Summary
What an incredible round of AFL, and what a game to finish off the 2017 season. Like the rest of what has come to date, it was unpredictable, exciting, and somewhat baffling. Hard to believe the Dees dropped that game against the Pies to put themselves in the position they were, but I’m sure any Demons fan would tell you that it’s very typically Melbourne. Similarly somewhat difficult to believe the Eagles toppled the Crows by the margin they needed - given how dominant the Crows have been and how inconsistent the Eagles have been. Nonetheless, they had the ‘Subi’ crowd (and sun) behind them, and their poached finals heroes (Mitchell, Jetta) willed them across the line.
The Tigers, meanwhile, are in ominous form - particularly their main man Dustin Martin - and secured themselves a double chance in their defeat of a disappointing Saints. The Bombers earlier survived a scare against the Dockers, and it was heart-warming to see the pure elation on their players’ faces as the siren sounded. Glad also that we’ll see Jobe Watson go on (as will Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell) for another week, but we did of course say goodbye to one champion today in Nick Riewoldt (who was chaired off by his cousin Jack).
For those wondering, these are the match-ups for week one of the finals:
Qualifying final: Adelaide v GWS
Qualifying final: Geelong v Richmond
Elimination final: Port Adelaide v West Coast
Elimination final: Sydney v Essendon
Exciting times - reckon the two qualifiers in particular should be brilliant games.
In the NRL today the St George Illawarra Dragons kept their season alive with an unlikely victory over the Penrith Panthers - all thanks to an incredible Tariq Sims tackle, intercept and try. I encourage everyone to watch it who hasn’t already - even if you’re not an NRL fan - possibly the play of the year. They’ll face off against Canterbury next Sunday afternoon in another do-or-die encounter. Earlier, the Sea Eagles pulled off their own heist with a last-gasp, golden point victory over the Warriors courtesy of their hero, Daly Cherry-Evans. He hauled his team over the line with two consecutive field goals - one to tie the scores, and another to win it. The Sea Eagles needed a win, and got it - just.
Be sure to check in tomorrow for AFL, NRL and Rugby Union columns - but in the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this pre-finals edition of Sportwatch.
West Coast Eagles 15.10 (100) beat Adelaide Crows 10.11 (71)
What a fitting end to their time at Domain Stadium/Subiaco. The Eagles have pulled off an incredible heist, knocking the Demons out of the finals at the last possible moment. The margin in the end was 29 points, just enough to propel them into a finals campaign. Their retiring heroes - Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis - are thrilled. Mitchell in particular played an incredible game - he had 34 disposals, 13 contested possessions, four clearances and seven marks. Gaff likewise had 32 possessions, 11 contested, five marks, three clearances and three tackles. Cripps kicked three goals, while LeCras kicked two.
For the Crows, Matt Crouch had a huge 45 disposals, with 13 contested possessions, four clearances, five inside 50s and 7 tackles. His brother Brad also had 43 - 15 contested possessions, 10 clearances and 6 tackles. Not to be outdone, Rory Sloane also had 38 disposals - with 23 contested possessions, 14 clearances and 9 tackles.
Heartbreak for the Demons, joy for the Eagles, and a thriller to end the regular 2017 season.
Updated
AFL Q4 00:29 remaining West Coast 15.10 (100) v Adelaide 10.11 (71)
Eagles will make finals! It’s all over for the Melbourne Demons. What a disappointing end to the season for their club and fans.
AFL Q4 00:57 remaining West Coast 15.10 (100) v Adelaide 10.11 (71)
I’m calling it for the Eagles - but the Crows have to the ball back with just over a minute to go. They need two goals to put the Demons back in it.
AFL Q4 03:31 remaining West Coast 15.10 (100) v Adelaide 10.11 (71)
Plenty of people holding their breath - and Laird does the Eagles a favour by booting the ball out on the full.
DARLING! He takes a huge, backwards running grab - colliding with the goalpost. He’s kicked it!
Here’s the brilliant Jetta goal before it.
Jetta bursts through and reinstates the Eagles in the eight! #AFLEaglesCrows pic.twitter.com/MBSZjS5Mn7
— AFL (@AFL) August 27, 2017
AFL Q4 04:48 remaining West Coast 14.10 (94) v Adelaide 10.11 (71)
Melbourne are .1% percentage above the Eagles - and the crowd is stunned. But Jetta produces some magic and goals!! What a game. Eagles technically in the eight again.
AFL Q4 05:28 remaining West Coast 13.10 (88) v Adelaide 10.11 (71)
Josh Kennedy has a golden opportunity to kick a goal but he’s repelled by a brilliant tackle - and misses. Meanwhile the Crows swarm back down the middle to Eddie Betts who finds Charlie Cameron - and he goals to put MELBOURNE back into the eight!
AFL Q4 06:50 remaining West Coast 13.9 (87) v Adelaide 9.11 (65)
Dom Sheed blasts the ball long into the 50 - but it’s short, and Barrass repels Brad Crouch’s clearing attempt with a point. Barrass is back in it again, taking a contested grab outside 50 to bomb the Eagles back towards their goal.
Vardy to Gaff - who hesitates and gets caught holding the ball. Nerve-wracking six or so minutes to go.
AFL Q4 09:07 remaining West Coast 13.8 (86) v Adelaide 9.11 (65)
Here come the Crows through the middle - McKay to Seedsman for a brilliant goal! Plenty of wasted opportunities for the Eagles this quarter - will they be left to rue them?
Eagles still in the eight by .1%!
