Essendon vs West Coast vs Fremantle: NAB Cup triple-header live scores, blog
Roar Guru By The Roar, 19 Feb 2012 The Roar is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- AFL, Essendon Bombers, Fremantle Dockers, live blog, NAB Cup, West Coast Eagles
Tonight’s NAB Cup games feature Essendon travelling west to take on both West Coast and Fremantle in the triple-header which will feature the Eagles taking on the Dockers in the much anticipated derby between the two rivals. Join us for live scores and blog from 4:30pm local (7:30pm ADST)
Essendon Bombers
The Bombers head to Patersons Stadium in Perth to take on the local teams, and it will be a point of interest to note their approach to the NAB Cup. The Dons made the grand final of the NAB Cup in 2011, and started the AFL season well, but peaked early and struggled in the back-half of the season.
Mark McVeigh is one of the few seasoned players making the road-trip, with captain Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton, Dustin Fletcher and Michael Hurley all missing.
“Last year we went into the NAB Cup just wanting to play all the guys we possibly could,” McVeigh said.
“This year you might see an even balance in terms of the whole list playing. Some guys will be playing a half on the weekend, some will play a half in a couple of weeks’ time. It’s going to be a real mixture this year.”
The Bombers will be looking to show they are faster and stronger than later year, with skipper Jobe Watson to lead a side that have been put through a tough pre-season under new fitness staff at Windy Hill.
Defender Courtenay Dempsey will play his first game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in round four last season. He will be joined by a young midfield, that has impressed Watson during the pre-season.
“It has been really pleasing to see Jake Melksham, Dyson Heppell, Trav Colyer — those guys, the way they have developed they will be able to spend a lot more time in the middle,” Hird said.
No one will be looking at the scoreboard too closely for these first round clashes – more watching the skills of the younger players and their energy and enthusiasm.
Fremantle Dockers
Fremantle will be under-strength with a depth tester in the opening round of the NAB Cup for the side, with a host of players missing.
Midfielder Michael Barlow has soreness in the leg he broke more than 18 months ago and is not expected to play until later in the pre-season, while David Mundy (ankle) is in doubt for the club’s season opener against Geelong on March 31.
Other key players not selected for Sunday’s NAB Cup triple-header are Luke McPharlin, Alex Silvagni, Anthony Morabito, Kepler Bradley, Antoni Grover and Jon Griffin.
New recruits Lachie Neale, Tom Sheridan, Hayden Crozier, Lee Spurr, Haiden Schloithe and Sam Menagola have all been named, meanwhile, and will be given opportunities.
Forward Matt de Boer says it’s a challenge but an opportunity for the young side.
“The younger boys are jumping out of their skin to get out there,” said
“We’ve got a lot of good talent and it’s good to test our depth so early and on a big stage here at home.
“All the boys have been working hard and we can’t wait to get out there and show what we’ve got.”
Ross Lyon heads the club for the first time, and his approach from his team and his approach to the opposition will be closely watched.
De Boer said changes under the former St Kilda coach would be subtle.
“Obviously we’ve been testing it against ourselves, but testing it out here on Sunday will be a whole new level again and it will be good to test it under game speed and game pressure,” he said. “It’ll be hard to tell [changes] I think.”
West Coast Eagles
The Eagles begin their NAB Cup campaign on their home turf at Patersons Stadium, but without star forward Mark LeCras, who is gone for the season with knee troubles.
West Coast will also be without veterans Daniel Kerr (finger) and ruckman Nic Naitanui (chest) missing from the squad.
LeCras is the big story of recent days, having snapped the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during training on Thursday, ending his season before it began.
Former Western Bulldogs forward Josh Hill gets a chance to impress and kick-start his stalled AFL career, and other young Eagles will be looking to take their chances and push their selection hopes.
Koby Stevens, Brad Sheppard and Tom Swift are three fringe players with plenty to gain from strong NAB Cup performances, among others.
The Eagles have opted against an intra-club match, while the Bombers and Dockers are fresh from a hit-out – it will be interested to see how the plan goes for West Coast.
Join us this evening for all the action from the triple-header.
Recommend this story.
The Crowd Says (71) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- AFL, Essendon Bombers, Fremantle Dockers, live blog, NAB Cup, West Coast Eagles
11:08pm
mds1970 said | 11:08pm | Report comment
After close games on Friday and Saturday, tonight was an evening of one-sided scorelines. A great day for West Coast, looking to build on their solid season last year. The midfield assumed control against Essendon, and the forwards found plenty of space. And then against Fremantle, their defence locked the Dockers out of the contest.
