness is touch and go after his health scare at training last week, meaning Rory Lobb will have plenty of pressure on him to perform and carry the forward line through this match. He is a wonderfully talented player, but he may be stretched coming up against Harris Andrews.

Tip: Brisbane to bounce back and win by 18. Fremantle will be brave and make a late charge, but the Lions have too much firepower for the clutch moments.

Fremantle are hoping tall forward Cam McCarthy can pull through to lead the Dockers to a win (Will Russell/AFL Photos)

Carlton v Melbourne

Saturday 4.35PM

Marvel Stadium

This battle between two Victorian teams will define each side’s 2020 campaigns.

Carlton inspired fans with its round one performance against the reigning premiers. A wealth of new inclusions gives them reason to believe they can reach the top eight in a shortened season.

But Melbourne should be confident they can avenge their horror 2019 season. They have a decent and finally fit squad. But the pressure is on, and a second loss on the trot would throw Simon Goodwin and his troops into limbo.

Is Jack Martin the real deal?

His round one effort on debut for the Blues was superb.

Four goals and an eye-catching display across the midfield and forward line had his name up in lights. He was always touted as a prodigious talent up at the Gold Coast, but now he is more mature and fighting fit to have a breakout 2020 season.

Carlton need a versatile forward with Charlie Curnow still sidelined. Could Martin be the answer?

After his wonderful debut, can Jack Martin torment the Demons? (AAP)

Will Steven May, Neville Jetta and Jake Lever finally create an unbreakable defence?

Melbourne paid big bucks to get both Lever and May over to the Dees. Lever was lured after starring in a Grand Final bound Adelaide side. An ACL injury ruined his debut campaign, and it took until the second half of 2019 for him to string some games together. Now, he has the chance to start a season fully fit. Can he recreate his 2017 form and change the dynamics of Melbourne’s back line?

Jetta will return from an injury-hampered 2019, while May can finally settle into a groove at centre half-back with some sturdier support. If the trio stay fit, they may hold the key to rectifying Melbourne’s form slump. They have the ability to make Carlton’s life hell on Saturday.

Tip: Melbourne look to be a remarkably better side then what they put up in 2019. But they still fall down in the midfield, and I predict their stronger back line will eventually crumble under the weight of pressure created by Cripps and co. Carlton by 25.

Jake Lever could strengthen Melbourne’s defence after a poor run with injury (Daniel Pockett/ AFL Media/ Getty Images)

Port Adelaide v Adelaide

Saturday 7.10PM

Adelaide Oval

Showdowns are always mouth-watering occasions.

The two clubs hate each other, so much so that they are cringing at having to potentially share a hotel when going up to the Queensland hub. Combine this with Adelaide’s recent scandals and Port Adelaide’s bold finals call. This Showdown is massive.

The shortened season means this is the only Showdown we’ll see this year, barring an unlikely finals match-up. With a small crowd being allowed in, Port need a win to show they are a rejuvenated force that can finally break into September (or October) action again. Adelaide have undergone intense scrutiny after players were caught fighting in an intra-club match. If they can focus their fire on the opposition, this Showdown could be one of the best in recent seasons.

Can the Power thrive without Dougal?

In the off-season, Port Adelaide lost the dependable Dougal Howard. With Dan Houston also being thrust into the midfield, the Power’s key defensive stocks are a tad depleted. Tom Clurey and Tom Jonas did the job ably in round one, but will they be able to do it again on the likes of Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty?

If they do begin to struggle, Houston’s return to the backline could change the game. Luckily, Ryan Burton is a flexible defender who can cover a tall forward if required. The Power’s versatility is impressive, but a Showdown ought to test out their new look line up.

No longer at the Power, Dougal Howard’s old club will have to make do with a new look defensive structure (The Advertiser)

Is 2020 the year Darcy Fogarty and Reilly O’Brien step up to fill key tall roles?

Both Fogarty and O’Brien showed plenty of promise in spurts throughout the 2019 season.

Fighting against the likes of Elliot Himmelberg and Josh Jenkins, Fogarty finished the season ahead of them. His wonderful five goal match against West Coast solidified his potential, and an impressive pre-season gives him the spearhead title in the Crows’ forward line.

O’Brien played so well that the Crows felt comfortable to let Sam Jacobs go to the Giants. Adelaide didn’t get Brodie Grundy, but they have a young ruckman who is highly rated within their own walls. If the Crows are to improve and develop throughout the 2020 season, a lot rests on O’Brien and Fogarty to make giant strides.

How much of an impact does the mid-week brawl have?

In-house fighting is never ideal for team culture.

When Billy Frampton and Kyle Hartigan were caught on camera throwing punches in a heated match simulation fight, Adelaide were labelled as a side in disarray.

The Crows are adamant it’s a sign of passion. But going into round two, they face the most scrutiny out of all teams. How will they handle being the first team under the blowtorch in the 2020 season?

Tip: Adelaide have had a tough week but will surely lift for the Showdown. Port Adelaide looked complete and dangerous in their round one win, so they should get the job done over their cross-town rivals. Power by 37.

Kyle Hartigan will have to impress if he is to move on from his in-house stoush with Billy Frampton (Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)

Gold Coast v West Coast

Saturday 7.40PM

Metricon Stadium

This game is one of the only clear-cut ones heading into the second round.

Gold Coast were disappointing at home against the Power. They needed the time off to work on developing their young draft picks and cultivating a culture for the club to build on. Their only advantage that West Coast may be thrown off by having to settle into their new hub. They’re clutching at straws.

West Coast are high up in premiership favouritism for a reason. With the inclusion of Tim Kelly, they have a scary midfield and can still rely on Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling to convert their centre dominance into scoreboard pressure.

Is Matt Rowell going to live up to the hype?

Matt Rowell dominating during his under-age days (Getty Images)

Being a number one draft pick always comes with magnitudes of pressure.

But being supposedly the best player to come through the system in decades throws a bit more weight onto Rowell’s young shoulders.

He has been talked up, and many have seen his glittering highlights reel from his junior days. Gold Coast need a generational talent like him to take them out of financial and on-field trouble, so they will be watching the new inclusion with bated breath on Saturday night.

Are West Coast good enough to win a flag from the Gold Coast?

The Eagles played an amazing brand of footy to take home the 2018 flag.

Full of resilience, they learnt from their 2015 heartbreak by constantly playing on the new surrounds of Optus Stadium. This helped them acclimatise to the ‘G. But Metricon Stadium won’t offer the same help.

West Coast are definitely a massive chance at once again taking the flag back to Optus Stadium in 2020, but they have been thrown a massive curveball. They are used to a bursting home crowd and adoration from their home city. Now they’ll have to win for most of the season without family members and in the foreign environment of an empty Metricon Stadium. Can they handle this pressure if they are to once again go all the way?

Tip: Eagles will be way too good, and should coast home. West Coast by 49.

Tim Kelly will give West Coast a massive boost in their 2020 quest for the flag (Daniel Carson/ AFL Media)

GWS v North Melbourne

Sunday 1.05PM

GIANTS Stadium

If the first round is anything to go by, another interesting match should take place on Sunday between the Giants and the resurging Kangaroos.

Both teams have reason to be desperate for this win. North Melbourne, revitalised by coach Rhyce Shaw, would be perfectly positioned to attack a finals berth if they can snatch a second successive win. But GWS, with the inclusion of Sam Jacobs and the return of Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward, are eyeing off a return to Grand Final day to amend for their 2019 horror show.

Rhyce Shaw has a big task ahead of him if the Roos are to make the top eight (Mark Stewart/ News Corp Australia)

Will Ben Brown and Ben Cunnington get the help they need?

The two Ben’s are critical to North Melbourne’s chances. Their attack starts from Cunnington’s bull-like ferocity in the middle. He is a magnificent player, often giving his side first use and instilling a sense of toughness around their on-ball brigade. But he needs help from the aging Shaun Higgins and Jared Polec. For the sake of the Shinboners future, it is also time for Jed Anderson and Jy Simpkin to step up and create a brutal midfield group.

For Brown, he will hold most of the Giant’s attention. Nick Larkey is missing, meaning another Roo forward is going to have to command the attention of Phil Davis. If the GWS veteran is allowed to freely patrol the back line, he will constantly play third man up on Brown to nullify his impact. The Roos should look to Jack Ziebell to play down forward more often in a versatile role out of the goal square. If the going gets tough, new recruit Josh Walker may be thrown forward to shake up their structure. It’s a massive concern for the Kangaroos, who will already have their hands full down back looking after Jeremy Cameron and Jeremy Finlayson.

Nick Larkey will miss this weekend through injury (Herald Sun)

Is Sam Jacobs the key to a flag?

Shane Mumford was a wonderful acquisition for the Giants, taking them to a Grand Final and toughening up his teammates. But he is now gone.

Bringing in Sam Jacobs from Adelaide was a mighty boost. They have the dynamic midfield group to thrive off his clean ruck work. The side should benefit by having a mobile ruckman who rarely loses a tap. But will this improvement in the ruck correlate to a maiden premiership? Coming up against Todd Goldstein will put Jacobs to the test straight away, so we should get a good idea of how the boom recruit will fare for the Giants.

Tip: The Kangaroos are full of pluck, but GWS look scary-good. After a slow start, the Giants should kick into gear and run away with it. Giants by 34.

After moving from Adelaide, Sam Jacobs could be the difference for GWS in 2020 (Getty Images)

Sydney v Essendon

Sunday 3.35PM

SCG

In what could have been known as the ‘Joe Daniher Cup’, two uncertain sides will square off in front of a select few on Sunday. Sydney, with a bevy of emerging talent, pulled off a meaningful upset in Adelaide to kickstart their season. Now, they face a sterner test in an Essendon side who are cobbled together but always dangerous.

The Bombers are looking to once again feature in finals action, so a win here is a must. They have struggled to keep their list fit and healthy, and will have to be at their best if they are to leave Sydney with a win.

Can Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills fill the shoes of Josh Kennedy and Jarrad McVeigh?

Sydney still have an aging group of veterans to beware, but if they are to become a finals threat then they are relying on their younger squadron to develop. The two key members of this emerging group are Heeney and Mills, who have played multiple seasons and should be ready to take the next step.

Heeney has the potential to be the next dynamic midfielder and forward extraordinaire. His round one performance was breathtaking – can he back it up with such a long time between games? He should be looking to assume the reins that Kennedy has held for the past decade.

Can Isaac Heeney become the next superstar of the AFL? (Sarah Reed/ News Corp Australia)

Mills is now injury-free and full of leadership potential. He will need to be at his best if he is to help nullify Essendon’s dangerous small forwards. If he can step up, it may be the start of his evolution as a player in the mould of McVeigh.

Are Essendon ready to go?

It’s a simple question, but it will be hard to answer until we see which Essendon takes the field on Sunday.

They are an inconsistent team, capable of beating anyone on their day with fast and aggressive ball movement to clever forwards. But they have been hit hard by injuries, and may struggle to get off to a decent start upon returning to the second round.

