Summary
That’s it from me here today - after a big, long day of Australian sport. The early feature game was the GWS v Melbourne match - which promised to be a lot closer than it was. In a scary signal to the rest of the competition, the Giants reminded everyone what they’re capable of with an eight goal run-on in the first quarter from which the Dees never recovered. The win puts Melbourne’s finals aspirations on shaky ground, while the Giants will like their top four chances after leap-frogging Geelong into second.
Our NRL feature game saw the Raiders take on the Sharks in what also promised to be a tighter match than it was. After the Sharks scored first and scored early, the Raiders were irrepressible on their way to a big 30-12 win. The triumph keeps the Raiders’ faint finals hopes alive, while Cronulla’s grip on the top four is loosened. Hooker Hodgson played a blinder, while Whitehead and Paulo were also important. Papalii was sensationally sin-binned, only for his side to further the gap on the Sharks in his absence. Gallen, on the other hand, might be in trouble for his high hit in advance of his 300th game.
Other highlights for today included a back-to-back win for the Knights for the first time in two years; a thriller between old rivals the Bombers and Blues, and; a get-out-of-jail win by the Western Bulldogs to keep their finals hopes and premiership defence alive.
I hope you’ve enjoyed another Saturday’s worth of Australia Sportwatch, and will join me again next time.
Collingwood 16.15 (111) beat North Melbourne 7.15 (61)
Collingwood has continued its hot run of recent form with a big win over North Melbourne - but the game was hampered by a range of casualties. The Magpies lost Levi Grenwood (leg), Daniel Wells (thigh) looked bothered all game, and Tyson Goldsack received a big knock. North Melbourne also had several casualties - notably Ben Brown who was knocked out in a big Brodie Grundy tackle (almost identical to Dangerfield’s on Kreuzer last week) and Ziebell also looked to be lost to a big knock - before he made a spectacular return with five goals.
For the Pies, Blair kicked three, while Thomas and Adams had two each. Will the Pies’ late charge save their coach?
Fremantle 12.18 (90) beat Gold Coast 10.7 (67)
It’s all over here at Domain Stadium with the Dockers prevailing. Cam McCarthy kicked 4 for the Dockers, while captain Nat Fyfe and Lachie Neale led the way. Neale had 32 disposals including 12 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 10 tackles and 4 inside 50s, while Fyfe had 29 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 marks, 5 clearances and 6 inside 50s. Up-and-comer Luke Ryan had 9 intercept marks - 28 disposals, 5 rebound 50s and 5 score involvements. Impressive.
For the Suns, Gary Ablett had 33 disposals, with a huge 19 contested possessions and 10 clearances, plus 5 inside 50s. Peter Wright and Tom Lynch kicked 3 goals each for the Suns, while Sexton kicked two. Neither team look like they’ll challenge for finals, but the Dockers will be buoyed particularly by Nat Fyfe’s run of form, and will be pleased to close out a win after they had the chance to finish off GWS last week and failed.
AFL Q4 00:30 remaining Fremantle 12.18 (90) v Gold Coast 10.7 (67)
Kersten gets a Bradbury-goal - aka everyone else fell over. Good work though by the Dockers to keep the pressure on late in the game. Just a couple minutes left here.
Well done by Adam Saad - who wasn’t stopped trying for his team - and hits up Sexton who completes the mark despite falling flat on the Domain Stadium surface. Consolation goal for the Suns.
AFL Q4 04:27 remaining Fremantle 11.18 (84) v Gold Coast 9.7 (61)
Nice ball movement by the Dockers, who hit up Ballantyne on the lead. Ballantyne lets the team down with a miss - but the Dockers will prevail.
Updated
AFL Q4 07:59 remaining Fremantle 11.17 (83) v Gold Coast 9.7 (61)
Pearce Hanley breaks the final quarter deadlock with a goal - but it won’t be enough to challenge the Dockers. One player who has impressed is young backman Luke Ryan who has taken a huge 8 intercept marks. He’s also had 24 disposals - including 15 marks total, and 19 kicks. They’ve unearthed one there.
AFL
Some bad news for the Dogs - it looks like Easton Wood might be out for the rest of the season. “It’s probably more likely that it’s a bad one than a two-or-three week (injury), I’d say,” said coach Luke Beveridge. “We can’t confirm anything. They always scan them and we’ll give more (information) during the week, but it appears he’s hurt it really badly.” I wonder if he’ll make it back if the Dogs make it deep into September?
AFL Q4 16:27 remaining North Melbourne 4.11 (35) v Collingwood 12.12 (84)
Not such a great game here by the looks of things - Collingwood look well on top, at least on the scoreboard. Looks like Jack Ziebell was able to come back on after that high bump before half time - and managed eight disposals, four marks and two goals in the third quarter. For the Pies Josh Thomas has two goals, while all others have singles. Treloar (26), Crisp (23) and Maynard (22) lead the way with possession.
I might stick with the Fremantle game until that’s done given how uneven this contest appears to be. But I will report on its conclusion once it’s done.
AFL Q3 04:30 remaining Fremantle 10.11 (70) v Gold Coast 7.7 (49)
Not long to go in the third-quarter here at Domain Stadium, and the Dockers are up by 21 points. The Suns are winning a lot of the key stats - 97 contested possessions to 71, 24 clearances to 22, 35 inside 50s to 30, but the Dockers are in front, thanks in no small part to the form of their midfield stars Lachie Neale and Nat Fyfe. Neale has 23 possessions, including 9 contested possessions and 8 clearances, 7 tackles and a goal. Fyfe has 19 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 7 marks, 2 clearances and 4 inside 50s. Cam McCarthy has 3 goals.
For the Suns, Peter Wright has three goals, while Gary Ablett has 21 disposals and Hanley has 20. Tom Lynch also has two goals for his team.
NRL Canberra Raiders beat Cronulla Sharks 30-12
Bird looks ok in the tunnel - he’s in a jacket and up and about. I’ve spent the last while trying to find that vision of that almost try of the year but no luck. Cronulla get a late penalty and spread wide to Feki. He’s held up in the first tackle, which gives another penalty to the Sharks - who lose it to an intercept on the siren. It’s all over! Huge win to the Raiders away to the Sharks to keep the finals dream alive.
They had 1480 metres run total - with 205 to Paulo and 168 to Whitehead. Papalii, who was sin-binned, had 1 line break and one try, while Rapana had one line break for his two tries. Hodgson scored the fourth Raiders try, and led the way in tackles with 32, while Tapine also had 30. The Raiders had 90% completion in the end - with 28 complete sets, and 54% possession. Croker had 3/4 possessions and a huge 4 penalty goals.
For the Sharks - Feki and Beale had a try each, while Holmes had a penalty goal and conversion. Gallen had 139 run metres and 34 tackles, but will come under scrutiny for his crude tackle. Will be fascinating to see whether he plays his 300th next week. That’s a big setback for the Sharks, who were in good form leading in to today. That said, the Raiders played unbelievably well, and would challenge any team with that kind of performance.
NRL H2 75:00 Cronulla Sharks 12-30 Canberra Raiders
Sharks looked to have scored the most unbelievable of tries - they pushed every single pass , gambled on every risk - and looked to have won. But they’re penalised for obstruction. You need to see the vision on that one - I can’t do it justice!
Updated
NRL H2 72:33 Cronulla Sharks 12-30 Canberra Raiders
Cotric gets taken down by Feki in the air - after he brilliantly cut off the Townsend pass. Raiders get the ball back - this time at the 30m mark. Nice kick from Austin on the 5th, but Holmes traps it safely and the Sharks reset - again from their own try-line. Looks like Bird is badly injured - is it his chest or shoulder? Think it’s his right shoulder - and he looks to be in a world of pain.
NRL H2 70:33 Cronulla Sharks 12-30 Canberra Raiders
Whitehead has had 17 hit-ups. He’s also run 156m, while Paulo has 149. For the Sharks, Gallen has 139, while Fifita has 113. He tidies up for the Sharks, but right back inside their own 10.
Hodson and Tapine both have 30 tackles, Gallen has 34 and Prior has 23.
Better set there from the Sharks - Townsend gets a nice chip over the top and they force a dropout for the repeat.
NRL H2 68:11 Cronulla Sharks 12-30 Canberra Raiders
The Sharks finally get their hands back on the ball - all the way back on their own try-line. They need three unanswered, and converted, tries, to even make it back to level. Graham tries a through kick but the ball is out over the sideline, and scrum goes back to the Raiders.
NRL H2 65:11 Cronulla Sharks 12-30 Canberra Raiders
Cronulla knock-on gifts the Raiders another penalty after a kick on the fifth. The Raiders are milking plenty of time deciding on their next move - but one would think they knew straight away they’d take the 2.
