THEY SAID IT: “We need to forget last year … and live in the moment a little bit more and worry about what we’re doing now. Once an opposition gets on top of us, we’re going into our shell.” – Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir after his aspect’s early-season woes continued, the Dockers slipping to a 1-3 report.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Adelaide’s Jordan Dawson was a considerably controversial Showdown Medal winner in spherical three, however was sensational in his group’s 39-point win over Fremantle. The Crows captain tallied 28 disposals, a purpose, 5 clearances, six tackles, 5 inside-50s and 5 rebound-50s as a key contributor towards the Dockers.
THE MOMENT: Ollie Florent had the chance to be a Harbour City hero when lining up a set shot with an injury-hit Sydney trailing Port Adelaide by two factors because the clock ticked right down to the ultimate siren. The Swans midfielder seemed to have nailed the kick and ran away celebrating because the siren sounded, as did Callum Mills and Lance Franklin on the goal-line, however a powerful breeze held the ball up and it dropped simply in time for former Swan Aliir Aliir to get a hand on it inside the sphere of play. It was a merciless blow for Florent, who had been excellent on the night time with game-highs for disposals (33), kicks (24) and metres gained (890), in addition to snaring an earlier purpose. But he was left to rue the dearth of penetration on his last-gasp shot.
TALKING POINT 1: Essendon coach Brad Scott joined North Melbourne’s Alastair Clarkson and Richmond’s Damien Hardwick in querying whether or not golf equipment ought to be capable to decide 23-player groups quite than itemizing 22 and naming a substitute from their emergencies. Coaches are bemused and pissed off by having to drop a participant they all the time deliberate to make use of – even when instead.
TALKING POINT 2: Bring again the torp? Jake Stringer’s barrel on the run through the last quarter of Essendon’s win over GWS was the spotlight in a scrappy affair blighted by poor accuracy in entrance of purpose. It capped an essential show from Stringer, who bounced again from a delayed begin to the season and a quiet outing in spherical three with 4.6 from 15 disposals.
STATS THAT MATTER: Geelong posted 10.5 (65) and held Hawthorn scoreless throughout a dominant third quarter that arrange the reigning premiers’ first win of the season. It was the Cats’ equal fifth-highest third-quarter tally in historical past and second-highest rating in any quarter towards the Hawks.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Richmond’s Tom Lynch is dealing with a minimal three-match ban after being despatched straight to the AFL Tribunal for his bump on Alex Keath in a marking contest. Carlton spearhead Harry McKay acquired a one-match ban for a excessive bump on North’s Harry Sheezel. Adelaide’s Jake Soligo has been slapped with a $2500 high-quality for making contact with a purpose umpire whereas celebrating his soccered purpose, however he can settle for a $2000 high-quality with an early responsible plea. Port Adelaide ruckman Scott Lycett can settle for a $2000 high-quality for his tough conduct cost. Hawthorn’s Will Day and Geelong’s Gary Rohan face scrutiny over sling tackles and Hawks ruckman Lloyd Meek may very well be in bother for kneeing Mark Blicavs.
INJURIES: T Lynch (Rich, foot), T Nankervis (Rich, ankle), J Graham (Rich, hamstring), A Keath (Bulldogs, concussion), H Crozier (Bulldogs, again), J Bytel (StOkay, ankle), P McCartin (Syd, head knock) T McCartin (Syd, concussion), M Hibberd (Melb, Achilles), J Lever (Melb, ankle), J Bews (Geel, concussion).
WHAT’S NEXT: The AFL world will converge in Adelaide for the inaugural Gather Round. Adelaide will kick off proceedings on Thursday night time towards the in-form Blues. There’ll be a Friday night time double-header, with Fremantle taking over Gold Coast earlier than Richmond play Sydney. Essendon face Melbourne on Saturday, whereas the spherical concludes with an intriguing battle between Collingwood and St Kilda.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
