Essendon and the Western Bulldogs kicked off the round on Friday night at The Dome. The Bombers led all night and despite the Bulldogs throwing everything at their western suburb neighbour couldn’t get within 10-points. Matthew Lloyd kicked five goals in Essendon’s 26-point victory – the team’s fifth successive win.
Traditional rivals Carlton and Collingwood went head to head at the MCG yesterday. Both teams were desperate for the four points and it was Carlton that came away with the Peter Mac Cup. The Blues kicked six goals to one in the final term to win by nine points. Brendan Fevola starred up forward and finished with six goals. The loss was Collingwood’s six successive defeat and they still sit in 16th position on the ladder.
The Brisbane Lions led the Kangaroos at every change at The Dome last night and ran out comfortable 44-point victors. The Lions midfield dominated centre clearances - Nigel Lappin finished with 28 disposals and Simon Black collected 23 possessions. The only negative to come out of the game for Brisbane was the ankle injury to star forward Alistair Lynch in the second term. At this stage it is not known how long Lynch will be sidelined.
St.Kilda continued to prove that they are the real deal this season when they recorded a 23-point win against Fremantle at Subiaco yesterday. Nick Riewoldt was the star of the show taking 12 marks and he finished with 21 touches. Fraser Gehrig still leads the AFL goal kicking tally after booting four in the Saints seventh straight win.
Adelaide took the points in the local derby against Port Adelaide yesterday. It was the Crows first win against its home state rival since 2000 and its second victory this season. Brownlow medallist Mark Ricciuto was at his brilliant best – he finished with 18 kicks and 18 handballs. A seven goal to two second term set up Adelaide’s 32-point victory.
Melbourne continued its winning form today against West Coast. The final result never looked in danger with the Demons in control all game. Russell Robertson was Melbourne’s best and finished with five goals. Melbourne’s 49-point win is its sixth straight victory.
Richmond produced the upset of the round today at the SCG. No one gave the Tigers a chance against Sydney and ended up winning by 13 points. Matthew Richardson booted seven goals straight and was instrumental in his team’s third victory for the season.
Geelong and Hawthorn completed Round 7 tonight in the season’s first twilight match. Geelong outclassed Hawthorn by 56-points and posted its third win for the season. After a stressful week, things are not looking much brighter for Hawthorn this week. The club has lost its past six matches and is sitting down the bottom end of the ladder.
Round 8:Friday, May 14th
Adelaide v Essendon – AAMI Stadium
Saturday, May 15th
Richmond v Western Bulldogs - MCG
West Coast v Sydney – Subiaco
Brisbane Lions v Carlton – Gabba
St.Kilda v Collingwood – The Dome
Sunday, May 16th
Hawthorn v Fremantle – York Park
Geelong v Melbourne – Skilled Stadium
Kangaroos v Port Adelaide – The Dome
