#just cotchin

[fazcinatingblog]

i don't understand what maynard was meant to do, he jumped to smother and fell on the dude HE DIDN'T MEAN TO

[thebehindpost]

Season previews: Richmond (14th)

Last season: 13th (10 wins, 12 losses, 1 draw, 93.6%) Notable ins: Jacob Koschitzke (Hawthorn) Notable outs: Trent Cotchin (retired), Jack Riewoldt (retired), Ivan Soldo (Port Adelaide)

When Damien Hardwick announced he was stepping down as coach of Richmond, their formline to that point of the season was three wins from ten games and they had just suffered the indignity of a loss to old rivals, Essendon. In his exit speech, he was gracious enough to suggest it was not the players but he and his coaching that had grown tired and stale (said with a casualness only a man that already had his next job lined up could muster). Setting aside conspiracy theories about when he first made contact with the Suns, Hardwick had clearly surveyed the sausages left at his disposal and determined it was they that were cooked.

Winning three flags eventually took a toll on the club's list as superstars aged and were rightly afforded the opportunity to play a season too long, the salary cap started to bulge and the trade moves required to keep the premiership window open had clogged the incoming pipeline of elite youngsters. Near the midpoint of the 2023 season it was clear that window was now firmly shut and while there is still enough talent at Punt Road to avoid a long and painful rebuild, a significant retooling at least is required. So - perhaps thinking of the way Alastair Clarkson was run out of town at Hawthorn, his volatile nature quickly starting to grate when the wins dried up - Hardwick jumped well before he might be pushed.

Richmond appear to be clear on where they are at heading into the new season. There may be some lingering regret over paying three first-round draft picks for Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, a decision made at a time they were perhaps being less realistic. But attention now has turned to list regeneration with their trade period moves, largely bypassing the so-so 2023 draft class to amass a bevy of selections in 2024 (in addition to holding all of their own, they have added an additional second-, two third- and two fourth-round picks and will seek to add more later this year). The exits of Cotchin and Riewoldt were respectfully managed. They opted for an entirely fresh voice in Adam Yze as coach over the sense of continuity longserving assistant then interim, Andrew McQualter, would have signalled. One eye is firmly on the road ahead but it would not be consistent with the culture at Tigerland today to bottom out and they would still love to win enough games to sneak into September or more realistically break even with last year's result. Consider this a rebuild on the run, attempting to turn over the list whilst remaining relevant, perhaps even quickly enough to capitalise on the mature talent still remaining.

Of that older group, Dustin Martin is 32 with a year left on his contract but has more good football than that left in him if he wants it. You suspect he is swayed to join Hardwick at Gold Coast but will wait and see if his old coach quickly finds the magic there and then decide where he is most likely to play finals in 2025. Tom Lynch at 31 is younger but his longevity less assured. Despite carrying some injury concerns when he arrived from Gold Coast, Lynch had managed to stay mostly on the park during his Tiger tenure and importantly was there when it mattered in finals and Grand Finals. However he has now not been sighted since round 4 last year and still does not have a return date for this season, already ruled out of Opening Round. Dion Prestia, also 31, has a long history of soft-tissue injuries. Dylan Grimes, Marlion Pickett, Nathan Broad, Kamdyn McIntosh, Nick Vlastuin and Toby Nankervis make up the rest of the group that will be aged 30-plus before the end of this season but all managed to play the majority of their available games in 2023. Taranto, Hopper, Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker and Shai Bolton will all comfortably be a part of Richmond's next flag push if they can prise the window back open within the next three to four years.

As for Richmond's prospects right now, it is easier to find the potential triggers for a decline than for an improvement this season. After 13.5 years of 'Dimma' there will be growing pains as the side adapts to whatever new ideas Yze brings to the role. Goals will be hard to come by if Lynch is unavailable and they are left to rely for key forwards on Noah Balta (who has played most of his career as a defender) and Koschitzke (the recruit has kicked 54 goals from his 48 games). This is likely to be a year of transition for the Tigers with a few hazards to navigate. They will take their lumps this season when they have to and if it ever gets too depressing, can stroll to the trophy cabinet and remember better days.

How badly will it hurt if the Saints fall from heaven? Next up is St Kilda…

[bomberlandia]

Burning Questions: Return to play, 2020 expectations, Heppell, Hooker back, BZT, Cutler’s intrigue and more

Dyson Heppell is back. Cale Hooker is back too. And Joe Daniher is trending in the right direction for the first time in years. Football is back.

The coronavirus pandemic has halted every sport in its tracks. The NBA is still yet to resume and still hasn’t figured out a safe method of finishing its year. Major League Baseball hasn’t worked out if or when it’ll start its season. And the NHL are fine tuning a path to return to play but nothing is final yet. These are just a few leagues to name, but every sport league has stopped. And every league is now trying to figure out how to come back safely. There’s no blueprint either. It’s one messy, minefield.

If there is a silver living here for the AFL, it’s that, any club who had long-term injuries, or newly sustained pre-season concerns over players have been given the lifeline of 83 days to help prepare, heal and get right before Round Two. For the Bombers, this period has been favourable. Hooker and Heppell had short-term injuries that would have seen them miss multiple weeks — in Heppell’s case, he would have missed at least half the season. Same with Joe Daniher. But with the three-month hiatus Hooker and Heppell will play against Sydney. And Daniher is weeks away from playing so he should see a good chunk of the 2020 season.

But fit bodies are just that. There’s still a slew of unanswered questions that need addressing. Some will get answered this weekend. Others will take weeks to answer, if not, a year or two. After three consecutive years of 12 wins, 2020 was meant to be the year that the Bombers delivered better than that, moved up from mediocrity and won a final. But, the pandemic has added another layer of uncertainty around the Bombers. With that, here are some burning questions that will impinge the Bombers in 2020.

*

Can Devon Smith pick up where he left off before his PCL operation?

We will know soon enough when he takes on the Swans but from all reports the knee has never been better. “My knee’s been pulling up the best it has since I can remember, so I’m really excited about the season,” he told news.com.au. My only real concern for Smith, is can his knee stand up to the rigours of AFL intensity? He’s had a decent 12-month stint without AFL competition. And being a hard-at-it player, someone the Bombers need in trenches, we’ll only know just how good Smith’s knee is in the days and weeks to come.

But let’s go back to 2018 when Smith won the Crichton Medal. That was the year Watson, Stanton and Pop Kelly retired. Heath Hocking got delisted. The Bombers went 2-6 early in the season. Mark Neeld got the boot. Daniher got shutdown with a season-ending groin injury. And the midfield had some serious holes. But Smith stood up. He averaged 22 touches and 8.5 tackles — both career highs — and kicked 17.16. And if you remember, he carried the team during the big games. Against Collingwood in R16, he collected 31d, 8m and had 13 tackles in their 16p loss. Against Carlton on a wet MCG, he laid 15 tackles along with 21 touches. His pressure and hardness around the contest was made more obvious in a midfield that was lacking grunt. He filled that void.

The complications of COVID-19 has forced the AFL to make quarters 16-minutes long. That means Smith can go full-tilt for an entire game. There’s upside to that. But, to my earlier point, can his knee withstand that kind of onslaught in shorter, more intense sets? The Bombers missed Smith in 2019. His return will make opposition midfields more accountable. He’s another goal-kicking option. And his high tackle count (in 2018: 186) will cause turnover opportunities, something the good AFL teams do regularly.

