#Toby Redpath

[cultfaction]

Jurassic Triangle trailer released

Directed by Victor de Almeida, Jurassic Triangle stars Darrell Griggs, Sian Altman, Dorothea Jones, Rob Kirtley, Toby Redpath, Connor Powles, Chrissie Wunna, and Andre Pierre. After surviving a strange storm over the Atlantic Ocean, a group of work colleagues find themselves stranded on an island, one that is not on any map. They soon encounter dinosaurs and other deadly creatures who begin…

[getseriouser]

20 THOUGHTS: Winter is, er, not coming, it is here, actually

JUNE.

This is the guts of the football season, the temperatures drop, the stakes rise; the year becomes aspirational for some and a grind for the rest.

And this works just as well as an analogy for the on field competition or indeed the fights in the bar, it’s a long season if you’re looking to improve your win-loss record within the Medallion Club middleweight division.

Such an interactive fan experience now when you go to the football. If you want to sit and watch your team, they have ticket options for you, but if you’re tempted to throw some cut lunches at a fellow fan within a licensed part of the venue, there’s that option available too - it’s such an all-inclusive entertainment product the AFL offers, they should be commended really.

  1. Want to start with the Fair Work Act. Wonderfully details workplace relations that protect and support employees in a number of areas, but the one we're most familiar with would be leave entitlements. It may differ slightly from workplace to workplace, but paid leave for falling ill, or for caring for an immediate family member, are genuinely invaluable for individuals to keep a regular cash flow in times where you or a loved one can't get to work and need a couple of days off. What it is not for, at all, is for when you decide to let your eyes spend far too much time oogling your media adviser, despite having a loving wife for no less than 24 years, that leads to conception, before the Australian public finds out your new friend with benefits is with child, your child,  so you lose any political popularity you had, because you know, you're all about family and love even though you voted No last year, and then, in a bizarre twist to either clear the air or make bread with your Party or the constituency alike, you let Channel Seven give you and your new son's mother $150,000 for an interview the same time everyone's watching Gordon week start on MasterChef. Now you have been granted five weeks personal leave because the fallout to said interview has got you "struggling", despite the thousands of sheets you took up front for doing so. Now if the Fair Work Act doesn't abscond the taxpayer from having to fit the bill for this said paid leave, we need to get our grey leads and erasers out and get re-drafting the Act. Not good enough Barnacle.

  2. Daniel Ricciardo and then Will Power. Firstly, the West Aussie who piloted a broken Red Bull around the streets of Monaco for a very famous win. Drove literally the perfect lap, a track record, on the Saturday then backed it up with guts and grit when after his pit stop the Renault engine gave him significantly less power, and where retiring to a DNF was on the cards, he drove the thing so well he scored his well-deserved maiden Monaco win. And then the same day, over at the Brickyard, the Toowoomba native who was the Indy series champion four years ago, notched his first even Indianapolis 500, probably the other world famous motor race. Two Aussies on top of the motorsport world on the same day, bloody grouse.

3. Let’s get the rest of the non-footy out of the way up front today, onto tennis quickly. Nick Kyrgios, a lot of good happening in his world, maturing, game is improving, but sadly the body is failing him. Against popular opinion but withdrawing from the French was a good call, getting himself 100% fit for a surface (grass) that he can win some serious matches on, as opposed to clay where its pot luck for Australians, that’s smart. Let’s see him in a few weeks and judge. As for Bernard Tomic, hmm, at least the Australian taxpayer isn’t covering his expenses whilst he has all his leave. Ah Bernie..

  4. And Cricket, so, we had match-fixing rear its ugly, deformed, oily-skinned head this week. We had two accusations of matches involving Australians. Firstly, that a pitch was doctored to guarantee a result in the Sri Lanka-Australia test in Galle. Absolutely viable, it went two and a half days, world-record pace, so absolutely plausible the pitch and subsequently match was fixed. The other, an India-Australia test the same year in Ranchi. The allegation is something around ensuring a session or block of overs were under a certain run total, an over/under bet. The revelation is that two Aussies were bought and that they went on to carry the crime out. Those two would be Steve Smith and Glen Maxwell in the second session on Day One, but without knowing this accusation on paper it just looks like they batted conservatively after losing four early wickets. I’m not sold.

   5. So Kevin Sheedy gets elevated to Legend status, definitely deserves the accolade. 929 games as a player or coach, three flags with Richmond, four flags coaching Essendon. Plus the impact he had as essentially a promoter, a marketer. Phenomenal. Still think Fos Williams should not be too far behind as we’ve mentioned in an earlier column. 779 games a player or coach, played in a flag at West Adelaide before moving to Port Adelaide to be captain-coach, where he won another six flags, then as coach only of the Magpies steered them to another three. That’s Ron Barrassi-esque figures, and he should not be overlooked for too long because they are SANFL, until the late 1980s, VFL, WAFL, SANFL, all comparable to some degree.

  6. The Giants hey? Not good. But, oh, injuries. Not really. So yes, Tom Scully will be eight weeks, then there’s also Brett Deledio and Toby Greene, and that’s it. Phil Davis has a concussion but that’s not long term.  Aside from that, Zac Williams is a wait and see. 14 players from Saturday night played the Prelim last year. You have Steve Johnson and Nathan Wilson not in the side from the weekend who played in the prelim last year, one did nothing, one they traded to Freo for a 2018 draft pick. But Jeremy Cameron dint play the prelim but played on Saturday. This team isn’t really decimated, nor has any excuse.

  7. Woosha, its a theory we've spoken about before, but the win on the weekend goes a bit further to validate it, that from coming on board in 2016 it was about rebuilding a broken club, a higher emphasis on job engagement than results. Yet ever since he publicly came across different in the media two weeks ago, tough, uncompromising, intimidating, which is just like how he was as a player, the team is playing like results do matter and that enough is enough. This club is long from being that broken place, it’s now about making and winning finals. Huge chance this Saturday against the reigning premier, and then all of a sudden, should they win, look out.

  8. Shocker by Adelaide oh my, that was a hell of a stinker. No surprise then to see Don Pyke resort to silent intimidation at the huddle, that’s about as awful a performance as any, and I mean any, we’ve seen all year.

  9. So the Dees then. Great scoring, got to give them that. Five weeks in a row over 100 points. As for margins, 109 points last week, then 91 points this week. Great. But the Crows gave no contest, they beat the Bombers before their resurgence, then its wins over Brisbane, St Kilda, Gold Coast and Carlton. Yes, they beat North Melbourne, but equally they were average against Hawthorn. They look good on paper, they'll beat up the Doggies this week, and the draw is soft. It’s all very winnable aside from two trips to Adelaide after the bye, Geelong down the highway, Sydney at home but the Eagles in Perth. So they probably end up with a maximum of 8 losses, they makes finals, then good luck to them. It’s a very flattering third position right now though.

 10. Angus Brayshaw does deserve some love though. 37 touches on the weekend, 5 inside 50s, week before seven inside 50s and 11 tackles, he has become so important. This column is a big fan.

  11. North Melbourne, looking very good, and whilst the Dees are heavy on the scoring, credit to the Roos they are number one for scores against, averaging under 70 points a game through ten rounds. That’s impressive.

  12. Shaun Higgins, massively key to the Roos ascendance. In their wins, aside from the Hawks game, averaging 29 touches, six clearances, six inside 50s, three tackles. All-Australian squad at a minimum to Round 10.

  13.  Easton Wood. Without Dale Morris looks all at sea and easily-exposed. With Morris in the backline he is an All-Australian third man up, intercept defender. But this season looks easily squandered, and then Friday night did not register a tackle, the fourth time that’s happened already this season. Morris might miraculously come back soon but this surely is his last year, he can only be Superman for so long. So Wood is a 28-year-old captain who needs to find a way to be better.

  14. The Dogs had ten players who played in the 2016 GF but not on Friday: Boyd, Picken, Liberatore, Morris, Biggs, Dunkley, Smith, Stringer, Hamling and Roberts. Those that didn’t play in the flag but played on Friday: Suckling, Richards, Williams, Trengove, Dale, Smith, Gowers, Lipinski, Crozier, Schache. Plus you’ve got the likes of Wallis, Honeychurch, Jong, Adams, Redpath who played neither. What that says is that whilst they are missing a good bunch of premiership players who could influence results right now, few are either stil at the club or could be making such an influence in the short term, too the replacement players have worked to only some degree at best and some of their more experienced players are so out of form its potentially forcing games into kids who might not yet be ready. Consider the Dogs lost.

   15.  Dayne Beams. Courageous week, not an easy week personally and then far from an easy opponent with the Swans last Saturday. Came up with a best on ground performance, 38 touches, nine clearances, five inside 50s, four tackles and a sausage. Such a jet.

  16. So we have a few punch ups at the footy of late, but this column is glad its getting covered. Sure, the A-League cops it far worse but that’s old stereotypes dying hard, images in this country where there’s flares or fan separation feeds fear, and fear feeds the news cycle. But the A-League is nowhere near as bad as the image it cops, and the AFL needs to do something about its punch-ups.

