AFL Review Round 4
Collingwood 24.17.161 defeated Richmond 13.12.90
At one stage early in the second quarter the Pies were 8 goals ahead and for some reason they allowed the Tigers right back into the game conceding 6 goals. It looked okay for Richmond until Collingwood applied their usual few minutes of pressure eventually winning the game easily by 71 points. The Tigers, although not happy with the end result, can gain some confidence in their third quarter when they outpaced and outplayed the Pies to get within 4 goals. But when a team gets close to Collingwood it seems like a sleeping giant is awoken and they play another class of footy for as long as it takes to snuff out a challenge. Swan had over 30 possessions and kicked 4 goals. I wonder who will get the Brownlow votes for the game. Collingwood meets Essendon on Anzac day and Richmond might register a win against North.
Carlton drew with Essendon
Two major Essendon injuries to Wunderlich and Dempsey did not help the Bombers much and will probably, in retrospect, say it cost them the game. Maybe. It was an exciting last quarter with the lead changing a number of times. Another draw this season! Unbelievable! A couple of late opportunities for the Blues when Simpson kicked out on the full and Fletcher ran down Garlett before he could get boot to ball for a score will be talked about as pivotal but remember it was Simpson who put the Blues in front with the last goal kicked in the match. "Inspector Gadget" Fletcher was judged best afield so not sure what that means when a 37 year old is the best player amongst such youth. Jobe Watson has certainly reached another level in his football and watch out Brownlow. The Bombers meet the Pies in their next game on Anzac Day and Carlton play Adelaide.
Hawthorn 10.12.72 defeated West Coast 9.11.65
The result was much closer than expected so is Hawthorn as good as they say they are and are the Eagles as bad as we say they are? If West Coast can win some of the close games they might be a final 8 contender. Franklin seems to have emerged as the match saver in the game kicking six for the day but his three goals in the last quarter was the difference. Sam Mitchell had the ball 37 times so his impact was also significant. Priddis played a great game for the Eagles and Kennedy was the avenue to goal for West Coast kicking 4. Rumour has it that Whoosha's coaching position is in doubt but maybe he can get the West Coast to a reasonable position if they can maintain this early season form. If the Hawks are on the second line of betting for the premiership then for the Pies it's a cakewalk!
Port Adelaide14.14.98 defeated Adelaide 9.12.66
Well who would have thought? At the end of the first quarter it was a question of Adelaide by how much. After the first quarter there was a total form reversal by both teams with Port, who were down by 5 goals kicking 14 while the Crows kicked 5, allowing Port to win by 5 goals. Rodan was a real spark for the Power but Westhoff with 2 goals, 10 marks and 24 touches won man of the match award. Port's miserable start to the season looks a lot brighter with games against the Suns and North to come but Adelaide looks like repeating last year's start as they have to play Carlton and St Kilda.
Geelong 11.15.81 defeated Sydney 7.12.54
The game was played in wet, tough conditions and that was a telling factor for Sydney who has had 3 tough games and a trip to the west. Geelong was far too good in the end and remains undefeated, like Collingwood, at the end of 4 rounds. Chapman and Johnson were match winners for the Cats and Jacks and Kennedy tried hard for the Swans. It's possible that Johno's mark might win him mark of the year although it's a bit early to say. Geelong has a tough one against Hawthorn next week and Sydney gets a bye.
Melbourne 23.21.159 defeated Gold Coast 9.15.69
The Suns kicked their highest score and also won a quarter of football. All good signs for the Gold Coast but it would have been too much to think they would finish a lot closer than they did. Some much needed percentage for the Demons, another lesson for the Suns. An 8 goal to 1 last quarter was extremely disappointing for Gold Coast. There's nothing like urinating in public to give a guy motivation to play great footy and Brent Maloney of Melbourne showed why he should be re-instated as vice captain. He had 32 possessions and kicked a goal and was ably assisted by Trengrove a 2nd year player for the Dees. Swallow for the Suns showed his class but with Ablett and Brown missing from their side Gold Coast were going to struggle even more. Melbourne also has a bye next week and Gold Coast…..well it doesn't matter does it?
Fremantle 18.19.127 defeated North Melbourne 14.14.98
As expected the Dockers took a while to shake North Melbourne off but they played a premiership 3rd quarter which gave them a match winning lead. A nice start to the season for Freo and it's still disastrous for North. The Dockers lost another player with a broken leg, not a common injury in football so a bit unlucky. Young Nick Suban was going okay for them as well before that tragic injury. Pavlich was dominant with 34 possessions and Ballantyne kicked 4 goals for the Dockers. Swallow was the best for North. Freo gets another game at home when they play the Western Bulldogs.
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