Essendon haven’t won in Sydney since 2009. Can they break the drought?

It’s hard to definitively say the Bombers can win this one when there’s an existing 10+ year SCG drought to consider. But when you think about the 83 days between R1 and R2, both teams are operating on a clean slate. It’s like the start of the season take two. On paper the Bombers have a good balance for the small SCG ground: tall key defenders, small, quick and bullish forwards. They bring back their captain, Dyson Heppell. Hooker, Hurley and Francis should stand up against Heeney and the Swans’ potent forwards. That gives the Bombers a chance to steal this one.

There’s a growing concern over the Bombers forward line in 2020, with Joe Daniher still out, Fantasia missing. Will the Bombers struggle to kick goals?

For this week at the SCG those outs won’t matter. The Bombers should be able to cover Daniher and Fantasia through a core group of Smith, Stringer, Townsend, Tipungwuti. For the Bombers to go to that next level, adding Daniher and Fantasia is a must. The good news is that the Bombers have worked out other ways to kick goals. And it sounds like this year they are relying on midfielders and small forwards to do the damage on the scoreboard. But if Daniher and Fantasia do come back soon, the Bombers will have their strongest forward set up since the 2000 Premiership: Stringer, Townsend, Fantasia, Joe Daniher, Tipungwuti, Smith. That’s not too shabby.

Dustin Fletcher is on the cusp of being inducted in the Hall of Fame but some are saying that he might have to wait a few years because of the 12-month ASADA ban. Should he have to wait?

If they decide Fletcher has to wait another year or two, because of the ASADA ban, in the grand scheme of things it’s not that big a deal. As long as he’s inducted. He’s a lock. Let’s not forget Fletcher had a decorated career with 400 games and two premierships. Let’s also remember he meets the criteria: record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character. No-one could argue against any of those things with any great certainty. Whether it’s now or years to come, it’s happening.

Of the players picked to play against the Swans for R2, who should we watch, and what should we look for?

Tom Cutler. I liked what I saw against Fremantle in R1 and how he moved between the backline and forward 50. His speed is impressive for his size considering he’s carrying a 192 cm frame. I think he’s going to be a match up headache every week. Andrew McGrath is another one to watch. This year will be his first year as a full-time midfielder, or at least that’s how the Bombers intend to use him. He keeps getting better, quicker, smarter. He has Cotchin attributes.

The most intriguing duo in the team right now are Townsend and Stringer. Two bulls. They really need to impose themselves against the Swans on a small SCG where spacing is tight. Both have the ability to kick three to five goals each on any given week. In the absence of Daniher they’re going to have to seize on every opportunity.

Do you think the 16-minute quarters will work in Essendon’s favour?

What I think this means for the Bombers is that they can leave their best mix of players on the ground longer without breaks. And there shouldn’t be any issues with not being able to run out games. Also: with the speed the Bombers have on their team — Fantasia, Saad, McKenna, Tipungwuti — the shorter quarters gives them breaks just in time when they might be gassed. Worsfold will still have to think about rotations.

Townsend is playing his 50th game this week. What did you make of his game against Fremantle?

He kicked three goals from nine kicks against Fremantle. It was impressive. He looked dangerous in that game each time the ball came near him. His hard-nut approach and big body will give the Bombers flexibility to play him forward with stints inside the midfield. I can’t wait to watch more of Townsend this year. He’s my new favourite player and he’s only played one game.

There will be no crowds at some games for the foreseeable future. How will this impact the Bombers?

After this week, the Bombers are in Melbourne against the Demons, Blues, Pies. It’s not really an issue yet. For most teams playing away, no crowds should neutralize the home advantage. Without the parochial and constant barracking it’s going to create more parity.

What’s up with Zerk-Thatcher breaking the rules around coronavirus?

He’s young. He’s 21. There were 16 Adelaide players who broke the rules too and didn’t get punished. There will be more young players who break the rules around coronavirus moving forward. It’s unfortunate. But he owned it. Zerk-Thatcher is a player that the Bombers need to get more games into and develop him as a replacement for Hurley or Hooker. He’s fine. Everything is fine.

The Bombers still haven’t won a final since 2004 and they’ve won 12 games in three consecutive years. What should Bomber fans expect from here, in a pandemic year?

With a clean bill of health the Bombers should be setting themselves up to win their first final in 16 years. Since 2009 their finals record has been putrid. They have scraped through to the finals five times for a 0-5 record and boast an average losing margin of 59.2. The worst defeat of that lot was in 2009 against the Crows to the tune of 96. It’s hard to predict what will happen in a pandemic year, where life is changing every day. So expect good weeks and bad weeks. I would say for this year, watch how the Bombers transition, how they defend, how the midfield holds up against intense pressure. Those are the areas they need to improve in.

__

Justin Robertson is a journalist who writes AFL + NBA features for publications including The Guardian, ESPN, Bleacher Report, VICE and Complex Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter @justinjourno

[bongaboi]

Richmond: 2019 AFL Premiers

RICHMOND waited 37 long years for premiership success.

It now has two flags in three seasons.

The 'Dimma Dynasty' started on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the MCG. It was just as invigorating and exciting two years on, as Damien Hardwick's remarkable group brushed aside Grand Final rookies Greater Western Sydney on its way to an emphatic 89-point win.

The Tigers tackled, harassed and drove forward with the relentlessness they have become renowned for throughout their three years of dominance, inspired by an unstoppable mix of genius coaching, tremendous individual talent and astonishing team cohesion.

Richmond's 17.12 (114) to 3.7 (25) Grand Final victory was the product of that combination – a demonstration of all that has made it the best team of 2019.

Hardwick thwarted his opposite number Leon Cameron, particularly in an outstanding second-quarter display where the Tigers completely overwhelmed the Giants in all areas of the ground to kick five unanswered goals and lay the foundations for their emphatic win.

He also had the players to execute his vision.

Dustin Martin, once again, was sublime. Whether it was in the midfield, where he collected 22 disposals and three clearances, or forward, where he slotted four goals and had eight score involvements, he was the game's most influential figure.

DUSTY'S DOUBLE Martin in elite company with second Norm Smith

A second Norm Smith Medal – making him just the fourth player to be a dual winner of the award behind Gary Ayres, Andrew McLeod and Luke Hodge – was just reward for his stunning display, as the Richmond favourite etched his name in the record books.

Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch – the League's most dominant forward duo – combined for seven goals. Riewoldt had three in the second quarter alone and finished with five for the match, while Lynch was a constant presence to haul down seven big marks.

Bachar Houli (26 disposals) and Dion Prestia (22 disposals) were their prolific selves, while Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert and Nick Vlastuin were also typically consistent.

Then there was the Grand Final debutant, Marlion Pickett. One game, one flag.

The 27-year-old was lively, involved and, at times, special. He repaid Hardwick's faith and then some, finishing with 22 disposals, eight inside 50s, nine score involvements and a maiden AFL goal on an unforgettable afternoon for the club's boom recruit.

But the manner in which they were able to showcase their individual flair, without ever straying from Hardwick's methodical and trained system, was evident from the outset.

In fact, it helped stamp their authority on the contest.

While the Giants had become renowned for their pressure throughout September, it was the Tigers who were turning the tables throughout the opening stages on Saturday.

They hunted in packs, chased relentlessly and tackled as though their lives depended on it.