  17.  Tom Mitchell. Started the year with 54 touches in Round One, then 40 in Round Two, two best on grounds, maximum 10 votes in each game from the coaches, he was the superstar that no coach should be dumb enough to let off the chain. Since then, he is still smashing the averages, getting 32 touches a game, but clearly his influence hasn’t been such. The Hawks are 3-5 in that time and in half of those games Mitchell hasn’t even got a single coaches vote. Three games he got over 40 but did not get a perfect 10. Despite his first two weeks, he is now six votes behind Patrick Cripps who is averaging less than 30 touches a game in team that has four less wins. Tag Cripps. Don’t bother with Mitchell.

  18.          Footy Show, Front Bar, quick one, we're not far from the Front Bar having the permanent wood on the Nine show now we think. We reckon if nothing turns it around by seasons end it gets pulled. Does. Not. Make. Money. Been on our screens since 1994, it will be strange to see it go, but its time.

19.   Credit to the Cats’ recruiters for their 2016 draft. Let’s recap. They did not have a first round pick because the year before traded it to Carlton for Lachie Henderson. Not a great move but they were in good need for some tall timber, so we can understand. But as for their selections for the picks they had, they took Brandan Parfitt and Tom Stewart in the second round, Sav Ratugolea in the third round, then got Jack Henry and Jamaine Jones in the first and third rounds of the rookie draft. Tough to assess Jones after only his debut, but clearly there’s at least three or four long-term senior players from one crop, as outstanding a job by the recruiting staff as you’ll see.

20. And finally, old mate Damien Barrett wants clubs fined for 'lying about injuries to the consumer' in response to Patrick Dangerfield’s article where he said its competitive advantage for clubs to not reveal or always be truthful about play availability, selection, etc. Robbo is sloppy but this is just bizarre. Things aren't good at home Damo? Not enough fibre in your diet. We do hope you can move past this sadness in your life, Damien.

(originally published 30 May)

[tones09]

Saints cut trio, premiership Dogs named

UNDER-PRESSURE clubs St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs look set to make sweeping changes for their round three matches in an attempt kick-start their sputtering campaigns. The Saints reacted savagely at the selection table following their 52-point loss to North Melbourne on Good Friday, cutting tough midfielders Koby Stevens and Jack Steele, as well as number seven draft pick Hunter Clark for Saturday night's clash against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium. Ruckman Billy Longer (groin) is the only forced change.

KOBY Stevens is one of three unforced changes for St Kilda as they look to get their season back on track against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Rowan Marshall will carry the ruck load against Crows star Sam Jacobs in just his third AFL game, with Luke Dunstan, Brandon White and number eight draft selection Nick Coffield, who will make his debut, the other inclusions. The Crows, meanwhile, regain link-man Tom Lynch (virus/side strain) for what will be his first game of season 2018 and veteran Richard Douglas (suspension), but have lost reigning best-and-fairest winner Matt Crouch (hamstring). Impressive youngster Darcy Fogarty has been dropped in the name of team balance. The Bulldogs don't kick a football in anger until Sunday and their final side won't be revealed until Friday, but their potential inclusions include premiership players Tory Dickson, Tom Boyd, Shane Biggs and Fletcher Roberts. Key forward Jack Redpath - whose return was delayed after a club error related to his suspension for striking Greater Western Sydney co-captain Phil Davis in round 21 last year - and hard nut Mitch Wallis could also come into the team. Jackson Trengove (cracked shoulder blade) and ruckman Jordan Roughead (concussion) are the only omissions at this point in time. The Bombers have no outs at this stage, but could add Orazio Fantasia, David Myers, Mark Baguley and Shaun McKernan to their side. Carlton's hopes of recording their first win of the season have been dealt a major boost, with star ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and midfield bull Matthew Kennedy returning from groin and ankle injuries respectively. Cam O'Shea (omitted) and Ciaran Byrne (quad) make way for the duo. The Blues' opponent for Friday night's match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Collingwood, regain Ben Reid (hip) and Mason Cox (suspension), and coach Nathan Buckley will be hoping the pair help remedy the Magpies' scoring woes. Reid and Cox return for young gun Darcy Moore (hamstring) and Tim Broomhead (broken leg). Port Adelaide has stuck with the same 22 that rolled Sydney on their home deck last week, as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they square off against Brisbane at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. Despite starting their season 0-2, the Lions have made just the solitary change, bringing back hard-nosed midfielder Mitch Robinson after his one-game suspension for striking St Kilda playmaker Seb Ross in round one. Robinson's return comes at Daniel McStay's expense. Melbourne looks set to rejig its defensive structure, recalling Sam Frost and Dean Kent for dumped duo Jayden Hunt and Cameron Pederson. Frost's inclusion could free up Jake Lever to return to his third-man-in role that he excelled in at West Lakes last season. The Demons will attempt to end their 17-game losing run to North Melbourne, which will go in with an unchanged side after hammering the Saints last-start. Dynamic defender Pearce Hanley is set to make a quicker than anticipated return from a right shoulder dislocation sustained during the JLT Community Series that was initially expected to keep him sidelined until round five. The Irishman replaces talented youngster Jack Bowes who is serving a one-match ban. Gold Coast's opponent in Fremantle have made just the sole change to the side that accounted for Essendon by 16 points in their Optus Stadium debut, bringing in Tommy Sheridan as Brad Hill's (knee) replacement. Sam Reid (hamstring) will play for the first time in 2018, the key Sydney forward coming into the team at the expense of Robbie Fox (omitted). Cross-town rival Greater Western Sydney will be without star forward Toby Greene for the second successive week after the 2016 All Australian was a late withdrawal from the side that defeated Collingwood at the MCG due to a hamstring complaint. Giants young gun Jacob Hopper will make his season debut after displaying strong form in the past two NEAFL practice matches after overcoming minor groin soreness at the back-end of the pre-season. Hopper comes into the team as a direct replacement for running machine Tom Scully who will be out of action for 10 to 12 weeks with an ankle injury. Defender Harry Perryman will also play his first game of 2018, coming into the team at the expense of first-year Giant Zac Langdon who will miss a month of football with a broken hand. Richmond have lost Josh Caddy (suspension) and dropped Shai Bolton and Corey Ellis, as they look to bounce back from last week's six-goal loss to Adelaide in the Grand Final rematch when they square off against an undefeated Hawthorn side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. Premiership midfielder Dion Prestia headlines Richmond's changes, the former Gold Coast Sun having recovered from a hamstring injury that saw him miss the first two games of the home-and-away season. The Tigers have also regained small defender Nick Vlastuin who missed the match against the Crows due to delayed concussion.

RICHMOND premiership midfielder Dion Prestia will play his first game of season 2018. As previously reported on Sports Central, small forward Jack Higgins - the club's first pick at last year's National Draft (17th overall) - will make his AFL debut. The Tigers could unveil another debutant against the Hawks, with Ryan Garthwaite, the club's third selection at the 2016 National Draft, featuring on an extended bench that includes dashing defender Connor Menadue, athletic utility Mabior Chol and midfielder/forward Sam Lloyd. Hawthorn, meanwhile, regain James Frawley after the star defender was a late withdrawal from the Easter Monday clash against Geelong with a foot injury. Mature-age recruit David Mirra is a chance to make his AFL debut, while Will Langford, Harry Morrison, Conor Glass, Marc Pittonet and Jonathan O'Rourke are in the frame to play their first game of 2018. Firebrand James Sicily and utility Ryan Schoenmakers will miss due to suspension and an Achilles injury respectively, while veteran Shaun Burgoyne's run of 107 consecutive games has come to an end as a result of a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out of action for three weeks. If it ain't broke don't fix it, that is the motto at West Coast, with the Eagles to head into Sunday's blockbuster against Geelong at Optus Stadium with the same 22 that outclassed the Western Bulldogs by 51 points at Etihad Stadium last Sunday. The Cats have named Esaca Ratugolea (hip flexor) - a late out last week - while Scott Selwood headlines an extended bench. If named, Selwood will line up against his former side in what will be his first game of 2018. Read the full article

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via Footy Plus

[footyplusau]

Toby Greene, Jack Redpath and Dayne Zorko all offered suspensions for striking

The AFL’s crackdown on punches has landed a triple blow, with Greater Western Sydney bad boy Toby Greene one of three players to be offered suspensions for striking.

The post Toby Greene, Jack Redpath and Dayne Zorko all offered suspensions for striking appeared first on Footy Plus.

from Footy Plus http://ift.tt/2tEy4cB via http://footyplus.net

[getseriouser]

20 THOUGHTS: 2017 Get Serious Awards for Football

THIS column has become such a juggernaut we are dedicating an entire column to our own version of honours for the 2017 season.

That whilst all the other scribes and bloggers and twitter menaces have their say on who was the best, the worst, their highlights of the season, why would I begrudge this snowball of an audience by not chipping in with our own version.

So as we celebrate the home and away year in this chasm between the last round and the first week of finals, let’s look back and reminisce by calling it as we see it, who outperformed, underperformed and work out just who had the shitter year out of Damien Barrett and Mark Robinson.

Some of the following awards are cliché and obvious, some though are a bit different and unique to the Get Serious platform, so get on board, get yourself a cupper and a bicky, and prepare to be enlightened.

 SURPRISE OF THE YEAR:

Nominees: Liam Jones (Carlton), Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn), Ben Brown (North Melbourne)

 Winner: Ben Brown – Bloody hell, the once-third ruck option down at Arden St. almost won the Coleman in a team barely able to avoid the wooden spoon. And the crucial kicker to be as good as the season was, it won’t be a flash in the pan. Given he is only 24 Shinboner fans can expect him to build on his 63-goal season, which is a scary thought really.

  DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR:

Nominees: Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, AFL Senior Executives, the married ones, who should know better….

 Winner: The Match Review Panel – stuff the nominees, we had to give it to the MRP. Do we need to explain this one, I mean Jack Redpath, Brodie Grundy, Toby Greene, the list goes on. Horrid, awful, un-Australian really…

  GAME OF THE YEAR:

Nominees: Round 2 Geelong defeats North Melbourne by 1 point; Round 4 (Good Friday), Bulldogs defeats North Melbourne by 3 points; Round 14, Sydney defeats Essendon by 1 point; Round 19, Collingwood draw with Adelaide; Round 22, Adelaide defeats Sydney by 3 points.

 Winner: Round 4 (Good Friday), Bulldogs defeats North Melbourne by 3 points – great game, great occasion. There were so many close, exciting, high standard games this year, it was the best season on record for close finishes, but we loved this game back in April. It was well promoted, it worked beautifully as an initiative, and on the fast track at Etihad the final term especially was pulsating.

  COACH OF THE YEAR:

Nominees: Don Pyke (Adelaide), John Longmire (Sydney), Damien Hardwick (Richmond)

 Winner: Don Pyke – Horse and Dimma are stiff but here’s why: Horse has got the Swans into great shape, but we’re going to knock a couple points off for the start of the year from a coaching standpoint, and Dimma, he would have yielded a similar result to last year if it wasn’t for two things, the soft draw and the turnover of assistants. Pyke has kept the Crows up all year and deserves the minor premiership.

  TEAM OF THE YEAR:

Nominees: Adelaide Crows, Sydney Swans, Richmond

 Winner: Sydney Swans – so we knocked points off Longmire in the previous award, but the best team for much of the year were the Swans, who almost knocked off the top of the ladder Crows in Adelaide. Yes, not a super start, but since Round Six no-one comes close, a phenomenal performance, scary, and given the Dogs saluted from 7th last year, the 6th placed Swans are a massive show to go one better in 2017.

  THE ABEL TASMAN PERPETUAL PLATE (MISS OF THE YEAR)

Named after Dutch sailor Abel Tasman, who on his journeys centuries ago, discovered Tasmania, discovered New Zealand, but sailed straight past Australia, and instead of being a Commonwealth country under British rule, we so easily could have been pot-smoking tulip farmers. Bloody Abel.

 Runner Up: Josh Bruce (St Kilda) for not one but two shockers in the goal square, down in Tassie against Hawthorn and against Richmond at Etihad.

 Winner: Melbourne – when your marketing department comes up with the website banner for finals arrangements, you better do better than six first quarter tackles when Collingwood has already kicked six goals and stuff up the unmissable finals spot at the final hurdle.

   THE LANCE ARMSTRONG AWARD FOR HONESTY (LIE OF THE YEAR)

Runner Up: Perth radio shock-jock Who-Cares McSomebody who had Nat Fyfe as a lock to St Kilda, weeks later the Dockers captain re-committed to the club for five years.

 Winner: Jordan De Goey – blamed a broken hand on playing with the dog before eventually confessing he did it in a weekend scuffle at a watering hole. Now come on Jordan…

  THE Y2K BUG GOLDEN JUG (WORST PREDICTION OF THE YEAR)

Winner: Me – for predicting West Coast will finish a strong third or that I had Fremantle improving resoundingly into eight spot. Yuck.

   THE GET SERIOUS PREDICTION OF THE YEAR

Essendon – In the lead up to the season proper I was bullish about the Bombers in 2017, that the 2016 wooden spooner could do the unthinkable and ascend into a September appearance as early as a year later, and then March 30 suggested Dons fans get ready for finals, they are good enough now. Low and behold, they came through like a treat, well done to the club and the faithful alike, pretty amazing year.

  FIRST YEAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

Nominees: Andrew McGrath (Essendon), Sam Petrveski-Seton (Carlton), Sam Powell-Pepper (Port Adelaide)

 Winner: Andrew McGrath (Essendon) – you don’t believe how much I wanted to award my pre-season Rising Star pick SPP but one must concede the Bombers defender did just enough to pip the bull from Alberton. Amazing poise and contribution, consistently over the entire year too, so whilst it’s closer than many think, especially those Victorians who don’t see enough of Port Adelaide, this one goes to McGrath.

  THE CHER MEMORIAL TROPHY (“If I could turn back time” REGRET OF THE YEAR)

Winner – Chris Mayne (Collingwood) – Four years. And VFL track-watchers advise his form in the seconds as the year progressed was hardly progressing either, not good. Four. Years.

  THE 1944 NORMANDY LANDINGS MEDAL (TACTICAL MOVE OF THE YEAR)

Winner: James Sicily (Hawthorn) – Sicily was an ‘ok’ key forward prospect in a club who started the season 3-6. Alastair Clarkson throws the magnets around, turns Sicily into a tall ranging midfielder and with great success it helps turn the Hawks season around. From that point, the Hawks lose only three of the next ten games and 22-year old averages 24 disposals and nine marks a game in that stretch – a superb positional move.

 THE GET SERIOUS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nominees: Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong), Dustin Martin (Richmond), Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn)

Winner: Dustin Martin (Richmond) – Geelong are annoying but somehow get the job done, and hosted a preliminary final as recently as last year. The Tigers meanwhile stunk so bad last year if their coach not had this year already on his contract he would have been booted. We award this to Martin over Danger because of the influence he has had on his side finishing where it has. We rate the Cats list a little better than the Tigers list, structurally, especially with tall stocks, the Cats do a lot better than the Tigers. But the games that Martin has single handedly won are mesmerising, and not to downplay Dangers’ 2017, he has been a jet, this column just acknowledges that in our view, Martin was a smidge more valuable, a smidge more influential, a smidge better.

  And now the big one….

 THE SEAN SPICER ‘SWINGERS PARTY KEYS IN THE BOWL’ PAPER MACHE BOWL FOR OUTSTANDING MEDIA PERFORMANCE IN FOOTBALL JOURNALISM

Nominees:

Damien Barrett ��� ‘breaking’ the Rod Butters story about his alcohol and drug issues as President of St Kilda on the Footy Show when the Herald Sun ran the same tale as a feature six years ago, and also for being very boring, more narcissistic as the year progressed, and for claiming on his own podcast St Kilda had double standards for criticising Sam Newman’s transgender comments when by doing so was double standards in itself.

 Mark Stevens – late entry, but for following Dustin Martin to Auckland this week, chucking a microphone under his chin at the airport and expecting something. Martin is as introverted a footballer anyway, let alone the fact he was going to get nothing close to ‘hi Stevo, look, I can reveal to your audience exclusively, since you made the effort to make the trip over here, that I will be moving to North Melbourne next year”. And for ‘making up’ that the Pies want/need Jarrod Harbrow. Time to take a look in the mirror Stevo, average by you.

 Mark Robinson – one thing to send out an insensitive tweet about a player with depression, but it’s another thing to reach out with an apology letter, after being told not to, which included an interview request at the same time to further feather your own nest. Seriously you can’t make this stuff up sometimes.

 The Winner – Mark Robinson. Not a great year for the chiefy chief-chief of the sport’s biggest publisher. But the clincher for our friend Slobbo ‘Time to say no at the dinner table’ Robinson, was when he accused in the wake of Tom Boyd’s public battle with depression, that manager Liam Pickering or president Peter Gordon might be to blame for the illness, for not thinking of the psychological repercussions of the monster contract that Boyd signed in moving to the Dogs a couple years ago. Really? Very ordinary stuff. Time for a spell we think, maybe a ‘promotion’ to the classifieds section of the Colac Observer, or into photocopying for the Ovens Valley Bugle?

    (originally published August 30)

[footyplusau]

Match report: Crows thump stumbling Dogs

ADELAIDE’S high-powered attack roared to life as the Crows put another dent in the Western Bulldogs’ premiership defence.

After leading by just three points at half-time the Crows burst into the second half with a run of 10 unanswered goals and consigned the Bulldogs to a 59-point loss at Adelaide Oval on Friday night in front of a crowd of 41,948.

Crows forwards Josh Jenkins and skipper Taylor Walker combined for seven goals on their way to the 16.8 (104) to 5.15 (45) victory.

Along with hitting the scoreboard, Jenkins and Walker controlled the air and marked everything in sight.

Full match coverage and stats

The Crows (11-4) return to the top of the ladder, but will be back in second spot if Greater Western Sydney defeats Hawthorn on Saturday.

“I’m really proud of the playing group tonight in a game where at half-time it was an arm wrestle, tight tussle and in difficult conditions,” Crows coach Don Pyke said.

“I thought our second half tonight was very, very good led by our leaders, but more importantly, the contribution from virtually everyone was most times to a really high level, so I’m super proud of them.”

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs (7-8) have now lost four of their past five games to put their aspirations of reaching the finals in serious doubt.

“We’re gutted,” Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

“Our intensity level wasn’t where it needed to be.

“We’re not going to give ourselves any pats on the back for a reasonable first half because what happened in the second half was unacceptable.

“It’s one of the worst loses since I’ve been at the club.”

Crows club champion Rory Sloane  (24 possessions, 10 contested) enjoyed the freedom of not having a tagger for the first time in several weeks.

GAME BREAKER: Big Tex tames the Dogs

However, the Crows followed the lead set by the rest of the competition and sent Riley Knight to shut down the influence of running defender Jason Johannisen, last year’s Norm Smith medallist held to just 16 possessions.