Jacob Townsend, after just one game for his new club, is already a key cog in their success. They are longing for a reliable tall option up forward while Daniher sits on the sidelines, and his round one performance against Fremantle suggested he is capable of fulfilling these expectations. A lot rests on Darcy Parish, Andrew McGrath and Adam Saad – explosive players who can kick-start the Bombers season if they burst out of the blocks.

How do Sydney cover no Franklin?

He was set to go, and once again looked in ominous touch.

But Buddy Franklin suffered another disappointing setback the other week, leaving Sydney’s forward line in disarray.

They need his experience to guide Nick Blakey, Heeney and Ben Ronke forward in their development. But without him, they look vulnerable. Tom Papley is Sydney’s only genuine forward target, meaning the ball must constantly come to ground if the Swans are to post a winning total. This could prove too much for an inexperienced side.

Tip: Sydney have the chance to prove they are an improved team, but their flimsy forward line will struggle. Expect Essendon to work into the game slowly. Bombers by 21.

Lance Franklin will be sidelined for quite some time, robbing Sydney of his immense talent (Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

St Kilda v Western Bulldogs

Sunday 6.05PM

Marvel Stadium

This is an early do-or-die clash for two smaller clubs who are hellbent on finals action.

The Saints, with their wonderful trade period and new coach, are boldly looking at a top eight spot. They have the list to do it, and a coach who is experienced in guiding young teams forward But the Bulldogs also traded well, and have their eyes on repeating their super second half of 2019. With both sides failing miserably in round one, the loser of this clash could well be saying good-bye to their finals aspirations due to the shortened season.

Who has the bigger impact – Aaron Naughton or Max King?

If fit, Aaron Naughton could boost the Bulldogs’ forward line (AAP)

Both teams possess amazing tall forward prospects in Naughton and King.

Naughton currently has the edge over King due to his impressive 2019 campaign, while King is now starting to forge his AFL career after a knee injury.

The Bulldogs and Saints are basing their future around these players. With the two teams eyeing off finals, they need their young stars to feature prominently if they are to create potent forward lines. It’s a tough ask for the two players, but this Sunday match-up will give us the early indication as to which one is ready to lead their team forward in 2020.

A question mark hovers over Naughton’s head, who is in doubt for the clash with a knee injury. If he doesn’t recover in time for the match, St Kilda have a good chance of winning.

Which side’s experienced players will perform under pressure?

The Saints and the Bulldogs will face a lot of scrutiny if they lose this match. It’s so early for a team to be written off, but whichever team falls to zip and two will face an uphill climb in 2020.

St Kilda did their best to revamp their squad in the off-season, pulling in premiership Tiger Dan Butler, Patty Ryder, Bradley Hill and Dan Houston. Their goal is clearly to jumpstart the development of their younger players by surrounding them with experienced veterans all over the ground. If they are to improve as a side, much of the lifting will have to be done by these recruits, alongside the aging Dan Hannebery.

Ex-Port player turned Saint Patty Ryder must perform if St Kilda are to win on Sunday night (The Advertiser)

On the other hand, the Bulldogs went for slightly younger options in Josh Bruce and Alex Keath over the trade period. They are intent on future success, but should be looking to improve on their 2019 top eight finish. With two new bookends at either end of the ground, they Bulldogs expect a lot out of these established players to propel them out of their first-round rut.

Who wins the battle of the young ruckmen?

St Kilda and the Bulldogs share another similarity – they both have emerging ruckmen who are at the forefront of the next wave of rucking stars.

Tim English has taken his time to develop in the red, white and blue, but should be stronger and fitter in 2020. He has the frame and ability to become another taller midfielder for the Bulldogs, providing Bontempelli, Hunter and Macrae with first-rate service. But he’ll face a tough test first up in Rowan Marshall. He jumped out of the blocks in 2019 and became one of the best ruckmen in the competition. Can he continue to improve and challenge the likes of Brodie Grundy? If he is to do so, he’ll need to beat English and show he is a handy goalkicking option too.

Tip: This is another game that could go either way. Much will depend on which team has prepared best over the isolation period. It’s tight, but I’ll tip the Bulldogs by 8.

Tim English has a big job on Sunday when he takes on young Rowan Marshall (AAP)

That just about sums it up for this second round of the 2020 season. Anything can happen, and I’m sure there’ll be a raft of new headlines and stories popping up over the weekend. Let the games begin.

2006 – Just as good as the original: an AFL Grand Final to relive during isolation

In the football sphere, the West Coast and Sydney match up jigs the memory to one particular moment. Immortalised by Stephen Quartermainn’s call of “Leo Barry, you star”, that famous match-saving mark broke a 72-year Premiership drought for the Sydney/ South Melbourne Swans. An infamous Grand Final ended in dramatic fashion, with the solid Sydney defender flinging his body recklessly across a pack to secure the Swans’ four-point victory.

If you probe deeper, the next moment that comes to mind in a plethora of tight finishes and grandstand efforts is Michael O’Loughlin snapping the yellow Sherrin down to his boot in haste before running on to yell in the face of an exuberant Eagles fan. Having kicked the sealing goal in an upset Qualifying Final victory in ’06, O’Loughlin’s spine-shivering roar is widely revered and remembered. However, what is often forgotten during the rivalry that set the template for Hawthorn and Geelong’s historic clashes throughout the early 2010s is the second Grand Final the two teams played out. Exactly a year later from Leo Barry’s fateful mark in ’05, and just mere weeks after O’Loughlin’s picture-perfect celebration, Sydney and West Coast yet again found their way to the big dance and fought out another wonderful contest. Decided by a solitary point and a smother as important as Heath Shaw’s on Nick Riewoldt in the 2010 Grand Final replay, the 2006 Grand Final had everything.

Leo Barry, you star — A serene still of that wonderful Leo Barry mark (MCG)

The finals series

One common misconception about the years of 2005 and 2006 where Paul Roos’ Sydney and John Worsfold’s West Coast dominated the AFL landscape was that they ran amuck throughout the home and away season. When you look into it, Adelaide was the form team in 2005, finishing on top of the ladder in front of the Eagles and Swans, while they also finished second in ’06. West Coast managed to finish on top in that year by a single game, while Sydney dropped to fourth spot, and faced a tough finals campaign if they were to repeat the heroics of the previous season.

Fortunately, Sydney was a side full of talent and grit. Travelling to Perth to take on their regular foes, the red and white stuck with the minor premiers all match. With just minutes left on the clock, O’Loughlin’s goal gave them a lead they would not relinquish.

By somehow scraping through in the qualifying final, Sydney had a decisively easier path to a second consecutive Grand Final. Instead of 2005, where they lost to West Coast by four points, forcing Nick Davis’ clutch last quarter to inch past Geelong and then an away prelim victory over St Kilda, Sydney could rest and prepare.

That Qualifying Final victory was a story in itself.

Jumping away to the fast start, the underdog Swans controlled the majority of the match. Typical to all contests around that time between the two sides, the home side found a way to storm back into the match. A Ben Cousins running goal early in the last quarter put the Eagles in front to raucous celebrations. Chris Judd’s miraculous snap with seven minutes on the clock surely should have buried Sydney. 2005 had given West Coast a lot of hurt – now was their time to secure redemption. All of the pressure lay on them.

Of course, Paul Roos’ Sydney soaked up all of this. Led by a hardened man who made a name for himself by being tough and uncompromising, the Bloods took the impetus in the decisive moments. A rampant Bary Hall capitalised on John Worsfold’s refusal to drop a spare defender back, plucking a strong mark over Darren Glass before slotting his fifth goal. Sydney were back in front, tilting a topsy-turvy set of scales that were prone to jolting both ways quickly. This match-up swung more like a pendulum.

Unheralded Eagle Steven Armstrong burst through a forward stoppage to slam through another goal. But then Sydney tore up their defence-first game plan and took the game on. Started off by a bold run from Amon Buchanan, a trail of handballs gave Nick Malceski the chance to launch the ball into his side’s forward 50. The chaos ball would run out the back; O’Loughlin would be the first to arrive on the scene. He aggressively slammed home the winner in an epic, and gave photographers nation-wide a money shot.

AFL Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles rivalry: Leo Barry you star ... — Some frightened Eagles supporters doing their best to maintain a brave face (Phil Hillyard – News Corp Australia)

Following this tough loss, West Coast’s quest for redemption was split wide open. Needing to bounce back, the proud team easily accounted for the Bulldogs in front of a desperate home crowd before sneaking past Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. In a tight game contested by two sides desperate for another shot at a flag, the home side cruised to a 22-point lead at the half. In a low scoring encounter, the booming yet inconsistent boot of Quinton Lynch brought the Eagles back into the contest. A crazy last quarter ensured, and West Coast’s experience saw them come out with a fortuitous win. With all of the pressure on them, they had booked themselves another ticket to Melbourne in search of revenge and an elusive third Premiership.

The game

Another pleasant September Saturday greeted the interstate teams.

The MCG was packed to the brim with hoards of red and white up the City End, and a rowdy procession of blue and yellow who assumed their position up the Punt Road End of the famous sporting ground.

It’s critical to note that this rivalry fostered close matches that swayed either way. Home games meant nothing, the crowd was but a backing track. Sydney and West Coast both had star-studded teams with a wealth of depth and guts in their players. They had bred proud cultures; the superstar Eagles treated like rock stars who were full of dare, and the ‘Bloods’ culture of a Sydney side that embodied their South Melbourne forefathers with every contest they threw all of their worth at. As the siren rung to start the 2006 Grand Final, the previous ten meetings between the heavyweight sides was split five wins apiece – the last four matches had a total margin of 11 points. It was always going to be close.

West Coast's 2006 AFL flag tarnished: Hall — Both teams power-stancing their way into the big dance (Jimmy Harris/ Wikimedia Commons)

Desperate to atone for 2005’s disappointment, West Coast came with a belly full of fire. Ben Cousins and Jarrad McVeigh tangled before the ball was even bounced, and the Eagles were ravenous for possession and control.

The opening forays created a different air around the full MCG. In 2005, two nervous teams full of Grand Final debutants expelled their jitters and slowly worked into a game full of cuts and thrusts. A year later, West Coast sprung out of the blocks, a fire in their eyes as they desperately sought the lead. Five minutes in, a quick Daniel Chick chip found the lanky arms of Ashley Hansen, and the pale blonde forward strode back and confidently opened the goal scoring.

Star forward wins his mental battle — Ashley Hansen celebrates the match’s opening goal. He would go on to kick a second first quarter goal (West Coast Eagles)

Taking their time to find their feet on the ground of their 2005 triumph, Sydney looked to be gaining a foothold when their renowned defensive set up forced West Coast back and back again. Unable to find a target, Beau Waters threw the Sherrin onto the boot, rushing a kick into a forward line teeming with red and white. Cleaning up the defensive spill, Amon Buchanan couldn’t handle the boot when it was on the other foot; his fumbling and tripping effort opened the door for Chris Judd, and it’s pretty obvious to see how that would end. The champion toe-poked the second goal through, and the pressure originally on the back of West Coast had been firmly transitioned to Sydney’s spine.