The only problem was, they couldn't take advantage of their dominance.

Richmond kicked three behinds from its first 10 entries to start the match, allowing GWS to regain some composure and resulting in a nervous period of flux for both sides.

Turnovers and lamentable mistakes became the order of the day, until Jeremy Cameron flushed a shot from beyond 50m for the game's first goal – 21 minutes into the match.

All of a sudden, the Tigers needed a spark. Enter Martin.

Pushed deep forward, he wriggled clear of Heath Shaw, marked strongly and bent his shot around the corner to eventually get the yellow and black faithful back on their feet.

Daniel Rioli followed it with a bomb on the buzzer and the momentum carried Richmond into the break and beyond, as the Tigers stormed away with the contest.

Pickett was blind-turning tacklers, Jason Castagna was leaping above defenders, Riewoldt was bending them around corners and Dusty was just being Dusty.

The result was a 35-point lead in a flash by half-time.

Each Tiger goal – all five of them, kicked one after the other – was met with exceedingly raucous cheers, as the Punt Road end celebrated what was quickly becoming inevitable.

The Giants went some way to stemming the bleeding by the break. However, in reality, they quite simply couldn't lay a glove on the Tigers. They were held goalless for the entirety of the second quarter, as a disaster unfolded in front of them.

But if they thought the main change would end the nightmare, they were wrong.

Lynch added the first of the second half, before Martin snapped another from deep inside the boundary. The third was the cream on top of a yellow and black cake.

Martin delivered to Pickett, who slotted his first goal in senior footy in typically calm fashion. All 18 Richmond players on the field immediately swarmed the debutant.

THE MOMENT Debutant's maiden goal hands Tigers a Hollywood ending

Pickett adds to the perfect story It became a training drill for the Tigers, who ultimately booted 11 straight goals – the large majority of which were slotted under very little pressure – before the Giants responded.

But the response was tame, to say the least.

TEN THINGS WE LEARNED GWS decision backfires, Tiger courage rewarded

While youngster Tim Taranto (30 disposals, seven tackles) fought hard all day and veteran Shaw (29 disposals, 14 marks) was tireless, it was unsurprisingly not enough.

And with a 62-point deficit at three-quarter time, there was little left to play for late.

Instead, it became a Richmond party, as players lined up for their shot at goal. They added five more in the final term, with captain Trent Cotchin's – delivered from beyond 50m out after a couple of bounces – resulting in perhaps the biggest cheer of the afternoon.

Captain Cotch joins the Tigers' party The final siren mirrored that joy, sparking yet more wild scenes of Richmond celebrations.

Once a rarity, September success now seems like a regular Tiger occurrence.

RICHMOND                                2.3     7.5     12.9     17.12     (114) GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY     1.2     1.6     2.7     3.7     (25)

GOALS Richmond: Riewoldt 5, Martin 4, Lynch 2, Rioli, Soldo, Pickett, Lambert, Bolton, Cotchin Greater Western Sydney: Cameron, Hopper, Himmelberg

BEST Richmond: Martin, Riewoldt, Prestia, Pickett, Edwards, Vlastuin, Houli Greater Western Sydney: Taranto, Shaw, Haynes, Hopper, Williams

NORM SMITH MEDAL VOTING 15 - Dustin Martin, Richmond - 33333 6 - Bachar Houli, Richmond - 222 4 - Marlion Pickett, Richmond - 211 3 - Jack Riewoldt, Richmond - 111 2 - Dion Prestia, Richmond - 2

Judges voting (3, 2, 1) Alastair Lynch (Chair) - D. Martin, B. Houli, J. Riewoldt Chris Johnson - D. Martin, D. Prestia, J. Riewoldt Matthew Lloyd - D. Martin, B. Houli, M. Pickett Bruce McAvaney - D. Martin, B. Houli, M. Pickett Angela Pippos - D. Martin, M. Pickett, J. Riewoldt

INJURIES Richmond: Nil Greater Western Sydney: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stevic, Ryan, Chamberlain

Official crowd: 100,014 at the MCG

Richmond's 12 VFL/AFL premierships, ranked by winning margin SEASON GRAND FINAL MARGIN NORM SMITH MEDALLIST 2019 Richmond 17.12 (114) d Greater Western Sydney 3.7 (25) 89 points Dustin Martin (Rich) 1980 Richmond 23.21 (159) d Collingwood 9.24 (78) 81 points Kevin Bartlett (Rich) 2017 Richmond 16.12 (108) d Adelaide 8.12 (60) 48 points Dustin Martin (Rich) 1974 Richmond 18.20 (128) d North Melbourne 13.9 (87) 41 points Kevin Sheedy (Rich)* 1934 Richmond 19.14 (128) d South Melbourne 12.17 (89) 39 points - 1969 Richmond 12.13 (85) d Carlton 8.12 (60) 25 points Michael Green (Rich)* 1973 Richmond 16.20 (106) d Carlton 12.14 (86) 20 points Kevin Bartlett (Rich)* 1920 Richmond 7.10 (52) d Collingwood 5.5 (35) 17 points - 1932 Richmond 13.14 (92) d Carlton 12.11 (83) 9 points - 1967 Richmond 16.18 (114) d Geelong 15.15 (105) 9 points Bill Goggin (Geel)* 1921 Richmond 5.6 (36) d Carlton 4.8 (32) 4 points - *Voted best and fairest before the Norm Smith Medal was presented from 1979

[hellagoodhair]

i just want bucks to win a flag so badly but like i don’t really care who wins as long as richmond doesn’t win next weekend and i don’t reckon the umps will let gws win next week so i’m firmly going for collingwood although personally i’d love to see greene eye gouge martin or cotchin but skjfhkjsfhjdskh

[sportsrepo]

AFL: ‘Control your ego’: Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin cops it for ‘trying too hard’ in faceplant loss

AFL: ‘Control your ego’: Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin cops it for ‘trying too hard’ in faceplant loss

Trent Cotchin must “control his ego” and stop “trying too hard” after several contentious moments as his Tigers slumped to an awful loss to St Kilda, says Jonathan Brown. The Richmond captain had 22 disposals, going at a poor 54.5 per cent efficiency, with three clearances in a horrendous team performance as his side kicked just two goals. It marks a continued difficult campaign for Cotchin, who…

[bettingpunter]

The Brownlow Bubble: AFL Round 2

We’re only two weeks in, but already the cream is starting to rise to the top of the Brownlow Medal market.

Dustin Martin has firmed even shorter in betting following another impressive performance last week, while further down, things have shifted with Nat Fyfe ruled out for Round 3 due to a concussion.

Overreaction often runs rampant in the first couple of weeks, so with Dusty seemingly running away with it, now is the time to load up on a few names that are being seriously undervalued.

To help you out, we’ve got you covered with our Round 2 votes, as well as our overall leaderboard in another edition of The Brownlow Bubble below.