Updated
AFL Q4 10:02 remaining West Coast 13.8 (86) v Adelaide 8.11 (59)
Desperate, finals-like football, and Charlie Cameron takes on Lewis Jetta in a sprint - but can’t evade him. Jetta forces his kick out on the full, and the Eagles take it back. Those with finals experience (Jetta and Mitchell) are really stepping up.
Kennedy! Partington finds him on the lead in the pocket - but it’s a tough kick. It’s very close - but misses narrowly.
AFL Q4 12:20 remaining West Coast 13.7 (85) v Adelaide 8.11 (59)
Jenkins drops a sure mark - and Brad Crouch shanks the snap on goal.
Yeo, however, turns the ball over horribly, and McGovern (the Adelaide one) boots the goal on a sharp angle. The Eagles are still in the eight, JUST.
Meanwhile Luke Shuey evades two Crows defenders and finds Josh Kennedy on the chest. Brilliant. Kennedy, however, misses.
AFL Q4 15:04 remaining West Coast 13.6 (84) v Adelaide 7.11 (53)
Last game at Domain Stadium (or Subi) and the Eagles fans are out in force to say farewell. The Eagles are also wearing commemorative guernseys, if you’re wondering why their jumpers look a little different than usual.
Seedsman finds Betts after a burst of pace through the middle. Neat work from Seedsman - and it’s a critical miss by Betts.
AFL Q4 17:50 remaining West Coast 13.6 (84) v Adelaide 7.10 (52)
McGovern repels the Crows’ foray forward, and Lewis Jetta uses his pace to find Cripps in the 50 in space - but he’s caught by Richard Douglas. Douglas gets Cripps low around the ankles, and he wins a free. He hits the post.
Sloane tries to clear and hits Luke Shuey - but he in turn turns it over.
AFL three-quarter-time West Coast 13.5 (83) v Adelaide 7.10 (52)
The Eagles lead by 31 at three-quarter-time - which is enough for them to make the finals, and displace the Demons. Not totally convinced yet, but it’s hard to see them dropping below that margin from here. They’ve got the crowd behind them and have been the better team all game. Surely there’s enough incentive - it’ll be up to how much is in it for the Crows.
AFL Q3 02:20 remaining West Coast 13.5 (83) v Adelaide 7.10 (52)
Confusion reigns as there’s a score review - even though Eddie Betts has a free 5m out. They wanted to check if Seedsman had kicked the goal anyway, but he hadn’t, which means the free goes to Betts. He makes no mistake.
Updated
AFL Q3 04:20 remaining West Coast 13.5 (83) v Adelaide 6.8 (44)
Sam Mitchell has 26 disposals - 10 contested possessions, 6 marks, 4 clearances and 2 inside 50s. He’s exactly the player you need in this kind of situation - and that’s exactly why the Eagles recruited him. Gaff also has 24. Cripps has 3 goals, and 2 to LeCras.
Meanwhile the Crouch brothers are dominating for the Crows - 31 and 32 to Brad and Matt respectively. On cue, Matt kicks a point.
Updated
AFL Q3 05:29 remaining West Coast 13.5 (83) v Adelaide 6.5 (41)
Not sure there’s enough on the line here for the Crows to fire - not that that should be the case, but it seems that way. I’m reminded of the Dogs getting thumped in the final round of last year’s season - and we all know what happened after that. I felt the same way watching the Giants lose by so much to the Cats last night - I back both the Giants and the Crows in to bounce back. Not sure the Crows will win today though.
Crows are winning plenty of key stats - but you wouldn’t know it from watching the play. They’ve had 35-23 clearances and 38-28 inside 50s, the Crows. Eagles however leading tackles 44-36 and look hungrier.
Clever tap by Darling to Mark LeCras who kicks his second.
AFL Q3 09:04 remaining West Coast 12.5 (77) v Adelaide 6.5 (41)
Free kick to the Eagles at the top of the square - to Petrie - and he goals (just). Signs are good for the Eagles - and very bad for the Dees.
AFL Q3 11:54 remaining West Coast 11.5 (71) v Adelaide 6.5 (41)
Mark LeCras boots one for the Eagles and gets the crowd going. Elliot Yeo then picks out Kennedy in a one-on-one, and Hartigan gives away the free, which gifts Kennedy his first.
Exciting game by Yeo - he’s been finding plenty of run and carry.
AFL Q3 14:30 remaining West Coast 9.5 (59) v Adelaide 6.5 (41)
Matt Crouch kicks a brilliant goal off one step - and he has 30 disposals already. This game is poised for an epic finish - with the Eagles just behind the margin they need to make it into finals.
Updated
Richmond 19.8 (122) beat St Kilda 12.9 (81)
The Tigers are finally back in the finals - and they’ve also managed to secure a double-chance, finishing third on the ladder. That sets them up for a qualifying final against Geelong - which arguably may need to move to the MCG from Simonds given the crowd that could turn up.
Dustin Martin dominated yet again - with 36 disposals and 2 goals, while Jacob Townsend kicked another five goals (that’s 11 in a fortnight for him). Nick Riewoldt was quiet in his final game, but did manage a single major.
Just a quick match report on this one so I can get back to the critical West Coast v Adelaide clash (if the Eagles win by enough, the Dees will miss out on finals).
Updated
St George Illawarra Dragons beat Penrith Panthers 16-14
Penalty to Mansour awarded just before the siren - Widdop wouldn’t let him up - which gifts 40m to Penrith. Can the Panthers do it? They get all the way to the 20, but can’t make it further. That result ends Penrith’s seven-game winning streak. The Dragons’ season is still alive! They’ll now need to beat the Bulldogs next Sunday afternoon in a thrilling final round.
