#jonathon gresham

[goalhofer]

2024 olympians representing non-birth nation by country: part 4

France: Christina Bauer, volleyball (Norway); Anastasia Bayandina, swimming (Russia); Emil Bjorch, water polo (Denmark); Catherine Clot, field hockey (The Netherlands); Marie Fegue, weightlifting (Cameroon); Rafael Fente-Damers, swimming (U.S.A.); Albane Garot-Loussif, field hockey (Belgium); Delfina Gaspari, field hockey (Argentina); Onema Geyoro, soccer (Democratic Republic Of Congo); Makenson Gletty, athletics (Haiti); Varvara Gracheva, tennis (Russia); Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, rugby (U.K.); Ilionis Guillaume, athletics (Haiti); Azeddine Habz, athletics (Morocco); Tamara Horaček, handball (Croatia); Roger Hunt, diving (U.K.); Yuan Jia, table tennis (China); Nikola Karabatić, handball (Serbia); Anastasiia Kirpichnikova, swimming (Russia); Karl Konan, handball (Côte d'Ivoire); Hilary Kpatcha, athletics (Togo); Youssef Krou, volleyball (Morocco); Juliette Landi, diving (U.S.A.); Dominique Malonga, basketball (Cameroon); Luka Mkheidze, judo (Georgia); Bernardin Matam, weightlifting (Cameroon); Iman Ndiaye, volleyball (U.S.A.); Oscar Nilsson-Julien, cycling (U.K.); Frank Ntilikina, basketball (Belgium); Michael Olise, soccer (U.K.); Hertzka Orsolya, water polo (Hungary); Christo Popov, badminton (Bulgaria); Toma Popov, badminton (Bulgaria); Xuefei Qi, badminton (China); Mia Rycraw, water polo (U.S.A.); Fabrizio Saïdy, athletics (Madagascar); Tessa-Margot Schubert, field hockey (Germany); Dora Tchakounté, weightlifting (Cameroon); Adrien Truffert; soccer (Belgium); Guusje Van Bolhuis, field hockey (The Netherlands); Ming Van Eijken, gymnastics (China); Gabby Williams, basketball (U.S.A.); Meky Woldu, athletics (Eritrea); Antoine Zeghdar, rugby (Monaco) & Alexandre Zhoya, athletics (Australia) Gabon: Virginia Aymard, judo (France) & Noëlie Lacour, swimming (France) Gambia: Alasan Ann, taekwondo (U.S.A.); Ami Barrow, swimming (U.K.); Gina Bass-Bittaye, athletics (Senegal); Sanu Jallow, athletics (U.S.A.) & Faye Njie, judo (Finland) Germany: Samuel Fitwi-Sibhatu, athletics (Eritrea); Grozer György; Jr., volleyball (Hungary); Kathrin Hendrich, soccer (Belgium); Melat Kejeta, athletics (Ethiopia); Camilla Kemp; surfing (Portugal); Szabó Mátyás, fencing (Romania); Alina Oganesyan, gymnastics (Uzbekistan); Dmitrij Ovtcharov, table tennis (Ukraine); Paulina Paszek, canoeing (Poland); Gonzalo Peillat, field hockey (Argentina); Alexis Peterson, basketball (U.S.A.); Amanal Petros, athletics (Eritrea); Constantin Preis, athletics (Moldova); Salou Sabally, basketball (U.S.A.); Artem Selin, swimming (Russia); Xiaona Shan, table tennis (China); Xenia Smits, handball (Belgium); Nelvie Tiafack, boxing (Cameroon); Darja Varfolomeev, gymnastics (Russia); Nick Weiler-Babb, basketball (U.S.A.); Kaii Winkler, swimming (U.S.A.) & Oleg Zernikel, athletics (Kazakhstan) Ghana: Joselle Mensah, swimming (Germany) & Harry Stacey, swimming (U.K.) Great Britain: David Ames, field hockey (South Africa); Jeremiah Azu, athletics (The Netherlands); Georgia Bell, athletics (France); Lizzie Bird, athletics (The Philippines); Sky Brown, skateboarding (Japan); Charlie Elwes, rowing (South Africa); Andy Macdonald, skateboarding (U.S.A.); Mahamed Mahamed, athletics (Ethiopia); Jonathon Marshall, swimming (U.S.A.); Delicious Orie, boxing (Russia); Honey Osrin, swimming (South Africa); Liam Sanford, field hockey (Germany); Cynthia Sember, athletics (U.S.A.); Eve Stewart, rowing (The Netherlands); Saskia Tidey, sailing (Ireland) & Nicole Yeargin, athletics (U.S.A.) Greece: Nick Calathes, basketball (U.S.A.); Kristian Gkolomeev, swimming (Bulgaria); Tatiana Gusin, athletics (Moldova); Dauren Kurugliev, wrestling (Russia); Cameron Maramenides, sailing (U.S.A.); Stamatia Scarvelis, athletics (U.S.A.); Theodoros Tselidis, judo (Russia) & Thomas Walkup, basketball (U.S.A.) Grenada: Tilly Collymore, swimming (U.S.A.); Zackary Gresham, swimming (U.S.A.) & Halle Hazzard, athletics (U.S.A.) Guam: Maria Escano, judo (South Korea); Joseph Green, athletics (U.S.A.) & Nicola Lagatao, weightlifting (The Philippines)

[danwhobrowses]

ROH Supercard of Honor - AEW Fan Quickfire Thoughts

So it may be Wrestlemania season, but there's a new era in ROH, the Khan era. Naturally I was intrigued, admittedly ROH has always been there in my periphery but I rarely watched it, mainly doing it during the Bucks and Cody's time there, or when Oedo Tai took over for a bit because Kagetsu and Hana were great, but I wouldn't call myself someone well aware of it, I probably watched NJPW more than I did ROH.

But, I was curious to how Tony Khan would kick off ROH, a company that had been a stomping ground for many of AEW's current talent, and I like AEW, so I decided to watch it.

I would like to do a full review but time is not on my side with all this wrestling, Stand & Deliver is still happening and there's still 2 days of Wrestlemania to get through, so I'm gonna give some quick thoughts per match.

Spoilers for ROH Supercard of Honor 2022 Below

Zero Hour

Seeing the multitude of matches on this pre-show card I already knew I'd like it, a pre-show with lots of matches but time for promoting the main card is the way to go.

Colt Cabana def Blake Christian Nice to see Colt wrestle, though this was purely a fanservice match for the crowd to get warmed up. Blake Christian had previously beaten Rohit Raju on AEW Dark in a good match, and he did some good work here. The man is making moves so we should keep an eye on him in the coming months.

AQA def Miranda Alize This match was a tad messy I thought, it's clear both women have a bit of ways to go but Alize has a good look and AQA has a beautiful Shooting Star Press. Commentary did a great job in selling the offense.

Gates of Agony (w/Tully Blanchard) def. Cheeseburger & Eli Isom This was a big surprise actually. I had considered the idea of teaming Kaun and Toa Liona for some AEW Dark fantasy booking, where I would pit them against Bear Country, so to see them actually become a team under the guidance of Tully Blanchard was cool to see. However, this wasn't either of their best matches, the timing was a little off for the four guys, Cheeseburger fared better but Isom seemed to not be on the same wavelength. Plus the Samoan Spike is a poor finisher, was with Umaga, still is with Liona, they should try to transition it to a choke submission instead. Their team name and entrance theme are awesome though.