Johannisen will also leave South Australia with a headache after Walker shoved him into the behind post.

In-demand Crows defender Jake Lever (22 possessions at 90 per cent efficiency, 11 marks) added more value to his next contract with another outstanding performance.

For the Bulldogs, Toby McLean led the way with 31 possessions while Jack Macrae had 27.

The Bulldogs held a two-point lead at quarter-time after a tough opening in wet and slippery conditions, but it was the second term where they butchered their chance to win the game.

A return of two goals from 20 inside 50s simply isn’t good enough.

Five talking points: Adelaide v Western Bulldogs

The Crows led by three points at half-time after Bailey Dale and Jake Stringer kicked the last two goals of the second quarter to keep the Dogs in the contest, but the Crows burst of the blocks in the third term with Walker taking a superb contested mark.

Goals to Matt Crouch (a team-high 32 disposals) and Josh Jenkins extended the Crows’ advantage before Betts turned in a bit of trademark brilliance, the champion small forward maintaining his balance on the slippery surface and kicking the ball off the ground.

Soon after, Brad Crouch (24 disposals) delivered a strong tackle on Dale to force the ball loose, Walker pouncing and kicking the goal to extend the lead to 33 points.

The Crows pushed the margin out to 61 points before Luke Dahlhaus kicked the Bulldogs’ first goal of the second half at the 17-minute mark of the last quarter.

MEDICAL ROOM Adelaide: Crows skipper Taylor Walker had a tremendous game, but left the ground late after copping a poke to the eye. “I haven’t got any detail on that at the moment. I think he’s seeing the doctor as we speak, so I really can’t comment on it,” Crows coach Don Pyke said. Small defender Luke Brown had his knee assessed in the second quarter, but returned to play out the rest of the game.

Western Bulldogs: The lone bright spot for the Bulldogs was they didn’t add to their injury list.

NEXT UP
 The Crows head to Darwin to take on Melbourne at TIO Stadium next Saturday night, 7.10pm ACST. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs face Carlton at the MCG next Sunday at 3.20pm AEST.

ADELAIDE                    2.2   5.5   12.5   16.8 (104) WESTERN BULLDOGS   2.4   4.8   4.11   5.15 (45)

GOALS Adelaide: Jenkins 4, Walker 3, Betts 2, Knight, Sloane, Atkins, M.Crouch, B.Crouch, Douglas, Cameron Western Bulldogs:  Stringer, Redpath, Suckling, Dale, Dahlhaus

BEST Adelaide: Walker, Jenkins, Sloane, Lever, Otten, Laird, M.Crouch Western Bulldogs:  McLean, Bontempelli, Hunter

INJURIES Adelaide: Nil Western Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Chamberlain, Fleer, Meredith

Official crowd: 41,948

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Match report: Dogs scrape back into eight

THE WESTERN Bulldogs have hung on for a one-point victory against a brave North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, the nail-biting win putting the reigning premier back inside the top eight.

The Bulldogs had dropped four of their five previous games entering Saturday night’s game to slip to ninth on the ladder, with grave doubts emerging about the health of their premiership defence.

They looked to have secured their first win since round 10 when they led by 26 points at the 11-minute mark of the final term, but the Roos were not done, kicking the next four goals and levelling the scores when Shaun Higgins kicked a behind at the 29-minute mark.

Click here for full match details and stats  

With little more than a minute remaining, Jake Stringer reclaimed the lead for the Dogs with a behind from 45m on the boundary line, a threadbare margin they held until the siren to claim a 15.17 (107) to 16.10 (106) win.

The Bulldogs’ victory was not without controversy. After Ben Cunnington goaled to cut the Dogs’ lead to one point at the 24-minute mark, Ben Brown looked to have put the Kangaroos in front two minutes later when he marked close to goal, played on and kicked truly.

But the goal was disallowed after a free kick was paid against Mason Wood for blocking Tom Campbell, with the Bulldogs receiving a 50m penalty given Brown played on.

That free was part of a 26-14 free kick count in the Dogs’ favour, a tally that had stood at an even more lopsided 16-4 at half-time.

Shaun Higgins also seemed to be caught unaware that he had used his full 30 seconds to take a set shot for goal from just inside 50m shortly before three-quarter time. The North star did not get a kick away after Jake Stringer quickly ran in to tackle him from behind after the umpire behind play called play on.

Luke Beveridge’s men will face sterner tests in the run to the finals but their win was a welcome sign of life after the Bulldogs’ heavy losses to Sydney (46 points) and Melbourne (57) suggested their season might be flat-lining.

Jack Macrae (32 disposals, five clearances and 10 tackles) and Marcus Bontempelli (28 disposals, eight clearances and 10 tackles ) were outstanding through the middle of the ground as the Bulldogs won the clearance count 40-35 and centre clearances 18-12, while Toby McLean (26 disposals and six clearances) was also a valuable contributor.

Five talking points: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

Liam Picken was dangerous in attack with three goals and three score assists, and was well supported by Jake Stringer (1.4 and two score assists), while Easton Wood (21 disposals, seven marks and one goal) was an influential playmaker across half-back.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said some of his team’s lower-profile players had played significant parts in the win.

“It’s been a trying couple of weeks and we’ve had big losses, which we’re not used to,” Beveridge said.

“We had a really even spread of performance and contributions from all, so it was fantastic to see some boys who haven’t played a lot of senior football in recent times [perform].

“Guys like Mitch Honeychurch, Jack Redpath, Tom Campbell was outstanding in the ruck, Toby McLean through the midfield and Bailey Dale.

“It was great to see them perform as well as they did tonight and really influence the outcome.”

The Dogs led by 21 points at half-time, but North piled on five goals to three in the third quarter to cut the difference to 13 points at the final break.

Declan Mountford missed an opportunity to cut the margin to single figures in the opening minute of the final term and the Bulldogs looked to have steadied when they kicked the next two goals.

WATCH: The thrilling last two minutes

But from there North began its unlikely charge, only to suffer its second loss to the Dogs by less than a goal this season – they lost their round four encounter by three points when Lindsay Thomas missed a late shot at goal.

Ben Cunnington (28 disposals, six clearances and six inside 50s) was a prolific ball-winner for the Roos all night and sparked their stirring last-quarter comeback with two goals and 12 telling possessions.

The Roos fielded an extremely tall team that included four key forwards – Jarrad Waite, Ben Brown, Mason Wood and Majak Daw – but the Bulldogs’ defence kept them in check for most of the night, with the decidedly shorter reigning premiers taking 21 marks inside their forward 50 to the Roos’ 12.

Waite spent some time up the ground in an uncustomary role on the wing, showcasing his rare athleticism for a key-position player to finish with three goals, nine marks (three contested) and three inside 50s.

Brown overcame a quiet first half to finish with two goals and six marks, while Shaun Higgins (19 disposals and six clearances) and Jack Ziebell (19 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances) were also valuable contributors.

North coach Brad Scott admitted he had been frustrated by the umpiring at times during the game, but was heartened by his team’s second-half comeback.

“Any one-point result that you’re on the wrong side of does (leave a sour taste in your mouth). You tend to go back and isolate certain things that let you down,” Scott said.

“But I’m more concerned about getting a bit of our identity back as a team, and I thought after the previous two games we didn’t look anything like what we’d produced earlier in the year in terms of the way we want to play. And I thought tonight, particularly after half-time, it was much better.

“We gave ourselves a chance to win. A lot of things happened that can go either way. We’re obviously bitterly disappointed, but in terms of the bigger picture we got back on track, which means the bigger picture is where we want it to be.”

North slipped to 17th on the ladder with the loss and have now lost three games in a row after a promising stretch from rounds six to 10 when it won four of five games.

MEDICAL ROOM Western Bulldogs: Liam Picken went into the Bulldogs rooms late in the third term with an apparent left knee problem, but returned in the final quarter with his knee strapped. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said Picken had suffered a slight medial strain, but the club’s medical staff expect him to be fit for next round.

North Melbourne: Captain Jack Ziebell came to the bench with a right shoulder problem early in the final quarter, but returned after having it strapped. Coach Brad Scott said the fact Ziebell had taken a strong overhead mark after returning suggested his shoulder would be OK, but the club would have to wait for scans to clear the midfielder of any damage.

NEXT UP The Bulldogs host West Coast next Saturday at Etihad Stadium, a venue where they have defeated the Eagles in their past three clashes. The Kangaroos travel to the Gold Coast to take on the Suns next Saturday night, having won the teams’ first clash this year by 13 points at Etihad Stadium in round six.

WESTERN BULLDOGS   6.4  10.8   13.14  15.17 (107) NORTH MELBOURNE     3.4   7.5    12.7   16.10 (106)

GOALS Western Bulldogs: Picken 3, Redpath 2, Dale 2, Hunter, Wallis, Suckling, Dahlhaus, Stringer, Wood, Campbell, Bontempelli   North Melbourne: Waite 3, Wood 2, Daw 2, Brown 2, Cunnington 2, Macmillan, Goldstein, Hrovat, Garner, Clarke 

BEST  Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Macrae, Picken, Campbell, Wood, Dahlhaus  North Melbourne: Cunnington, Brown, Waite, Hrovat, Higgins 

INJURIES  Western Bulldogs: Nil North Melbourne: Nil 

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Donlon, O’Gorman, Findlay 

Official crowd: 28,263 at Etihad Stadium

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Dogs turn Johannisen tag to their favour

Beveridge: ‘We’re pretty relieved’ Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge happy to get through nerve-racking finish after ‘a trying couple of weeks’

Whatever the outcome, Jason Johannisen finds being tagged frustrating

THE WESTERN Bulldogs have turned a negative into a positive, with coach Luke Beveridge believing his team can gain an advantage out of the heavy opposition attention Jason Johannisen is receiving.