What a brilliant play that tackle and intercept was by Tariq Sims- could watch that over and over again.
Huge call by the Dragons to drop Josh Dugan - they’ve come away with the win with the season on the line and their representative player missing. Great stuff by the Saints, courageous move and it paid off.
NRL H2 79:49 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Panthers are forced to take the ball out again after another fantastic Widdop kick - but Sims knocks the ball on to give the Panthers a remote chance.
NRL H2 78:44 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Dragons seem to be milking the clock rather than attacking the line. Widdop kicks early and they force another dropout - smart play, but well executed by Nightingale who made the necessary tackle.
NRL H2 76:40 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Zelezniak puts the ball down just in front of the goal-line - and it’s another six for the Dragons. Surely they seal it now. They can’t do it - but they do force a dropout.
NRL H2 75:00 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Outstanding defence from the Dragons sees Harawira-Naera lose the ball - it looks like Lafai knocks the ball out on the tackle. In any event it’s a Dragons ball - and they race back down the ground. They make it to the halfway mark before Blake brings it back - but Cleary puts the ball down - ouch. That could be the game.
NRL H2 72:04 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Sims can’t bring it back into play - he tries to pass it to Widdop, who drops it back onto Sims who luckily collects. It’s another dropout thanks to yet another brilliant Cleary kick. Here come the Panthers.
NRL H2 70:00 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Beauty of an offload from Nightingale to Widdop, but McInness’ kick is a poor one - and the Panthers go again from inside their own 20. Brilliant kick from Cleary and it looks like Dufty is pulled over the line for a dropout - but it’s ruled a penalty against the Panthers (it looked like he landed before they came at him again). The home crowd, naturally, disagrees.
Updated
NRL H2 65:26 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Great work by Dufty to take the Cleary kick inside and avoid another dropout. Mansour gives away a penalty on the third for taking the ball, and the Dragons start again from 30m. They make it all the way up the ground with a kick and Widdop tackle on Zelezniak just outside the uprights.
Updated
NRL H2 62:13 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Mistake by MacDonald who loses the ball - and a knock-on is ruled against the winger. Looked like Fisher-Harris touched it, but unintentionally. Panthers with another run at it. They make it to 10m out and Cleary deftly kicks for another dropout. Great tackle by May.
NRL H2 58:34 Penrith Panthers 14-16 St George Illawarra Dragons
Amazing try for the Dragons! Sims steals the ball after a massive tackle on Watene Zelezniak, who took the ball after the kick-off - and Sims runs 40m and over ahead of Mansour who couldn’t get near him. Incredible play. No conversion, but the Dragons retain a 2-point lead.
Here’s THAT try:
What a play! Sims with a sneaky strip from DWZ!#NRLPanthersDragons 14-16 after 58 minutes.#NRL pic.twitter.com/vN0qeyLKBX
— NRL (@NRL) August 27, 2017
NRL H2 55:29 Penrith Panthers 14-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
Penalty for the Panthers - lazy tackle by McInness catches Harawira-Naera high, and the Panthers go again from 40. The Cleary kick is an awkward one and hits the uprights - he chases his own ball and almost makes it over if not for a crunching tackle by Sims.
Updated
NRL H2 50:00 Penrith Panthers 14-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
Mansour scores! Or does he? Possible obstruction with a collision between Zelezniak and MacDonald - on the replay it looks like MacDonald was already well beaten - I’m anticipating a try. The bunker agree, and it’s a try to Mansour. Cleary converts, and the Panthers are back in front.
NRL H2 49:00 Penrith Panthers 8-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
No try to the Dragons - knock-on from Sims who tried to get out of the way of the pass to Mann on the outside. Panthers back with the ball and Mansour makes some good ground on the first.
NRL H2 45:50 Penrith Panthers 8-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
Dylan Edwards with an ice-pack on his knee on the bench - he won’t return and the coaching staff are worried that this might be a long-term injury.
Great kick from Cleary - MacDonald collected and was well back in play but stood up too high on the tackle and was dragged back over the line for the dropout. The Dragons, however, they kick the ball short and it bounces awkwardly backwards, evading the Panthers. Well played, St George. They win a penalty, too, and start again at the halfway mark. They make it all the way to the 10, and force a dropout down the other end after a clever, perfectly weighted Widdop kick.
Updated
AFL Q3 02:58 remaining Richmond 12.6 (78) v St Kilda 7.6 (48)
Josh Bruce lining up but can’t convert - that would’ve been three in a row for the Saints. Up the other end, Jack Riewoldt monsters a kick from 60m out and lifts his team - think they’re fine, the Tigers.
And the retiring champ - Nick Riewoldt - gets one back for the Saints just to make things a little more interesting.
I’ll go back to the NRL but then we’ll go to the Eagles, Crows game since the Eagles are currently, technically, in the eight on percentage.
AFL Q1 03:36 remaining West Coast 4.1 (25) v Adelaide 1.0 (6)
Looks like the Eagles mean business as they fight for their spot in the finals - they can make it if they win by around 20-25 points (in which case they leapfrog Melbourne). Cripps has 2, while Redden and Vardy have kicked a goal each for the Eagles. Betts has one for the Crows. Lever was off the ground and looking rather groggy, but is back on now.
