Summary
I’m going to sign off here tonight, after a huge day of AFL and NRL action. First up I stayed with the end of the Kangaroos v Demons match, which ended in a big upset in the form of a North Melbourne win. It was a really disappointing loss for the Demons, who were fighting for a top 4 spot and now find themselves just hanging on to a spot in the top 8. Congratulations to the Roos - who have been accused of tanking all week, despite having lost five games by less than a goal this season. Surely they get some heat taken off this week. While that game was happening, the Giants managed to get over the Dockers, despite a huge challenge from Fremantle. I’ve seen vision of Heath Shaw after the game giving everything to Aiden Corr - they seem to be a disgruntled bunch at the moment, the Giants, but will be relieved to get the win in the end after a rough last month.
Meanwhile, in the NRL, the Knights finally broke through for a win over the Dragons, which will bring a smile to the faces of their long-suffering supporters. It was a huge hit to the Dragons’ finals aspirations, and something of a shock loss given the scoreline they managed against Manly last week.
My feature AFL game - between the Power and Saints - ended up being a superb contest, and looked set to end in a Saints upset, before some Paddy Ryder and Robbie Gray magic produced the match-winner with only seconds remaining. It was a brutal blow for the Saints - who would have liked their finals chances after the Swans and Dees had stumbled before them. The Power, meanwhile, will be ecstatic after re-asserting their grip on the top-4 (albeit being dislodged by the Tigers at the end of the night). At the same time in the NRL, the Raiders ran out 32-18 winners over the Rabbitohs, to further heap misery on Souths, and keep their finals hopes alive.
In the feature NRL game, the Cowboys burst out of the blocks to hand the Roosters their biggest half-time deficit of the season. Nonetheless, the Cowboys had no answer for a rampant Roosters in the second half - particularly Sio Siua Taukeiaho - who ended with 214 run metres and inspired the Tricolours to the win. He mirrored Jason Taumalolo for the Cowboys, who was unstoppable in the first half. Big win for the Roosters, who are firmly entrenched in 2nd on the NRL ladder, while the Cowboys’ run is halted at 5th.
In the final two AFL clashes for the night, the Tigers and Cats ran out convincing and unsurprising winners over the Suns and Blues. The Cats, however, look to be sweating on the availability of Patrick Dangerfield, after a potential ‘sling’ tackle on Matthew Kreuzer, which resulted in the big man missing the rest of the game. Having now seen the vision, it seems clear that Dangerfield felt Kreuzer still had the ball (he appealed for holding the ball once they hit the ground). Feel free to disagree, but I don’t think it’ll matter much to the Brownlow anyway - that looks sewn up for Martin now.
I hope you’ll join us again tomorrow for some more Sportwatch action. Thanks for all those who contributed below and followed along today.
AFL Geelong 18.15 (123) beat Carlton 8.10 (58)
Geelong have scored a big victory over Carlton - Tom Hawkins returning to form with a bag of 6 (including the final goal of the match), while Cockatoo and Murdoch also kicked 3 each. Hawkins played further up the ground than usual, finishing with 27 possessions. Nonetheless - the talk of the night was Patrick Dangerfield’s tackle on Carlton’s Matthew Kreuzer - which resulted in Kreuzer playing no further part in the game. I haven’t seen the vision - but would be keen on your thoughts! The win puts the Cats back in 2nd, just above GWS (2 points ahead of the Giants).
AFL Richmond 14.14 (98) beat Gold Coast 10.5 (65)
It’s all over on the Gold Coast - and Richmond in the end cruise to victory over the Gold Coast - a team they’ve surprisingly had trouble beating in the past. Aaron Hall did his best to haul his side over the line, with 40 disposals (11 contested possessions, 6 tackles, 10 inside 50s) but it was always going to be tough with three injuries during the game. In that sense they did well to get as close as they did.
Dustin Martin continued his hot streak of form, this time with 34 disposals (16 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 7 inside 50s and a goal) and seems set to win his first-ever Brownlow at the end of the season. Importantly, the Tigers are now back inside the top 4, dislodging Port Adelaide.
AFL Q4 00:01 remaining Gold Coast 10.5 (65) v Richmond 14.14 (98)
Head-high free kick to Castagna, who can make it 3.3 for the game - he didn’t have a goal until right on three-quarter-time. He kicks his third with a second remaining on the clock.
AFL Q4 01:13 remaining Gold Coast 10.5 (65) v Richmond 13.14 (92)
Despite being four goals in front, the Tigers are running down the clock in their own backline with some kick-to-kick. Down the other end, David Swallow is penalised for a deliberate rushed behind - he was under pressure, but outside the 5m square - which is the technical rule. Lambert fails to convert, however.
AFL Q4 04:52 remaining Gold Coast 10.4 (64) v Richmond 13.13 (91)
Nice, contested pack mark to Tom Lynch who boots his third after Peter Wright missed one from 55m (nonetheless easily making the distance - how good will he be?) They’ve fought on the Suns.
AFL Q4 07:51 remaining Gold Coast 9.4 (58) v Richmond 13.13 (91)
Fair effort from the Suns this quarter - Aaron Hall alone is up to 39 disposals - but Corey Ellis gets his first goal for 2017, despite a few Gold Coast forays forward.
Updated
AFL Q4 11:49 remaining Gold Coast 9.4 (58) v Richmond 12.13 (85)
Opportunity for Castagna to kick his second goal (after he wound a banana through on three-quarter-time) with a set shot from 40m out. It’s through. Richmond will be looking for percentage after Port’s win earlier today.
Updated
AFL Q4 13:27 remaining Gold Coast 9.4 (58) v Richmond 11.13 (79)
Don’t think there’s much doubt who will win the Brownlow this year. Dangerfield will be right in it - but Martin seems to be clearly best-on-ground more often (Geelong probably have more players taking votes off Dangerfield, you’d think).
Well done to the Suns who get a goal back through Lonergan - despite being short so many rotations.
AFL Q4 16:12 remaining Gold Coast 8.4 (52) v Richmond 11.13 (79)
I’ve decided to stick with the closer of the two night AFL games - this one between the Suns and Tigers being the better contest. The Tigers have had 38 inside 50s to 28, and 57 tackles to 44. The Suns have been hit badly with injury, and are down three rotations - Ben Ainsworth, Alex Sexton and Callum Ah Chee are all off the ground. Leading the way for the Suns in Gary Ablett’s absence (a late withdrawal) is Aaron Hall - with 33 disposals (10 contested possessions, 8 marks and 9 inside 50s). For the Tigers, the usual suspects - Martin and Cotchin - are dominating, Martin again up to 27 disposals (13 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s).
For Richmond, Daniel Rioli and Toby Nankervis both have 3 goals - that’s a handy return from Nankervis with Soldo sharing the ruck duties. For the Suns, Tom Lynch has 2 goals.
NRL Roosters beat Cowboys 22-16
Big right-hand play by the Cowboys takes them within 40m, but they have too much to make up on the final tackle, and Lowe drops the ball. The Roosters win it with a huge second-half comeback.
Thought Taukeiaho was huge for the Roosters - he ran 214 metres in the end, beaten only by fullback Watson with 248. In the end he almost had the same impact as Jason Taumalolo in the first half - who finished with 236m. For the Cowboys, Feldt had 2 line breaks (to go with his 182 run metres). Keary had a try and an assist for the Roosters and was influential in the end in the absence of Cordner and Friend. Also loved the game of Victor Radley who made 51 tackles, including the big tackle on Asiata. Unbelievably, Keary reports after the game that Radley broke his hand in the first 10 minutes.
It was a game of two halves, with the Cowboys scintillating in the first half, while the Roosters ran all over them in the second. Reckon there was a big momentum shift with that off-side call against the Cowboys in the second-half. They’ll be left to rue a big missed opportunity, while the Roosters have further consolidated their spot in the top four.