Dalton Castle (w/Baby Chickens?) def. Joe Hendry A match where I actually knew of both talent without AEW; Joe Hendry with a great self-sung entrance theme was a nice bit of WCPW nostalgia for me, even if he is a heel again. Dalton Castle I knew from when he was ROH world champion, also has a great entrance theme, felt like Hungry Eyes and Radio GaGa had a baby, and he definitely has a lot of charisma - his baby chickens entourage though may be a bit too much for my tastes. Match itself was quite good, lots of power moves by Joe and the opening Code of Honor check shows how a simple handshake - or refused handshake - can flesh out a feud. Castle won with the 'Bangarang' which is a great name for a finisher, needs more speed though like Yuka Sakazaki's Magical Merry Go Round or John Silver's Spin Doctor.

Main Card

Swerve Strickland def. Alex Zayne Zayne has some pretty cool entrance music too, I get some Batman Beyond theme vibes from it. But regardless of company, Swerve is OVER, audaciously crisp but also clear in character. Zayne was really good too, lots of good spots in this match with Swerve working the knee between all the high spots, like that Poison Rana from apron to outside then a Shooting Star Knee Stomp was a great nearfall. Really good opener for the main card that heated up near the end, the JML Driver finish was great too.

New Client [Brian Cage] (w/Tully Blanchard) def. Ninja Mack So, Brian Cage. It makes sense at the least, Claudio couldn't really come out as a heel and they extended his contract, ROH might even be a better fit for Cage anyway and Tully can give him pointers. The only thing I had seen from Ninja Mack was his Bloodsport tornado kick this week, credit for him trying but Cage debuting gotta squash. Cage is good at this though, his gimmick worked best in the ring rather than trying to be a sympathetic figure, he's a force not a character. This TBE faction of big dudes has potential.

Jay Lethal def. Lee Moriarty (w/Matt Sydal) A definite continuation of the stuff AEW was building to, as expected though a great show from Moriarty, being booked to have Lethal scouted so many times until Lethal snapped, and snap he did with the low blow after a series of nearfalls from Moriarty. Lethal's reaction after was perfect, the conflict and disgust to stoop to the same tactics he had succumbed to was great as a prelude to him doubling down and attacking Sydal. It'll be an interesting route for a heel Lethal, hopefully Moriarty gets more screentime though, I know it's mainly because Sydal is injured but we could definitely see more from him.

Mercedes Martinez def. Willow Nightingale The battle for the interim ROH Women's Championship this one, since Deonna is in Multiverse of Matches. No offense to Mercedes at all, because she's a strong worker with a lot of experience (also I noticed a Green Lantern tattoo on her hand), but I really wanted Willow to win this one; she's such a character as proven by the crowd being amped for it, over with the fans and has the Eddie Kingston seal of approval, out of the two I would've rather seen Willow vs Deonna than Mercedes. It's criminal that her last AEW appearance is a submission loss to Brandi Rhodes too not even on TV when Kingston specifically requested a Willow vs Statlander match! So I hope TK has something for her, hopefully a place in the Owen and then as future champion. As for the match it was a nice back and forth, a little bit messy - Mercedes took all of that Moonsault - but a nice match.

FTR def. The Briscoes You notice no bold on the names because I really didn't know which way this could go. This match got a lot of rave reviews by fans so this was the match I was most interested in watching. I was interested to see that while FTR came out with the AAA Tag titles Briscoes didn't try to one-up by bringing their GCW Tag titles with them as well as the ROH Tag Titles, FTR even had their team name on their tights done in the old ROH font style. The crowd was molten for this match, commentary selling the narrative brilliantly, also Paul Turner's chair catch was an unexpected highlight early on. This match definitely didn't disappoint the hype, meaty but cerebral, definitely felt like a grudge match between two of the best; after all the feeling out was done for it just kept escalating, going through all the classic tag team beats and more. Great nearfalls, Jay and Dax doing the brunt of the animosity, and the Bucks appearance adds to continuity. Honestly it could've gone for another 10 minutes and it still would've been great.

While I know Jay has said some bad things in his past, the Briscoes certainly had a performance that may force Khan's hand, it's hard to see what the line is with that though since Shawn Spears still has a job despite old tweets but Brian Kendrick had a debut scrapped for his. It feels like we will see the Briscoes again though, given how the Bucks attacked them, but we'll see.

Minoru Suzuki def. Rhett Titus The ROH TV Championship had a hard spot of following that tag match, but Khan definitely knew he could use Kaze Ni Nare to bring the crowd back in. Titus though fucked up big time, slapping Minoru Suzuki? Death would've been less painful. Jokes aside, the match was kind of a long squash for Suzuki, narratively because Titus' offense was far too familiar for Suzuki, the brevity kinda works as a palette cleanser though. Suzuki as TV champion is a nice thing to have though for ROH, it'll entertain for the time Suzuki has in the US. It's kinda strange isn't it though? Every time I watch a NJPW show Suzuki is treated woefully, like being in the KOPW battle royales on the last two Wrestle Kingdoms, but in the US it's a whole different story.

Wheeler Yuta def. Josh Woods Woods has had some showings on AEW Dark so I was familiar with some of his skillset, but this had to be Wheeler Yuta's night. The Pure rules did interest me, seems like ROH did these things first and NXT UK's Heritage Cup, Bloodsport and the TERMINUS brand borrowed elements from it by having a rule-based championship, nice to see CD too even if it's just as a judge. You forget that Yuta has cool music given how he usually came out to the Best Friends themes. The rules worked in narrative with Yuta quickly going for a rope break early, and a second later, the match was slow starting though - like watching Tennis: it's clean and athletic but the atmosphere gets dull because of all the dead space. Obviously, I'm not familiar with Pure matches so this may be the norm, but for me if a match takes 10 minutes to get going for about 3 minutes of a finale, it's probably not the best thing for me, we could've done this same match with half the time. Yuta won with his special pin after some elbows to the collar, it did feel a little out of nowhere but in terms of Yuta's long term storytelling it is a good step for him to join the BCC.

Jonathon Gresham def. Bandido (w/Chavo Guerrero) For our main event we had a title unification that isn't Brock vs Roman. Bandido looked clean with the Zorro homage, but Chavo made his presence known by trying to make Bandido dismiss the code of honor. Interesting that commentary implied heat between Khan and Chavo (looks like we're having some kayfabe in it, maybe Chavo will try to sabotage ROH?). Bandido was in All In so I knew what he was capable of, and I knew about Gresham from reputation, and I was not disappointed: a clash of styles worked well, Bandido even lifted Gresham for a full minute during a vertical suplex, but given how everyone has been begging for Gresham vs Punk or Danielson, it never felt like Gresham could lose for me. I enjoyed the match though, the Chavo subplot did work given the emphasis of Honor, after that the match was hot, the 21-Plex and the X-Knee are wonderful moves but Gresham won the day.

The post-match was a great closer, Lethal came out to challenge Gresham (makes sense but y'know don't wait on Danielson or Punk) but Gresham said no causing Lethal to get heated and Sonjay Dutt to also go heel, Moriarty comes in but gets attacked, then his music hits

Adrenaline, in my soul something something Samoa Joe!

Samoan Joseph and he's All Elite, Whoaaaaaaa!

Joe got the second loudest pop of the night, imposing over Lethal and then choking out Dutt and then raising Gresham's hand with Moriarty.

Conclusion

So, that was Supercard of Honor. I enjoyed the show, I think it was probably catered to ROH fans more than me but that's alright, it is a night for them after all. I was a little miffed by TK's decision to pull AEW bias, I mean no AEW wrestler lost tonight, of the 5 title matches 3 of them are held by AEW roster members, but it just gets away with it because the matches were either good or it serves a greater narrative.