Reeling from a putrid start, Sydney’s defensive structures briefly collapsed. Suddenly, West Coast’s prime movers found dangerous space, and the match was all on the Eagles’ terms. Brett Jones discovered purified air on the far wing, streaming forward and sending a long ball in to his attackers. The spillage eventually worked its way to Ben Cousins, and another goal was on the board.

Ben Cousins 2018: Out of jail ex-AFL star opens up on fresh start ... — The polarising Ben Cousins in full voice during the ’06 decider (Herald Sun)

Sydney had to find a way back in before they fell too far behind. With Barry Hall nullified by Glass, it was Michael O’Loughlin’s turn to again pop his head up and haunt the Eagles. Originally missing a relatively straight-forward set shot, his second attempt gave him 45 goals for the season – more importantly, it granted Sydney passage back into the contest.

With quarter time on the horizon, the Swans settled and shut down West Coast’s running game. Yet something faltered, and Ashley Hansen booted a second to emphatically capitalise on the minor premier’s first term riot.

This was already a different game to 2005 – a year back, Sydney’s defence held strong and forced the match into a low-scoring battle of attrition. In glistening sunshine, the Eagles had turned the tables and broke free of the Swans’ shackle hold. Andrew Embley epitomised this; following several Sydney behinds, his gut-running gave him the chance to swoop on the crumbs and stride into an open forward 50 to boot a superb goal. No matter what Sydney tried, they appeared unable to stem the tide of blue and yellow.

Norm Smith medallist Andrew Embley rejects idea West Coast's 2006 ... — An underrated figure next to Cox, Judd, Cousins and Kerr, Andrew Embley had his day on the 2006 decider (PerthNow)

Luckily, Paul Roos led a team full of strong wills. Fostering a club that prided itself on digging its way through the tough times, they weren’t to be shaken off by a bold start. Even when West Coast bodies enforced their dominance with a bone-rattling bump on young Sean Dempster, the Swan got back up and played a hand in Ben Matthews’ well-needed major.

But for each step the Swans took forward towards making some inroads on the scoreboard, an Eagles streak forward would cut swathes through their efforts. Daniel Kerr, often forgotten behind midfield companions Cousins and Judd, proved to be most damaging. Breaking through the wide expanses of the MCG turf, his pristine ball use found West Coast’s slumbering giant in Quinten Lynch. Notoriously erratic yet undeniably irresistible when on-song, Lynch squeezed through his first to deny Sydney once more.

Bringing Lynch into the game proved big dividends. Kerr could have easily taken another bounce and lined up for a long-range goal. Instead, his awareness kindled Lynch’s confidence, and just minutes later the big forward marked and goaled again to push the margin to 28 points.

Lynch stands tall in big one after stellar season — The Big Q pointing his way to stardom – three goals capped off a stellar 2006 season for Lynch (West Coast Eagles)

Sydney were lucky enough to have a tall forward of their own growing in stature. The poor display by Hall could have easily left the Swans without hope for any type of comeback. But when O’Loughlin stood tall to take a towering mark and boot his second there was a recipe, a blueprint for success. Their plan A had been torn up and chucked into the blistering inferno of West Coast’s running football. But their back up options gave them an avenue for trimming the margin and changing the contest.

In 2005, West Coast turned the momentum when slinging Adam Hunter forward after half-time. During the main interval of the 2006 version, the foot was on Sydney’s throat. A late free kick goal to Cousins meant they were staring down the barrel of a harrowing loss, only for Nick Davis to save face when he slid through a late equaliser.

If there’s one thing you need to know about Paul Roos’ coaching style, it’s that he never panicked. He only adjusted game plan slightly, but it was a massive risk. Instead of looking to fall back on their trusty defence to slowly work their way back on the scoreboard, Roos opened up the contest and gave his forward line first chance to blast back. The massive call paid immediate dividends; a tumbled ball inside 50 fell into the lap of O’Loughlin, who twisted and snapped truly to slot his third.

Of course, this command to pit aggression against aggression was going to have its pitfalls. Embley was in the midst of a Norm Smith Medal-clinching performance, highlighted by a second running goal where he cruised down the wing and to the 50 before banging home a telling goal. Doubts began to surface over whether this free approach to the second half would only serve the Eagles a massive bonus. Embley’s finger wiggle and cool celebration began to inspire the roaring West Coast fans. Could today finally be their day?

Nick Davis, known for that famous final quarter against Geelong the year before, took the responsibility and created a two-man forward line alongside O’Loughlin. They had taken the lead from West Coast to open up their attacking 50, and it isolated Wirrpanda against a notorious goal sneak. The results were yet to reach the score, but Sydney were crawling back into the game.

AFL best games since 2000: Lance Franklin, Gary Ablett, Chris Judd ... — He’s best remembered for four goal final quarter against Geelong in 2005, but Nick Davis’ ’06 Grand Final was also pretty special (Herald Sun)

Sydney’s comeback would have been much more pronounced if it wasn’t for rare moments of magic. Kerr gave the Eagles’ faithful another instance of pure poetry, snatching a loose ball with such grace the cops couldn’t charge him due to the breathtaking arc his body made when twisting out of trouble. Running away from bewildered eyewitnesses, he passed it to Lynch. The glove came off; kicking outside of the arc was his specialty. Sinking his hefty hoof through the ball, Lynch nailed his third goal and sent a dagger shivering through the Swans’ camp.

If West Coast were all grace and explosiveness, Sydney did everything hard way. A scrubby Nic Fosdike kick eventually worked its way to Lewis Roberts-Thomson. The Bee Gees lookalike dashed free, only to be hauled down while getting boot to ball. Upended while making contact, the Sherrin somehow tumbled its way through the big sticks. It was almost enough to extract laughter from a stressed supporter.

The bold change to attack all over the ground seeped into Sydney’s general play. The inexperienced Ted Richards began to make his stamp on the contest, soaring through packs to pluck intercept marks. When he did so once more and then passed it off to Davis for another booming goal, the margin was suddenly cut to 11. How did that happen? Roos looked out over the crowd, a small smile creeping onto his face as his master plan began to manifest on the MCG.

The Eagles, carefree for three quarters, suddenly had a roaring tide of red and white coming towards them. When Sydney’s Brownlow champion in Adam Goodes strode past defenders to nimbly slam home an exhilarating running goal in the opening seconds of the last quarter, the wall of the tsunami had grown. Everyone knew Sydney weren’t going to just lay down and die, but this was something else; an irrepressible force of mind over matter.

The dream that became a nightmare for Adam Goodes — Cometh the moment: superstar Adam Goodes dragged his side back into the ’06 Grand Final (SEN)

When the crowd least expected it, the nature of the occasion tightened up the match. Without meaning to, Sydney had stopped West Coast offensively. Aggression had blanketed the forays of their opponents. The time drained down to eight minutes left. West Coast had the lead by a mere seven points. It dropped drastically to a solitary point when Schneider ducked his way through traffic and steered through a floating right foot goal. The noise was off the charts.

Perhaps Sydney’s defiant attack on the football would come back to bite them. It certainly looked that way when two Swans defenders clashed, exposing their goals to a crumbing Steven Armstrong. Three weeks ago he bobbed up out of nowhere to kick a crucial major. In the dwindling light of Melbourne on Grand Final day, he smartly snapped through a goal that rediscovered West Coast’s confidence for the final hectic minutes.

West Coast secret report: Premiership player Steven Armstrong lied ... — Barely known, but beloved; Steven Armstrong snapped his way to celebrity status in crucial moments of West Coast’s 2006 finals campaign (Herald Sun)

But Sydney hadn’t put in this taxing effort just to be denied by a single kick. A clearance from the bounce found its way into the arms of Ryan O’Keefe. Struggling to track the ball under immense pressure from his opponent, he suddenly swooped down an arm to pick up the bobbling Sherrin. Swinging onto his left boot, in the shadows of the boundary line, his kick fell short, yet somehow bounced in between four jostling players to slide through for a fortuitous goal.

Then came the moment that lives on most in the memory when people recall this mesmerising game. With the five-minute warning ringing out over televisions, O’Keefe’s left foot turned from heroic to heartbreaking when a defensive clearance was brutally smothered by Daniel Chick. Pouncing on the loose ball, Chick handballed it off to Hunter before shepherding an encroaching Swans defender. This tireless effort gave Hunter enough time to dash into the sunshine and slot the winning goal in front of the Eagles’ cheer squad. For all of their gloss and polish, it would take a moment of true grit to seal the deal.

Bring him on from both ends — Striking the decisive blow – Adam Hunter leaps in elation as he kicks the famous winning goal (West Coast Eagles)

Malceski would promptly reply with a left foot curling ball that gave Sydney renewed spirit. The margin was only one point. Now was West Coast’s time to stand tall and create their own moment. Their defensive efforts weren’t as significant, but moments stand out in those crazy final minutes. Waters’ courageous pack mark to slow down the tempo. Lynch’s desperate left foot poke at the ball to avoid being caught and turning the ball over in the centre of the ground. Then, captain Glass escorting the Sherrin to safety over the boundary line, and giving West Coast that premiership feeling when the siren rang out crystal clear at the throw in.

The Battle of the Birds — Heartbreak for Adam Goodes and Brett Kirk after the final siren saw them fall one point short (Sydney Swans)

Another classic had been played out. Embley would take home best afield honours, and the Eagles would get their revenge for the previous year’s heartbreak. The rivalry between the two teams would dwindle as Geelong rose to stardom the next year, but the entwining nature of the two teams’ eye-catching competition over that two-season period gave us two magical Grand Finals. In this edition, the setting sun shone on West Coast, and granted them redemption. One flag apiece, and a raft of memories with it.

1916 – The remarkable tale of when Australian football last faced a massive disruption

AFL football is back tonight, but in the weirdest of circumstances.

With the head office only reaching their decision to go through with the opening round last night, the proud competition will begin its craziest season yet in hurried conditions. Due to coronavirus fears, there’ll be no crowds, shorter quarters and a likely abbreviated season.

It would be understandable to presume that season 2020 will be the most intriguing and interrupted year of Australian football that the game has ever seen, and perhaps may ever see.

However, the frenzy surrounding the First World War created a VFL season that matches 2020’s start. The year of 1916 saw four competing teams for the opening round. 1916 was a year where the team who received the wooden spoon ended up winning the flag. It deserves to be looked back on so we have some way of preparing for the year that lays ahead.

1916

It had been a flourishing introduction to the Australian sporting scene.

On the eve of its 20^th season, the Victorian Football League had dominated Melbourne winters, pitting resting cricketers against each other in a more hands-on and brutal sport then the gentleman’s game.

Before the league knew it, it had a glorious Grand Final ground in the MCG (a part of the same complex as Punt Road Oval and the East Melbourne Cricket Ground), and a buzzing fan base that began to pour their hard-earned coin into their beloved clubs. It was fair to say the competition was the talk of the town once the sun parted for coolness and clouds in Melbourne. Then, a global conflict took the wheels off of the wagon.