NRL H2 78:51 Roosters 22-16 Cowboys
Final two minutes - the Roosters make it to15m out and take the conservative play, finding the sideline and forcing a scrum. There’s 80m to make up for the Cowboys.
NRL H2 77:16 Roosters 22-16 Cowboys
Penalty to the Cowboys - that will help - they play-the-ball quickly and Morgan makes up plenty of ground. They’re inside 30m on play one. Taumalolo tries to skip through the tackle and sets up Cooper. They go back inside, Feldt slips over and Tupou grabs the intercept. Penalty to the Roosters. The Cowboys are in trouble now.
Updated
NRL H2 75:16 Roosters 22-16 Cowboys
Tupou hit and stuck a big tackle to stop the Cowboys in their tracks. Cooper almost took the kick from Coote but lost it in the air. That might be one of their last chances.
Keary’s kick finds the sideline (just) after Coote chooses to let it bounce. They’ll have to make up 90m, the Cowboys.
Updated
NRL H2 73:16 Roosters 22-16 Cowboys
Here’s that Victor Radley tackle - amazing stuff.
Cowboys have the ball back at the half-way mark.
Big defence from Radley!#NRLRoostersCowboys#NRL pic.twitter.com/bB8f6a7eje
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
NRL H2 72:03 Roosters 22-16 Cowboys
Asiata drops the ball! Big, potentially game-saving tackle from new boy Radley. Wow. Scrum.
NRL H2 70:00 Roosters 22-16 Cowboys
Napa’s back on - no respite for the Cowboys. The Roosters play it safe and complete their set at the half-way line. Reckon the Cowboys will be happy to at least have some field position back.
Feldt found a huge hole and made it nearly all the way to the try line, but inexplicably pulled up. Was he injured? It might not matter - they’ve got the penalty 10m out.
NRL H2 67:43 Roosters 22-16 Cowboys
Things are looking dire for the Cowboys, with the Roosters running all over the top of them. The Roosters choose to take the 2 after a penalty a few metres out. Strange choice - I think the Cowboys would be happy to concede the 2. Mitchell converts.
NRL H2 65:42 Roosters 20-16 Cowboys
Great attacking set again from the Roosters, but Feldt saves the day for the Cowboys on the last-line of defence. Their set ends at 30m, with a flat kick finding Ferguson 60m out for the Roosters. Tupou carries the ball 20m against a tired-looking Cowboys defense. Keary with the kick on the last tackle, and Feldt knocks the ball on.
NRL H2 61:42 Roosters 20-16 Cowboys
That man again is almost through, and Keary boots the ball to Coote. The Cowboys are struggling to gain any field position, and Taukeiaho breaks another tackle. On the final tackle, Keary takes on the defence and backs himself all the way to the line. The Roosters are back in front!
Show.
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
And.
Go!#NRLRoostersCowboys#NRL pic.twitter.com/UwKWOF70GH
Taukeiaho might be the match-winner, but he misses the conversion wide to the right.
NRL H2 58:12 Roosters 16-16 Cowboys
Penalty goes against Coote for holding onto Pearce too long and stopping the quick play-the-ball. They’ll need to take this opportunity, the Roosters. Taukeiaho does just that and bulldozes over the line - grounding the ball clearly. The try call goes to the Bunker, who review with “insufficient evidence” to overturn, again.
Taukeiaho has been brilliant since coming on. He took four down with him in that try. He converts his own try to square things up at 16 each.
Sio Siua Taukeiaho just wanted the try-line!#NRLRoostersCowboys#NRL pic.twitter.com/NZQ2LE4kKs
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
Updated
NRL H2 54:43 Roosters 10-16 Cowboys
Guerra goes close but the Roosters are forced to retreat again. They go back inside on the last tackle and Keary’s kick rebounds off the upright, but Coote completes an excellent intercept to halt another 6.
Taumalolo is back on and immediately picks up 18m.
NRL H2 53:05 Roosters 10-16 Cowboys
Massive kickout from Feldt - it went over 60m on the full. The Roosters make their way to 10m out for another penalty and they tap and go. The Cowboys defense holds up well and after 3 they’re back to 20m out. On the fourth, Coote saves a try on the right-hand side, and on the final tackle, the Cowboys come away with the ball after they intercept the kick. Great defensive effort by the Cowboys.
NRL H2 50:16 Roosters 10-16 Cowboys
Te Maire Martin’s tackle hits Aubusson high for a Roosters penalty and they have another 6, 20m out. Taukeiaho has made a difference since coming on - and steamrolls a few defenders on their way to a forced dropout and another 6.
NRL H2 48:00 Roosters 10-16 Cowboys
Bit of a shift in momentum here since that off-side against the Cowboys - who were looking strong after the Watson drop. The Roosters at least sense their opening and have the ball back through Watson.
NRL H2 46:19 Roosters 10-16 Cowboys
Watson is almost through but for a Hess tackle - but they can’t stop the Roosters on the left-hand side, who are through with a try to Tupou. Big mistake from Feldt who committed too early in the centre and left a big space for the Roosters.
Mitchell can’t convert from 25m, out near the sideline.
Just tip-toes down the sideline!#NRLRoostersCowboys#NRL pic.twitter.com/6mwxr35ayp
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
Updated
NRL H2 43:13 Roosters 6-16 Cowboys
A nice up and down kick from the Morgan and Watson can’t handle it. Luckily for them there’s an off-side penalty against the Cowboys.
NRL H2 41:53 Roosters 6-16 Cowboys
Back on at Allianz Stadium, with the home team looking to start much stronger than they finished. They’ve won 9 of their last 10 at this venue, and a win today would make it five-straight. They’ve got plenty of ground to make up for that to happen.
Coote takes a nice catch from the Pearce kick and the Cowboys are back on their way.
Super Rugby Crusaders beat Chiefs 27-13
This is in from AAP on the semi-final between the Crusaders and Chiefs in Christchurch, with the offensively ruthless and defensively brilliant Crusaders wrapping up their place in next week’s Super Rugby final, beating the Chiefs 27-13.
With their backs against the wall for much of Saturday’s match, and barely one-third of possession, the Crusaders seized on every chance. Midfielder-cum-winger Seta Tamanivalu bagged a clinical double, after earlier efforts by halfback Bryn Hall and Test stalwart Israel Dagg.
Without the ball, the Crusaders were equally impressive, holding a territorially dominant Chiefs outfit - with Damian McKenzie lurking from deep - to a single try, a late consolation to lock Brodie Retallick. They’ll look ahead to next weekend’s final, with the location - at home or in Johannesburg - dependent on Sunday morning’s other semi-final between the Lions and Hurricanes in South Africa.
AFL Q2 03:40 remaining Carlton 4.2 (26) v Geelong 9.10 (64)
Likewise, the Cats are well on top against the Blues. In a welcome return to form, Tom Hawkins has 3 goals and 14 disposals. For the Blues, Casboult has 3, while Docherty and Murphy are topping the disposals.
The Blues are winning the clearances 20-14, but are well behind on inside 50s, 33-13.
AFL Q2 06:43 remaining Gold Coast Suns 4.3 (27) v Richmond 7.5 (47)
No surprises in this match with the Tigers easily up against the Suns. Exciting youngster Daniel Rioli has 3 goals for his side, while Dustin Martin has continued on his merry way with 17 disposals (7 contested possessions, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s).
Richmond are leading the way in disposals (173-125), clearances (18-14), and contested possessions (61-54).
For the Suns, Aaron Hall has 16 disposals, including 6 inside 50s, 2 clearances and 3 marks. All single goal-scorers so far for the Suns.
NRL half-time Roosters 6-16 Cowboys
Penalty to the Roosters just before half-time and time for a full set of six. Big tackle from Morgan sends them backwards and a forward pass is paid against Pearce (it didn’t look forward on the replay). The ball should end with the Cowboys - and does. Coote goes for a field goal from 40m but it drops short.
Impressive half by the Cowboys. It’s the Roosters’ biggest half-time deficit for the season.