He kicks truly - and Papalii is back. That has to be one of the best periods with a star in the sin bin.
And the Sharks go for a short kick-in - which lands out on the full. Nothing going their way.
NRL H2 62:20 Cronulla Sharks 12-28 Canberra Raiders
The Raiders almost make it all the way through except for a brilliant Holmes tackle with saved the try and surely the game. But the Sharks give up another penalty, which gives the Raiders another shot at 2 - and the chance to milk the clock further. Great run by Hodgson set that up. Crocker converts.
Raiders have had an incredible 100% possession in the last six minutes - negating any negative effect with Papalii off.
Here’s that try save from Holmes.
Try saver from @val_holmes1 on Sezer!#NRLSharksRaiders #NRL pic.twitter.com/MmThhOgc3N
— NRL (@NRL) August 5, 2017
NRL H2 58:43 Cronulla Sharks 12-26 Canberra Raiders
This time Gallen makes a neck-high tackle - his 300th next week could be at risk after all. The intensity in this one is through the roof - and the Sharks give away another penalty for some aggressive play. The Raiders choose to take the shot at 2. This would make it very difficult - and is a clever use of time with Papalii off. He makes it.
NRL H2 55:43 Cronulla Sharks 12-24 Canberra Raiders
Papalii gets sent to the sin bin! This is massive. Stewart looks filthy from the coaches’ box - but the Sharks drop the ball to let the Raiders off the hook!
NRL H2 54:38 Cronulla Sharks 12-24 Canberra Raiders
Another knock-on goes against the Raiders and the Sharks have another chance at six. They’ll also get a reset with a penalty just past the 40m. Gallen can’t get past Hodgson on the 1st. In the end they force a dropout after a brilliant kick from Townsend which forces the Raiders to knock the ball out.
NRL H2 51:38 Cronulla Sharks 12-24 Canberra Raiders
Whitehead makes some strong gains for his team, but there’s a knock-on against Jack Wighton - which gifts the ball back to the Sharks. They need it Cronulla.
Brilliant run from Holmes who gets a one-hander to Bird who throws a long pass to Beale who’s through! Sharks get one back!
Holmes misses the conversion - it curls back too far. Costly miss, perhaps.
NRL H2 46:00 Cronulla Sharks 8-24 Canberra Raiders
Austin’s kick is wide - and it’s another poor fifth tackle option from the Raiders. They’re still going at 89% completion, while the Sharks are at 83%. Raiders have 54% possession, while Sharks have 46%.
Leilua saves the day for the Raiders by taking Leutele over - and it’s a scrum to the Raiders. Leilua has had a brilliant game.
NRL H2 42:04 Cronulla Sharks 8-24 Canberra Raiders
Raiders are off for their first set of the second half. Huge run from Leilua gives them a good look, but Holmes takes a spectacular grab on the 5th.
AFL Q2 North Melbourne 1.8 (14) v Collingwood 5.10 (40)
Bad news for the Roos - Ben Brown has been stretchered off and Jack Ziebell also looks very ginger as he limps off and goes down the race. Dumont, Clarke and Gibson all have 14 to lead disposals for the Roos, while Mountford has their only goal. For the Pies, Jack Crips has 15 disposals, while de Goey and Maynard have 13 each. All single goal-scorers for the Pies - with de Goey, Blair, Moore, Thomas and Fasolo kicking one each. Injury carnage everywhere with Greenwood now down and out too, unable to put any weight on his leg.
Have to get back to the NRL now!
Brisbane Broncos beat Gold Coast Titans 54-0
Didn’t get a chance to give you the final scoreline for this one earlier - but it was a 54-0 drubbing in the end, with Ben Hunt dominating play and scoring a hat-trick. Thanks to AAP for this mini-summary:
Hunt scored twice inside 25 minutes of his introduction, set up an Anthony Milford try with a clever short kick and split the defence to race away for his hat-trick midway through the second half. The St George Illawarra-bound utility then broke the line again to set up Corey Oates for another long-range effort to make it 42-0 after 67 minutes. When Kodi Nikorima picked up a loose ball and sprinted 95 metres to score, it pushed the margin to a record-breaking level. Josh McGuire finished the embarrassment, strolling through the middle of the Titans’ defence to score inside the last minute.
NRL half-time Cronulla Sharks 8-24 Canberra Raiders
Surely a knock-on against the Sharks - and the ref finally plays it after Holmes drops it (it looked a forward pass from Gallen anyhow). Possibly the final set for the Raiders, and it’s a nice one-handed offload from Whitehead, who gets it to Hodson who makes it through after a dummy which throws Bird. Great play by the Raiders. Croker gets the conversion to make it 16 points the advantage.
What a half to the Raiders.
The Englishmen combine! #NRLSharksRaiders#NRL pic.twitter.com/tvBEDVtKIU
— NRL (@NRL) August 5, 2017
NRL H1 37:00 Cronulla Sharks 8-18 Canberra Raiders
And here’s the ‘Leipana’ combination. Sharks have the ball back.
Leipana combine!#NRLSharksRaiders #NRL pic.twitter.com/TIQFzCnXs5
— NRL (@NRL) August 5, 2017
NRL H1 35:48 Cronulla Sharks 8-18 Canberra Raiders
A slip from Holmes who nonetheless manages to hold onto the ball, and Townsend gets a kick to Wighton who stops it with his foot. This time Graham is penalised for a bad tackle on Cotric - who goes past the horizontal. Really dangerous tackle. Raiders have a big opportunity here. 40m out they go again. Sharks are through after a brilliant ball by Leilua - to Rapana. What a pass out of dummy half - it leaves Feki with no chance.
Croker hits the post and misses the conversion.
Here’s that dangerous tackle on Cotric:
"That's a bad one!" - Gus. 😬 #NRLSharksRaiders #9WWOS pic.twitter.com/GwnfGY32BD
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) August 5, 2017
NRL H1 31:04 Cronulla Sharks 8-14 Canberra Raiders
Fifita gets a very high tackle on Whitehead, who springs right back to his feet as the Raiders reset. That looked bad. Bad knock-on for the Raiders - who were just 20m out with plenty of running. Impatient play.
NRL H1 29:16 Cronulla Sharks 8-14 Canberra Raiders
Sloppy play-the-ball by Tapine - and it’s a scrum to the Sharks. Disappointing. After I talked up their completions they fail at that one. Sharks are going at 86% completion - and possession is 50-50.
Knock-on by the Sharks - Townsend gave them a chance with a beautiful kick, but the bounce was unkind.
NRL H1 26:47 Cronulla Sharks 8-14 Canberra Raiders
Penalty to the Sharks - given away by Tapine for a second effort. They won’t take the two and look to attack the try-line. Great defence by the Raiders - the Sharks run out of space on the left - with Holmes forced over the sideline.
Raiders are going at 10/10 completions.
NRL H1 24:00 Cronulla Sharks 8-14 Canberra Raiders
Another deep kick-in by the Sharks - but the Raiders are full of energy with Papalii adding some big metres. They kick on the 5th, but it’s a disappointing one from Sezer which goes straight to Feki, and the Sharks make up plenty of ground on the return. Holmes’ little kick is trapped by Whitehead who just makes it back in the field of play. Raiders off again.
NRL H1 21:39 Cronulla Sharks 8-14 Canberra Raiders
Great deep kick-off by the Sharks, but the Green Machine make some big gains - by Boyd again, who has 6 hit-ups. Bird takes down Croker on the left in a repeat, and Austin finds Rapana with a kick, and he’s over! The review shows the ball came off Feki’s shoulder - which means it’ll be play on and a try for the Raiders, who are right back on top. Boyd has been huge with 61 run metres now. Croker converts and they’re 6 up.
NRL H1 18:55 Cronulla Sharks 8-8 Canberra Raiders
The Raiders are up and running and almost get through on the left if not for a great Bird tackle on Croker. They centre with a kick - and the Sharks are penalised for a check from Graham on Whitehead. Raiders elect to take 2 - and it’s all square. Great gains in the middle from Boyd who is now up to 32 metres. Paulo has 45.
NRL H1 16:30 Cronulla Sharks 8-6 Canberra Raiders
A huge 79 run metres to Fifita, and 63 to Gallen for the Sharks. Only 27 and 26 respectively from Wighton and Rapana for the Raiders. They get a penalty, however, after Prior’s foot disrupts the play-the-ball, and they’ll take 6 20m out.
Papalii is over for the Raiders on the back of two penalties - well done to Hodgson who deceived everyone out of dummy half by shading to the right. Conversion to Croker - and it’s 2 points in it.