The First World War, beginning just over a decade after Australia’s federation as a nation, soon became the fledgling country’s biggest issue. With the British Empire calling upon their allies, young Australian men soon fled to Egypt en route to the European coasts for a fight. With more gore then glory, terrible battlefield casualties shaped the ANZAC spirit.

Despite this mass exodus of fit men, the VFL was still desperate to run their 1916 season. Numbers had dwindled in the two years prior due to players enlisting and fleeing the country, some never to return. However, before the 1916 season could commence, competing clubs began to pull out due to a lack of players and no financial income. With crowds dropping and the standard worsening, the VFL seemed set to reluctantly agree to a year off until the skirmishes in Europe eased. As stubborn as they are today, the figureheads of the league decided to push on with the season despite having barely four teams ready to field a side.

Image result for 1916 vfl war — A 1916 ANZAC print by DJWilliams Art of footballers and soldiers throughout the time of the First World War (DJWilliamsArt)

The format

Football became a simpler game in 1916.

With attention being firmly focused on Australia’s comrades on other shores, only Collingwood, Carlton, Fitzroy and Richmond would take part in the upcoming season.

All sides managed to field teams of 18 players despite there being no reserves or substitutes sitting in the wings. The season would last for 12 rounds – every team would play each other four teams through to determine the ladder come finals.

The winner of the 1916 flag would be determined by the old ‘Argus’ finals system, which gave the minor premier a double chance and right to challenge for another shot at the premiership. In the finals series of 1916, the second placed team would host fourth in a knockout semi final, while first would play third. If the first placed team won their semi-final and then went on to beat either second or fourth, that would serve as the Grand Final and the top side would be crowned premiers. However, if they lost this match, it would serve as a Preliminary Final and the minor premier could challenge their conqueror in a rematch that would become the Grand Final. A confusing system that would be replaced in time, the Argus way of deciding a winner gave all four teams the chance to peak in finals football and play for the cup.

A depiction of a Fitzroy player soaring for a mark over a hapless Blue (AFL)

Social issues

Despite electing to go ahead in 1916, football was far from perfect.

Although becoming a saviour for a nation that was struggling with their decision to go to war (the large amount of casualties resulted in a dispirited Australia who desperately wanted the First World War to end), players faced a lot of issues.

Players were ridiculed for choosing not to enlist and instead continue to play football. Their manhood was questioned – VFL players by fitness and skill were deemed to be perfect soldiers and ideal candidates for the army. By not going, they were labelled cowards. Upon the end of the war in 1919, people suggested the Football Record could place stars next to returning soldiers in their match-day publication (this was swiftly rejected), and other movements called for ex-servicemen to play with badges on their guernsey to highlight their participation in the ‘greater game’.

A class divide was rife in society too. The middle-class, horrified by what the ‘Great War’ had become, viewed football as an unnecessary distraction that only took citizens away from the patriotism being displayed on foreign land. Working class members thought they had already given enough in terms of effort and money throughout the war effort to warrant playing and supporting VFL football.

All clubs faced 1916 without sufficient money or people. Many people in the Melbourne community disproved of VFL happening as it would be unpatriotic and inconsiderate of the numerous deaths being filtered to Australia daily. Once the six other teams left the competition for 1916, the four remaining were at the mercy of the VFL. With harsh condemnation of the league flying through the media, clubs made donations to the patriotic fund and only paid players out-of-pocket expenses. Considering the war effort constantly required more people, maintaining a list throughout the season became incredibly tough on the four teams, as the lack of star quality and the general ill-feeling towards football continuing to be played meant crowds dropped rapidly.

Despite all of the issues, the 1916 season somehow went ahead.

The Australian Training Units Team, featuring Fitzroy player Jack Cooper (fourth from right in back row), who played in a war-time exhibition game in England during September 1916

The season

Carlton were far and away the best team in 1916.

They dominated the season, winning all but two of their 12 games to be crowned minor premiers. Their superiority included a seven-game winning streak to cap off the home and away season. Carlton’s only challenger appeared to be the second placed Magpies, who managed to knock the Blues off by a solitary point early in the season and then proceeded to lose their next two meetings by a combined margin of 14 points.

Finishing third was Richmond, who sat a game and a half behind Collingwood. Fitzroy ended up in fourth spot with only a dismal 10 points. Despite making the finals series, they were thought to be no threat to any of the top three teams in the fight for the 1916 flag.

Carlton had won the previous two flags, and were hellbent on a three-peat. In their first semi-final, they stumbled their way through to the next week, scraping past a defiant Richmond outfit by three points. They appeared to have an easy run to the title – a week earlier Fitzroy had recorded the upset of the war period when ousting Collingwood by a goal.

Expected to be over within the week, Carlton fans who hadn’t gone to war eagerly awaited the first final. With only three wins for the season after their performance for the ages against the Pies, they managed to somehow summon a fourth up.

Sloppy kicking for the Blues let them down horribly – without the threat of leading goalkicker in Collingwood’s Dick Lee, Carlton thought they could easily shut down Fitzroy’s forward line. It was their own they needed to worry about – only mustering five goals and an inaccurate 12 behinds, they fell to a shocking 23-point loss. The encounter was brutal and took its toll a broken collarbone and fractured arm meant the Blues had to play with 16 for the majority of the match, and star centre Rod McGregor sat out the match through illness. With a horror match complete, Carlton quickly looked to exercise their right to challenge and save face.

In the first week of September, a tick over 21,000 people made the trek to the MCG in difficult times to watch the 1916 Grand Final. The weather was steadily improving, the sun was starting to shine. Many men still fought overseas and perished – the relentless nature of the First World War had left its mark on a disparate community. There was some optimism for Carlton and Fitzroy fans though; they had the chance to witness a potential premiership, both capping off differing stories.

Both sides had been hit hard by injuries and mid-season enlistments of players too ashamed to continue playing for their side. Fitzroy, with a new lease of life and confidence, took the early lead with three quick goals. Keeping the margin to around five goals for the majority of the match, Fitzroy looked set to clinch the title.

But Carlton were not reigning premiers without reason – with everything against them, they fought back in the early stages of the last quarter. Two quick goals threatened the Lions, who had called back former captain Harold ‘Lal’ McLennan from retirement to help out with one last game. When Fitzroy needed it most, the old timer (of 28 years of age) played some scintillating football that resulted in two goals that gave the Lions a 29-point win.

Medal - Fitzroy Football Club Premiers,1916 AD — The medal awarded to the victorious Lions, just weeks after they got given a wooden spoon for a horrible home and away season (Rodney Start, Museums Victoria)

From the wooden spoon to a premiership cup in four short weeks, Fitzroy had staged a quirky comeback that was emblematic of the season that had been. After suffering from nine straight losses, they had won three straight matches to forge a remarkable football tale that is yet to be rivalled. But who knows – if 2020 is anything to go by, we could be in for a story just as crazy as that of the 1916 Fitzroy Lions.

AFL in the 2010s – snapshot moments that created a decade of greatness and stories

A smother, as quiet and sneaky as can be on the loudest stage. An errant snap, thrown onto the left boot in desperation and hope, the ball unaware of just how perfectly it will land for Sydney-siders. There’s the two instances of meaty, strong hands snatching the Sherrin out of the air – one is Brian Lake extinguishing all hope of a maiden Premiership for Fremantle, the other Jeremy McGovern giving his team their last shot at glory that they would infamously take. A smile, tears in the eye, and the ruffle of hair as master Beveridge gives his faithful captain Murphy the medal he dearly deserved, but hadn’t been awarded. And, of course, there’s the brutal mastery of the brown and gold (all directed by that grinning Clarkson) and the deafening roar of that force from Punt Road.

The 2010s gave us a decade of AFL football that was as spellbinding as could be. In 10 years, two new teams came into the men’s league, while the introduction of the AFLW gave us plenty of sides and a buffet of undiscovered talent that was swiftly pounced upon. There were hard luck stories, thrilling finishes and a couple of fairy tale stories that beggar belief. Don’t forget the dynasties that were established, and the rivalries that were borne out of this period of frenzy football.

On the eve of the 2020 season, we stand as a sporting code that is rich, successful and as popular as ever. The game is steadily increasing its international appeal, while AFL continues to provide its faithful devotees the cruelty and warmth that they dip their hands in for. To understand how the game has gotten to this point, it’s best to recap the past 10 years that were.

Image result for 2019 afl — Delegates of the 18 members of the AFL before the 2019 season (WWOS Nine)

New beginnings

The start of the decade saw hope and optimism at an all-time high.

Geelong’s reign of superiority appeared to have detonated when Collingwood humbled them on an awe-inspiring Friday night Preliminary Final in 2010, before romping on to win the flag in a one-sided replay after a draw that stirred controversy and tempted hearts to leave the safety of one’s mouth.

Image result for collingwood geelong 2010 preliminary final — Heath Shaw rushes to Collingwood’s Ben Johnson after a dazzling running goal against the Cats in the 2010 Preliminary Final (Collingwood FC)

With this change of the guard came more introductions. We saw the Gold Coast Suns enter the league; the newest expansion team since Fremantle joined the competition in 1995. In a new dawn for the league, they would be led by the best player currently roaming the 17-team competition in Gary Ablett Jr. Alongside the novelty experiment of ex-rugby player Karmichael Hunt on the list of the surfers up north, AFL entered 2011 in a heightened state of mystery and excitement.

That was, until Gold Coast flopped under its lofty expectations and Geelong, under new coach Chris Scott, restored order with a third Premiership in five years. This win would be the pinnacle of their decade, but this undersells the constant success the club has held up throughout the years.

What we didn’t know was that 2012 would begin the new order. And, despite an 18^th team being added into the league from Western Sydney, the leading regime stripping the Cats of their glory would be from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

A shattering loss that stirred a thunderous dynasty

There appeared to be little match for Alastair Clarkson’s Hawks when they jumped out of the box and made a mockery of the 2012 home and away season. They stripped GWS and Gold Coast of their fanfare, instead repping a measured brand of football that played off smart recruiting for precision kicks and wise heads. Partner this with the exhilarating X-factor of Cyril Rioli and Lance Franklin, and the Hawks appeared destined to lift a second cup after their 2008 upset over those mighty Cats. Instead, the Hawthorn thoroughbred was about to be pipped at the post by a better Horse.

Hawthorn, after looking invincible all year (except for when they played Geelong under the guise of that Kennett Curse), stumbled to a heart-stopping Preliminary Final win against Adelaide. Fast-forward a week, and an underrated Sydney outfit looked to have worked out a way to defeat Hawthorn halfway through the Grand Final. However, Franklin became unstoppable and the Hawks clicked into gear right when they needed to. Enter Sydney’s hardened brigade of midfielders. Then, stir in Nick Malceski and one of the greatest Grand Final goals we will see. Who can forget that optimistic throw of the left leg through the Sherrin, which hoisted up on the swirly MCG wind and flew through for the Premiership-clinching major? John Longmire will never forget.

