Saturday's results in full
Updated
The day in summary
OK I’ll start wrapping up proceedings after a huge day of sport with our usual themes.
AFL: Dreamtime at the ‘G was a highlight in its 21st instalment, with over 85,000 packing the MCG for Sir Doug Nicholls’ Indigenous round. The Tigers came out on top in what was a pulsating encounter between these two powerhouse teams. Earlier in the day, the Dees easily accounted for a disappointing Suns after the Suns started brightly in Alice Springs, while the Dogs got back on track with a comfortable win over the Saints. The night ended with a total boilover in Adelaide, with the Crows thumping the Dockers by 100 points.
Super Netball: The biggest game of the day lived up to expectation, with the Lightning and Giants playing out a thriller which the Lightning won by the smallest of possible margins. It was a crucial win, which puts the Lightning in the major semi-final against the Vixens, who breezed past the West Coast Fever in the last game of the night, 68-42. Earlier, the Firebirds ended their season on a high with a win over the Swifts. Neither team, however, will play finals this year.
Super Rugby: The Rebels were again disappointing, with their loss to the Crusaders compounded by their Wallaby backrower Sean McMahon appearing to break his arm. It’s now 20 matches - including this entire Super Rugby campaign - since an Australian team has beaten a team from New Zealand, heaping more misery on Australian Rugby Union. The Waratahs also lost to the Highlanders, leaving the ‘Tahs second in the Australian conference behind the Brumbies.
NRL: The Sharks overran the Bulldogs in the dying minutes, while the Warriors beat a depleted Broncos earlier in the day. Shaun Johnson starred for his side, with two first-half assists and one try to go along with his four conversions.
Play of the day: I liked Shai Bolton’s game-saving tackle in the dying minutes of the Dreamtime clash against the Dons. Pressure acts are chronically underrated and this one turned the match.
Here's why Tiger fans are enamored with Shai Bolton. #AFLTigersDons pic.twitter.com/wI5bpmm5lV
— AFL (@AFL) May 27, 2017
Today’s big winners/losers: Hard to go past the Dockers as the big losers of the day. Embarrassing for Ross Lyon who usually prides himself on fielding competitive teams, win or lose. This is clearly tongue in cheek, but David Myers gets a mention for tackling his own team-mate:
So...David Myers just tackled his own team mate #AFLTigersDons pic.twitter.com/Gt4HbNjw1s
— Andrew McCormack (@_AMcCormack) May 27, 2017
The biggest winners were likely the Lightning, with so much on the line in their clash with the Giants.
Comeback of the day: Surely the late win by the Sharks over the Bulldogs. As he did for most of the game, Paul Gallen inspired with a 25-metre run in the lead-up to Chad Townsend’s 78th-minute field goal that broke the 8-8 deadlock.
#NRLcrocby The run from PaulGallen13.
— rugbyleaguehub.com (@leaguehubcom) May 27, 2017
The extra point from chadtownsend10!#NRLSharksBulldogs#NRL pic.twitter.com/jbCbF0jBXX from NRL
If today were a song: This is not in the usual spirit of this category, but today I kept thinking of Treaty, by Youth Yindi. Hard to believe the song was written in 1991, after Bob Hawke had - in 1988 - promised a treaty by 1990. This week, 27 years later, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders again called for a treaty, as well as the constitutional enshrinement of Indigenous voices in parliament. The call for treaty was made in explicit comparison to the more ‘mainstream’ desire for constitutional recognition that has been featured in the AFL’s Indigenous Round (with players’ jumpers carrying the ‘Recognise’ symbol). As Calla Wahlquist writes, “the statement said that the high rates of incarceration, youth detention and child removal showed the need for a significant practical change, not a symbolic reform”.
Thanks very much to everyone who joined me here on the liveblog tonight, in comments below and on Twitter- I really enjoyed your input.
Looking forward to seeing you back here next time, and do join Paul Connolly at midday tomorrow for Sunday’s Australia sportwatch.
Updated
AFL: Adelaide beat Fremantle 20.23 (143) to 6.7 (43)
Absolute thumping by the Crows over the Dockers in Adelaide. Ross Lyon has never coached a side that has lost by 100 points or more - until now. The Crouch brothers set the win up for the Crows, as did Rory Sloane. Eddie Betts was at his scintillating best, kicking three goals while Andy Otten bagged four.
Ross Lyon looked to have some stern words with his players after the siren.
As in the Dreamtime game, most players swapped guernseys with their opponents after the siren.