NRL H1 12:51 Cronulla Sharks 8-0 Canberra Raiders
Knock-on against the Raiders - after Sezer loses it in a one-on-one strip. Scrum to the Sharks and the Raiders lose the ball again. Raiders take the ball - but they’re right back in their own red zone. Penalty to the Raiders to bring some relief.
NRL H1 10:43 Cronulla Sharks 8-0 Canberra Raiders
Raiders can only make it to 30, and Blake Austin spirals a ball with an awkward bounce backwards. Penalty against Cotric who was offside. Fifita making BIG gains for the Sharks - he’s had 54m already.
Big tackle from Boyd leads to a penalty - and the Sharks choose to take the 2. Holmes converts.
NRL H1 6:06 Cronulla Sharks 6-0 Canberra Raiders
Opening penalty goes to the Sharks who are 30m out with a full set. Fifita offloads to Townsend who almost breaks through. The ball is stripped out of Prior’s hands and they’re back with 6 more. It’s stripped out again - this time off Gallen - and Sharks go again.
Feki is through! That’s his 50th try - and the first to the Sharks within 5 minutes. Townsend gets it to Brown whose fast hands let Feki through! Holmes has a difficult conversion attempt - and he kicks it straight through.
Feki scores his 50th #NRL Try!#NRLSharksRaiders pic.twitter.com/nSZ1hFvx1X
— NRL (@NRL) August 5, 2017
Updated
NRL H1 1:23 Cronulla Sharks 0-0 Canberra Raiders
We’re off with the opening set to Cronulla - and Fifita makes almost 20m with a big carry on the first set.
NRL H1 00:00 Cronulla Sharks 0-0 Canberra Raiders
Paul Gallen is playing his 299th game tonight - all going well he’ll line up for his 300th against the Broncos next week.
We’ve got a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives on the Kokoda Trail (or Track) - with the Sharks wearing special commemorative guernseys to raise funds for the Kokoda Track foundation (for those who live on the Track today).
NRL Preview
We’re just 10 minutes away from the start of our NRL feature game for today - the Sharks v Raiders clash at Southern Cross Group Stadium. Here’s my preview from earlier in case you missed it:
These two teams have a strange habit of winning their away games - the Raiders have won three in a row at Shark Park, including five of their past seven. Not to be outdone, the Sharks have won their last five games in Canberra. There’s a sense amongst neutral fans out there that this one could go the same way - with the Raiders taking some confidence from their convincing win over the Rabbitohs in Round 21. Prior to that they also beat the Dragons, and lost to ladder-leading Storm. It’s not a terrible record for the Green Machine - who probably need to win five from five now to make finals - and they have everything to play for.
The Raiders will be boosted by the return of Jordan Rapana and Josh Papalii (both from suspension), which means Michael Oldfield loses his spot, and Joe Tapine goes to the bench. Their in-form players are clearly halves Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin. Sezer’s match-winning 40/20 (and the intercept) against the Dragons was my highlight, although he also had two tries against the Storm. That said, Cronulla also welcome back Jack Bird for the second time since Origin - which means Kurt Capwell will play off the bench (Adam Clydsdale makes way). Nu Brown will also play at five-eighth after last week’s concussion.
The Sharks come into this one in decent form - almost cruisy form, winning 26-12 against both the Warriors and Souths - although both opponents are clearly struggling. Paul Gallen (460 metres) and Andrew Fifita (260 metres) have made the most yardage in those games, and they’ll rely on them again to cause headaches for the Raiders. The Sharks have also been holding plenty of ball (55% in both games) so Canberra will need to target possession.
I think the Sharks will be too strong in this one - despite those tipping an upset - as they have a real chance to solidify their spot in the top-two going into semi-finals.
Western Bulldogs 14.19 (103) beat Brisbane Lions 13.11 (89)
Schache has a shot at goal right on the siren - and misses it - the Dogs win it by 14. They’ve now won four in a row - after an almighty scare by the Lions. The Dogs have got the Giants, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn to come in an unenviable run home, which emphasises just how important this win was. The Dogs sit at 7th on the ladder - where they finished before that fairytale finals series last year.
Best on ground arguably goes to Marcus Bontempelli, who had 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 7 marks, 6 clearances, 5 tackles and 2 goals 4. He was huge in the final quarter. Also influential was Jack Macrae - who had 32 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 11 marks, 6 clearances and 8 inside 50s. Jack Redpath and Liam Picken kicked 3 goals each.
Best for the Lions was Daniel Rich in a welcome return to form with 24 disposals, 6 contested possessions, 7 marks, 8 rebound 50s and 2 goals. Zorko was also influential with 21 disposals, 4 clearances, 4 tackles and 2 goals 4.
AFL Q4 02:58 remaining Brisbane 13.10 (88) v Western Bulldogs 14.19 (103)
The Dogs get possibly the sealer through Picken - Macrae took a massive contested mark and palmed off to Picken who kicked it from the goal square. Bontempelli has been in everything - and smothered almost a certain Lions goal down the other end just before that goal to Picken. He always rises to the top when needed, the Bont.
AFL Q4 03:37 remaining Brisbane 13.10 (88) v Western Bulldogs 13.19 (97)
Daniel Rich kicks the ball long for Eric Hipwood who had plenty of space on Lewis Young, but he drops it and the ball goes outside off his boot. The Dogs clear.
AFL Q4 05:41 remaining Brisbane 13.10 (88) v Western Bulldogs 13.19 (97)
Huge tackle by Hunter who chases down Lewis Taylor for a holding the ball. That could be huge. The Bont takes a big, uncontested mark - not sure how he got into that much space - and makes no mistake. 9 points in it.
AFL Q4 06:59 remaining Brisbane 13.10 (88) v Western Bulldogs 11.19 (91)
It’s an inspired young Lions outfit - who are laying some hard tackles to the delight of the crowd.
McLean gets the Dogs back in front through some Dahlhaus brilliance out of the pack. It’s a thriller at the Gabba. Looks like Witherden might be off with a hamstring.
AFL Q4 08:27 remaining Brisbane 13.10 (88) v Western Bulldogs 12.19 (85)
Hipwood has a chance to put the Lions in front - and kicks it out on the full. The Dogs run it back to Wallis who takes a mark 55m out and is tackled to the ground by Witherden - no 50m? Find that hard to understand. Withderen appears to have hurt himself in the tackle - and limps off the ground.
Down the other end Bastinac takes a crucial contested mark against Lukas Webb, and lines up to put the Lions in frotn on a tight angle. It’s a brilliant snap from the boundary.
Updated
AFL Q4 10:58 remaining Brisbane 12.10 (82) v Western Bulldogs 11.19 (85)
The Dogs have had an incredible 59 inside 50s to 31 - for 11.19. They’ve also had 342 disposals to 290, 39 clearances to 22 and 107 contested possessions to 96. In other words they should be well in front - but the margin is only 3 points. Credit to the Lions - they’ve looked dangerous.
AFL Q4 11:46 remaining Brisbane 12.10 (82) v Western Bulldogs 11.19 (85)
Here’s that incredible almost-mark-of-the-year by Hunter.
Meanwhile Bastinac has a shot to get the Lions right back in it. Perfect kick.
He couldn't QUITE reel it in... an amazing marking effort by Lachie Hunter. #AFLLionsDogs pic.twitter.com/yEcHeQoZUP
— AFL (@AFL) August 5, 2017
AFL Q4 12:19 remaining Brisbane 11.10 (76) v Western Bulldogs 11.19 (85)
Fantastic work in the middle to Bontempelli, who is back in the middle and has gone up a gear - and Jack Redpath FINALLY kicks one through the middle.
AFL Q4 13:09 remaining Brisbane 11.10 (76) v Western Bulldogs 10.19 (79)
One man who has been huge is Daniel Rich - 19 disposals, 5 contested possessions, 6 marks, 8 rebound 50s, 2 goals. Zorko has also had 18 disposals, 6 contested possessions, 3 clearances, 2 goals (and 4 behinds).
Goal to Clay Smith puts the Dogs back in the lead. Great block from Bob Murphy let him in after a nice squaring pass from Travis Cloke.
AFL Q4 15:40 remaining Brisbane 11.9 (75) v Western Bulldogs 9.19 (73)
Lachie Hunter almost took mark of the year/century, but can’t complete it. Will have to get you some vision of that one.
Bont weaves some magic in the forward line but can’t finish it - that’s 19 behinds to the Dogs. Bob Murphy has been sent forward - and has taken a few big marks for his team.
AFL Q4 17:03 remaining Brisbane 11.9 (75) v Western Bulldogs 9.18 (72)
The Dogs are dominating the clearances with 35-16, while they’re also on top of the tackles 42-37 and inside 50s (a massive 53-28 differential) - the one thing they’re not winning is the free kicks, 16-7 down.
