AFL - Round 16 {R}

[ScouseCat]

FRIDAY JULY 16
West Coast Eagles vs Essendon
Subiaco Oval 6:40 PM AWST

SATURDAY JULY 17
Carlton vs Kangaroos
Optus Oval 2:10 PM AEST

Richmond vs St Kilda
Telstra Dome 2:10 PM AEST

Collingwood vs Brisbane Lions
MCG 7:10 PM AEST

Adelaide vs Fremantle
AAMI Stadium 7:10 PM ACST

SUNDAY JULY 18
Geelong vs Sydney Swans
Skilled Stadium 1:10 PM AEST

Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide
MCG 2:10 PM AEST

Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs
Telstra Dome 2:10 PM AEST

[babytiger2001]

Couldn't possibly get any tighter at the top...

AFL ladder in detail (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/ladder/index.html)

1. St Kilda 15 11 4 0 1682 1278 131.61 44
2. Brisbane 15 11 4 0 1659 1307 126.93 44
3. Port Adelaide 15 11 4 0 1663 1332 124.84 44
4. Melbourne 15 11 4 0 1574 1320 119.24 44
5. Geelong 15 9 6 0 1380 1236 111.65 36
6. Essendon 15 9 6 0 1607 1538 104.48 36
7. Sydney 15 9 6 0 1305 1260 103.57 36
8. North Melbourne 15 8 7 0 1508 1388 108.64 32
====================================================
9. Fremantle 15 8 7 0 1335 1250 106.8 32
10. West Coast 15 7 8 0 1336 1502 88.94 28
11. Carlton 15 6 9 0 1294 1584 81.69 24
12. Adelaide 15 5 10 0 1398 1367 102.26 20
13. Collingwood 15 5 10 0 1238 1391 89 20
14. Western Bulldogs 15 4 11 0 1377 1659 83 16
15. Richmond 15 4 11 0 1165 1642 70.95 16
16. Hawthorn 15 2 13 0 1159 1626 71.27 8


And should there be a slip-up by one of the top four or if St. Kilda continues its meltdown, whenever happens first, Geelong will be ready to pounce on a double-chance in September.

I know that the weekly threads are intended for discussion and review of that round particular round alone, but my goodness, the Round 18 clash between the Cats and the Saints at Kardinia Park is looking damn juicy at the moment.

[babytiger2001]

Tuesday's news rub...

West Coast v Essendon
Sheedy makes Eagles favourites -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/12/1089484303383.html) A little reverse psychology from the master?

It's death for birds at Subi Oval -- The West Australian (http://www.thewest.com.au/20040713/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto128019.html) Human interest stuff from our friends in the West

Eagles bank on Chick, Jones -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040713/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto127993.html)

Sheedy hints at shock inclusion for Dons -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10120861%255E19764,00.html)

Barnesy sends mixed message -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10118773%255E19764,00.html)


Carlton v North Melbourne
Dr. Jekyll Blues follow hidings -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10121336%255E19762,00.html)

Kangas gaining in confidence: Grant -- North Melbourne's official site, via Sportal (http://kangaroosfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=159972)


Richmond v St. Kilda
AFL errs in censoring -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/12/1089484303139.html) The fallout continues from Grant Thomas' criticism last week

St. Kilda's winners are indisposed -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/12/1089484303128.html)

Coaches clash for comment -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/12/1089484303136.html)

Saints remain upbeat -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10121032%255E19772,00.html)

Casey guard up as Schwab bid builds -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10120850%255E19771,00.html)

Injury woes for Saints -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160013)


Collingwood v Brisbane
Tarrant won't front Tribunal -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10121024%255E19763,00.html)

PIes laugh off Aker's fitness claim -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10121037%255E19763,00.html)

Tribunal: Brown to take his medicine -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10121029%255E19763,00.html)

Lions' Brown set to plead guilty -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/12/1089484303377.html)

Clement makes light of Akermanis jibe -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/12/1089484303386.html)

Lynch saga must go on the record, says Matthews -- Brisbane Courier Mail (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10116920%255E10389,00.html)


Adelaide v Fremantle
Goodwin eases back -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10121337%255E19761,00.html)

Goodwin ready for return -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10122020%255E25397,00.html)

Parker pushes for Crows promotion -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10122017%255E21544,00.html)

Waterhouse fights for survival -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040713/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto127989.html)

Connolly puts brave face on fall from grace -- The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10119148%255E2722,00.html)


Geelong v Sydney
Kelly shrugs off bad break -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10121165%255E19766,00.html)

Finger of fate nabs Moloney -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10121064%255E19766,00.html)

Cats' Kelly rues his toughest break -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/12/1089484303380.html)

Swans break new ground -- Sydney Morning Herald (http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/12/1089484305371.html)

In addition, I'll be chasing up the news tonight regarding Matthew Scarlett's date at the tribunal (a trumped-up charge, trust me on that)...


Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
Hawks' captaincy on the table, says Schwab -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/12/1089484308450.html)

Crawford's captaincy in doubt -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10122027%255E19767,00.html)

Power faces no-win situation against Hawks -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10122028%255E25397,00.html)


Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Rhode treads carefully -- Western Bulldogs official site, via Sportal (http://westernbulldogs.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160044)

Rohde wants to avoid confidence skid -- Western Bulldogs official site, via Sportal (http://westernbulldogs.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160039) Nice article written by Tim Lane's gorgeous daughter

[babytiger2001]

Geelong v Sydney
<snip>

In addition, I'll be chasing up the news tonight regarding Matthew Scarlett's date at the tribunal (a trumped-up charge, trust me on that)...

Melbourne radio station 3AW just reported on its "Sports Tonight" show that Matthew Scarlett was acquitted of any misconduct charges tonight, and will play against Sydney this weekend.

The forthcoming Scarlett vs. Barry Hall matchup should be something to behold...

Meanwhile, Brisbane's Jonathan Brown copped a four-week ban from the Tribunal, and even that was after Brown submitted a guilty plea.

[babytiger2001]

Melbourne radio station 3AW just reported on its "Sports Tonight" show that Matthew Scarlett was acquitted of any misconduct charges tonight, and will play against Sydney this weekend.

The forthcoming Scarlett vs. Barry Hall matchup should be something to behold...

Meanwhile, Brisbane's Jonathan Brown copped a four-week ban from the Tribunal, and even that was after Brown submitted a guilty plea.

And here we are, the items in print...

Scarlett cleared at tribunal -- foxsports.news.com.au (http://www.foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,10129239-23210,00.html)

Brown suspended for four games -- foxsports.news.com.au (http://www.foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,10128929-23210,00.html)

[ScouseCat]

I know that the weekly threads are intended for discussion and review of that round particular round alone, but my goodness, the Round 18 clash between the Cats and the Saints at Kardinia Park is looking damn juicy at the moment.
One week at a time my friend... lets focus on beating Sydney this week and then take it from there!

[ScouseCat]

Melbourne radio station 3AW just reported on its "Sports Tonight" show that Matthew Scarlett was acquitted of any misconduct charges tonight, and will play against Sydney this weekend.
It was almost like I was phoning in direct from the tribunal last night with the updates, so good was 3AW's coverage of what happened. Good to see an umpire coming to Geelong's assistance for a change, and we didn't even have to pay them $20K like James Hird did! :D

[babytiger2001]

It was almost like I was phoning in direct from the tribunal last night with the updates, so good was 3AW's coverage of what happened. Good to see an umpire coming to Geelong's assistance for a change, and we didn't even have to pay them $20K like James Hird did! :D

"The best $20,000 the Essendon Football Club ever spent!", as Triple M's James Brayshaw's uttered a few times on the radio this season. :p

Speaking of Hird, his influence will certainly be missing for the next several weeks. The Bombers have been sliding down the ladder before last week, but maybe that slide will continue now, in light of their captain's rib injury.

[babytiger2001]

One week at a time my friend... lets focus on beating Sydney this week and then take it from there!

Which I think we will do... watch this space for my tips tomorrow! :)

[babytiger2001]

The Wednesday edition...

West Coast v Essendon
Emerging Eagle hopes to build big partnership -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/13/1089694357746.html)

Seaby plans long stay -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040714/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128062.html)

Rule Hird out at your peril -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10132229%255E19764,00.html)

McPhee remains a Bomber -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160175)


Carlton v North Melbourne
Payback time for Fevola, says Pagan -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/13/1089694357760.html) That's right, The Shag is back this week!