Super Rugby: Crusaders beat Rebels 41-19
This from Wires (AAP) on the Rebels v Crusaders clash at AAMI Park:
The Melbourne Rebels have become the latest Super Rugby roadkill for the ladder-leading Crusaders, falling to a 41-19 defeat. Heaping more misery on the hapless Rebels, their Wallaby backrower Sean McMahon appeared to have broken his arm to end his hopes of playing in Australia’s Test series next month. McMahon was playing only his third game of the season after returning from injury but went down after making a tackle in the 73rd minute and was escorted from the field by medical staff.
The loss meant it’s now 20 matches - including this entire Super Rugby campaign - since an Australian team has beaten a team from New Zealand.
AFL: Richmond beat Essendon 11.15 (81) to 10.6 (66)
After three consecutive losses under a goal, the Tigers are back with a hard-fought win against the Bombers in front of a huge home and away crowd at the MCG. They threatened to lose another tight one after failing to capitalise on the many opportunities, they created, but finally held on as the rain trickled down on the Dreamtime clash. That’s their sixth win after they started with five-straight.
The Bombers will be proud of their efforts, but will surely be disappointed after such a convincing win against the Eagles last week.
Nice scenes after the siren with some of the players swapping jumpers, including captains Cotchin and Heppell. Cotchin put the red and black for a moment before a club official appeared to tell him to take it off. He replaced it with a Tigers jacket.
AFL: Q4 01:50 remaining Tigers 11.15 (81) v Dons 10.6 (66)
Nankervis nails a goal from 50m out to put the Tigers up by 15 points. They’re safe from here.
AFL: Q4 02:08 remaining Tigers 10.15 (75) v Dons 10.6 (66)
The Tigers go up by 9 points with just over 2 minutes to go. Surely they can’t lose it from here.
AFL: Q4 05:32 remaining Tigers 10.12 (72) v Dons 10.6 (66)
85,656 here for this match as it starts to rain. That’s the biggest Saturday night home and away crowd in AFL history.
A deliberate out of bounds by Grimes gifts James Stewart a shot at goal. He misses and is caught holding the ball a minute later. Tigers have the ball again.
AFL: Q4 10:05 remaining Tigers 10.12 (72) v Dons 10.6 (66)
The crowd has been waiting for McDonald-Tipungwuti to do something special all night - but he misses from 10m out under pressure. Riewoldt lines up for goal at the other end of the ground and slots his 21st Dreamtime goal. The Tigers are up by a goal.
AFL: Q4 15:50 remaining Tigers 9.12 (66) v Dons 10.4 (64)
Two points in it. This is set up for a thriller. The TIgers can’t lose another one at the death, can they?
NRL: Cronulla Sharks beat Canterbury Bulldogs 9-8
This from Wires on the last-minute win by the Sharks:
A powerhouse performance from skipper Paul Gallen inspired Cronulla to a thrilling 9-8 comeback NRL win over Canterbury in front of their biggest crowd in half a decade. Gallen twice came up with critical plays to set up Saturday night’s victory, including a 25-metre run in the lead-up to Chad Townsend’s 78th-minute field goal that broke an 8-8 deadlock. The former NSW State of Origin skipper also turned the game when, with his team down by six points with 13 minutes to play, he picked up a grubber in-goal and just managed to force his way back into the field of play. With four stars away on Origin duty, Gallen - playing in his first club game during Origin since 2010 - finished with a team-high 181 metres and three tackle breaks.
The win extends Cronulla’s winning streak to three and consolidates their top-four spot, while the defeat for the Bulldogs is compounded by a shoulder injury to skipper James Graham.
Here’s the field goal that sealed the win for Cronulla. Unbelievable chase by Sharks captain Paul Gallen who dragged his team over the line.
#NRLcrocby The run from PaulGallen13.
— rugbyleaguehub.com (@leaguehubcom) May 27, 2017
The extra point from chadtownsend10!#NRLSharksBulldogs#NRL pic.twitter.com/jbCbF0jBXX from NRL
Updated
AFL: Q3 01:47 remaining Tigers 9.12 (66) v Dons 10.3 (63)
Guess who? Dustin Martin creates another goal for Brandon Ellis after motoring away from his opponent and pulling the ball back inside 50. Richmond are dominating possession. Hard to believe they are only 3 points in front.
AFL: Q3 06:44 remaining Tigers 8.11 (59) v Dons 10.2 (62)
Brilliant chase by Richmond youngster Shai Bolton leads to a Shaun Grigg shot at goal, but it falls just short. Martin finally snaps a goal for the Tigers. He’s up to 25 disposals.
Updated
AFL: Q3 11:03 remaining Tigers 7.11 (53) v Dons 10.2 (62)
Excellent goal to David Zaharakis. Essendon’s efficiency with 10.2 is the difference at the moment. The Tigers have had plenty of chances, Caddy and Riewoldt in particular, but they need to start converting to stay in touch with the Bombers.
