What a round
So much drama afoot, West Coast’s win over Port after the siren probably takes the cake, but such heartbreaking news with Alex Johnson really puts a dampener on everything. You’d think that win has to galvanise the Swans, given how brave it was in the circumstances, while it’s another deflating loss for Melbourne – so close yet so far again. The Dogs’ upset of North Melbourne today will also have implications for finals, with the Kangaroos now looking likely to miss out despite such an excellent start to the season. Then there was another Hawthorn v Geelong thriller. Aside from the Johnson injury, and another miserable (that’s me being restrained) week on the AFLW front, it was a great weekend of AFL.
That’s all from me this week – see you back here next time!
Half-time Carlton 7.8 (50) lead Fremantle 5.7 (37)
Carlton have been on top for most of this game by the looks, although Freo pulled back their lead half-way through the quarter before the Blues pulled away again. Cam McCarthy has two goals for the Dockers, while Matthew Wright has two for the Blues.
Leading disposals is Cripps with 18, followed by Thomas, Kerridge and Graham (13) for Carlton. Ed Langdon has 18 for Freo, while Neale has 17.
Alex Johnson speaks to Daisy Pearce
Says he’s not sure where to from here, but it doesn’t look good and is similar to his first injury. This is a guy who has done five prior ACLs and has now hurt his “good” knee, which is quite common after an ACL on the other. Just awful for him.
He’s heading over to the Swans fans now who all give him a rousing reception.
Sydney 13.9 (87) defeat Melbourne 10.18 (78)
A famous victory for Sydney, and the ball fittingly ends in the hands of Isaac Heeney, who was everywhere in the last few minutes. Huge courage shown by the Swans players to come back from the heartbreak of Johnson’s knee injury, and to win with two on the bench for most of the game. They looked out on their feet but held on as Melbourne pressed hard.
Alex Johnson limps onto the ground in a Swans polo shirt as his teammates celebrate victory. He’s hugging every one of his teammates on the ground – has been selfless all day despite the devastating news.
Updated
Q4 00:33 Melbourne 10.18 (78) v Sydney 13.9 (87)
Melbourne will run out of time, not sure they realise how long is left as they try to go wide along the boundary line. Heeney gets an all-important spoil on Hogan and I think that’ll be it as a pack forms from the throw-in.
Q4 00:54 Melbourne 10.18 (78) v Sydney 13.9 (87)
Don’t think this will end well for Demons fans. Franklin finds Papley over the top and he has a chance to seal it but misses the snap on goal!
Q4 01:20 Melbourne 10.18 (78) v Sydney 13.8 (86)
Melbourne find Hogan loose, but he can only hit Aliir Aliir, thought he had the mark, but he spills it. It falls to Nathan Jones who takes the shot from 50, but it’s out on the full. Heeney brings it back in but the Demons win it back. Harmes pumps it long, and Heeney takes a goal-saving mark.
Q4 02:15 Melbourne 10.18 (78) v Sydney 13.8 (86)
Bad choice from Neal-Bullen to thump the ball long into space in the forward 50 with no teammates anywhere to be seen. Still, the Swans look dead on their feet. They milk some time off the clock with some pinpoint passing. They go long to Sinclair, and Gawn gets a hand in. Hannebery wins the clearance and it’s out of bounds in the Swans’ forward 50.
Q4 04:00 Melbourne 10.18 (78) v Sydney 13.8 (86)
This game has come right back alive after three in a row to the Demons. Hogan looked to kick a goal but it just grazed the post... the ball then rebounded back into play and ended in the hands of Nathan Jones who drilled it from 45m.
Meanwhile, Hannebery seems to have given away a ball after the goal with a chest punch... he’s extremely unhappy about it but the ump tells him it’s his own fault and he doesn’t “understand why you do it”. Probably fair after the Gaff incident!
Swans do well to clear the ball, and now they’re moving it a little faster, perhaps given their tactic of stalling only let the Demons back into the game. Dawson takes a massive pack mark! Can he give the Swans some breathing space? No he misses...
Q4 06:21 Melbourne 9.17 (71) v Sydney 13.7 (85)
McDonald finally hits the middle with a shot from 50, and it’s just a few goals the difference now. Sydney have slowed right down, not sure whether it’s fatigue or they’ve just shut up shop a bit early.
