I was thinking this round would be a round of the favourites winning but we saw a few upsets including Richmond finally winning a game.
Richmond almost had more people on the inside of the song circle celebrating their first win than on the outside
Essendon defeated Western Bulldogs by 9 points
Essendon out run and tackled the Dogs and gave them a football lesson and I would not be surprised to see a few players ‘rested’ for the next week as some are really struggling for form at the moment, yes I’m talking about Akermanis. In every quarter they kicked the first few goals and it always put the Dogs on the back foot especially the third quarter where they kicked 5 goals to only two.
For Essendon Gumbleton continues to impress and kicked three, while the combination of Ryder, Jetta and Davey kicked two each and Brent Stanton had 32 possessions. While Hall kicked 5 goals dominating Fletcher and Hill chimed in with three of his own Essendon out classed them and had 36 more marks and out tackled them in a dominate display.
Geelong defeated Melbourne by 54 points
In resting his young guns, you can tell coach Bailey knew it was going to a lost cause but I liked how he played Jordan Gysberts on Ablett, yes he was moved off him after a big 15 possession first quarter but he did not have his pants pulled down and I would expect he will find his way into a few Dreamteams.
The JPod loves Skilled Stadium and in each of the four games at the ground he has kicked 5 goals and his dominance along with Ottens again failing to play a full season has seen Hawkins switch to a Cox like ruckman and it has suited Hawkins with him kicking four goals against Melbourne playing from the ruck.
If it was not for Green who kicked 3 goals, the Demons would have really struggled as he marked most of the 13 marks inside their 50m arch today.
Richmond defeated Port Adelaide by 47 points
News on the weekend saw a crazy idea from Channel Nine suggesting to computer impose extra fans in the crowd, wonder if they can do that for Port Adelaide’s terrible ability to draw a crowd or maybe super impose some players for Port Adelaide as their up and down season has continued.
This game was a game for the tacklers with 256 tackles for the game. Shane Tuck (31 possessions), Deledio (29) and Cotchin (25) all had plenty of the ball while Riewoldt continues his vein of form with four goals in a game where key forwards struggled. While Kane Cornes and Cassisi tried hard injuries did not help with Hitchcock, Ebert and Salopek all injured.
Brisbane defeated Collingwood by 8 points
This is a potential season defying game for both teams, Brisbane can now get their season back on track after five straight losses and Brown looks fitter after some up and down weeks. On the other hand you have Collingwood who were premiership favourites and then had their pants pulled down by Geelong and then embarrassed by Brisbane.
Collingwood only had 10 scoring shots in the second half and when it counted in the tight last quarter they missed several gettable shots at goals. They again had a nice range of multiple goal kickers but in these tight big game matches they really need a Didak, Davis or Cloke to kick a bag. Until then I do not rate them as a premiership chance.
Brown (10 marks, four goals), Power (35 possessions) and Black (27) all had outstanding games but it was the second tier players in Rich (28 possessions, 2 goals and 7 clearances), Rockliff (30), Staker (29 possessions and 12 marks), Patfull (keeping Cloke to 0 goals) and Rischitelli (27) who all stepped up and if Brisbane are to play finals in 2010, its these guys who need to keep stepping up.
St Kilda defeated Adelaide by 47 points
St Kilda kicked the first five goals but Adelaide managed to kick enough goals to go into the second half even with St Kilda and as much as the Saints tried they just could not shake free with Adelaide’s forwards of Dangerfield & Tippett kicking three each.
In the last quarter St Kilda managed to kick ahead with seven goals. Milne kicked three while Montagna had five goals and 38 possessions but the question mark is still on their forward line with Koschitzke struggling to have any impact.
Hawthorn defeated Sydney by 2 points
Last week I slammed Goodes and I will again with him kicking 1 goal and 5 behinds, if one of those was kicked straight, Sydney could have won the game and then he was out pointed by unknown rookie Stratton. Hannebery to me is favourite for the NAB this year with 25 possessions and 3 goals to be his sides leading goal scorer along with White.
Mumford had 42 hitouts to the Hawks combined 26 but apart from Hannebery, the Hawks had a stronger midfield with Lewis and Mitchell both having 20+ possessions. Worry for the Gold Coast in that Campbell Brown injured his knee and the Hawks will again be shaking their head about Buddy Franklin’s clumsy-ness being reported for the third time in 9 games.
I am unsure about Hawthorn, they looked good against Carlton last week but then struggled to put away Sydney. Are they the real deal?
Carlton defeated West Coast by 29 points
The margin would have been much more if Carlton could kick straight, Betts being the main culprit. Hadley and McLean really give Carltons midfield the inside grunt which allows Judd to play outside the packs and that releases the pressure of Murphy and Gibbs. Carlton dominated the midfield battle with about 100 more possessions than the Eagles with Judd having 25 possessions, Murphy 36, Gibbs 45 and Scotland 26.
West Coast are as Bruce says are one trick ponies, if the ball is not marked in their forward line, the ball gets rushed out real quick. So what is needed? Three words, pace, pace and some more pace, they can get the ball in the middle with their ruck dominance of Cox & Nit Nat (45 to Carltons 24) but they cant break through the packs and keep the ball in the forward 50m with the tackling pressure.
Fremantle defeated Kangaroos by 61 points
North brought in the talls with Goldstein, Hale, O’Keefe and Petrie all playing forward but it was their small forward in Thomas who looked the most likely to challenge the Docker defense with 5 goals. They kept within touch for the first half but then a smashing third quarter saw the Dockers kicked 10 goals and put the game from a comfortable win to a percentage booster.
Pavlich had a quiet game yet still had four goals and 20 possessions along with Sandilands and Barlow missing with a hamstring but the lesser lights in Van Berlo, Duffield and Fyfe all stood up. Wonder when Pavlich and coach Harvey will be signed?
Top Ladder after Round 10
- Geelong: 32 points – 156.08%
- Fremantle: 32 points – 122.90%
- Collingwood: 28 points – 130.18%
- St Kilda: 28 points – 121.96%
- Western Bulldogs: 24 points – 123.31%
- Carlton: 24 points – 112.81%
- Sydney: 20 points – 106.88%
- Essendon: 20 points – 95.16%
Talking Points from Round 10
- Matthew Lloyd calls him the best full back in the last 20 years but after getting 5 kicked on him, he went to his old tricks of tripping, will he get sighted and suspended for that hand?
- I think he will be having a week off as he does have a history of tripping. I also do not agree that he is the best full back in the last 15 years. He never plays on the full forward, so how can he be the best?
- and what about Buddy Franklin? Will he be suspended for the third time in 9 matches? And is it because of his size why he continues to head hit or just being clumsy?
- I have not seen the bump but he is rather clumsy.
- Fremantle are now a game clear equal first on the ladder, is it time to take them serious?
- Yes and that is from a West Coast supporter…
- Can Brisbane, Essendon and the Hawks do enough to sneak into the 7th and 8th spot on the ladder?
- Hawks no but Brisbane and Essendon have played more consistency than what the Hawks have.
- Will Tarrent get sighted for his bread basket punch?
- It was a poor decision and Fremantle could not afford to loose both him and McPharlin.
- Will Akermanis play again?
- His form has not warranted his selection and I think a Hill and Stack have taken his spot in the side.
- Do you think Collingwood have really improved or again are just making up the numbers?
- Said it all year that they are pretenders.
- Does WCE Josh Kennedy’s goal kicking technique blow the theory of getting a solid run up out of the water?
- His run up reminds me of Fred Flinstone when he runs up on the bowling alley, its not text book but its effective.
May 31st, 2010 at 9:11 am
Bombers
I’m not sure how you make the assessment you have of the Bombers’ win, Jermayn. The game was even on the scoreboard at half time, the Bombers dominated most of the third quarter and the final quarter was pretty even until the final ten minutes when the Bulldogs gained the ascendency. Quite how this equates to “a football lesson”, I’m not sure.
Similarly, while Hall did kick five goals, he did not dominate Fletcher in any way. By anyone’s estimation, Fletcher would have featured in the Bombers’ best half-dozen.
Lions/Magpies
Well, perhaps a season defining game. . . I’m not sure it defied anything.
Talking points
1. FFS, Fletcher has taken on and at least broken even with (often towelled up) EVERY ONE of the best key forwards in the competition since 1993. Ablett (Snr — and Jnr), Dunstall, Lockett, Kernahan, Sumich, Bradshaw, Brown, Modra, Richardson, Neitz and the list goes on. If that doesn’t get him a rating as the best in the last twenty years, I don’t know what will.
The Bombers’ planning for the future dictates that Pears and Hooker now take the best forwards, with Fletcher in a supporting and mentoring role. “He never plays on the full forward” is just nonsense. He remains more than capable, at 35 years of age, of at least breaking even with any key forward in the game today.
Previous tripping incidents have involved a leg stuck out to obstruct an opponent. A case can easily be made that the trip of Hall was a genuine tackle aimed at the thighs that slipped down.
2. If Franklin had applied a tackle rather than a bump, this point wouldn’t get raised at all.
3. This question was answered weeks ago.
4. The Bombers look to be getting some belief and could genuinely aim for the eight. Brisbane need Brown and Fevola doing their tricks. Not sure Hawthorn have turned their form around yet.
6. Despite a poor game and plenty of off-field distraction, Akermanis did create two goals directly on Friday night. The Bulldogs are going to feature in September. It would be useful to have Akermanis’ experience and skills around at the pointy end of the season. Whether he would endure a spell in the VFL in the meantime is the big question.
7. Not up to Geelong’s class. Flat track bullies. Problems are: support for Jolley; no reliable key forward; over-reliance on crumbers for a score.
.-= aussierulesblog´s last blog ..All is not fair. . . =-.
May 31st, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@aussierulesblog, ARB, the scoreboard flattered the Bulldogs like it did the West Coast Eagles. Both teams were spanked yet the scoreboard did NOT repersent the true nature of the game.
re Fletcher: I am unsure how someone can be one of the best players when getting 5 goals kicked on you? Its not the under 10′s when everyone gets a note for being a best player because they tried hard!