Victor Radley has 34 tackles in another impressive showing for the Roosters, while Isaac Liu has 25 and 89 run metres. Connor Watson has 108 run metres - but none come close to Taumalolo with 174. Lowe also has 97 run metres. Hess and Linnett both have a line break for the Cowboys, while Mitchell and Liu have one each for the Roosters.
Big half coming up for the Roosters if they’re to get back into the game.
Updated
NRL H1 37:51 Roosters 6-16 Cowboys
Penalty for a high tackle on Coote - disappointing for the Roosters after Pearce produced a perfect kick to put the Cowboys under all sorts of pressure.
Unbelievably, Taumalolo has already run 174 metres.
NRL H1 36:16 Roosters 6-16 Cowboys
Michael Morgan kicks the ball straight up in the air to complete the set - but the Roosters leave Morgan to catch his own ball, who kicks it again and gains another 30+ metres. Bizarre - not sure why no Roosters contested that.
NRL H1 34:26 Roosters 6-16 Cowboys
Coen Hess in for his 12th try this season, and Lowe converts.
I didn’t see sufficient evidence to overturn that one, but it also looked short to the naked eye. The ref was right there - so you can’t argue.
Just too strong!
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
Coen Hess 💪#NRLRoostersCowboys#NRL pic.twitter.com/dTponyWAq4
Taumalolo is on fire with 16 hit-ups already.
NRL H1 31:09 Roosters 6-14 Cowboys
Penalty to the Roosters, they’ll breathe a sigh of relief with that one after the Cowboys were well on top. Isaac Liu broke the line to take the Roosters right up to 5m out, but they lose the ball.
On their return set, the Cowboys win another penalty. 35m out after play one. Hess looks almost through on the 4th. He look short but it is called a try on-field - and goes to the bunker. Insufficient evidence to overturn - which means a try to the Roosters!
Updated
NRL H1 27:39 Roosters 6-10 Cowboys
Brilliant hands again by Coote sets up Feldt with a long pass on the right-hand side. The Cowboys are taking the ball deep to the line and their passing game is superb.
Ethan Lowe makes this conversion after missing an easier strike earlier.
Feldt is over in the corner and the Cowboys take the lead!
— FOX SPORTS NRL (@FOXNRLLive) July 29, 2017
LIVE: https://t.co/kOGadhZahL #NRLRoostersCowboys pic.twitter.com/lNLlRz9k2j
NRL H1 24:59 Roosters 6-4 Cowboys
Big gain by the Cowboys but a penalty for contact to Taumalolo takes them 30m backwards and denies play on. That same man almost takes the Cowboys over the line after steamrolling the defense, and sets up a kick for his team that’s taken out of play by the Roosters. Another dropout.
NRL H1 22:30 Roosters 6-4 Cowboys
Cowboys gain only 33m and the Roosters are back in attack with a big run from Watson. Brilliant spin from Liu to evade the Cowboys’ defence, and the Roosters almost set up a try before Manu is forced to throw the ball forward after running out of space on the right-hand side.
NRL H1 19:02 Roosters 6-4 Cowboys
Great hands from Coote - he finds Linnett in space for a try! Te Maire Martin set up that try by going right to the Roosters’ defensive line, which started a string of impressive passes.
The @nthqldcowboys find plenty of space on the left edge!#NRLRoostersCowboys#NRL pic.twitter.com/is0dUvG75z
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
Missed conversion out to the right.
Meanwhile Morgan is being attended to by the trainers.
NRL H1 16:10 Roosters 6-0 Cowboys
Napa gives away a penalty to Winterstein. Taumalolo is crashing in with intent. The Cowboys force a dropout for another 6.
NRL H1 14:12 Roosters 6-0 Cowboys
Here’s some vision of the first try to Mitchell.
Re-starting with a scrum here - feed to the Cowboys.
Latrell Mitchell making the hard look easy!#NRLRoostersCowboys 6-0 after 4 minutes.#NRL pic.twitter.com/QXh5cZ4ED1
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
NRL H1 13:03 Roosters 6-0 Cowboys
The Cowboys are making plenty of mistakes - and Winterstein loses the ball 30m out to continue that trend. Full set coming for the Roosters. Penalty against Morgan for holding on to Pearce too long. He looks to be hurting. 10m out they go again. Aubusson almost makes it all the way through. The Roosters keep attacking Morgan with that bung shoulder.
Roosters drop the ball on the fourth to let a good opportunity go begging. Probably the wrong choice by Pearce to go to Hargreaves.
NRL H1 06:29 Roosters 6-0 Cowboys
Another sharp pass from Keary out to Tupou on the left who goes back inside to Matterson. 30m out, Pearce kicks nicely for Ferguson but it’s another knock-on to the Roosters.
NRL H1 06:29 Roosters 6-0 Cowboys
Potential injury to Morgan whose arm is hanging by his side after a big hit from Ryan Matterson.
Nice gains made by the Roosters - and Keary’s kick is knocked back by Tupou to set them off again, but the Roosters are penalised for a knock-on.
Updated
NRL H1 04:27 Roosters 6-0 Cowboys
Good opening set from the Roosters and Cowboys, and the two fullbacks go head-to-head in a big tackle by Coote.
Latrell Mitchell is in for a try to the Roosters with barely two minutes gone! That’s his tenth for the season. Keary found Mitchell in space with Feldt off his mark - sloppy defense from the Cowboys. He follows up with an easy conversion.
Updated
NRL Roosters 0-0 Cowboys
We’re just about to kick off here - in case you missed it, here’s my preview from earlier.
At Allianz Stadium at 7:30 tonight the Roosters will square off with the Cowboys in the NRL match of the round - and our second feature game. The Cowboys will be desperate to prove their credentials against a top four side – after managing to eek out four wins in a row (albeit against lower-placed teams, losing to higher-placed Melbourne and Cronulla). The Cowboys have impressed in Jonathan Thurston’s absence, thanks largely to the form of Michael Morgan. In combination with five-eighth Te Maire Martin, the pair have more than proved their worth in recent weeks, while winger Kyle Feldt is on fire (how good was his offload to Ethan Lowe against the Warriors?) This is as good a chance as any for the Cowboys to beat a top team, with the Roosters missing Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend, and North Queensland ranked #3 in defense. That said, there’s some doubt lingering over Shaun Fensom (ribs) and Scott Bolton (illness), with both having disrupted training weeks. Should they win, the Cowboys can jump to fourth if the margin is nine or more – and they’ll want to get ahead of the pack with a tough draw remaining (they have the Storm, Panthers, Sharks and Broncos in the next five weeks).
In the Roosters, North Queensland meet their match in defense – with the Tricolours ranked #4 in the league. They’re also ranked #6 for attack and have won 9 of their past 11 games – although they do also rank #2 in the league for errors, which should open up plenty of opportunities for the Cowboys. Like the Cowboys, they face a tough draw, with all of the Sea Eagles, Storm, Sharks and Broncos to come in the five weeks (their only respite, like the Cowboys, will be against the Wests Tigers). The Roosters’ fine form has been in no small part due to the dominance of their halves, in Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary, who average one and a half try assists per game, a line break and 140 metres of running each. They’ve formed a formidable combination with Props Dylan Napa (average 100 run metres) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (average 140 metres per game). Last week we also saw the exciting Victor Radley make a great debut for the Tricolours and he’ll again feature in the role of hooker.
Head-to-head, the Roosters have won a whopping 24 matches to 10, a ledger which worsens at Allianz stadium (with the Tricolours winning 13/19 against the Cowboys there). Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Cowboys upset here – I think they’re in with a big chance.
NRL Canberra Raiders beat South Sydney Rabbitohs 32-16
Our feature game between the Roosters and Cowboys is just about to start, but before that a quick re-cap to let you know that the Raider have scored five tries to three to keep their finals hopes alive. Johnston scored a consolation try for the Rabbitohs in teh 80th minute, but the game was decided earlier, with a couple of crucial tries to Bateman and Oldfield after the Rabbitohs scored their second through Fuimaono in the 50th minute.
