 | | The Kangaroos v Swans game had some tense moments |
by Libby Grounds
Carlton vs. Essendon
The pre-season champions have notched up their first win of the season overcoming a strong Bombers side on Friday night. It looked like their inaccurate kicking was going to cost them the game until a revival saw them boot seven majors in the final quarter to win by 4-points. Some extra kicking practice at training this week is sure to be at the top of Dennis Pagan’s ‘to do’ list. A loss wasn’t the only thing that soured the game for the Bombers with Dean Solomon having to face the tribunal this week charged with engaging in rough play. Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne
The Demons were almost robbed of a stunning victory after the Bulldogs launched an incredible comeback. With only a five day turnover and a alcohol ban put in place by their coach Rodney Eades the Bulldogs were determined to pull off their second back to back win since 2002. Unfortunately for them, the cards were stacked against them and the loss of skipper Chris Grant and Jordan McMahon before the start of play. To the Bulldogs credit, they were able to drag themselves from a 56-point deficit in the second quarter to be down just 12-points in the last term. It was a fighting comeback but too little too late. North Melbourne vs. Sydney
The Roos put on a fantastic game at their adopted home ground on Saturday to keep up their unbeaten record for the season. The Swans didn’t go down without a fight and they were up by 17-points midway through the third term but the Roos regained the momentum and came out victorious. It was a scrappy affair, of which neither team will be too proud, with inaccuracy being the major problem. Kicking practice will also be on the schedule for the Swans this week. West Coast Eagles vs. Geelong
West Coast gave their sell out crowd a game and a half when they downed the Cats by 22-points. There were a number of injuries and one report coming out of Saturday’s clash. Poor kicking in the first term, with one major and six behinds plagued the Cats. Credit must be given to the Eagles who worked tirelessly as a team to bring a strong performance to out do a very strong Cats outfit. Port Adelaide vs. Brisbane
It was the grand final rematch and was always set to be a thriller. It didn’t disappoint! It was a back and forth scoring for the first half until the Power took control in the third to lead the break 27-points in the clear. When the Lions are your opponents, you’ve never won the game until the final siren sounds and they showed they still had plenty more fight in them. The Port Adelaide supporters were given a heart stopping final quarter with the opposition coming within two-points. It was difficult task for the players to keep their mind on the game with a steady barrage of off the ball play stealing much of the show. The Power proved why they were 2004 premiers. St Kilda vs. Fremantle
The Saints scraped home by one point to beat the Dockers in Launceston on Sunday afternoon. It was a nail-biting finish the saw St Kilda just make it over the line in a thrilling game. Both teams had to contend with very windy, rainy conditions with contributed to a low scoring game with large breaks of little or no scoring. The Dockers lost two key players before the match in Robert Haddrill and Aaron Sandilands, which didn’t help their cause. For them, this loss continues their bad record across the Tasman. Collingwood vs. Adelaide
The Crows barely slid across the line to take out a win over the Magpies by 6-points. It wasn’t until the last term that the game got exciting as the late Pies surge almost bought the Crows undone. It was the inaccurate kicking with four behinds that was the Pies downfall. The Pies two main kickers in Anthony Rocca and Chris Tarrant weren’t on target and scored a dismal 2.7 between them. It wasn’t only the forwards that were suffering, the Crows midfield also had the composure to bring the Pies to their knees. Hawthorn vs. Richmond
Tipped to be the battle of the wooden spooners, the MCG held a game more exciting than anyone expected. The Tigers were able to notch up their first win under new coach Terry Wallace and break their 15 match losing streak in the process. It wasn’t a game filled with fine play, but more about passion. It was sensed in both teams the desire to break the mould and get a win for the season. The Hawks were plagued by off centre kicking ending with 17 behinds that could have swung the game in their favour had they been more accurate. E-mail the author
source: MasterTips
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