The Demons chalked up their 14th win of the season, outclassing Hawthorn at the MCG this afternoon. David Neitz (five goals) and Ruseel Robertson (four goals) did the damage up forward but it was the work of Jeff White, Adem Yze and Travis Johnstone in the midfield that set up the win. Joel Smith and Peter Everitt tried hard for the Hawks but had precious little support.
West Coast scored an unimpressive 49-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval. West Coast never really got out of second gear but were still far too good for an undermanned Bulldogs outfit. Chad Fletcher, Daniel Kerr and Chris Judd cut the Bulldogs up in the midfield and youngster Beau Waters was also very impressive. Scott West – playing his 250th game for the Bulldogs was (as has so often been the case) his team’s best player.
Geelong fought back doggedly after being headed to score a seven-point win over St Kilda at Skilled Stadium in one of the games of the season. The Cats jumped the Saints early leading by 33 point early in the second term. The Saints responded magnificently, a seven-goal burst seeing them head into the main break with their noses in front. However it was the Cats that stood firm in an enthralling second half. Steve Johnson, Steven King and Josh Hunt were magnificent for the winners. Luke Ball and Robert Harvey were best for the Saints.
Adelaide and the Kangaroos produced the worst game of football for the season – they may actually have locked the gates to keep the crowd in! It was Adelaide who prevailed by seven points and they have now made life tough for the Kangaroos as they push for a finals berth. Tyson Edwards and Nathan Bassett rate a mention and perhaps Shannon Grant for the Kangaroos but the rest of them should hang their heads in shame.
In a bottom-of the-table clash, Collingwood fell in by five points against a determined Richmond side. James Clement and Richard Cole were best for the magpies while Joel Bowden and Kane Johnson did well for the Tigers. Ty Zantuck also produced one of his best games for the season, kicking four goals.
Sydney appears to be the only side in the AFL that holds any fears for the Brisbane Lions – the Swans prevailing at the SCG by 32-points. The Swans were superb, tackling ferociously and using the ball much better than an out-of-sorts Brisbane. Ryan O’Keefe was best on ground and his reputation continues to grow. Luke Ablett and Paul Bevan were other good players for the winners. Tim Notting and Michael Voss were best for the Lions.
Fremantle sealed its finals position, getting over Carlton by 48-points at Optus Oval. A seven-goal final term from Fremantle snuffed out any hopes the Blues had of making the finals. Matthew Pavlich was outstanding as was Peter Bell and Justin Longmuir. Anthony Koutoufides showed he still has plenty of good football left in him for the Blues.