I must admit that the Pure match wasn't my cup of tea, and there is clearly a skill gap among the roster, but if Khan intends to use ROH as a partial developmental ground for his talent then that may not be the worst thing. I do hope at least that he manages to keep the non-signed personnel who were on the card; I enjoy Joe Hendry, Blake Christian, Bandido and Willow, Dalton Castle, Cheeseburger and Ninja Mack are popular with the crowd too, Alize can be a work in progress, the Briscoes are the Briscoes and Alex Zayne, Josh Woods and Rhett Titus do feel like they have a lot more in them, but I'd also love to see AEW bring in some of their Dark regulars for work, the likes of Baron Black, KiLynn King, and Skye Blue, and some more crossover talent who we'd like to see more TV time from; Ruby Soho, TH2, Sonny Kiss, etc.

We'll see how it goes from here, but for a night with hefty viewership competition, including an hour of AEW Rampage too, it was definitely a profitable start for ROH's new era.

[jasvvy]

ROH Final Battle

Jonathon Gresham vs Josh Woods

[championshipwrestling]

Jonathon Gresham

[hazyheel]

Best of the Super Juniors 2019 Day 3 Review

First up, Jonathon Gresham took on TAKA Michinoku. Gresham had broken fingers from his match with Scurll, which I imagine will be his story going forward in the tournament. While it seemed like Gresham would be only a technical guy in the tournament, this match really was proving otherwise. The two exchanged both submissions and strikes throughout the match. Taka went straight for the fingers during the match, which greatly angered both the ref and Gresham. Gresham countered that game plan by working the arms. The two had a really great technical exchange, which culminated in Gresham locking in the octopus hold for the win. Gresham: 2, Taka: 0.

Grade: B. I really like this kind of stuff, and I am into Gresham’s story so far in the tournament. He is definitely an underdog throughout the tournament, and he is not too known for the Japanese crowd, so he is still trying to get over with them. Taka did a lot of work making him look good, and I like how the match turned out. 

Next up, Tiger Mask vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru. This was actually one of the matches I was more looking forward to, because I love how Tiger Mask feuds with the people of Suzuki Gun. Tiger Mask started out with a vicious attack before the bell, and that made me smile. Kanemaru, of course, took advantage of the knee injury whenever he could. Tiger Mask really couldn’t get anything started because of the targets on both the knee and the mask. At one point, Tiger Mask was able to drill Kanemaru with a tombstone and a tiger driver, but Kanemaru kicked out. In a similar vein, Kanemaru was able to hit the deep impact for only a 2. Kanemaru was able to lock in the figure four, but Tiger Mask fought out of it and survived. In the finish, Tiger Mask went for a tiger suplex, but Kanemaru fought out and tried to lock in the figure four again, only for Tiger Mask to roll up Kanemaru for the win. Tiger Mask: 4, Kanemaru: 0.

After the match, Kanemaru was able to steal Tiger Mask’s mask. Fun times.

Grade: B. Not as strong as the opener, but still very exciting. I loved his two matches against Suzuki-gun, and in my mind, Tiger Mask has won a victory for this best of the super juniors. He beat his two biggest rivals, and they were exciting. This was a good match, and I could really feel the hate. Kanemaru is really one of the best heels in the company, making a slow match feel exciting. 

Then we had Shingo Takagi against Titan. This was a classic speed vs. strength match. Shingo actually had a lot of trouble with Titan’s lucha style. Titan had control for the entire beginning of the match, until he overextended and Takagi dropped him on the top rope.  Titan was doing a great job selling Takagi’s strength in the match. At one point, Takagi challenged him to a chopping contest, but he collapsed before they could even start. At another, Titan hit a suicide dive that really cemented my belief that luchadores are the best at them. In an interesting counter to the noshigami, Titan reversed it into almost a sunset flip. Titan went for Titanics, but Takagi escaped almost with ease, then drilled Titan with a noshigami, a pumping bomber and a last of the dragons for the win. Takagi: 4, Titan: 2

Grade: B+. This was a good match. They started off a bit slow, with Titan really trying to work up to this guy who is being treated as the most dangerous in the block. He gave Takagi everything, including his inescapable pinning combination, but Takagi still beat him. Takagi showed some weakness against high speeds in this match, but he was really rolling once he got the momentum. 

Then we had Taiji Ishimori against Marty Scurll, Bullet Club vs. former Bullet Club. Commentary played up the fact that Scurll had Brodie king in his corner when Ishimori came out alone. Ishimori was able to go hold for hold with Scurll, which was interesting. he also quickened the pace whenever Scurll had the advantage, showing that Ishimori wasn’t going to challenge Scurll at his game. Scurll tried to work on the arm during the match, but Ishimori normally had a counter for it. Scurll even attempted to get in ishimori’s head, and it actually worked. The both of them became furious and exchanged vicious strikes over and over on each other. At one point, Ishimori drilled Scurll with a spike rana off the top, but Scurll rolled through into a pin for a near fall. The two tried to do a reversing tombstone spot, but when Ishimori tried to reverse it, he lost his balance and ended up hitting the tombstone while falling over. it was an awkward exchange but it actually looked alright. Scurll was able to lock in the crossface chicken wing a little bit, but did not fully lock his fingers, so Ishimori was able to escape. Ishimori locked in his yes lock, but Scurll reversed into his own yes lock, before trying to roll him into chicken wing. In another crazy spot, Scurll hit a package piledriver. Scurll went for the black plague, but Ishimori reversed and hit a high knee, followed by the bloody cross for a near fall. Ishimori: 4, Scurll: 2

Grade: B. I think this was a strong B, but while the good stuff in this match was really good, it also was quite slow between those parts. They had an awesome finishing exchange, and some really good striking contests. No finger break in this match, so Scurll isn’t trying to tell that story for everyone. I really liked this, and I think the best man won. 

And in the main event, we had Dragon Lee vs. SHO, a rematch of one of the best tournament matches last year. The two immediately tore into each other with strikes. Although Sho has proved that he has a strong submission game, it  was all striking for him in the beginning of this match.. Sho began to work over the arm, softening him up for an armbar later on in the match. Dragon Lee tried to target Sho’s arm as well, although he can’t capitalize as well due to a lack of submissions. At one point in the match, the two were so focused on attacking each other on the outside that they were both nearly counted out. At another, Lee proved my earlier statement wrong by locking in a fujiwara armbar on Sho. In a cool spot, Sho went for a German off the top, but Lee countered and hit the double stomp in the corner. Sho was able to hit the shock arrow at one point, but Lee was able to kick out. Sho then hit a series of crazy strikes and lariats, followed by a lumbar check and then a powerbomb onto the knees for a near fall. Lee was fighting from behind, but he was fighting hard. Lee went for the Desnucadora, but Sho countered into a devastating armbar, but Lee powerbombed out of it. He followed that up with two awesome knees to the face for a near fall, and then hit the Desnucadora for the win. Lee: 2, Sho: 0

Grade: A. Another classic from these guys, absolutely great. They brutalized each other throughout this match. Sho really looks like a star on this tour, and I don’t imagine that that will stop. Lee is looking really good too, but Sho is probably the best part of the tournament. At 0-2, it is looking kinda tough for him, especially with two projected winners, Takagi and Ishimori already pulling to 4 points ahead. But if he keeps putting on matches like this, then I think he will come out as one of the most accomplished men in the tournament. 

Overall Grade: B+

Pros: All matches were really good here; good commentary too

Cons: I guess the tombstone botch

[rickygoldman34]

Hello everyone Ricky Goldman here.

Its Progress chapter 128: Technique. Out comes Simon Miller to open the show.

This is my 1st ever Progress show. Let's kick off with the 1st match Smokin Aces Charlie Sterling and Nick Riley vs Lykos Gym for the Progress tag team titles. WHAT A MATCH! So apparently Lykos Gym have stolen the tag team titles and the champions want thier titles back. The champions brought it quickly fighting into the crowd taking out some chairs. Back in the ring and the action is rolling but not for long as we see some battling on the barricade. Now back in and high flying top rope action and multiple brain busters from Lykos Gym but to no avail as the champions wont give up. My 1st look at Nick Riley here by the way. Now the challengers have cookie sheets but the champions duck and spray talc into Lykos Gyms faces. Back out the ring now and Nick goes flying off the barricade onto the men below. Back in now and the champions look to put this away. Some very innovate moves from both men followed by high flying from Nick Riley. The 3 and the champions retain.