AFL: Q3 12:55 remaining Tigers 7.11 (53) v Dons 9.1 (55)
David Astbury overruns the ball in the goal-square. Shocking mistake, but think he didn’t want to rush it after the decision against Jayden Short. In any event, it ends with a goal to James Stewart for the Dons.
AFL: Q3 16:50 remaining Tigers 7.10 (52) v Dons 8.1 (49)
A bit of Dustin Martin magic there - bombed away, shanked it and it went straight to Jack Riewoldt. Directly in front, he... misses. Unbelievable.
Updated
AFL: Q3 18:35 remaining Tigers 7.9 (51) v Dons 8.1 (49)
Another goal to Caddy and the Tigers are back in front. Commentators are still debating the rushed deliberate that finished the first half.
NRL: H2 64:11 Bulldogs 8-2 Sharks
No Try for the Sharks in the 58th minute as they try to claw their way back against the Bulldogs. Watch the video below. No score since.
Vision of the @cronulla_sharks No Try Decision in the 58th minute of #NRLSharksBulldogs.#NRL pic.twitter.com/fQa057v2kU
— NRL Bunker (@NRLBunker) May 27, 2017
Super Netball: Sunshine Coast Lightning beat Giants 56-55
Unbelievable game of netball at Quodos Bank Arena. The sides could barely be split all night, and scores were tied at three-quarter-time. A 15-14 final term ensured the Lightning crossed the line by the barest of margins. The win was crucial, as it means the Lightning will finish second and go into the major semi-final against the Vixens. Whoever wins the Major proceeds straight to the grand final, while the loser gets the all-important second-chance.
Meanwhile the Giants will now face the Magpies in the minor semi-final. It’s a blow for the Giants, who have lost their last two games. Nonetheless, they took it up to the Lightning, with the game going down to the wire.
AFL:
Here’s that rushed behind decision so you can make up your own mind.
#HaveYourSay: Was Jayden Short hard done by with this one? Vote in our POLL below. #AFLTigersDons #DreamtimeAtTheG pic.twitter.com/UlULR0GPkO
— AFL on 7 (@7AFL) May 27, 2017
F1:
This just in from Wires (AAP): Ferrari driver and Formula One championship leader Sebastian Vettel has obliterated his own lap record at the circuit de Monaco in Saturday morning practice to again be the fastest man on track ahead of afternoon qualifying. The 29-year-old four-time world champion broke his own lap record late in the session, clocking 1:12.395 to eclipse the time he set on Thursday by three-tenths of a second.
In all, four drivers produced laps under the one minute 13 second mark but they did not include Daniel Ricciardo, whose best lap, a 1:13.392, was only good enough for sixth and almost one second off the pace of Vettel. Lewis Hamilton again struggled with his Mercedes and was only fifth fastest at the end of the session.
Qualifying begins at 2:00pm on Saturday (10pm AEST).
AFL: Half-time Tigers 6.9 (45) v Dons 8.1 (49)
Wow. Highly controversial free - and goal - goes to Josh Green just before the siren, after the umpire pays a deliberate rushed behind (with no ‘perceived’ or ‘immediate’ pressure) against the Tigers. Not sure about that one - seemed to be under quite a bit of pressure, perhaps except for Green giving up the chase to plead for a free-kick.
AFL: Q2 01:55 remaining Tigers 6.8 (44) v Dons 7.1 (43)
Shane Edwards - also wearing the number 67 - kicks his second goal for the night after the Tigers have dominated the quarter everywhere except on the scoreboard. He almost kicks two in a minute, but just misses.
Super Netball: Q4 2:00 Giants 43-43 Lightning
Deviating here slightly to give you an update on the Super Netball as it’s a cracker. These two teams have been inseparable all night, and they’re level at 42-42 in the final quarter. Caitlin Bassett is on fire for the Lightning with 29/30 (97%). This is huge for finals.
Updated
AFL: Q2 06:40 remaining Tigers 5.7 (37) v Dons 7.1 (43)
Caddy misses another, taking his tally to 1.3. The Tigers can’t afford to be inaccurate in such a tight contest.
AFL: Q2 9:20 remaining Tigers 5.6 (36) v Dons 7.1 (43)
Todd Elton gets one back for the Tigers. They’ve had the most of possession, but haven’t been able to convert. That goal came on the back of a beautiful tackle on Daniher, whose luck finally ran out after trying to dodge too many Tigers’ defenders.