Image result for nick malceski 2012 grand final — The moment – Nick Malceski throws the ball on his boot to sink Hawthorn hearts and lift the Swans to a famous flag in 2012 (Sydney Swans FC)

If this heartbreak signalled Hawthorn’s crushing, desolate fans had to wait only a season. Following Brian Lake’s clutch defensive effort in the tense Grand Final victory over a nervy Fremantle, they then heaped on the pain with two teaspoons of Grand Final day destruction. The key ingredients? A wince-inducing display by Messrs Hodge, Lewis and Mitchell. Then, throw in a pinch of Rioli magic to destroy West Coast in a single quarter. The result? Three Premierships in a row – the perfect remedy for that 2012 loss.

Image result for hodge hawthorn afl 2014 — Jarryd Roughead, Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis all hold one of three Cups they won in a row as Hawks (AFL Media)

By the 2016 season, the competing teams (with Gold Coast and GWS now solidifying into competitive outfits, at least for the meanwhile) knew they had to scheme something special to oust the rampant Hawks. Little did they know, the defeat of this AFL empire would take nothing mental, only pure emotion and a wave of momentum so large it brought the ‘G crashing down with one goal borne off instinct.

A one in a million run at the Cup

Hawthorn, surprise surprise, sat in that sweet spot once again. That powerful part of the ladder, where they were perched in the top four with a double chance yet weren’t in the top two and bridled by expectation. Not that any of it mattered – they had come off three consecutive flags. Expectation was paramount – they were a modern machine. Then, Isaac Smith dragged his shot to the right, and Hawthorn’s plan for four in a row took a sharp turn.

What happened seven days later tore up their script. No one expected the Bulldogs, limping to Perth full of injuries and doubts, to blitz West Coast on their notorious home deck. But what they did to Hawthorn on that Friday night at the ‘G changed the landscape of football. Bontempelli beat Hodge. Picken wreaked havoc. Stringer was bursting with X-factor. Despite a strong start, the Bulldogs leapt back into it and then streaked away with the match, causing a ruckus at the home of footy that eventually spread to the lowly lands of Blacktown. There, a settled start brought a tight game between one team dripping with talent and another full of dogged spirit. In finals footy, the latter gritted their teeth and Jack Macrae’s late goal sent the crazed Doggies into a Grand Final.

Once again underdogs, the might of Franklin, Kennedy, McVeigh, Parker and Jack appeared to be too strong for the plucky team from Victoria’s Western suburbs when the Sydney-siders pulled away not long before half-time. However, Picken continued to be a joker in the pack, while Tom Boyd earnt every single cent of his mind-blowing contract on that fateful afternoon at the MCG. When he capitalised on Dale Morris’ gutsy run down of Buddy and sent the ball through the big sticks, it was over. In a scintillating month, the AFL had seen the greatest Premiership ever won, from the most inconspicuous of positions. It’s hard to top a moment in time where footy was as popular and adored.

Image result for tom boyd grand final — Tom Boyd throws his hands up in elation after slotting that Grand Final goal against the Swans in 2016 (Getty Images)

Enter the strong and bold, with one almighty upset along the way

Fast forward a summer, and the hype around the Bulldogs had grown.

We had witnessed that emotional victory, against all odds. We’d seen Luke Beveridge drape that Jock McHale Medal over Robert Murphy’s slender neck and embrace in pure understanding. Now, that month of football had us all thinking the Bulldogs were going to create something even more special.

Give it a season, and we all soon came to realise why that September of 2016 was so special; the Bulldogs put everything they had into that. Many players wouldn’t be the same again, some wouldn’t even take the field again. They had defeated the Hawthorn regime, but had left the canvas open, begging some new outfit to take the reigns and seize control of the competition. And that’s what Damien Hardwick did.

There was plenty of turnover in 2017. The AFLW started, its first season turning into numerous more that now pushes women to the forefront of the AFL’s new age. We gained a whole new bunch of heroes, through the likes of Harris, Vescio, Phillips and Brennan. For the ardent fans at Punt Road, the likes of Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin were about to headline the latest batch of eternal Richmond heroes inductees.

Coming out of nowhere, the lamenting Tigers had a point to prove. Hardwick was lucky to remain in the job. Brendan Gale and his board survived bloodshed. Yet, after a victorious opening month to the 2017 season, the faithful had their tails up. By September, they had barred setbacks and began purring. Pouncing on Geelong on a Friday night Qualifying Final, the Tigers suddenly had a clear road to the cup, unobstructed by Victorian hands. Suddenly Hardwick and Gale were geniuses who had done no wrong.

Overcoming GWS, they faced the ominous Crows. Full of players who could reach great heights or blow up terribly, Richmond faced the latter after heaping on an abundance of pressure. With their star player strutting around, tattoos ablaze on an overcast Saturday arvo and an imprint of his recent Brownlow Medal still etched onto his neck, the Tigers didn’t look back.

Image result for richmond 2017 — It’s all about Dusty: the man himself collects one of many touches on his way to the 2017 Norm Smith Medal and Premiership (WWOS Nine)

Nor did they when 2018 came and went, sweeping through the league and appearing as unbeatable as Phar Lap. Then, the unthinkable happened.

A breeze stirred in the air. Collingwood and Richmond met, clashing like cymbals in a Friday night MCG Preliminary Final. Creating a cacophony of noise, it was a Texan and an outspoken young star who shone brightest for the Pies. Richmond went from being a roaring bunch of Tigers to meowing kittens within one Mason Cox-dominated quarter, and the Pies brought Richmond’s rampant season to an early close. Jordan De Goey put his off-season antics to the back of everyone’s mind when he slotted four majors on Alex Rance; the premier defender of the decade. However, in true Collingwood fashion, they didn’t finish the job. If it wasn’t for Jeremy McGovern and his broken ribs, they may have won that elusive flag for Nathan Buckley. Instead, Dom Sheed struck that Sherrin sweetly and the Eagles became the toast of the town.

Image result for Mason cox v richmond 2018 — Mason Cox in the midst of destroying the dominant Tigers in the 2018 Preliminary Final (Michael Dodge/ AFL Media/ Getty Images)

If 2018 was an anomaly, Richmond produced a similar effort to 2017 to claim redemption. They started off 2019 decently, cruised through the season and hit form come September. It’s remarkable to think a Premiership favourite at the end of the home and away season sat in third position, and having to travel interstate to play their first final. What we learnt was that Richmond are remarkable, right down to the innate twists of Marlion Pickett and the pulsing forearms of a Dustin Martin fend-off. There was grace and power combined as the Giants, who made their first Grand Final, were crushed in true 2017-Adelaidean spirit. Behind all of this stood the glistening surfer-boy of Nat Fyfe, completing his trail back from injury to claim a second Brownlow Medal and cement his position as a one-man machine for the hapless Dockers.

Image result for marlion pickett — Marlion Pickett twisting, turning and snapping his way to hero status in just one game (Herald Sun)

Now, we look to a new decade and wonder how long this Richmond era will continue, and eagerly await what teams ascend to glory or cause almighty upsets. If the 2010s were anything to go by, it’ll be wild, unpredictable and exhilarating.

The tuck rule, a fight against all odds and iron-willed determination – the unlikely makings of Tom Brady and the New England dynasty

Tom Brady is known as one of, if not the best quarterback to ever play American football. His nine Super Bowl appearances include six Championships, and his numerous season and Super Bowl MVP awards summarise the most fruitful NFL relationship ever struck up between Brady and coach Bill Belichick. A juggernaut that fuels the league’s greatest modern dynasty in the New England Patriots, all of this success and prestige could have easily been missed. If it wasn’t for an extremely determined college quarterback consulting with his associate and a controversial NFL rule that has since been abandoned, the New England Patriots wouldn’t have won their first Super Bowl back in 2003 and thus gone on to begin an all-conquering run through the NFL.

Contrary to opinion, Tom Brady was never a superstar before the NFL. Unlike many highly touted quarterbacks that dominate the college system before being showered with attention and an early draft pick, Brady had to fight for a go at every team he played for.

As a kid fresh out of high school with a passion for throwing the football, Brady belied his family’s wishes and decided to play for the University of Michigan.

“It’s pretty daunting – a Californian kid going to Michigan,” Brady told the NFL media crew for a short film on his career in 2016.

Image result for tom brady michigan uni — Tom Brady donning the number 10 during his days as quarterback for the University of Michigan

Even more daunting was that he was seventh in the pecking order to land a role as the starting quarterback. Needing guidance, Brady knocked on the door of Michigan’s Associate Athletic Director Greg Harden on the eve of his sophomore season.

“It’s a rare moment when a kid will show up at my office saying I need some support,” Harden said in an interview with the NFL. “He (Brady) said I want to be the starting quarterback at Michigan. He had just lost 25 pounds from appendicitis. He was the skinniest kid you ever saw in your life talking about wanting to be a quarterback at Michigan”.

Brady’s determination certainly helped his case. Working up the depth chart for Michigan’s quarterbacks, he entered his senior year fighting for the starting spot against teammate Brian Griese. Brady lost.

Despite considering the idea of moving colleges to find a team that would start him as quarterback, Harden told him that the stress of relocating may only end up with Brady being dealt the same heartbreak. In Harden’s words, the 20-year-old scrawny quarterback had to “fight, don’t complain, don’t explain”. Working even harder than before, Brady found himself replacing Griese and playing the rest of the season as starting quarterback, where a record-breaking performance in the Orange Bowl capped off a rollercoaster season for the Californian kid.

However, Brady’s tribulations didn’t end there. Due to a poor athletic showing at the NFL Draft Combine, he slipped down to pick 199 in the NFL draft. A sixth-round selection, he packed his bags to fall into line down the bottom of New England’s quarterback depth chart.

Except this time, Brady had learnt how to handle this rejection.

“This guy was hungry to be the best. He was trainable, coachable and hungry”, Harden said. These qualities led to Brady working his way up to second in line behind veteran New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Two weeks into the 2002/03 season, Bledsoe was injured, leaving the reigns to Tom Brady.

Image result for michigan uni greg harden tom brady — Greg Harden, the man who supported a young Tom Brady and inspired him on to greatness (gregharden.com)

From there, Brady flourished. Using his acute awareness, accurate arm and intuition, the young QB led New England to the playoffs, where their first match came against the Oakland Raiders.

The date was January 19, 2002. In the first ever Divisional playoff to be played at night, and the last ever match held at Foxboro Stadium before it would be demolished and turned into Gillette Stadium, snow pelted down in America’s north east.

“It was almost perfect, only there was two feet of snow on the field”, Oakland coach Jon Gruden remembers in his interview with the NFL. Little did he know, the last minute video replay decision against his Raiders would be anything but perfect for the luckless coach.

Image result for the snowbowl game — Scenes from the game, which later became known as the ‘Snowball’ (The Gruelling Truth)

Coming to New England, the Raiders were a side that always had a chip on their shoulder. With a vengeful owner in Al Davis, who still believed the NFL had a conspiracy against his franchise after the famous ‘Immaculate Reception’ in 1972, Oakland were fully set on making a march towards the Super Bowl.