Redpath drops an easy chest mark, and snaps another behind.
NRL H2 47:09 Titans 0-22 Broncos
Just switched over to the Titans v Broncos game and it’s more pain for the Titans with another try to Ben Hunt - the ball ricocheted off his own leg out of dummy half for yet another try to the Broncos. Kahu converts.
Since this is so one-sided I might switch back over to the AFL before the NRL feature game.
AFL three-quarter-time Brisbane 11.9 (75) v Western Bulldogs 8.16 (64)
Huge upset brewing with the Lions in front by 11 points - and the Dogs’ season in big trouble.
Stay with us for our feature NRL game at 7:30 between the Sharks and Raiders - in the meantime I’ll swap between this and the Titans-Broncos game.
AFL Q3 02:33 remaining Brisbane 11.9 (75) v Western Bulldogs 8.16 (64)
That’s six goals in a row to the Lions - and the Dogs will be disappointed to have let Daniel Rich go unchecked for that 55m bomb. Dahlhaus gets the immediate clearance and inside 50 to Jack Redpath - who continues the trend of wayward kicking. 8 goals for an incredible 16 points to the Dogs.
Updated
AFL Q3 02:33 remaining Brisbane 11.9 (75) v Western Bulldogs 8.15 (63)
Huge mark by Lester - Picken was out on his own inside 50, and Cloke kicked that way, but Lester outmarked him against all the odds. The Dogs go back in through Macrae, but the ball is rushed through by Taylor. Dogs get another chance through Liberatore, who misses another. That’s an incredible 15 behinds for the Bulldogs - who are the least accurate team in the competition.
Down the other end - Berry gets his opportunity for the Lions from 50m out, but dishes it off to Rich who kicks a huge goal.
Updated
AFL Q3 05:55 remaining Brisbane 10.8 (68) v Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61)
Zorko almost puts his team further in front - but he hits the woodwork. The Dogs are turning the ball over and look tired - possibly thanks to the injury to Easton Wood and the late withdrawal of Johannisen which forced Murphy to play even though he’s underdone. The Dogs badly need a goal - and Redpath misses an easy set shot. That’s especially disappointing since he backed himself in (when he could’ve had Bontempelli over the top).
AFL Q3 08:35 remaining Brisbane 10.8 (68) v Western Bulldogs 8.12 (60)
A few good tackles from the Dogs sets up a chance for a much-needed goal, but Toby McLean drops an easy mark 10m out from goal. The Lions look full of confidence and run, and the home crowd are in full voice.
Updated
AFL Q3 10:54 remaining Brisbane 10.8 (68) v Western Bulldogs 8.12 (60)
Bad news for the Dogs - who were 30 points in front and now fall 2 points behind the Lions after a goal to Lewis Taylor. Bad turnover from Bontempelli who tried to square the ball and let the Lions in. Could the Lions cause a massive upset and ruin the Dogs’ finals chances? Rhys Mathieson now has a chance to put Brisbane further in front - and kick five goals straight for the Lions. He kicks it.
NRL half-time Titans 0-16 Broncos
Confusion reigns after the Titans appeared to score through Don, but he lost the ball in the attempt to ground it. In the meantime the Broncos charge down the field through Oates for what should’ve been play on - but the ball is called back. Restart for a full set for the Broncos at the halfway mark - and Ben Hunt off the bench uses some serious leg strength to force himself past Hayne and over. Things really unravelling for the Titans - and they concede just before half-time. Kahu converts. 16-0 at half-time.
I’ll jump over to check in on the Brisbane v Bulldogs game in the lead-up to the Sharks v Raiders game.
NRL H1 34:05 Titans 0-10 Broncos
Penalty to the Titans against Gillett, and the Titans make reasonable gains to just outside the 10. Double pump, but they can’t make it over, and the ball goes back to the Broncos.
I still can’t get over the Hayne kick. I haven’t found vision yet but I will. Seems Twitter is still reeling, too.
Updated
NRL H1 31:32 Titans 0-10 Broncos
Morgan Boyle puts the ball down to gift the Broncos back a set. It wasn’t a good pass, which like several of the Titans’ passes, went behind him.
Broncos looked through but Boyd’s ball is called forward.
Broncos are going at 92% completion to only 79% for the Titans. Titans have had more possession - 55% to 45% - but couldn’t get past the superior Broncos defensive line.
Hayne - what was he doing there?! Turnover for the Titans saw Hayne in plenty of space and on the first tackle he kicks - a miskick that goes over the sideline and gifts the ball back to the Broncos. Ouch. And guess what? Corey Oates goes over after some terrific play from Tautau Moga. Will get some vision of both those players. Missed conversion follows.
Oates finishes it off but what about the pass from Moga!#NRLTitansBroncos#NRL pic.twitter.com/ofpOXJJ6QT
— NRL (@NRL) August 5, 2017
Updated
NRL H1 24:56 Titans 0-6 Broncos
Another impotent attacking set from the Titans sees the ball turned over, and a penalty goes to the Broncos just over 10m out. Nikorima’s speed sees him break through the defensive line and get the Broncos on the board. Nice pass from Peats and a quick dummy from Nikorima, before he found a hole that nobody else saw. Easy conversion follows to Kahu.
You can put that down to the excellent Broncos defence, which kept the Titans at bay over and over again.
#NRLgldbri The brisbanebroncos defence is on tonight!#NRLTitansBroncos#NRL pic.twitter.com/U4llfrghjM From NRL
— Broncos News (@BroncosNewsNRL) August 5, 2017
NRL H1 20:19 Titans 0-0 Broncos
Nice work by the Titans to force a dropout - Corey Oates took the ball when it was probably going dead. The Broncos go short and the Titans are just outside the 10. Short ball to Boyle who is almost over - before Wallace passes straight into the Broncos defence for a knock-on. Scrum for the Titans.
NRL H1 17:29 Titans 0-0 Broncos
Big gains made by the Broncos on this set - over 60m, Nikorima tries a kick and it deflects off the feet of the Titans, who now have a dropout. Luckily for Gold Coast Ashley Taylor drops the kick - poor mistake under no pressure. Plenty of attacking play for the Titans so far for no reward.
NRL H1 14:09 Titans 0-0 Broncos
The Gold Coast stadium is looking very nice indeed.
Jordan Kahu forces Zillman over the sideline, and the ball is back with the Broncos.
Best stadium in the world...never mind anywhere else #NRLTitansBroncos pic.twitter.com/37dzwgLqpB
— Paul Michael Craig (@paulmac_78) August 5, 2017
NRL H1 10:41 Titans 0-0 Broncos
Could we have a try for the Titans? Vision goes to the Bunker but it doesn’t look like the ball got anywhere near the line. Penalty goes against Matt Gillett to give the Titans another set.
The Broncos defence holds up well - but the Titans force another dropout to come again.
Vision of the @GCTitans No Try Decision in the 10th minute of #NRLTitansBroncos.#NRL pic.twitter.com/hEj68Nvrt2
— NRL Bunker (@NRLBunker) August 5, 2017
Updated
NRL H1 8:29 Titans 0-0 Broncos
Alright! Let’s stick with some NRL for the time-being - with the Titans v Broncos game underway at Cbus Super Stadium. There are some changes to the Broncos team with Alex Glenn starting the match at hooker, and Ben Hunt going back to the bench. Sam Thaiday is into the second row, and Herman Ese’ese will play as a middle forward. Benji Marshall is out of the squad, while Corey Oates returns from his extended lay-off with illness. David Mead misses out.
The Titans have an awful record over the last decade against the Broncos - it has been more than three years since they won one of these clashes. In their last match the Titans led 22-18 with two minutes to play before James Roberts scored the match-winner against his former club.
Good news for them here though as they force a dropout after back-to-back penalties.
Football (Tournament of Nations)
How many of you followed the brilliant Matildas’ 6-1 win yesterday? We had a live blog by Paul Connolly, and I also helped to produce this match report - which had some great words from Lisa De Vanna about how the late Les Murray inspired the team.
Today she spoke to the media (AAP) about breaking the all-time goalscoring record for the Matildas - admitting that the milestone had been a distraction and even stopped her from scoring.
“To be honest, it’s a monkey off my back,” De Vanna told AAP. “When I went onto the field it was my main concern, to score two more goals. It affected me. Today was the first time I didn’t think about it, just played my game and the opportunity came. Scoring those goals is everything to me because I’ve given so much to the game. An achievement like that, it’s fantastic.”