Updated
AFL: Q2 10:55 remaining Tigers 4.6 (30) v Dons 7.1 (37)
A perfect pass from McDonald-Tipungwuti sets up Joe Daniher for his third goal. He’s in a rich vein of form, Daniher. That’s the first goal for the quarter.
Super Rugby: Highlanders beat NSW Waratahs 44-28
Meanwhile, this from AAP on the Super Rugby clash between the NSW Waratahs and the Highlanders:
Poor discipline and defence proved costly for the Waratahs, whose Super Rugby finals hopes have taken another hit with a 44-28 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin. The Tahs’ hopes of topping the Australian conference dropped on Saturday when they surrendered a 14-13 halftime lead and conceded 17-straight points after the break.
The Highlanders scored six tries to four. They capitalised on a one-man advantage early in the second half, when they scored two tries while Waratahs lock Dean Mumm was in the sin-bin. Mumm, who earlier this week announced he would retire at the end of this year, was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, but looked a little unlucky.
A converted try to replacement halfback Jake Gordon cut the deficit to nine points and lifted the Tahs in their push for a bonus point. Those were quickly extinguished with Daniel Lienert-Brown and Lima Sopoaga touching down for the home team, before Gordon scampered away after taking a quick tap to notch his second five-pointer.
The loss leaves the Tahs second in the Australian conference behind the Brumbies, who can stretch that lead by beating the Jaguares on Sunday morning in Buenos Aires.
AFL: Quarter-time Tigers 4.4 (28) v Dons 6.1 (37)
Apologies for my absence, I’m back after some small technical issues. Dons are efficient in their scoring up forward at the moment, but both teams are up for the contest.
In case you missed it, there were some incredible scenes during the pre-game entertainment.
Updated
AFL Q1 04:35 remaining Tigers 3.3 (21) v Dons 3.0 (18)
As predicted, it’s packed out at the ‘G. You can’t deny the unique atmosphere at the Dreamtime game.
.#DreamtimeAtTheG a genuine recognition & celebration event @MCG perfect venue for the show pic.twitter.com/2tbNJKAYBG
— Martin Gleeson (@MartyJG13) May 27, 2017
AFL Q1 06:12 remaining Tigers 3.3 (21) v Dons 3.0 (18)
Tigers back in front after a thumping goal from Josh Caddy outside 50m. Caddy proving his worth in Tigers’ colours.
AFL Q1 09:36 remaining Tigers 2.3 (15) v Dons 3.0 (18)
Not sure how he got that much space, but Caddy was all out on his own 5m out. On a tight angle, he misses. The Tigers are back in the game.
Updated
AFL Q1 13:36 remaining Tigers 1.1 (7) v Dons 3.0 (18)
Back to the AFL now for the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G game. Sam Lloyd just slotted a much-needed goal for the Tigers after the Dons blitzed them in the opening minutes. The Tigers will be looking for redemption after a horror couple of weeks.
Updated
NRL New Zealand Warriors beat Brisbane Broncos 28-10
More on NRL later, but it was a not-unexpected win to the Warriors with so many Broncos missing (a total of 7 were out including State of Origin and injury). Shaun Johnson starred, with two first-half assists and one try to go along with his four conversions. For the Broncos, a pair of tries to James Roberts within ten minutes put a scare through the Warriors, but James Gavet crossed the line five minutes later to assure the Warriors of the win.
The loss sees the Broncos drop from second to third, while the Warriors sit two points outside the eight, with five wins from 12 outings.
Updated
America’s Cup:
I’ll be back live-blogging Dreamtime at the ‘G shortly, as well as wrapping up rugby league and rugby union results, and checking in on the Super Netball.
In the meantime, here’s some reading material in advance of the America’s Cup. The oldest international sporting trophy (dating back to 1851), the America’s Cup is happening in Bermuda this year, and was perhaps one of the most fascinating sources of sporting news this week after claims of espionage ‘like James Bond or the CIA’ emerged. If you know little about the sport (or even if you do), it’s worth reading this feature on how cutting-edge engineering and technology is propelling the sport further into the future.
The reigning champions are Oracle Team USA who have Australian Jimmy Spithill at the helm. Another Australian, Nathan Outteridge is steering the hopes of Swedish entry Artemis Racing.
The winner of the Louis Vuitton (yes, you read that correctly) Cup Qualifiers will meet Defending Champions Oracle USA.
Not sure if it’s just me, but the idea of being out in the water in Bermuda makes me think something extraordinary might happen. For fellow nerds out there, you might want to check out this Guardian article from last year about the ‘mystery’ of the Bermuda Triangle.
Updated
AFL:
Embarassingly, the staff at Alice Springs just cued (and played) the Gold Coast theme song. They fixed it up with abrupt switch of tracks.