Their determination seemed to have paid off, too. With a minute and 50 seconds on the clock, the travelling Raiders were up 13 to 10. Brady had the ball – a rookie quarterback in the most intense situation a thrower could be placed in. Starting off the play, he struggled to locate an open receiver. While cocking the ball and looking to throw to a short option, Brady was tackled to the ground by Oakland’s number 24 in Charles Woodson. As this happened, the ball was knocked out of Brady’s hands, and jubilant Raiders pounced on the free ball. The referees initially called it a fumble, meaning the Patriots had lost possession and any chance at winning the game. Their season was over.

Then, frantic waved hands interrupted Oakland’s celebrations. The play would be reviewed to the booth upstairs, where one replay of the incident found it adhered to a barely known rule.

Image result for the snowbowl game tuck rule — The moment that would be heavily replayed for years to come – Brady is unaware as Charles Woodson prepares to knock the ball loose in a tackle (Scoopnest)

The tuck rule stated that a forward pass from the quarterback doesn’t start when the ball leaves their hand. Instead, it began with the forward motion of the hand as it launched the ball forward. Therefore, the throw was considered to be in motion until the quarterback either threw it or tucked the ball back down to their side. Despite Brady’s intent clearly showing he wasn’t yet trying to pass, the letter of the law deemed it as an incomplete pass, meaning New England retained possession.

This ruling caused an outbreak of controversy. What made it even worse was that Brady marched his Patriots down the field, where a jittery kicker by the name of Adam Vinatieri had the chance to send the game to overtime. Having missed four of his last five kicks from between 40 and 49 yards, he steeled his nerves and slotted an incredible field goal in the pelting snow.

To rub salt into the wound, Brady then threw eight complete passes in a row to lead New England down the field, where Vinatieri kicked another field goal to win the match for the Patriots. For Oakland coach Jon Gruden, livid owner Al Davis and all Raiders fans, the Patriots had won solely through the tuck rule.

The fall-out was massive. Davis, still bitter over another decision that he found indicative of the NFL’s hatred for him and his Raiders, sent Gruden to Tampa Bay. The Raiders bounced back the next season, this time reaching the Super Bowl. Who were they met by? Gruden and his Buccaneers. The confident coach exacted revenge against his former team by taking the chocolates in the Super Bowl. Davis had lost out once again. Oakland continued a slide that now results in them being relocated to Las Vegas for the 2020/21 season.

A hated law, the tuck rule was to be later removed during the 2013 season, where a vote of 29 to one supported the eradication of the rule. For Oakland fans, it came a decade too late.

As for the Patriots – the rest, as they say, is history. Brady personally acknowledged that the tuck rule call was made to look even worse when New England won the next two games. In the last minute of the Super Bowl, Brady once again led his team down into field goal range, where Vinatieri kicked a field goal that won the Patriots their first Super Bowl title 20 to 17 over the heavily favoured St. Louis Rams.

Two years later, Brady would drive downfield again, and Vinatieri confirmed his status as the most clutch kicker the NFL has ever seen when he won New England a second Lombardi Trophy 32 to 29. In the next season’s Super Bowl, they won again. A dynasty had begun, and it arguably still continues to this day.

Image result for tom brady — The legend himself. Tom Brady, now a free agent, has forged a career as perhaps the greatest quarterback to ever grace the NFL (Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images)

Tom Brady, a weak and skinny tall kid who arrived at Michigan with low chances of excelling, has gone on to become a superstar. He was the NFL’s first unanimous MVP in 2010, which sits in his trophy cabinet alongside two other MVP awards and a raft of Lombardi Trophies, Super Bowl MVP’s and various other awards he has set along the way for appearances, passing yards and touchdowns scored. It’s safe to say he is perhaps the greatest ever quarterback to have played the game.

And it all could have gone so differently if it wasn’t for a supportive college associate, a strong-willed approach to life and an extremely controversial ruling on that snowy night in Massachusetts.

AFLW Round Two – Carlton v Collingwood: Magpies blitz the Blues to confirm their 2020 revamp

A gorgeous sunny afternoon greeted football’s greatest club rivalry.

Playing in front of the homely environment that is Ikon Park, a new fire was stoked in the Carlton and Collingwood match up.

The match saw the start of more bad blood between the two famous clubs, taking the leap into the women’s teams just four years after they first met in the competition’s inaugural game. A topsy-turvy contest, last year’s Grand Finalists in Carlton were outclassed by a Collingwood side that stamped their Premiership intentions in 2020.

Following a nerve-settling opening round win against the new West Coast Eagles team, Collingwood were looking to take a scalp before they face early heavyweights in Fremantle and Melbourne. Assignments couldn’t come much tougher than Carlton, who looked imposing and dangerous in their round one win over Richmond. With boom recruit Bri Davey unable to face her old team due to injury, the Pies got off to the dream start when an immediate clean clearance was gifted by a 50-metre penalty. From the goal square, Jordyn Allen made no mistake and the Pies snatched the momentum.

Image result for aflw 2020 collingwood v carlton — The Pies came into their round two clash looking to beat Carlton for the first time in their AFLW history (The Daily Telegraph)

In the early bouts, Carlton appeared up to the challenge. Both sides played a fast and corridor-based game, allowing their forwards to find space and create one-on-one opportunities. Needing to level proceedings to gain a foothold on the scoreboard, Carlton’s prized forward in Tayla Harris beat Stacey Livingstone in the air to haul down a contested grab and snag her side’s first goal. Despite looking destined to be a thorn in Collingwood’s side, Livingstone ensured that early loss would be one of the only sightings of Harris.

Still taking the game on and surging forward, Jordan Membrey capped off a wonderful first term with a free kick and goal. Always a presence, Membrey has a type of energy up forward that makes defenders nervous, and fans excited.

The second quarter saw Collingwood take full control. Livingstone locked down on Harris, and nullified her influence completely while winning many an intercept ball herself. Brittany Bonnici continued to tag Carlton star midfielder Madison Prespakis and ruffled her feathers, allowing the gritty Pie to play off her and turn the tide in the centre of the ground. The other key contest in Ash Brazill against Darcy Vescio also went Collingwood’s way, meaning the Pies were able to counterattack off half-back and give the black and white forward’s plenty of opportunity. Holding on grimly, Carlton’s resistance broke halfway through the term.

The turning point came when a deep ball flew into a two against two contest 20 metres out from Collingwood’s goals. Crumbing cleanly and zipping past hapless navy blue defenders, Sarah D’Arcy lit the spark and fed Aishling Sheridan her first goal for the Magpies. The next clearance saw D’Arcy once again in the right position to mark and run into an open goal. All of a sudden, the Pies were up by 20 points against a team they had never beaten in their AFLW history.

With the challenge well and truly taken up, Carlton and Collingwood found their hatred for each other that had shaped the men’s competition. Brutal hits and stunning football transpired, as a late tackle and turnover from Carlton’s fleet-footed forward brigade resulted in Lauren Brazzale slotting a much-needed major before half time.

The third quarter began as a stalemate; Carlton first tried to stop the bleeding before they mounted their second half charge. An absorbing contest ensured with Harris and Vescio trying to overcome tight checking to make a mark on the match. Unfortunately, Collingwood’s defence proved too good, and they held strong in a way Carlton couldn’t in the second term. A decisive factor in this resistance was Carlton’s skewed shots at goal. Even Prespakis couldn’t convert shots into goals when sent forward, such was the clunky nature of their forward line.

Collingwood’s tough defensive efforts beared rich fruit in the final term. D’Arcy continued her electrifying game up forward, setting up a Sophie Casey goal with a pass that may as well have had a ribbon on it. Looking to finish off the Blues, Membrey slotted a second major that kickstarted the black and white celebrations. A late Carlton goal gave them some respectability, but Collingwood soon found themselves singing the song after a dream start to their 2020 campaign.

If the heated rivalry between the two teams needed any more fuel, Livingstone was willing to stoke the flames even more with her post-match comments regarding Harris. “You just have to stop her in the air, that’s her game”, she said. “If you can do that, she’s useless.”

Collingwood could walk away with their heads held high, having made the start they needed to give them a chance to qualify for finals in a tight conference. Beginning a rivalry with their greatest foe also puts them on an upwards trajectory – they have proven they have the passion and game plan to match it with one of the league’s strongest teams. It may be a day that’ll be remembered as Collingwood’s official entrance into the top tier of AFLW teams.

CARLTON 1.0 2.1 2.4 3.6 (24)
COLLINGWOOD 2.2 4.2 4.3 6.3 (39)

GOALS
Carlton: Harris, Brazzale, Walker
Collingwood: Membrey 2, Allen, Sheridan, D’Arcy, Casey

BEST
Carlton: Dalton, Harrington, Egan, Laloifi, J.Hosking
Collingwood: Bonnici, D’Arcy, Sheridan, Lambert, Molloy, Cann, Livingstone

INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Collingwood: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 7529 at Ikon Park

AFLW Round Two – Western Bulldogs v Melbourne: Dogs washed away by an all-round solid Melbourne performance

The VU Whitten Oval found itself loving the wet and wild weather that took hold of Victoria. Despite the humidity making for an uncomfortable night, it set the stage for a tough night’s footy that was to be won and lost at the coalface. Unfortunately, the hosting Bulldogs lacked the grunt and smarts to outwork Melbourne, who romped to a convincing 20-point victory on Friday night.

In front of a tick over 3000 faithful supporters who came out with ponchos in full force, the Demons proved they had rectified their defensive situation, while their midfield put on a masterclass in efficient ball use and solid structures around the footy.

Karen Paxman was Melbourne’s star – her clean ball use and precision running cut through the Bulldogs’ midfield and defence like a scythe, each stroke counting for an effective possession that set the Demons’ attack into motion.

Starting off with a bang, a quick Melbourne goal gave them the edge they needed in what was to be tough conditions for free scoring. Knowing the importance of majors, the Bulldogs caught a lucky break when Deanna Berry received a free kick and 50 metre penalty, gifting her the easy chance to put the Dogs on the board.

Only minutes later, Paxman crumbed a wide handball to perfection, grabbing the slippery ball in one hand with ease before snapping through a mouth-watering goal. The number four’s class was evident all night, and was made possible due to Daisy Pearce’s return to the half-back line.

Pearce’s leadership stood out all night – playing a Luke Hodge-type of role, many Bulldog thrusts forward only met spare Melbourne defenders who remained disciplined all night. The Melbourne captain’s ball use was assured and damaging, hitting targets with ease and encouraging quick ball movement. Unlike the Bulldogs, who tried to clog up a Melbourne midfield that gave an outstanding lesson on how to play breakneck uncontested footy, the Dees held their structures until the final siren.

Ellie Blackburn’s efforts in a losing cause were admirable. Constantly at the bottom of packs and attempting to shovel it out to teammates, her contested ball work was intimidating yet ultimately out-numbered by an agile and skilful Melbourne midfield.

Kate Hore was a livewire up forward; her goal was a result of some smart positioning and clever forward craft. With star forward Tegan Cunningham hindered by the wet conditions, Hore and teammate Shelley Scott seemed to revel in the slippery nature of the match.