Fremantle were solid against Essendon, and could have won by more; but were unable to create the same opportunities when the West Coast pressure was applied.
For the Bombers, it was a night best forgotten; but there’ll be some hard work on the training track before the real stuff starts.
Thanks for joining us tonight, to end what’s been a big weekend of pre-season action. It’s great to have the footy back for a new season.
11:01pm
mds1970 said | 11:01pm | Report comment
Final score West Coast 4.6 (30) Fremantle 1.4 (10).
11:00pm
mds1970 said | 11:00pm | Report comment
Koby Stevens departs in the arms of the trainers, but could be just cramp.
Finally a Fremantle goal, Ballantyne on the run finds Mellington on the lead. 21 minutes West Coast 4.6 Fremantle 1.4
10:57pm
mds1970 said | 10:57pm | Report comment
Dean Cox again, from a tight angle, attempts his third but misses.
10:55pm
mds1970 said | 10:55pm | Report comment
Freo throwing caution to the wind, another 9-point shot misses. Eagles go down the other end, and Dean Cox faces minimal opposition to mark and kick his second.
15 minutes West Coast 4.6 Fremantle 0.4
11:01pm
Nathan of Perth said | 11:01pm | Report comment
Getting rough out there for Freo
10:53pm
mds1970 said | 10:53pm | Report comment
Fremantle get a free for deliberate out of bounds. but Chris Mayne hits the post.
Pearce on the run attempts a 9-pointer, but it’s another poster. Frustration for the Dockers.
10:51pm
mds1970 said | 10:51pm | Report comment
The Eagles win the ball on centre wing, and after a string of handballs the ball ends up with big Dean Cox who slams the goal through.
10 minutes West Coast 3.6 Fremantle 0.1
10:48pm
mds1970 said | 10:48pm | Report comment
Shannon Hurn intercepts a defensive clearance and finds Luke Shuey 30 out. No mistake from the set shot.
7 minutes West Coast 2.6 Fremantle 0.1
10:51pm
Gerry said | 10:51pm | Report comment
Freo are dead wood again this year
11:10pm
mds1970 said | 11:10pm | Report comment
The Dockers looked good against Essendon, and probably should have won by more than they did. But they’ll be disappointed that they couldn’t handle the West Coast defensive pressure in the third game.
10:44pm
mds1970 said | 10:44pm | Report comment
3 minutes into the second half, McGovern blazes away but misses – another Eagle point.
10:35pm
mds1970 said | 10:35pm | Report comment
Half time. West Coast 1.5 (11) Fremantle 0.1 (1).
The Dockers attempt a 9-point buzzer beater, but the Eagle defence just manages to get a touch on it before it bounces through.
10:33pm
mds1970 said | 10:33pm | Report comment
Finally a goal, as Weedon leads and marks 25 out. His set shot only just squeezes through.
20 Minutes. West Coast 1.5 Fremantle 0.1
10:31pm
mds1970 said | 10:31pm | Report comment
This game has been a contrast to the previous two, with concepts such as manning up, putting numbers back and resolute defence coming into play. The first two games saw loose runners creating space, but none of that this time.
Another Eagle point – 0.5 to 0.1
10:28pm
mds1970 said | 10:28pm | Report comment
Another rushed behind to the Eagles.
10:26pm
mds1970 said | 10:26pm | Report comment
It’s a battle of the defences. Two West Coast behinds, both from the boot of Jeremy McGovern, whose father was one of the original Fremantle Dockers. And a third behind, rushed under pressure.
14 Minutes West Coast 0.3 Fremantle 0.1
10:17pm
mds1970 said | 10:17pm | Report comment
After five minutes, the Dockers snap the first score, a behind.
10:14pm
mds1970 said | 10:14pm | Report comment
Already the intensity in this game is greater than the two preceding games, the tackling harder.
10:14pm
Nathan of Perth said | 10:14pm | Report comment
Bombers must have groaned when they found out they were playing at Subi. They never play well here.
10:20pm
mds1970 said | 10:20pm | Report comment
It’s been a graveyard for the Bombers since the 2004 elimination final. The one thing Essendon will take out of tonight is the satisfaction they won’t play there very often.