Jeff Garlett says it’s a “huge honour” to have played so well in Indigenous round.
AFL: Melbourne beat Gold Coast 18.14 (122) to 13.9 (87)
That’s all from Traeger Park, as the sun sets over Alice Springs. The crowd was estimated at around 5,000. Jeff Garlett added another goal in the dying minutes to finish with 5, his best haul for the Demons. In the end it was a comfortable win over the Suns, with Melbourne now sitting at 5-4 (20 points) ahead of their bye next week. It’s also a handy percentage-booster in what is proving to be a difficult AFL season to predict.
AFL Q4 05:24 remaining Dees 16.13 (109) v Suns 11.9 (75)
The Demons have put the foot back on the pedal, with a fourth goal to Jeff Garlett. The Suns respond with one to Matera after a 50m penalty against Hunt for creeping over the mark, but it doesn’t matter. Jones replies. Demons to win easily.
Updated
AFL Q4 08:28 remaining Dees 14.12 (96) v Suns 10.9 (69)
And a brilliant right-foot goal from the outside of the boot sees Jeff Garlett join in the small forward party.
AFL Q4 09:03 remaining Dees 13.12 (90) v Suns 10.9 (69)
Mitch Hannan snaps his third in what’s becoming a good day for Melbourne’s small forwards.
AFL Q4 11:33 remaining Dees 12.11 (83) v Suns 10.9 (69)
The Suns get a much-needed goal in return after a beautiful long set-shot from Sexton. Here’s an idea of the scenes currently at Traeger Park.
What a beautiful shot of game day in Alice Springs. #AFLDeesSuns pic.twitter.com/jCJ1MsvzdT
— Fiona Cannon (@FiCan) May 27, 2017
AFL Q4 13:15 remaining Dees 12.11 (83) v Suns 9.9 (63)
Another horrendous turnover by the Suns gifts Jack Watts a goal from 15m out. I hate to think what’s happening to Rodney Eade now.
AFL Q4 14:38 remaining Dees 11.11 (77) v Suns 9.9 (63)
We’re back for the final quarter in the Dees v Suns clash. A beautiful sunset hangs over Traeger Park in Alice Springs. Hannan goals all on his own 5m out, and things are falling apart from the Suns.
Queensland Firebirds beat NSW Swifts 67-48
The Firebirds have finished their season on a high, with a 19-goal victory over the Swifts. Goal-shooter Romelda Aiken was influential with 38/45 (84%) while Goal-Attack Gretel Tippett also scored 29/34 (85%).
Strange to think these two teams were the grand finalists in last year’s trans-Tasman Netball League, but neither will feature in the new competition. The Firebirds at least finish on a high after last week’s victory over finalists the Giants and this win over the Swifts.
NRL H2 44:32 Warriors 22-0 Broncos
It’s three-quarter-time in Alice Springs so I’ll take us around the grounds.
In the NRL the Warriors are Running all over the Broncos, scoring this try immediately after the resumption of play.
The @NZWarriors start the 2nd Half in style! #NRLWarriorsBroncos #NRL pic.twitter.com/U7kT9lkUwc
— NRL (@NRL) May 27, 2017
AFL Q3 0:20 remaining Dees 9.9 (64) v Suns 9.8 (62)
Jones lines up for another one, and slots it from 45m out directly in front. Unbelievable turnaround by the Dees, the Suns have just stopped.
AFL Q3 03:17 remaining Dees 8.9 (58) v Suns 9.8 (62)
Jordan Lewis leads the way with disposals for the Dees with 25 (12 kicks) and is proving influential.
So is James Harmes who has just kicked his third goal off the pack.
AFL Q3 05:12 remaining Dees 7.9 (52) v Suns 9.8 (62)
That’s three unanswered goals to the Dees now, and the margin is back to 10 points. Dees are playing smart, kicking short and finding targets. They’re against the breeze so doing well this quarter.
AFL Q3 08:47 remaining Dees 6.9 (45) v Suns 9.8 (62)
On cue, Nathan Jones slots a captain’s goal. Reports suggest Rodney Eade needs a lie down.
Rocket just needs the room dark and he's in his element! #AFLDeesSuns pic.twitter.com/KJgrjayzVN
— Two Putt Shakur (@twoputtshakur) May 27, 2017
Updated
AFL Q3 09:53 remaining Dees 5.9 (39) v Suns 9.8 (62)
The Dees eventually get one back through Garlett, before Clayton Oliver narrowly misses. Melbourne look to be finally lifting.
AFL Q3 14:44 remaining Dees 4.8 (32) v Suns 9.8 (62)
Bugg couldn’t convert at the other end, but Wright makes no mistake. That’s a 30-point lead now to the Suns. I’m worried about Melbourne.