Chantel Emonson wheels away in delight after slotting a goal against the Bulldogs (Getty Images/ AFL Photos)

Aisling McCarthy’s speed and dash in the wet was the only Bulldogs’ weapon that could match Melbourne’s persistent hammering of inside-50s – taking the game on was where they made the Demons look most vulnerable.

Despite being clearly outplayed, the experienced Bulldogs held on to a 12-point deficit going into the main break. However, with over double the inside-50s compared to the Bulldogs, Melbourne deserved to break the defensive dam wall. In the third quarter, the Bulldogs remained a chance only because the Dees hadn’t put them away. But, when Casey Sheriff’s blistering speed resulted in a clever soccer goal, Melbourne began to pull away. Another goal before the last break all but settled the result, as they relied on their rock-solid defence to secure the win and their position at the top of their conference.

The win was soured by a nasty-looking late injury to Ainslie Kemp, who infamously is already playing with a torn ACL. Refusing to be carried off in the late minutes of the match, the tears streaming down her face signalled the worst possible result for the valiant Demons youngster.

Post-match, returning Demon Libby Birch was rapt with her decision to cross from the Bulldogs back to Melbourne. “It was the biggest decision ever, but bloody oath I’m excited to be here (at Melbourne)”, she said.

“Tonight we showed we’re really strong around the ball and with our structures. Who knows what we can do on a dry day”, she said.

Starting off season 2020 strongly, Melbourne look to be one of the leading sides in this year’s competition. With the addition of Birch and Pearce, they appear to be stronger and more settled around the ground. On the flipside, the Bulldogs have some work to do to develop their youth and foster a free game plan that allows them to capitalise on their talent.

Performing with grunt and class, the Demons came to the VU Whitten Oval and played with the dogged spirit that is synonymous with the famous suburban ground. It may prove to be a landmark game for the proud club in season 2020.

WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 (12)
MELBOURNE 2.3 2.6 4.8 4.8 (32)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Berry, Toogood
Melbourne: Emonson, Paxman, Sherriff, Gay

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, McCarthy, Lamb, Spark, Ferres
Melbourne: Paxman, Scott, Pearce, Hore, Gay, Heath

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Melbourne: Kemp (knee)

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 3133 at VU Whitten Oval

The 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – Healy blasts Australia to an unlikely fourth title

In the lead up to the 2020 edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Friday the 21^st of February, it’s time to refresh ourselves with what happened in the last edition of the tournament.

The West Indies have struggled for a long time to climb back up the rankings to emulate past glory. The men’s cricket team have given bursts of Calypso cricket that suggested the return of fiery fast bowling and flashy attacking batting. Think of their historic 2016 T20 World Cup win over England, where Carlos Braithwaite’s stunning 34 not out off 10 balls dragged them over the line and reinstilled hope in the island nations. Picture Shai Hope’s ground-breaking 118 not out in that infamous Leeds test match in 2017, where the West Indies’ flair saw them chase down 322 on English soil.

Image result for shai hope leeds 2017 — Shai Hope raising his bat to acknowledge his magnificent century in Leeds, 2017 (AFP Photo/ Lindsey Parnaby)

However, the Windies haven’t quite been able to achieve continued success since the 1980s to mid 1990s. Frequently forgotten due to the men’s unlikely triumph in the same year, the women’s 2016 T20 World Cup demolition job over Australia in the final gave the West Indies women’s team potential to make that climb to world prominence. Led by half centuries from captain Stefanie Taylor and opener Hayley Matthews, the Windies’ eight-wicket win over an Aussie team that contained superstars in Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning in full flight shocked the cricketing world. For so long, the West Indies had been yearning for success – little did they know it may come from their female outfit.

Two years later and the West Indies went into their home edition of the tournament with mountains of expectation on their shoulders. With the men’s team having fallen down to prior pitfalls, the women were at the forefront of many minds throughout the islands of Trinidad and Tobago and co.

Their main challengers lay in the likes of the usual suspects. Australia weren’t too rapt with having their three-peat of World T20 titles ended, while England longed to clinch a second World Cup to cement their spot as world powerhouses. Sneaking up on the competition was a talented Indian team, looking to capture their first ICC World T20 tournament and signal their intentions to be mentioned in the same breath as Australia, England and the West Indies. Tangled in with this fight for the prize was the underdog that was Sri Lanka, always looming as an XI that could sweep past all-comers if they found their searing touch. Perennial bridesmaids in New Zealand rounded out the main contenders for the Cup, with the likes of star Suzie Bates looking to take the Kiwis to the promised land.

Entering the tournament with a huge amount of pressure on them, the Windies breezed through the group stages, finishing first in their conference and booking a spot in the semi-finals. Premier bowler Deandra Dottin was at her scorching best, taking an equal tournament high 10 wickets, including a landmark hattrick in the opening match against Bangladesh. After rolling the minnows for just 46, the Windies continued on to easily account for South Africa (captain Stefanie Taylor being the chief destroyer in taking 4/ 12 as they bowled the Proteas out for 76), before outclassing Sri Lanka thanks to some Hayley Matthews batting magic. Their last group match was their tightest, sliding past a defiant English team courtesy of Deandra Dottin’s 46 from 52 balls, solidifying her spot as one of the leading all-rounders in world cricket.

Image result for deandra dottin world t20 2018 hattrick — Deandra Dottin celebrating her hattrick en route to figures of 5/5 (ICC)

Despite falling short to the host nation, England still managed to squeeze into second spot, thus gifting them a semi-final position. Their group stage matches included a rain-impacted win over Bangladesh and a wild victory against South Africa where Anya Shrubsole took the tournament’s second hattrick and Nat Sciver snared 3/ 4 off her four overs to snatch player of the match honours. A rained out first match against Sri Lanka meant the English only just found themselves in the next stage, where they feared a potential match-up against heavyweights Australia. Little did they know, a shock was about to hit Group B.

Australia looked set to sweep the group, having comfortably accounted for Pakistan in their opening match of the conference after a sparkling knock of 48 off 29 balls from Alyssa Healy. Setting the tone for the weeks to come, Healy would go on to claim three more player of the match awards for the tournament, which ultimately ended in her clubbing the most runs with 225 at an average of 56.25. Comfortably sliding past Ireland, who only just slid their way past qualifying, Healy continued to lift the bar after her 56 not out off 31 balls included the fastest half-century at a women’s World T20 tournament (coming off only 21 balls). A further win over the Kiwis only gave Healy the opportunity to peel off another half-century, while Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry continued to take wickets regularly.

Image result for alyssa healy 2018 world t20 — Alyssa Healy smacking another boundary during a landmark tournament for the Aussie wicketkeeper (ICC Media Zone)

The big shock came when Australia and India faced off for the top spot in group B. Most pundits had their money on the Aussies to win a crucial match-up and play England in the semi-final. Smriti Mandhana had other ideas.

Bludgeoning 83 off only 55 balls, the left-handed Indian lifted her nation to a total of 8/167, a score way too high for the Aussies to chase down. In a manner similar to her recent efforts in the tri-series between Australia, India and England to warm up for the 2020 tournament, Mandhana’s drives and aggressive lofted straight shots proved too much for the Aussies. The tournament had been shaken up. India now had a real chance at winning the tournament, with Australia having to take down the hosts in the semi-final to regain their status as world champions.

Image result for smriti mandhana world t20 2018 australia — Smriti Mandhana hits out in breathtaking knock against the Aussies (@WorldT20 photo)

Losing the toss and being sent in, Australia had to work hard to negate the red-hot West Indians and their vocal supporters. Luckily, their major attacking weapon in Healy continued to experience a career-best tournament, smashing 46 off 38 balls at the top of the order. With the tone well and truly set, Lanning’s 31 and Rachael Hayne’s 25 not out off 15 balls to finish the innings gave Australia a chance. Looking to defend 142, their bowlers had to step up to the plate. Fortunately, Australia possessed the best player in the world on their side.

Ellyse Perry only bowled two overs in the innings, but those 12 balls were more than enough to seal the Windies’ fate. Her 2/ 2 ripped the heart out of the host team, as captain Taylor’s 16 was the highest score for her defeated side. In a stunning effort, the Aussies blasted through the tournament favourites to bowl them out for a mere 71, sealing their spot in the final.

In the second semi-final, India had a golden opportunity. Seeing Australia breeze through to the final gave them the utmost confidence – they had only beaten the Aussies just five days ago. Mandhana continued her strong form, blasting 34 off 23 balls. But after Mandhana, superstar Harmanpreet Kaur couldn’t get going, and the Indians fell away badly against a solid English bowling attack. Only needing to chase 113 to meet Australia in the big dance, Amy Jones’ 53 not out steered England home for another shock victory.

With both second-placed teams finding themselves in the final, the cup lay well and truly up for grabs. In a low-scoring encounter, it was one all-rounder least-expected to seize control who dominated to give her side the World Cup. Batting first, Danielle Wyatt’s 43 gave the English the perfect start. A seasoned professional, Wyatt’s calm knock didn’t catch on as expected. Resorting to spin, captain Meg Lanning found her best performer was not the wily Georgia Wareham, but instead Ash Gardner. Her 3/ 22 tore through the middle order, and met feeble resistance. Bowled out for 105, England knew they had one way of snatching the cup; get Healy out early, and put the pressure on the middle order.

The plan looked set to fall through when Healy raced to 22. Then, in a manner not seen in the tournament yet, English bowler Sophie Ecclestone ripped right through the leading run scorer. The door swung slightly ajar.

Healy’s opening partner in Beth Mooney was removed not long after. Butterflies began to flutter in Australian stomachs. Gardner and Lanning had to fight hard to get the game back on their terms. Both not out at the end, it was Gardner’s 33 not out that got the Aussies over the line. In a wild tournament, Australia had come good when it mattered most, powering past the Windies and then England in remarkable fashion.

Image result for ash gardner world t20 final 2018 — Ash Gardner celebrating a wicket with Georgia Wareham during her player of the match performance in the World Cup final

Now hosting the tournament, the 2020 World Cup is massive for Australia. The team has since gone on to clinch another Ashes series and produce a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in Perry. They are the premier XI in women’s world cricket. However, some shaky form in the lead-up threatens to disastrously derail a campaign that is set to be a celebration of their prowess. But if 2018 is anything to go by, this team will find a way to win when it matters most. It’ll just be nail-biting to see how it plays out.

Brexit, South African cricket and Slovakian handball players: How the disruption of the EU impacts county cricket and ‘Kolpak’ agreements

It’s definitely not a headline you’d expect to see.

With Britain infamously exiting the European Union (EU) on January 31^st of this year, they now enter the transition/ implementation period, lasting until the year’s end, where they have to formally establish what a post-EU Britain will look like in relation to its European neighbours. A major issue stemming out of this departure from the EU is the eligibility of ‘Kolpak’ cricket players to continue playing county cricket under contracts formed by legal precedent at the turn of the century. To understand the logistics and future of cricket in countries such as England, South Africa and the islands of the West Indies, it’s best to track back to a little-known Slovakian handball player plying his trade in a second-tier German handball competition.