I am not saying Fletcher is not in the best 5 or 6 but number one? Give me a break, its your red and black coming out thinking he is number one. SOS broke even regularly against the top full forwards in their hey days of the 80s and 90s when they all kicked 100+ goals.
.-= Jermayn´s last blog ..2010 Round 10 Wrapup =-.
May 31st, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@Jermayn,
Mate, I was sitting in the stadium watching and the Bulldogs did NOT get spanked apart from part of the third quarter (and even then they kicked two late goals). I’ve also watched the game on TV and the TV didn’t represent the live game very well.
On Fletcher: 5 goals is just five kicks that happen to be near to goals. A game of football is 100+ minutes. If the FF gets 5 kicks and kicks 5 goals and the FB gets 25 proper kicks (not like a Joel Bowden), does the FF always ‘win’ the contest?
Fletcher plays a key role in setting up Bombers attacks. I’m not one-eyed red and black and I don’t make provocative statements to get a rise out of people. SOS should have to ask to be in the same sentence as Fletcher. Tell me who SOS broke even with that Fletcher didn’t too! Fletcher played as a schoolboy against the likes of Ablett, Dunstall and Lockett. I’ve been watching the game every week for 40+ years and I haven’t seen any defender that comes close to Fletcher.
.-= aussierulesblog´s last blog ..All is not fair. . . =-.
May 31st, 2010 at 10:19 pm
What is his first job as a full back? To get 25 kicks or stop the full forward kick goals? I know today you need to develop run from the backline etc but surely your job first and foremost is to stop your opponent kick goals.
and I am sorry but Fletcher does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breathe as SOS and Scarlett. Guess that is why these type of topics always cause arguments.
June 1st, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Another good round of footy- why is this season such a tipsters nightmare? Who would have seen Richmond doing over PA and Collingwood falling apart against Bris, not to mention my guys the dogs getting shown up for pace by Ess. At the moment Geel are the only safe tip every week.
Talking points
1. He’s been an OK full back but he’s been injured so much. His best season was actually his first (didn’t he play on Kernahan in the GF?)
2.Its a risk for all big guys who can run fast but can’t turn quickly. Cam Mooney has the same problem.
3. I suspect the travel will get to them by season’s end. They are the equal of everyone except Geelong at the moment. How many games have they played in Mebourne so far? Not many that I can recall.
4.All or none of the three could do it. How would you know at the moment.
6. I think he’ll come back. he played well the first two games- he looks injured.
7. Depends on Didak, Medhurst, Davis and Swan. Wouldn’t ebholding my breath banking on those four though
8. Jim Furyk has been in the top ten golfers for years and look at his swing- who cares what it looks like its what happens when the ball is dropped that counts.
June 3rd, 2010 at 8:57 am
@Bob, Am i right that Fletcher actually came to the football club as a ruckman? But they had enough ruckmen already with Salmon, Madden etc
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Bulldogs – Rocket needs to do his job and drop the players who aren’t preforming. If they do this they might create a competitive side.
Essendon – Are playing well but I’m still not sure if they’re the real deal.
Melbourne – Are a promising side but were always going to lose to Geelong.
Geelong – Probably the only team capable of winning the flag at this stage.
Richmond – Finally won a game and have the chance to win another next week.
Port Adelaide – For the second year in a row they have got tipsters thinking at the start of the year and for the second year in a row they have been below average.
Brisbane – The sleeping (or injured) giants are awaking.
Collingwood – Have shown again they are not capable of a flag.
St Kilda – The scoreline flattered them in the end. They were not very good.
Hawthorn – Are they back? It would seem to a certain level yes. Can they consistently preform though? we will wait and see
Sydney – Are still an ok team, but without Bradshaw they will struggle.
West Coast – If they havent already they should put the cue in the rack and think about new personel. Both on the field, and in the Coaches’ box.
Carlton – Played well but still are far too inconsistent.
Fremantle – Freo Heave Ho…need I say more?
North – Have a long long long way to go to even be average.
Talking points:
1. Even though they haven’t been around as long I think Brian Lake and Matthew Scarlett are much better “Full-Backs” than Fletcher ever was.
3. Already have been for weeks now. Trust a West Coast supporter to take this long.
4. They are all a chance
6. He will but maybe he shouldn’t. I personally have run out of patience with him and that is purely because of his on-field actions. He needs to shape up (on the field) or ship out.
7. Making up the numbers…I have said it before and will say it again. With Malthouse at the helm, they will never win a flag and will never be good enough.
8. Scott Welsh already proved that theory wrong.
June 3rd, 2010 at 8:59 am
@Mike, Rocket Eade has had a history of keeping the faith with his players doesn’t he?
#3 – Freo have teased for 15 odd years and thats why us West Coast are only starting to rate them, plus we do not like them!
June 16th, 2010 at 11:06 am
It is incomprehensible to me now.the usefulness and importanceis overwhelming. Thanks and good luck!