AFL Q3 17:26 remaining Dees 4.8 (32) v Suns 8.8 (56)
Beautiful goal from former Docker and veteran Michael Barlow. That was a snap from at least 45m. The breeze should benefit the Suns again this quarter.
Updated
Super Netball Q3 3:23 NSW Swifts 29-38 QLD Firebirds
The Firebirds have started strongly in this third quarter, despite Sam Wallace’s goal-shooting dominance for the Swifts.
The third quarter is under way in Alice Springs, so I’ll get back to liveblogging the AFL, but rest assured I’ll get to as much as possible.
Super Netball HALF TIME NSW Swifts 27-33 Queensland Firebirds
NSW are going at 90% in shooting accuracy (27/30) while Queensland are going at 79% (33/42). Sam Wallace has 24/26 for the Swifts and Romelda Aiken has 20/25 for the Firebirds. Third quarter is just about to get under way.
Super Rugby H1 13:42 Highlanders 10-0 Waratahs:
Just sticking with the Super Rugby here for a minute as the Highlanders have just scored a controversial try. It’s awarded to Richard Buckman, and Marty Banks converts again.
Super Rugby H1 13:42 Highlanders 3-0 Waratahs:
Marty Banks has finally scored for the Highlanders, continuing his excellent conversion rate of 92% this season.
Super Rugby H1 11:10 Highlanders 0-0 Waratahs:
It’s early days in the Highlanders v Waratahs clash, with no score to either side to date.
It has been a typically farcical week for Super Rugby, with Sanzaar proposing bringing forward the starting date for next year’s competition forward by one week.
This is to allow an extra week for the national teams to prepare for the European Tests in June. For Australian teams, this means the February kick-off will immediately follow the International 10s in Brisbane, as well as the Sydney Sevens the week earlier. It is yet another blow to Australian Super Rugby, with tensions at an all-time high over next season’s promised cull. It’s worth checking out Matt Cleary’s piece on where the cull is at.
Updated
AFL HALF TIME Dees 4.8 (32) v Suns 7.7 (49)
Jeff Garlett - wearing the number 67 - runs into an open goal for the Dees with seconds left on the clock, much to the displeasure of Rodney Eade who has taken his frustration out on the coaches’ box. It’s a well-needed goal, with Melbourne’s inconsistent form continuing into this week. This hasn’t been the most memorable game to date, perhaps because of the significant breeze in Alice. Let’s hope the quality improves in the second half.
In the meantime I’ll take a look around the grounds at some of the other sports happening.
AFL Q2 Dees 3.7 (25) v Suns 7.7 (49) 04:52 remaining
Peter Wright snaps a goal to push the Suns further ahead of the Dees. Melbourne look fatigued.
I agree with our readers below who are noting that the booing of Adam Goodes has cast a pall over Indigenous Round. We had a great feature in this week’s news by Naaman Zhou about what Goodes is up to these days: addressing the ‘sickening’ and ‘unacceptable’ literacy and numeracy gaps for Indigenous youth as an ambassador for the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF).
AFL Q2 Dees 3.4 (22) v Suns 6.7 (43) 10:21 remaining
Suns get one over the back to Kolodjashnij. The Suns’ running game is up and going and they’re looking the better team right now.
AFL Q2 Dees 3.4 (22) v Suns 5.7 (37) 12:37 remaining
Turnover from Jordan Lewis in the Suns’ forward 50 and Tom Lynch capitalises. He won’t want to watch that one again.
Bugg misses one at the other end with the breeze.
Updated
AFL Q2 Dees 3.1 (13) v Suns 4.5 (29) 19:30 remaining
Scrappy goal to the Dees, well roved by Hannan.
And here’s a visual representation of the jumper clash. Can’t say the AFL has the best track record on this one. At least the Suns still got to wear their home jumper in Shanghai. For those who missed it, after inviting the Suns to play the Power in China, Port president David Koch belatedly realised that the Suns’ colours are the same as the Chinese.
Updated
Cricket:
On the topic of cricket, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) and Cricket Australia (CA) seem little closer to reaching a resolution in their pay dispute, despite CA finally agreeing to independent mediation.
The looming 30 July deadline, and David Warner’s threats of a strike, may have finally spooked CA.
Nonetheless, captain Steve Smith doubled down on Warner’s comments, assuring an Ashes boycott was not in the players’ interests, while calmly asserting his, and other players’, commitment to the ACA.
Cricket:
It’s quarter-time in Alice Springs, so I thought I’d take a look at some of the news of the week.