Johannisen was tagged for the third week running on Saturday night, with North Melbourne forwards Taylor Garner and Nathan Hrovat working over the Norm Smith medallist from the opening bounce.

The important defender finished the match with 19 possessions and four rebound 50s, lifting in the second half and improving on his output after being shut out against Sydney (nine and one) and Melbourne (15 and three).

Click here for full match details and stats

“I think the important thing is, as coaches we don’t panic, we don’t need Jason to get 30 possessions for us to win the game,” Beveridge said after the Bulldogs’ one-point win at Etihad Stadium.   

“They were trying to go to him and we weren’t getting what we wanted high, so we’ll just take Shane Biggs, or Matty Suckling, or Easton Wood up high and we’ll get the same result.

“We sent Jason to Nathan Hrovat, who looked lively, and Jason shut him out and gave us rebound from deeper.

“He can play deep, which is dangerous because he can run transition, or he can play up high, or we can send him to a wing, (so) if teams want to play the merry-go-round and keep going to him, well we’re happy to get an advantage from it.”

A relieved Beveridge praised his team’s even performance, with the spread of 11 goalkickers crucial in their second win in six games.

After a quiet fortnight that has produced just one goal and a testing week off-field, forward Jake Stringer returned to form and played a key team role with 18 possessions and a goal.  Five talking points: Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne

“I liked Jake’s game. I think that (selfless) is a good word for his game,” Beveridge said.

“He tried to bring his teammates into it and he plays on some pretty big defenders at times who like to hold on.

“We need that spread of goalkickers to win our games, I think you’ve seen that historically, and we continue to need that. We got a reasonable spread tonight.”

Stringer was involved in a key moment of the game when he caught an unsuspecting Shaun Higgins holding the ball as he lined up for goal, after the North Melbourne forward had let his 30 seconds expire on the verge of three-quarter time.

“That’s a great sign. He was really concentrating and playing the game out right to the last second,” Beveridge said.

“We talked about that at three-quarter time actually, how that’s going to be really important in the last quarter, that moment by moment we’re all concentrating and we’ve got the right levels in our mind.

WATCH: Luke Beveridge’s full media conference

“That was a great example. That would have been a telling goal if it was kicked, so it’s an example of how Jake came really prepared to play second by second.”

Beveridge also singled out inclusions Jack Redpath (two goals) and Tom Campbell (49 hit-outs) for their key roles in the win, with lower profile Bulldogs Mitch Honeychurch, Toby McLean and Bailey Dale pleasing the coach.

“We had a really even spread of performance and contributions from all, so it was fantastic to see some boys who haven’t played a lot of senior football in recent times (perform),” the coach said.  

“North Melbourne were pretty good tonight, so to beat them on a night when they were full of beans is a really good result for us.

“There’s a lot of positives and we’ve played a lot of close games. So as a coach you can’t kick a gift horse in the mouth. We’ll take the win.”

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How Bevo’s selection changes buck the trend

Kelly speaks, Gray’s challenge, Hawks selection Footy Feed with Matt Thompson

Luke Beveridge’s clear communication with his players softens the blow of being dropped, Shane Biggs says

UNDERSTANDING the Western Bulldogs’ success means grasping the frank relationship between premiership coach Luke Beveridge and his troops.

Beveridge is a clinical and innovative operator with a rough-and-tumble exterior who expertly maintains a reputation as a players’ coach despite his tough-love approach with selection. 

Much was made of his decision to dump Jake Stringer to the VFL late last year, but a closer inspection of 2016 and 2017 so far reveals those hard calls are part of the coach’s blueprint.

Beveridge’s Bulldogs racked up 24 unforced changes last season, with only bottom-eight clubs Fremantle and Melbourne (both 28) and Richmond (25) making more.

By contrast, Sydney’s triumphant 2012 squad and Hawthorn’s in 2013 recorded only seven and 10 unforced changes, respectively.

Stringer’s premiership teammates Joel Hamling, Toby McLean, Fletcher Roberts and Josh Dunkley also fell victim to the axe last year.

It took until round 19 for Zaine Cordy to break into the senior squad, while 2013 No.1 pick Tom Boyd spent five long rounds in the VFL after a shoulder injury cost him six weeks.

There was also Beveridge’s cold-as-ice demotion on finals eve for Nathan Hrovat. Not all stories have a fairytale ending, and Hrovat is now a Kangaroo.

The trend has continued, with premiership players McLean and Shane Biggs (twice each), Caleb Daniel, Tom Liberatore, Cordy and Roberts all being dropped this season. 

Liberatore – the Stringer of 2017, or the biggest fish in the out-of-favour pond – Cordy, Roberts and McLean felt Beveridge’s wrath in one hit ahead of the Dogs’ round nine match against Geelong.

“It’s probably not pleasant, especially happening twice. You definitely don’t get used to it,” Biggs told AFL.com.au. 

“But Bevo does it in a way where everyone gets a turn almost and, especially if you’re out of form, you sort of know it’s coming.

“It’s healthy to go back and work on your game, because it’s sometimes easier to work on your game at the lower level.” 

Shane Biggs has felt the axe twice in 2017 already. Picture: AFL Photos

Big-name recruit Travis Cloke knows the feeling all too well from his time at Collingwood, but his new coach delivered another dose last week. 

Jack Redpath, after a combined five goals in his two AFL games back from knee surgery, and Cloke were among the round 10 outs. 

“I don’t think anyone (at the Bulldogs) sees going back as a real step down,” Biggs said.

“It’s not, ‘You’re dropped and you can see yourself not getting in for eight weeks’. It’s a real time to grow and it can happen within one week, or two or three.

“Everyone knows what’s going on and you know where you’re at and there are a lot of conversations being had around the game, so there’s no grey (area).”

Clubs love analysing the reigning premier’s strategies and methods then adopting some of them. Whether Beveridge’s selection ruthlessness becomes a new fad is worth watching for.

But it must be noted that two of the Bulldogs’ greatest flag rivals, Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney, are going the other way this year. 

The Crows (four) have made the fewest unforced changes, while the Giants – although battling injury far more than Adelaide or the Dogs – and another frontrunner, Port Adelaide, have just one more. 

Beveridge has made 14, tied with Geelong and Melbourne, and behind only the Brisbane Lions (17) and Richmond (15). 

Team changes since the start of 2016

CLUB UNFORCED FORCED TOTAL Melbourne 42 36 78 Richmond 40 44 84 Brisbane Lions 39 49 88 Western Bulldogs 38 42 80 Fremantle 37 38 75 Collingwood 35 46 81 Hawthorn 35 39 74 Geelong 34 47 81 West Coast 33 36 69 Sydney 32 41 73 Gold Coast 30 60 90 Essendon 29 58 87 Port Adelaide 28 30 58 Carlton 27 39 66 St Kilda 21 41 62 GWS Giants 20 42 62 North Melbourne 18 47 65 Adelaide 16 29 45

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Draftstars round nine cheat sheet

PORT Adelaide and Gold Coast might be enjoying a bye after their trip to China last week, but there’s no rest for Draftstars coaches out there. Here’s our cheat sheet for this week. For more information, head to draftstars.com.au. 

Geelong v Western Bulldogs, Simonds Stadium, Friday night

As with most of our Friday night clashes, we’re playing this one in the turbo form of Draftstars, where coaches pick six players to fill their side – one from six different tiers. There is no salary cap, but your choices have to be savvy.

Mitch Duncan (MID, $15,150) gets the nod in the first tier. He has averaged 114 this year and top-scored for the Cats last week in their defeat to Essendon with 91 points. He’s a worthy A-grade choice.

His teammate Joel Selwood (MID, $13,550) has averaged just 74 in the past three weeks, but gets our vote in tier two and should bounce back (we hope), while the 85-point average of Jason Johannisen (DEF, $12,000) makes him a solid tier three pick.

Liam Picken (MID, $11,450) is a good choice in tier four, and we’re going to back Jack Redpath (FWD, $10,200) to score well again in his second game back for the Dogs after 86 points last week. He’s our choice in tier five, with Geelong midfielder Cam Guthrie (MID/DEF, $9950) the final selection as the sixth category pick.

St Kilda v Sydney, Etihad Stadium, Saturday

We’ve been backing Jack Billings (FWD, $13,650) for a few weeks now, so hopefully Draftstars coaches took note. He followed through with 151 points last week in a brilliant showing, and Billings’ average is now at 90.9, making him among the best Saints.

Seb Ross (MID, $13,600) is another in-form Saint after 113 points in his team’s win over Carlton last week, while Jack Steele (FWD/MID, $13,100) is a good value pick as he nudges his average to 91. Nick Riewoldt (FWD, $13,650) had a down day last week but still managed 87 points, and his average is nearly 97 for the season. He’s not a Draftstars spent force just yet.