Next match is Big Gunns Joe vs Scott Oberman both men making thier debut here and both men of Future Shock fame. Joe is a fan favourite everywhere he goes and Scott keeps getting better and better every time I see him. Nice match here with nice following back and forth action between both men. Both men looking good here Joe with the power moves ofcourse and Scott taking it right to him. Both men exchange chops as Joe takes over and powers down Scott before making him tap out for the W.

Here we go with match 3 Alexxis Falcon vs Lana Austin. Alexxis of catch pro and future Shock fame and Lana well I not see her for a while in action. Alexxis is face here interesting. Lana wants a fans chair to get in the ring she grabs the microphone to but Alexxis snatches it back. Out the ring the action quickly goes and Lana throws her opponent into some chairs and lays her out. Back in now and Alexxis is back into it here. Both women jockey for position as Alexxis takes over. We see a super plex hit and now Alexxis puts this away with a spinning neck breaker and pins Lana for the win. Lana isn't happy though after the match she DDTs Alexxis from the middle rope onto a steel chair.

Match number 4 is Luke Jacobs vs Spike Trivet in a no DQ match. My 1st look at Spike here. Luke goes straight for Spike but Spike quickly gets a steel chair that he smashes over Luke's back he then tries to make Luke tap by twisting his ankle but the match must end in the ring. Luke somehow manages to get a table in the ring Spike is angry he takes him down and throws a cup at him. Back in the ring now and Spike has his belt off which he uses to whip Luke but Spike now has another chair and he traps Lukes arm in it then stamps on it he once again uses his belt but Luke is back into it now. He now uses the belt and sets up the table both men on the top rope now and Spike with a sunset flip onto Luke through the table the pin but Luke kicks out. Another table set up outside the ring and Luke hits a pile driver through the table on Spike back in the ring and Spike kicks out. Luke picks up the bag that Spike brought in the ring it had thumb tacks in that he dumped on the mat he then poured lemon juice into Spikes mouth. Spike then threw Luke into the thumb tacks,spat the lemon juice on his back and then made him tap out for the victory.

Next one is Jonathon Gresham vs Chris Ridgeway for the ROH title under pure rules which means only 3 rope breaks and no closed fists. The crowd is wild for this one very split down the middle with a good 2 minutes of chanting. I remember Gresham on a PCW show years ago. Great to see the ROH title defended here. Alot of mat based wrestling begins this both men feeling each other out as they both go for multiple pins. Gresham uses 2 of his rope breaks as Chris looks for that win and the gold. Both men exchange chops and kicks. Gresham says bring it so Ridgeway does exactly that with multiple hard hitting kicks. Chris with almost the 3 but then hooks on an ankle lock as Jonathan uses his 3rd and last rope break. Now the action quickens and both men look to finish this. Lots of reversals from both men once again Ridgeway coming so close once again. Hard hitting kicks and punches from both men. So many near falls. Gresham with a big right hand finishes off Ridgeway. Jonathon Gresham retains the ROH world title. What What a mat classic!

Semi main event. Cara Noir vs Dean Allmark for the Progress world title. My 1st look at Cara here. This will be the 4th match this weekend for Dean. Nice following action between both men here once again alot of mat based wrestling but both men did take the action out of the ring before rolling back in and back at it. Dean seemed to be heel for this match. Cara very graceful with his move set. Dean tries with all his might to defeat Cara but the champ says no as he hooks in his submission but Dean escapes Cara stays on him though hits his finisher,pins Dean and keeps the gold. After the match the lights go out once they come back on the NXT UK championshi Ilja Dragonuv is in the ring he speaks he wants a match with Cara.

Now its MAIN EVENT! time Gisele Shaw vs Rhio for the womens title. My 1st look at Gisele here. Shes in Impact wresting so its always cool to have a star on shows. This is a huge match for Rhio she certainly has got lots better. A nice contest here between both women as Rhio did most of the heavy lifting here. Both women wanting to win but neither would give up. Gisele just kept coming forward and wouldn't quit. Rhio stays on Gisele but to no avail as the champion turns it around and battles back takes Rhio to the mat and taps her out to stay champion. Gisele then grabs the mic and says no one can beat her. Out comes Kanji to end the show.

A very good show and I give it 10 stars out of 10.

Dont forget to add me on Facebook Ricky J Pate,follow me on Twitter @ricktherock30,go and check out WWA on Facebook and like and subscribe to my YouTube channel the people's wrestling channel.

Ricky Goldman out.

[beastlygrizzle]

RaiZ-R’s August 2017 Pro-Wrestling FAVE FIVE Honourable Mentions

Tag Teams of the Month: War Machine & The Young Bucks

Three months in a row and the Tag Team of the Month Honourable Mention has gone to two teams. This month is especially weird though because these two teams aren’t currently feuding with one another.

War Machine and the Bucks did meet in the ring on the undercards of the New Japan G1 block finals shows in very fun multiman affairs, and they do have beef in ROH, thanks to last month’s tag titles match getting thrown a curveball at the last minute with the Best Friends getting added, but both of their best work was apart.

I make no secret of the fact that I don’t buy into the hype surrounding the Young Bucks. I’m not Jim Cornette and waving my tennis racket in the air decrying them as the worst thing to happen to the business since… well, since forever if you listen to JC go on with himself long enough lambasting Matt, Nick and their Elite buddy Kenny Omega… but I’m also not jumping around proclaiming them the greatest tag team of all of the times and screaming for more superkicks.

Personally, I find them a bit much for my tastes.

Usually.

Goodness though, they didn’t half have a heck of an August! Whether it’s the aforementioned multiman matches with their Bullet Club cohorts facing War Machine and Taguchi Japan, the match where they lost their IWGP junior heavyweight titles to Ricochet and Ryusuke or their Ring of Honor work with The Addiction and the Motor City Machine Guns, I have legitimately not had this much fun watching the Young Bucks wrestle in my entire time as a wrestling fan. Now to be fair, my only experiences with them previously, were prior runs in ROH and TNA and that was many years ago before they really found themselves as personalities, and since then I’d locked myself up in a self-imposed WWE bubble, but in June and July I was still able to say quite happily, “I don’t get it” and shrug when people brought up the Bucks…

Now though, I’m sorta kinda maybe starting to get it.

War Machine, well they’re a whole different story. War Machine have been right up my alley since the first time I saw them and, of course, they shared this honour in June with the Guerrillas of Destiny (who they were feuding with at the time) and narrowly lost out the the New Day and the Usos last month. This month however they, like the Bucks have had such a consistently quality run of things that I simply couldn’t leave them out of the honourable mentions here.

They started out the month with those super fun multiman tags against the Bullet Club in New Japan, defended the IWGP tag titles against the hodge-podge (but really darned good) team of Hangman Adam Page and “The American Nightmare” Cody FKA Rhodes and then finished up with a really good match against the Search & Destroy tandem of Jay White and Jonathon Gresham in Ring of Honor. Just seriously good stuff all around I thought.

Two very different tag teams but both having excellent months, and while they aren’t currently feuding with each other, they certainly contributed to each other’s positions on this list.

Matches of the Month: War Machine vs. Cody Rhodes & Hangman Page (NJPW G1 Climax 27 – 13th August 2017), The Young Bucks vs. The Addiction (ROH War of the Worlds - 19th August 2017)

[reviewfix]

ROH TV Power Rankings: Cody Wants Daniels Again

ROH TV Power Rankings: Cody Wants Daniels Again

Check out this week’s ROH TV Power Rankings to see who starred in a well-rounded episode that continued to build the entire promotion and not just its stars.