Speaking of Indigenous Round, we had a wonderful feature this week from Ashley Gray, who spoke to John McGuire – currently a West Australian bowling coach - about racial discrimination in cricket. McGuire opened up about being racially abused in every match he batted in, as well his belief that he was overlooked for state selection on account of being Aboriginal. Powerful stuff.
AFL Q1 Dees 2.1 (13) v Suns 4.4 (28) 01:43 remaining
Brandon Matera nails his second, a tight snap from the pocket. They’ve had 8 scoring shots to 3, the Suns, but haven’t quite capitalised on their opportunities.
AFL Q1 Dees 2.1 (13) v Suns 3.4 (22) 02:16 remaining
Loved Mitch Hannan’s mark:
Come fly with me ✈️ #AFLDeesSuns pic.twitter.com/rz8VqIg5Ep
— AFL (@AFL) May 27, 2017
AFL Q1 Dees 1.0 (6) v Suns 3.2 (14) 06:10 remaining
Brandon Matera continues his return to form this season with a snap through for the Suns. But the Dees respond with a goal to Harmes who is back in the side this week.
With the three-goal breeze, the Suns would want to capitalise further.
AFL Q1 Dees 1.0 (6) v Suns 2.0 (12) 10:30 remaining
Some absolutely beautiful scenes here in Alice Springs. The Demons will play two home games at Traeger Park this season.
AFL Q1 Dees 1.0 (6) v Suns 2.0 (12)
Petracca scores the opener for the Demons, but here is a video of the injury to the goal umpire.
Speaking of umpires, Glouftsis just enjoyed a beautiful centre bounce.
The goal umpire kept his eyes on the ball, literally. Ouch! #AFLDeesSuns pic.twitter.com/X48gdLhl3g
— AFL (@AFL) May 27, 2017
Updated
AFL Q1 Dees 0.0 (0) v Suns 2.0 (12)
That’s two goals now to the underdogs, that one a long bomb from Aaron Hall. The first cannoned into the goal umpire who is off with a blood nose. Looks like the Suns have about a three-goal breeze in Alice.
Updated
AFL Q1 Dees 0.0 (0) v Suns 0.0 (0)
Cue jumper clash discussion for the next three hours, tomorrow and into next week.#AFLDeesSuns
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) May 27, 2017
At least we have some excuses for turnovers in today’s game.
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AFL:
We’re about to get underway in Alice Springs.
Another feature of this game will be the appearance of Eleni Gloutftsis, who is officiating her second match this weekend, after she last week became the first-ever female field umpire. I was lucky enough to chat to her after the game, where she rubbished conjecture that her bouncing issues might be about her gender.
She’s very articulate, Gloutftsis, which had some of our readers noting that she’s far too sensible to be an umpire.
Football:
Perason’s comments follow United star Paul Pogba’s earlier dedication of his team’s 2-0 win over Ajax in the Europa League to the bomb victims from Manchester arena. After the game, the players posed by a banner that read ‘Manchester – A City United’.
I’d invite you all to check out David Squires’ heart-wrenching cartoon on the bombing, and why it won’t stop the people of Manchester living, breathing and loving their football. Just have some tissues handy. Just have some tissues handy.
Athletics:
Also in from AAP is the news that Olympic and world champion Sally Pearson has won the 100m hurdles at the Great City Games in Manchester.
It has been a big week for sport in Manchester, with the meet taking place just four days after 22 people were killed and another 116 injured by a suicide bomber at the Manchester Arena concert by Ariana Grande. The athletes observed a minute’s silence before the event, which was attended by 20,000.
Pearson said she was pleased to see such a big crowd out for the event:
“I think the English are a bit like the Australians and we’re pretty resilient - we want to get out there and show the world that we’re here, we’re strong and we’re standing together.”
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Western Bulldogs beat St Kilda 13.12 (90) to 7.8 (50)
AFL:
The Bulldogs have run away with it in the early game at Etihad against the Saints. The bad news is that skipper Bob Murphy looks to have just pulled up with a hamstring injury in the final minute. The Dogs will be relieved to run away with a convincing win after an indifferent start to the season. Jake Stringer returned with five crucial goals while the Saints’ forward line, including Paddy McCartin, failed to fire.
Tennis:
Of course tennis has dominated the headlines this week for all the wrong reasons, after Margaret Court vowed to stop flying Qantas thanks to their support of marriage equality. Court’s comments drew the ire of many current and former tennis players, including Casey Dellacqua, who shared a letter Court had contributed to the West Australian several years earlier accusing Dellacqua and her partner Amanda Judd of ‘depriving’ their child of a father.