AFL Q3 10:08 remaining Richmond 11.5 (71) v St Kilda 6.4 (40)
Back at the MCG it looks like the Saints have made some ground on the Tigers, with a goal to Josh Bruce and a point to Jack Lonie. Have just realised that Dustin Martin’s 23 disposals in the first half was his own career-high. He’s up to 25 now - 10 contested possessions, 4 marks and 4 inside 50s.
Great kick by Billings sets up Membrey who was running back with the flight of the ball. He kicks it from 10m out to narrow Richmond’s lead.
Updated
NRL half-time Penrith Panthers 8-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
Dylan Edwards looks to have hurt his knee after he chased a Cleary kick that again held up in the wind - which is blowing furiously here (with rain also threatening). He’s back on the right wing but is struggling badly. Dragons make some big gains through Widdop’s brilliant offload, and McCrone almost makes it over but for an incredible tackle by Watene Zelezniak. Panthers give away a penalty for not letting McCrone go, and they go again.
Dufty! With a great burst of speed he’s over and the Dragons are back in the lead. Really like this guy, love seeing him in the #1. Widdop kicks an absolute beauty.
NRL H1 35:44 Penrith Panthers 8-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
Fantastic take by Dufty after the Cleary kick held up in the air - but Mansour bumps McCrone as he gets to his feet and he knocks the ball on. Dragons fans will be furious. Panthers should score here - and they almost do through Cleary but he’s held up right on the line. On the fifth tackle Cleary kicks and tries to chase his own ball - and is blocked. Penalty gifts the Panthers the ball again - and they choose to take two. Cleary converts to put the Panthers in the lead.
Updated
NRL H1 31:14 Penrith Panthers 6-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
Blake saves a dropout for the Panthers and takes one around the neck for his trouble. They force a penalty and restart from 40. Clearly shows it at 10, and the space opens up for Tyrone May on the final tackle. Great footwork by May who finds his way under the posts. Cleary converts!
May does it all himself! Gets the @PenrithPanthers on the board.#NRLPanthersDragons 6-6 after 30 minutes.#NRL pic.twitter.com/SgihVEFbEK
— NRL (@NRL) August 27, 2017
NRL H1 25:33 Penrith Panthers 0-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
Poor play the ball and Cleary turns it over to blow another six for the Panthers. Ball back for the Dragons after the scrum.
Updated
NRL H1 24:27 Penrith Panthers 0-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
Here’s the Peachey drag - what a game he’s having as he looks to fire up the Panthers. Mansour is leading the way with 87 run metres, while Dufty has 80 for the Dragons. Vaughan and Lafai have a line break each for the Dragons.
Meanwhile the Panthers force a dropout after a great kick from Cleary. Dufty is held up after a difficult bounce.
Peachey at it again!#NRLPanthersDragons #NRL pic.twitter.com/RpnMbwHJDW
— NRL (@NRL) August 27, 2017
NRL H1 20:34 Penrith Panthers 0-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
Another 6 for the Dragons after Widdop’s kick hit was ruled knocked forward by the Panthers’ defence. Peachey, however, saves the day for Penrith, literally dragging Kurt Mann (by the scruff) over the sideline.
NRL H1 16:54 Penrith Panthers 0-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
Knock-on ruled against Waqa Blake, even though it looked like Widdop took the ball. Penrith blow a critical chance at a try.
NRL H1 15:51 Penrith Panthers 0-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
Meanwhile, Josh Dugan is missing from today’s match after he was dropped for disciplinary reasons. Dugan was named in the Dragons’ 17 for the must-win match, but was withdrawn. Dugan ran into trouble as a youngster in Canberra, but has previously avoided disciplinary action while at the Dragons.However he hit the headlines earlier this year when he joined Blake Ferguson for a lengthy pub visit just five days before the State of Origin decider. The Blues centre has signed to move to Cronulla next year.
- AAP
For the record, there’s talk he ‘missed the team bus’ hmmm.
Updated
NRL H1 12:14 Penrith Panthers 0-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons break through for a try to Paul Vaughan, and a conversion follows to Gareth Widdop.
Still, the highlight of the game so far for me is this crunching, try-saving tackle by Tyrone Peachey in the fifth minute.
Vision of the @NRL_Dragons No Try Decision in the 5th minute of #NRLPanthersDragons.#NRL pic.twitter.com/MTLhnigD59
— NRL Bunker (@NRLBunker) August 27, 2017
Updated
AFL Q2 12:48 remaining Richmond 8.3 (51) v St Kilda 1.2 (8)
Richmond dominating at the MCG in their quest for a top four finish. Townsend has followed up on his impressive form last week with another three goals to date. Grigg also has two, while Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt and Prestia have one each. Martin also has 16 disposals.
For the Saints - just the single goal to Jade Gresham, while Seb Ross (13) and Luke Dunstan (13) lead the disposals.
I need a quick lunch break but after that I’ll do a mix of NRL and this game. P.s. it is not raining any more (as in the photo).
NRL: Manly Sea Eagles beat New Zealand Warriors 22-21
CHERRY-EVANS! After kicking a field goal to force the Golden Point, he nails another with his left foot into a huge breeze, 20m out and Manly have won! They snatched that one from New Zealand to break Warriors’ hearts. The Sea Eagles had to win and they’ve done it against the odds.
Fusitua had two tries for the Warriors, and Ken Maumalo had 195 run metres, a line break and a try. The Trbojevic brothers had a try each for Manly, with Tom also running 167m for two line breaks. Jake had 43 tackles and a line break, while Koroisau had 60 tackles.