With the 2018 Asian Cup, 2019 World Cup and 2020 Olympics to come, De Vanna - who has struggled with lower leg problems in recent years - said she’d be listening to her body in terms of how much longer she might be able to play on.
“I have this argument with Staj (coach Alen Stajcic) every time I have my little emotional moments,” she said. “He says ‘you can play until you’re 40’ and I’m like ‘I’m not going to be here until I’m 58’. Today, at halftime I said to him I’ve only got another 10 minutes left in my tank and he said that’s fine. I’ve done my days where I play 90 minutes and push my body to the limits. Now it’s about making sure I’m in a good environment and my head is right emotionally, and physically. If I can have that I can have a long career.”
Stajcic said De Vanna deserved the honour. “There’s no one who wears the shirt with more pride than Lisa,” he said. “It’s a just reward for such a lengthy career, such a passionate career and one that’s still got a long way to go.”
Cricket
There’s a few changes to the original 13-player squad for Australia’s tour of Bangladesh - with James Pattison withdrawn for back inflammation. He has been replaced with Jackson Bird in a ‘precautionary’ move. Alongside him, uncapped legspinner Mitchell Swepson comes in with Mitchell Starc unavailable because of the same foot injury that had forced him to return home in March from India. Swepson toured India but the 23-year-old Queenslander is yet to receive his first baggy green.
The Test series will be Australia’s first in Bangladesh since 2006 - and will now go ahead after the historic pay deal was agreed to in principle late last week.
AUSTRALIA’S 14-MAN TEST SQUAD FOR BANGLADESH TOUR: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson.
Tennis
Tennis anyone? Thanks to AAP it looks like Thanasi Kokkinakis’s fine run of form has continued in Mexico with the Australian progressing to his first ATP tournament final with a win over Tomas Berdych in Los Cabos. Kokkinakis - ranked now at No.454 in the world after a string of injuries - downed the Czech top seed in their semi-final, 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4. He’ll take on the winner of the match between American Sam Querrey and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Damir Dzumhur. Isn’t it nice to hear about someone other than Kyrigos or Tomic?
AFL quarter-time Brisbane 2.2 (14) v Western Bulldogs 6.6 (42)
With the Knights game over and the Titans game yet to start there’s just the Brisbane v Western Bulldogs AFL game happening at the moment. It’s not all good news for the Dogs - despite the big lead - with Easton Wood out with what looks to be a hamstring, and Jason Johannisen withdrawn just before the game - in the warm-up (which brings ‘travelling emergency’ Bob Murphy into the side).
Bontempelli looks dangerous early with 9 disposals, 4 contested possessions and 4 clearances. He could’ve had two goals too, if not for a shank and a poster. Lachie Hunter also has 9 - including 4 marks. For the Lions, Daniel Rich leads the way with 8 disposals, while young star Witherden continues his impressive run of form with 7. Wouldn’t every team like to have him?
I won’t blog goal-to-goal - I’ll just check if there’s any other news that has launched overnight that you need to know about, but don’t forget that tonight’s feature game - which I’ll stay with - is the big NRL clash between the Cronulla Sharks and Canberra Raiders at 7:30pm.
Newcastle Knights beat New Zealand Warriors 26-10
Believe it or not, the Knights have finally gone back-to-back, for the first time in almost two years. They scored two tries in the second half to Lachlan Fitzgibbon (59m) and Brock Lamb (72m). The Warriors managed one back through Nathaniel Roache in the 65th minute, but never looked like challenging the Knights. That’s just the fourth win to the Knights for the year.
Barnett managed 37 tackles and 2 line breaks, while Fitzgibbon had 35 tackles. Daniel Saifiti ran 153 metres, while Ken Sio also ran 151. For the Warriors, Ben Matulino ran 197 metres, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 181 to go with his two line breaks. Roache also had 2 line breaks. Their best tacklers were Simon Mannering (45) and Bunty Afoa (39).
Disappointing result for the Warriors who have hardly shown anything in their last two matches - against the Sharks and now the lowly although much-improved Knights. So good to see the Newcastle fans enjoying themselves after the game - the fans are all up on their feet singing their hearts out, and cheering like they did when Lamb found the line.
Lamb scores and the @NRLKnights fans go wild! 👏 #NRLKnightsWarriors #NRL pic.twitter.com/YDcPWd8sR7
— NRL (@NRL) August 5, 2017
Essendon 11.18 (84) beat Carlton 11.10 (76)
Another classic for the memory bank between these two clubs. Blues had a chance to get one back in the final minute, but it was a poor kick to Simpson who couldn’t mark. Big win for Essendon who desperately needed a win to keep themselves in the race for the finals - which they have. I didn’t see much of this one - but Heppell was absolutely huge for the Bombers in the last quarter - he had 34 disposals for the game, 15 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 10 marks. Zaharakis also had 33 - with 9 contested possessions, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s. Hooker kicked 2.5, while AM-T kicked 3 (with two in the final quarter). Daniher also kicked 3. They did however lose Fantasia to a hamstring in the first quarter, while Zach Merrett was cited for striking Plowman with a big wind-up (he looked rattled after he was earlier cleaned up by Casboult).
For the Blues - Kreuzer had 38 hitouts, 15 disposals including 12 contested possessions, 8 clearances, 3 inside 50s and a goal. Wright kicked 3, while the other goalkickers all had singles. Marc Murphy did his best for the team with 32 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 9 clearances and 7 tackles. Disappointing end to a game they were in all match - particularly at the end. Casboult missing really ended any chance of a win, however.
AFL Q4 01:03 remaining Essendon 11.18 (84) v Carlton 11.10 (76)
The Bombers are going to win - McDonald Tipungwiti is full of running and finds all the space in the world inside 50. He runs into an open goal to the roar of the Bombers crowd.
AFL Q4 01:46 remaining Essendon 10.18 (78) v Carlton 11.10 (76)
It’s not quite over - the Blues have the ball again but once more Simpson can’t hit a teammate. He had three in space and instead the ball goes out of bounds. Credit to him he gets the ball back hits up Levi Casboult who has a fairly simple shot ahead of him - 25m out on a 45 degree angle. It’s a terrible kick.
AFL Q4 03:03 remaining Essendon 10.18 (78) v Carlton 11.9 (75)
Kreuzer is doing everything to win it for his side - he got the hitout deep inside the Bombers’ forward line, then roved the ball himself, now wraps up Myers in a tackle just outside the forward 50. He’s run the length of the ground to get to that contest. Have to admire what he does.
Bombers get the turnover after Silvagni can’t run onto the bouncing ball deep inside the 50 - but Goddard turns the ball over to Docherty, and the Blues are back in possession. Kade Simpson’s kick is a tired one - and turns the ball over, which comes back in to Hooker who takes a contested mark and has ANOTHER shot. He makes no mistake this time!
AFL Q4 05:26 remaining Essendon 9.18 (72) v Carlton 11.9 (75)
Hooker all on his own - takes a contested mark 40m out in plenty of space. Think Docherty was the one who left him unmarked. He misses again. Kick-out for Carlton is smothered by A McDonald-Tipungwuti!
AFL Q4 06:16 remaining Essendon 9.17 (70) v Carlton 11.9 (75)
Guess who - McDonald-Tipungwuti kicks his second to put the Dons right back in it. Stage set for a classic finish.
AFL Q4 06:55 remaining Essendon 8.17 (64) v Carlton 11.9 (75)
Just under seven minutes left in this one - so I might stick with it until it finishes, before going back to the Knights v Warriors NRL clash (although FYI the Knights are up 20-4 now, with the Warriors seemingly unable to mount any serious challenge).
Could the Blues pull off a memorable win against the Dons? They’ve had a rotten last month but this would be massive given the opposition.
Zaharakis hits up Hooker for a crucial shot at goal. They’ve had a whole 16 behinds, Essendon, so he’ll want to convert. He hits the post!
GWS Giants 14.13 (97) beat Melbourne Demons 10.2 (62)
It’s all over here in Canberra - with the Giants running out big winners in what was a disappointing outcome for all us who expected a much closer game (not to mention Demons fans). The Dees never really looked in it after the Giants got on a roll in the first quarter and booted eight goals to none. They never really gave a yelp after starting so promisingly. Some of their most exciting players in Hunt and Garlett simply couldn’t find a way into the match, while ruckman Max Gawn was a shining light for the Dees in the loss (52 hit outs, 19 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 7 clearances). Melbourne now drop dangerously close to the bottom 8 - dependent on other results.