Court’s comments have ignited debate as to whether her Arena should be renamed. Embarrassingly for Court, the Twitter account of her own court (pun intended) distanced itself from her remarks.
— Margaret Court Arena (@MCourtArena) May 25, 2017
Tennis:
Just taking a look at the Wires from AAP and it looks like Australia’s male tennis players face a brutal French Open draw. Bernard Tomic will face sixth seed Dominic Thiem on day one – the only player in 18 matches to beat Rafael Nadal on clay. The enigmatic Nick Kyrgios, meanwhile, will likely face Jo-Wilfried-Tsonga if he makes it to the third round. Kyrgios is struggling with both shoulder and hip complaints which saw him miss the Italian Open. Finally, Australian teenage wildcard Alex Di Minaur will need to get past Dutchman Robin Haase, but even then would likely face Nadal in the second-round.
Here’s a preview of the men to watch at Roland Garros this year. Should be an intriguing tournament, with many of the usual suspects out of form, and Federer deciding to skip the Grand Slam altogether. Will Nadal seize the moment?
Meanwhile, Australia’s women have had the ideal run to Roland Garros, with Samantha Stosur and Daria Gavrilova facing off in the final at Strasbourg. The two women will face off for the title of No1 in Australia, with Gavrilova aiming to end Stosur’s 450-week reign.
And here’s a preview of the women competing for the French title. In the same way that Federer’s absence has opened up the men’s draw, Serena Williams’ opponents must be breathing a sigh of relief at her pregnancy. They’d also be thanking their lucky stars that the French decided to take a moral stance on doping in denying Sharapova a wildcard.
Welcome to The Guardian’s rolling liveblog, Sportswatch, where we keep you up to date with what’s happening in the world of Australian sport, whatever your preferred shape of ball. I’m Kate O’Halloran, and I’ll be taking you through all of today’s action, as well as drawing your attention to some of the biggest sports news of the week. You can tweet to us @GdnAusSport, remembering to use the hashtag #sportwatch. You can also of course leave comments below, some of which I’ll reply to when I get a chance.
We’re focusing on two big AFL matches today, but we’ll ensure we go around the grounds to cover other sports, in particular the netball. First up, we have the Dees and the Suns in Alice Springs. Melbourne’s choice to play its home game in the Northern Territory coincides with the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round of AFL (itself coinciding with Sorry Day). While the AFL is an easy target for accusations of tokenism, the round itself seems to have raised more than a few important discussions. Many of the game’s indigenous players are wearing number 67 on their backs, to commemorate 50 years since the amendments to the Australian constitution which saw Indigenous Australians count in the census, and gave the Commonwealth Government power to legislate on their behalf.
This game should be an interesting one in terms of which Melbourne side shows up. They’ve struggled to string any kind of consistent form together this year the Dees, but the same goes for the rest of the competition. The Suns meanwhile have had a week off after their abysmal showing in Shanghai, but will be without Gary Ablett. You’d think the Dees should win, but that’s usually when they don’t.
After that we’ll bring you the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between the Bombers and the Tigers. The Tigers are fresh off two heart-breaking losses, while the Bombers are flying high after a shock victory over West Coast last week. A mammoth crowd of up to 90,000 is predicted to attend in the ‘battle of the sash’ (as dubbed by Kevin Sheedy). Adding to the intrigue of this match are reports earlier in the week that Essendon have entered the market for free agent Dustin Martin.
As mentioned, I’ll be sure to cover the Super Netball action today in what is a crucial round for the top four teams. The make-up of the finals is already decided, with the Vixens, Lightning, Giants and Magpies all assured of featuring. It’s a big tick for the expansion teams. The biggest game for today is the Giants v Lightning clash at 7pm in Sydney. The Lightning are a mathematical chance of making the top of the ladder, but it would require an upset in Perth as well as a huge win over the Giants. The more likely outcome is that they will finish second, and go into the all-important Major Semi Final against the Vixens. Teams one and two in Super Netball face off in the Major; the winner goes straight to the Grand fInal and the loser gets a second chance.
There’s also plenty of Rugby action, although League games have been decimated by State of Origin. Case in point is today’s Warriors v Broncos match, with six of the Broncos’ best representing their state. The Warriors, on the other hand, have only veteran Jacob Lillyman in the squad. NRL action is rounded off tonight with the reigning premiers the Sharks and Bulldogs in what should be a close one. As for Union, we’ll keep you updated on the Waratahs clash against the Highlanders, and the ever-struggling Rebels’ match against the Crusaders.
I’ll be back shortly after I check what news has emerged overnight.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantimes, have a quick read of the latest instalment in the saga that is Conor McGregor’s proposed fight with Floyd Mayweather:
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