Here’s the Heeney Mark!
Look at the hangtime! @IHeeney with a HUGE mark - give him MOTY now says BT. #AFLDeesSwans pic.twitter.com/aTzTJq6wDz
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 12, 2018
Updated
Q4 07:45 Melbourne 8.17 (65) v Sydney 13.7 (85)
Hopefully someone got a photo of that, I reckon Heeney might’ve taken the mark of the year over Jesse Hogan. Fair effort not to fumble it as he hit the turf either. Meanwhile, Hogan has another shot on goal and this time it’s not just a point but out on the full. Wow.
Sounds as if Hunt has done his right ankle.
Updated
Q4 11:00 Melbourne 8.17 (65) v Sydney 13.7 (85)
Horrible wasted chance from Spargo, who has a set shot from 35m out after a hard fought holding the ball. He decides to pass it backwards and turns the ball over. Coach-killing stuff. Not sure the Dees can win it from here with so many missed chances. Still, Brayshaw will line up from 45m out after a nice centering ball from Garlett. Ouch, that miss hurts. 20 point difference and 17 points kicked by the Dees.
Jayden Hunt now limping badly. Hannebery comes to the bench with the blood rule.
Carlton still up over Freo, 37-25.
Q4 15:12 Melbourne 8.16 (64) v Sydney 13.7 (85)
Finally a goal for the Dees through Garlett, and the first of the final quarter. That takes it to 22 points. The ball came in long to the square, and went over the head of Aliir Aliir in a rare instance of him being beaten. The pack crashes and Garlett takes the rebound for a typical small forward goal.
Gawn wins a free out of the next ruck contest, but Garlett sprays the snap wide. You don’t win many games with 8.16...
Updated
Q4 17:22 Melbourne 7.15 (57) v Sydney 13.6 (84)
Melbourne are pressing, but can only manage a behind to start the quarter. They’ll take heart from Sydney’s poor record in final quarters, as well as the fact they’re still two short on the field. We should find out a lot about both sides this quarter.
Three-quarter-time Melbourne 7.14 (56) v Sydney 13.6 (84)
Looks like Jetta might’ve injured himself in a desperate tackle on Buddy Franklin. Buddy’s full of confidence, but he takes on one too many defenders and is caught on the second. The Melbourne fans give it to him for trying. This is shaping up as a team-lifting win by the Swans as Papley kicks a goal with a minute before the siren. Swans then milk the clock to save some energy with two men off the field.
I hate to re-live it, but for those who haven’t seen the vision here’s the Alex Johnson knee injury.
"Football should not be allowed to be this cruel"
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 12, 2018
Alex Johnson is being helped off with a suspected knee injury. #AFLDeesSwans pic.twitter.com/H9PG2wpFF0
Q3 02:37 Melbourne 7.14 (56) v Sydney 12.6 (78)
Wow, the instant reply by Melbourne as Petracca wins a rare clearance. He pumps it long to Oliver, who could’ve been infringed. The ball spills and Pedersen dribbles one through.
Q3 02:54 Melbourne 6.14 (50) v Sydney 12.6 (78)
Swans finding too much space, and Buddy gets one on the chest again, this time 50m out on the other side of the arc to where he’s missed most shots today. This one on the left is much better, and he celebrates with a huge fist pump. We have the biggest lead of the game now, with the Swans up by 28.
Q3 04:22 Melbourne 6.14 (50) v Sydney 11.6 (72)
Speaking of, Buddy finds his way to around 40m by weaving past some defenders, but he’s again off target, this time almost out on the full. He’s kicked one goal and four points only today. I wouldn’t put it past him to turn it on later though.
Intensity has lifted for Melbourne, but they’ll need to impact the scoreboard more while they’re up.
Uh oh, Chelsea Roffey gets poleaxed as Oscar McDonald spoils another Buddy shot on goal. He’s now 1.5, and Roffey picked herself up immediately and looks unharmed. That’s courage! Papley swarms on the turnover and drills the one Buddy couldn’t.
If anyone is wondering, Carlton are up 23-10 against Freo in the other game, first quarter.