For the Giants it was a welcome return to form - and it sends a scary message to their competitors. They’ll run into the Bulldogs next week in a re-match of last year’s classic preliminary final. Let’s hope the Dogs are also back to their best and we get anything like the game we got last year. Josh Kelly was on fire for the hosts today with 25 disposals, 8 tackles and 3 goals, while Callan Ward also led from the front with 28 disposals (14 contested possessions, 5 tackles and a goal). Shane Mumford was also important with 45 hitouts (although he was overshadowed by Gawn), 12 tackles and 6 clearances. That said he looks to be rubbed out by the MRP during the week.
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AFL Q4 03:22 remaining GWS 14.13 (97) v Melbourne 10.2 (62)
Even Max Gawn can’t convert for the Dees - they’ve had few shots at goal today - just 11 in total, compared with the Giants’ 27. That’s a big differential given the inside 50s are just 52-47 in GWS’ favour.
Meanwhile Corey Maynard - the former Croc (basketball) finally gets another through for the Dees - his first after 18 possessions on debut. He’s looked comfortable at this level.
AFL Q4 06:42 remaining GWS 14.13 (97) v Melbourne 9.1 (55)
Some nice scenes for Giants fans, with all his teammates getting around Brett Deledio after his first goal in orange.
Meanwhile Simon Goodwin looks on forlornly and seems bereft of ideas. Jack Watts’ meek effort at goal won’t help - he was 45m out but the ball drops 10m short with the wind at his back.
The Giants get right around Brett Deledio as he kicks his first goal in an orange guernsey. #AFLGiantsDees pic.twitter.com/pzt2vY6n2m
— AFL (@AFL) August 5, 2017
Updated
AFL Q4 08:14 remaining GWS 14.13 (97) v Melbourne 9.1 (55)
Some players who let their team down for the Dees include Garlett - 3 disposals, Jayden Hunt - 6 disposals, and Cameron Pedersen - 6 disposals. Think they’ve really missed the run of Hunt out of the backline - and Watts has barely been better with 8 disposals. Reckon Gawn is the only one who can really hold his head high - although Lewis (30), Oliver (31) and Hibberd (27) have had plenty of the ball. The thing you can’t really quantify with stats though is intensity - and I haven’t seen it in the manner I would’ve expected with a finals spot on the line.
AFL Q4 11:21 remaining GWS 14.12 (96) v Melbourne 9.1 (55)
Some stats - 96 tackles to 70 for the Giants; and 53 clearances to 33. Only a few more inside 50s (47-44) while the Dees lead the contested possession count (139-136). Max Gawn has been huge in a losing team - with 44 hit outs, 5 clearances, 14 contested possessions, 3 inside 50s. I’m going early on the ‘losing’ call - but surely they don’t come back from here. Kelly still leading the way for the Giants with 23 disposals, 4 clearances, 7 tackles and 3 goals. Coniglio has 26 disposals, 8 clearances, 6 tackles and a goal.
AFL Q4 16:37 remaining GWS 14.12 (96) v Melbourne 9.1 (55)
Dees get back to back goals through Melksham - after Deledio got his first for the Giants. Could this start a comeback for the Dees? Reckon they’re far too far back, but the Giants may freeze up given their record of late.
AFL Q3 04:50 remaining Essendon 7.13 (55) v Carlton 7.5 (47)
Have just flicked over quickly to this clash between traditional rivals - and the Bombers have kicked two straight goals to put their noses back in front of the Old Navy Blues. Heppell and Zaharakis lead the way for the Dons with 19 and 21 disposals respectively, while Daniher has kicked two for the Dons. For the Blues, Kreuzer has 25 hit-outs, 11 disposals (8 contested possessions) and a goal, while Matthew Wright has kicked three. Captain Marc Murphy has 20 disposals to lead the way for his team. If I have time after the GWS game I’ll jump back for the last minutes of this one - it’s tight.
NRL half-time Newcastle Knights 16-4 N.Z. Warriors
Half-time at McDonald Jones Stadium and the Knights have extended their early lead to 12 at half time. Still just the two tries to Barnett - with two conversions by Hodkinson, plus two penalty goals to Hodkinson in the 36th and 40th minutes. For the Warriors, they got one back through Fusitua in the 25th minute. Barnett leads the tackle-count with 28, while Jazz Tevaga has 23 for the Warriors. Daniel Saifiti is again dominating the run metres count with 101, while Nathan Ross also has 95. Barnett has two line breaks and Ross 1, while Tuivasa-Sheck and Fusitua both have 1 each for the Warriors. Knights well on top here - and hungry for another win.
AFL three-quarter-time GWS 13.10 (90) v Melbourne 7.1 (43)
Almost a free to Melksham deep inside the 50 but nothing gives after one of Melbourne’s best forays forward. Down the other end Devon Smith sprays one - but makes up for it right on the brink of three-quarter-time - he got out the back of the pack with no checking to speak of.
GWS kicked 3.5 to Melbourne 2.0 that quarter.
AFL Q3 02:43 remaining GWS 12.9 (83) v Melbourne 7.1 (43)
Here’s the Mumford hit on Gawn - decide for yourself but I reckon he’s in trouble.
Ball is deep inside GWS’ forward 50 - Melbourne have lifted, but they’re well adrift.
Shane Mumford and Max Gawn collided in this incident. #AFLGiantsDees pic.twitter.com/xWUmcDn7BA
— AFL (@AFL) August 5, 2017
AFL Q3 03:52 remaining GWS 12.8 (82) v Melbourne 7.1 (43)
Brilliant contest by Haynes whose hunger wins him the ball from Salem. Salem meanwhile hits the deck holding his ankle - looks like he can’t put any weight on it, similar to Selwood’s last night. The bad news continues for Melbourne.
AFL Q3 06:18 remaining GWS 12.8 (82) v Melbourne 7.1 (43)
The Dees’ intensity has lifted, but they still can’t quite make headway on the scoreboard - Jake Melksham boots it out on the full after they found a way forward. Fortunately for Melbourne Jack Watts has found a way into the game and has had a few possessions on the wing.
AFL Q3 11:20 remaining GWS 12.8 (80) v Melbourne 7.1 (43)
Mumford has elbowed Max Gawn flat in the face, who drops as if he’s concussed, but is back up. Reckon he’ll be in trouble for that one - but who knows with the MRP. Can’t help himself Mumford. Wasn’t even awarded a free - hard to believe.
Reckon Leon Cameron will be doing some more of this.
Leon Cameron wasn't happy with Lachie Whitfield's effort. #AFLGiantsDees pic.twitter.com/ho0vhkHoDw
— AFL (@AFL) August 5, 2017
AFL Q3 12:47 remaining GWS 12.8 (80) v Melbourne 7.1 (43)
Another goal to the Dees- via a free kick to Jack Watts. Neal-Bullen took the advantage and dribbled it through. Fantastic roving work by Max Gawn who cleared his own ruck work and took it under his arm to deliver to Watts.
AFL Q3 13:04 remaining GWS 12.8 (80) v Melbourne 6.1 (37)
Jack Watts finds a way into the game with a contested pack mark, and off just a couple of steps easily makes the distance from 50m out (into the wind). Score review to check if the ball is touched first. It is touched, but it’s well over. Credit to Watts, that wasn’t an easy shot.
AFL Q3 14:14 remaining GWS 12.8 (80) v Melbourne 5.1 (31)
Another goal to ‘twinkle toes’ Kelly (credit Anthony Hudson for the nickname, I like it - he seems to float sometimes Josh). Nice handpass over the top from de Boer - but it was Kelly’s gut running that got him in that position.
49 points. And I tipped Melbourne. That’s the last time I do that.
AFL Q3 15:16 remaining GWS 11.8 (74) v Melbourne 5.1 (31)
Leon Cameron was so disgusted by that Whitfield miss that he left the coaches’ box and hurt his fist from punching the wall on the way through. He’s still hurting a minute later. Not sure he has too much to complain about - this is the best I’ve seen the Giants play since early on this season.
AFL Q3 16:25 remaining GWS 11.8 (74) v Melbourne 5.1 (31)
Brett Deledio had a chance to score his first goal for the Giants - but he steadies and finds Lachie Whitfield in the square. His teammates will like that. Whitfield must’ve just marked outside the square because he’s put on an obscene angle and misses - he cracks that one into the post.
AFL Q3 18:07 remaining GWS 11.7 (73) v Melbourne 5.1 (31)
Back on here in Canberra - Tom McDonald has been pushed into the backline in a structural change (he’s only had the single possession). Goodwin had to do something different, so let’s see how that goes. Garlett has only had the two disposals - so he’ll need to step up in his absence. Other players who need to step up are Jack Watts (2 disposals) and Jayden Hunt (2 disposals).
Devon Smith is through for a goal out of the pack - that’s 34 clearances to 20. Worrying signs at the start of the quarter.