Honorable Mention: Will Ferrara: His continued onslaught on Cheeseburger has elevated him from his once jobber status.

5: Punishment Martinez: His win over Jonathon Gresham this week proves he can hang with a technical wrestler.

4: Jay White:

[footyplusau]

AFLCA votes, round 15: It’s becoming a race in two

The 10: round 15’s best moments Some brilliant highlights across the weekend of footy

THERE was no disputing Hawthorn ball-magnet Tom Mitchell’s impact against Collingwood on Sunday, with both Alastair Clarkson and Nathan Buckley giving the midfielder maximum votes (five each) in the AFL Coaches’ Association Player of the Year Award.  

Mitchell was sensational in the Hawks’ 24-point win over the Magpies on Sunday, gathering 35 disposals, seven clearances and impacting the scoreboard with two goals.  

It followed Mitchell’s other standout performance against the Magpies in round nine where he became just the seventh player to rack up 50 disposals in a match in Hawthorn’s 18-point loss to Collingwood.  

It was the most disposals racked up by any Hawthorn player and just the second time a player had 50 or more touches in a losing team.  

Despite the phenomenal achievement, Buckley queried whether he actually “hurt” the Magpies with his possessions and Mitchell was awarded five AFLCA votes from Clarkson and his Magpie counterpart.  

But the Hawthorn onballer’s performance against the Magpies on Sunday could not be ignored.  

Hawthorn’s official Twitter account took a cheeky jab at Buckley after posting a screenshot of Mitchell’s stat line and asking the Collingwood coach: ‘But did he have any impact?’  

Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey picked up six votes for his team-high 32 disposals, while Ryan Burton and Daniel Howe received five votes apiece.  

Every round, the AFL coaches vote for the best players from their game. The coaches vote for five players, giving them a mark from 1-5.

The maximum a player can score is 10 (with five votes from both coaches). 

MELBOURNE v SYDNEY 10 Luke Parker (Syd) 8 Lance Franklin (Syd) 4 Zak Jones (Syd) 3 George Hewett (Syd) 3 Dane Rampe (Syd) 2 Josh Kennedy (Syd)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v WEST COAST 9 Jack Darling (WC) 7 Andrew Gaff (WC) 4 Zaine Cordy (WB) 3 Eric Mackenzie (WC) 3 Dom Sheed (WC) 2 Mark Hutchings (WC) 1 Lachie Hunter (WB) 1 Brad Sheppard (WC)

CARLTON v ADELAIDE 8 Bryce Gibbs (Carl) 7 Brodie Smith (Adel) 4 Brad Crouch (Adel) 4 Matt Crouch (Adel) 3 Liam Jones (Carl) 2 Matthew Kreuzer (Carl) 1 Patrick Cripps (Carl) 1 Josh Jenkins (Adel)

GOLD COAST v NORTH MELBOURNE 10 Jarryd Lyons (GC) 8 Tom Lynch (GC) 4 Jack Martin (GC) 3 Gary Ablett (GC) 3 Jarrad Waite (NM) 1 Luke McDonald (NM) 1 David Swallow (GC)

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY v GEELONG 10 Patrick Dangerfield (Geel) 8 Sam Menegola (Geel) 6 Jonathon Patton (GWS) 2 Mitch Duncan (Geel) 2 Nick Haynes (GWS) 1 Harry Taylor (Geel) 1 Nathan Wilson (GWS)

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND 10 Dustin Martin (Rich) 8 Kane Lambert (Rich) 4 Chad Wingard (PA) 3 Alex Rance (Rich) 2 Brandon Ellis (Rich) 2 Paddy Ryder (PA) 1 Dylan Grimes (Rich)

ESSENDON v BRISBANE LIONS 10 Dayne Zorko (BL) 8 Eric Hipwood (BL) 4 Brendon Goddard (Ess) 3 Daniel McStay (BL) 2 Michael Hurley (Ess) 2 Lewis Taylor (BL) 1 Alex Witherden (BL)

HAWTHORN v COLLINGWOOD 10 Tom Mitchell (Haw) 6 Jordan De Goey (Coll) 5 Ryan Burton (Haw) 5 Daniel Howe (Haw) 2 Jack Gunston (Haw) 2 James Sicily (Haw)

FREMANTLE v ST KILDA 10 Michael Walters (Frem) 6 Sebastian Ross (StK) 4 Jack Billings (StK) 4 Nick Suban (Frem) 3 Jake Carlisle (StK) 2 Jade Gresham (StK) 1 Tim Membrey (StK)

AFLCA LEADERBOARD 73 Dustin Martin (Rich) 72 Patrick Dangerfield (Geel) 57 Elliot Yeo (WC) 56 Joel Selwood (Geel) 53 Gary Ablett (GC) 53 Rory Sloane (Adel) 48 Zach Merrett (Ess) 48 Scott Pendlebury (Coll) 48 Sebastian Ross (StK) 48 Dayne Zorko (BL)

The post AFLCA votes, round 15: It’s becoming a race in two appeared first on Footy Plus.

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[goalhofer]

2018 U.S.A. Olympic Roster

Alpine Skiing

Stacey Cook (Mammoth Lakes, California)

Breezy Johnson (Victor, Idaho)

Megan McJames (Park City, Utah)

Alice McKennis (New Castle, Colorado)

Laurenne Ross (Bend, Oregon)

Mikaela Shiffrin (East Burke, Vermont)

Resi Stiegler (Jackson, Wyoming)

Lindsey Vonn (Vail, Colorado)

Jacqueline Wiles (White Pass, Washington)

Bryce Bennett (Squaw Valley, California)

Tommy Biesemeyer (Plattsburgh, New York)

David Chodounsky (Crested Butte, Colorado)

Ryan Cochrane-Siegle (Stowe, Vermont)

Mark Engel (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Tommy Ford (Bend, Oregon)

Jared Goldberg (Sugar House, Utah)

Tim Jitloff (Park City, Utah)

Nolan Kasper (East Burke, Vermont)

Ted Ligety (Park City, Utah)

Wiley Maple (Aspen, Colorado)

Steven Nyman (Park City, Utah)

Andrew Weibrecht (Lake Placid, New York)

Biathlon

Emily Dreissigacker (Morrisville, Vermont)

Susan Dunklee (Barton, Vermont)

Clare Egan (Cape Elizabeth, Maine)

Madeleine Phaneuf (Fairfax, Virginia)

Joanne Reid (Boulder, Colorado)

Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, New York)

Tim Burke (Lake Placid, New York)

Russell Currier (Stockholm, Maine)

Sean Doherty (Conway, New Hampshire)

Leif Nordgren (Marine, Minnesota)

Cross County Skiing

Sadie Bjornsen (Anchorage, Alaska)

Rosie Brennan (Anchorage, Alaska)

Sophie Caldwell (Stratton, Vermont)

Jessie Diggins (Stratton, Vermont)

Kikkan Randall (Anchorage, Alaska)

Ida Sargent (Craftsbury, Vermont)

Liz Stephen (East Burke, Vermont)

Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury, Vermont)

Rosie Frankowski (Anchorage, Alaska)

Annie Hart (Stratton, Vermont)

Kaitlyn Miller (Bowdoin, Maine)

Erik Bjornsen (Anchorage, Alaska)

Simi Hamilton (Middlebury, Vermont)

Andy Newell (Bennington, Vermont)

Patrick Caldwell (Lyme, New Hampshire)

Logan Hanneman (Fairbanks, Alaska)

Scott Patterson (Anchorage, Alaska)

Reese Hanneman (Fairbanks, Alaska)

Tyler Kornfield (Fairbanks, Alaska)