The Brownlow Big Board

Players

Votes

Odds

Dustin Martin

6

$4.50

Clayton Oliver

6

$21.00

Taylor Walker

6

N/A

Tom Mitchell

5

$15.00

Errol Gulden

5

$151

Dom Sheed

4

$101

Jack Macrae

4

$21.00

Bailey Smith

3

$41.00

Andrew McGrath

3

$51.00

Travis Boak

3

$7.00

Jack Billings

3

$101

Christian Petracca

3

$10.00

Jordan de Goey

3

$41.00

Joel Selwood

3

$151

Ollie Wines

3

$81.00

Marcus Bontempelli

3

$7.00

Noah Anderson

3

N/A

David Mundy

3

$201

Zak Butters

2

$201

Bet Now: 2021 Brownlow Medal

Our Round 2 Votes

Carlton v Collingwood

Player Votes Jordan De Goey 3 Votes Jack Crisp 2 Votes Harry McKay 1 Vote

Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions

Player Votes Joel Selwood 3 Votes Tom Hawkins 2 Votes Eric Hipwood 1 Vote

Sydney Swans v Adelaide Crows

Player Votes Taylor Walker 3 Votes Errol Gulden 2 Votes Jack Kennedy 1 Vote

Port Adelaide v Essendon

Player Votes Ollie Wines 3 Votes Zak Butters 2 Votes Charlie Dixon 1 Vote

St Kilda v Melbourne

Player Votes Clayton Oliver 3 Votes Christian Petracca 2 Votes Jack Steele 1 Vote

Gold Coast Suns v North Melbourne

Player Votes Noah Anderson 3 Votes Touk Miller 2 Votes Jack Lukosius 1 Vote

Hawthorn v Richmond

Player Votes Dustin Martin 3 Votes Tom Mitchell 2 Votes Trent Cotchin 1 Vote

Western Bulldogs v West Coast Eagles

Player Votes Marcus Bontempelli 3 Votes Jack Macrae 2 Votes Dom Sheed 1 Vote

Fremantle v GWS Giants

Player Votes David Mundy 3 Votes Andrew Brayshaw 2 Votes Lachie Schultz 1 Vote

Dustin Martin – $6.00 – $4.50

Hard to remember a player being as short as $4.50 heading into Round 3.

Last week’s battle between Dusty and Shaun Burgoyne was a fascinating one from start to finish, and while the reigning Norm Smith Medalist was far from his destructive best, he still managed to pick up all three votes thanks to some very unselfish play.

Dusty could have easily finished with three goals next to his 28 disposals against the Hawks, but instead he opted for the ‘team first’ approach when faced with a set shot.

Through two rounds, Martin is already averaging just shy of 30 disposals and 12 contested possessions – scary numbers with a couple of key games coming up against the Swans and Port.

Nobody is having more fun on the footy field right now, so if you fancy Dusty to add another Brownlow to the mantlepiece, you’re best off jumping on now.

Bet Now: Dustin Martin

Lachie Neale – $7.00 – $9.00

The reigning Brownlow Medalist endured what was arguably his toughest game at the professional level last week in Geelong.

Neale finished the first half with only three disposals after spending most of the night under a hard tag applied by Geelong’s Mark O’Connor.

Neale’s numbers go hand-in-hand with Brisbane’s slow start to the season, but there’s still plenty of time to turn things around.

The Lions have drifted from $8.00 out to $11.00 to win the Premiership, and there’s equal value on offer for Neale to string together a strong April and rejoin the likes of Dusty at the top of the market.

Bet Now: Lachie Neale

Jack Macrae – $21.00

Macrae finished with a serious case of leather poisoning last week in the Dogs’ thrilling win over West Coast.

The 26-year-old has flirted with the top of the Brownlow leaderboard for a couple of years now, and after piling on 41 disposals last week, it’s safe to say he’s right back in the thick of things.

If you’ve been keeping count, Macrae has now tallied 40 or more disposals ten times in his career.

𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 41 disposals 14 score involvements 9 clearances 8 inside 50s Huge. pic.twitter.com/yLCYO8ELpz

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) March 29, 2021

He’ll have to fight off the Bont, Adam Treloar and Bailey Smith for votes each week, but at $21.00, Macrae remains one of the biggest dark horses in the early market.

Bet Now: Jack Macrae

Clayton Oliver – $41.00 – $21.00

Not surprisingly, Oliver has been the biggest firmer in Brownlow betting this week after finishing with 37 disposals in Melbourne’s impressive win over the Saints.

The 23-year-old remains one of the most under appreciated players in the league, but now in his sixth season, this really feels like the year Olly can improve from being a very good player, into an all around blue chipper.

Clayton Oliver had a night

– 37 disposals – 11 clearances pic.twitter.com/Lr5Gchwljk

— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 27, 2021

As far as the Brownlow is concerned, the only thing that really lets him down is the lack of a good goal here and there. Even so, he’s massively over the odds after putting up back-to-back games of 35+ disposals.

Bet Now: Clayton Oliver

The post The Brownlow Bubble: AFL Round 2 appeared first on Ladbrokes Blog.

from Ladbrokes Blog https://www.ladbrokes.com.au/blog/2021/03/31/the-brownlow-bubble-afl-round-2-2/ https://blog.ent22vn.com/ ENT22 Việt Nam, nhà cái ENT22 trực tuyến uy tín Châu Á cung cấp các sản phẩm cá cược bóng đá, soi kèo bóng đá uy tín, game bài đổi thưởng, casino trực tuyến hấp dẫn nhất from Blogger http://bettingpunter1.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-brownlow-bubble-afl-round-2.html https://blog.ent22vn.com/ ENT22 Việt Nam, nhà cái ENT22 trực tuyến uy tín Châu Á cung cấp các sản phẩm cá cược bóng đá, soi kèo bóng đá uy tín, game bài đổi thưởng, casino trực tuyến hấp dẫn nhất

[fazcinatingblog]

Google search when is tribunal

[leanpick]

AFL Grand Final 2020: Retiring Geelong great Gary Ablett suffers shoulder injury, Nick Vlastuin carried off

AFL Grand Final 2020: Retiring Geelong great Gary Ablett suffers shoulder injury, Nick Vlastuin carried off

Gary Ablett’s grand final farewell looked a nightmare just minutes into match, before the retiring veteran bravely returned to the field.

There were fears Ablett’s day was done when he was assisted from the field in the opening term at the Gabba.

Ablett hurt his left shoulder while being tackled by Richmond’s Trent Cotchin and the 36-year-old was in obvious pain as he left the ground.

Don’t…

[lxveisalive]

Hey there! I just uploaded a lil cover of one of my fave songs, would love if you checked it out! ❤🌈✌🏼

[getseriouser]

GET SERIOUS: Top 50 - 2019

IT'S not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Marcus Bontempelli stands tall, not just literally but too comparatively against all peers, all of the more fancied usually bandied around when ‘game’s best player’ conversations are had.

It’s a who’s who of the game’s best mids in the top ten, with a couple potato gems from opposite ends of the field in there too.

The Get Serious top ten:

10.        Elliot Yeo (West Coast)

9.          Tom Stewart (Geelong)

8.          Stephen Coniglio (GWS)

7.          Jordan De Goey (Collingwood)

6.          Luke Shuey (West Coast)

5.          Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)

4.          Dustin Martin (Richmond)

3.          Patrick Cripps (Carlton)

2.          Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)

1.          Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)

Yeo is a freak. Strong, agile, quick, incredibly skilled. Vital to the Eagles’ success he dominates the centre square but too can kill it all over the field. Superstar.

Now Tommy Stewart is only a couple years plucked out of local footy but wow, what an impact. The best backman of any sort in the league by some way, his intercept and rebound abilities alongside defensive smarts make him seriously that good. Coniglio is the definition of a premier onballer. A jet. Moves well, finds the pill and just kills it when he gets it.