Talk is cheap, says Pagan -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10131510%255E19762,00.html)


Richmond v St. Kilda
Bowden battles sore knee -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10131315%255E19771,00.html)

Board pair stand behind Casey -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10131319%255E19771,00.html)

Gehrig remains an option for defence -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10133735%255E19772,00.html)

Key Saint's season in doubt -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/13/1089694363867.html)


Collingwood v Brisbane
The end is near, hints Lions veteran -- Brisbane Courier Mail (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,10130033%255E10389,00.html) Alistair Lynch approaches game #300 this weekend

Lynch's long journey not over -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/13/1089694357743.html)


Adelaide v Fremantle
Crows plan interviews -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10131512%255E19761,00.html)

As opportunity knocks, Hudson grabs his chance -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10133754%255E21544,00.html)

Western derby to set up finals -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040714/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128060.html) Another "looking ahead" feature, from the Perth perspective

Pavlich looks forward to milestone -- afl.com.au, via Sportal (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160138)


Geelong v Sydney
Injury timing couldn't be worse for tough Cats -- Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12138)

Williams excited by the challenge -- Sydney's official site, via Sportal (http://sydneyswans.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160016)

Skilled tickets selling like hotcakes -- Geelong's official site (http://gfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160166)


Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
Power has home final fight on its hands -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10132144%255E25397,00.html)

The coach speaks out -- Hawthorn's official site (http://hawthornfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160104)

Schwab considers Ayres approach -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160106)

MCG: No better place to play footy -- Port Adelaide's official site (http://portadelaidefc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=159902)


Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Rule risks integrity of AFL -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/13/1089694357740.html)

Rohde desperate to avoid another slaughter -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10131317%255E19775,00.html)

It's cheeky Biz-ness -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10132221%255E19769,00.html)

Daniher flags changes -- afl.com.au, via Sportal (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160189)

[ScouseCat]

watch this space for my tips tomorrow! :)
Here are my tips for this week's round of matches, looking to build on my score of 72 so far this season.

West Coast
Carlton
St Kilda
Brisbane
Adelaide
Geelong
Port Power
Melbourne

[babytiger2001]

Here are my tips for this week's round of matches, looking to build on my score of 72 so far this season.

West Coast
Carlton
St Kilda
Brisbane
Adelaide
Geelong
Port Power
Melbourne

And we have one difference of opinion... let's see if you can pick it out. :)

West Coast vs Essendon
Carlton vs North Melbourne
Richmond vs St Kilda
Collingwood vs Brisbane
Adelaide vs Fremantle
Geelong vs Sydney
Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs

Riding high on 78/120 for the season so far.

[babytiger2001]

Here's the Thursday update...

West Coast v Essendon
Essendon's injury woes fall on deaf ears -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040715/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128102.html)

McPhee gets new contract -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040715/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128103.html)

Worsfold puts the heat on Sheedy -- The Age (http://realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/14/1089694423868.html)

Bomber McPhee gets two-year deal -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10140111%255E19764,00.html)

Sheedy on familiar turf for war of words -- The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10139274%255E2722,00.html)


Carlton v North Melbourne
Rocca fuels Roos' revival -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/14/1089694423937.html)


Richmond v St. Kilda
St. Kilda's defence depleted by injury -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/14/1089694423843.html)

Coaches' pep-talk boosts Frawley -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/14/1089694423943.html)

Jackson a class act -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10142035%255E19771,00.html)

Derailed G-train no so fabulous -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10141352%255E19772,00.html)

Saints evoke echoes of '98 -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10141349%255E19772,00.html)

Schwartze and Hudghton join injury list -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10142039%255E19772,00.html)

Super contract for Saint Nick -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10140147%255E19772,00.html)

Saints trawl list for healthy defenders -- The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10139266%255E2722,00.html)


Collingwood v Brisbane
Q & A with Jason Akermanis -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10141031%255E19746,00.html) Oh, boy... this will not be dull

The dispirited Magpies -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/14/1089694423858.html)


Adelaide v Fremantle
Crows start hunt for new coach -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10141526%255E25397,00.html)

Dogged Dockers stick with youth -- The West Australian (http://thegame.thewest.com.au/20040715/afl/news/tg-afl-new-sto128110.html)

Crows face absence of Stenglein -- The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10139268%255E2722,00.html)


Geelong v Sydney
One-on-one -- Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12148) In the anticipation of the matchup pitting strength against strength, Geelong's Matthew Scarlett against Sydney's Barry Hall

Coach dissects Swans -- Geelong Advertiser (http://www.geelonginfo.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=12147)

Too wrong: Roos slams style police -- Sydney Morning Herald (http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/14/1089694426080.html)

Roos in defence of Swans stoppers -- The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10139630%255E2722,00.html)

Cats coach warns star -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/14/1089694423862.html)

Kitten set to make debut -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10140108%255E19766,00.html) Shannon Byrnes set for a recall from Geelong's VFL side


Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
Ayres return OK with Schwab -- The Herald Sun (http://heraldsun.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,10141029%255E19767,00.html)

Schwab admits job is on the line -- The Age (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/07/14/1089694423934.html)

Hardwick in doubt for Hawthorn clash -- Adelaide Advertiser (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/footy03/story_page/0,8747,10141523%255E25397,00.html)


Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Coaches seek clarification -- Melbourne's official site, via Sportal (http://demons.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160257) About what they can and cannot say about Tribunal matters... Neale Daniher, for one, is confused


And additionally, I'll have the teams, team news and analysis later on tonight.

[babytiger2001]

Round 16 teams -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160569)

Highlights of the round's selections:


Daniel Chick returns for West Coast, while Essnedon have included Mark Bolton and the much-maligned Dustin Fletcher return for Essendon in the Friday night affair at Subiaco Oval.
Brendan Fevola returns for Carlton to add some much-needed punch in the Blues' forward line against North Melbourne, whose coach Dean Laidley has handed a debut to former Essendon player Shane Harvey.
Brent Guerra returns for St. Kilda-- but the Saints are hampered by injuries to four defenders.
Richmond makes four changes for the game against the Saints.
Geelong coach Mark Thompson looks to give debuts to new recruits Shannon Byrnes and Paul Koulouriotis in the Cats' preliminary 25-man squad for Sunday's home match against Sydney, while the Swans make four changes of their own.
At least two changes for bottom-of-the-ladder Hawthorn, including one necessitated by a broken leg suffered by defender Danny Jacobs today.


Teams story (in detail) -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160567)

Fracture rules out Jacobs -- afl.com.au (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=160562)

[ScouseCat]

And we have one difference of opinion... let's see if you can pick it out. :)

Richmond vs St Kilda
I cant believe you're picking Richmond to beat St Kilda! If the Saints lose that one, they may as well pack up and go home until next year, even with a few players out of their side.

[babytiger2001]

I cant believe you're picking Richmond to beat St Kilda! If the Saints lose that one, they may as well pack up and go home until next year, even with a few players out of their side.

See, there's a method to my madness here-- and only part of it has to do with the Saints having to scrape together any kind of a makeshift back six.

Matthew Richardson is capable of kicking a bag of goals at any time, and against that defence, that's merely an invitation for him to do so.

In addition, Jay Schulz (http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=players&spg=playerprofile&personid=125271), who won the league's Rising Star award for Round 14 a couple of weeks ago, has come into a bit of form and has kicked some bags of his own. And even if Nathan Brown (a.k.a. Dr. Pink) doesn't kick a few goals of his own, the Tigers should go all right. And if Dr. Pink does fire, that's gravy.

Also, bear in mind that there are players at Richmond who will be playing with a point to prove for the next coach there for next year and seasons beyond, and Danny Frawley will also want to get one more big win over a high-flying side to put on his CV to whoever he wants to coach next.

Between that and St. Kilda having lost four times out of their last five matches and all the injuries they have, it's all quite simple, really. :)

[ScouseCat]

Between that and St. Kilda having lost four times out of their last five matches and all the injuries they have, it's all quite simple, really. :)
Ah yes, I get it now... you're trying to give me a chance to catch up so it is more interesting come the last couple of rounds. :p

[babytiger2001]

Ah yes, I get it now... you're trying to give me a chance to catch up so it is more interesting come the last couple of rounds. :p

If you want to believe that, that's fine with me. ;)

But I think I'm getting 8/8 this week.

[ScouseCat]

But I think I'm getting 8/8 this week.
But you say that every week! :p

In all seriousness though, the weather forecast tomorrow of showers, hail and a top temperature of 12 degrees celcius, should suit St Kilda who have more options in the midfield then Richmond do at the moment. Nathan Brown would need to get 40 possessions for the Tigers to be a chance.

[babytiger2001]

Friday Night Footy, from Subiaco Oval in Perth, just completed, between West Coast and Essendon:
West Coast 18.9 (117)
Essendon 10.13 (73)

Reports forthcoming in the morning...