Noah Hoffman (Aspen, Colorado)

Freestyle Skiing

Kiley McKinnon (Madison, Connecticut)

Maddy Olsen (Park City, Utah)

Ashley Caldwell (Ashburn, Virginia)

Maddie Bowman (South Lake Tahoe, California)

Brita Sigourney (Park City, Utah)

Devin Logan (Mt. Snow, Vermont)

Annalisa Drew (Andover, Massachusetts)

Jaelin Kauf (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

Morgan Schild (Pittsford, New York)

Tess Johnson (Vail, Colorado)

Keaton McCargo (Telluride, Colorado)

Maggie Voisin (Whitefish, Montana)

Caroline Claire (Manchester, Vermont)

Darian Stevens (Park City, Utah)

Eric Loughran (Park City, Utah)

Jon Lillis (Park City, Utah)

David Bohonnon (Madison, Connecticut)

David Wise (Reno, Nevada)

Torin Yater-Wallace (Basalt, Colorado)

Alex Ferreira (Aspen, Colorado)

Aaron Blunck (Crested Butte, Colorado)

Casey Andringa (Park City, Utah)

Troy Murphy (Park City, Utah)

Emerson Smith (Dover, Vermont)

Bradley Wilson (Butte, Montana)

Gus Kenworthy (Telluride, Colorado)

Nick Goepper (Lawrenceburg, Indiana)

McRae Williams (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Alex Hall (Park City, Utah)

Ski Jumping

Michael Glasder (Lake Forest, Illinois)

Sarah Hendrickson (Park City, Utah)

Nita Englund (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

Abby Ringquist (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Kevin Bickner (Chicago, Illinois)

Will Rhoads (Concord, New Hampshire)

Casey Larson (Barrington, Illinois)

Bobsleigh

Codie Bascue (Whitehall, New York)

Evan Weinstock (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Steven Langton (Malden, Massachusetts)

Sam McGuffie (Cypress, Texas)

Nick Cunningham (Latham, New York)

Hakeem Abdul-Saboor (Powhatan, Virginia)

Chris Kinney (Stockbridge, Georgia)

Sam Michener (Gresham, Oregon)

Justin Olsen (San Antonio, Texas)

Carlo Valdes (Newport Beach, California)

Sgt. Chris Fogt (Orem, Utah)

Nathan Weber (Denver, Colorado)

Elana Taylor (Douglasville, Georgia)

Lauren Gibbs (Denver, Colorado)

Jamie Greubel-Poser (Princeton, New Jersey)

Aja Evans (Homewood, Illinois)

Curling

John Shuster (Duluth, Minnesota)

Tyler George (Duluth, Minnesota)

Matt Hamilton (Duluth, Minnesota)

John Landsteiner (Duluth, Minnesota)

Joe Polo (Cass Lake, Minnesota)

Nina Roth (Madison, Wisconsin)

Tabitha Peterson (St. Paul, Minnesota)

Aileen Geving (Duluth, Minnesota)

Becca Hamilton (Madison, Wisconsin)

Cory Christiansen (Duluth, Minnesota)

Figure Skating

Alexa Knierim (DuPage, Illinois)

Madison Chock (Novi, Michigan)

Madison Hubbell (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Maia Shibutani (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Speed Skating

Shani Davis (Chicago, Illinois)

Jonathan Garcia (Katy, Texas)

Kimani Griffin (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)

Brian Hansen (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Emery Lehman (Oak Park, Illinois)

Joey Mantia (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Mitch Whitmore (Waukesha, Wisconsin)

Heather Bergsma (High Point, North Carolina)

Brittany Bowe (Ocala, Florida)

Erin Jackson (Ocala, Florida)

Mia Manganello (Crestview, Florida)

Carlijn Schoutens (Trenton, New Jersey)

Jerica Tandiman (Kearns, Utah)

John-Henry Krueger (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Thomas Hong (Laurel, Maryland)

Aaron Tran (Federal Way, Washington)

J.R. Celski (Federal Way, Washington)

Ryan Pivirotto (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Maame Biney (Reston, Virginia)

Lana Gehring (Chicago, Illinois)

Jessica Smith (Melvindale, Michigan)

Hockey

Tony Granato (Madison, Wisconsin)

Keith Allain (New Haven, Connecticut)

Chris Chelios (Chicago, Illinois)

Ron Rolston (Fenton, Michigan)

Scott Young (Southborough, Massachusetts)

Chad Billins (Marysville, Michigan)

Noah Welch (Needham, Massachusetts)

John McCarthy (Boston, Massachusetts)

Brian O’Neill (Yardley, Pennsylvania)

Garrett Roe (Vienna, Virginia)

Brian Gionta (Rochester, New York)

Ryan Gunderson (Bensalem, Pennsylvania)

Broc Little (Phoenix, Arizona)

Bobby Butler (Marlborough, Massachusetts)

Ryan Donato (Scituate, Massachusetts)

Chris Bourque (Topsfield, Massachusetts)

Jordan Greenway (Canton, New York)

Jim Slater (Lapeer, Michigan)

Will Borgen (Moorhead, Minnesota)

James Wisniewski (Canton, Michigan)

Bobby Sanguinetti (Lumberton, New Jersey)

Troy Terry (Denver, Colorado)

Jonathon Blum (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)

Mark Arcobello (Milford, Connecticut)

Ryan Zapolski (Erie, Pennsylvania)

Brandon Maxwell (Winter Park, Florida)

David Leggio (Williamsville, New York)

Chad Kolarik (Abington, Pennsylvania)

Ryan Stoa (Bloomington, Minnesota)

Matt Gilroy (Manhasset, New York)

Cayla Barnes (Eastvale, California)

Megan Keller (Farmington, Michigan)

Kali Flanagan (Winchester, Massachusetts)

Monique Lamoureux-Morando (Grand Forks, North Dakota)

Emily Pfalzer (Buffalo, New York)

Meghan Duggan (Danvers, Massachusetts)

Haley Skarupa (Rockville, Maryland)

Kelly Pannek (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Brianna Decker (Brookfield, Wisconsin)

Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (Grand Forks, North Dakota)

Gisele Marvin (Bemidji, Minnesota)

Hannah Brandt (Maplewood, Minnesota)

Hilary Knight (Lake Forest, Illinois)

Kacey Bellamy (Westfield, Massachusetts)

Dani Cameranesi (Plymouth, Minnesota)

Kendall Coyne (Oak Lawn, Illinois)

Amanda Kessel (Madison, Wisconsin)

Nicole Hensley (Littleton, Colorado)

Alex Rigsby (Hartland, Wisconsin)

Maddie Rooney (Duluth, Minnesota)

Amanda Pelkey (Randolph, Vermont)

Sidney Morin (Minnetonka, Minnesota)

Luge

Chris Mazdzer (Pittsfield, Massachusetts)

Taylor Morris (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Tucker West (Ridgefield, Connecticut)

Justin Krewson (Eastport, New York)

Andrew Sherk (Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania)

Matt Mortensen (Huntington Station, New York)

Jayson Terdiman (East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania)

Summer Britcher (Glen Rock, Pennsylvania)

Erin Hamlin (Remsen, New York)

Emily Sweeney (Portland, Maine)

Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

Taylor Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

Jasper Good (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

Ben Loomis (Park City, Utah)

Ben Berend (Park City, Utah)

Skeleton

Matthew Antoine (Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin)

John Daly (Smithtown, New York)

Katie Uhlaender (Breckenridge, Colorado)

Kendall Wesenberg (Modesto, California)

Snowboarding

Chris Corning (Silverthorne, Colorado)

Red Gerard (Silverthorne, Colorado)

Kyle Mack (Detroit, Michigan)

Ryan Stassel (Anchorage, Alaska)