NRL Golden Point 83:20 N.Z. Warriors 21-21 Manly Sea Eagles
Just checking in on the NRL and we’re up to Golden Point for the Warriors and Sea Eagles after Cherry-Evans managed a field goal in the 78th minute.
Fusitua makes a biiiig line break and the Warriors get to 30 - only to be taken over the sideline on the 4th.
Essendon Bombers 16.11 (107) beat Fremantle 14.8 (92)
That’s it - the Bombers are IN THE FINALS! After the year from hell they’ve made it to September - and the fans go wild. Jobe Watson fist pumps and looks appropriately thrilled. Well done the Dons. Quite a feat given their training situation after the 12-month bans. Well done also to the Dockers who gave them a fair fright in the final quarter.
Great games to Zach Merrett who kicked four goals and had 31 disposals (four clearances, four tackles, six contested possessions) and James Stewart who also kicked four and had a brilliant last quarter. Bellchambers was also a big contributor with 38 hitouts and ten marks to go with it.
For the Dockers Fyfe had 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six clearances and four inside 50s. Brave game. Mundy (25 disposals, ten tackles, 12 contested possessions) was also huge. Good note for the Dockers to end on given the magnitude of their recent defeats.
AFL Q4 02:34 remaining Essendon 16.11 (107) v Fremantle 14.7 (91)
Taberner takes a mark in plenty of space - he could’ve had a free man over the top but was too slow and must now convert the set shot. He misses badly. Reckon that’s it. Start celebrating, Bombers fans.
AFL Q4 03:55 remaining Essendon 16.11 (107) v Fremantle 14.6 (90)
Man of the moment James Stewart takes another big grab, but can’t make the distance. Still, the Dockers need three goals in under four minutes now.
AFL Q4 06:56 remaining Essendon 16.10 (106) v Fremantle 14.6 (90)
Some stunned silence here at Etihad. Clearance goes to the Dockers but Gleeson takes a saving mark. Down the other end Stewart kicks a massive, game-winning (potentially) goal - that’s four for him, and that was a big snap from 50m after a fend-off on Michael Johnson. Poor effort from Johnson, but a great finish to Stewart.
AFL Q4 08:00 remaining Essendon 15.10 (100) v Fremantle 14.6 (90)
Cox again! Huge contested pack mark. This time he’s just 10m out straight in front. Should kick this. Should. He does.
AFL Q4 09:01 remaining Essendon 15.10 (100) v Fremantle 13.6 (84)
Cox takes a juggling, running mark after a good pass from Lachie Neale. Can he get one back? It’s a tough kick on a sharp angle, and he kicks it out of bounds on the full. Bombers fans relieved.
AFL Q4 09:59 remaining Essendon 15.10 (100) v Fremantle 13.6 (84)
Hocking goal! Some luck in that as the ball simply floated over the pack. Poor defensive effort from the Dockers. They might be safe.
AFL Q4 10:22 remaining Essendon 14.10 (94) v Fremantle 13.6 (84)
Freo, way to go. They’re on. Bombers can’t find a way forward - except for Heppell who bombs it long and finds a defender. They were up by 38 points, the Bombers, and look nervous. Finally they get a man free in Begley, but he hits the post. Merrett gets in on the act and looks the man to seal it - but he misses too.
AFL Q4 12:04 remaining Essendon 14.8 (92) v Fremantle 13.6 (84)
Freo had a chance to boot another but Brad Hill bombs it straight to Brendan Goddard. Poor choice. Still, Bombers look stagnant and unsure. Turnover in the middle releases Fyfe who finds Cox inside the 50 - he passes off to Ballantyne who kicks it. Just two kicks in it.
AFL Q4 15:02 remaining Essendon 14.8 (92) v Fremantle 12.6 (78)
Loved Taberner’s game. Has taken seven marks for two goals. Meanwhile defender Sam Collins has a shot at goal and shanks it - but it falls into Crozier’s lap on an angle right in front of goal. He bananas it for a goal. Essendon fans might be getting nervy.
AFL Q4 16:46 remaining Essendon 14.8 (92) v Fremantle 11.6 (72)
Some Bennell magic sees a torp go straight through the big sticks - out of a pack in and in plenty of traffic. The Dockers could’ve had another if Sheridan hadn’t let another Bennell kick go straight through his fingertips.
AFL Q4 18:33 remaining Essendon 14.8 (92) v Fremantle 10.6 (66)
Are the Dockers still in it? Third goal from Taberner, set up by a good kick into space from Bennell. He’s warmed into this game.
Mayweather v McGregor
In case you haven’t yet heard, Flloyd Mayweather has beaten Conor McGregor by technical knockout in round 10. Mayweather has announced his retirement.
Cricket
Don’t forget we’re live-blogging the whole of the Bangladesh v Australia test - including today’s Day One action here.
The Aussies are off to a good start with Pat Cummins already taking three wickets. Cummins managed a wicket from just his fifth ball, squaring up Soumya Sarker with a well-pitched delivery caught by Peter Handscomb at gully. He later found the edge of Imrul Kayes, with Matthew Wade taking a regulation catch. Cummins and Wade combined again off the next ball to dismiss Sabbir Rahman.
Bangladesh are currently 44-3 off 15 overs. Tamim is on 17, Shakib on 15. I’ll be blogging the final session of the fifth day should we get that far.
AFL three-quarter-time Essendon 14.8 (92) v Fremantle 9.6 (60)
Begley takes another mark on the lead - liking the look of him, and reckon he’ll get a spot in the side next week (yes, I’m calling it). OK I’ve completely jinxed him/the Bombers because he’s kicked it on the outside of the boot and out on the full...
