I didn’t know ducks had a team in the AFL…

FEARLESS (6) – Didn’t know ducks had a team in the AFL…

Collingwood was staring down the barrel of defeat against a spirited Bulldogs outfit as the round got underway on Friday Night at Etihad. The Dogs had got off to a flyer before the Pies had pegged them back. Ryan Griffen had the ball on a string and Gia was a focal point up forward. Pendlebury led the Pies as the cream rose. Pies by 23.

Brisbane made the trip to Etihad to face an in-form Essendon outfit. Most pundits didn’t rate the Lions’ chances highly and at quarter time it wasn’t hard to see why as the Dons led 5 goals. Tom Bellchambers had a breakout game in the ruck. In an ominous sign for the AFL, Lions skipper Brown had 21 touches and 2 goals. Dons by 67.

Melbourne made the dreaded trip down the Geelong road for the first time since that fateful day in 2011. A new coach and an improved attitude saw the Demons of that performance disappear, despite the 43 pt loss. Mitch Clark again reaffirmed his value to his new club, kicking 4. Stevie J and the Cats did the job in the usual no-fuss way.

Gold Coast nearly pulled off a home win against Fremantle. A 7 pt win probably was heartbreaking for the home team, even though the rest of the AFL community can see the Suns getting better. Suns’ Harley Bennell shined with 37 touches and 3 goals but an innocuous jump broke Nathan Bock’s leg mid-air, a career ender? Let’s hope not.

St.Kilda hosted Hawthorn at Hawthorn’s home ground, the MCG, a tribute to convoluted fixturing. Mostly, the game will be remembered for Buddy Franklin, Cyril Rioli and Justin Koschitzke’s heroics. However it may be remembered as the night Sam Fisher injured his leg, the Saints’ defensive general a big loss. Hawks by 35pts.

The reinvigorated Crows travelled to Fortress SCG to take on the unbeaten Swans. Adelaide led by 4 goals at qtr time and was looking good to maintain its hoodoo stranglehold over Sydney. As expected, the Swans fought back and looked likely to win but the siren blew in the Sydney forward 50. Goodes damaged, Crows by 5pts.

Carlton rested a few players including Juddy. Either way coach Brett Ratten gave their effort against GWS at Etihad on Sunday a 5/10. Leading by 10pts at the half, Carlton slowly powered away in the 2nd half as the GWS youngsters ran out of puff. Ex-Blue Setanta kicked 2, then did an ACL. Ouch! Hampson, Thornton 3 goals.

After a couple of “honourable” losses, Richmond headed to AAMI to see if they could unplug the Power (groan!). The Tigers had been in reasonable knick and hit the ground running, not giving up the lead in a 4-qtr performance that would give the Tiger faithful some hope. Good that Ivarn Maric’s mullet has its own facebook page!

West Coast Ducks hosted North Melbourne amid scrutiny about tackling, ducking and manoeuvring for frees. If you tackle properly, they can’t do it as alleged. The game itself was entertaining, although a few Eagle injuries might have levelled it up. Cox, Hurn and ex-Bulldog Hill starred as the Eagles shone. North ok but Eagles by 25pts.

 

Leave a Comment

*