NRL H1 12:14 Newcastle Knights 12-0 N.Z. Warriors
There were several late changes for the match - the big out being Shuan Kenny-Dowell. Chanel Mata’utia however is back onto the wing. Joe Wardle (illness) is also missing, which means Lachlan Fitzgibbon starts and Sam Stone comes onto the bench.
So far, no issues for the Knights who are hoping to go back-to-back.
Here’s Barnett’s second:
Make that 2 tries for Barnett!#NRLKnightsWarriors #NRL pic.twitter.com/kbMztzyIHR
— NRL (@NRL) August 5, 2017
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NRL H1 10:44 Newcastle Knights 12-0 N.Z. Warriors
What a start - the Knights have taken only 7 minutes to score their first try, and now they’ve scored a SECOND in 9 minutes - both through Mitch Barnett! That’s his fourth for the season (he had only two to date - so he’s doubled that tally). The ref thought he’d been held up - but the Bunker shows he’s clearly over. Bad defense from the Warriors who let Barnett slip several tackles.
Here’s the first of the two tries:
Lamb to Barnett, the @NRLKnights are in early!#NRLKnightsWarriors 6-0 after 7 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/MQBQbG1muG
— NRL (@NRL) August 5, 2017
Updated
AFL half-time GWS 10.7 (67) v Melbourne 5.1 (31)
Disappointing half (and quarter) from the Dees - the Giants blew them away in the first quarter with eight goals in a row in the first quarter - all with the breeze. Melbourne had some chance of responding with the breeze at their backs - but the problem was never the conditions, but rather GWS’ all-round dominance. They’re smashing the Dees in clearances 33-20, tackles 53-35, and are leading contested possessions 86-79. That’s the worry for the Demons - GWS are first to the ball but also harder at it, and hungrier defensively. Dees have everything to play for - and hopefully will come out an improved side after the break.
Speaking of breaks I might take a quick one - and get back to you with an NRL update before the next quarter begins.
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AFL Q2 02:28 remaining GWS 10.7 (67) v Melbourne 5.1 (31)
Big, long bomb from Hibberd lacks accuracy. Dees have failed to take advantage of the breeze at all this quarter - I worry they’ll get blown away (no pun intended) in the third.
Finally the Demons move the ball with some speed - and they find Pedersen on a lead who catches Himmelberg off guard. He kicks it - relief for the Demons.
Love this photo of the two iconic rucks.
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AFL Q2 05:42 remaining GWS 10.7 (67) v Melbourne 4.0 (24)
Leading disposal getters:
16 - Callan Ward; 14 - Josh Kelly; 13 - Stephen Coniglio, Dom Tyson and Clayton Oliver. Kelly has looked most dangerous - with 5 contested possessions, 2 clearances and 2 goals - but Ward is challenging him for BOG this quarter, with 7 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s and that recent goal.
Meanwhile Clayton Oliver gives away a ruck free (for infringing on the contest) to Mumford - who kicks truly. That was one of those weird ones where someone gets penalised for accidentally being in the way... Mumford’s back on from a blood rule (anyone surprised). Disappointed by the Demon effort this quarter.
Updated
AFL Q2 07:05 remaining GWS 9.7 (61) v Melbourne 4.0 (24)
Finally the deadlock is broken - with a goal to Callan Ward who has had 3 clearances (from 9 disposals) this quarter. Big advantage there - players seemed to have stopped, while Ward simply ran into an open goal.
Here’s the man of the moment - Brett Deledio - in his new colours.
AFL Q2 08:51 remaining GWS 8.7 (55) v Melbourne 4.0 (24)
Not too much of note happening right now - except a blood rule, some throw-ins and throw-ups. I’m still here, in other words. Kicking into the breeze seems to have slowed the Giants down, but the Dees themselves are moving the ball slowly - as if they’re leading. Be nice to see them really fire up with so much on the line.
AFL Q2 12:10 remaining GWS 8.7 (55) v Melbourne 4.0 (24)
Just noticed the Donate Life crew are down at the ground - they’re raising awareness for the Organ Donor Registry which is why you’ll see their logo painted on the Manuka surface. Check out the registry here.
Nathan Wilson finds the big recruit, Brett Deledio, in plenty of space inside forward 50. He lines up and misses by a very, very long way. Rusty.
Rd.20 With the crew #DonateLife #MakeItCount #AFLGIANTSDees #raisehell pic.twitter.com/62CM9L1n5T
— Suzanne Considine (@suzcon) August 5, 2017
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AFL Q2 15:38 remaining GWS 8.6 (54) v Melbourne 4.0 (24)
Pack after pack after scrum - or so it seems. The Demons will at least be pleased to have slowed things up a little. Finally they get a mark inside 50 - a nice contested grab from Tom McDonald after Max Gawn bombed it long. He kicks it - just. They’ve finally got one back.
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AFL Q2 18:24 remaining GWS 8.6 (54) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
We’re back on at Canberra Oval, and this game has begun much as it finished at quarter-time - with plenty of GWS possession and yet more disposals to Kelly. A late knock from Pederson goes right to De Boer’s head. They’re playing like a frustrated team, the Dees.
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AFL Q1 11:28 remaining Essendon 2.2 (14) v Carlton 0.0 (0)
No NRL happening at the moment - but there’s the big clash of rivals between Essendon and Carlton at the MCG. Have just watched Joe Daniher stroll into 50 for a nice running goal - he’s fired up and asks the crowd to fire up with him. Looks like plenty are in for the game.
Looks like a beautiful day at the MCG.
AFL Q1 quarter-time GWS 8.6 (54) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Won’t the Dees be happy for a break? They need a big reset - at least they have the breeze in the second quarter, but they’ve got much bigger problems than that.
AFL Q1 01:00 remaining GWS 8.6 (54) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Kelly is unstoppable at the moment - 6 disposals, at 84% disposal efficiency, with 1 tackle and 2 goals. The Giants have 16 inside 50s to 10, and 21 tackles to 12 - Goodwin won’t be pleased with that stat in particular. Tyson is best for the Dees - 10 disposals, 3 contested, 2 clearances. Hibbered also has 10, with 3 rebound 50s.
Dees concede a few rushed behinds as the Giants keep peppering the goals.
Mumford rockets into Max Gawn to the boos of the crowd. Looked fair, but he’s always playing on the edge isn’t he?
AFL Q1 03:12 remaining GWS 8.4 (52) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
This is some scary stuff from the Giants. The rest of the competition ought to be on notice - they look back, and could have the Demons blown away before the game has really begun. Whitfield almost kicks yet another - from 55m out - but hits the post, after a sweeping assist from Josh Kelly. They’re running in big numbers - and fast, into space. Not sure what the Demons can do, apart from slow their running down. Ball comes straight back in for a Dylan Shiel shot at goal. He kicks perfectly for their eighth in a row. Ouch.
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AFL Q1 05:04 remaining GWS 7.3 (45) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Giants are finding all sorts of space - and Hunt gives away a panic free to Steve Johnson. He initiated the contact to get the free for holding - could almost have been too high to Hunt to begin with. Seven in a row to the Giants.
AFL Q1 06:32 remaining GWS 6.3 (39) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Dangerous tackle from Shane Mumford concedes a free - that’s almost a trademark for him now. Look nasty on the replay.
Fox Footy commentators are lauding the re-arrival of the ‘orange tsunami’. Doesn’t quite have a ferocious ring does it.
AFL Q1 07:45 remaining GWS 6.3 (39) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Can the Demons stop the onslaught? They get the clearance but kick it straight to Heath Shaw who has already had a few intercept marks. This time they kick it to the spoil of Coniglio, who finds plenty of Giants in space. De Boer gets held up inside 50 but the previous goalkicker, Josh Kelly, runs hard into space for another shot at goal from almost the same location as last time - just on easier an angle. He kicks it - 6 in a row.
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AFL Q1 09:13 remaining GWS 5.3 (33) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Make that five. Nathan Jones accidentally passes the ball straight to Stevie Johnson who sharks it and kicks a long, dribbling goal.
AFL Q1 09:47 remaining GWS 4.3 (27) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Kelly takes a backward running mark, great tackling pressure from the Giants who just forced the Dees backwards and to fumble. Kelly kicks truly - for a lovely goal. Giants are back into top gear - that’s four goals in a row.
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AFL Q1 11:27 remaining GWS 3.3 (21) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Yet another brilliant goal to the Giants - this one from Himmelberg after a very nice pass from Josh Kelly through traffic. They’ve been stunned into life, GWS.