The Swans are starting to hit form, and it is no surprise their midfield is leading the way. Josh Kennedy (MID, $13,950), Luke Parker (MID, $14,700) and Dan Hannebery (MID, $14,600) all scored 117 or more in Sydney’s win over North Melbourne last round, proving they should be back on your radar as top choices after indifferent starts to the season.

A surprise from last round for the Swans was defender Nic Newman’s (DEF, $13,150) performance. Newman gathered a team-high 135 points and managed to rack up touches in the back half at will. He has averaged 88 for the season, and is proving a popular (and relatively cheap) option.

Greater Western Sydney v Richmond, Simonds Stadium, Saturday

The speculation around Josh Kelly’s (MID, $14,000) future isn’t hindering his form. The Giants jet picked up a mammoth 36-disposal and 162-point game last week. He is averaging 110 points, but doesn’t come cheap.

Jeremy Cameron (FWD, $12,400) is leading the Coleman Medal race and has been excellent with an average of 99 this season, while Devon Smith (FWD, $12,900) is good value as a forward option given his 88-point average. Also, Lachie Whitfield (MID, $11,500) brought in 97 points last week in his return to the Giants’ side after serving his AFL ban. He’s one to consider as he’s making up for lost time.

Draftstars coaches weren’t let down by Toby Nankervis (FWD/RK, $13,300) last week, as he returned to Richmond’s line-up and picked up 92 points – right on his season average. He’s been a consistent choice, just as the leading Tiger from last week – Shaun Grigg (MID, $13,200) – has been for some time. Grigg was the only player in yellow and black to break through triple figures against the Dockers.

Only four Tigers scored 90 or more last week, one of which was Dustin Martin (FWD/MID, $15,050). Richmond relies upon its star midfielder, and after two scores under 100 in the past two weeks, he’s due for one of his bigger efforts. The Tigers will need him at his best against the Giants.

Brisbane Lions v Adelaide, Gabba, Saturday night

The Lions will head into Saturday night’s clash without star Draftstars choice Tom Rockliff, who is nursing a shoulder injury. Who steps up in his absence? Dayne Zorko (MID, $15,350) is the obvious choice, but it’s not as if he hasn’t been pulling his weight already. He has averaged 117 for the season, and found 125 points last week against Hawthorn.

Other options include Ryan Lester (MID, $10,600), who gathered a season-high 106 points last week and Ben Keays (MID, $9650), who picked up 80 points against the Hawks. There aren’t too many other Brisbane players who take the fancy apart from in-form ruckman Stefan Martin (RK, $15,500), who scored 134 points last round and is averaging 113.

Martin will come up against Adelaide big man Sam Jacobs (RK, $15,950), himself in strong form after 132 points last week as the Crows’ leading scorer. The Crows were down on their prolific best in their loss to Melbourne last week, with Rory Laird (DEF, $14,600) the only other Adelaide player to pass 100.

Matt Crouch (MID, $14,300) remains a strong Draftstars pick with an average of 103, and his brother Brad (MID, $12,400) is also solid value given his 87.8 average. After lifting his average to 89.5 at round four, Eddie Betts’ (FWD, $10,200) average has dropped to 77 for the season after four successive scores under 100. Steer clear at this stage. 

Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG, Saturday night

Taylor Adams (MID, $16,200) and Steele Sidebottom (MID, $13,750) lifted last week to pick up the slack left behind by Adam Treloar (MID, $15,500), who missed the Pies’ loss to the Giants with injury. Treloar is back this week, however, and should be fresh after a week off. He’s worth considering as a premium choice.

It was good to see Jamie Elliott (FWD, $10,600) back scoring well last week against the Giants, as the small forward picked up 88 points, backing up the 91 points he scored in round 7. He’s back and in good touch. Tom Phillips (FWD/MID, $10,300) also averages 72 and is a cheap price for one of your last midfield spots.

It wouldn’t be a week this year without mentioning Tom Mitchell (MID, $17,500), who continued his stunning start to his Hawthorn career with 132 points last week. Liam Shiels (MID, $12,400) scored 120 points in the Hawks’ win over Brisbane, which is well above his 84.9 average.

Former Crow Ricky Henderson (MID/DEF, $12,900) has also proven to be a handy Draftstars recruit for the Hawks. He scored 117 points last week to lift his average to 91 for the season from five games. Billy Hartung (MID, $10,900) is another Hawk to consider – his 98 points last week pushed his season average to 83, and he’s playing a more prominent role with every week.

Essendon v West Coast, Etihad Stadium, Sunday

The Bombers were on fire last week against Geelong, and it was good to see David Zaharakis (MID, $12,800) back in scoring mode. The best and fairest winner has had a down season but gathered 120 points against the Cats, the best effort of his season. Maybe he’s on track to a permanent return to form.

Zach Merrett (MID, $16,950) has been in good form for two years. The fourth-year Bomber gathered 150 points last week to spearhead his side, and it’s in his tackle count where he really builds up points (12 tackles last week). Youngsters Darcy Parish (FWD/MID, $11,050) and Orazio Fantasia (FWD, $9750) both hit the 90s last week, a lift on their respective averages which sit in the 70s.

Running machine Andrew Gaff (MID, $14,900) gathered a season-high 146 points last week for the Eagles – his fifth score above 100 this year. He’s a phenomenally consistent player and is worth the money as a top-end pick for your midfield. The same goes for Elliot Yeo (MID/FWD, $15,200), who has averaged 110 this season in a career-best year.

Other Eagles to consider include Dom Sheed (FWD/MID, $10,400), who collected 103 points last week against the Bulldogs and has added something to West Coast’s midfield since returning to the side, and Josh Kennedy (FWD, $14,000) has hit triple figures three times this year. He’s a star. 

Melbourne v North Melbourne, MCG, Sunday

Christian Petracca (MID/FWD, $10,400) was one of the stars in the Dees’ big win over Adelaide last week, powering his side to an important victory. The energetic Demon has been spending more time in the midfield in recent weeks, so look for more scores like his 103 points last week.

Jack Viney’s (MID, $14,050) form spike continued with 132 points – he’s averaging 117 over the past three weeks – and we hope you caught onto our advice to grab Cameron Pedersen (FWD/RK, $12,100). As fill-in ruckman, Pedersen has kept up an average of 96 over the past three games.

From North Melbourne, it’s Shaun Higgins (MID/FWD, $12,700) who remains the best Draftstars bet. Higgins scored 90 points in the Roos’ loss to Sydney last week and has an average of 93. He’s all class and is worth the money.

Captain Jack Ziebell (MID, $13,850) was excellent with 113 points – the best effort of his year – but he shouldn’t be your A-grade midfielder despite his reasonable price. Jarrad Waite (FWD, $14,600) will come back into the side this week and has averaged 123 points this year in two games. He will be tempting for coaches. 

Fremantle v Carlton, Domain Stadium, Sunday

David Mundy (MID, $12,450) was the hero for Fremantle last week on the field, but Michael Walters (FWD, $11,900) was the main man in terms of Draftstars. The speedy midfielder had 137 points in the Dockers’ last-gasp win over Richmond, while teammate Bradley Hill (MID, $13,850) is in perhaps career-best form with another triple-figure score.

Of the cheaper Fremantle options, Connor Blakely (MID, $12,400) picked up 98 points, Ed Langdon (MID/FWD, $10,700) gathered 85 and recruit Shane Kersten (FWD, $9950) had a season-best 98. His past two weeks have been encouraging, with an average of 94 in that period.

Marc Murphy (MID, $14,750) was in the news this week after being angered last weekend, but it didn’t detract from his form. The Carlton skipper gathered 122 points to maintain a spot in the top 10 scorers across the competition this season. He’s expensive, but will be keen to play well after a week in the spotlight.

Patrick Cripps (MID, $15,200) found 143 points last week and has lifted his average to 105, and Sam Docherty (DEF, $15,700) continues to be a premium defensive option after another huge score (127 last week, his fifth straight century).

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TEAMS: Treloar ruled out, no Bob for Dogs

– Banned Giant returns for first game of season – Dogs without inspirational skipper for trip west – Star Pie ruled out of clash against former club

COLLINGWOOD star Adam Treloar will miss Saturday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney due to an ankle injury, with the Pies also swinging the axe after last week’s loss to Carlton.

After a week of conjecture about Treloar’s fitness, the ex-Giant has succumbed to the concern and he will miss facing his former side at Spotless Stadium.

He is one of four changes for the Pies, with coach Nathan Buckley dumping Tim Broomhead, Jackson Ramsay and Mason Cox. Captain Scott Pendlebury is also on standby as he awaits the birth of his first child. 

See the full teams for round eight

Silky midfielder Daniel Wells returns to the side after being managed last week, while Jarryd Blair, Henry Schade and James Aish come into the Pies’ line-up.

In an interesting night of selections, other notable changes included the Western Bulldogs resting skipper Bob Murphy for their Friday night clash with West Coast, and Essendon regaining former captain Jobe Watson and No.1 pick Andy McGrath.

The Giants will welcome back midfielder Lachie Whitfield from his seven-match AFL ban, with the injury-hit club choosing to bring back the 2012 No.1 choice without any NEAFL games under his belt.

Joining Whitfield in the Giants’ side will be Sam Reid and debutant Daniel Lloyd.

The promoted rookie will start his career as a 25-year-old and can play through the midfield and in attack. Matt Kennedy was omitted, joining Adam Kennedy (knee reconstruction) and Jacob Hopper (finger) on the sidelines. 

