Tonight's results
Around the grounds in tonight’s football:
New Zealand 38 d. Australia 13
Hawthorn 12.8.80 d. St Kilda 11.10.76
Brisbane Lions 10.18.78 d. Gold Coast 11.8.74
Cronulla 28 d. North Queensland 16
... and Cardiff are currently nil-all with Newcastle. Follow the rest of the match on our live blog.
That’s all this evening. Thanks for joining us on the Desk of the Sport today, and to Richard Parkin for his monster live blogging efforts throughout the afternoon and evening.
Not all bad news for Gold Coast fans.
Also, Dayne Beams wins the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best on ground.
We've kicked 10 goals so our members and match-day ticket holders are entitled to a free Big Mac at participating GC McDonalds stores tomorrow! Terms & conditions apply.#AFLSunsLions #GoSuns
— GC SUNS (@GoldCoastSUNS) August 18, 2018
Full-time: Brisbane Lions 10.18 (78) d. Gold Coast 11.8 (74)
A strong contested mark by the Stefan Martin Experience wins the Lions the game. Some quality post match action with Dayne Zorko and Touk Miller enjoying a tense handshake. Remember, Zorko refused to shake Miller’s hand at the conclusion of the last game between the sides.
In the post-match interview Zorko suggests he thanked Miller for a good game, but lip-readers may have got something else out of it...
Over to Metricon Stadium, where the margin is four points with 45 seconds left. The Lions have the ball in hand and are chipping it around.
Full-time: Hawthorn 12.8 (80) d. St Kilda 11.10 (76)
Another kick inside St Kilda’s forward 50 is stopped, this time by Jarman Impey, and Hawthorn go forward. With 20 seconds left the ball is on their half-forward flank and the game is won. St Kilda battled hard but just couldn’t find a way to win. Hawthorn’s top four ambitions remain alive.
Updated
Jack Gunston has been best on ground, and he floats back to defuse a long bomb into St Kilda’s forward pocket. Less than a minute left.
Two minutes to play, and a Ben Long torpedo into St Kilda’s forward 50 creates a stoppage. The Saints may have been unlucky not to have a 50 metre penalty bring an earlier mark within scoring range. Jade Gresham kicks out on the full with a wild snap and Hawthorn have the ball in hand.
In Queensland, Alex Sexton misses from an impossible angle and the Lions are still up by nine with time running out.
Shambolic scenes in Hawthorn’s forward line as Ryan Schoenmakers thinks he’s marked, but neither he or his opponent hears the umpire called play on for touched. He eventually realises and snaps wildly to miss, extending the gap to three with four minutes to play.
Gunston then spins out of a tackle and sets up the well-held Tom Mitchell but he misses as well. Isaac Smith puts through another point for a margin of four.
Elsewhere, Lions by eight.
It’s been over 14 minutes since anyone scored at Etihad, and St Kilda has lost Jarryn Geary for the night with concussion.
Seven minutes left on the Gold Coast, and just over six remaining at Etihad.
Scoring has dried up at Etihad Stadium, with St Kilda getting the ball forward plenty of times but are lacking the finishing touch. Hawthorn’s top four chances are on a knife-edge but you feel they will have just enough to nick a couple of goals on the break and hold on.
At Metricon, the Lions are now out to a 10 point lead.
Brisbane hit the lead through Dayne Beams, while St Kilda blow a golden opportunity to do likewise. From deep on the boundary line an attempt to square the ball ended in a holding the ball penalty and Hawthorn escaping.
In basketball news, it’s congratulations to the Hobart Chargers for lifting the SEABL title.
For the first time since 2008, the @HobartChargers are SEABL Champions!
— SEABL (@SEABL) August 18, 2018
Pulling away in the second half after a tight contest, they win 58-72 behind double-doubles from Muo (20pts, 14rebs) & Moller (12pts, 13rebs)! Simon Conn paced @NunaBball with 21pts and 17rebs. #SEABLGF18 pic.twitter.com/tj6iVeOYwD
About 12 minutes to play in both AFL games. Hawthorn and Gold Coast lead by two.
Nil-all after seven minutes in Cardiff.
Hold your cat anecdotes, the Saints are coming. Jade Gresham marks inside 50, and from a slight angle he narrowly misses. The margin is back to two points.
Gold Coast’s lead is back down to two points at Metricon.
Full time in the Bledisloe Cup and New Zealand have won comfortably.
Also, if you’re keen on Cardiff vs Newcastle in the Premier League we’ve got another live blog covering that game.
It’s on at Etihad Stadium as well. A blundering kick inside the defensive 50 is intercepted and gifts the Saints the first goal of the term, much to the visible disgust of Hawks supercoach Al Clarkson.
We’re just about to start the fourth quarter in Melbourne, but the Suns have already hit the front at Metricon. Given the Suns’ troubled season, even if Brisbane get up from here Nick Robertson may have just earned himself a permanent media ban. What a shame, the AFL should give him a medal for introducing some interest to the game. And Alex Sexton adds another!
In the union, the Wallabies are being spanked now. The margin is out to 38-13 New Zealand.