Jordy is a freak. Onball he is a bull that can dominate the centre square. Up forward though, be it playing tall like a poor man’s Ablett Senior or on the ground like a, well, Ablett Senior, he is as close to unstoppable since prime-years Buddy.

This man won a Norm Smith on a day he didn’t have a tonne of midfield mates and the opposition midfield was stacked. Shuey is supremely underrated, maybe as he plies his trade on the west coast, but is impossible to tag, has enormous influence on the game from the guts and is the quintessential match-winner.

Danger and Dusty we know. Both capable of running the show themselves. Still got it, still elite, still easy top five guns.

Crippa is beast and is easy top three. Has more influence on games now than Dangerfield and Martin, remembering he plays for lowly Carlton, those two have played in perennial finals sides. Going to dominate for some time.

Cripps is very good, Fyfe is just a bit better. Can do a little more outside and totally takes over games like few others ever. Won one Brownlow already, could seriously poll enough again this year. Megastar.

And the Bont. A couple weeks back, we said, in comparing him to Cripps and Fyfe, that he does what both those kids do well in the trenches but he is that little better because moves around like a 6″3 wingman with vision like 2010 Scott Pendlebury to boot. Also is one of the best kicks in the comp. The most complete player in it. The best.

                                    ---------------------------

A good big bloke always defeats a good little bloke, they say.

Before we nail out the top ten players in the league, a few of the league’s best taller types make the top 20.

Let’s get this done with.

20.          Josh Kennedy (West Coast)

19.          Harris Andrews (Brisbane)

18.          Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)

17.          Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)

16.          Max Gawn (Melbourne)

15.          Lachie Whitfield (GWS)

14.          James Sicily (Hawthorn)

13.          Tim Kelly (Geelong)

12.          Brodie Grundy (Collingwood)

11.          Josh Kelly (GWS)

So I lied. Daniher could be the best tall forward in the league, might be, but in reality its Kennedy. In the right year nudging 80 goals again isn’t out of the question and no-one else can could come close. Great mark, great converter, just a huge big-game player. Meanwhile, Andrews is now the premier fullback in the league. Might not know being hidden up in Queensland but seriously, he is never beaten anymore. Looks like Dustin Fletcher in his hey day. Very good.

This bloke came second last year in the Brownlow, which was overs but not the biggest surprise. Sidebottom is as clever and skillful an onballer/wingman you’ll find. Had an amazing 2018 and this year and is a genuine match-winner.

Cunnington is a bull. Good old country boy who doesn’t say much, but gee, in tight, is there any better? Not flashy but very few win as much ball in close and tackle as hard. Jet. And as for big Maxy, in any other year he is the premier big man, dominates the ruck like few we’ve seen in our lifetime and is an elite contested mark too.

Whitfield is stiff to not make top ten. So, so good off halfback, one of the best kicks in the game if not the best, quick, agile and a great decision maker. Utterly awesome. Speaking of half back, Sicily is almost as good a kick, almost as quick, but at 6″2ish and with elite marking skills to boot, he is as valuable a player in this league.

The Brownlow favourite can’t make top ten. Tim Kelly just wins it and is always productive. Sure, only a couple years in to his AFL career but looks like a 200-game superstar capable of a Brownlow, or a Norm Smith more to the point. Electric. And as for Grundy, whilst a ruckman is always up against to take home Charlie the big Pie could do it. Enormous at a stoppage, be it hitouts or clearances, but picks up 20+ and marks as good as any. Immense.

Josh Kelly could be the game’s best midfielder. He isn’t but damn he is close. Beautiful mover, is as good inside as outside, and when he plays well, picks up 30, the Giants win. Going to have one of the great careers, no wonder North threw everything at him...

                                     ---------------------------

Getting serious.

Less chat, more suspect placings in the guts of this Top 50 please.

Without further ado.

30.          Trent Cotchin (Richmond)

29.          Jeremy Cameron (GWS)

28.          Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)

27.          Joe Daniher (Essendon)

26.          Toby Greene (GWS)

25.          Jackson Macrae (Western Bulldogs)

24.          Michael Hurley (Essendon)

23.          Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)

22.          Jeremy McGovern (West Coast)

21.          Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

Cotchin is a gun I used to underrate, but seriously, that goal alone in the Geelong Qualifying Final in 2007 alone signifies how good he is - won’t look as nice on a wing or in delivering a lace out pass but for serious guts in a final, unparalleled. And effective too. Cameron still has it, leading the Coleman, enough said. And Pendles, even though not quite at his Norm Smith-winning best, hasn’t lost a stride and is still going to amass another 15+ Brownlow votes this year.

Daniher when fit is the most dangerous key forward in the game. Period. Don’t agree, go watch Anzac Day this year again. Better than any other tall forward, promise you. Greene might be the best small forward inside 50. Can mark, crumb, kick a set shot, kick a miracle snap, tackle, seriously he rates highly for everything a small to medium forward should do. Awesome.

Macrae has become a dead set gun. Beautiful kick, great runner, excellent decision maker. Massively under appreciated. Hurley, as important to Essendon as anyone an has a mortgage on a key back post in the All-Australian team as long as he is fit. And awesome with the ball in hand too, to boot.

Robbie Gray is a jet people east of Tailem Bend might not get. As crafty and mecurial as you’ll find, awesome at winning 30 in the guts or if full-time forward can seriously kick a bag despite being under 6″. A superstar, no-one has been better in Showdowns ever, compared to him.

McGovern is the premier centre-half back in the comp. And where intercept marks are king, he is that good he is invaluable a commodity you’ll find. And Neale could pinch the Brownlow this year showing he was pretty good playing second fiddle to Fyfe in Freo last year, winning their last two B&F’s too just quietly - can seriously play.

                                      ---------------------------

You thought the first ten were contentious, got nothing on these.

How we could have the reigning Brownlow medalist so low? We know better than the umpires and most of the football media?

Yes, in fact, we do. This is the rolled gold list, remember?

So, 31-40, enjoy:

 40.          Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne)

39.          Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn)

38.          Rory Laird (Adelaide)

37.          Shaun Higgins (North Melbourne)

36.          Dayne Beams (Collingwood)

35.          Shannon Hurn (West Coast)

34.          Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

33.          Brad Sheppard (West Coast)

32.          Michael Walters (Fremantle)

31.          Eddie Betts (Adelaide)

 Brayshaw had a very underrated year last year, except by the umpires. He wasn’t a genuine Brownlow top three, but top 40 players in the comp, sure. Very likely type. Mitchell isn’t higher because if he was as good as doing something with the ball as often as he found it, Hawthorn wouldn’t lose a game. Sorry.

Laird is probably the best back pocket in the game after number 33. Beats his man but as good out of the backline as any in the comp. The recruit of Higgins to North has been a massive tick, at times last year a genuine Brownlow-worthy season, when he is on as good a midfielder in the comp.

Beamsy, well, almost had him out , but then I reconsidered his 2018 season at the Gabba, it was elite. Goal-kicking midfielders as good as him, could argue 36 is too low. Still a jet when fit.

Bunga Hurn is a gem, one of the most dependable defenders in the game, but for his kick and thighs alone, plus his leadership too, a star. Love him. Clarry is very good, having a lean year but who isn’t down at the Dees, but could be higher if we’d done this nine months ago, big, tough, clean, isn’t that far off Cripps but it’s a tight list.