Q3 08:10 Melbourne 6.14 (50) v Sydney 10.4 (64)
It’s another for the Dees, this time to Tom McDonald who had two points to his name before that. That’s two in a row now to the Dees. Franklin had a chance at one from his zone just outside 50 earlier. He swung around instinctively this time, but was off target. He isn’t quite on today.
Q3 10:13 Melbourne 5.14 (44) v Sydney 10.3 (63)
Another to the Swans! This time to McCartin. Bit too easy for the Swans now, although vandenBerg hits back with one for the Dees. Have liked his game today. Is trying to get his teammates pumped up.
Safe to say all anyone’s talking about is the Johnson knee. Even Titus O’Reily dropped the satire.
Footy is cruel. #AFLDeesSwans
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) August 12, 2018
silence in the @AFLcomau office right now...everyone just absolutely flat and shattered for Alex Johnson. Life is a bitch sometimes. #AFLDeesSwans
— Nat Edwards (@Nat_Edwards) August 12, 2018
Get the win boys... and carry him off!
— Ted Richards (@tedrichards25) August 12, 2018
Carry him off for no other reason than what he means to the fabric of the club #AFLDeesSwans https://t.co/XJvpPQD5Mq
Q3 12:00 Melbourne 4.14 (38) v Sydney 9.3 (57)
Nice build-up by the Swans, which ends in Heeney’s hands on the 50m arc. Not sure he has the distance, but he’s lining up for it. It JUST clears the line. Great goal from him, and the Swans hit back. It’s two goals to the Swans to one for the Demons this quarter.
Hogan has reappeared - he’s been off the ground for about 10 minutes. Might be a right ankle issue now by the sounds.
Updated
Q3 16:46 Melbourne 4.12 (36) v Sydney 8.3 (51)
Further bad news for Melbourne with Jesse Hogan limping off the ground with some kind of left leg injury. Straight into the rooms he goes, according to Daisy Pearce. Hannebery’s handpass is intercepted and vandenBerg will have a shot now from almost 50m out. Lovely kick, Dees will be hoping that stops the rot.
Updated
Q3 18:00 Melbourne 3.12 (30) v Sydney 8.3 (51)
News on Nick Smith is that he’s done a hamstring and can’t take any further part. Pedersen looks to be playing a defensive forward role on Aliir Aliir after his dominance in the first half.
Franklin has the first shot of the second half, but doesn’t look like he wants to take it despite it being perfect Buddy distance (~55m out). He tries to evade the man on the mark, fails, and misses the shot. Melbourne crowd is thrilled. Speaking of Buddy, he’ll have another shot now from 45m out. No such hesitation to take this. It’s straight through the middle.
Updated
Raising money for breast cancer
Before I realised I had to work today I was actually due to go to the Prince Patrick Hotel for their inaugural Field of Women luncheon, raising money for the Breast Cancer Network of Australia.
The wonderful Yvette Wroby, author and editor of the 2017 and 2018 Women’s Footy Almanac (plus proud member of the Footy Almanac community) was at the Prince Patrick today to talk about women’s footy – timely given how much AFLW is currently under siege.
If you’d like to donate to Breast Cancer Network please visit this website.
#BCNAFunction #princepatrickhotel Am speaking on women’s footy. And helping raising $$$ for @BCNA. Go #pinkladies @melbournefc @thefootyalmanac @Kate_ohalloran @sydneyswans pic.twitter.com/LFbuRubtIU
— Yvette Wroby (@YvetteWroby) August 12, 2018
Half-time Melbourne 3.12 (30) v Sydney 7.2 (44)
The train has started pelting down at the MCG, which isn’t good news for Melbourne given how inaccurate they’ve already been in the dry. Siren sounds on an excellent term from the Swans, who turned things around in a big way with six goals in a row.
As we’ve spoken about at length, the story of the day is Alex Johnson’s sixth ACL, but great to see the Swans get stuck into the contest despite the awful news.
Q2 01:00 Melbourne 3.12 (30) v Sydney 7.2 (44)
Things have steadied a little, I suspect because the Swans are conserving energy somewhat. Tom McDonald takes a nice contested mark now to give his side a chance of answering the last six goals to the Swans. He’s directly in front but an’t convert. Awful accuracy from the Demons today.