Full-time: Cronulla 28 - 16 North Queensland
The Sharks pile on an insurance try through Jayson Bukuya in the final minute. Valentine Holmes misses his first conversion of the night, but after being challenged they’ve run away to an easy win in the last five minutes.
Three quarter-time: St Kilda 10.9 (69), Hawthorn 12.6 (78)
The Saints spend the last 90 seconds in attack but can’t convert. A dropped mark by Rowan Marshall was their best opportunity to drag the margin back under a goal at the last change. You’d think Hawthorn would have enough to win from here, even with defender James Frawley under an injury cloud, but the way this game has ebbed and flowed nothing is certain.
Just in case you’re not entertained by a game that’s had about 10 lead changes, Channel 7’s commentary team are currently discussing the health of Matthew Richardson’s cat.
In non-cat chat, the Sharks are have won it. Josh Dugan scores after 76 minutes, Holmes converts his fourth try of the night and they’re up 24-16 with two minutes to play.
The Lions have taken the lead back 57-54 just before three quarter time, and Australia have a belated try to cut the gap to 13-26.
It’s another Saints goal! Lonie gets another free after being pushed in the back directly in front of goal. He almost made a meal of it from close range but snuck it through to cut the gap back to 10.
Five minutes to play at Shark Park and no change to the score, while New Zealand are now up 26-6.
The revival was short lived, another Jack Gunston assist sets up Luke Breust and a shot from close range that could have easily bounced into the post took the right path. The lead is back out to 16 in what has been a genuinely enjoyable game.
Lonie’s got his third and the Saints won’t go away. He draws a free kick 40 metres out and kicks truly to cut the margin to 10 with just under five minutes to play in the third quarter.
Around the grounds, scoring has dried up in the Suns/Lions game with the home side are holding a four point lead.
Finally some reward for St Kilda, with Jade Gresham the architect of a goal by Jack Lonie to reduce the margin to 16.
More importantly, the Cowboys are back in it. Gavin Cooper scores in the 72nd minute, but Thurston misses the two points and his side still trail 18-16.
A pair of opportunities for the Saints, with a shot being narrowly rushed through as it was about the cross the line then a missed Tim Membrey set shot. They’re 22 points down.
Four in a row for the Hawks, and a fourth for Jack Gunston. He goals from close range and the margin is 24 points.
Cronulla have also grabbed a break, Andrew Fifita’s try and Valentine Holmes’ conversion have them up 18-12 with 10 to go.
The Suns still lead by four, and it’s all going wrong for the Aussies in the Bledisloe.
In unrelated sporting news...
Non-chan is the baby salmon mascot of Noda Village, Iwate prefecture. Here he is playing ping-pong. pic.twitter.com/xbJMjSf0G3
— Mondo Mascots (@mondomascots) August 18, 2018
The Hawks buck the trend by kicking three in a row. Gunston continues to be dangerous, marking outside 50 and finding Hawthorn first year player Conor Nash standing on his own in front of goal. Gunston then gifts one to Jarman Impey and they’ve got a 17 point break.
At Shark Park, Jordan McLean has scored for the Cowboys and a Johnathan Thurston conversion levels the scores.
... and in Queensland the upset is bubbling. Gold Coast now have the lead, they’re up 52-48. Radio stations will never get another interview with a Lions player again if they’re beaten from here.
Another lead change, as Jack Gunston wins a free kick from a marking contest. His third goal puts the Hawks five points up.
In Sydney, normal service appears to be resuming as the All Blacks are now up 12-6. No further score in the Sharks/Cowboys clash.
A positive start to the second half for St Kilda, with Jack Newnes marking in the forward pocket within a minute. He opts for the traditional drop punt from the angle and converts to put his side back in front by a point.
And Gold Coast have levelled the scores at Metricon. We’ve still got to get through one of their traditionally terrible last quarters, but there could be a fair old boilover brewing up there.
Here’s that Cronulla try. Something about a hot knife through butter.
All the Chad!@chadtownsend10 👏#TelstraPremiership#NRLSharksCowboys 12-6 after 50 minutes.#NRL pic.twitter.com/1g6oRn6i2r
— NRL (@NRL) August 18, 2018
A recap of the scorers in tonight’s other games:
St Kilda 6.6.42 (Membrey 2, Billings 1, Lonie 1, Paton 1, Steele 1)
Hawthorn 7.5.47 (Gunston 2, McEvoy 2, Breust 1, Burgoyne 1, Worpel 1)
Gold Coast 6.4.40 (Sexton 3, Bowes 1, Fiorini 1, Holman 1)
Brisbane 6.10.46 (Mathieson 1, McCluggage 1, Rayner 1, Starcevich 1, Taylor 1, Walker 1)
We’ll be back with the AFL second halves shortly.
Cronulla cross the line again! Chad Townsend scores three minutes into the second half, Holmes converts and they’re up 12-6 with half an hour to play.
Updated
Half-time: St Kilda 6.6 (42), Hawthorn 7.5 (47)
It’s not been the greatest exhibition of the game you’ll ever see, but the sides are still putting on an interesting game. If you’re into live ladders, Hawthorn are now up to third. With a game against the suddenly firing Swans looming in the last round losing to the lowly Saints would be very bad news for them.