Ben Ferguson (Bend, Oregon)

Chase Josey (Hailey, Idaho)

Jake Pates (Eagle, Colorado)

Shaun White (Silverton, Colorado)

Jamie Anderson (South Lake Tahoe, California)

Jessika Jenson (Idaho Falls, Idaho)

Hailey Langland (San Clemente, California)

Julia Marino (Westport, Connecticut)

Kelly Clark (Mammoth Lakes, California)

Arielle Gold (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

Chloe Kim (La Palma, California)

Maddie Mastro (Mammoth Lakes, California)

A.J. Muss (Rumson, New Jersey)

Mike Trapp (Hyannis, Massachusetts)

Nick Baumgartner (Iron River, Michigan)

Jonathan Cheever (Saugus, Massachusetts)

Mick Dierdorff (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

Hagen Kearney (Bradford, Pennsylvania)

Faye Gulini (Vail, Colorado)

Lindsey Jacobellis (Danbury, Connecticut)

Rosie Mancari (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

Meghan Tierney (Edwards, Colorado)

[reviewfix]

ROH TV Coverage: The Club Makes a Statement

ROH TV Coverage: The Club Makes a Statement

Three solid matches and promo and storyline development for both of ROH’s singles titles ensured this was an enjoyable episode with little in the way of filler. Truth be told, even Cheeseburger had some role to play this week.

Matches:

Jonathon Gresham vs. Punishment Martinez:Gresham did everything right but win the match as he locked in several submissions and hit a Shooting Star Press. However,…

[footyplusau]

Carlton Blues expect Bryce Gibbs to fulfil contract

Carlton expect Bryce Gibbs to fulfil his contract in a year when the veteran Blue is in career-best form.

Gibbs became the first man in AFL history to have more than 40 disposals, 10 tackles and boot multiple goals in the Blues’ 10-point win over the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday night.

Play Video Don’t Play

Melbourne smash the Bulldogs

Play Video Don’t Play

Previous slide Next slide

AFL plays of round 13

AFL plays of round 13

Darling is a ninja, Gresham is foot fancy, a Tiger stalks a Swan, Hipwood the Lion is a star and Pearce Hanley keeps goal.

Melbourne smash the Bulldogs

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Melbourne smash the Bulldogs

Melbourne smash the Bulldogs

It was a day to forget for the Bulldogs as Melbourne beat them by more than 50.

Sydney produce memorable comeback

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Sydney produce memorable comeback

Sydney produce memorable comeback

After being behind for most of the game, the Swans produced a stunning comeback to beat Richmond.

Port smash Lions

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Port smash Lions

Port smash Lions

Port Adelaide improved from their 70 point defeat the round previous to smash the Brisbane Lions.

Carlton hold off Suns with late rally

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Carlton hold off Suns with late rally

Carlton hold off Suns with late rally

Carlton managed to withstand a late Gold Coast revival to beat the Suns.

Selwood and Mitchell look set for tribunal

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Selwood and Mitchell look set for tribunal

Selwood and Mitchell look set for tribunal

Sam Mitchell was reported after an altercation with Joel Selwood but the Geelong captain is likely to face attention for what appeared to be an elbow to the back of Mitchell’s head.

FootyFix: Can the Dees maintain the rage?

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FootyFix: Can the Dees maintain the rage?

FootyFix: Can the Dees maintain the rage?

Rohan Connolly previews all the footy action ahead of round 13 in the AFL.

AFL plays of round 13

Darling is a ninja, Gresham is foot fancy, a Tiger stalks a Swan, Hipwood the Lion is a star and Pearce Hanley keeps goal.

At 28, he is averaging a career-high 28 disposals while his leadership has been superb in a season when he could have sulked after a trade home to Adelaide last year was aborted because the Blues and Crows could not reach a deal.

That the Blues continue to improve in the second year of a rebuild under coach Brendon Bolton is likely to give Gibbs greater incentive to remain despite family reasons being behind his move last year.

The Blues had wanted a first-round pick and a player of their choice in exchange for Gibbs but the Crows would not deliver the bounty.

Blues chief executive Steven Trigg said on Monday the club could not be happier with the former No.1 draft pick.

“He’s happy and we’re, obviously, really pleased with everything that he’s doing – leadership wise, on the track and on game day,” he said.

In the past month, Gibbs has averaged 35 disposals and seven tackles. His two goals under pressure against the Suns were of a man at the peak of his powers. Such has been his recent form that his trade value could have increased this year.

Carlton expects its once-want-away midfielder Bryce Gibbs to fulfill his contract at the Blues.  Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

“Anything more, regarding the end of the year, is just hypothetical. Would we want and expect him him to be part of our long-term future? Yes,” Trigg said.

The Blues are expected to wait for a greater volume of work from Liam Jones and Levi Casboult before deciding whether to offer the pair contract extensions.

Gibbs was sensational in a match-winning effort for the Blues over the Suns on the weekend.  Photo: Chris Hyde

Jones’ three-year deal ends this year but his transformation into a key defender has given him hope of extending his career.

He had struggled as a key forward at the Western Bulldogs and then after joining the Blues in the 2014 trade period.

In his two senior games at fullback, he had the better of Greater Western Sydney’s Jonathon Patton and was pivotal in holding Suns’ co-captain Tom Lynch goalless. What has been clear is that he has the closing speed needed to blanket a forward on the lead, while he has averaged 12 spoils – highlighting his willingness to be defensive.

Jones will face another major test on Sunday, for he is likely to have the job on Tigers’ goal-kicking kingpin, Jack Riewoldt.

It’s understood the Blues will wait until later in the year so as to have a clearer picture on Jones’ value before determining the next step.

Casboult also finds himself in an intriguing situation, for he is one of the league’s best contested marks but his kicking for goal remains an issue despite major improvement under specialist coach Sav Rocca.

While it could be considered unfair to pinpoint one miss, his botched set shot about 35 metres out from goal in the third term against the Suns’ ignited a run which would give the home team the lead in the final term. The Blues, though, would rally to notch their fifth win of the season and remain in finals contention.

Casboult is a restricted free agent and is open to testing the market should a new offer not be delivered before the end of the season.

The post Carlton Blues expect Bryce Gibbs to fulfil contract appeared first on Footy Plus.

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[footyplusau]

Saints following Hawks’ model to success

St Kilda has high hopes for Paddy McCartin

“IMITATION is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”

Oscar Wilde could easily have been referring to St Kilda and its pursuit of something like what Hawthorn achieved.

The Hawks have won four AFL premierships since 2008 – all under current coach Alastair Clarkson – whereas the Saints are still hunting an addition to their sole 1966 triumph.

They were agonisingly close in 2009 and 2010, a period they played in three Grand Finals; losing to Geelong by 12 points, then drawing one with Collingwood and losing the replay by 56 points.

Another list regeneration was necessary and only Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Sam Gilbert, Jarryn Geary and David Armitage are still on St Kilda’s list from that last Grand Final side.

Comparisons between young, rebuilding outfits and the champion team of the era – Hawthorn, in this example – are, perhaps, too readily made.

But they went into overdrive once Chris Pelchen, the Hawks’ former list manager who played a role in transforming them from easybeats into a feared and respected juggernaut, joined the Saints.

And even more so once Pelchen, in a radio interview in 2014 after parting ways with St Kilda, stated the Saints’ list was “almost identical” in demographics to that of Hawthorn circa 2004.

His timeline for St Kilda’s progression has proven strikingly accurate: a difficult period before things started turning around in 2016, then a potential finals appearance in 2017.

There were tough decisions made on senior players – think Steven Baker, Zac Dawson, Andrew McQualter, Raphael Clarke and Jason Gram – just like the Hawks previously did and are doing once more.