Updated
AFL Q3 03:41 remaining Essendon 14.7 (91) v Fremantle 9.6 (60)
Dockers dropping their heads - even captain Fyfe. Ballantyne, however, gets a snap goal back against the momentum. Is there any life left in the Dockers? Promisingly for Freo fans, Bennell almost snaps a nice goal - but it misses narrowly to the right. Will be interesting to see what happens with him next season.
Updated
AFL Q3 05:54 remaining Essendon 14.7 (91) v Fremantle 8.6 (52)
Fremantle look like they’re buckling, as David Myers lines up for yet another for the Dons. The kick is a beauty but hits the post. Not a worry for the Bombers, though, who get the ball back to late-inclusion Hocking, who adds one of his own.
Updated
AFL Q3 08:03 remaining Essendon 13.6 (84) v Fremantle 8.6 (52)
Stewart! A dribble goal from near the behind post on the boundary - that’s three for him for the game. Has impressed in his first season at the Bombers. Ross Lyon looks decidedly unimpressed.
Would you believe it - Merrett kicks a fourth running goal to the roar of the black and red faithful. Was left all by himself out the back of the pack.
AFL Q3 09:25 remaining Essendon 11.6 (72) v Fremantle 8.6 (52)
Zach Merrett kicks a lovely long goal from 60m out on the run -is taken down after the kick but it makes no difference. Would have been a down the ground free, but the ball sails through anyway. Two in the row to put the Bombers back out in some space.
AFL Q3 09:43 remaining Essendon 10.6 (66) v Fremantle 8.6 (52)
Laverde should get one back for the Bombers against the tide. He converts. Sigh of relief from Bomber fans who had gone quiet. Freo have turned the clearances and stoppage numbers right around in this quarter.
AFL Q3 11:45 remaining Essendon 9.6 (60) v Fremantle 8.6 (52)
Snap goal to Sheridan! Dockers right back in this after a Lachie Neale clearance and midfield-like run by big man Griffin. Dockers right back in it.
AFL Q3 12:06 remaining Essendon 9.6 (60) v Fremantle 7.4 (46)
Uh oh, Taberner finds Bennell on the lead who tries to play on, slips, but is allowed to take his kick. He tries to centre it and misses Sheridan by a long way. Crucial turnover. Looks off the pace somewhat. Dockers do well however to get one back through Cox.
Updated
AFL Q3 14:23 remaining Essendon 9.6 (60) v Fremantle 6.4 (40)
Excellent pass by Nat Fyfe to find Ballantyne on the lead in the 50. Has had a quite day and is getting plenty of boos, Ballantyne. He hits the post. Disappointing result for the Dockers who could reasonably be closer.
AFL Q3 15:13 remaining Essendon 9.6 (60) v Fremantle 6.3 (39)
Snap goal to Stewart gives the Bombers some breathing space back. Nice lead-up by Begley sets up the goal, who passes off to Daniher - Stewart roves the spilt ball.
AFL Q3 17:02 remaining Essendon 8.6 (54) v Fremantle 6.3 (39)
Fyfe kicks a brilliant snap goal out of the pack - while Merrett had a tackle on him. Made something out of nothing. Brilliant.
Speaking of brilliant snaps, here are the two goals from Zach Merrett which started the second quarter.
Zach Merrett = absolute gun. #AFLDonsFreo pic.twitter.com/HG4ZEHvo2h
— AFL (@AFL) August 27, 2017
AFL Q3 18:40 remaining Essendon 8.6 (54) v Fremantle 5.3 (33)
Back on at Etihad. Luke Ryan pinged for holding the ball - he did well to chase down Joe Daniher but went to ground and made little attempt to get rid of it. Didn’t quite dive on it, possibly a little harsh, but he should have kept his feet. Ouch - Daniher hits the post from 15m out... has kicked 2.3 so far.
NRL H1 28:43 N.Z. Warriors 4-8 Manly Sea Eagles
Manly choose to take the two - and Wright converts the Penalty Goal. Not sure about the choice to take the two - and on cue the Warriors run their own try over. Terrific take by winger David Fusitua - and one-handed put down in the wet. The Warriors can’t convert, however.
Tennis
Just checking what news has launched on Wires overnight, and it looks like Daria Gavrilova has won her maiden WTA tour title with a win over former Australian Open runner-up Dominika Cibulkova in the Connecticut Open final.
Gavrilova recovered from a set down and a break in the third to upset the tournament’s second seed 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a thrilling two-hour, 45-minute championship decider to snare her maiden WTA Tour title. The emotional triumph lifts the 23-year-old into the world’s top 20 for the first time in a major boost ahead of the season’s final grand slam starting on Monday in New York.
Gavrilova had knocked out top-seeded titleholder Agnieskza Radwanska in the semi-finals to be the first Australian to make the championship decider in New Haven. Cibulkova is arguably an even bigger scalp. The Slovak ventured all the way to the Australian Open final in 2014, losing to Victoria Azarenka, and last year confirmed her credentials with victory at the elite season-ending championships.
“It’s even more special to win it that way, against such a tough competitor, and the semi-final, beating a top-10 player,” Gavrilova said. “I’ve beaten some great players to win my first title.”The Melburnian leaped over advertising signs after clinching victory on her third match point to celebrate Pat Cash-style with her entourage, including coach Nicole Pratt and Australian Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik.
“I always believed in myself that I could still win. I just managed to stay calm, managed to just be focused on the task rather than getting all emotional, going elsewhere,” Gavrilova said.