10:13pm
mds1970 said | 10:13pm | Report comment
De Boer in the arms of the trainers, but he’s OK to continue.
10:11pm
mds1970 said | 10:11pm | Report comment
We’re about to go in the final game, with Fremantle taking on West Coast. Freo are resting Pavlich, while the Eagles are bringing Cox and Naitanui in.
9:58pm
mds1970 said | 9:58pm | Report comment
Final score in game 2 – Fremantle 1.7.5 (56) Essendon 3.2 (20)
So the Bombers’ night is over, humiliated in both games and return to Melbourne on the bottom of the NAB Cup ladder. Up next, the feature attraction is the WA derby as Fremantle take on West Coast.
9:45pm
mds1970 said | 9:45pm | Report comment
All too easy for Fremantle as Pavlich takes a strong pack mark 15 metres out.
18 Minutes Fremantle 1.6.5 Essendon 3.2
9:41pm
mds1970 said | 9:41pm | Report comment
Jetta forces a turnover, and a penetrating kick by Davey finds Dellolio. But it’s a tight angle, and he can only manage a point.
9:39pm
mds1970 said | 9:39pm | Report comment
The sun is slowly setting, and the ground is now in shadow. And some welcome relief from the heat.
9:37pm
mds1970 said | 9:37pm | Report comment
Finally the Bombers get an inside 5nd Reimers finds Dellolio. Tight angle, but the youngster makes no mistake.
10 Minutes Fremantle 1.5.5 Essendon 3.1
Frustrations boil over with some pushing and shoving, but it’s quickly diffused.
9:34pm
mds1970 said | 9:34pm | Report comment
Neale juggles a mark 20 out and puts it through, and it’s a blowout.
7 Minutes Fremantle 1.5.5 Essendon 2.1
9:31pm
mds1970 said | 9:31pm | Report comment
50 metre penalty puts Clancee Pearce within 50. Takes a shot at 6 point goal and makes no mistake.
5 Minutes Fremantle 1.4.5 Essendon 2.1
9:29pm
mds1970 said | 9:29pm | Report comment
Quick start for the Dockers, with Adam McPhee kicking from just inside 50.
2 Minutes Fremantle 1.3.5 Essendon 2.1
9:23pm
mds1970 said | 9:23pm | Report comment
Half time Fremantle 1.2.5 (26) Essendon 2.1 (13)
Despite the super-goal, the scoreboard doesn’t do the Dockers justice, with the lopsided possession and inside 50s stats. Again, the Bombers have struggled to form any cohesive play, while the Dockers have been in complete control around the ground.
9:20pm
mds1970 said | 9:20pm | Report comment
Centre break for the Bombers, but only a point.
9:18pm
mds1970 said | 9:18pm | Report comment
Finally reward for effort for the Dockers, as Nick Suban receives a handball from Dawson and snaps a 9-pointer.
19 Minutes Fremantle 1.2.5 Essendon 2.0
9:17pm
mds1970 said | 9:17pm | Report comment
Essendon have subbed best & fairest David Zaharakis into the game. But the Dockers get possession, and big Aaron Sandilands misses a set shot from 25 out.
Ballantine on the run misses. The Dockers have had 14 inside 50s to 3, but only lead by a kick.
9:14pm
Nathan of Perth said | 9:14pm | Report comment
Woo, Eagles won their first, good signs!
9:32pm
mds1970 said | 9:32pm | Report comment
And they were very impressive. Plenty of run in oppressive heat.
9:13pm
mds1970 said | 9:13pm | Report comment
The Bombers go forward, and Angus Monfries wins a free 45 out on a tight angle. Monfries makes no mistake.
15 Minutes Fremantle 2.3 Essendon 2.0
9:09pm
mds1970 said | 9:09pm | Report comment
It could have been worse for the Bombers, with Hardingham lucky not to be pinged for holding the ball in his defensive 50. The ball spills free, and the Dockers snap a point.
9:06pm
mds1970 said | 9:06pm | Report comment
Dockers on the board again, with Chris Mayne knocking the ball backwards for Lachie Neale to snap truly.
7 Minutes. Fremantle 2.2 Essendon 1.0
9:04pm
mds1970 said | 9:04pm | Report comment
Another Freo point, and both kick-ins are intercepted. But finally the Bombers are able to get the ball forward.
David Hille marks 30 out, goes back and gets the Bombers on the board.