Stars Brendon Goddard and Nick Dal Santo also chose to go elsewhere with the club’s immediate direction clear.

The Saints have not only turned to the draft, with key forward Paddy McCartin a prized No.1 pick in 2014, but also recycled players from rivals.

Dylan Roberton, Jake Carlisle, Nathan Brown, Tom Hickey, Billy Longer, Jack Steele, Koby Stevens, Maverick Weller and Nathan Freeman are among the used goods.

Hawthorn integrated players like David Hale, Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, James Frawley, Jack Gunston, Ben McEvoy, Jonathon Ceglar and Matt Spangher in their flag-hoarding era.

The Hawks are hoping to have just as much success with Jaeger O’Meara, Tom Mitchell and Ty Vickery.

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson hinted on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s match-up with the Hawks in Launceston, there was more of that to come.

“I think a lot of clubs have looked at what Hawthorn’s done in terms of bringing in (players) or going to the draft for a big period of the rebuild,” Richardson said.

“And then being able to add some experienced players – Lake, Frawley.

“We’re no different. We’re probably not quite there yet in terms of adding or being able to add the top end or already experienced talent, but we’re getting close to that.

“We think Carlisle’s playing some good footy, Nathan Brown’s done some really good stuff for us in terms of defending big blokes (and) Koby Stevens comes in (this week) and we expect him to be really strong and aggressive for us in the middle of the ground.”

The Saints’ ability to rise will depend largely on the development of first-round picks McCartin, Jack Billings, Blake Acres, Freeman, Jade Gresham, Longer, Seb Ross, Luke Dunstan and Hugh Goddard.

They are all aged 23 or younger, with Longer and Ross turning 24 in May.

Realising their potential while at least some of Riewoldt, Montagna, Jack Steven, new skipper Geary, Gilbert and Armitage are still contributing is another challenge.

But, as Pelchen – while no longer being at the club – said all those years ago, it has all been carefully planned to give that a chance.

The post Saints following Hawks’ model to success appeared first on Footy Plus.

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[footyplusau]

Tigers to unleash new mids

RICHMOND is set to unleash marquee recruits Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy for the first time in the club’s JLT Community Series opener against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Prestia, traded from Gold Coast after playing 95 games in six seasons, has overcome a knee injury that ruined his 2016 campaign and has been in good form in recent intraclub hit-outs.

The 24-year-old underwent knee surgery in July last year to fix the cartilage problem that he had battled with throughout the season.

Former Cat Caddy is expected to spend plenty of time in the midfield alongside Prestia, both former teammates at the Suns, as the Tigers look to bolster their onball brigade.

The recruitment of Prestia and Caddy could also lead to star Tiger Dustin Martin, regarded as one of the AFL’s top players in one-on-one contests, spending more time forward of centre in 2016.

The Tigers have also named ex-Swan Toby Nankervis to play his first game for his new club as he sets his sights on claiming the No.1 ruck position.

However, Richmond will be without gun defender Alex Rance who is dealing with hamstring tendinitis. The Tigers are hopeful he will be fit for round one.

The Crows have picked Troy Menzel in their squad for Friday night’s contest.

Menzel, formerly of the Blues and the brother of Geelong’s Daniel, did not play a senior match after being traded by Carlton prior to the 2016 season.

Another given the chance to impress against the Tigers is ex-Giant Curtly Hampton, who did not get the chance to play a game for the Crows in 2016 due to a serious foot injury.

First-choice Adelaide onballers Rory Sloane (fractured eye socket), Brad Crouch (hamstring) and Scott Thompson (shoulder) are all unavailable for Friday night’s contest.

Inside midfielder Myles Poholke, drafted with pick No.44 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, has also been named in Adelaide’s squad.

Jordan Gallucci, the Crows’ top pick (No.15 overall), has not been selected but is likely to appear in later JLT Series games.

Dean Gore, the ex-Cat who was part of the Patrick Dangerfield trade package, is also part of the 29-man Adelaide squad.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Richmond v Adelaide, Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm AEDT

RICHMOND 1. Nick Vlastuin, 2. Dylan Grimes, 3. Dion Prestia,  4. Dustin Martin, 5. Brandon Ellis, 6. Shaun Grigg, 7. Ben Lennon, 8. Jack Riewoldt, 9. Trent Cotchin, 10. Shane Edwards, 11. Jake Batchelor, 12. David Astbury, 17. Daniel Rioli, 20. Ivan Maric, 21. Jacob Townsend, 22. Josh Caddy, 24. Ben Griffiths, 25. Toby Nankervis, 26. Anthony Miles, 27. Sam Lloyd, 28. Taylor Hunt, 30. Reece Conca, 31. Oleg Markov, 32. Corey Ellis, 33. Kamdyn McIntosh, 35. Nathan Broad, 40. Daniel Butler, 41. Mabior Chol, 46. Jason Castagna

Notable absentees: Shai Bolton, Shaun Hampson, Kane Lambert, Connor Menadue, Steven Morris, Alex Rance

ADELAIDE 1. Jonathon Beech, 4. Josh Jenkins, 8. Jake Kelly, 10. Harrison Wigg, 12. Daniel Talia, 13. Taylor Walker, 14. David Mackay, 15. Kyle Hartigan, 17. Curtly Hampton, 18. Eddie Betts, 20. Hugh Greenwood, 21. Rory Atkins, 22. Andy Otten, 23. Charlie Cameron, 24. Sam Jacobs, 26. Richard Douglas, 27. Tom Lynch, 28. Cam Ellis-Yolmen, 29. Rory Laird, 30. Wayne Milera, 31. Myles Poholke, 32. Troy Menzel, 33. Brodie Smith, 36. Dean Gore, 37. Paul Hunter, 38.  Harry Dear, 41. Mitch McGovern, 43. Reilly O’Brien, 44. Matt Crouch

Notable absentees: Kyle Cheney, Brad Crouch, Jordan Gallucci, Jake Lever, Paul Seedsman, Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 St Kilda v Port Adelaide, Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm AEDT

ST KILDA 1. Tom Hickey, 2. Jake Carlisle, 3. Jack Steven, 4. Jade Gresham, 5. Shane Savage, 6. Sebastian Ross, 7. Luke Dunstan, 8. Blake Acres, 9. Jack Steele, 12. Nick Riewoldt, 13. Jack Lonie, 14. Jarryn Geary, 15. Jack Billings, 16. Jack Newnes, 17. Dylan Roberton, 18. Billy Longer, 19. Sam Gilbert, 20. David Armitage, 22. Nathan Brown, 24. Sean Dempster, 25. Koby Stevens, 27. Josh Bruce, 28. Tim Membrey, 29. Jimmy Webster, 32. Paddy McCartin, 34. Nathan Wright, 35. Jack Sinclair, 36. Daniel McKenzie, 44. Maverick Weller

Notable absentees: Leigh Montagna, Nathan Freeman

PORT ADELAIDE 1. Travis Boak, 2. Sam Powell-Pepper, 3. Jake Neade, 4. Patrick Ryder, 7. Brad Ebert, 8. Hamish Hartlett, 11. Aaron Young, 12. Jackson Trengove, 15. Karl Amon, 16. Oliver Wines, 17. Tom Clurey, 20. Chad Wingard, 21. Jared Polec, 22. Charlie Dixon, 23. Matthew Lobbe, 24. Jarman Impey, 26. Riley Bonner, 27. Brett Eddy, 28. Willem Drew, 29. Jasper Pittard, 30. Joe Atley, 31. Aidyn Johnson, 34. Will Snelling, 36. Jack Hombsch, 39. Justin Westhoff, 42. Tom Jonas, 43. Dan Houston, 46. Sam Gray, 48. Nathan Krakouer 

Notable absentees: Robbie Gray, Matthew Broadbent, Angus Monfries, Jimmy Toumpas

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