Whitehead had 37 tackles for the Raiders, and Jack Wighton ran 188 metres. Croker had 1 line break and 5/5 conversions, as well as a penalty goal. For the Rabbitohs, Crichton ran 152 metres, and Burgess and Cook had 35 tackles each. Another disappointing loss for the Rabbitohs.
Port Adelaide 9.9 (63) beat St Kilda 8.13 (61)
What an unbelievable finish. Fitting that the game ended with a huge goal to Robbie Gray, who had nine disposals in the last quarter. It was a perfect tap down from Ryder to win the game for their team after all looked lost completely (certainly many Power fans had given up, and had left the ground).
The Saints will be devastated - not sure how they lost it 2 goals up with a minute and 18 left. I thought they’d won a crucial ‘8-pointer’ to put them into the eight and ahead of the pack of contenders who have stumbled this week (Melbourne and Sydney in particular). Carlisle was huge for them, and did everything he could to win the game for his side. SO did Luke Dunstan, who had 27 disposals (9 contested, 7 inside 50s, 6 clearances, and a big goal). Seb Ross racked up another 31, with 14 contested, 6 tackles and 6 clearances - but he was Gray’s direct opponent when he slipped away, onto Ryder’s tap and steered the winning goal through.
That man Gray finished with 27 disposals (but 9 crucial disposals in the final quarter, 13 contested possessions, 5 clearances and the match-winning goal). Ryder had 45 hit-outs, 8 clearances and 5 inside 50s in another big game for him.
Huge win for the Power to re-assert their top 4 credentials.
Updated
AFL Q4 00:07 remaining Port Adelaide 9.9 (63) v St Kilda Saints 8.13 (61)
Carlisle bangs the ball on his boot to clear the 50 - looked deliberate as any but they don’t pay it. Ryder finds Robbie Gray with an incredible tap and Gray kicks the goal from 50 out - just over Carlisle’s head. Unbelievable. They’ve won it.
Updated
AFL Q4 00:54 remaining Port Adelaide 8.9 (57) v St Kilda Saints 8.13 (61)
Port get one back with 55 seconds left! A large number of their supporters have left. Quality snap from Young who made something out of nothing.
Updated
AFL Q4 02:00 remaining Port Adelaide 7.9 (51) v St Kilda Saints 8.13 (61)
Polec takes a big contested mark deep in defence and finds Amon 50m out. He turns the ball over, however, and the Saints have a shot inside 50 with Membrey lining up on a sharp angle. He’s taking his full 30 seconds. He kicks it, I can’t believe it.
The Saints have kicked an astounding 5.1 in this final quarter after missing everything up to three-quarter-time. They’ll win it from here, I think.
Updated
AFL Q4 03:16 remaining Port Adelaide 7.9 (51) v St Kilda Saints 7.13 (55)
The Saints are outnumbering the Power at the contest, and the ball is deep in their 50 with 3 minutes remaining.
AFL Q4 04:07 remaining Port Adelaide 7.9 (51) v St Kilda Saints 7.13 (55)
Steele’s snap is off to the right and there’s still four points in it. The Power fans aren’t happy about the umpiring - admittedly Sam Gray looked like he was held with that last soccer on goal. They’ve won the majority of the frees today interstate - that’s rare!
Port will lose their grip on the top four if they drop this one.
AFL Q4 06:36 remaining Port Adelaide 7.9 (51) v St Kilda Saints 7.12 (54)
Jasper Pittard dodges not one but four Saints forwards, and follows up his own ball into the centre. They find some overlap in Boak, ball spills to Sam Gray who tries to soccer a goal and it’s touched.
AFL Q4 06:36 remaining Port Adelaide 7.8 (50) v St Kilda Saints 7.12 (54)
Telling contested possession by Ryder picks out Robbie Gray who bombs it long - and Carlisle intercepts again. He might be the difference in the end.
AFL Q4 07:16 remaining Port Adelaide 7.8 (50) v St Kilda Saints 7.12 (54)
Saints are in front! Dunstan snaps a brilliant goal to cap off a wonderful day for him - they bullocked their way to that goal, forcing Robbie Gray of all people to drop the ball in the middle.
Plenty of time left.
AFL Q4 07:54 remaining Port Adelaide 7.8 (50) v St Kilda Saints 6.12 (48)
Sinclair snaps a massive goal for the Saints - the ball went out the back of the defenders to Gresham, who appeared to drop the ball (they never pay that any more, do they?) Sinclair swooped and showed composure to kick the goal. 2 points in it!
AFL Q4 09:06 remaining Port Adelaide 7.8 (50) v St Kilda Saints 5.12 (42)
Robbie Gray’s dominance in the centre is telling - he’s jumped up to 23 possessions, 10 contested possessions, 12 kicks and 3 clearances. He finds Dixon inside 50 but he misses the set shot completely. Westhoff now has an opportunity on a tight angle, 50m out. He can’t make the distance, and the Saints try to clear but are penalised for deliberate.
AFL Q4 10:46 remaining Port Adelaide 7.8 (50) v St Kilda Saints 5.12 (42)
Gresham finally gets one back - he ran to about 7m out to make sure of it this time. This game has fired right up!
AFL Q4 11:30 remaining Port Adelaide 7.9 (50) v St Kilda Saints 4.12 (36)
Westhoff’s snap at goal is touched on the line by Sinclair - but his kickout goes straight to Ebert, who boots a massive goal for the Power. Unfortunately that’s a huge, telling mistake for Sinclair - right after he appeared to save a crucial one.
AFL Q4 13:41 remaining Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) v St Kilda Saints 4.12 (36)
Saints are pressing but Josh Bruce lets an important mark slip through his fingers. The ball is inside the Saints’ 50, to be thrown in.
Here’s a lighter moment, thanks to Paul Rizonico.
You've got to hold onto those, Paul Rizonico. #AFLPowerSaints pic.twitter.com/ovEAM4co1n
— AFL (@AFL) July 29, 2017
AFL Q4 15:25 remaining Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) v St Kilda Saints 4.12 (36)
Tim Membrey lines up from outside 50 to get the Saints one back against the flow of play. He makes the distance and the kick is accurate to boot. That’s big.
AFL Q4 16:45 remaining Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) v St Kilda Saints 3.12 (30)
Port are picking holes through the St Kilda defence, and Charlie Dixon manages an uncontested mark at the top of the square. Nathan Brown, for whatever reason, didn’t jump with him and the Saints defenders look at each other in dismay. Goal for Dixon and a big one for the Power.
Super Rugby Crusaders H2 45:59 10-6 Chiefs
The Chiefs are creeping ever closer, but no change to the score here since half time. McKenzie scored two penalty goes for the Chiefs in the 26th and 37th minutes to peg back the 6 points. I have to jump back to the AFL but will update you on the conclusion of this one once it’s done.
NRL H2 41:07 South Sydney Rabbitohs 6-20 Canberra Raiders
Second half has just started at ANZ stadium. The Raiders had the last say in the first half, with a try to Cotric and conversion following from Croker. Joseph Tapine is causing headaches for the Rabbitohs, with 114 run metres (Jack Wighton also has 104), while Elliot Whitehead leads the way with 29 tackles for the Raiders. Damien Cook is working hard for the Souths, with 23 tackles (equal with Sam Burgess who also has 23 tackles, and has run 101 metres).
Here’s the Cotric try in the 35th minute.
#NRLsoucan From right to left! Cotric seals the deal.#NRLSouthsRaiders 6-20 after 35 minutes.#NRL pic.twitter.com/oNElid2tiF From Nationa…
— CanberraRaidersNews (@Canberra_Raider) July 29, 2017
AFL three-quarter-time Port Adelaide 5.7 (37) v St Kilda Saints 3.12 (30)
Blake Acres takes a crucial contested grab just on the siren, and finally drills the goal for the Saints. That changes the look of this one - with only 7 points in it now. Power will be disappointed to let that one slip just before the break, after they dominated that quarter.
AFL Q3 03:07 remaining Port Adelaide 5.7 (37) v St Kilda Saints 2.12 (24)
One man who has played well today is Jake Carlisle, regularly picking off intercept marks in the back 50. He’s had only the 9 disposals, but he’s taken 6 marks, and had 5 contested possessions. Mark Riccuito wonders if the Saints should shift him up forward, but I don’t know that they can afford to move him.
Meanwhile, Trengove snaps what looks like a goal for Port- but the goal review is used to check if the ball hits the post. The review concludes with a goal awarded.
AFL Q3 05:24 remaining Port Adelaide 4.7 (31) v St Kilda Saints 2.12 (24)
There’s a bit of feeling in this one. The Saints miss yet another opportunity on goal after choosing to play on when they had another set-shot free kick. Not sure why you’d do that in these conditions.
Bruce finally has a set shot on goal after taking a rare contested mark up forward. Believe it or not, he misses. That’s his third point for today (zero goals).
AFL Q3 08:14 remaining Port Adelaide 4.6 (30) v St Kilda Saints 2.10 (22)
Al Paton reckons the Saints can’t kick straight - and it makes a difference when they do.
St Kilda scorelines this year:
— Al Paton (@al_superfooty) July 29, 2017
14.23
9.15
7.12
7.15
2.10 (so far)
(v Tigers 21.12)#AFLPowerSaints
AFL Q3 09:52 remaining Port Adelaide 4.6 (30) v St Kilda Saints 2.10 (22)
Power fans have lost the plot after some 50-50s go against them. Impey seemed to pick out Westhoff but it didn’t travel 15. Westhoff then looked to get a high tackle but instead had holding the ball given against him.
Down the other end, Gresham misses another shot on goal - he’s had two telling opportunities in the last few minutes. Hard to overstate the importance of this game if the Saints want to play finals this year.
AFL Q3 12:05 remaining Port Adelaide 4.6 (30) v St Kilda Saints 2.9 (21)
The Power are increasing their inside 50 dominance with 36 entries to 28. Ryder has 26 hit-outs now.
The Saints are rushing their disposals - they’ve had as much of the ball as the Power but just aren’t using it as well. Finally the class of Jack Steven tells, whose entry inside 50 earns the Saints a set shot. Gresham, however, decides to take a very questionable advantage and misses. Polec lets him know.
Updated
AFL Q3 15:47 remaining Port Adelaide 4.5 (29) v St Kilda Saints 2.8 (20)
Port open the scoring through Polec. They’ve hit the ground running in the second quarter, while the Saints are less clean with the ball. They’ve butchered a few chances to go forward through ineffective disposal.
Updated
Super Rugby H1 24:59 Crusaders 10-0 Chiefs
Very disappointing crowd for this game - don’t know the official count, but it isn’t looking good. In any event, Newman has just been denied a try for a knock-on after the Chiefs looked to get one back against the Crusaders (Jackson had called a try). Controversial.
Back to our feature game!
Updated
NRL H1 21:19 South Sydney Rabbitohs 0-12 Canberra Raiders
Plenty of action here - first Croker takes the 2 from a penalty, before the Green Machine score another try through Joe Tapine.
The kick from Sezer landed seemingly without danger, Jennings got his boot to it, but only managed to direct the ball back into play and in the path of Tapine, who is over for his second try of the season.
Sweet kick, unusual bounce, spin and a grounding! Making it look good @RaidersCanberra!#NRLSouthsRaiders 0-14 after 20 minutes.#NRL pic.twitter.com/rtgAwZ3pq7
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
Updated
Golf
Australian teen golfer Ryan Ruffels is just two shots off the lead in the Canadian Open – the US PGA Tour event in Toronto - after Friday’s second round. Ruffels said he felt his 324-yard average off tee gave him a good chance of winning Australia’s ninth Candian Open title.
“It’s an American-style parkland course. Because the rough isn’t too bad, if you’re close enough to the green you’ve got a good chance at making birdie,” Ruffels told AAP.
“A lot of the Aussies hit it quite far and that allows you to take the bunkers out of play. You look at Jason, he’s a bomber and obviously Greg Norman was one of the greatest drivers of the golf ball.”
Ruffels scored two five-under-par 67s, and his 10-under total leaves him close to little-known American Martin Flores heading into Sunday’s third round. Flores (66) is 12-under, with three of his fellow Americans tied in seconde place: Brandon Hagy (68), Matt Every (68) and Gary Woodland (63).
The next best Australian, Cameron Percy, is at five-under after shooting 71.
Basketball
While we’re at half-time in our feature game, I’ll re-cap some more sports news. Thanks to Wires (AAP), Australia’s Opals team have created history by advancing to the final of the women’s Asia Cup after defeating South Korea by 17 points. This is Australia’s first appearance in the tournament – and are the first non-East Asian nation to make the final. The Opals won 81-64, and led at every break in the match which was held in Bangalore, India. Kelsey Griffin scored 16 points, and US college star Alanna Smith also added 12.
The Australians had already qualified for next year’s World Cup after their defeat of North Korea earlier in the tournament. The top-four teams in the Asian cup automatically qualify for the World Cup in Spain in September next year.
They Opals will face defending champions Japan in Saturday’s final, after Japan beat China 74-71 in a close contest. The Opals have already defeated Japan at this tournament, winning 83-74 in the group stage.
NRL H1 10:01 South Sydney Rabbitohs 0-6 Canberra Raiders
Just 10 minutes in, and already a converted try to the favourites the Raiders.
The try goes to captain Jarrod Croker, who also converts.
Can't stop him! @JarrodCroker falls over the line and then converts his own Try!#NRLSouthsRaiders 0-6 after 10 minutes.#NRL pic.twitter.com/CHyXkCtHGg
— NRL (@NRL) July 29, 2017
AFL half-time Port Adelaide 3.5 (23) v St Kilda Saints 2.8 (20)
Suddenly the Saints are reinvigorated, but Bruce misses a contested mark and another opportunity for a goal when he fumbled one off the (wet) deck. This time he looked to finally outbody his opponent before giving away a free-kick. He’s had a rough day at the office - and is particularly unhappy with the umpires. Just 3 points in it at half-time.
AFL Q2 01:34 remaining Port Adelaide 3.5 (23) v St Kilda Saints 2.8 (20)
Josh Bruce almost knocks himself out cold trying to mark the ball just before the point post. It’s unclear if the ball has hit the post before Membrey picked it up and snapped a goal. Plenty of replays ensue. A goal is paid - that was the umpire’s original call - because Bruce’s hands were between the post and the ball, which equates to play on.
Here’s the vision:
Ohh that had to hurt... #AFLPowerSaints pic.twitter.com/VrtFazA6mV
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) July 29, 2017
AFL Q2 02:12 remaining Port Adelaide 3.5 (23) v St Kilda Saints 1.8 (14)
Billings misses a golden opportunity for the Saints. Bruce brought the ball to ground for Billings to pounce - he had plenty of space and time, for no return. He’s missed a couple now - and the Saints have eight points.
Updated
AFL Q2 03:40 remaining Port Adelaide 3.5 (23) v St Kilda Saints 1.7 (13)
Trengove picks out Robbie Gray in the pocket, who cleverly outbodies his opponent. His snap misses.
Kudos to all the brave fans out there in ponchos.
#truebelievers #portpower #cathaypacificpower #AFLPowerSaints pic.twitter.com/UhFPvHjito
— Leanne Prior (@togs5044) July 29, 2017
Updated
AFL Q2 05:39 remaining Port Adelaide 3.4 (22) v St Kilda Saints 1.7 (13)
Billings has a rare set shot for goal and can’t convert. The Saints have had 8 shots on goal, to Port’s 7, but are 10 points behind. Power are still dominating inside 50s 25-19 and contested possessions 71-57. Ryder still dominates the hit-outs with 19 (Power are winning hit-outs 22-12). Speaking of Ryder he has 7 contested possessions and 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s. Not bad for a ruckman.
For the Saints, Luke Dunstan has 11 disposals (5 contested, 82% disposal efficiency, 4 clearances and 2 inside 50s).
AFL Q2 10:35 remaining Port Adelaide 3.4 (22) v St Kilda Saints 1.4 (10)
The Saints can’t seem to stop bombing it away inside 50. This time Membrey makes it look good with a big contested mark. Billings nearly takes a spectacular pack mark in the square, but can’t complete it and the ball is back with the Power after a rushed behind.
Updated
AFL Q2 11:51 remaining Port Adelaide 3.4 (22) v St Kilda Saints 1.3 (9)
More stalemate after Josh Bruce was crunched by two Power defenders deep inside forward 50. Unlucky not to get the free after a nice pass by Seb Ross.
Down the other end Impey wins a high free kick after some great teamwork from the Power. He scores a second excellent snap goal after Karl Amon’s earlier:
In trying conditions, this was an excellent finish from Karl Amon! #AFLPowerSaints pic.twitter.com/Dm2l4sfXaX
— AFL (@AFL) July 29, 2017
AFL Q2 14:54 remaining Port Adelaide 2.4 (16) v St Kilda Saints 1.3 (9)
Some conjecture over deliberate out of bounds at Adelaide Oval - the umpires are showing leniency in the conditions, but of two close calls, paid the one that looked far less deliberate. I am not suggesting they were influenced by the home crowd. But maybe they were.
AFL Q2 17:28 remaining Port Adelaide 2.3 (15) v St Kilda Saints 1.3 (9)
The Power are dominating general play - they have 15 inside 50s to 9, 47 contested possessions to 31, and Ryder is dominating the ruck with 17 hit-outs to 7. Clearances, however, are even - at 10-11 the Saints’ way.
Amon will be filthy after he was free inside the square and Trengove instead soccered off the ground for a messy behind.
Updated
NRL
That Knights win, though. Here’s the moment McDonald Jones Stadium erupted after Saifiti’s try.
#NRLnewsgi McDonald Jones Stadium just went wild! #NRLKnightsDragons #NRL pic.twitter.com/khcULis9M1... https://t.co/XX1TddW2um
— rugbyleaguehub.com (@leaguehubcom) July 29, 2017
Updated
AFL Q1 quarter-time Port Adelaide 2.3 (15) v St Kilda 1.3 (9)
Couple of late goals to the Power after a bad error from the Saints let Amon in (his first game since Round 10) for an impressive snap in the wet. A small melee breaks out on the verge of quarter-time, which gifts a free to Ebert. Siren sounds. Just a goal in it to the Power, who turned the heat up in those final minutes.
Newcastle Knights beat St George Illawarra Dragons 21-14
I see it but I don’t quite believe it. The Knights finally break through for a win. Jacob Saifiti broke the deadlock with a 72nd minute try, converted by Trent Hodkinson. Hodkinson then took the field goal in the 78th minute to stretch the lead to 5, the winning margin.
Try-scorer Saifiti had 176 run metres for the Knights, eclipsed by Jack de Belin for the Dragons who had 196 (Nene McDonald also ran 190m, but will rue the spilled opportunity for a try). Most tackles went to Cameron McInness, with 66 for the Dragons, while Jamie Buhrer had 40 for the Knights. Dugan and Nightingale had a line break each for the Dragons, and Saifiti and Gagai had one each for Newcastle.
How good is that winning feeling?
WINNERS 🔴🔵 #NRLKnightsDragons #goKnights pic.twitter.com/gChRX6Vz0S
— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) July 29, 2017
Updated
AFL Q1 03:05 remaining Port Adelaide 0.2 (2) v St Kilda 1.3 (9)
Still no goal to the Power despite some opportunities - Ollie Wines just missed a set shot after winning an over-the-shoulder free, and down the other end Mav Weller missed a very similar one for the Saints. Both sides have been guilty of bombing away - the Power to Jake Carlisle in the long-sleeves down back, and the Saints to a raft of Power defenders like Jasper Pittard. We have something of a stalemate brewing.
Updated
GWS Giants 13.20 (98) beat Fremantle Dockers 13.8 (86)
The Giants have held on for an important win for the fledgling club, after their season has stuttered and stalled in the last month or so of football. Josh Kelly kicked the sealer after the Dockers got within 4 points. He was important for his side, finishing with 27 disposals (11 contested possessions, 6 clearances and the game-winning goal). Dylan Shiel was huge in the final quarter, and finished with 26 disposals (11 contested possesions, 7 inside 50s and 8 clearances). All-in-all, the Giants dominated the clearances 45-32, especially at stoppages (33-19).
For the Dockers, Nat Fyfe tried his heart out (as always) with 31 disposals, 19 contested possessions, and 2 goals. How good is it to see him somewhere back near his best? Unheralded Luke Ryan also had 25 disposals - at 88% disposal efficiency, and a huge 14 marks to go with 8 rebound 50s and 6 tackles. He looks a player for the Dockers’ future.
Updated
AFL Q1 11:18 remaining Port Adelaide 0.1 (1) v St Kilda 1.1 (7)
First goal goes to the Saints through Jack Lonie after a questionable free kick for high contact against Sam Powell-Pepper. Lonie looked to throw the head back, so SPP will consider himself unlucky. How good is he, by the way? Genuine Rising Star chance.
AFL Q1 12:20 remaining Port Adelaide 0.1 (1) v St Kilda 0.1 (1)
Alright I’ll return to the feature game but tell you if anything out of the ordinary happens in the GWS game (I’m calling a much-needed win for them). Just a single point each here so far in difficult conditions. The Power are dominating contested possessions (17-11) and hit-outs (6-2) both which will be all-important in the wet.
AFL Q4 02:06 remaining GWS Giants 12.19 (91) v 13.8 (86)
Josh Kelly kicks the sealer (surely) for the Dockers with a couple of minutes left. Nice composure from young Kelly - that was thanks to yet another Devon Smith clearance and possession (he’s had 11 possessions this quarter).
AFL Q4 02:51 remaining GWS Giants 12.19 (91) v 13.8 (86)
Stephen Hill drives the Dockers into forward 50 and the ball goes out of bounds off Mundy’s hands. Nat Fyfe wins another clearance but the Dockers can’t get a clean possession and Devon Smith hands it off to Patton who loads up from 50m and misses everything. He was pushed as he kicked, however, and they’ve paid a downfield free-kick. That’s a questionable decision given he pushed him AS he kicked it, which usually results in a free where the ball was. Jeremy Cameron takes it on a very tight angle, and misses.
Updated
AFL Q1 17:44 remaining Port Adelaide 0.0 (0) v St Kilda 0.1 (1)
It’s pouring rain at the Adelaide Oval - and the forecast is no better. Ponchos abound. First foray forward goes to Josh Bruce who takes a great contested mark considering the weather. His snap goes wide.
Just had a quick peek at the GWS v Fremantle game and the Dockers are within four points. I might quickly go to the last few minutes of that game for you and return to this one.
Updated
AFL
Just before this one starts - how good was David Squires’ take on the AFL Footy Show earlier this week? He had five suggestions for saving the Footy Show. Hint: anything that isn’t white, male, and heterosexual (in case you’re wondering, Eddie McGuire doesn’t qualify).
AFL Q4 08:00 remaining GWS Giants 12.15 (87) v Fremantle 12.8 (80)
The Dockers FINALLY get one back through Ballantyne (after a fantastic handpass by Mayne to keep the ball inside the boundary line) after four consecutive goals to Lobb, Scully, Smith and Patton. What can the Dockers conjure with 8 minutes remaining?
I’ll let you know how this one plays out, but I’ll head over to our feature game now between the Power and Saints.
Updated
NRL H2 62:08 Newcastle Knights 14-14 St George Illawarra Dragons
Could Newcastle finally hold on for a win? It’s all square at McDonald Jones Stadium. They’ve made some questionable decisions on the fifth tackle - and almost gifted the Dragons a try just before, if not for a nice chase by Nathan Ross to force the error by Nene. This one looks set to go to the wire - and I’ll check back in with it when I can get away from our feature game (Port Adelaide v St Kilda in the AFL - followed by Roosters v Cowboys in the NRL)
AFL North Melbourne 11.10 (76) beat Melbourne 10.12 (72)
Jayden Hunt looked to have the best chance to win it for the Dees - and sought to centre it to Lewis, but the kick was poor. The Roos find a free man in Nathan Hrovat, who bombs it inside 50 and the Roos WIN IT! Surely that emphatically answers the tanking claims that have unfairly been directed their way this week. They have lost plenty of close ones this season (five games under a goal!) and are unlucky to be as low as they are in my opinion.
For the Demons, it was a very Melbourne-like stumble after such a good month of football, and with a top four spot on the line. I’ll back them in for this to be a one-off. Credit to the Roos - they came with hunger, passion and pride for their club today.
AFL Q4 01:05 remaining North Melbourne 11.10 (76) v Melbourne 10.12 (72)
BIG mark to Majak Daw. He delivers after that epic spray from Scott last week. Another big man, Ben Brown, gets a free for in the back and Higgins - who was in plenty of space - chose not to take the advantage and instead backs his side in to milk the last minute. Brown finds the line.
Updated
AFL Q4 01:55 remaining North Melbourne 11.10 (76) v Melbourne 10.12 (72)
A point to Melbourne through Christian Petracca. Could this be a one-point heartbreak for the Roos? Hibberd unloads but misses after Tom McDonald took another telling mark.
AFL Q4 03:49 remaining North Melbourne 11.10 (76) v Melbourne 10.10 (70)
Higgins plays on to Andrew Swallow who fumbles and (seemingly) plays for a high free. Thought he was pinged for holding the ball, but got one in the back. Point to North to make it an even goal lead.
Updated
Football
I’ll keep you updated on the final moments of the North Melbourne v Melbourne AFL game, but in the meantime, do yourselves a favour and have a read of Barney Ronay on the likely transfer of Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe – otherwise known as the most coveted young football talent in the world. It looks, unsurprisingly, like he might end up at Real Madrid – for a world-record £160m fee, in a move that would qualify as not only the largest but also the most extraordinary football transfer of all time. Loved Ronay’s take on the hyperbole that often accompanies football transfers. As he puts it, “for all Mbappé’s vast social media imprint, his status as a kind of Snapchat footballer, a viral skill-meme made flesh, it is worth remembering that he really hasn’t done anything yet.” Unbelievably, the proposed transfer fee would exceed the combined fees Madrid paid for Cristinao Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane – when both were world player of the year winners, and in their 20s.
AFL Q4 07:35 remaining North Melbourne 11.9 (75) v Melbourne 10.10 (70)
Big final seven minutes or so left in this game - the Demons hit the lead again through the reborn forward Tom McDonald, who has stepped up and saved them in more than a few games this year. Down the other end, Ben Brown completely misfires and Jy Simpkin takes a mark 25m out. He goals to put the underdogs back in front. What tanking?
Cricket
England v South Africa third Test
England have surged to a considerable lead in the third test over South Africa, posting 353 before a brilliant bowling display left South Africa 126-8 at the end of play. The story of the day was Toby Roland-Jones, who on debut took four wickets in his first 33 balls of Test cricket. Finishing with 4/39 from 11 overs, the 29-year-old right-armer from Middlesex took the wickets of the first four South African batsmen, and said it was the kind of debut “every young kid dreams of”. “The way this afternoon unfolded was something I hadn’t pictured [before the match]. You try to stick to the basics and have a simple plan in your head. I felt in nice rhythm and things just seemed to catch fire from there.”
His debut overshadowed the superb century of Ben Stokes, who also made history by becoming the first Englishman to hit three consecutive sixes in a Test match since Wally Hammond. The first of those sixes was actually caught – by Du Plessis – who nonetheless tumbled over onto the boundary rope, leaving Stokes not-out. He finished on 112 off 153 balls, with 98 dot balls and 60 runs off boundaries. This was perhaps the most mature of his five Test hundreds, and one which may prove a match-winner. It will no doubt provide some respite to scrutiny over his measly average of 33 coming into the game.
F1 - Hungarian Grand Prix
Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo has finished fastest in practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix, to give a timely reminder that a rejuvenated Red Bull can be a force to reckon with. Riccardio finished in one minute and 18.455 seconds in the afternoon session, and also led the morning session, recording two times inside Michael Schumacher’s lap record for Ferrari in 2004. Riccardio sits fourth in the championship overall, 60 points behind Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel at the mid-point of the season. He has had five podium finishes this year, and won in Azerbaijan last month. If he is successful in taking pole, it will be a record-equalling 68th time he has done so in his career.
World Swimming Championships
Australia’s horror run in the World Swimming Championships in Budapest has continued, with Bronte Campbell failing to defend her 100m freestyle title. Campbell became the third woman in history to win the 50m-100m double at the last world titles, in Kazan, in 2015. In yesterday’s final, however, she faded to second last, finishing with a time of 53.18 seconds (more than half a second shy of her 2015 winning time). In the lead-up, Campbell had struggled with illness in the days before her title defence, and has also had chronic shoulder issues since the titles in Kazan. Nonetheless, she’ll be disappointed to have finished a full second behind winner Simone Manuel, who finished in 52.27, setting a new US record and becoming the first American to win the 100m title since Jenny Thompson in 1998.
Australia is now 12th in the medal tally with only two days remaining in the Championships, and have won only five silver and two bronze medals. Emma McKeon has so far won four silver and one bronze, the equal most medals won at a title by an Australian woman. Emily Seebohm remains the Australians’ best hope of winning gold – who will tonight compete in the 200m backstroke. She equalled her own national record (2:05:81), the same time she swam in the 2015 world titles in Kazan, to qualify fastest for the final.
AFL Q4 17:25 remaining North Melbourne 10.8 (68) v Melbourne 9.8 (62)
Another unexpectedly close one - and potential huge upset - is brewing here at Blundstone Arena in Tasmania. Cult hero Ben Brown has 4 goals for the Roos - while Luke McDonald (18 disposals, 5 contested possessions, 13 kicks, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal) and Andrew Swallow (20 possessions, 8 contested possessions, 85% disposal efficiency, 1 goal) are leading the way for their team at their home-away-from-home.
For the Dees - Clayton Oliver has 23 disposals (87% disposal efficiency, a whopping 17 contested possessions and 10 clearances) and Michael Hibberd (22 disposals, 8 marks, 6 rebound 50s) is holding down the fort in defence. Gawn has 41 hit-outs against Majak Daw, and Jeff Garlett has 3 goals. The Demons will slip to 7th should they lose today. What a season.
Updated
NRL half-time Newcastle 14-12 St George Illawarra
Unfortunately for the Knights, they’ve let a Dragons try slip with just a few seconds remaining on the clock until half-time. That brings the Dragons right back within 2 points, in an ominous sign for Newcastle. The Dragons, however, will be relieved after they had not one but two tries overturned.
Here’s vision of the controversial call from the Bunker - you make up your own mind!
Vision of the @NRL_Dragons No Try decision in the 30th minute of #NRLKnightsDragons.#NRL pic.twitter.com/0iMZgMcz0W
— NRL Bunker (@NRLBunker) July 29, 2017
Tournament of Nations (Women’s football)
While we’re waiting for the Port v St Kilda game to start, I’ll do a quick round-up of news launching overnight.
Big news out of the Tournament of Nations with Australia yesterday beating the USA for the first time in an incredible 27 attempts. The two teams first met 30 years ago – with Australia managing just two draws in 26 matches since. The 1-0 win came thanks to Tameka Butt’s volley goal in the 67th minute. The Matildas are a steadily improving side, and will hope this is the breakthrough they’ve needed to take their game to the next level on the international stage. The Australians will face Japan in their next game and will be riding a high into the all-important game. The US meanwhile play Brazil, who drew 1-1 with Japan in the tournament opener.
For those who aren’t familiar with it, the Tournament of Nations is a four-team, round-robin competition featuring Brazil as well as the aforementioned teams. Games are played in Seattle, San Diego and Carson and all nations are ranked in Fifa’s world top 10. The US are ranked one, compared with Australia 7th, which highlights what a win it was for the Matildas.
Coach Alen Stajcic said the Matildas had been building to the win since their impressive showing in the 2015 World Cup opener against the US, where the Matildas played well but eventually lost 3-1.
It was a real shot in the arm for the team and it laid down the marker for the win,” Stajcic said.
“After that performance we knew we could take it to the big teams and outplay them. Even though the result didn’t go our way it laid the platform and the foundations in terms of belief.”
He was also confident that the win would set the Matildas up well for their remaining games against local rivals Japan (on Monday AEST) and Brazil (Friday AEST).
“To get that monkey off the back, it adds to our belief,” he said.
“Japan we’ve beaten at their home. America we’ve beaten at their home. They’re the last two World Cup finalists. We had a draw with Germany at the Olympics last year and they end up winning the Gold Medal. We’ve shown we can beat the best teams in the world on their home turf and the challenge is now for us to do it for a few games in a row at a major tournament to win the thing.”
AFL half-time GWS Giants 6.7 (43) v Fremantle Dockers 6.6 (42)
An unexpectedly close one is unfolding at Spotless Stadium, with the Giants just one point in front of the Dockers at half-time. Nat Fyfe is leading the way for his team with 17 disposals, at 76.5% disposal efficiency, 4 clearances, a goal, 3 tackles, 9 contested possessions and 7 score involvements. Almost a complete game at half time. Another unlikely suspect - Luke Ryan - is also going at 93% diposal efficiency for his 14 disposals, and 5 rebound 50s. Shane Kersten also has three goals for the half, to be the unlikely top-scorer.
For the Giants, captain Callan Ward has had plenty of the ball (12 disposals, 5 marks), and emerging star Josh Kelly (16 disposals, 3 contested possessions) is again proving his worth (or driving up his dollar value, whichever way you want to look at it). Will they rue yet another suspension to Toby Greene?
There’s a small technical issue with photos today, so forgive me for some photo-less news for a while...
NRL H1 32:15 Newcastle Knights 12-6 St George Illawarra Dragons
The Knights are at it again - tantalising in the early stages of their NRL matches (ordinarily this ends in horror second-half fade outs). They raced away to the first two tries in this match - the first in the sixth minute to Brock Lamb, and the second in the 11th minute to former Rooster Shaun Kenny-Dowall. Both were converted by Trent Hodkinson. However, the Dragons got one back through Paul Vaughan in the 23rd, which was converted by Gareth Widdop.
Here’s Vaughan’s try in the 23rd:
#NRLnewsgi Big man knows his way to the line! Paul Vaughan. 👌 #NRLKnightsDragons #NRL pic.twitter.com/MdYuwPTEbe... https://t.co/CM663sDWDa
— rugbyleaguehub.com (@leaguehubcom) July 29, 2017
As I’m writing, no try has been given against the Dragons for a knock-on, after the Bunker ruled “insufficient evidence” that the ball had gone backwards. Hmm? Bizarre one, that, looked like a certain try to Tim Lafai. Will get vision when I can.
Hello and welcome to Saturday’s Guardian Australia Sportwatch blog. 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.
I’ll be liveblogging two feature matches for you today – the first being the AFL clash between Port Adelaide and St Kilda. This shapes as a crucial match for both teams – albeit for different reasons. The Saints will be hoping that that a win keeps their stumbling season alive while those teams above them do their best to allow others a chance to take their place in the eight (see: The West Coast Eagles’ capitulation to Collingwood last week). Just above them, the reigning premiers the Bulldogs will face Essendon tomorrow in a do-or-die clash for both finals aspirants. We should know a lot more about the composition of the final eight after this round. The Saints, will, however, be without spiritual leader Nick Riewoldt (one of many ‘managed’ this round), as well as veteran Leigh Montagna (will he go on?) and Koby Stevens. Tim Membrey gets another chance to stake his claim for a permanent spot in the forward line, while Weller and White also make their way back into the side. I’m looking forward to seeing how the much-improved Seb Ross plays this week – after a career-high 37 possessions against the Swans last week.
For Port, Chad Wingard is a big out with his ankle sprain that could see him miss four of the Power’s remaining five games, while Atley, Austin and Houston have all been dropped. The Power need to win today if they are a genuine chance of securing a top four berth, and welcome back enigmatic Jasper Pittard (wouldn’t some opposition clubs back themselves in to get the best out of him?), Young and Amon. I’ve got my eye on Patrick Ryder, who lost a rare ruck battle with Max Gawn last week – I’m tipping him to bounce back into All Australian form and (surely) contention this week.
This game is being played at Adelaide Oval, which should give the Power a huge advantage. The Saints are 0-7 at the ground, and have lost five contests there by more than 50 points. Let’s hope it’s not one of those days (for us neutral supporters anyway). Port Adelaide on the other hand have won 5/8 games at the Oval this year. The Saints also haven’t beaten the Power (at any ground) in six years. I think this will be a closer game than those stats indicate, with plenty on the line for both sides. Can the Saints recapture the scintillating form they showed against Richmond in round 16? I think there’s too much on the line for Port to lose this one at home, but I’m sure the Saints will throw everything at this one.
At Allianz Stadium at 7:30 tonight the Roosters will square off with the Cowboys in the NRL match of the round - and our second feature game. The Cowboys will be desperate to prove their credentials against a top four side – after managing to eek out four wins in a row (albeit against lower-placed teams, losing to higher-placed Melbourne and Cronulla). The Cowboys have impressed in Jonathan Thurston’s absence, thanks largely to the form of Michael Morgan. In combination with five-eighth Te Maire Martin, the pair have more than proved their worth in recent weeks, while winger Kyle Feldt is on fire (how good was his offload to Ethan Lowe against the Warriors?) This is as good a chance as any for the Cowboys to beat a top team, with the Roosters missing Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend, and North Queensland ranked #3 in defense. That said, there’s some doubt lingering over Shaun Fensom (ribs) and Scott Bolton (illness), with both having disrupted training weeks. Should they win, the Cowboys can jump to fourth if the margin is nine or more – and they’ll want to get ahead of the pack with a tough draw remaining (they have the Storm, Panthers, Sharks and Broncos in the next five weeks).
In the Roosters, North Queensland meet their match in defense – with the Tricolours ranked #4 in the league. They’re also ranked #6 for attack and have won 9 of their past 11 games – although they do also rank #2 in the league for errors, which should open up plenty of opportunities for the Cowboys. Like the Cowboys, they face a tough draw, with all of the Sea Eagles, Storm, Sharks and Broncos to come in the five weeks (their only respite, like the Cowboys, will be against the Wests Tigers). The Roosters’ fine form has been in no small part due to the dominance of their halves, in Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary, who average one and a half try assists per game, a line break and 140 metres of running each. They’ve formed a formidable combination with Props Dylan Napa (average 100 run metres) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (average 140 metres per game). Last week we also saw the exciting Victor Radley make a great debut for the Tricolours and he’ll again feature in the role of hooker.
Head-to-head, the Roosters have won a whopping 24 matches to 10, a ledger which worsens at Allianz stadium (with the Tricolours winning 13/19 against the Cowboys there). Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Cowboys upset here – I think they’re in with a big chance.
Bear with me for a moment while I take a look at what sporting news has launched overnight, and give you a brief update on those - as well as the games that are happening currently.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, check out this extract of Joe Gorman’s book, on Socceroos great Mark Viduka and his time at Melbourne Knights.