Joining Murphy on the sidelines for the Bulldogs will be injured pair Jake Stringer (knee) and Josh Dunkley (shoulder). Key forward Jack Redpath returns for his first senior game since rupturing his ACL in round 18 last year, with Lukas Webb and Bailey Dale also back in the team for the important meeting. 

West Coast has made two changes, dropping Jonathan Giles and Mark Hutchings and including Fraser McInnes and classy third-year player Liam Duggan.

Hawthorn has turned to Jack Fitzpatrick for ruck support against the Brisbane Lions in Tasmania on Saturday. The elevated rookie has come into the side along with former Crow Ricky Henderson, replacing injured backman Grant Birchall and James Sicily, who has been cut.

Brilliant forward Cyril Rioli has also been selected, having missed the Hawks’ previous four games across the Bass Strait. 

The Lions have rested No.3 pick Hugh McCluggage as well as losing Mitch Robinson (foot) and Dan McStay (hand) through injury. Rohan Bewick, Josh Walker and Tom Bell are in for Chris Fagan’s side as he takes on his old club for the first time.

Important forward Mav Weller is back for the Saints to face Carlton at the expense of Nathan Wright, and Luke Dunstan has been recalled to St Kilda’s midfield to replace the suspended Koby Stevens.

The Blues have also made two changes for Saturday’s Etihad Stadium clash, bringing back Jack Silvagni and Zac Fisher from injury concerns and dropping more experienced pair Billie Smedts and Sam Kerridge.

Essendon will welcome back Watson and McGrath after resting the pair for last week’s loss to Fremantle, and have also picked former Giants forward James Stewart for his first game in Bombers colours. 

Veteran Brent Stanton has been dropped for the second time in three weeks, as one of three omissions by coach John Worsfold. Martin Gleeson and youngster Aaron Francis have also been left out of the side to face Geelong.

The Cats have reacted savagely to their disappointing loss to Gold Coast by axing four players – Aaron Black, Jackson Thurlow, Jordan Murdoch and Darcy Lang. Zac Smith returns, defenders Tom Stewart and Jake Kolodjashnij come in, and Irishman Mark O’Connor will make his debut. Adelaide will be without important defender Jake Lever (hamstring) when it hosts Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, while a corked glute has seen Riley Knight left out of the side.

Troy Menzel and exciting forward Wayne Milera have been brought into the Crows’ line-up. 

The Dees have made just one change, with Jay Kennedy-Harris making way for Dean Kent. 

As indicated by coach Damien Hardwick earlier this week, the Tigers have named Shane Edwards in their 25-man squad for Sunday’s clash with Fremantle at the MCG. Richmond is expected to make a decision on whether Edwards is ready to play at AFL level after a five-week hip injury in coming days, while ruckman Toby Nankervis is back after serving his suspension.

Ben Lennon and Jake Batchelor are also in the extended squad, with Nick Vlastuin (shoulder) the only out at this stage. 

Harley Balic’s illness will see the Dockers make at least one change, with 250-gamer Danyle Pearce in the frame to make his return to the side for the first time since round two.

First-year defender Griffin Logue, Nick Suban and Tom Sheridan are also in Fremantle’s extended squad. Gold Coast has been forced into making changes for its historic clash with Port Adelaide in Shanghai, losing Matt Rosa (concussion), David Swallow (knee) and Callum Ah Chee (back) to injury.

Key defender Rory Thompson is set to return, however, as one of six inclusions in the extended squad.  Port Adelaide has left out Dan Houston despite his impressive start to the season, with Brendon Ah Chee, Karl Amon, Aidyn Johnson and Dougal Howard in line to replace him.

North Melbourne will welcome back Aaron Mullet after missing just one week with a broken hand. Taylor Garner, Sam Durdin, Jy Simpkin and Declan Mountford are also in the mix to face Sydney at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Jarrad Waite will miss with suspension and Corey Wagner has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

The Swans will welcome back Kurt Tippett after a two-week absence due to a hip injury, and speedster Gary Rohan has returned following his sickening head knock in round six. Nic Newman is also in the extended squad.

Friday, May 12

West Coast v Western Bulldogs at Domain Stadium, 6.10pm AWST

WEST COAST In: F.McInnes, L.Duggan Out: J.Giles, M.Hutchings

WESTERN BULLDOGS In: J.Redpath, L.Webb, B.Dale Out: R.Murphy (general soreness), J.Stringer (knee), J.Dunkley (shoulder)

Saturday, May 13

Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions at University of Tasmania Stadium (Launceston), 1.45pm AEST

HAWTHORN In: J.Fitzpatrick, R.Henderson Out: G.Birchall (knee), J.Sicily

BRISBANE LIONS In: J.Walker, T.Bell, R.Bewick Out: D.McStay (hand), M.Robinson (foot), H.McCluggage (rested)

St Kilda v Carlton at Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm AEST

ST KILDA In: M.Weller, L.Dunstan Out: K.Stevens (suspension), N.Wright

CARLTON In: J.Silvagni, Z.Fisher Out: B.Smedts, S.Kerridge

Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood at Spotless Stadium, 4.35pm AEST

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY In: D.Lloyd, L.Whitfield, S.Reid Out: A.Kennedy (knee), J.Hopper (finger), M.Kennedy New: Daniel Lloyd (Killarney Vale)

COLLINGWOOD In: D.Wells, J.Blair, H.Schade, J.Aish Out: A.Treloar (ankle), T.Broomhead, J.Ramsay, M.Cox

Essendon v Geelong at the MCG, 7.25pm AEST

ESSENDON In: J.Watson, J.Stewart, A.McGrath Out: B.Stanton, M.Gleeson, A.Francis New: James Stewart (GWS)

GEELONG In: Z.Smith, T.Stewart, J.Kolodjashnij, M.O’Connor Out: A.Black, J.Thurlow, J.Murdoch, D.Lang New: Mark O’Connor (County Kerry – Ireland)

Adelaide v Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, 7.10pm ACST

ADELAIDE In: T.Menzel, W.Milera Out: R.Knight (corked glute), J.Lever (hmstring)

MELBOURNE In: D.Kent Out: J.Kennedy-Harris

Sunday, May 14

Richmond v Fremantle at the MCG, 1.10pm AEST

RICHMOND In: B.Lennon, S.Edwards, N.Batchelor, T.Nankervis Out: N.Vlastuin (shoulder)

FREMANTLE In: D.Pearce, G.Logue, N.Suban, T.Sheridan Out: H.Balic (illness)

Gold Coast v Port Adelaide at Jiangwan Sports Stadium (Shanghai), 3.15pm AEST

GOLD COAST In: R.Thompson, M.Shaw, K.Brooksby, B.Fiorini, J.Bowes, J.Schoenfeld Out: M.Rosa (concussion), D.Swallow (knee), C.Ah Chee (back)

PORT ADELAIDE In: B.Ah Chee, K.Amon, A.Johnson, D.Howard Out: D.Houston

North Melbourne v Sydney at Etihad Stadium, 4.40pm AEST

NORTH MELBOURNE In: A.Mullett, T.Garner, S.Durdin, J.Simpkin, D.Mountford Out: J.Waite (suspension), C.Wagner (ankle)

SYDNEY In: K.Tippett, G.Rohan, N.Newman Out: –

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Small Dogs to take different forward tack

Mitch doubt, defending Darcy, Bob 300 Footy Feed with Matt Thompson, Nat Edwards, Nathan Schmook and Lee Gaskin

The Dogs are confident Tom Boyd will be available after a concussion against North Melbourne

THE INJURY concerns affecting the Western Bulldogs tall forwards will force coach Luke Beveridge to employ a “quite different” attack against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Key forward Travis Cloke’s rib injury will see him join Stewart Crameri (hip), Jack Redpath (ACL) and Jordan Roughead (hamstring) on the sidelines, forcing the premiers to rely on a smaller set-up headlined by Jake Stringer and Toby McLean.

In better news, the club is confident versatile big man Tom Boyd will overcome concussion to face the Lions.

“We haven’t really got any other talls available to come in, so our configuration down (forward) will be quite different to the way we’ve started the first four rounds,” Beveridge said.

“Trav has been terrific at different stages, played extremely well against Sydney, so we’ll miss him.”

While Beveridge was optimistic Boyd would pass a fitness test later in the week, he said Crameri had suffered a fresh hip injury in the VFL on the weekend.

Boyd received delayed concussion from a head knock in the first quarter of the Good Friday clash with North Melbourne, while Crameri played only two quarters before his problematic hip “flared up” again.

“So we think (Tom is) going to be fine, but again he still needs to get through that cogstate test and our medical staff will need to clear him,” Beveridge said.

“He’s in a similar situation to (Liam Picken) last week, albeit he did come back on the ground Tom, where ‘Picko’ didn’t.

“(Crameri’s) got a bit of a hip flexor injury, so he’ll be out this week and possibly the next two or three.

“He definitely won’t play at any level this week. It’s a fresh injury, he’s had a little bit of a grumbly hip in recent times.”

Beveridge was happy with the way premiership stars Caleb Daniel and Shane Biggs responded to their demotions to the VFL.

While he didn’t go into detail about why the duo were axed, Beveridge forecast a swift return for the usually reliable playmakers.

“Yeah, they did (respond well to being dropped),” he said.

“They accepted that they needed to go back and just work on a couple of things and they did really well.