Q2 04:45 Melbourne 3.10 (28) v Sydney 7.2 (44)
Sick and tired of BT and others spruiking the AFL’s rule changes. “This is exactly what the AFL wants, see what happens when they’re two men down, it doesn’t affect scoring. The players will adjust!”
Didn’t think it was their job to sell the proposed rule changes, personally. This has happened for about a month on end now.
Meanwhile Spargo is well wide with his shot on goal. 10 points for the Dees to date...
Q2 05:38 Melbourne 3.9 (27) v Sydney 7.2 (44)
Demons in some sort of disarray... Josh Kennedy is just all on his own in the 50, and there’s plenty of finger pointing but noone picking up their man. That makes it six in a row. Inspiring stuff given what’s transpired. Let’s not forget they’re down two men.
Q2 07:40 Melbourne 3.9 (27) v Sydney 6.2 (38)
The tide has well and truly turned against the Demons now, as Jordan Dawson produces an impressive set shot. Loved Ben Ronke’s pass that set that up, it was daring and pinpoint back into the centre of the ground. Hasn’t he been a find? Aliir Aliir is just picking off all the long bombs from the Demons.
Q2 12:00 Melbourne 3.9 (27) v Sydney 5.2 (32)
Bad news for the Swans off the field just keeps getting worse. This time it’s Nick Smith who apparently won’t return, with a jacket on at the back of the bench. Not too sure what the injury is yet, but I’ll let you know when I know.
That goal from Hannebery was his first for the year. Hard to believe.
Updated
Q2 12:00 Melbourne 3.8 (26) v Sydney 5.2 (32)
Four in a row for the Swans! This one’s to the man the Saints are reportedly offering the big bucks for, Dan Hannebery. Let’s hope we see him back to his best, as he was just then with a booming shot on goal on the run from 50 out.
Updated
Q2 12:20 Melbourne 3.8 (26) v Sydney 4.2 (26)
Another Sydney goal! This one to Heeney who had all sorts of space in the forward line, and snaps a goal on his right. He made it look easy with his composure. Some sort of courage from the Swans to show resolve after the Johnson injury. Credit to him for telling his teammates to do just that.
Updated
Q2 13:00 Melbourne 3.8 (26) v Sydney 3.2 (20)
Unreal goal from Will Hayward, took a casual snap at goal on a sharp angle 45m out under pressure. Didn’t look to be shooting at goal, but with no-one near the goal square it bounces freakishly through the goals. Crowd stunned, as is Hayward, who can’t help but laugh. Sydney right back in the game.
Q2 15:30 Melbourne 3.8 (26) v Sydney 2.2 (14)
Cunningham with a rare chance on goal for Sydney - and Melbourne’s inaccuracy means it won’t take much to get them back into the contest. He kicks it right through the middle. Goodwin looking concerned.
Q2 17:14 Melbourne 3.7 (25) v Sydney 1.2 (8)
Finally the Dees are accurate, and it’s a Hogan set shot that goes through after so many misses. Really, they could be much further in front. What have the Swans got from here? Papley shoots from 45, but he’s inaccurate too. Buddy with a big hip and shoulder on Jordan Lewis which angers the crowd.
Q2 18:40 Melbourne 2.7 (19) v Sydney 1.1 (7)
Johnson has left the ground after the start of the second quarter, as Tom Harley confirmed to TV that he seems to have done his sixth ACL - this time on his “good” or “other” knee.
The second quarter has started as the last finished tho, and Hogan is lining up for a shot on goal. It’s an awkward run-up, and he misses to the right.
"It looks like an ACL."
— AFL (@AFL) August 12, 2018
Tom Harley provided an update on Alex Johnson's knee injury.#AFLDeesSwans pic.twitter.com/B8DvFOQQhr
Fans feeling for Johnson, no matter the club they support. Despite his personal anguish, he got around every one of his teammates at the quarter-time huddle.
The footy gods can go and get stuffed, rips your heart out. Hoping the best for Alex Johnson #AFLDeesSwans
— Ben Nethercote (@bennethercote) August 12, 2018
The footy gods can go and get stuffed, rips your heart out. Hoping the best for Alex Johnson #AFLDeesSwans
— Ben Nethercote (@bennethercote) August 12, 2018
Alex Johnson getting around all his teammates and encouraging them to stay positive is *some kinda moment*. #AFLDeesSwans
— theoutersanctum (@outersanctum01) August 12, 2018
Updated
Western Bulldogs 13.14 (92) def. North Melbourne 12.13 (85)
Well the Dogs and Roos have produced another thriller, as they just seem to do lately, and this time it’s the Dogs who prevail by just seven points. That’s huge in the context of North’s season, and must cast serious doubts over their finals aspirations.