Here’s my favourite of the three goals:
Pure wizardry from Stephen Coniglio! #AFLGiantsDees pic.twitter.com/TQFIYkDp88
— AFL (@AFL) August 5, 2017
AFL Q1 12:17 remaining GWS 2.2 (14) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Unbelievable goal to the ex-Dee Tom Scully - that was an off break if ever I’ve seen one - no chance for Oscar McDonald who was appropriately bamboozled.
Vince and Johnson told to “settle down boys”.
AFL Q1 12:53 remaining GWS 1.2 (8) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Looks like Bernie Vince has taken Steve Johnson - and they’re at each other already. What a surprise. Johnson gets Vince around the neck with a ‘friendly’ shove but the umpire lets them go.
Coniglio kicks a brilliant snap goal off the left from the boundary line, being forced over - makes something out of nothing and provides an early highlight.
AFL Q1 14:48 remaining GWS 0.2 (2) v Melbourne 3.0 (18)
Deledio has his first touch for the Giants - and it’s a decent, if short kick. Shaw picked him out - getting him into the game early.
Dees are looking good early - hitting their targets, and are harder at the ball. This time Tyson snaps one off the pack for their third. Good play from the ex-Giant - one of the two (along with Salem) involved in that controversial deal where Melbourne overlooked Josh Kelly.
AFL Q1 16:05 remaining GWS 0.2 (2) v Melbourne 2.0 (12)
Neal-Bullen snaps one home for the Dees - he’s had a few touches - two kicks and a goal. Shaw is lining up on Garlett - should be an interesting battle between those two.
AFL Q1 17:43 remaining GWS 0.2 (2) v Melbourne 1.0 (6)
Josh Kelly misses - GWS seem to have the wind clearly at their backs. Callan Ward also has a wayward shot at the big sticks. A few mistakes from both sides currently.
The clock is back up and running - I blame Canberra.
AFL Q1 GWS 0.0 (0) v Melbourne 1.0 (6)
Nathan Jones is back into the side and straight into the action - and manages to hit Max Gawn inside 40m, kicking into the breeze. He hasn’t been a big goalkicker this year (only 2 to date) but his kick sails straight through.
P.s. the clock seems to be malfunctioning so I’ll get you times once it re-appears!
AFL Q1 20:00 remaining GWS 0.0 (0) v Melbourne 0.0 (0)
About to get going here - should be a cracker.
Love this tweet from Travis - I relate.
Wherever you go to the footer! There's always the random Collingwood supporter. FFS! #AFLGIANTSDees pic.twitter.com/2jdQyyUHKE
— Travis Bickle (@travisbynight) August 5, 2017
Cricket
Just while we’re waiting for GWS v Melbourne - did you know that our women’s cricketers just received the biggest pay rise ever in the history of women’s sport in Australia? I was lucky enough to talk with Jodie Fields yesterday - Fields retired in 2014 as one of the most successful Australian cricketing captains, with victories at the 2012 ICC Women’s World Cup Twenty20 and the 2013 ICC Women’s World Cup. She captained 58 matches in total, equal-second behind Belinda Clark on 113.
Fields said the new deal would ensure that there is now a “female cricket pathway that girls can aspire to from local cricket right through to the Australian Women’s Cricket Team”.
“Positively, in the competitive world of sport, the new pay deal will ensure cricket attracts young girls to train and play and enjoy our sport. It will provide a career option for women and girls who aspire to play for their states and Australia. Grassroots cricket is where cricket’s future players and stars will be selected from so this investment is crucial for future generations to come.”
AFL GWS v Melbourne
It’s a sell-out here in Canberra - and there’s some Demon fans in the nation’s capital. Beautiful looking day in Canberra - and the surface is looking mighty fine too.
Melbourne banner: The Mighty Demons, proud and defiant, & here to slay the Giants. #AFLGiantsDees pic.twitter.com/6Dw3DUpBUM
— Corbin Middlemas (@CorbinMiddlemas) August 5, 2017
NRL Preview
Lots of both NFL and AFL are of course happening in-between, but my NRL feature game for today is the Sharks v Raiders clash with a 7:30 kick-off at Southern Cross Group Stadium. These two teams have a strange habit of winning their away games - the Raiders have won three in a row at Shark Park, including five of their past seven. Not to be outdone, the Sharks have won their last five games in Canberra. There’s a sense amongst neutral fans out there that this one could go the same way - with the Raiders taking some confidence from their convincing win over the Rabbitohs in Round 21. Prior to that they also beat the Dragons, and lost to ladder-leading Storm. It’s not a terrible record for the Green Machine - who probably need to win five from five now to make finals - and they have everything to play for.
The Raiders will be boosted by the return of Jordan Rapana and Josh Papalii (both from suspension), which means Michael Oldfield loses his spot, and Joe Tapine goes to the bench. Their in-form players are clearly halves Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin. Sezer’s match-winning 40/20 (and the intercept) against the Dragons was my highlight, although he also had two tries against the Storm. That said, Cronulla also welcome back Jack Bird for the second time since Origin - which means Kurt Capwell will play off the bench (Adam Clydsdale makes way). Nu Brown will also play at five-eighth after last week’s concussion.
The Sharks come into this one in decent form - almost cruisy form, winning 26-12 against both the Warriors and Souths - although both opponents are clearly struggling. Paul Gallen (460 metres) and Andrew Fifita (260 metres) have made the most yardage in those games, and they’ll rely on them again to cause headaches for the Raiders. The Sharks have also been holding plenty of ball (55% in both games) so Canberra will need to target possession.
I think the Sharks will be too strong in this one - despite those tipping an upset - as they have a real chance to solidify their spot in the top-two going into semi-finals.
Other AFL and NRL games happening today are as follows (AEST):
2:10pm Essendon v Carlton
3:00pm Knights v Warriors
4:35pm Brisbane v Bulldogs
5:30pm Titans v Broncos
7:25pm North Melbourne v Collingwood
7:40pm Fremantle v Gold Coast
Welcome
Welcome to this Saturday afternoon/evening edition of Australian Sportwatch. I’m Kate O’Halloran, and here we keep up to date with what’s happening in the world of Australian sport, whatever your preferred shape of ball, with our rolling liveblog. Don’t forget to tweet us @GdnAusSport with the hashtag #sportwatch.
We’ve got two key feature matches for you today - the first the big AFL clash between GWS and Melbourne in chilly Canberra (it’s 9 degrees there at the moment - not that that’s much different to Melbourne, where I am currently freezing). Canberra is of course GWS’ home away from home - where they’ve won seven from their last eight matches. They’ve also won twice there this season - against both Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs. Melbourne, meanwhile have travelled to Manuka (or UNSW Canberra Oval) six times for only the two wins.
There’s some personnel changes for this one that should have a big impact on the game. For GWS - they’ll miss twin towers Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton, but will welcome Brett Deledio for his first ever game as a Giant (I must admit, I wasn’t sure that would ever happen). They’ve also got an in-form Stephen Coniglio back and firing, who will join Josh Kelly, Dylan Shiel and Callan Ward in a scary-looking midfield. Up-and-coming and in-demand Jacob Hopper is also back, as is Shane Mumford. The Dees, meanwhile, welcome back captain Nathan Jones, and tagger Bernie Vince - if he does indeed tag - and even then who would he go to? Their biggest loss is obviously Jesse Hogan - who may not return for the rest of the season. What a tumultuous year it has been for him.
I’ve just checked and there are no changes to either line-up for today’s game.
Form going into this game is shoddy for both teams. GWS finally came away with a win last week - albeit unconvincingly - against the Dockers. It was their first win since Round 14, and captain Ward says the win has galvanised the group. Melbourne, on the other hand, lost to 17th-placed North Melbourne - but will need to find a way today if they are to stay in touch with finals. They were surpassed on the ladder last night by a rampaging Sydney Swans and risk losing ground to those on the ladder around them (The Bulldogs, who play Brisbane, the Eagles and so on). I can’t wait to see their midfield brigade of Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Dom Tyson go up against their opponents. Also fascinated to see how Tom McDonald goes in Hogan’s absence.
Last time these teams played was round 1, 2016 - so there’s little recent history between them. In that game, the Giants were 21 points in front in the final quarter before they were overrun. Viney had 32 disposals and six tackles. I’ll back Clayton Oliver to match that today. Overall they’ve gone head-to-head 10 times, with the Demons up 6-4.
I have a funny feeling the Demons might win this one. They’ve been up and down all season and they’re due for an up game. GWS meanwhile have hit something of a form slump, and frustration among the players seems to be at an all-time high. That said, last week might have given them the reset they required, and Deledio in will surely give them a spiritual boost. Should be a great game.
I’ll be back shortly with an NRL preview of tonight’s game.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime have a read of Paul Connolly’s live account of the Matildas’ incredible 6-1 victory over Brazil in the Tournament of Nations.
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