“They’ll be considered this week.”

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Season preview: Western Bulldogs

There’s no doubt about Marcus Bontempelli reaching superstar status

Best 22 – round one

B: Matthew Boyd, Fletcher Roberts, Dale Morris HB: Jason Johannisen, Easton Wood, Robert Murphy C: Caleb Daniel, Tom Liberatore, Lachie Hunter HF: Luke Dahlhaus, Stewart Crameri, Jack Macrae F: Clay Smith, Travis Cloke, Jake Stringer Foll: Tom Boyd, Liam Picken, Marcus Bontempelli I/C: Zaine Cordy, Shane Biggs, Matt Suckling, Toby McLean

Injury list

After enduring a horror run of injuries in 2016, luck has continued to desert the Dogs at the start of this year. Jordan Roughead (hamstring) will miss at least the first month of the season while fellow ruckman Tom Campbell is expected to miss the early rounds with an ankle injury. Goalsneak Tory Dickson has had a restricted pre-season due to post-season groin surgery, but is some chance to play round one. Rookie Roarke Smith will miss the whole season after rupturing his ACL in the JLT Community Series. Mitch Wallis is unlikely to be seen until mid-season in the midfielder’s recovery from a broken leg. ACL victims Jack Redpath and Josh Prudden will be hoping for early-season returns.

The big questions

Who will slay the monsters? With Fletcher Roberts struggling for consistency and West Australian Marcus Adams battling injuries and homesickness last year, Luke Beveridge will be looking to either of them or second-year key defender Kieran Collins to establish themselves as a reliable stopper.

Is Tom Boyd ready to become a consistently dominant player? After enduring constant scrutiny in his two seasons at the Dogs, the key forward silenced the doubters with a standout Grand Final performance in the ruck and in attack. At 21, Boyd appears ready to become the dominant big man the club is paying him handsomely to be. 

How will Luke Beveridge evolve as a coach? After completing his apprenticeship under Alastair Clarkson, the third-year mentor will be well aware you don’t win back-to-back flags without evolving as a team. One development the dual coach of the year looks to be implementing is employing a taller forward line with the recruitment of Travis Cloke.

Look for…

Premiership forward Toby McLean is primed to establish himself as a vital cog in the Bulldog machine. Having improved his aerobic capacity considerably over the pre-season, the 21-year-old now has the capacity to use his strong footballing instincts further up the field. Good foot skills and decision-making are complemented by his ability to win the footy both inside and out.

Who they play

One of the few downsides of winning a premiership is the tough fixture you receive the following year. The Dogs will play flag contenders Sydney, Greater Western Sydney and West Coast twice, and will make the most interstate trips of Melbourne clubs with eight.

Fantasy cash cow

At $595,000 for a midfielder, Marcus Bontempelli looks a prudent investment with plenty of growth. After a slow start in 2016, the playmaker picked up the pace from round seven to average 109 points per game.

Sudden impact

Former Magpie Travis Cloke has impressed with his pre-season training and output in the JLT Community Series, and is almost certain to make his Bulldogs debut against his old side in round one. The 29-year-old should prove a valuable foil for Tom Boyd and Stewart Crameri up forward, and also spend time in the ruck. First-year ruckman Tim English has quickly proved why the Dogs were delighted when the West Australian was available with their first pick in the draft, and is a good chance to make an early-season debut.

It’s crunch time for…

After playing just 37 games in five seasons, key premiership defender Fletcher Roberts really needs to finally establish himself as the man to contain the League’s monster forwards. Out of contract at season’s end, the 23-year-old often gets caught in front and needs to improve his physicality.

Pressure rating on the coach

If you’ve won a premiership and earned coach of the year honours twice in your two seasons in the job, Beveridge is the hottest Dog going around.

The Bulldogs will have a good year if …

The club’s young stars like Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Boyd, Jack Macrae, Jake Stringer and Lachie Hunter continue their steady development.

They’re in trouble if …

The club’s medical staff has just as busier year as 2016.

Pass mark …

Going into the season as reigning premiers, a top-four finish would be a bare minimum for a young and ambitious side.

AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish 

The brains trust at AFL Media has the Dogs finishing third behind GWS and Sydney.

Player Ratings star

It should come as no surprise that superstar midfielder Marcus Bontempelli is the top Dog. Finishing fifth on 609 points in 2016, the 20-year-old was youngest player in the top 10.

Want more?

Click here to read 2017 season previews for every club

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Jordan Roughead: ‘Rare’ hamstring injury grounds Bulldogs ruckman for eight weeks

Hobbled Bulldogs ruckman Jordan Roughead has suffered one of the rarest hamstring injuries in footy, according to former AFL doctor Rohan White.

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Sam Day injured in win, North beat Swans

Play Video Don’t Play

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AFLW plays of round 3

AFLW plays of round 3

McCarthy sprints to goal of the round, GWS and Freo can’t take a trick, the Dees discover a power forward and Erin Phillips dobs one from 60 as the Crows remain top.

Sam Day injured in win, North beat Swans

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Sam Day injured in win, North beat Swans

Sam Day injured in win, North beat Swans

The Gold Coast Suns horror injury run continues, with Sam Day struck down with what appears to be a dislocated hip, in their solid win over Brisbane. North Melbourne snuck past Sydney although both sides were missing key players.

Kade Stewart wins it for the Hawks

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Kade Stewart wins it for the Hawks

Kade Stewart wins it for the Hawks

After falling 41 points behind, Geelong came back in the third quarter only for Kade Stewart to grab a game deciding goal to win it by 4 points.

Nat Fyfe plans as Freo captain

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Nat Fyfe plans as Freo captain

Nat Fyfe plans as Freo captain

Fremantle Dockers new captain Nat Fyfe opens up on his plans as the club’s new skipper for the 2017 AFL season.

AFLW plays of the round

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AFLW plays of the round

AFLW plays of the round

Jen McCormick snaps a ripper as Adelaide see off the Doggies, Mo Hope kicks her first but the Dees take the points, the Blues yet to be beaten and Tayla Harris will be a superstar.

AFLW Plays of Round One

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AFLW Plays of Round One

AFLW Plays of Round One

The most stunning plays from round one of the AFLW.

AFLW plays of round 3

McCarthy sprints to goal of the round, GWS and Freo can’t take a trick, the Dees discover a power forward and Erin Phillips dobs one from 60 as the Crows remain top.

Roughead went down in a practice match against Melbourne on Saturday and required surgery on Monday night to repair what turned out to be a torn hamstring tendon in the area where it inserts onto the back of the knee.

The 25-year-old will be sidelined for at least eight weeks, but Dr White believes he could miss as much as three months and can consider himself “a bit unfortunate”.

Jordan Roughead has been sidelined for two months. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

“Probably [hamstring] incidents most frequent is in the muscle belly within the mid-thigh,” Dr White explained to Fairfax Media.

“The next commonest is the hamstring origin, the ones off the butt bone, and probably the rarest type – or least common – is the hamstring injury down where the tendon inserts onto the tibia bone.

“Although the lower hamstring is less frequent, to actually tear it off the bone or have a significant tear is probably the least incidence of hamstring injuries.”

While Dr White discounted the first competitive hit-out for the year being a factor in Roughead’s injury, he did speculate that the premiership Bulldog may have suffered tendinitis or inflammation in the tendon prior to suffering the injury.

“Sometimes these things are made a little bit worse if there was some tendinitis in the area, then a tendon tear is more common,” he said.

“I don’t know in the days or weeks prior to the injury whether he had been getting a bit of soreness there – maybe he didn’t talk about it, maybe he didn’t worry about it.”

Dr White also outlined why the site of Roughead’s injury is so important to the function of the leg and knee.

“Bending a knee is one of the responsibilities of the hamstring muscles, so the response for jumping, running and kicking, of course,” he said.

“So you can’t muck around with that. It’s got to be repaired and it’s got to be rehabilitated, so they minimise any risk of injury recurrence.”

Dr White envisaged Roughead wouldn’t be allowed back onto an AFL ground until he is “110 per cent” fit.

“As far surgery is concerned, he will come back and there is no problems with him returning to AFL footy, so that won’t be an issue,” he said.

“The Bulldog rehab team are very experienced and they won’t rush him back, mindful that it is his leg that he jumps off.

“Given he’s a big guy, given he’s a ruckman, given it’s his jumping leg, they’ll give him every chance to recuperate and they won’t take any risks.”

Roughead is unlikely to be fully fit until at least round five. But the Bulldogs made an art form out of managing injuries to key players on the way to a premiership last year with Bob Murphy, Tom Boyd, Jack Redpath, Mitch Wallis, Clay Smith, Jason Johannisen, Marcus Adams, Toby McLean, and the suspended Stewart Crameri all missing decent chunks of the 2016 season.

Roughead’s absence means Boyd, a revelation in last year’s finals series, will likely spend more time in the ruck in the early parts of the season while fringe player Tom Campbell could also get some opportunities.

Roughead was a key figure in the Dogs’ incredible charge towards their drought-breaking premiership. He had a breakout season, playing a career-high 25 games and accumulating personal bests in hit-outs (382), disposals (274), contested possessions (152), contested marks (43), tackles (87), clearances (48), inside-50s (47) and goals (eight).

The 113-gamer was ranked equal ninth in the competition for contested marks last year and almost doubled the next-best Dog in that category, Dale Morris (22).

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