Great to see the Bulldogs get up for Dale Morris’ 250th, that guy’s a heart and soul player and will long be remembered as a key cog in the 2016 premiership.
Quarter-time Melbourne 2.6 (18) v Sydney 1.1 (7)
Well football is really secondary right now, as Alex Johnson limps out onto the MCG from the bench. Can’t imagine that it’s anything other than his ACL from the way everyone has reacted. Let’s hold out hope it’s not, and I’ll bring you news as it arises.
Updated
Q1 00:53 Melbourne 2.6 (18) v Sydney 1.1 (7)
Johnson’s in tears on the bench, and again, the Demons have pounced with another snap goal to Vandenberg. Might be overreaching but it really seems as if they’re affected by what’s happened, more emotionally than structurally.
Q1 02:12 Melbourne 1.6 (12) v Sydney 1.1 (7)
The energy has gone out of the Sydney team, and while it has lapsed the Demons have pounced, with Petracca snapping a goal from deep inside Melbourne’s 50. Hanneberry and Johnson sharing a hug on the bench.
Alex Johnson injured - an unconfirmed sixth ACL
Oh no, some really bad news. He’s clipped the back of Hogan’s foot and we don’t know if it’s a knee or an ankle, but it could be an ACL... let’s hope with everything it’s not.
Everyone on the bench looks devastated, so I don’t have high hopes.
UPDATE: Tom Harley says it looks to be an ACL on his “other” knee. A reminder that he’s already had five ACL injuries.
Updated
Q1 04:27 Melbourne 0.5 (5) v Sydney 1.1 (7)
Right the Dees might finally get one, after a nice snap entry into 50 from Brayshaw. Hogan now has a shot just 15m out. Unbelievable, he’s missed! I’m sure long-suffering Dees fans are frustrated right now.
Q1 05:40 Melbourne 0.4 (4) v Sydney 1.1 (7)
Gawn’s dominating in the ruck as is in keeping with the rest of his season. Could he win the Brownlow? I know everyone’s talking up Tom Mitchell, but.. surely in contention. Tom McDonald now has a shot from a very difficult angle... he’s started well in that re-invented position as a forward. This one’s to the left again as the Dees continue to miss.
Q1 07:05 Melbourne 0.3 (3) v Sydney 1.1 (7)
Heeney with an excellent handpass out of congestion to Papley, who dribbles through one from 40m out on the run. First goal of the day from the Swans, despite the Demons dominating possession.
Tom Papley swoops and the Swans have the first. #AFLDeesSwans pic.twitter.com/ljD6qZKXEy
— AFL (@AFL) August 12, 2018
Updated
Q1 09:31 Melbourne 0.3 (3) v Sydney 0.1 (1)
Franklin takes a free for a push in the back from Frost, who is unhappy with the call. Ump says he didn’t contest the ball. It looks more like a bump than a push, but it’s a free. He swings around in characteristic style but he’s off to the left too. No-one can kick straight today.
Q1 11:20 Melbourne 0.3 (3) v Sydney 0.0 (0)
Franklin is about 55m out, on a 45 degree angle. He runs around in typical Franklin style, but goes for the pass not a shot on goal, but it can’t hit a target.
For those wondering, the Dogs are still in the lead, 89-77 in Dale Morris’ 250th game. Nine mins or so to go in the final quarter. A loss would be a disaster for the Roos’ finals aspirations.
Updated
Q1 12:26 Melbourne 0.3 (3) v Sydney 0.0 (0)
Buddy looks like he’s impeded in the centre of the ground, but it’s not paid and Gawn takes one instead for a push in the back. Speaking of men in form... he’s started today as the rest of the season. Tom McDonald leads up strongly at the ball and seems to hit Hogan in space, but the ball is touched. Snap comes from Spargo but it’s wide.