On the Gold Coast, the Suns got the last of the half to cut the margin to six. Let’s forget that update where I suggested we were no chance of a close game in the AFL tonight.
Elsewhere we’re still waiting second half kick-off in the Sharks/Cowboys clash and New Zealand has just gone over in the Union to make the score 5-6.
Late drama! A wonky Jack Billings kick that he’ll want to call a pass finds Ben Paton running inside 50. He converts and St Kilda are back in front by a point..
But before I can press publish Hawthorn barrel straight out the centre and respond within 20 seconds through Gunston. That’s five goals in a row that have changed the lead.
Updated
At Metricon, the margin is back to a goal courtesy of that man Robertson being caught holding the ball in the forward pocket.
In the main game, a period of desperate attack by the Saints comes to nothing and the Hawks retain their five point lead with 90 seconds left in the first half.
David Armitage misses a relatively simple set shot to extend St Kilda’s lead, much to the presumed chagrin of Jarryn Geary who put his body on the line in a marking contest to provide the opportunity. The Hawks then go down the other end for McEvoy to reply. Hawthorn now up 40-36.
At the Nick Robertson Loose Comments Cup, the Lions have regained their two goal lead courtesy of a smart goal on the run from top draft pick Cam Rayner.
Half-time: Cronulla 6-6 North Queensland
At the stadium better known as Shark Park, the home side had the early 6-0 lead before the Cowboys hit back with a try and a penalty goal to level the scores with 40 to play.
Updated
Another lead change as Tim Membrey nudges his opponent out of the marking contest, then kicks truly from almost 50 metres out. The Saints are back in front by a point with just over nine minutes to play in the first half.
St Kilda’s lead disappears almost immediately, with Jack Gunston setting the ball up to Ben McEvoy at the top of the square. The ruckman converts, Hawthorn in front 34-29.
St Kilda lead. First Tim Membrey kicks out on the full from a set shot, then Sinclair catches Stratton holding the ball and scores a point from the resulting free kick. They’re up 29-28, and Gold Coast are coming at the Lions. The score at Metricon is now 31-27 in Brisbane’s favour, and Nick Robertson is probably starting to get a bit worried.
It’s 6-6 now in Sydney, with a Thurston penalty goal levelling the score. Same method of scoring in the Bledisloe, with Australia now 6-0 up.
Three in a row to the Saints! Scores are level thanks to Jack Billings’ second effort after a missed mark in front of goal. If the Hawks are auditioning for a top four finish there’s nothing here to convince that they’ll be the ones to threaten Richmond in the finals. Scores 28 each and it’s very much on.
More nervy defence by the Hawks, and it’s another goal from a turnover. This time it’s Tim Membrey, and the margin is back to six.
Gold Coast is showing some fight too, restricting the Lions to a 15 point margin.
Great start for the Swans, a nightmare kick out of defence by Connor Glass of Hawthorn gifts Jack Lonie a set shot. He converts, the score is back to 15-28 and that late Hawks goal in the first quarter is cancelled.
Still 6-4 to Cronulla in Sydney.
As the second quarter begins at Etihad Stadium, the one thing St Kilda fans can hold onto is that their side dominated contested possession in the first quarter. There’s nothing yet to suggest they’ll convert that into scores, but stick with us and we’ll find out.
Meanwhile, in Sydney the Wallabies are in front. Which almost feels like it deserves an exclamation mark.
Quarter-time: St Kilda 1.3 (9), Hawthorn 4.4 (28)
The Hawks do all the attacking at the end of the quarter, but miss two set shots. The margin wasn’t a true reflection of their dominance until James Worpel ran into an open goal in the last 20 seconds. The 19 point gap is a much better indication of where the game is at.
Around the grounds,
Quarter-time: Gold Coast 8, Brisbane 23
17 minutes in: North Queensland strike back through Coen Hess but the conversion is missed. Sharks lead 6-4.
Still no score between Australia and New Zealand.
Cronulla are away! Luke Lewis has scored after 12 minutes and the conversion makes it 6-0
A reminder that if the other brand of rugby is your go, the Bledisloe Cup clash has now kicked off.
The Suns are on the board via Alex Sexton, while Brisbane’s Rising Star award fancy Alex Witherden looks to be done for the night with a hamstring issue.
Meanwhile in Melbourne, the Saints are having a nightmare time trying to clear the ball out of defence. They finally went forward only for Jarryn Geary to run into what looked like an open goal only to kick it into a Hawks player. That leads directly to Jack Steele - who has had 10 touches while playing in Tom Mitchell - to goal with a quick snap from the stoppage. That’s 20-8 Hawthorn now.
The hits just keep on coming for Hawthorn, Luke Breust rolls a clever finish through from the pocket and his side is up 20-2.
Nervous adjustment of collar time in the St Kilda coaches’ box. They look toothless up front, and are struggling to hold the Hawks forwards. Perhaps there’s life in them yet as Saint Tim Membrey is unlucky not to be paid a mark in the forward pocket, but that’s swiftly followed by a holding the ball decision and the Hawks are free.
It’s not looking like a night for thrilling AFL finishes, so let’s hope Rugby League and/or Union can come to the party.
Brisbane are now up 21-0 at Metricon Stadium, and the Hawks went close to another goal through Jarman Impey. They’re now up 14-1.
Not a cracker yet in the Sharks/Cowboys clash.
Goal to the Hawks. Shaun Burgoyne takes advantage of a forward 50 stoppage to snap from close range. The Hawks lead 2.1.13 to 0.1.1.
In Sydney, the Sharks and Cowboys are two minutes without a score.
After Hawthorn fail to score from a Gunston set shot, St Kilda are horribly unlucky not to take advantage at the other end. A bobbling ball in the square could have gone almost anywhere and still fallen to Ben Long for a tap-in but just bounced away from him. Hawks lead 7-1, and up north the Lions are 9-0 ahead.
It’s go time in Bledisoe blogland, if you’re looking for in-depth coverage of the big game join Richard Parkin here.
First blood to the Lions at Metricon Stadium, while St Kilda were lucky not concede again as a Tom Mitchell snap fell short. The Saints did manage to get down the other end but kicked out on the full. We’ve got 16 minutes to play in the first quarter.
A reminder that the Sharks/Cowboys game is ready to go in the next five minutes as well.
St Kilda has had the sort of run over the last few weeks that might have led to Nick Robertson style words, and they’ve had a horrific start Etihad. A long Jack Gunston pass towards the square has gone over the top of everyone and survived a video review for the first goal within a minute. Hawks lead 6-0.
That Queensland AFL derby (or ‘Q Clash’ if you work in a marketing department) might have been the sporting equivalent of “if a tree falls in the woods...” if not for the surprise mid-week intervention of Lions defender Nick Robertson.
Going against all accepted sporting wisdom, Robertson described Gold Coast as soft during an interview and added some much needed spice to the contest. We’ll see how he goes, the Lions deservedly start red-hot favourites but he’ll go down in Queensland footy folklore if the Suns find a way to get up.
First bounce for both that game and our Hawks/Saints clash is imminent. Jake Carlisle (personal reasons) is a late out for St Kilda for personal reasons, replaced by Sam Gilbert.
Our focus tonight will be the Hawthorn vs St Kilda AFL game from Etihad Stadium in Melbourne but we’ll also be dipping into the Gold Coast - Brisbane derby, Cronulla vs North Queensland, the Bledisloe Cup and any other random sporting events we stumble across.
Iron man Richard Parkin will be back soon with an in-depth Bledisloe blog, and we’ll check in with him during the evening.
Full-time: Wests Tigers 10-20 St George-Illawarra and the Swans are in the finals again
Good evening all, and thanks for joining us on the desk of sport this evening.
The NRL game between Wests Tigers and St George-Illawarra has just wrapped up at Leichhardt. The Dragons withstood a challenge from Wests early in the second half, but bounced back with two tries to win 20-10.
We’ve also just had the Sydney Swans clinch yet another finals appearance in the AFL. Whisper it quietly but they’ve done fairly well for themselves recently...
Finals appearances for South Melbourne / @sydneyswans
— Joshua Kay (@js_kay) August 18, 2018
24x
1897-1995
20x
1996-2018#AFLGiantsSwans
An extraordinary club
Right, I’m off to soak my typing fingers and get ready for the Bledisloe - we’ll have a full minute-by-minute liveblog covering all the action there in that one.
In the meantime we’ve still NRL and AFL action to come here tonight, so stick around with Adam Woolcock, as he takes you through that, and much more!
Full-time: GWS Giants 8.12 (60) lose to Sydney 11.14 (80)
And so the Swans move into the top four, at the expense of their dearest crosstown rivals!
It was looking so good, for so long, for the Giants, but those injuries proved ultimately insurmountable. They’ve never had a great record on that front, but you’d have to wonder if somebody broke a mirror, in some spilt salt, inside the Giant’s dressing room during this one - to see not one, but two key defenders tasked with marking Franklin depart the contest injured.
Yes, please, said the 8th all-time leading goalscorer, as Franklin helped himself to career goal 916 and beyond.
Will Hayward with a late clincher, as the Swans revival continues.
Ten to play in the Sydney derby - and I think that might be the ballgame!
Kieren Jack with a terrific goal on the fly, as the Swans go outside a goal ahead for the first time all game!
The Swans receive a 50m freekick, and it’s Buddy Franklin, sucking in the deep breaths to line up for his 5th. He slots it! His fifth of the night, and that surely is that! The Swans lead by 14 with seven to play!
Updated
Full-time: Australia 11-31 New Zealand
That’s all she wrote down the road in Homebush. A terrific fight put up by the Wallaroos, but every time they threatened, the Black Ferns just found a little extra. I guess that’s the story of serial champions.
A try after the siren in the first half; a huge set piece try after fifteen minutes on the back foot in the second half, these are the margins I guess.
Can the Wallabies hope to go one better later tonight? We’ll know shortly.
So just one behind for the Giants in this final quarter - they’re hanging in for dear life - but it’s been all Swans since Jeremy Cameron’s opener.
It’s been Sydney with six consecutive scoring shots - but they’ve been more wayward than a wild west extra; with four consecutive behinds, and they lead by just three!
Still, they’re in front - something they hadn’t managed across the first three quarters - but it’s been 10 behinds since half-time, as GWS continue to cling in this contest like a cat to a curtain.
Thirteen minutes to play - and after all this, the Giants have a set shot!
It’s Harry Himmelberg, who flies highest to grab a terrific mark. He’s kicked two already. He lines this one up.. and would you believe it.. he’s hit the post! 53-55. They remarkably could have been ahead!
Updated
Another try in the Wallaroos-Black Ferns match, and it’s the home side with their first of the evening!
A tremendous flowing move, plenty of offloads as Alisha Hewitt crosses the line. Great celebration from her teammates - they may have lost the contest, but they’re going down swinging; and you’ll see few better tries than that one. The conversion attempt floats left, 11-31 the score.
Back at the Sydney derby, we’ve a first goal of the fourth quarter - and do you reckon you can guess who’s kicked it?
The strutt is back! Big Buddy plugs a fourth, he’s 4.4 now, he’s got a wounded Finlayson struggling to keep up with him. And now it’s finisher turns provider, as he marks once again, but centres for a teammate.
No mistake from Luke Parker! They’ve two goals in three minutes, and we’ve got a one-point game! 52-51.
“The dam wall is leaking” - it’s a Swans-nami at the moment, a huge 23 minutes in their season, and for the make up of the top four / top eight in general.
Updated
Two key tries to update in our respective rugby league and rugby union matches.
A massive forward pack push from an offensive line out for the Black Ferns has seen the Kiwis crash over, and at 24-6 and with twenty to play, you’d imagine that might just be enough for the reigning world champs.
They’ve been so impressive since the break, the Wallaroos, but having weathered a fair storm, it’s the Black Ferns now with this under control.
And, at Leichhardt Oval it’s the veteran of 200+ games for Wests Tigers, Chris Lawrence who’s given his side some hope.
Doesn't take long for the @WestsTigers!#NRLTigersDragons 4-6 after 42 minutes. #TelstraPremiership #NRL pic.twitter.com/fF4EFsh2rU
— NRL (@NRL) August 18, 2018
Whatever was said in the shed at half-time did the job! 4-6 and game on.
Three-quarter-time: GWS Giants 7.9 (51) leads Sydney 5.9 (39)
And here we go, here go just down the road in Homebush - we’ve got an 11 point margin, and it’s the Swans making all the running, as the Giants succumb to yet another on-field injury!
Davis is out there on one-leg, they’ve moved him to the frontline, the co-captain, but his defensive replacement Jeremy Finlayson has also left the pitch, with Ryan Griffen making for the pine as well.
The Swans aren’t making the most of it though, with some very wayward kicking. They’ve hit 1.6, with their leading lights, Franklin, and skipper Josh Kennedy as guilty as any - two behinds each to those two, with both missing key set shots.
A final rushed behind for the Giants, so they go in at the hooter leading by just two goals. Deary me. Can the walking wounded see this one out?
Updated
Some promising stuff from the Wallaroos - gee it’s all happening at Homebush in Sydney tonight - they’ve started the second half brightly against the Black Ferns, building phases well and enjoying a few tackle breaks. Emily Robinson with the first blood of the second stanza on the scoreboard as she slots a second penalty from about 30m out.
6-19 the score - do they have the stamina to mount a late challenge here, the Wallaroos? We’ve about thirty to play.
Half-time: Wests Tigers 0-6 St George Illawarra
Another low-scoring contest over at Leichhardt Oval, but it’s not the scoreline Wests fans would want to see, with their season very much on the line. Not even veterans Benji Marshall or Robbie Farah have been able to inspire their chargers - yet. Jordan Pereira with the game’s only try with 26 minutes gone, which was converted. Big forty to come.
And back to the Sydney derby, where it’s a game-high 21-point lead now for the Giants, where we re-join the action about seven minutes into the third quarter.
Harry Himmelberg with his second of the game to open the quarter, and the good news for GWS fans is that Phil Davis is back on the field; he’s even treated himself to a behind for good measure!
Just a sole behind to the Swans so far this quarter, but Franklin has just landed a key mark here, about 30m out, over Adam Tomlinson in the GWS defence.
He lines it up.. but he’s dragged it across the face! 2.3 so far for big Lance tonight. 49-29 the score - it’s a tense, terse, low-scorer here at Spotless Stadium.
Half-time: Australia 3-19 New Zealand
Ach. a late kick in the teeth for the Wallaroos’ with the Black Ferns crossing in first-half time added on, and their hopes of landing an early blow against the Black Ferns in the battle for the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy appear to be fading.
Still, they’re not entirely out of this, even if they’re up against the five-time and reigning world champions.
The Wallaroos had done so well, especially given they’d almost survived playing with a player down for eight minutes after Grace Hamilton’s 32nd minute trip to the sin bin.
But it’s tries to Kendra Cocksedge, Fiao’o Faamausili, and that late heartbreaker to Aldora Itunu that give the Black Ferns a well-earned lead. Emily Robinson’s 23rd minute penalty the only consolation for the home side.
Updated
Okay - to another contest involving sides wearing white and red, and black and orange - where we’ve played about 20 minutes at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney’s inner west, and the score remains 0-0.
And it does look a full-house there, a solid crowd in, packing the Wayne Pearce hill.
The Dragons will be looking to capitalise on Penrith’s earlier capitulation to move into the top four, but for the Tigers the equation is to win here, and hope the Panthers do them a favour next week against the 8th placed Warriors, if they’re to keep their finals hopes alive.
It’s St George probing though, Ben Hunt falling just short of the opening try, as the ball came loose as he reached out across the line! Well-defended, Moses Mbye. Tigers completing their sets at under 70% now though, after a bright early start.
Updated
Half-time: GWS Giants 6.6 (42) lead Sydney 4.3 (27)
So, Phil Davis remains off the field for the home side, and Buddy is lurking with intent. He’s got 2.2 for the quarter, but takes an early breather. Odd that, when he’s been making hay against young Jeremy Findlayson in Davis’ absence.
It’s a subplot however as the Giants continue to lead; 15 the margin in the shadow of half-time.
They enjoyed a bit more possession and territory that quarter, did the Swans, but the Giants still shaded the scoring 3.3 to 3.1. They lead disposals and contested possessions, but there’s plenty more to come in this second half.
Updated
And ICYMI, some big news from the world of Australian football, with Socceroos starlet Daniel Arzani announcing he’s secured a new club.
You might recall that the A-League’s Young Player of the Year and Socceroos’ World Cup bolter recently transferred from Melbourne City to parent club Manchester City. Like Aaron Mooy before him however it was unlikely the teenager would walk straight into Pep Guardiola’s Premier League chasing squad however, so at least we know where he’ll be playing this year - out on a season loan.
#WelcomeArzani
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 17, 2018
🇦🇺🍀 pic.twitter.com/DEpD54JfL1
Looks good on him.
They don’t mind an Aussie, do Celtic. Arzani now lines up alongside Tom Rogic, and will follow in the footsteps of the great Mark Viduka.
Now we’re underway shortly at Leichhardt Oval for Wests Tigers’ do-or-die clash with St George in the NRL - we’ll keep you across that one too.
But out in Western Sydney it’s GWS starting the second how they did the first. Aiden Bonar with a goal inside 130 seconds of the restart, but it was Buddy Franklin who struck straight back. They were saying he looked “like a caged animal” at quarter-time, pacing the Swans dressing room with intent, and he’s made an early statement with a trademark effort, to fire straight back.
Harry Himmelberg, with another for the Giants, before Tom McCartin got an early nerve-settler for the Swans. 33-20 the margin.
But the big news now is, with that key match up in mind, Phil Davis is limping to the sideline after a heavy collision with his teammate, Rory Lobb. How crucial could that prove? Will he see any more action, the GWS co-captain?
Updated
And apropos of absolutely nothing, I’ve just seen this on Twitter:
Swooping season its on. pic.twitter.com/jS82pkKmsl
— Just Davo (@hitinman) August 17, 2018
A simply stunning photo. And perhaps an apt metaphor for that fourth quarter between the Pies and the Power?
Quarter-time: GWS Giants 3.3 (21) lead Sydney 1.2 (8)
Okay, now to the present, where blustery conditions at Spotless Stadium have seen the Giants blow out to an early lead. Pretty even in the middle of the pitch, but GWS leading 17-8 inside 50s.
Goals to Dylan Shiel, Daniel Lloyd and Jeremy Cameron for the home side, with Kieran Jack bagging the Swan’s solitary effort. A keen match up happening with Phil Davis tasked with handling big Buddy. Just two kicks for Sydney’s talisman that whole quarter, so you’d have to say it’s first blood to Davis.
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Full-time: Geelong 24.14 (158) defeat Fremantle 3.7 (25)
And here’s confirmation of that earlier result. Good grief.
I mispoke earlier when I said 24 unanswered goals; it was only 23, apparently. Still, that’s an AFL record - and to think Freo were leading at 1/4 time.
Somewhere, I promise you, is a cocky Freo supporter who loudly proclaimed to all his mate (and of course it would be a ‘him’) - “don’t worry lads, we’ve got this” with thirty gone and then strolled off to go watch Mission Impossible 6 (or whatever Freo supporters do for leisure) and thus rained down one of the all-time might jinxes upon his side.
That’s the only explanation I have for this. That, and, perhaps they’re not a great football side, Freo, whereas the Cats conversely are.
Tom Hawkins with six goals, fwiw. Four to Brandan Parfitt and three to Tim Kelly.
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Full-time: Penrith 12-20 Newcastle
Well, they’re out of finals contention, the Knights, but haven’t they just poured sand in the machinery of the Panthers’ season. A top four spot looking increasingly unlikely after that showing, and a sour farewell to their home fans at Panthers Stadium for the regulation season.
A ninth win for the Knights, with Kalyn Ponga once again at the heart of a lot of the good stuff; this time from fullback, showing his versatility.
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Is the sin bin big enough for four?
— NRL (@NRL) August 18, 2018
Levi, Kenny-Dowall, May and Kikau have been sent to the sin bin!#NRLPanthersKnights #NRL #NRL pic.twitter.com/7HdWkQnRoB
That answers that. And a fair question too.
Uhoh. We have what the commentators are calling “dumb rugby” over in Penrith, as actual punches are being throw between the Panthers and Knights.
Fans might occasionally love to see “a bit of biff” but almost certainly not when you’re a top-four chasing side staring down the barrel of a shock home loss - and with a very tricky trip to the Warriors on the horizon. Dumb, dumb rugby indeed. A sign of frustration perhaps, they’ve been largely second best today, the Panthers.
Just trying to work out who’s being sin binned here. Shaun Kenny Dowall has gone for the Knights, I think that’s Tyrone May for the Panthers, it’s four in total, two a piece. And the penalty goes to Newcastle, with the Panthers adjudged to have started the fracas.
What a way to finish your final home game of the season.
Okay, a quick round the grounds - we’ve had no change to the score in the NRL, where it’s still the Panthers trailing their visitors the Knights 6-14 with about fifteen minutes to play; they’ll need to get moving, Penrith, if they’re to try and cement a top-four spot.
We’ve about ten to play in the Geelong-Fremantle clash, where, look. It’s probably best to look away, West Australian AFL supporters. Over 120 points the difference now, yee gods. I think I just heard the phrase “24 unanswered majors for the Cats”. Is that even possible? (Apparently, yes).
And, we’re almost underway in Sydney - where we’re minutes away from the Sydney derby between the Swans and the Giants. They’re billing this one as one of this biggest ever. Hard to disagree, perhaps.
And of course, don’t forget we’ll have both women’s and men’s rugby union Tests shortly, with Bledisloe Cup / Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy action coming your way!
Full-time: Collingwood 17.13 (115) defeat Port Adelaide 10.4 (64)
They’ve just described this as a romp, the commentators at the MCG, and it’s hard to disagree. 52. Fifty-two unanswered points, from when this was a four-point game halfway through the third quarter!
They’ve completely gone missing, here, Port - yet to bother the scorers in this final quarter, with thirteen consecutive scoring shots going the way of the boys in black and white. Six goals to nil, and the last five minutes of this one can’t come quickly enough, you’d imagine.
And after 28.57 minutes without anything much to shout about, they kick the final goal, do the Port. Sam Gray with a major that proves largely immaterial. Deary me. A sad finish to a game that offered such hope for Port fans.
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Oh dear. It’s now four consecutive goals to the Magpies in the AFL with Jaidyn Stephenson helping himself to his second of the game, and that’s a 39-point margin.
And to add insult to injury, Robbie Gray is now down, clutching his knee. It looks an impact knock, rather than anything structure though, so hopefully he’s okay.
They have to watch out, Port - because even if this one gets out of their hands, then point percentage comes into effect, with the 9th placed Geelong putting Freo to the sword at Kardinia Park, we could see a massive swing about.
Given what’s at stake in the Collingwood v Port Adelaide game, let’s turn a closer eye to that one now; especially with the possibility of both South Australian sides finishing out of the eight today.
We’re six minutes into the final quarter and the margin is 20 points. It’s been all Collingwood lately, with the last six consecutive scoring shots all going the way of the ‘Pies. Steele Sidebottom starting the final quarter the way they finished the third, when Adam Oxley slotted one.
It’s bad to worse for Power fans, with Mason Cox and Jordan De Goey slotting back-to-back majors to make it now a 32-point margin. There’s some real stink flying round, as that De Goey goal came off what looked suspiciously not a mark (which was paid, nevertheless).
They’ve had a bad rub, have Port. And to think 17 minutes into the third Robbie Gray hit a behind with the score 62-57, that could have put Port ahead. It’s all gone south from there, unfortunately.
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And with my extensive knowledge of horse racing exhausted (you should see me on golf), let’s now return to some more familiar turfs for Saturday Sportwatch, and head round the grounds, where we have live NRL and AFL in store for you at the moment.
We have a sell-out over at Leichhardt Oval today, apparently (happy now @muzonsport?) but before then it’s Panthers v Knights out in Penrith, where the home side are making what’s now becoming a trademarked slow start. They trail the Knights 6-14 with about 30 minutes played.
And we’re in the third quarter of both Geelong v Fremantle and Collingwood v Port Adelaide in the AFL. It’s one-way traffic in Geelong where the Cats have their claws out today - 12.6 (78) leads the Dockers 3.3 (21). And to think, the visitors kicked 3.2 of those in the first quarter. Ouch.
It’s marginally closer at the MCG, Where there’s only a 13-point margin between the ‘Pies and the Power; 10.11 (71) leads 9.4 (58). The goals being shared round by Collingwood with eight players slotting majors so far - only Brody Mihocek and Tom Phillips with multiples so far.
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So, two-and-a-half lengths was the official margin for Winx who came home in pretty short odds, $1.24.
Invictus Prince ($150) surprising a few perhaps, with D’Argento ($17) rounding out the places.
You have to wonder if they owners ever thought they’d actually win that, naming their horse after the Latin for silver. I hope they’ve got another horse in their stable called D’Auro. I’d bet on that one instead.
A bit of Black Caviar sass flying round, by the way - with many pointing out that ol’ BC never lost, whereas Winx’s run only started from her 11th race (winning only three of her first ten). Well, look. Can’t we all just agree, they’re both excellent horses?
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And here’s the full race if you missed it:
And that's history!
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 18, 2018
In the race named in her honour, Winx does what only she can and makes it a record 26 consecutive wins @royalrandwick, eclipsing Black Caviar's 25. None better 👌 pic.twitter.com/a2frNIc4nX
Really fascinating to see the challengers like Kementari almost trying to shadow the great mare’s run.
Apparently, it’s Black Caviar’s birthday today as well - so there’s a party pooper for her. Although, I’m sure there’s professional respect between thoroughbreds; like between stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi being happy for each others’ success.
And you thought every horse was born 1 August. Must have been a late delivery.
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Here’s the view from trackside. Hard to capture all the drama, really - but they were absolutely flying out there, hard track or no.
26 in a row. Today. Nothing gets in her way. Truly amazing. WINX takes out the Winx Stakes at Royal Randwick. #winxhorse #gowinx pic.twitter.com/PwCrgjH3Dv
— Winx (Official) (@winx_horse) August 18, 2018
And here’s what jockey Hugh Bowman had to say about that remarkable ride. Sounds like Winx knew the way home, rather than any particular tricks he had up his sleeve being the difference today:
"Just incredible"
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 18, 2018
He's been with her every step of the way and the dream of 26 is realised for @HugeBowman and the magnificent Winx. @bernadetecooper was there to capture the moment with Hughie! pic.twitter.com/VyLITKegXp
And for those chasing the final placings:
W - Winx
2nd - Invictus Prince
3rd - D’Argento
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Winx wins 26th race - surpasses Black Caviar!
Far out.
Blink and you miss it, these 1400m affairs. It’s no Melbourne Cup, that’s for sure.
And after all that, it was comfortable once again - the super mare with too much in the tank, coming fast down the outside to run down the entire field. Oriental Runner was leading heading into the straight, but with a few hundred metres to go nobody had the sheer pace to match Winx and Hugh Bowman. 26 wins - and the remarkable undefeated run continues!
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The track is apparently running a touch hard, over at Randwick Racecourse, and there’s a lot of late interest in second-favourite Kementari, but surely ol’ Winx has too much for her opponents today; even if it is perhaps a slightly stronger field than she’s seen in the past?
To put it in context, some of these horses weren’t even born (foaled?) when Winx first started this remarkable three-year undefeated spree. Gee, you’d love to put her and Black Caviar head-to-head, wouldn’t you? Maybe throw in Pharlap too, just for good measure?
She had a shocking start in this race last year, dropped about 5-6 lengths out of the barriers, but trainer Chris Waller is confident barrier attendant Ryan Englebrecht could be the secret today. He and Winx have a very good understanding by all accounts.
Hi all! Top of the afternoon/evening/morning to you all.
And as mentioned, what a day of sport we have in store for you! We’re not far away from live action over at Randwick in the Warwick Stakes - or Winx Stakes, as they’re now known - where the 7-year-old super-mare is in action once again.
Speaking of absolute pedigree winners though, looks who’s finally in town:
Quite the ruckus at Sydney airport earlier today, by all accounts. Can’t wait until he hits training at Central Coast Mariners.
31-years-old is a remarkable age to make one’s professional football debut, should he eventually prove his worth and win a contract. The A-League hasn’t seen a mature age rookie like this since Sydney FC handed a start to their 34-year-old membership officer Brendan Renaud during a particularly grim injury run in season 2007-08. Ahh, the A-League of yore..
Preamble
Days like today make you glad you’re a fan of sport, don’t they? It’s a bumper affair, chock full of more highlights than Neymar’s hair after a trip to a dodgy Russian barber’s shop.
Super horse Winx, she of six straight Group 1 race wins, gets things underway, racing in her eponymous race at Royal Randwick. Piloted by Hugh Bowman, the mare is looking to register her 26th consecutive win, to move ahead of Black Caviar in the all-time winning stakes. She can’t lose, can she?
Round about the same time Winx is hooning out of the gates in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, an NRL triple-header kicks off at the foot of the Blue Mountains with the Panthers meeting the Knights, before the Tigers meet the Dragons in a tasty-looking encounter at Leichhardt and the Sharks welcome the Cowboys to the Shire in the late game.
Two AFL games are already underway – Collingwood v Port Adelaide and Geelong v Fremantle – but the biggie today is the Sydney derby, third v sixth, Giants v Swans, at Spotless. That one starts at 4:35pm AEST, before the Suns and Lions, Saints and Hawks round things off later.
It’s also a huge day in rugby union, with a mouthwatering double-header at ANZ Stadium in Sydney featuring the Wallaroos and Black Ferns (up first) and then the Wallabies and All Blacks taking centre stage in the evening.
Oh, and apparently some bloke called Usain Bolt has landed in Australia ahead of a stint with a local football team. More on that coming right up. Stick with me throughout the first part of the day, and get in touch with anything you need off your chest on the details above. Take a deep breath. Let’s do this.