The Australian No.1 is seeded 25th, but will arrive at the U.S. open ranked 20th after collecting her first top-level trophy in her third final.
- AAP
NRL H1 19:30 N.Z. Warriors 0-6 Manly Sea Eagles
Just the one try in this game so far - to Jake Trbojevic after an inside ball from Blake Green in the 13th minute.
The Trbojevic brothers are leading the way in run metres, Tom with 79 and Jake with 60. They both have a line break each, too. For the Warriors, Tuivasa-Sheck has 79 run metres. 16 tackles to Manly’s Shaun Lane, and 12 each to Koroisau for the Sea Eagles and Mannering and Matulino for the Warriors.
Inside ball from Green, Try time for Jake Trbojevic!#NRLWarriorsManly #NRL pic.twitter.com/xVBeExPj2z
— NRL (@NRL) August 27, 2017
Updated
AFL half-time Essendon 8.5 (53) v Fremantle 5.3 (33)
Siren sounds, strong quarter from the Bombers after Freo looked to again press late. The Dockers didn’t play poorly - they just missed plenty of conversion opportunities.
Bombers dominating some key stats still, clearances 23-12, inside 50s 34-19, inside 50s 35-19, contested possessions 78-63, tackles 33-29. They’re also doing well in the free-kick count, 18-7 (nothing implied by that). Looks from the pictures we’re getting that Fyfe is still wearing that chest guard. He’s tough.
AFL Q2 02:10 remaining Essendon 8.5 (53) v Fremantle 5.3 (33)
Josh Begley, in just his second game, kicks a goal after a composed forward 50 entry from Parish. Well converted - looks a good kick at goal this man. He had a great debut last week for those who missed it. Biggest lead of the game.
Updated
AFL Q2 05:03 remaining Essendon 7.3 (45) v Fremantle 5.3 (33)
Hayden Crozier misses for the Dockers - they’ve had plenty of chances and are in the contest - but haven’t converted their chances.
Seems like the McGregor/Mayweather fight is about to get underway and we have a live blog on it here. Again, if it’s your thing.
AFL Q2 07:09 remaining Essendon 7.3 (45) v Fremantle 5.2 (32)
Taberner takes another contested grab - that’s 3 for the game - but hits the post. Has looked impressive.
Zach Merrett has roared out of the blocks this quarter - 18 disposals, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s and 2 goals. Nice. Goddard has 17 - 7 marks, 3 inside 50s. Bellchambers up to 19 hit outs.
For the Dockers Fyfe has 12 disposals - 10 contested possessions, 2 clearances, 4 tackles. Mundy has 12 disposals also, 2 clearances and 6 tackles.
AFL Q2 09:20 remaining Essendon 7.4 (46) v Fremantle 5.1 (31)
Thanks to our readers below... going to repost whoaisme’s comment:
“I am reminded of a quote from Jack Handey: ‘To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there’s no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other.’” I love that quote. This is a bit left field, but has anyone read Shadowboxing by Tony Birch? Highly recommended.
Joe Daniher presents well, marks and has two from set shots. Hope I didn’t jinx it saying he couldn’t win the Coleman (he would need 7 more).
AFL Q2 15:10 remaining Essendon 6.3 (39) v Fremantle 5.1 (31)
Brilliant team goal to the Dockers - nice, smooth run and carry by Weller ends in a crumbing goal to ruckman Griffin (off the hands of Kersten). Definitely looks like the Dockers have a license to go through the middle and attack today.
AFL Q2 15:55 remaining Essendon 6.3 (39) v Fremantle 4.1 (25)
Nice big contested mark to Matt Taberner who will need to convert for the Dockers to get back in this. Almost identical start to the first quarter where the Bombers were quickly out of the blocks with the first three goals of the game - this time we’ve had two to Zach Merrett.
Baguley leaves the ground with a head of gushing blood.
Taberner kicks truly.
Updated
AFL Q2 18:33 remaining Essendon 6.3 (39) v Fremantle 3.1 (19)
Merrett gets a snap goal on the run from the man of the day Jobe Watson. He’s had 10 disposals and 4 clearances Jobe, and 9 contested possessions.
Make that two in a row for Merrett - almost an identical snap goal, this time under more pressure. Nice tap on from Joe Daniher - unselfish play.
Updated
AFL quarter-time Essendon 4.3 (27) v Fremantle 3.1 (19)
Liked Bellchambers’ game so far - has 14 hitouts, and a few contested marks to go with 5 disposals. Looks the dominant ruckman.
Nice work by the Bombers’ defence to repel a likely Fremantle goal just on the siren. Tucker was in space but couldn’t handle the pressure. Still, reckon Fremantle would take this margin given the Bombers have dominated general play.
Bombers leading clearances 13-7, inside 50s 18-10, contested possessions 40-36, tackles 19-13 and hitouts, as above.
AFL 02:05 remaining Essendon 4.3 (27) v Fremantle 3.1 (19)
Quick disposal count - Goddard (10), Mundy (9) and Fyfe (8) leading the way. Goddard the loose man back. Fyfe has 3 clearances for the Dockers, and Lachie Neale is starting to accumulate after a slow start.
50m penalty to Griffin sees him in range for a shot at goal. Think the free was against Heppell for running too close to the protected zone. He goals. Margin closer than the game has seemed.
AFL 05:07 remaining Essendon 4.3 (27) v Fremantle 2.1 (13)
Another free to Joe Daniher against Joel Hamling (another 50/50 call)... Ross Lyon looks unimpressed. I heard Lyon speak during the week, when he said he couldn’t promise an improved Fremantle effort, and that potentially helping West Coast reach finals was ‘no’ motivation - reckon he would love to win this though - he’s a competitive beast.