Maroš Kolpak was a Slovakian handball goalkeeper, a player who would go on to play 71 matches for his nation and turn into a renowned handball coach. But his biggest achievement wasn’t to do with his on-court abilities. Since 1997, Kolpak had been residing in Germany and playing for second-tier team TSV Ostringen. Like most sports leagues around the world, the German Handball Association only allowed two non-EU citizens to play in each team.

Image result for maros kolpak — Maroš Kolpak, the one man who changed the complex of English county cricket and South African cricket due to being sacked from his second-tier German handball team

Considering Kolpak’s home nation in Slovakia were yet to join the European Union (Slovakia didn’t officially become a part of the EU until 2004), Kolpak was declared an international player. The Bosman Ruling of 1995 allowed all EU citizens freedom of movement in regards to work, meaning EU citizens shouldn’t be restricted from working/ playing in any other EU nation in any way. Due to Slovakia biding their time in joining the Union, Kolpak was about to face a problem.

When TSV Ostringen recruited two overseas players for the 2000 season, Kolpak fell to the wayside and was cut from their team due to exceeding the non-EU player quota. Here’s where it gets interesting – because Slovakia did have an association/ trade agreement with the EU, Kolpak took the quota system to the German court system.

Eventually handballed to the European Court of Justice, the court ruled that citizens of countries that had association agreements with EU nations and can legally prove they are working/ playing in an EU country should not be restricted from work by quota systems. Initially, this seemed to be a landmark ruling for Kolpak and his eligibility to continue playing handball in Germany. However, within years this decision would impact the English county cricket scene massively.

The impacts of the Kolpak decision

Due to many African nations, including South Africa and Zimbabwe, alongside the island nations of the West Indies, having free trade/ association agreements with the EU, county cricket capitalised on the 2003 ruling. Immediately, English county teams realised they could coax South African stars into ditching their nation and signing with them without filling the one overseas player spot. Due to the South African board paying their players poorly, South African players began to make the jump, turning their back on international cricket for more money and better job security with English counties.

So by 2004, international players connected to the EU began to flock to England. Enjoying the rich pickings available (the Bosman ruling had no impact on English cricket because at that time there were no other EU nations playing international cricket), South African Claude Henderson became the first Kolpak cricketer when he signed with Leicestershire. Then came the Flower brothers from Zimbabwe (only Grant was ruled a Kolpak cricketer due to Andy already holding a British passport). By the end of the 2000s, 35 Kolpak cricketers had been welcomed to the county scene.

Image result for claude henderson — Claude Henderson, the first ever Kolpak cricketer, in action during his time at Leicestershire (Getty Images)

Despite lifting the standard of county cricket immeasurably, the English Cricket Board (ECB) didn’t like the amount of international cricketers taking spots off budding young English players. Originally trying to implement a rule where all Kolpak cricketers had to not have played for their country for over a year, this became drastically unenforceable when Jacques Rudolph signed for Yorkshire in 2007.

These opportunities were used by Kolpak players in two ways. Many players, including the likes of current South African skipper Faf du Plessis, used their right to exercise Kolpak deals as a platform to develop their game before returning to represent their nation in the international arena. Others, including Lance Klusener and Shaun Pollock, wrapped up their South African careers before chasing large monetary deals that sent them into retirement with a handy pay package.

The ECB’s reaction

The ECB took their time to introduce rules that quelled the influx of Kolpak cricketers. Eventually, they devised a system that was impenetrable, but ultimately ineffective. The payments the board gave to county sides became based on the English qualified cricketers who were a part of that county list. Instead of being seen as a restrictive quota against non-EU players, the system could be pigeon-holed as a method of encouraging the development of younger English prospects who could one day go on to represent their country.

With an important decision to make, English counties all followed a trend. Instead of bowing down to the ECB and dropping Kolpak players for increased revenue, the majority of sides took the risk and continued to chase success with the experienced cricketers they had already signed. As a myriad of retired international cricketers arrived on English shores with a pay check and titles on their mind, the ECB had to take drastic measures to change the county system.

Luckily, they didn’t have to. With rugby also being impacted by EU nations poaching ready-made players from islands such as Fiji and Samoa due to the Kolpak ruling, the Union changed their reading of the agreements made between themselves and other trade-partner nations. By changing their reading, the English Home Office introduced the rule that Kolpak players had to hold a valid working permit for four years if they were to be treated as EU citizens.

This did have some effect. Instead of allowing cricketers to easily cross oceans and sign an immediate deal, there was a lot more paperwork and dedication required from the overseas players. Since this 2008 change, the Kolpak signings that have been made have held more meaning. A key example is the three signings of Kyle Abbott, Rilee Rossouw and Duanne Olivier.

All promising young cricketers who had shown promising signs in their introduction to international cricket (remember Abbott’s destruction of Australia in Hobart, Rossouw’s dominance in international t20 tournaments), the trio all made the conscious decision to leave South African cricket. Fully aware of the extent they’d have to go to in order to play county cricket, they were so fed up with the post-apartheid quota system used by the South African board (that’s a whole separate piece in itself) and lack of pay that they decided to step away from cricket until they were eligible to become Kolpak players.

Brexit’s destruction of Kolpak status

But now, the position of Kolpak players is set to go. With the EU now being Britain-less, Kolpak status will be removed come the end of the exit period, which lasts until December 31 this year. Come 2021, these players will become international players, and will face the same problem Maroš Kolpak did all those years ago in Germany.

Many young Kolpak players will face the axe, and will have to return to their home nation. Others have multi-year deals that last into 2021 and onwards. These will be re-negotiated and altered in the months to come.

The ECB is celebrating it; a chance to reclaim spots for their own prospects. But many are wary of the impact this will have on the county scene – the quality will inevitably decline without seasoned experience so readily available.

Associations related to county players are considering increasing the international player cap to two players from 2021 onwards in order to keep some players in the system. A wise decision, this could strike the fine balance between nous/ talent and opportunities for English players.

Either way, the South African cricket board are the big winners out of this. They will reclaim many players, possibly including the likes of Olivier, Abbott and Rossouw (depending on whether they are retained by their counties as international players). Regardless, they won’t face players turning their backs on their country, as they will be always in with a chance to be selected. Considering South Africa is in a slow decline after the retirement of greats in recent years, they need all the talent they can get.

South African/ Kolpak cricketer Kyle Abbott walks off the field in September last year after taking 9/40 in a county innings. Will he now return to bolster South Africa’s pace stocks? (Getty Images)

However, if one thing is for certain with Brexit, there will be many more twists and turns to go before we see a complete resolution to the Kolpak dilemma.

AFLW Round One – Carlton v Richmond: Blues come away with a mature opening win in Richmond’s valiant debut

Tayla Harris gets a kick away during her team’s strong opening round victory against Richmond. She was an aerial presence all night

There was an edge of excitement around Ikon Park tonight.

Despite having almost 10,000 less people packing into the ground compared to that fateful night where Carlton and Collingwood squared off in the AFLW’s first ever match, the expansion of the league caused a genuine buzz around Melbourne.

With heavyweights Richmond joining the competition, their unknown potential fuelled excitement as they came up against 2019 Grand Finalists in Carlton.

Playing with a slick game plan full of maturity from younger stars, the Blues fired an early warning shot to the AFLW with a brutal 34-point win over the inexperienced Tigers.

From the get-go, it was evident that the standard of play had increased from previous years – the precision of short passing was tidy, the strength at the contest was enthralling and the contested marking from star players in Tayla Harris and Sabrina Frederick stood out in smoky conditions.

With a point to prove after last year’s harrowing loss in the big dance to Adelaide, Carlton started off with a buzz. Securing the ball quickly inside their forward fifty, they tested Richmond’s young defence throughout the entire first quarter. In inspiring fashion, the likes of Akec Makur Chuot, Phoebe Monahan and Gabrielle Seymour all worked together to hold out the surging Blues.

Their effort to restrict Carlton to only a scurry of points appeared to lift them into quarter time with some confidence, but a late goal from Blues’ skipper Katie Loynes gave Carlton just reward for their first quarter dominance.

The crowd continued to build outside Ikon Park pre-game, resulting in a strong crowd of around 15,000 (AFL Photos)

Richmond had an open opportunity to level proceedings early on in the second quarter. Unfortunately, Carlton’s intensity around the contest and clever ball movement kept them ahead of the game. Taking their one goal lead into half time, the likes of Tayla Harris and Darcy Vescio were further cementing their status as premier players in the competition. Harris’ breathtaking contested marking constantly split the game open, while Vescio kept finding space and using the footy creatively in her spurts through the forward line.

The third quarter was where the Blues really put the foot down. Motivated by the ‘Premiership quarter’ and the allures of what they had missed out on in 2019, Carlton lit a fire under themselves and slammed on goals. Madison Prespakis put her best foot forward to show her amazing ability that saw her win the AFLW Rising Star award in 2019. If tonight was anything to go by, her game in the midfield is continuing to evolve; not only was she as tough as a bull, she was also deceptively elusive and efficient via foot.

By three-quarter time the match was all but over – Richmond were fighting bravely yet couldn’t consistently crack through Carlton’s settled midfield and defence. Struggling to make inroads into their first ever game, the last quarter became solely about pride.

In a time where the fledgling outfit were yearning for their recruited stars to stand up, ex-Bulldog Monique Conti excelled in her midfield role. Looking assured by hand and foot all night, she weaved her way through despairing Carlton missed tackles each quarter. Connecting with the likes of captain Katie Brennan and Christina Bernardi, the star-studded midfield finally managed to effectively find Frederick. With her booming boot sending the Sherrin through the big sticks, the Tigers had their first ever goal that they richly deserved.

When it rains, it pours. Only minutes later Richmond had a second goal through an athletic and agile effort from Courtney Wakefield. Only consolation goals in terms of the match, the brace of goals meant much more for the Tigers – they had a step in their stride that can take them into next week.

Satisfied with the opening round victory, Carlton co-skipper Katie Loynes paid credit to the vigour and intensity brought by Richmond. “They were so tough, we just had to stick in there”, she said.

Blues’ coach Daniel Harford was complimentary to the standout performance from young star Prespakis. “She had a heavy tag all night and was still able to perform – it was a very mature effort,” he said.

Madison Prespakis celebrates her goal on a night where she starred through the midfield (Fox Sports)

In a landmark night for the AFLW, a strong performance and a hopeful effort from a debuting outfit gives the competition impetus to produce its best season yet. The standard of competition has lifted once again, and the Blues have staked an early claim for Premiership favouritism.

RICHMOND 0.0 0.2 0.2 2.2 (14)
CARLTON 1.5 1.8 5.9 6.12 (48)

GOALS
Richmond: Frederick, Wakefield
Carlton: Loynes, Vescio, Walker, Harris, Prespakis, Downie

BEST
Richmond: Conti, Makur Chuot, Bernardi, Monahan, Wakefield
Carlton: Prespakis, McEvoy, Moody, Plane, Harris, Loynes, Gee