Brad Sheppard is the best back pocket in the game. Period. And whilst there’s mids and forwards all over this list, and sure, they won the flag without him last year, don’t underestimate this guys skill in the Eagles winning a lot of games.

Walters is perhaps lucky to be in the 50, but I’ve seen enough this year to get him this high. As crafty a forward pocket as there is, like legit, mecurial stuff. And has poked his head into the guts too and looked good. Very valuable.

And we can’t have this list without Eddie. Still got it. Still brings the house down. The most loved bloke in the game and I kinda wish he was higher. A magician.

 ...Next week, we add 21-30 where we have the two best key forwards, and the two best key backs in the game, as well as a Brownlow medalist and Norm Smith medalist.

                                         ---------------------------

The moon landing. Cathy Freeman’s gold medal at Sydney. The night the Socceroos qualified for the 2006 World Cup.

All historic, landmark moments where you remember where you were and who you were with.

Today will be another of those days, as this pokey little column launches its inaugural Top 50 for the 2019 season.

This is as simple as it gets: its my top 50 players as it stands right here and now. A few on this list have only played a couple games this year, two haven’t played any, but it doesn’t matter, don’t over think it or make it too scientific – these are just subjectively the best 50 Australian Rules footballers we have in 2019. 

That’s it.

So without further ado, we kick off with 41-50, leading up to revealing the top ten in a few weeks time.

 50.          Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)

49.          Dylan Roberton (St Kilda

48.          Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne)

47.          Matt Crouch (Adelaide)

46.          Isaac Heeney (Sydney)

45.          Nick Vlaustin (Richmond)

44.          Gary Ablett Jnr (Geelong)

43.          Shane Edwards (Richmond)

42.           Nic Naitanui (West Coast)

41.          Lance Franklin (Sydney)

 So Jack sneaks in as our number 50, we have missed seeing him the last two months but still a genuine gun forward despite not being typical key position size. A great career. Don’t forget how good Roberton has been for St Kilda the last few years, immense defender and we hope he can get back to good footy soon. Ask any Saints fan how important he has been the last two years especially.

Tarrant’s top three for key backs in the league for mine, rarely beaten and deserves AA considerations this year, very underrated. As is Matt Crouch, just finds the ball, a less glamourous Dane Swan in some regard, very good footballer we don’t know enough about this side of Bordertown 

Heeney is a jet, probably the most valuable player on Sydney’s list and can do exciting things at any position really. Vlaustin I think is Richmond’s most important backman, the taller guys work off one another, are somewhat codependent, but Vlaustin is the glue. Little Gaz has been great as a forward, obviously was perennial top ten if this list was done prior but has now forged a great little niche on a flank in 2019.

Shane Edwards was a flighty half-forward flanker but now a genuine class midfielder. Think Port Adelaide-era Shaun Burgoyne sorta. Really like him. Nic Nat is still a freak who despite the ruckman position being overrated, he certainly is not.

Big Budweiser, gee, like Ablett would have dominated the top ten of such a list for years, but now, whilst he still has that magic, not only is it rare given his ability to stay fit but old father time is limiting his impact when he is fit.

 ...Next week, we add 31-40, where we have a Brownlow medalist, three more defenders and the game’s most adored individual.

[punkscowardschampions]

Rio & Indie

Bants, partying, discussing Drew’s antics, Buster and that camgirl life.

Rio: You drum safe, younger? or you been mashing all night wit rudeboy that was way too amp chirpsing at you? blates your type i thought 😉😂 Indie joined the chat 3 hours ago Indie: me and baggamanz 5-0! if you want amp its dem feds! 💀 They was finkin they all bad got me bennin but it's cotch now I can chirpse my way outta mad things 😂😝 Indie: rudeboy was crump tho yeah 😍 Rio: Is it? They always been inner wastemans but your old man the one that gotta cotch tbh wifey. Gotta be LONG still dealing with all their reh teh teh at his age, even if he's still buff n shit Rio: look at my galdem, finkin she mad bad now she got dem titties Rio: so proud 😍 Indie: innit 🙄 nah dem jakes wanted to roll with me ONLY but I got dem reckonin they slipped 😈 trouble in these endz? Couldn't say po i'm just a nextman 👼 Indie: all while my da out shottin Indie: Such jokes! So you link wit hubz when I was back in me yard? Rio: flatroofin n gassin way too extra on that bullshit babe got me creasin here 😂😘 Rio: peak Rio: fuck nah he got me vexed Rio: i ain't fucking wit him rn, bare dry wit his jealousy 'cos i linked with that bloke at the marker last nite Indie: 'llow it 🍼 he so extra  it ain't like you bredding 👴 is he bait or what? 😕 ex hubz be out here like he ain't crutterz Indie: boi you dashed now. I'll give him air later Indie: you should roll w that dj from the other day Rio: init tho! he's gotta go tbh babe, or i have. making daily grind bare dred, getting lairy with punters when a bitch is just pulling pints n bein' polite for the $$$ Rio: might see if they lookin' for new blood in his club then Rio: tho, track record proves that ain't the best idea 😂 i could sugar baby full time at this point but i like the scene still, n i can keep an eye on you, lil miss jailbait gettin' rude😘 Rio: i've been looking into other shit but...i dunna...you might think its bare skanky, never mind it ain't something i can proudly tell the fam 🙊 Indie: He's peepin for bare gyaldem 😆 I threw my hat in but he's lookin for dem olders like. I acted proper vexed shouting like I'm bare legal but he dashed me out ⛔ Indie: Standard but you can seckle babe I don't need no watching Indie: is it? ah nam? What's the vibe u gonna bredd them for 💰💰 Rio: Baby girl... 😂 going from actin like u grown to having a straight up tantrum, only u 😘 u gotta act like u not bothered boo, too hype for your own good sometimes, listen to muvva 💋 Rio: alright but i like cotchin wit chu! u too grown for me now?! Rio: 😭 Rio: rahhhhhh ok Rio: basically, cam girling, but it ain't necessarily what u think Rio: u can do what you want, like u don't have to wank or even get naked or anything Rio: as long as u set out ur vibe n intentions, if the punters vibe with what you doin, u can earn like 100euros an hour, which ain't to be sniffed at when all i'd be doing is chillin Rio: like lots of girls just chat, blokes are bare lonely out here, or i could smoke a bowl, whatevs, like lbr, i'm probably gonna be in my good undies 'cos why not, obvs the more you do the more money, like the sugar baby shit... Rio: what u think, have i lost it? 😵 Indie: Skeen! Watch when I'm 18 I'll be out there earning 🎂 by eating it. I've spied that b4 it'd be sick bet that shit i'll be rinsed when i'm grown tho raah 😡 Indie: you still gonna smoke w you wifey innit? Indie: it got me wilding but only cos its bare boss get ur crust babe 🤑 Rio: i know what you mean, those asian girls eat mad cals, you'd be beast at that Rio: i'd be an actual beast tho, like heffer not hefner namean Rio: and duh! tho u can't come on stream, u really too lil for that and i ain't catching a charge for directing and distributing that kinda filth 😂 Rio: maybe ur dad will fund me 🤑😍 promo his merchandise for some good good 😈😇 hehehe Indie: allow it bitch u chung! dont be skippin no meals 2 draw in dem heads 😘 Indie: he'd love that hype shits getting militant in this endz way he's spittin when he rolls back to this drum Indie: the tourists reckon his gear aint off the hook 😩 Rio: 😘 u always know how to gas this bitch up, love chu Rio: imma start setting it up then, been thinkin' bout it for time but you know, thinkin what if chiefs give my youngers shit at school 😤 Rio: i don't want that, you know? i think most of the fam would be chill if they found out, or would just not step up to shout about how chill they ain't, keep it to themselves like but... always gonna be one cunt ain't there Rio: speaking of, have u seen buster mckenna about? 😂 Indie: I'll watch for them too standard. No chance of any getting owned then like Indie: nah I've seen his sister some ways but he don't venture to my ends in dem garms mandem get wiped the fuck out Indie: He vexing u? Rio: You're a 💎 Rio: Yeah Nance is chill, you probs got her shook wild child 😬😵 but she's solid Rio: Not even but lowkey, yeah! Rio: Idk where u was...I think your old man wanted a quiet one in for a change, chinese and old eps of only fools, I think ANYWAY Rio: I saw him out and was shook myself 'cos he never comes round these ends no more, too good or sum shit; so I was telling him off, but like jokes too, for not seeing his sister enough and he was such a prick, I can't even explain gurl Rio: Mans so in love with himself he thinks everyone else is too, including me like 'low it boy Indie: raah he's your fam and he wanna be bae 😵 allow it chief like you're peng but thats amp boi Indie: want me to merk him Rio: Bahaha that would be so jokes babe but not gon' help him think I'm not obsessed wit him if i set my wifey on him, like 🙄 Rio: he won't be here long anyway, then i won't see him 'til the next family function and so many of us no need to chat is there? Indie: Set him up with your stream link make him pay for being so hype 🤑 Rio: 🤢😂 you just as bad as him, gurl honestly! that's what i'm tryna avoid, imagine how much of a twat he'd be if he knew, he already thinks i'm a thot without knowing i'm hoeing lowkey 😎💋 Indie: what's that wasteman know cept how to drop 💰 on cardigans or some shit Rio: truuuuuu 😂 Rio: fuck him Indie: don't tho 😝 Rio: behave 😤🤢😂 Rio: he has grown bad like but not that bad Indie: hit me with a pic bitch I'll judge cos you're beefin & he blood like Rio: [sends Instagram link] Rio: he fucking knows it like he's never got clothes on but i can't chat shit there can i 🙊 Indie: bruv i'm gassed 💓 imma add him 🙈 peak Rio: indie! have u not been listening to me Rio: he's practically ur fam too u better not bitch Indie: not bothered 😍😈 Indie: Don't be moist like Indie: I can lips him he ain't nothing to me yet Rio: he remembers you when u was wettin in ur pampers in all the ways, babe, i don't think he's gonna go for it somehow Rio: and i ain't having it, militant like, fuck w me Indie: Law it Indie: I'm grown now and he proper is Rio: no means no lil thirsty ass Indie: You dry 😏 Rio: someone's gotta be 💦 Indie: 😂 Indie: You comin round 4 a bowl or you too hyped about mckenna like Rio: if u don't seckle imma block a bitch swear down 😤 Rio: course tho, see u in 5 💋 Indie: jam wifey you just get treckin its breakfast time no more mad bants 🤞