Jetta has gone down into the race with a leg injury of some kind. But they’ll have another shot on goal with Oliver on the lead and lining up from 40m out. He makes the distance but it’s left for a minor.
Updated
Q1 14:31 Melbourne 0.1 (1) v Sydney 0.0 (0)
Holding the man on Brayshaw allows the Demons to reload from the back flank. He’s been in some form lately. Petracca gets the first real opportunity for the Dees after a handpass from Hogan but he’s off the mark.
Updated
Q1 16:30 Melbourne 0.o (0) v Sydney 0.0 (0)
Cunningham can shoot from 50m out, but instead goes short to Heeney on the lead. He’s only 45m out, on a slight angle but the ball goes out of bounds on the full, to the left of goals. Bizarre!
Dogs kick another goal over at Etihad, btw. They’re up 88-76 to the Kangas in the final term.
Q1 17:47 Melbourne 0.o (0) v Sydney 0.0 (0)
We’re underway here at the MCG, and it’s on early with Heeney chasing down Petracca for a big holding the ball decision to stop a certain score for the Demons.
Buddy has a shot on goal but the pressure from Jetta sends the all flying out of bounds. Hewett then also has a chance to run into goal but is caught holding the ball opposed to Clayton Oliver.
Charlie Dixon out for the season with a leg fracture
Bad news for Port fans. Here’s the latest:
Dixon will need surgery after he landed awkwardly in a marking contest during the third term of Saturday’s loss to West Coast.The Power hope that Paddy Ryder (hip) and Dan Houston (neck) will play in next weekend’s big match against Collingwood after they were also injured on Saturday at Adelaide Oval.
The four-point loss to the Eagles is massive, leaving the Power in danger of missing the finals.They play the Magpies next Saturday at the MCG and then host in-form Essendon in round 23.
Port medical services manager Tim O’Leary said Dixon has a fractured right fibula.
“We are still working out a timeline for surgery but he won’t play again this year,” O’Leary said in a club statement.
Now the Power have a nervous wait especially on Ryder, arguably their most important player. He aggravated the hip flexor injury from earlier this season and sat out most of the second half against West Coast.
Houston was stretchered off in a neck brace after a marking contest and was taken to hospital, but he went home on Saturday night and was cleared of major damage.
“Houston and Ryder will be assessed during the week and could face Collingwood at the MCG next Saturday,” the club said.
- AAP
Three-quarter-time North Melbourne 11.10 (76) v Western Bulldogs 12.9 (81)
Well, as a Bulldog fan I’m sure this’ll jinx it, but the Dogs looked really good that quarter, well-led by the Bont. Bontempelli had four inside 50s, four score involvements and 359 metres gained for that quarter, as the Dogs clawed back a 28-point deficit at half-time!
Jarrad Waite may be in trouble, btw, for a high hit on Jackson Trengove earlier in the game.
Preview stats
With thanks to the AFL website, here are some facts relevant to today’s clash.
1. It was a low-scoring affair the last time the sides played with the Swans leading by 20 points at half-time, before kicking six second-half goals to three. Lance Franklin (four goals) was the difference between the teams.
2. Melbourne continues to be the highest-scoring team this season kicking a total of 295 goals, 30 more than the next best team, Richmond. Sydney is equal ninth with 234 goals.
3. The Swans have dominated the Demons recently, winning the past six matches including a 101-point thrashing in 2012. Melbourne last won in round 17, 2010 by 73 points.
4. A win for Melbourne and it will the first time since 2006 it will be in the top four after round 21 of a season. Sydney has not been outside the top eight as of round 21, since 2009.
5. Melbourne is ranked first for inside 50s and for marks inside 50 this season. The Swans have struggled taking the ball inside 50, ranked 15th in the competition.
Welcome
Hello everyone and welcome to this critical match between the Dees and Swans at the MCG. As a reminder, this is our annual “field of women” game, which is about awareness raising for the approx 18,235 Australians who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. This is the 20th anniversary of this match, played in round 21 of the AFL season.
On the field, this match sees sixth place eighth, with a win all-important for finals ambitions. As it stands, the Bulldogs lead the Kangaroos (just) at Etihad stadium, which makes a win even more critical.
I’ll bring you all the action shortly.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, have a read of her article from earlier in the week, with a different take on the Andrew Gaff furore.
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