Daniher up to 61 goals for the year.
AFL 05:46 remaining Essendon 3.3 (21) v Fremantle 2.1 (13)
Essendon fans have gone quiet - the Dockers look like the mean business after all.
Free kick to Joe Daniher against Mundy - don’t think there was much in that - they had their arms around each other. He misses. Not sure he can win the Coleman after Franklin’s effort yesterday and Josh Kennedy to come, but that’s something to keep an eye on today.
AFL 08:17 remaining Essendon 3.2 (20) v Fremantle 2.1 (13)
Nice snap goal by Sheridan - and the goal umpire gets bowled over by Gleeson to the groans of the crowd (they seemed genuinely concerned). He’s fine, but loses his cap.
AFL 10:55 remaining Essendon 3.2 (20) v Fremantle 1.0 (6)
Free kick to Watson in the forward 50 - got one high from Hill. Great, bullocking attack on the ball from him. He fails to sense the occasion and misses.
Bombers dominating the stats - 7 clearances to 2, 8 inside 50s to 4, 21 contested possessions to 13.
Updated
AFL 13:32 remaining Essendon 3.1 (19) v Fremantle 1.0 (6)
Finally something to cheer about for the Dockers - Fyfe gets a free inside 50 for a hold (via Goddard) and Freo hit back. There’s another player I love. Love his commitment, passion and professionalism - and committing to a club that’s having a rough time of it of late.
AFL 14:42 remaining Essendon 3.0 (18) v Fremantle 0.0 (0)
Look, I’m not an Essendon person but I love Jobe Watson. I mean, really, remember when he wore a ‘Feminist’ cap? Yes I know I’m predictable, but that was pretty bloody awesome. Surely a first and perhaps (I hope not) a last?
Jobe Watson. #4 #Captain #BrownlowMedallist #Barista #Feminist #BackIn #DonTheSash pic.twitter.com/VCN8NS7k5Q
— Josh Nelson (@philmology) September 23, 2016
AFL 16:19 remaining Essendon 3.0 (18) v Fremantle 0.0 (0)
Three goals to none for the Bombers - this one through Bellchambers. Heppell picked him out inside 50, and his body work was simply too good. Bit worried about the Dockers. Is this another 100+ point loss coming up? Jobe Watson with three clearances already.
AFL 17:45 remaining Essendon 2.0 (12) v Fremantle 0.0 (0)
Jobe Watson brings the house down with his kick inside 50- and Stewart snaps a goal off the half-volley.
AFL 18:03 remaining Essendon 1.0 (6) v Fremantle 0.0 (0)
McDonald-Tipungwuti kicks the first one for the Bombers. Good quick play by Zach Merrett. Fans packed to the rafters -99% Bombers. Hooker is a late out - not sure why yet - apparently some lower back tightness, Hocking is in for him.
Mayweather v McGregor
If boxing’s your thing (it ain’t mine) don’t forget to follow our live blog of Floyd Mayweather v Conor McGregor.
OK back to the AFL...
AFL Essendon v Fremantle
Plenty of these going around today for the retiring Jobe Watson. Apparently there’s around 10,000 masks in the crowd. He just admitted on television to feeling slightly ‘unsettled’ by it.
All set #cheerthechamps #AFLDonsFreo pic.twitter.com/pnrvvUYztk
— Not Trev (@jezinkew) August 27, 2017
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017
Just before we get into this game - The Black Ferns have just run out 41-32 winners over England in the Women’s World Cup 2017 final. The New Zealanders trailed by 12 points at one stage during a dominant first half for England, and were behind by seven at the break - but ran in 32 points in the second half. Prop Toka Natua had a hattrick for the Ferns - who had won the Cup four times in a row until England triumphed three years ago. This is their fourth time victorious against England in four World Cup finals.
Hello everyone and welcome to this special Sunday edition of Australian Sportwatch. I’m Kate O’Halloran and I’m here early to cover the finals-defining clash between Essendon and Fremantle (1:10pm AEST at Etihad). AFL will take priority today given it’s the last day of the regular season, and we’ll be kept guessing until the final game of the round as to the final make-up of the eight. Don’t forget to stay in touch in comments below, or on Twitter, with the hashtag #sportwatch. You can also email me directly or tweet me @Kate_ohalloran.
Here are some quick permutations regarding today’s AFL results:
If Essendon win: They’ll move above Melbourne into seventh, and will certainly play finals.
If Essendon lose: They’ll need West Coast and St Kilda to lose to make finals.
After that we have the Tigers taking on the Saints at the MCG at 3:20pm AEST.
If Richmond win/St Kilda lose: They’ll finish third and play a qualifying final against Geelong - probably at Simonds stadium. The Saints will then be out of finals contention and finish 10th or 11th.
If Richmond lose/St Kilda win: They’ll finish sixth and host an elimination final. That would leave the door open for the Saints to make the finals (IF Essendon and West Coast lose).
The final game for the day is the West Coast v Adelaide clash at Domain Stadium (4:20pm AEST).
Adelaide are minor premiers win or lose, and they will also play Port Adelaide OR GWS in a qualifying final (depending on other results). West Coast’s chances of making finals will also depend critically on other results preceding this match.
I will do my best to get to the day’s NRL action, particularly the Panthers v Dragons game, depending on how these AFL matches play out.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s how a compelling day of sport panned out yesterday:
