In summary
That’s all from me for today. Our feature game for the day, between the Tigers and the Blues, didn’t quite live up to expectation, with the Tigers running away with a 26-point victory. The margin provided a stark contrast to the thrillers we’ve seen in this round of AFL. The scoreline also flattered the Blues in the end, with the Tigers wasteful in front of goal - scoring 18 points for their 11 goals. It wasn’t quite the contest I expected from the Blues after their hot run of recent form. They do, however, have a star in Patrick Cripps, who finished with 17 contested possessions and 10 clearances. Sam Docherty was again dominant with 28 disposals of his own, including 11 marks.
For the Tigers, it was a welcome win after their recent spate of last-gasp losses and puts important space between them and the clubs who now sit a game adrift of them in the Eagles, Saints and Bulldogs. The Tigers’ leaders stood up when it mattered, with Jack Riewoldt kicking three goals and Dustin Martin adding another 30-disposal game. He was well-assisted by Kane Lambert (26 disposals, six tackles) and Shaun Grigg (26 disposals) who were arguably just as important.
Earlier in the day, Geelong won a two-point thriller against the Dockers, with three players out of the game (including captain Joel Selwood, who they lost to a head knock in the opening minute), while the Saints finished the day with an important win over the Suns, which keeps them in touch with the top eight.
In the NRL, the Dragons escaped embarrassment with a last-gasp win over the Newcastle Knights after they trailed 28-10 at half time. Knights coach Nathan Brown lashed out at his players after the game, and was understandably disappointed. The Dragons will be relieved after they were booed by their own fans at half-time. Later in the day, what promised to be a close contest between the Sharks and Sea Eagles ended in a Manly boilover, with Cronulla failing to turn around yet another second-half deficit. It’s an important win for the Sea Eagles, and entrenches them in the top four.
Thanks for joining me today, particularly those who tweeted or emailed in, or left comments below. I’ve enjoyed reading them all and replying to the ones I could! I look forward to seeing you here again soon for another edition of Guardian Australia’s Sportwatch.
AFL St Kilda 14.20 (104) v Gold Coast 10.12 (72)
All over here at Etihad, as the Saints comfortably account for Gold Coast to move into the top eight.
Jack Billings was best on ground, with 30 disposals and one goal, while Riewoldt kicked three goals for the Saints. Jarrod Harbrow had 29 disposals for the Suns, finishing up at 97% disposal efficiency in a brilliant return game from the Suns leader.
AFL
What did you make of the Shaun Higgins decision last night? Higgins took longer than his allocated 30 seconds to start his approach to goal, and was called to play on, before being tackled by Bulldog Jake Stringer. Reviewing the replay of the incident, it looks as if the closest officiating umpire warns him that he has 5 seconds remaining, and calls play on when Higgins fails to begin his run-up by that time. In other words, correct call.
However, according to AAP, Leigh Matthews went on the attack over the incident this weekend, also taking aim at the similar decision against Charlie Dixon against Geelong earlier in the season.
“This is deplorable. What happened with Charlie Dixon and Shaun, it should only happen if they [the umpires] are total numbskulls,” Matthews told Channel Seven’s Game Day.
“Because what happens, you’ve got an umpire 40m away who’s controlling the play and trying to tell you they’re counting down the clock, and you’ve got an umpire five metres away saying nothing.
“It is just stupid. I’m serious. Taking the ball off a player who’s earned the shot at goal ... and you’ve got an umpire five metres away who should be the one counting you down. 40m away at Eithad Stadium, you just don’t hear them.”
Not sure that’s fair, it looked in both cases as if the closest umpire warned both Dixon and Higgins. As you might know, players can’t see the 30-second countdown clock in the last two minutes of each quarter, to stop them trying to waste the remaining time.
Updated
AFL Q4 13:12 remaining St Kilda 12.17 (89) v Gold Coast 10.10 (70)
Here’s some vision of the Riewoldt shocker. Luckily the Saints have hit back through Josh Bruce, for his first goal of the day.
Oh no! Not again... #AFLSaintsSuns pic.twitter.com/gHETbHRqTF
— AFL (@AFL) June 25, 2017
AFL Q4 13:48 remaining St Kilda 11.16 (82) v Gold Coast 10.9 (69)
Riewoldt misses an absolute sitter in the goalsquare, and Witts kicks one for the Suns down the other end.
That brings back some bad memories, Nick.
Riewoldt stuffs up in the goal square again. Brings back memories #aflsaintssuns pic.twitter.com/kasOSO5SKO
— Matt (@Mattys123) June 25, 2017
AFL Q4 17:45 remaining St Kilda 11.14 (80) v Gold Coast 9.9 (63)
Fiorini gets one back for the Suns, as Hanley leaves the field with a potential high left hamstring. That would be a real blow for the Suns.
AFL Q4 19:07 remaining St Kilda 11.14 (80) v Gold Coast 8.9 (57)
I was hoping for some vintage Nick Riewoldt and we’ve got it - that’s three for him as the Saints go out to a game-high 23-point lead. The Suns were on the receiving end of a trademark Rodney Eade spray at three-quarter-time, so it’ll be interesting to see what they can do.
NRL
Returning to the Knights game for a moment to capture some more of Newcastle coach Nathan Brown’s post-match comments (thanks to AAP), where he accused his young halves Jaelen Feeney and Brock Lamb of playing slower than he could have managed during their 32-28 loss to St George Illawarra.
“Their first half in that 30 minutes, they were outstanding,” Brown said of Feeney and Brown.
“The way they played and the tempo they played the game at, as a half you’ve got to be a running threat. If you’re not a running threat with the ball you’re wasting your time. You can’t rely on your kicking to score tries because the defence is too good.
“The tempo they played the game at was beautiful. The second half they played at the speed I can play at. We had enough chances to score.”
Pretty harsh and deflating I’d say - what do you think Knights fans/NRL fans?
The loss was the Knights’ 22nd straight away defeat, the worst on-the-road record of any side in 63 years.
Updated
AFL Q3 02:08 remaining St Kilda 9.14 (74) v Gold Coast 8.9 (57)
Goal to Lemmens gives the Suns some hope leading into the final quarter. They’re doing well to be in it considering the calibre of players they have missing.
AFL Q3 04:50 remaining St Kilda 9.14 (74) v Gold Coast 7.9 (51)
The Saints have been wasteful in this one - kicking 9.14, but they’re well on top of the Suns at the moment. Jack Billings has 23 disposals to lead all comers (at 84% disposal efficiency), while Jarrod Harbrow is leading the way for the Suns at the moment with 19 disposals (at an incredible 100% disposal efficiency) in his return game. Membrey, Newnes and Riewoldt have two goals each for the Saints, while Peter Wright has two for the Suns.
Updated
NRL
According to Wires (AAP), St George Illawarra were booed by their home fans at halftime on Sunday. Luckily the Dragons saved themselves from embarrassment against 15th-placed Newcastle at UOW Jubilee Oval with a memorable fightback to snatch a 32-28 win.
Newcastle coach Nathan Brown said he’d never been more disappointed in his 18-month stint as coach.
“We’re just not good enough or strong enough at the moment to play for long enough,” Brown said.
“It’s not playing for 80 minutes, we can’t play for 60 minutes.
The Knights also have injury concerns with Luke Yates suffering what appeared to be a serious shoulder injury.
AFL
Thanks for your comments below on the Sam Newman saga - I particularly liked your contribution whoaisme. To quote you:
“Sam Newman is a bully and a coward - putting your head over the ball might well require courage, but so does putting your hand up and saying enough is enough, so well done and thank you to Ms Nolan, Ms O’Halloran, Mr Dangerfield, and all of those who have spoken out against Newman. And of course we should acknowledge Caro who had to tolerate such aggressive and personal attacks from this barbarian, and she did so with grace and dignity.”
I don’t think it had as much reputational risk for me as those others listed to say what I think, but thanks. I really admire Nolan and Dangerfield for speaking out this week - it can’t be overstated how vital that kind of public condemnation is when it comes to attacks on marginalised groups (who often don’t have the same kind of platform to make comment). And I concur re: Caroline Wilson, I can’t fathom how she has taken on what she has, particularly after Newman backed up Eddie McGuire’s attack on her last year.
NRL Manly Sea Eagles beat Cronulla Sharks 35-18
It’s all over at Southern Cross Group Stadium, and the Sharks have fallen short in their comeback attempt. That win puts Manly in the top four and is a disappointing loss for the Sharks against a team they really struggle against. Dale Cherry-Evans starred at halfback for the Sea Eagles with three tries and a field goal and could enter into discussions as to who will replace Thurston for the Origin decider after that performance.
The Sharks’ loss was further compounded by a suspected broken jaw to rookie Jayden Brailey who was taken to hospital.
I’ll keep an eye on Wires for more on this game.
AFL Richmond 11.18 (84) beat Carlton 8.10 (58)
It’s all over at the MCG. For what promised to be a classic, this one ended up being one of the less exciting games of the round. It has been a pretty incredible round of AFL - we’ve had a huge upset by the Hawks over Adelaide, a 1-point win by Sydney over Essendon after they appeared all but gone, a 1-point win to the Bulldogs after they also looked to have put North away, a 3-point win to the Dees to finally defeat the Eagles, and then a 2-point victory to Geelong today over Fremantle.
For the Tigers, they’ll be pleased to have finally closed out a game that would have had their supporters nervous in those final 10 minutes or so. They’ve set themselves up to vie for a spot in the Top 4, alongside Melbourne who also had a big win this week in Perth. They’ve also put a game between them and the Eagles and Bulldogs. For Carlton, they’ll stay locked in 15th, just above the Hawks, and level with the Pies. Gold Coast have the chance to jump above them - but we’ll have to see how they go against the Saints in today’s late game.
I’m going to take a short break, after which point I’ll update you on the St Kilda v GCFC game, and the NRL result between the Sharks and Sea Eagles.
AFL Q4 00:56remaining Richmond 11.17 (83) v Carlton 8.10 (58)
A frustrated Casboult gives away a 50. Martin puts the ball inside 50 and Kreuzer gives away a free to Nankervis - it looked like he locked Kreuzer’s arm to him, but it won’t affect the result.
AFL Q4 02:42 remaining Richmond 10.17 (77) v Carlton 8.10 (58)
Tigers milking the clock after Blues captain Murphy was caught holding the ball.
AFL Q4 04:05 remaining Richmond 10.15 (75) v Carlton 8.10 (58)
Free kick against Rioli after he appeared to take a big mark inside 50. Think the Tigers are home here. Rioli returned earlier from a dislocated finger.
AFL Q4 07:45 remaining Richmond 10.14 (74) v Carlton 8.10 (58)
Matthew Wright - who won the centre clearance - gets it back from Petrevski-Seton and lines up from 45m out. The ball falls short by a metre and is rushed through.
AFL Q4 08:24 remaining Richmond 10.14 (74) v Carlton 8.9 (57)
Cripps gets one back for the Blues. He’s been outstanding today - 10 centre clearances, 26 disposals at 80% efficiency. The margin is less than three goals.
AFL Q4 11:25 remaining Richmond 10.14 (74) v Carlton 7.9 (51)
Ouch. Pickett was all on his own in the forward line and completely missed the ball from Gibbs, which picked him out perfectly.
Richmond go down the other end and get one through Butler. Is this enough breathing space for the Tigers?
AFL Q4 13:01 remaining Richmond 9.14 (68) v Carlton 7.9 (51)
Curnow gets one back for the Blues to take them back to three goals adrift. I still don’t think they’re close enough, or playing well enough, to snatch this one. Still, if they kick another the Tigers (Tigers fans in particular) will be nervous.
AFL Q4 14:21 remaining Richmond 9.14 (68) v Carlton 6.9 (45)
Here’s the Dustin Martin brilliance that led to the earlier Butler goal. He’s threatening to break the game open even further.
Superb effort on the wing from Dusty paved the way for Butler to kick the goal. #AFLTigersBlues pic.twitter.com/RtFCpXee4I
— AFL (@AFL) June 25, 2017
AFL Q4 16:50 remaining Richmond 9.13 (67) v Carlton 6.7 (43)
Cotchin’s miskick out of the middle goes straight to Riewoldt who makes no mistake with the set shot. Cripps gave away a holding free to Cotchin in the middle. This is the biggest lead of the game.
AFL Q4 18:33 remaining Richmond 7.13 (55) v Carlton 6.7 (43)
Tigers are up by 17 after that goal to Dan Butler. Dustin Martin had a few crucial involvements in the build-up - they just can’t tackle that man.
Fun fact: seven of the Blues’ players are wearing long-sleeve jumpers today in the navy blue tradition. Jack Silvagni is wearing his famous Dad Stephen’s old jumper.
Updated
AFL Q4 19:33 remaining Richmond 7.13 (55) v Carlton 6.7 (43)
We’re back on in the final term at the MCG and Grimes, under pressure, boots the ball out on the full. Gibbs has a chance to get his team closer, but misses.
NRL H2 49:40 Cronulla Sharks 12-19 Manly Sea Eagles
It’s three-quarter-time in the AFL, so I’m checking in on the NRL. Maloney’s kick is too heavy and goes beyond the dead ball line. Opportunity goes begging for the Sharks, but they’re back in it thanks to a try to Feki in his 100th game before the long break.
AFL Q3 00:34 remaining Richmond 7.13 (55) v Carlton 6.6 (42)
Casboult gets one back for the Blues to get them back within 13 points. No problems with the set shot that time. This one looked to be slipping away from them, but credit to Carlton - they’re right back in it, at least on the scoreboard.
AFL Q3 02:58 remaining Richmond 7.13 (55) v Carlton 5.6 (36)
GOAL to the Tigers after Dustin Martin passes off to Jack Riewoldt. He took that mark deep in the forward line after Lambert’s long bomb in. Lambert ignored Riewoldt who was free - he’ll be glad Martin passed it off to him in the end.
AFL Q3 04:58 remaining Richmond 6.13 (49) v Carlton 5.6 (36)
Just not sure the Blues have the firepower in the forward line to win this one. They have struggled to convert their inside 50s. The Tigers have too, but are using the ball better around the ground, and as a result have had much more inside 50s.
In terms of who is leading the stats, Grigg has 23 disposals (82% disposal efficiency) and 4 tackles for the Tigers, while Lambert also has 23 disposals (75% DE) and 6 tackles. Docherty (75% DE) has 24 disposals for the Blues, 16 of those kicks, and Kreuzer has 30 hit outs to go with his two goals and 9 disposals.
Updated
AFL Q3 10:05 remaining Richmond 6.12 (48) v Carlton 5.5 (35)
This game has gone up another notch. Carlton’s pressure on the ball carrier is brilliant, but the Tigers look like they can handle it.
Interesting one there - Menadue just looked to kick a certain goal, but the mark was awarded to Marchbank on the last line of defence. Upon seeing the replay it looks like a good call from the goal umpire.
AFL Q3 13:32 remaining Richmond 6.12 (48) v Carlton 5.3 (33)
Shai Bolton finishes up some brilliant Tiger work in the 50. The Blues defenders did everything they could to stop that one, but weight of numbers was telling in the end.
BIG hanger from Patrick Cripps just before that. Have really liked his game today. I’ll get you vision of that as soon as I can.
Updated
AFL Q3 14:54 remaining Richmond 5.12 (42) v Carlton 5.3 (33)
Jacob Weitering is receiving some heavy treatment on the bench for the Blues. They won’t want to lose him after losing Lamb earlier.
Lambert has a shot from goal 45m out after a dodgy kick across the 50 from Liam Jones turns the ball over. He misses too.
AFL Q3 16:24 remaining Richmond 5.11 (41) v Carlton 5.3 (33)
Castagna takes a diving mark running backwards into the 50 - that was set up for Jack Riewoldt but he stole it from him. He’d want to convert. He doesn’t. Might want to avoid Jack for a while.
AFL Q3 18:25 remaining Richmond 5.10 (40) v Carlton 5.3 (33)
Kreuzer is on the board for his second with an agile pick up and goal on the run from 30m out. He’s moving well and in career-best form - no surprise that that has coincided with the Blues’ resurgence.
Updated
NRL H2 32:40 Cronulla Sharks 6-18 Manly Sea Eagles
A brilliant intercept and run from Luke Lewis gets the Sharks on the board! I’ll have to get back to the AFL now, but thought you might want to see that one.
Lewis for the intercept! Loves it.@Cronulla_Sharks on the board. #NRLSharksManly 6-18 after 31 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/3YhFn16Ezb
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2017
NRL H2 25:13 Cronulla Sharks 0-18 Manly Sea Eagles
Here’s that Trbojevic pass which sets up Sironen for his second. Cronulla outscore teams 28-11 in second halves, but they’ve got a long way to come back from in this one. That said, the Dragons just did it against the Knights (admittedly not the same kind of opposition).
Sironen makes it 2 ✌️#NRLSharksManly 0-18 after 24 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/s3t865Uue5
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2017
NRL H2 24:10 Cronulla Sharks 0-18 Manly Sea Eagles
Cronulla’s slow starts, and difficulties at home, seem to be continuing. The latest try goes to Curtis Sironen who has started on fire. Trbojevic was again involved in that one with a deft inside pass - as he was in the last, which he set up for Matthew Wright.
Updated
AFL Half-time Richmond 5.10 (40) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
Just on cue, Cotchin marks deep in the forward line, on a tight angle, after nice lead-up kick by Houli. He misses, however, to the near side.
The scoreboard probably flatters Carlton at this stage - Richmond had 70% time in forward half that quarter, for only 2.7. They deserve to be further in front, and the Blues will go into the second half with hope because of that.
I’ll take a very short break and then go around the grounds for you again.
AFL Q2 03:57 remaining Richmond 5.8 (38) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
A man by the name of Dustin Martin is dominating the clearances but his captain Trent Cotchin has been well blanketed by Carlton’s star youngster Patrick Cripps. Cotchin has only had the one disposal this term.
AFL Q2 05:03 remaining Richmond 5.7 (37) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
Tigers take full advantage of the overlap, running the ball into 50 and forcing a holding the ball decision against Smedts as he tries to clear the 50. That’s three goals in a row for the Tigers.
AFL Q2 06:25 remaining Richmond 4.7 (31) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
Six intercept possessions now to Rance, while Casboult is dominating in the air for the Blues. I had thought the Blues looked more stagnant, which is confirmed with the stat that they’re only playing on 12% of the time, compared to 33% for the Tigers.
AFL Q2 08:00 remaining Richmond 4.7 (31) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
Dustin Martin misses a low-percentage shot from the boundary, and it’s another point to the Tigers. Their pressure is up another notch, though.
Not sure if it’s bothering the players, but the sun is certainly bothering the crowd.
AFL Q2 11:15 remaining Richmond 4.6 (30) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
Richmond dominating inside 50s in #AFLTigersBlues, but haven't taken full advantage. https://t.co/52f71OtluR pic.twitter.com/VkLk5TSsp7
— FootyLive (@AFLFootyLive) June 25, 2017
Richmond dominating the inside 50s, but can’t convert. Keeping Carlton in the game at the moment.
AFL Q2 12:02 remaining Richmond 4.5 (29) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
Martin to Riewoldt on a nice lead 50 m out, who passes off to Edwards for a gain of 10m. He misses. That’s twice Riewoldt has passed off, for two points.
AFL Q2 13:35 remaining Richmond 4.4 (28) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
Have received confirmation that Jed Lamb won’t return to the field, not that that comes as much of a surprise. Rance is up to five intercept possessions already and is causing headaches for the Blues.
AFL Q2 16:30 remaining Richmond 4.3 (27) v Carlton 4.2 (26)
Back on at the MCG and the Tigers hit the front after a goal to Jack Riewoldt. The ball travels quickly back down the other end and Casboult takes another contested mark, but misses. He’s still looking dangerous.
Updated
NRL St George Illawarra Dragons beat Newcastle Knights 32-28
Can you believe it? The Knights were run over by the Dragons after four second-half tries to none. Nightingale scored a hattrick with his third in the 58th minute. Wouldn’t you hate to be a Knights fan? I’m sorry, Knights fans.
Updated
AFL Geelong 10.17 (74) beat Fremantle 11.6 (72)
Despite having only one fit man on the bench, the Cats have run down the Dockers at Simonds Stadium in the last quarter for a two-point win. The Cats lost their skipper Joel Selwood, defender Tom Stewart and forward Darcy Lang but weren’t to be denied.
Michael Walters missed a last-second shot at goal that would have won the game for the Dockers.
The run of thrillers continues in the AFL this week!
Updated
AFL Quarter-time Richmond 3.3 (21) v Carlton 4.1 (25)
It’s a closer one here, as anticipated. Contested, desperate footy between the two rivals that so far is living up to expectation.
I’ll go around the grounds now and update on the completed AFL and NRL clashes.
AFL Q1 00:57 remaining Richmond 3.3 (21) v Carlton 4.1 (25)
Great team goal there from the Tigers - finished off by Brandon Ellis. That was non-stop play on from half-back. Good composure from Ellis to nail it on his non-preferred.
AFL Q1 03:56 remaining Richmond 2.2 (15) v Carlton 4.1 (25)
Casboult takes another big contested mark - admittedly it looked like a textbook push in the back. He even looked at the umpire sheepishly before being given the OK. Passes over the top to Thomas for an easy goal - to the boos of the Tigers’ supporters.
Updated
AFL Q1 06:05 remaining Richmond 2.2 (15) v Carlton 3.1 (19)
Rioli misses another on the run. Here’s the report on Houli - judge for yourself!
VIDEO: Bachar Houli has been reported for this incident https://t.co/2ki3x9S1IL #AFLTigersBlues pic.twitter.com/iY7uodMVer
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) June 25, 2017
AFL Q1 06:39 remaining Richmond 2.2 (14) v Carlton 3.1 (19)
Castagna is causing all kinds of problems for the Blues. He took another inside 50 mark, and passed of to Caddy who then shanked the kick and set up a Carlton turnover - resulting in a free to Casboult down the other end. He nails it - which will be great for his historically shaky confidence. That’s your classic 2-goal turnaround.
AFL Q1 08:11 remaining Richmond 2.2 (14) v Carlton 2.1 (13)
Castagna gets his second for the Tigers, driling that one from 45m out on the run after their stars in Rance, Martin and then Cotchin set him up.
AFL Q1 08:55 remaining Richmond 1.2 (8) v Carlton 2.1 (13)
Kreuzer takes another mark inside 50 - he’s causing headaches for the Richmond defence, even if Nankervis is contesting well in the ruck. He misses to the right.
In a good sign for the Blues, Liam Jones takes a big contested grab against Riewoldt.
AFL Q1 10:54 remaining Richmond 1.2 (8) v Carlton 2.0 (12)
Free kick 5m out to Jason Castagna after Lachie Plowman got him high around the neck. The Tigers are on the board.
Meanwhile, Curnow has returned from the rooms with some tape around his right knee, and looks to be OK, and Kreuzer is also back on after a knock to the eye from Nankervis. If anything, Nankervis is probably on top in the ruck at the moment.
Houli getting booed every time he goes near the ball. Even though the contact was high, it didn’t look intentional or nasty (to me).
Updated
AFL Q1 12:50 remaining Richmond 0.2 (2) v Carlton 2.0 (12)
There’s been a report made on Bachar Houli for a shepherd off the ball on Jed Lamb who is out cold. Thankfully he’s up and walking now.
Here’s that Kreuzer goal from earlier:
Big Kreuz has the Blues on the board early. #AFLTigersBlues pic.twitter.com/g8gLOYWfCI
— AFL (@AFL) June 25, 2017
AFL Q1 13:32 remaining Richmond 0.2 (2) v Carlton 2.0 (12)
Great, ferocious repeat tackles there from Daniel Rioli on Smedts, but he pokes the set shot through for a point only.
Geelong still a point in front, halfway through the final term over at Simonds. What an incredibly tight round it has been.
Updated
AFL Q1 15:12 remaining Richmond 0.1 (1) v Carlton 2.0 (12)
Matthew Wright gets one high from Dustin Martin. He took his full 30 there. How good was that run down of Shaun Higgins from Jake Stringer last night?
AFL Q1 16:41 remaining Richmond 0.1 (1) v Carlton 1.0 (6)
Jack Riewoldt dished off that one to Grigg - don’t see that often. Grigg would’ve liked to get one on the board against his old side, but he misses.
AFL Q1 17:47 remaining Richmond 0.0 (0) v Carlton 1.0 (6)
Beauty of a roving goal there from the big, in-form man in Matthew Kreuzer. Noone waiting on the goal line meant he could scramble one through.
In other AFL news, the Cats have hit the front by a point over Freo.
Updated
AFL Q1 19:01 remaining Richmond 0.0 (0) v Carlton 0.0 (0)
We’re under way. Liam Jones had taken Jack Riewoldt as I predicted. Remember this Carlton banner from Round 1? I reckon only Danny McGinlay can pull those off...
Just a reminder from Round 1 to motivate the boys...#AFLTigersBlues #GoDusty pic.twitter.com/uSUJd66nNH
— Cheryl Critchley (@CherylCritchley) June 25, 2017
Updated
AFL Richmond v Carlton
The bounce is just over five minutes away, and there are no late chances to either team.
Niall Connolly has written in to say hi - hi Niall! He’s a mad Sea Eagles fan but is tipping a Sharks win this afternoon. I’m not so sure - I think Manly will push Cronulla all the way.
Speaking of NRL, the Dragons might be on their way back:
The @NRL_Dragons hit back through @joel_thompson12!#NRLDragonsKnights 16-28 after 48 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/MyfFHOzsAd
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2017
Alright, that’s enough NRL for the moment - but I will take you around the grounds during the quarter-time, half-time and three-quarter-time breaks during this match.
Sit back and enjoy!
Updated
NRL H2 43:25 St George Illawarra 10-28 Newcastle Knights
I’ll leave this one here now too, but there’s no hiding for the Dragons in this one - they’re staring at their third-straight loss: this time to the cellar-dwelling Knights. Lamb added another penalty conversion before the half to rocket the Knights to a huge half-time score and lead.
AFL Q3 05:04 remaining Geelong 6.7 (43) v Fremantle 10.4 (64)
I might leave this game here as we move to the Tigers v Blues clash, but the Cats score through Sam Menegola after peppering the 50. Hawkins kicked one out on the full, but some slack defending lets Menegola through. Freo still well on top for mine.
AFL
For those just joining, I’ll be covering the Tigers v Blues clash today, which will start at 3:20pm AEST. In the meantime, I’m previewing some of the week’s news, as well as taking you around the grounds to update the AFL and NRL clashes happening at the moment.
It has been a horror week for the AFL as far as LGBTIQ rights go. In case you missed it, Sam Newman was at his offensive worst on the Footy Show on Thursday night, making transphobic comments about Caitlyn Jenner. It was great to see Mike Hytner feature some prominent voices from the trans and queer communities in his coverage of the incident. This included Sally Goldner, executive director of Transgender Victoria, who wondered “how many chances” Newman was entitled to after his history of misogyny and now transphobia. As Goldner aptly noted, Newman’s attack on trans people is exploitation of his privileged position – as a white, cis male, former AFL star - on television for the worst. On the contrary, as Goldner said, “[t]rans people don’ t have that mouthpiece.” Thankfully at The Guardian we can try and rectify some of those power imbalances.
This one deeply disappointed me on a personal level, after my coverage of the Gay That’s OK Pride and Inclusion game in Hamilton last weekend between AFLW powerhouses Darebin Falcons and MUWFC (The University of Melbourne’ s Women’ s Football Club). This celebratory, joyous occasion felt worlds apart from what happened on Thursday night. Annie Nolan (partner of Western Bulldog premiership star Liam Picken) was influential in organising the Hamilton game, and it was heart-warming to see her response on Twitter.
So I'm saying it loud and clear. Myself and @PickenLiam stand with the trans community. pic.twitter.com/G5jcMbfgtT
— Uncanny Annie (@AnnieNNolan) June 22, 2017
Here’ s some of what she had to say (via Twitter):
“I’m totally done filtering what I say. I’m not being silent. AFL is for everyone. And by that I mean it should be for everyone. Only this past weekend I was involved in a Pride & Inclusion match. I was confronted by heart wrenching stories from the rural trans community. I met Kathryn. A farmer. Trans. Too scared to go into town for the past year after being mocked and having photos unwillingly taken of her. I’m sick of seeing bullies on football shows offending and isolating communities from OUR game. This land s game. AFL Footy Show and those affiliated with it should be disgusted with last night’ s show. Forget a half baked apology. We need you to CHANGE!”
Couldn’t agree more. Would love to see some of the players and club officials take a similarly strong stance. On that note, wasn’t it great to see Patrick Dangerfield come out and call Newman irrelevant? He also said he was “well off the mark and well out of line”. Brave of him to attack a former club great. I personally want to commend Nolan and Dangerfield for their incredibly important public support. We need more of it – and we need to get that show off the air if the AFL is serious about becoming a game for everyone.
What do you think should or can be done? I’d love to hear our readers’ thoughts below.
AFL Q3 14:19 remaining Geelong 5.6 (36) v Fremantle 9.3 (57)
Cats finally got one back through Tuohy, but Fremantle are well on top. Geelong look to have three out - Darcy Lang is getting his calf strapped, while Selwood and Tom Stewart are both off with head knocks.
Updated
NRL H1 30:54 St George Illawarra 10-22 Newcastle Knights
Unbelievable run of scoring from the Knights here at Kogarah. Nathan Ross has a hattrick in the first half after a drop ball from the Dragons. That’s the first for his career, and he has 6 tries in 4 games against the Dragons. That was just after Fitzgibbon crossed over (below).
Lamb, however, has missed the conversion.
Fitzgibbon crashes over!#NRLDragonsKnights 10-18 after 27 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/GQbCQdUk7V
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2017
NRL
Speaking of NRL, AAP are reporting that the Sydney Roosters want to develop a long-term deal to continue playing NRL games in Adelaide, after Saturday’s clash with the Melbourne Storm drew more than 21,000 fans. The fans were treated to a classic, golden-point win by the Roosters, with a long-range bomb from the much-maligned Mitchell Pearce deciding the contest.
Reportedly, the Tri-colours now hope to establish a deal which will see them take more games to Adelaide.
NRL H1 22:10 St George Illawarra 10-12 Newcastle
Newcastle have hit the lead in the NRL clash between the Dragons and Knights. Nathan Ross in for Newcastle - twice! Lamb converts both times. They’ll be pleased with the scoreline after being completely outclassed in the first 10-15 minutes. The second was set up by a long run from Origin hero Gagai.
Here’s the first try:
They can't stop @rossdog4!#NRLDragonsKnights 10-6 after 20 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/mh6IUubkXU
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2017
Updated
Tennis
Roger Federer has continued his incredible comeback to set up a much-anticipated final at Halle against the up-and-coming German Alexander Zverev. Zverev, only 20 but as exciting as that other famous German – Boris Becker – was in the beginning of his career, beat Federer in the semi-finals of the same tournament last year, when he was only a teenager. But this is a revived Federer, who is gearing up for his favourite tournament of all –Wimbledon – where he is seven-times champion. I’m backing him in to make it eight.
Meanwhile in the women’s draw, Petra Kvitova has qualified for her first final since being injured in the knife attack that threatened to end her career. If you remember, Kvitova was attacked with a knife at her home, when she was burgled. She sustained cuts to all five fingers of her playing hand. Kvitova has twice won at Wimbledon – in 2011 and 2014 – and is playing her second tournament since her return (after her comeback appearance at the French Open). She will play Australian Ashleigh Barty in the final, after the world No77 took the scalp of No6 seed Garbiñe Muguruza 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
America’s Cup
In news from Bermuda, Jimmy Spithill has skippered defending champions Oracle Team USA to its first victory of the America’ s Cup first-to-seven regatta. Race six was reportedly a thriller, with Oracle winning by 11 seconds – the closest margin of the contest so far. The win cuts Team New Zealand’ s lead to 4-1; the leaders have actually won 5 races, but started with a negative point because Oracle won the qualifiers. Race 7 and 8 are happening tomorrow.
Updated
Cricket
Alright, I’m going to take us around what’s happening in other sports/what happened overnight while we wait for the Tigers v Blues game to start.
In case you missed it, the Women’s World Cup of cricket is underway – and Australia is the team to beat. They are the defending champions and they have a team of champions to boot. All-rounder Ellyse Perry and captain Meg Lanning are rightfully the best-known, with Lanning the world’ s top-ranked One Day International (ODI) batter, and Perry averaging over 90 in ODIs. Perry is of course no hack with the ball either, and should get plenty of bowling action. That said, I’m probably most looking forward to seeing 33-year-old Sarah Aley debut. What a story that would be. She took 4 wickets against Pakistan in one of the warm-up games in the lead-up to the tournament, and will be a weapon for the Australians. The Southern Stars face the West Indies in their opener on Monday – with the Windies something of a bogey side for the Australians after beating them to the World T20 final in a huge boilover.
The most likely threat to the Australians are England, however they suffered a shock defeat to India in the opening match of the tournament, losing by 35 runs. Read Vithushan Ehantharajah’ s fantastic match report and live blog for more.
Surprisingly, England chose to bowl after winning the toss – despite having won 11 and lost 3 matches since the last World Cup when they opt to bat first. India scored 3/281, their highest score against England, which led them to their first ODI win since July 2012. England will be especially disappointed at Punam Raut’s 86 – she was dropped three times on 20, 21 and 79. Player of the match Smriti Mandhana scored 90 and put on 144 from 27 overs with Raut. It’s an incredible effort given she tore her anterior cruciate ligament while representing the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League back in January. England, meanwhile were left to rue the loss of Nat Sciver to the first decision review system in a women’ s cricket match. Sciver was ruled caught behind down the leg side to Deepti Sharma (who took 3/47). Sciver had been in fine form before the tournament – with the Brit scoring 135 not out and 107 not out in her last two one-day matches for Surrey. England were also without their opening bat Lauren Winsfield after she sustained an injury to her right wrist during their warm-up game against New Zealand on Wednesday. It was a big blow to the hosts given she scored 439 runs in 10 innings during tours to West Indies and Sri Lanka.
NRL H1 11:12 St George Illawarra 10-0 Newcastle
Nightingale almost had a hattrick with another kick from Widdop. Newcastle looking like witches hats at the moment.
Here’s that 100th try:
Nightingale has a double and brings up 100 #NRL tries!#NRLDragonsKnights #NRL pic.twitter.com/7CwxEVNPbn
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2017
NRL H1 8:37 St George Illawarra 10-0 Newcastle
Not a good start for the Knights, with the Dragons scoring early through Nightingale. That’s his 99th career try - involving that man I just spoke about, Josh Dugan.
Through the hands for Nightingale to score! #NRLDragonsKnights #NRL pic.twitter.com/EhIfV3dY7f
— NRL (@NRL) June 25, 2017
Strangely, Dane Gagai is playing right-centre.
Meanwhile, Paul Vaughan is off for the Dragons with a calf injury and doesn’t look like he’s returning.
AND Nightingale is in again for his 100th try just a few minutes later! Brilliant kick by Widdop after Tim Lefai put him into open space.
NRL
Although I’ll be covering the Tigers v Blues today, we have two NRL games happening. The Dragons and Knights are entering Jubilee Oval as we speak. It’s good to see Josh Dugan back for the Dragons after NSW’s Origin II heartbreak. It’s hard to believe that the Blues found a way to lose that one, after the 16-6 lead at half-time. NSW fans (and many others) thought Dugan was a little unlucky after Darius Boyd appeared to tackle him as he chased a Mitchell Pearce cross-field in the 47th minute. In any event, the Sharks will be looking forward to him playing in their colours in 2018.
The Knights of course have their own Origin hero in Dane Gagai. It was Gagai who finished off the brilliant attacking set from the Maroons to win them the game (after Thurston’s resultant conversion under incredible pressure). What a game that was – I’m looking forward to the decider. Can the Maroons triumph without their heart-and-soul Jonathan Thurston? We’ve had confirmation that Thurston is out of Origin III, as well as the rest of the North Queensland Cowboys’ NRL Season, and the World Cup. Surely NSW must find a way after being the better side for most of Wednesday.
As for today’s game, the Knights have lost four straight at Kogarah, and last won at the ground in 2009. They’ve also lost four straight and eight of the past nine against the Dragons. If the Dragons can win this might reignite their season: they’ve only managed wins over Wests Tigers and the Warriors in the past couple of months, and currently sit sixth after they were top-two. If they lose to the Knights, however, it’ll be a knife in the heart of their season. A Newcastle win would take them above Wests on the bottom of the ladder, and potentially above the Titans and Rabbitohs with a game in hand on the Titans.
At 4pm, there’s the Cronulla Sharks v the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the ‘battle of the beach’ . This is likely to be one of the better games of the round, with these teams in 3rd and 5th respectively currently. The Sharks welcome back their Origin quartet of Blues stars, with Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham, James Maloney and Jack Bird all welcome returns. None – particularly Fifita - quite had the influence they did in Origin I, with Graham responsible for the penalty against Napa in the dying minutes of the game, and Bird barely sighted off the bench. Maloney also missed a conversion, but otherwise pressured well from five-eighth and set up NSW’s second try. To stick with the Origin theme for the minute, I can’t wait to see what Jake Trbojevic can do for the Sea Eagles. He was enormous for the Blues, particularly in the set that led to James Maloney’ s try (via James Tedesco). His defensive work was equally impressive, with his tackling almost keeping QLD out of the game. With the bye last week, the Sea Eagles look a big chance, and we all know the Sharks can take a while to get going, particularly at home. They won’ t want to bank on another comeback against such a quality opponent (with five of their last six decided by six points or less). This should be a thriller.
AFL Q2 11:30 remaining Geelong 2.3 (15) v Fremantle 5.2 (32)
This game hasn’t started as the Cats would’ve liked, particularly with this knock to their skipper Joel Selwood in the opening minute of the game. He’s out and won’t return for the rest of the game. All the momentum is with the Dockers at the moment.
Joel Selwood has left the field following this head clash with Hayden Ballantyne. #AFLCatsFreo pic.twitter.com/qDFHPHn2TY
— AFL (@AFL) June 25, 2017
Hello everyone, and welcome to another Sunday edition of Guardian 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 and use the hashtag #sportwatch.
Today I’ll be taking you through the Tigers v Blues Clash at the MCG which should draw a massive crowd (estimates are at around 80,000+) given the large supporter bases both clubs boast, as well as their fierce rivalry. The ladder positions of these two (Richmond 6th, Carlton 15th currently) belie what a close match it should be. Richmond have won the last five matches between these clubs, and also sit much higher on the ladder, but it is the Blues who are in form. They won an epic against flag favourites GWS a couple of weeks ago (by a point) and followed it up with last week’s impressive away win over the improving Gold Coast. Some of their key players are in full-flight, including the would-be-Crow Bryce Gibbs, injury-free Marc Murphy, star defender Sam Docherty and reborn Liam Jones. Jones has had two big scalps in the past two weeks in Jon Patton (2 goals) and Tom Lynch (no goals, 1 behind and 1 mark) and may line up on Jack Riewoldt. I’m looking forward to that one, should it eventuate.
Richmond, on the other hand, find inventive ways to lose the winnable each week. Mirroring his heroic last-minute goal on Friday night against Essendon, Gary Rohan goaled for the Swans with 10 seconds remaining against the Tigers last week to again deny Richmond the win. The Tigers were on fire early, with 6 goals to 0 early in the second quarter, and led until the final 6 minutes of the game, when they conceded 8 of the last 9 goals. As for their stars, I’m looking forward to seeing what Brownlow-fancy Dustin Martin produces this week (could he sign now the bargaining agreement is finally in place?) but I’ve also got my eye on young gun Shai Bolton, who was electric in the first half against the Swans. As always, Alex Rance’s defensive work should also be a highlight.
To stick with AFL for the moment, the Saints v Suns clash at Etihad will be happening simultaneously. What had been touted all week as ‘Gaz’s 300th’ is of course now without Gary Ablett, thus promising much less spark and interest than previously. Gold Coast, which are the No1 clearance team in 2017, may well struggle without Ablett, as well as Michael Barlow who is out with a horror broken leg. On the other hand, they’ll welcome back vice-captain Jarrod Harbrow from his drink-driving suspension, who provides crucial run and carry out of defence. If Ablett and Barlow were playing, I’d be tipping an upset, as the Saints have been well out of sorts in the past month.
For the Saints, Jack Steele and Paddy McCartin will consider themselves unlucky to be lining up as emergencies, and it will be interesting to see how Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey go in McCartin’s absence. To make matters worse, McCartin was concussed – again – in yesterday’s VFL. I’m hoping for a vintage Nick Riewoldt performance, and am also excited by the form of Jack Billings, who seems finally to be living up to the hype which had the Saints select him over Marcus Bontempelli in the 2013 draft.
We’ve also got one AFL game happening already – between Geelong and Fremantle. I’ll update you on that in a moment, as well as previewing some NRL and taking you through news from Wires.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, have a read of this nice piece by Russell Jackson, on the impact the AFLW is having:
