Summary
That’s all from me for this edition of Sunday Sportwatch - I hope you enjoyed following my live commentary on our feature match, the underwhelming derby between Fremantle and West Coast. I’m not sure I’ve seen such a frustrating game in a long time, and imagine Dockers fans in particular will be feeling let down after their team’s inability to hit a target inside 50 in particular. Still, I’m sure I speak for most supporters when I say it’s nice to see Nat Fyfe back to somewhere near his best. The Eagles, meanwhile, were at their intercepting best, and found a way to weather an erratic Fremantle storm. No surprises that their best intercept mark - Shannon Hurn - takes the Glendinning medal for best on ground. That’s five derby wins for the Eagles in a row now as they take the final clash at Domain stadium.
In other AFL action, the Bulldogs found a way to win again over the Blues, to the relief of their long-suffering fans (one premiership does not negate a lifetime of suffering, I say, as a long-suffering Bulldogs fan). The Blues were unlucky to be left with only one rotation at the end of the game, and have played much better in the last month of football than their win-loss ratio suggests. Finally the Tigers found a way to put away the Lions, in what was a spiteful clash full of headbutts and eye-pokes. Will be interesting to see what the MRP makes of that game.
In the NRL, we stayed with the Manly v Wests game to see a revitalised Manly run over the top of the Tigers in the second half. Undoubtedly the questionable knock-on decision had an influence on the game, waking the Sea Eagles from their slumber against an improved Wests. Still, the Tigers will be disappointed with conceding the final few tries to Manly after being 18-6 up. Later, the Cowboys easily accounted for a disappointing Souths in Cairns, to go to three-straight wins without Jonathan Thurston. Kudos to the Cowboys for powering on without both him and co-captain Matt Scott thanks to season-ending injuries.
I hope you’ll join me again for next Sunday’s version of Sunday Sportwatch, and don’t forget to tweet us @GdnSportAus, with the hashtag #sportwatch. Thanks to everyone who followed, contributed and tweeted in. I look forward to seeing you again next week.
AFL West Coast 11.8 (74) beat Fremantle 5.14 (44)
Good win for the Eagles in the end, their fifth-straight against the Dockers in the W.A. derbies. Fremantle had plenty of opportunities, plenty of the run and patches of high possession, but simply couldn’t find targets inside 50 and turned the ball over far too consistently. The Dockers finished with 57% disposal efficiency as a team, to West Coast’s 70%. Fremantle simply played into the Eagles’ hands, resulting in the high number of intercept marks taken by Eagles defenders, none better than captain Shannon Hurn who had 5 intercept marks and 34 disposals. The only person with more disposals on the ground was his teammate Andrew Gaff, with 35.
No surprises that Shannon Hurn takes away the Ross Glendinning medal - with 3 votes from each of the judges.
For Fremantle, it was skipper Nat Fyfe who led the way, with 30 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 6 tackles. Lachie Neale had 34 disposals, with 14 contested possessions and 11 clearances.
Updated
AFL Q4 01:07 remaining Fremantle 5.14 (44) v West Coast 11.8 (74)
Amongst the casualties for Fremantle today is Ross Lyon’s coke.
Just when you thought your day couldn't get any worse 😂 Poor Rossy #AFLFreoEagles pic.twitter.com/vYfdDOkSAP
— Kath Loughnan (@KathLoughnanFOX) July 16, 2017
AFL Q4 03:23 remaining Fremantle 5.14 (44) v West Coast 11.7 (73)
Another goal to the Eagles through Dom Sheed as Fremantle fans begin to leave Domain Stadium for the last derby at this venue.
AFL Q4 04:48 remaining Fremantle 5.14 (44) v West Coast 10.7 (67)
That will be the sealer for the Eagles - Josh Kennedy shows the composure Fremantle have lacked all game to pick out Jack Darling just outside the square. I don’t think there’s enough time left for Fremantle - but they’ll rue their many missed opportunities.
Updated
AFL Q4 07:30 remaining Fremantle 5.14 (44) v West Coast 9.7 (61)
I can’t say this enough but the Dockers just can’t hit a target inside 50. They’re playing right into the Eagles’ intercept game.
AFL Q4 09:18 remaining Fremantle 5.13 (44) v West Coast 9.6 (60)
The Dockers are pushing but excruciatingly (for their fans more than anyone, I’d guess) keep missing targets. That said, they have all the momentum. Is there enough time? The Eagles need some more cool heads like Andrew Gaff - whose composure managed to take a couple of minutes off the clock.
AFL Q4 12:52 remaining Fremantle 5.13 (44) v West Coast 9.6 (60)
Walters for another -Darcy was free in the goalsquare - all on his own, decided to let it drop and it almost hit the post! Imagine that. If Freo keep hitting their targets this game might be back on.
AFL Q4 15:00 remaining Fremantle 4.13 (37) v West Coast 9.6 (60)
The Dockers finally get one back through Hayden Ballantyne after just their seventh mark inside 50.
AFL Q4 18:19 remaining Fremantle 3.13 (31) v West Coast 9.6 (60)
Looks like Stephen Hill has popped a shoulder in a melee with LeCras, that’s bad news for the Dockers who failed to capitalise on another promising push forward inside 50.
AFL three-quarter-time Fremantle 3.13 (31) v West Coast 9.6 (60)
Walters has GOALED! I can confirm, that is six points to the Dockers. That was the result of a Dom Sheed clanger which gifted the ball to Nat Fyfe.
After all that, however, the Dockers have given away 50m to sharp shooter Kennedy, who kicks his third goal (to equal Fremantle’s total). West Coast by 29 points at three-quarter-time.
AFL Q3 03:03 remaining Fremantle 2.13 (25) v West Coast 8.6 (54)
This is truly an ugly game of football. The ‘FREEEEO’ chant has just gone up, I assume more in hope and irony than anything else.
Down the other end, Mark LeCras goals from a set shot. That’s cruel. That’s 400 career goals from Mark LeCras, who celebrated like he knew he’d hit the milestone number.
AFL Q3 06:46 remaining Fremantle 2.13 (25) v West Coast 7.6 (48)
It must be contagious, because even Josh Kennedy has missed.
Oh, wait, Blakely just missed too!
#AFLFreoEagles "he can't miss this" pic.twitter.com/c9sALkZnqU
— LOST IN WESTEROS (@cutler2306) July 16, 2017
AFL Q3 10:15 remaining Fremantle 2.12 (24) v West Coast 7.5 (47)
And again.
This is excruciating #AFLFreoeagles pic.twitter.com/Z4XrgmIOjb
— fireyone (@sangallid) July 16, 2017
AFL Q3 12:00 remaining Fremantle 2.11 (23) v West Coast 7.5 (47)
Some great play from the Dockers leads to yet another behind - the Dockers are going at 5% conversion from inside 50s. Wow.
Some fans are feeling the frustration on social media.
The standard of #AFLFreoEagles is improving at half-time. pic.twitter.com/WfmcQg1L1Y
— Shay (@shaynadi) July 16, 2017
AFL Q3 15:14 remaining Fremantle 2.9 (21) v West Coast 7.5 (47)
The Dockers finally manage to hit a target inside 50 thanks to the clean ball use of Fyfe, who finds Cox on the lead. He can’t convert, however.
AFL Q3 16:40 remaining Fremantle 2.8 (20) v West Coast 7.5 (47)
Very impressive goal to Jeremy McGovern from outside 50 after an intercept mark inside 50. He loves getting forward - and wouldn’t the Crows love to have him alongside his brother Mitch?
Very quick clearance sees Mark LeCras boot another after the chaos ball went over the defenders’ heads and into space.
Updated
AFL Q3 18:00 remaining Fremantle 2.8 (20) v West Coast 5.5 (35)
The third-quarter starts as the rest of the game has proceeded, with poor ball use from the Dockers and Jack Darling with a shot on goal to make them pay. He misses.
Updated
North Queensland Cowboys beat South Sydney Rabbitohs 23-10
It’s all over at Barlow Park, with the Cowboys running away with the win 23-10. They had four different try-scorers, with Taumalolo, Feldt, Hess and Granville all crossing over. Taumalolo had 2 line breaks, and also had the most metres run, with 173 in total (Sam Burgess had 152 for the Rabbitohs). Granville also led the way for the Cowboys with 2 line breaks and 29 tackles, while Angus Crichton had 33 tackles for the Rabbitohs. The single point came from a Lachlan Coote field goal in the 78th minute, while Ethan Lowe converted 3/4 conversions.
The win takes the Cowboys to sixth, just behind the Roosters and just above the Dragons with 24 points. Meanwhile, the Dragons languish in 13th in what has been a disappointing season.
AFL Western Bulldogs 12.10 (82) beat Carlton 9.8 (62)
The reigning premiers finally break through for a win against the Blues. Both teams have been hit hard with injuries - the Blues had just the single rotation in the end, with all of Alex Silvagni, Ciaran Byrne and Dylan Buckley on the bench with injuries. As posted earlier, Jake Stringer is also out with a hamstring. In more promising news, Lewis Young played very well in his debut game for the Dogs, leading all others in intercept possessions (8), intercept marks (5) and the most marks for the Dogs (9). The Dogs will also welcome Jason Johannisen’s return to form; he had 23 possessions, 8 contested, and 74% disposal efficiency. Funny what signing your contract extension can do.
For the Blues, Bryce Gibbs continued his hot run of form with 32 disposals, including 10 contested possessions and 8 clearances. Second to him were Sam Docherty (29 disposals, 9 marks and 9 contested possessions) and Sam Kerridge (29 disposals, 12 contested possessions).
AFL half-time Fremantle 2.8 (20) v West Coast 5.4 (34)
Fremantle butcher another forward 50 entry and lose a good opportunity to score just before half-time. If they can fix up their disposal efficiency they’ll be right in this one.
I’ll go around the grounds to update you on the Carlton v Bulldogs and Souths v Cowboys games.
AFL Q2 01:45 remaining Fremantle 2.7 (19) v West Coast 5.4 (34)
Finally the Dockers kick truly with a goal to Suban in his milestone match. He still managed to fumble it before it went through. Ferocious tackle from David Mundy set that up.
AFL Q2 05:36 remaining Fremantle 1.7 (13) v West Coast 5.4 (34)
Thankfully for the Dockers, Drew Petrie misses down the other end and fails to make Fremantle pay.
How good is it to see this man in full flight again in the last couple of weeks?
Updated
AFL Q2 07:00 remaining Fremantle 1.7 (13) v West Coast 5.3 (33)
Would you believe it, Michael Walters hits the post from 10m out on the run. Nyhuis was all on his own just before he gave the assist to Walters, but the ball delivery to him gave the defenders a chance. Fremantle’s disposal efficiency is their biggest enemy.
Updated
AFL Q2 09:05 remaining Fremantle 1.6 (12) v West Coast 5.2 (32)
Finally! Kersten kicks truly for the Dockers after a snap shot around the body. Phew. Dockers fans breathe a sigh of relief.
Updated
AFL Q2 09:50 remaining Fremantle 0.6 (6) v West Coast 5.2 (32)
Stephen Hill misses a very easy shot at goal - he had plenty of time and lacked composure with the finish.
Hill gets another chance and passes off to Crozier. Could this be the breakthrough goal? No. They have, however, kicked a goal’s worth of points?
AFL Q2 11:24 remaining Fremantle 0.4 (4) v West Coast 5.2 (32)
Fremantle have 14% disposal efficiency in their forward half this term. Unbelievably bad.
AFL Q2 13:00 remaining Fremantle 0.4 (4) v West Coast 5.2 (32)
Things are getting ugly for the Dockers here. They’ve only managed 4 points in a quarter and a half of football.
Last week’s hero Nyhuis tries to inspire his team with a big contested mark, before kicking into the man on the mark, Will Schofield. Somewhat ugly game at the moment, errors abounding.
AFL Q2 15:26 remaining Fremantle 0.3 (3) v West Coast 5.2 (32)
Lachie Neale gives away a 50m penalty to Matt Priddis after stepping off the line (he also avoided giving Priddis the ball in the first instance, so was lucky not to give it away at first). Still, Priddis can’t capitalise, but the ball is back with Josh Kennedy who was in too much space inside the Eagles’ forward 50. He makes no such mistake.
AFL Q2 17:41 remaining Fremantle 0.3 (3) v West Coast 4.1 (25)
Fox Footy’s commentators point out that Fyfe is now up to 11/39 contested possessions for his team - the next best is Lachie Neale on 3. Fremantle can’t afford such reliance on one man, as brilliant as he may be.
AFL three-quarter-time Carlton 6.6 (42) v Western Bulldogs 10.8 (68)
26-point lead to the Bulldogs after a 3 goal to 2 quarter. Bontempelli, Wallis and McLean scored for the Dogs, while it was Wright and Graham for the Blues.
Bryce Gibbs leads possession by a long way for the Blues, with 27 disposals, 9 contested possessions and 7 clearances at 78% disposal efficiency. He is in some rich vein of form. For the Dogs Jack Macrae has 26 disposals, 7 marks and 9 contested possessions at 85% disposal efficiency, while Bontempelli has 21 disposals, 9 contested possessions and 2 goals. No coincidence that the Dogs play well when Bontempelli does.
NRL half-time South Sydney Rabbitohs 6-16 North Queensland Cowboys
Quarter-time in our feature match, and it’s half-time in the NRL. Here’s the most recent try to Coen Hess. Looks like the Rabbitohs might live to rue selling their home game to the state of their opponents...
Granville starts it. Hess finishes it!#NRLSouthsCowboys 6-16 after 34 minutes.#NRL pic.twitter.com/2DTmJ40Q8i
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2017
AFL Q1 00:22 remaining Fremantle 0.3 (3) v West Coast 4.1 (25)
Nat Fyfe has had 10 contested possessions - a third of Fremantle’s 30 total. It might be cliche, but he can’t do it all alone. He’s leading all-comers with 12 disposals and 5 clearances.
AFL Q1 01:50 remaining Fremantle 0.3 (3) v West Coast 4.1 (25)
Hayden Crozier nearly takes mark of the year before the Eagles clear the ball to again deflect Fremantle’s attack on the 50. Will get you some vision of that when I can!
AFL Q1 03:49 remaining Fremantle 0.3 (3) v West Coast 4.1 (25)
Great goal to Priddis off one step on the left. He was all alone in the 50 after a panic clearance from the Dockers. That’s four goals to none in this term for the Eagles.
Updated
AFL Q1 06:23 remaining Fremantle 0.1 (1) v West Coast 3.1 (19)
Nearly a miracle goal to Stephen Hill after a nice assist from Lachie Neale, who has seemingly recovered from an elbow to the head by Matt Priddis (he tried to fend off the tackle, rather than deliberately elbowing him).
Here’s that huge Darling mark from earlier:
We see you Jack Darling 👀 #AFLFreoEagles pic.twitter.com/FVYOlNau3Y
— AFL (@AFL) July 16, 2017
Updated
AFL Q1 09:22 remaining Fremantle 0.1 (1) v West Coast 3.1 (19)
Fremantle couldn’t convert through captain Nat Fyfe despite a 50m penalty gifting him a set shot at goal. Darling outmarks his opponent again to set up Drew Petrie in the square. How good has Petrie been off the North Melbourne scrap heap?
AFL Q1 12:46 remaining Fremantle 0.0 (0) v West Coast 2.1 (13)
Congratulations to Nick Suban on his 150th game today. No love for the Dockers in this match so far, though. Eagles are dominating possession, with Kennedy and Darling looming dangerously in the forward line. Last week’s hero Nyhuis is already back defending, currently on Jeremy McGovern.
AFL Q1 14:25 remaining Fremantle 0.0 (0) v West Coast 2.0 (12)
Absolutely HUGE mark from Jack Darling, and he follows it up with a nice set-shot goal from about 45m out, on a much tighter angle than Kennedy’s last shot.
AFL Q1 16:40 remaining Fremantle 0.0 (0) v West Coast 1.0 (6)
Guess who? Josh Kennedy with a big 45m set shot goal for the Eagles. Great kick inside 50m from McGovern set him up. How glad are the Eagles that this man is back?
AFL Q1 17:54 remaining Fremantle 0.0 (0) v West Coast 0.0 (0)
Big late out here, with Elliot Yeo missing from the Eagles’ side (while this might be devastating to Eagles fans, I am raging because he’s in my Supercoach team) That man Michael Walters gets the opening free kick off the match to push the Dockers forward.
NRL H1 24:56 South Sydney Rabbitohs 6-6 North Queensland Cowboys
Our AFL feature match is about to start, but it’s all square in this game at Barlow Park. Here’s the first try of the afternoon to Cody Walker.
The @SSFCRABBITOHS get the first points of the afternoon thanks to Cody Walker!#NRLSouthsCowboys #NRL pic.twitter.com/I2laK3aEZi
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2017
A quick shout-out to my friends at Chicks Talkin’ Footy on JOY FM 94.9. They’ve tweeted to promote my live blog today and interviewed me on Wednesday night about all things AFL, and my writing for The Guardian and The Footy Almanac’s season 2017 AFLW book. Look out for the podcast of that interview when their website is back online!
The Magic Unicorn Fairy has to finish fixing @JOY949 site but you can join guest @Kate_ohalloran at @GdnAusSport this arvo. Podcast soon! pic.twitter.com/25Sqf1YFxb
— CTFJOY949 (@ChicksTlknFooty) July 15, 2017
AFL
Are you wondering why Carlton are wearing orange socks today? It’s to promote awareness of violence against women - and to support its prevention. Orange is often the colour used by UN women to invest and mobilise against the fact that 1 in 3 women globally experience violence in their lifetime, often at the hands of someone they know. As reported by UN women, “of all women who were victims of homicide globally in 2012, almost half were killed by intimate partners or family members”.
Did you know that several AFL players are ambassadors for the issue of violence against women, including Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli and Patrick Dangerfield? Check out The Line for more on this issue and contact 1800 RESPECT if you need to talk to someone about family violence.
AFL Q2 02:28 remaining Carlton 4.4 (28) v Western Bulldogs 7.7 (49)
Thankyou, Regan Phelps, I would like to concur.
Just turned on the footy. Then heard BT dribble this. Just turned off the footy. #AFLBluesDogs #Netflix pic.twitter.com/E3TFLs2Ois
— Regan Phelps (@Reegs79) July 16, 2017
Tough holding the ball decision against Caleb Daniel leads to a shot on goal for Sam Docherty, but it’s touched just before the line.
AFL Q2 02:28 remaining Carlton 4.3 (27) v Western Bulldogs 7.7 (49)
One man who has looked very impressive is the Bulldogs’ debutant in Lewis Young who is playing in defence for the Dogs. Has picked off several intercept marks and looks composed, even shouting instructions to his much older teammates.
AFL Q2 04:02 remaining Carlton 4.3 (27) v Western Bulldogs 7.7 (49)
Five goals to one to the Bulldogs this quarter, as Picken capitalises on the 75% of possession the Dogs have managed leading into half-time.
AFL Q2 05:10 remaining Carlton 4.3 (27) v Western Bulldogs 6.7 (43)
Speak of the devil, Jones cuts off an impressive foray forward from the Dogs, after a misdirected kick from Caleb Daniel. Charlie Curnow now lines up for a goal down the other end. He hits the post.
AFL
Some news relevant to this game from Wires (AAP): the former Western Bulldog Liam Jones has been offered a new two-year deal with the Blues, after his stunning rejuvenation as a defender. Jones spent seven seasons (including five with the Bulldogs) as an often-frustrating forward, capable of taking huge contested marks but marred by inconsistency.
This from Jones: “The move into the back six has obviously reinvigorated me and I’m really grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to go around again for the next couple of years”.
Jones was a second-round pick in the 2008 draft, and has played 88 games, booting 84 goals. He has averaged six marks and 13 disposals in his five games this season.
AFL Q2 11:17 remaining Carlton 4.2 (26) v Western Bulldogs 6.6 (42)
The Blues get their fourth goal, after they kicked three in the first 10 minutes of this game. That one went to Bryce Gibbs who was alone in the square, and kicked it into the top level of the ‘G.
Dogs respond quickly, though, with a goal to Bailey Dale after a nice, measured kick inside 50 from Toby McLean. He’s had a wonderful string of games these last few weeks.
AFL Q2 12:43 remaining Carlton 3.2 (20) v Western Bulldogs 5.6 (36)
Brilliant snap goal from Bontempelli and the Dogs have 5 of the last goals in a row.
Some bad news for Bulldogs fans (myself included), however, with Jake Stringer leaving the ground with a hamstring. Brian Taylor joked that “Jake hurt his ham-stringer”. Not sure how this guy gets a regular gig.
AFL Q2 12:43 remaining Carlton 3.2 (20) v Western Bulldogs 4.6 (30)
The Bulldogs look to have some momentum in this game, finally stringing together some good form after such a disappointing season. They haven’t, however, capitalised on their opportunities - having kicked 6 behinds for their 4 goals.
Honeychurch has just converted from 30m out - his first goal from a set shot this season.
AFL Richmond 16.16 (112) beat Brisbane 12.9 (81)
The sometimes spiteful clash between the Tigers and Lions is over at Ethiad Stadium, with Dustin Martin surging to 40 disposals, including 14 clearances, 18 contested possessions and 2 goals. He’s a star, but might be in trouble with the Match Review Panel after seeming to poke Nick Robertson in the eye (who was also reported for headbutting). Captain Trent Cotchin also led from the front with the Tigers, with 28 disposals, including 15 contested possessions and 1 goal.
For Brisbane, young gun Alex Witherden had 28 disposals, including 8 contested possessions and four inside 50s. He’s just one of an impressive bunch of young Lions, including Eric Hipwood (who said earlier in the week that he wants to be a Lion for life), Josh Schache (who is staying) and Hugh McCluggage. I don’t think it’ll be too long before the Lions turn things around.
I’ll head to the Carlton v Bulldogs game at the MCG before the beginning of the West Australian derby.
Updated
NRL Manly Sea Eagles beat Wests Tigers 28-16
A lopsided second half sees Wests drop a 16-8 lead, to go down 16-28 to the Manly Sea Eagles. There was a noticeable shift in momentum after that knock-on was paid against Brooks (when Kelly appeared to wrest it from his hands).
Man of the match goes to Tom Trbojevic who had 2 line breaks, and 191 metres run (Woods had 196 for the Tigers). He set up his brother for a try in the 71st minute, and was influential in getting his side across the line.
My apologies to Tom for this somewhat unflattering photo.
NRL H2 76:30 Manly Sea Eagles 28-16 Wests Tigers
Tom Trbojevic decides that the Sea Eagles will take the 2 points for the penalty, and Cherry-Evans makes no mistake.
NRL H2 71:12 Manly Sea Eagles 26-16 Wests Tigers
Another dropout for the Tigers - Sea Eagles are dominating possession now. Here’s that last Trbojevic assist and try.
Trbojevic to Trbojevic!#NRLManlyTigers #NRL pic.twitter.com/lGIIr9VjUz
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2017
NRL H2 71:12 Manly Sea Eagles 26-16 Wests Tigers
I think it’s all over here at Lottoland, after a Cherry-Evans pass sets up the Trbojevic brothers - this time Tom feeding Jake (how often have we seen Jake feeding Tom?) Cherry-Evans converts for a 10 point lead with only 8 minutes to go. That’s three consecutive tries for the Sea Eagles.
After this game I’ll update you on the final score between the Tigers and Lions, and stick with the Carlton v Bulldogs game before our W.A. derby.
NRL H2 68:01 Manly Sea Eagles 20-16 Wests Tigers
Dropout for the Tigers after a deft Cherry-Evans pass forces the Tigers behind their try-line. The Tigers give away a penalty and the Sea Eagles have another six, but it’s intercepted by Nofoaluma. Tigers back on the attack.
NRL H2 63:44 Manly Sea Eagles 20-16 Wests Tigers
Great effort from DCE to step back into play off his own try-line, with Lolohea charging towards him after the kick. It saves the Sea Eagles a dropout, and they proceed with some big metre gains.
NRL H2 60:44 Manly Sea Eagles 20-16 Wests Tigers
A brilliant try from Akuila Uate - he ran straight through the centre of the Tigers’ defence -past Woods and Tedesco no less with a wonderful burst of speed. That gives the home side back the lead. An easy conversion follows to DCE. I feel for the Tigers - that knock-on decision has really changed the momentum of the game.
Updated
NRL H2 54:41 Manly Sea Eagles 12-16 Wests Tigers
That set of 6 went absolutely nowhere for the Sea Eagles - and I was going to commend the Tigers’ defence, but a penalty for a knock-on is paid against Luke Brooks (even though it appeared Ryan Kelly punched the ball from his hands?!). The resultant scrum delivers an immediate Matthew Wright try. A conversion follows.
Here’s the try:
Through the hands, Wright has a double!#NRLManlyTigers #NRL pic.twitter.com/zDpB0WW3nY
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2017
NRL H2 46:48 Manly Sea Eagles 8-16 West Tigers
Signs of desperation here from the Sea Eagles with Darcy Lussick tackling Woods by the hair... and giving away a penalty in turn.
Here’s the last (lucky) try:
Ricochet!#NRLManlyTigers 8-16 after 47 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/ndDzwGy3ri
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2017
NRL H2 42:48 Manly Sea Eagles 8-16 Wests Tigers
Were back on at Lottoland and Wests have scored a lucky goal from a dual ricochet - Brooks’ kick first hit Shaun Lane, and then the post, before he took the ball back for a try. And Lolohea converts for an 8-point lead to the Tigers.
Cricket
In case you missed it in my opening post, Greg Jericho argued in his piece today that the Australian cricketers have demonstrated the effectiveness of union organising in negotiating for fair share of their pay and power, tied to their revenue. Were the players operating individually, he says, “they would be stuffed”.
Jericho points out that union membership in this country is at historic lows. Latest figures show just 13% of workers are in a trade union – compared to 40% 25 years ago. He links this with record low wage growth, alongside much higher increases in health, education, utility, fuel and grocery costs. There is ‘no coincidence’ that this follows the Howard government industrial relations policy era – and a shift of power from workers to employers. In the example of Australia’s cricketers, CA are simply – as an employer – seeking to alter employment conditions of their workers to favour them. Jericho doesn’t promise that being part of a union will inevitably wrest back your rights, or that unions are perfect, but the fight for workers’ rights “will not be solved by not being part of a union… and neither will low wages”.
We can all, in other words, learn from the collective power of the Australian cricket team – as an invaluable commodity not about to undersell its importance.
Football
Romelu Lukaku has made his debut for Manchester United as they saw off LA Galaxy, 5-2. Manchester United’s post-Wayne Rooney era began with Jose Mourinho fielding a rarely deployed 3-5-1-1, while Lukaku had to wait until the second half for his debut. He didn’t score, but didn’t look out of place either.
AFL Q3 05:36 remaining Richmond 8.13 (61) v Brisbane 6.7 (43)
No surprises here with the Tigers leading the Lions at Etihad stadium. Brownlow favourite Dustin Martin looks to be free of the tag, racking up 13 possessions this quarter alone. He’s had 27 so far, although is only going at 55% disposal efficiency. He’s had 10 clearances though, including 6 centre clearances.
Meanwhile Nick Robertson has just been reported for headbutting - and has now gone to tag Martin.
NRL half-time Manly Sea Eagles 8-10 West Tigers
Lolohea intercepts a risky Matthew Wright pass on the verge of half-time. Lolohea speaks to the media at half-time and can hardly get a word in he’s puffing that hard. Says the Tigers started slowly, and is happy to take the lead into half-time. Apisai Koroisau denies that the Sea Eagles are struggling after a tough match last week; he says they started well and they won’t use fatigue as an excuse.
NRL H1 37:27 Manly Sea Eagles 8-10 West Tigers
Tedesco takes the dropout for the Tigers after Manly pressed hard with a penalty, quick tap and Trbojevic dash that almost delivered. It’s almost half-time here, at which point I’ll go around the grounds for some AFL updates.
It’s the former Tiger Martin Taupau’s 100th game today.
F1 - British Grand Prix
In F1 news, Lewis Hamilton has emphatically answered his critics with a brilliant drive to pole position for this Sunday’s British Grand Prix. This is Hamilton’s fifth British GP pole, and matches Jim Clark’s record at Silverstone. He came in at more than half a second clear of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. If he should also win the race, he will match Clark and Alain Prost’s record of five wins in this race.
The criticism of Hamilton came after he chose to go on holiday rather than prepare for the race and attend the F1 demonstration in London on Wednesday. Some fans even booed the three-times world champion, but team executive director Toto Wolff brushed those critics aside:
“I don’t see there is a big backlash because the crowds are cheering… People who have come to Silverstone love him, but like many other superstars, he polarises.”
NRL H1 29:03 Manly Sea Eagles 8-10 West Tigers
The kick from Luke Brooks goes over the hands Brian Kelly and Esan Marsters pounces. Some great work from Woods (via an offload) and a big, daring run from Lolohea set that try up.
Missed conversion from Lolohea but the Wests take the lead after 30 mins.
The luck of the bounce!#NRLManlyTigers #NRL pic.twitter.com/J8pL3BEtTz
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2017
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NRL H1 24:18 Manly Sea Eagles 8-6 Wests Tigers
The Tigers finally get one back! Joel Edwards is the unlikely hero after a Woods assist. He fumbled and weaved through a row of defenders for his first try since 2013 (when he was a Raider!)
And they convert. Tigers back in it.
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NRL H1 19:47 Manly Sea Eagles 8-0 West Tigers
James Tedesco down the inside for what looked like a try, but Woods is penalised for obstructing Trbojevic from tackling Tedesco.
Here’s that earlier Trbojevic assist:
Long ball from Tom Trbojevic 👌#NRLManlyTigers 8-0 after 12 minutes. #NRL pic.twitter.com/vXLZotz47N
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2017
Tour de France
In Tour de France news, Chris Froome is back in yellow, after finishing 25 seconds ahead of Fabio Aru, who ceded the race lead by 19 seconds. Aru was poorly placed at the back of the group on the final ascent, while Froome finished 7th behind stage winner, Australian Michael Matthews. Froome also gained key seconds ahead of rivals Romain Bardet, Simon Yates, Nario Quintana and teammate Mikel Landa. Still, only 29 seconds separate the top four of Froome, Aru, Bardet and Rigoberto Uran. Froome said he would “regard all of the riders within a minute as a threat,” and at this stage, “we are fighting for every second”.
Aru suffered from the absence of his teammates – left to fend for himself for 80 kilometers, and at the end of the race, he had not a single teammate nearby to help him regain position at the front.
Matthews, meanwhile, had targeted this stage and emerged a winner in front of 2015 victor Greg van Avermaet. As such, Matthews regained valuable ground in the battle for the green jersey with Marcel Kittel.
On Sunday the riders will face two first-category climbs – one close to the start and one near the finish. In between they will face the “brutally tough” roads of Lozère and Haute Loire.
You can re-live the live action here, with Barry Glendenning’s account as it happened.
NRL H1 11:47 Manly Sea Eagles 8-0 Wests Tigers
And now a try to Matthew Wright after an assist from Tom Trbojevic. Below is the 40/20 from DCE that set it up.
DCE then takes the kick but misses - proving he can’t do everything. Manly missed the first conversion, too, which Wright took.
What a 40/20 from DCE! #NRLManlyTigers #NRL pic.twitter.com/LZmCOqRMFn
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2017
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NRL H1 08:57 Manly Sea Eagles 4-0 Wests Tigers
It’s just his third game this season, but Shaun Lane has dived over for Manly’s opening try after another try assist from Daly Cherry-Evans.
AND Cherry-Evans has just pulled off a 40/20 kick from the far side of the field. DCE is in unbelievable form.
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Cricket
Australia have advanced to the semi-final against India in the Women’s World Cricket Cup, after easily accounting for South Africa. You can follow the live action as it happened here, with this link to Will Macpherson’s live blog.
MacPherson recounts a ‘strange’ game, whereby the Australians looked the superior team but lost some curious wickets. South Africa then started a strong run chase up to the 35th over, before they were bamboozled by some excellent spin bowling from the Australians. Australia now finish second, behind England, who they spectacularly lost to by three runs earlier in the tournament – their first World Cup loss to England in 24 years!
England finish on top after their resounding win over the West Indies. They managed to easily defend their lowest target set this tournament – finishing on 7-220. They were challenged early – the Windies sending them in to bat and pressing at 4-91 in the 22nd over. Nonetheless, the West Indies could only manage 9-128, England winning by 92 runs. Nat Sciver, who went for a two-ball duck, redeemed her batting performance with 3-3 from four overs.
The semi-final line-ups are as follows:
England (1st) v South Africa (4th) in Bristol on Tuesday
Australia (2nd) v India (3rd) in Derby on Thursday
Last time England and South Africa met – in the group stage – they both made more than 300 runs, for a total of 678 (a women’s one day international record). Let’s hope for a repeat.
The final will then be held at Lord’s on Saturday.
Wimbledon
Overnight, 23-year-old Gabriñe Muguruza became only the second Spaniard – after Chonchita Martínez in 1994 – to win the women’s singles title at Wimbledon. Martínez was fittingly in attendance, cheering Muguruza on from the coaches’ box. Muguruza won 7-5, 6-0 in an emphatic victory over five-times champion Venus Williams. The 6-0 scoreline of the second set was telling; it is the first time Williams has lost a set to love in 20 years at Wimbledon.
Muguruza had reached the final against Venus’ younger sister Serena two years ago, but fell to the champion. At the time, Serena was said to whisper to her that she had the game to win Wimbledon. That prophecy would come to fruition only two years later against her own sister. It will be a satisfying triumph for Muguruza – who has been uncomfortable on grass, and lost in the early rounds at Birmingham and Eastbourne last month.
In an historic move, the final was played under a closed roof for the first time at Wimbledon, after drizzle fell throughout the early afternoon. Still, the final wasn’t without the same controversy that has dogged the tournament throughout – with Williams asking the umpire to check if the baseline was dangerously slippery. As for most of the tournament, the game went on despite what appeared to be obvious and severe damage to the court.
You can also read each player’s assessment of the match here.
Before we get going with today’s action, I’ll update you on some of the emerging sports news from overnight. Then I’ll take us to the NRL clash between Manly and Wests, and update you on the score between the Tigers and the Lions in the AFL.
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 with the hashtag #sportwatch.
Today’s feature match is the 4:40pm clash between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers – otherwise known as the W.A. derby. Today’s clash is the 46th instalment of the derby, likely to be the last ever at Domain Stadium. The W.A. derby gives new meaning to the term ‘bitter rivalry’ – much akin to its S.A. cousin. Crowds for the game average 39,908, with the biggest crowd 43,527 in 2006 (when the teams were first and fourth). They sit at 12th and 10th today, but the game is likely to be as close as ever. West Coast have been hot and cold all season, and have lost three out of their last four at home – unbelievable considering they were accused so vehemently of relying on a home-town advantage. Many would have tipped the Eagles to topple the Power at home last week, but they looked the inferior team from the first bounce. They do, however, welcome back their spearhead Josh Kennedy, who has booted no less than 13 goals in the last two derbies between these teams. For that reason alone, I’m tipping a narrow West Coast victory.
Fremantle, meanwhile, are riding a Nyhuisan high after the debutant kicked four key goals in their thrilling victory over North Melbourne. Ross Lyon claims the backman, who has never played forward before last week, will again line up in attack. Perhaps most promisingly, Nat Fyfe looked back to his explosive best, and Dockers fans will be hoping that’s merely a sign of things to come for the Brownlow medallist. That said, it was only their fifth win from their past six outings, against a struggling Kangaroos. I love the move of Michael Walters into the midfield and think he’ll need to fire again if the Dockers are to win today.
Head-to-head, the Eagles have won the last four consecutive derbies for a lead of 25-20 over Fremantle.
As always, I’ll endeavour to get around the grounds during and before this game – and will mostly focus on the Manly v Wests NRL game in the lead-up, which is about to kick off at Lottoland. Manly sit in fourth despite their 18-6 loss to Penrith last week, which brought to an end a five-game winning streak for the Sea Eagles. The Sea Eagles were uncharacteristically ill-disciplined in the game, coming away with a 14-4 penalty count against. Despite Cherry-Evans’ pleas to the referee that they were hard-done by, I think the Panthers won fair and square. Still, given the number of sets the Panthers had near the Sea Eagles’ try-line, you’d think they’d have won by more. The Panthers had 53% of the ball, and seven more completed sets. Kudos to Manly for their excellent defence of their own try-line, a feature of their game all year.
Wests, meanwhile, continue to frustrate (particularly for fans), despite their win over the struggling Knights before the bye. Prior to the game they had accumulated a seven-game losing streak, and currently sit 15th on the ladder. James Tedesco is back after Wednesday’s crushing Origin loss, in what is a big boost for the Tigers, as is Aaron Woods. Watching Woods offload is one of the joys of seeing this team in action. I’m also looking forward to seeing mid-season recruit Tui Lolohea, who had three line-breaks and a try-assist, and combined well with Luke Brooks in their last outing. Still, I find it hard to tip a Wests upset, and expect a cruisy Manly win.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, we recommend reading this piece from Greg Jericho on how Australian cricket’s pay dispute is a wonderful ad for joining a union.
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