[hellagoodhair]

just thought about martin cotchin riewoldt and lynch winning the flag this year and started crying im so skdfjhskjfhksjdhf i hate them so much

[therealestatesparkblog]

Martin skipper as Cotchin and Edwards to miss crucial clash with Crows

Dustin Martin will captain Richmond against Adelaide on Thursday night after the Tigers lost both Shane Edwards and Trent Cotchin to hamstring injuries. The Tigers made the decision to give the Brownlow medallist and fan favourite the role after training in Adelaide on Thursday and he will become the fourth captain to lead the team this season. The decision is just reward for Martin who has been the Tigers best player since 2017 when he had one of the best individual seasons in the game's history to lead Richmond to a drought-breaking premiership. His elevation will give the Tigers a boost after losing Cotchin, who returned a fortnight ago from his hamstring injury. He is believed to be feeling sore with his hamstring not recovering in time to play in the clash at Adelaide Oval. Edwards is suffering hamstring tendinitis but is expected to be available after the bye when Richmond play St Kilda. Cotchin has played the last two games following a seven-week lay off with the same hamstring injury and Edwards, who was All-Australian last year, had stood in as captain in all but one game when Jack Riewoldt returned from injury to lead the team, only to be forced out after one game due to a knee injury. The Tigers have battled manfully against a growing injury toll however they have lost their last two matches and are searching for the bye in order to get players back. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/cotchin-to-miss-crucial-clash-with-crows-20190612-p51wv9.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

[pikapepikachuu]

Fired-up Roos upset the script

North dominated the tackle and contested possession count all night and smacked the uncharacteristically timid Richmond around the stoppages in a performance which was even more impressive given defender Jamie Macmillan took no further part in the game after injuring his left calf in the second quarter. The first half was an arm wrestle but after Richmond retook the lead late in the second quarter thanks to a Dustin Martin-inspired blitzkrieg, the Kangaroos busted the game wide open as they kicked 10 of the next 11 goals, including eight in a row, to open up a 51-point lead in the final term. North Melbourne pair Ben Brown and Mason Wood combined for nine goals in attack and provided dangerous avenues to goal all night for the Kangaroos. ood arguably played the best game of his career, given the calibre of the opposition, while Brown was too much too handle for Ryan Garthwaite and made the Coleman Medal race more interesting with his equal biggest bag of the season FEROCIOUS ZURHAAR Nobody epitomised North Melbournes manic pressure more than Cameron Zurhaar who laid a game-high 10 tackles and set the tone for his side. He was in the thick of everything all evening, earning himself free kicks, routinely stopping Tigers in their tracks and most importantly creating scoring opportunities the most telling of which led to the third of Browns five goals late in the third quarter that put North up by 33 points. RAZOR WATCH Midway through the first quarter, the ball ricocheted with pace from a Ben Brown-Ryan Garthwaite contest straight into Ray Chamberlains nether region. The impact sent the diminutive umpire to the ground much to the delight of the crowd. But he bounced right back to his feet with a smile on his face to assure everyone he was fine. COTCHIN RETURNS Richmond captain Trent Cotchin made a solid return to senior footy in what was his first game back from a hamstring injury since round three. He was far from his sides worst player with 23 disposals and five clearances, but despite his best efforts, he just couldnt get his side going as the blue-and-white tsunami of pressure washed them away. NORTH MELBOURNE 4.1 6.7 12.7 15.9 (99) RICHMOND 3.2 6.3 7.4 9.8 (62) GOALS North Melbourne: Brown 5, Wood 4, Anderson 2, Polec, Simpkin, Larkey, Thomas. Richmond: Martin 3, Butler 2, Astbury, Prestia, Castagna, Lynch. BEST North Melbourne: Brown, Cunnington, Wood, Zurhaar, Higgins, Anderson, Tarrant. Richmond: Martin, Houli, Prestia, Cotchin. INJURIES North Melbourne: Macmillan (calf) Richmond: Martin 3, Butler 2, Astbury, Prestia, Castagna, Lynch. CROWD 29,326 at Marvel Stadium. VOTES 8. Ben Brown (NM); 8. Ben Cunnington (NM); 7. Mason Wood (NM); 7. Cam Zurhaar (NM); 7. Shaun Higgins (NM) https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/fired-up-roos-upset-the-script-20190531-p51te7.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

[allaroundmelbourne]

The Tiger trap: the tactical secrets behind Richmond's AFL dominance

Updated September 06, 2018 13:36:29 Shortly after Collingwood won the 2010 AFL premiership, the Magpies' then-coach Mick Malthouse made the startling revelation he had turned to ancient military tactics in devising the team's winning game plan. AFL Finals Week OneFirst Qualifying Final, Richmond v Hawthorn (MCG) Thur Sept 6, 7.20pm AESTFirst Elimination Final, Melbourne v Geelong (MCG) Fri Sept 7, 7.50pm AESTSecond Elimination Final, Sydney Swans v GWS (SCG) Sat Sept 8, 4.20pm AESTSecond Qualifying Final, West Coast v Collingwood (Perth Stadium) Sat Sept 8, 8.10pm AEST "I looked at the Roman legion, which is in a box formation," said Malthouse when discussing the Magpies' full-ground press. "It's very hard to penetrate, and there's always someone to step up." As a keen student of history, Malthouse might have known the Roman Army revised the strategy after suffering a devastating defeat at the hands of Hannibal. The great Carthaginian military commander had lured the Romans into a reckless advance, before unleashing a devastating counterstrike. On Thursday night, eight years after the Magpies' Grand Final victory and more than 2,200 years after the Battle of Cannae Richmond coach Damien Hardwick will be channelling the counterattacking spirit of Hannibal as he leads his side into the AFL finals. Defence the best form of attack The Tigers are the shortest-priced flag favourites in a decade, and were this week rated nearly a 50-50 chance of defending their crown by expert computer modelling. Over the past two years they have refined one of the most ruthlessly efficient brands of counterattacking football the league has seen.

Photo: Richmond defenders like Alex Rance have become the masters of exploiting turnovers. (AAP: Daniel Pockett) "If you take away [the opposition's] strengths, what are they going to do?" said Hardwick in Yellow and Black, a fly-on-the-wall recount of the club's 2017 premiership. "They're gonna try to go for it, and eventually, they're going to lose." From Muhammad Ali's rope-a-dope fighting style, to Italian soccer's Catenaccio, the use of counterattacking tactics in sport has long been a source of fascination and debate. Such strategies require an extraordinary strength of mind and purpose. "It takes great discipline to play defence, but that's what we're doing," said Hardwick. "If our stalking mentality is there, that's when we play our very best footy." In other words, the Tigers are patient hunters. Their midfielders and forwards pressure the opposition ball carrier, and their defenders such as Alex Rance, Nick Vlastuin, and Dylan Grimes feast on the resulting turnovers. They rarely go hungry. Using turnovers as a weapon An AFL side can win possession of the ball from one of three basic sources: clearances, kick-ins after behinds, or turnovers. Although many pundits often focus on the former, it is the latter from which scoring is most often generated. In fact, about two-thirds of all points usually come from turnovers. Richmond's game plan exploits this key fact of modern football. The number of turnovers per AFL game has increased by 13 per cent over the past four seasons, from 126 per match in 2015 to an average of 143 this season. Games involving the Tigers feature even more: 155 per game this season, up from 125 four years ago. Crucially, no side is better at forcing its rivals into mistakes whilst minimising its own. On average, the Tigers give up the ball nine times fewer per match than their opponents. "Our game is a turnover game," said Hardwick at Wednesday's pre-match media conference. "We acknowledge that, and most sides know that, so the way we set up [against Hawthorn tonight] will certainly be turnover-based." External Link:Richmond AFL 2018 turnover stats There is a caveat. The Tigers' proficiency at intercepting the ball has come at the expense of winning clearances, for which they are ranked dead last in the competition this season. On average Richmond wins 4.8 fewer stoppage clearances than their opponents, which is the second-worst rate of any side since 2015. Hardwick claims this is partly due to over exuberance. "The reality is we're giving away a lot of free kicks at stoppages," he said. "We've just got to be a little bit more careful with our aggression around the ball, and that way the ball will start going our way." However, the fact the Tigers regularly allow themselves to be outnumbered at stoppages seems to suggest they are largely content to lose the battle for first possession in favour of taking it back through turnovers. External Link:Richmond AFL 2018 turnover stats The plan personified Richmond's apparent abandonment of the stoppage game has been reflected in the changing role of its star player, Dustin Martin. While the reigning Brownlow medallist has recorded fewer overall disposals this season (30 per game down to 26), this drop has been almost exclusively confined to his contested possessions (15 per game down to 12). There has also been a sharp drop in his clearance numbers from general stoppages (three down to 1.9).

Photo: Star Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin's game has changed this season but his impact has remained vital. (AAP: Julian Smith) At most clubs, the leader board for clearances is similar for both general stoppages and centre bounces. At Richmond, however, Martin has become something of a centre-bounce specialist. He has won the same 3.4 centre clearances per game as last year, easily surpassing Trent Cotchin's second-best 2.2. In contrast, Martin ranks fifth at the Tigers for clearances from around-the-ground stoppages. This shift has had little impact on Martin's value in attack. He still delivers about six inside 50s, 1.5 goals, and a goal assist per game, which are all similar numbers to last year. But it has meant he has become something of an anomaly among the AFL's star midfielders in how little time he spends in his team's defensive 50. External Link:Richmond AFL 2018 stats: Dustin Martin Simply put, the Tigers have learned to harness their best player's biggest weapon. Martin no longer wins as much contested ball, nor as many stoppage clearances, because the Tigers no longer prioritise those aspects of his game. Since being at least partly freed from attending general stoppages especially those in defence he has become a much greater counterattacking threat. Dustin Martin's changing role 2015201620172018Clearances from centre36%44%53%64%Clearances from stoppages64%56%47%35%Contested possession share34%41%50%46%Inside 50s per game4.35.16.06.0Disposals per game26.031.129.825.5Shots at goal per game1.91.03.12.9Goals per game1.00.41.51.4Score launches per game0.71.32.51.5Goal assists per game0.50.71.21.0What it takes to tame the Tigers Four teams have defeated the Tigers this season and a handful have gone close. The Adelaide Crows mostly beat them at their own style, while the West Coast Eagles slowed down the pace of the game and limited the overall number of turnovers. "Most teams who play against us want to slow the game down, chip the ball around and take a lot of marks and try and probably take our game away from us," Tigers assistant coach Blake Caracella told the ABC. "This year we have seen a lot of sides are going slower in attack so that they do have some cover behind the ball if they turn it over."

Infographic: The most likely outcome on the path to the grand final. (ABC News) Greater Western Sydney and Port Adelaide targeted Richmond's weak point: dominating the clearances to the extent that it gave them a winning advantage. In round three, Hawthorn nearly ran down Richmond in a rampaging last quarter, fighting back from 39 points down to fall just 13 points short. The Hawks had nine more clearances, with Tom Mitchell accruing 12 on his own. But in doing so they turned the ball over seven more times than the Tigers: the fuel that powers the yellow-and-black machine. The Tigers are not invulnerable, but the Hawks will need to be smarter and more precise with their ball use if they are to turn the tables on them on Thursday night. Topics:australian-football-league,sport,richmond-3121,vic,australia First posted September 06, 2018 05:22:44 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-06/afl-finals-favourites-richmond-have-secret-tactic/10203884