5 Minutes Fremantle 1.2 Essendon 1.0
9:02pm
mds1970 said | 9:02pm | Report comment
Matthew Pavlich shrugs a tackle and finds Mzungu. Quick snap at goal, but he hits the post.
9:02pm
mds1970 said | 9:02pm | Report comment
Matthew Pavlich shrugs a tackle and finds Mzungu. Quick snap at goal, but he hits the post.
9:00pm
mds1970 said | 9:00pm | Report comment
Great start for Fremantle, as Paul Duffield receives a handball 25 out and snaps truly.
1 Minute Fremantle 1.0 Essendon 0.0
8:59pm
mds1970 said | 8:59pm | Report comment
The second game is ready to.go. This will be Ross Lyon’s first appearance in the Fremantle coaching box.
Still very warm in Perth, but the crowd is over 25,000.
8:42pm
mds1970 said | 8:42pm | Report comment
James Hird would have to be disappointed. Not so much with the loss, but that the Eagles were allowed to get so much uncontested possession. But the Eagles would be delighted with the ease in which they were able to force turnovers and create space for their runners and forwards.
Next up, Essendon will be backing up to take on Fremantle.
8:39pm
mds1970 said | 8:39pm | Report comment
It’s all over, and in the most one-sided game of the NAB Cup to date West Coast 8.3 (57) has defeated Essendon 5.6 (36).
8:36pm
mds1970 said | 8:36pm | Report comment
In the dying seconds, Cory Dellolio snaps a consolation for the Bombers.
8:35pm
mds1970 said | 8:35pm | Report comment
The Bombers get a late goal back, with Nick O’Brien grubbering into the square for Crameri to soccer it through.
19 minutes West Coast 9.3 Essendon 4.6
8:33pm
mds1970 said | 8:33pm | Report comment
It’s been a free-flowing game, with few tackles and little body contact.
The Eagles go forward, and on the lead gets in front, marks and goals.
18 Minutes West Coast 9.3 Essendon 3.6
8:30pm
mds1970 said | 8:30pm | Report comment
Nicoski runs into an open goal but is brilliantly tackled by Courtenay Dempsey. Unlucky not to be rewarded with a holding the ball.
Josh Hill flee high, attempting a mark in the shadow of the posts. Mark not taken, but Masten grabbed the crumbs and gleefully pit it through from point blank range.
16 Minutes. West Coast 8.3 Essendon 3.6
8:27pm
mds1970 said | 8:27pm | Report comment
The Eagles go forward, but Hams misses from 25 out
8:26pm
mds1970 said | 8:26pm | Report comment
Slattery outside 50 can’t hold a mark, but butters up and finds Crameri 25 out. Crameri makes no mistake, and it’s a much-needed goal for the Bombers.
12 Minutes West Coast 7.2 Essendon 3.6
8:24pm
mds1970 said | 8:24pm | Report comment
Crameri from outside 50 goes for goal. Dellolio runs in, but the ball bounces from over his knee and it’s a point.
The Eagles go the length of the field without a Bomber touch, and finds Nicoski in a tight angle. But the left foot by Nicoski makes no mistake.
10 Minutes West Coast 7.2 Essendon 2.6
8:21pm
mds1970 said | 8:21pm | Report comment
Dellolio finds Crameri 45 out. But Crameri misses, when the Bombers so desperately needed a goal.
8:19pm
mds1970 said | 8:19pm | Report comment
David Hille looks for a 9-pointer but misses
8:18pm
mds1970 said | 8:18pm | Report comment
Quick reply for the Eagles, Ashton Hams taken high just inside 50 and makes no mistake.
3 Minutes. West Coast 6.2 Essendon 2.3
8:16pm
mds1970 said | 8:16pm | Report comment
Into the second half. Monfries brought down by friendly fire, but he’s OK.
The Bombers go forward, and from a throw-in Pat Ryder knocks it down to Jake Melksham who kicks truly.
1 Minute West Coast 5.2 Essendon 2.3
8:09pm
mds1970 said | 8:09pm | Report comment
Half time West Coast 5.2 (32) Essendon 1.3 (9)
It’s been one-way traffic. The Bombers defence has been poor, too many times the Eagles have been left unchecked.
8:07pm
mds1970 said | 8:07pm | Report comment
Dellolio gets a free for deliberate in the pocket,but misses.
8:06pm
mds1970 said | 8:06pm | Report comment
Howlett clears from defence, but McVeigh goes without it. Swift is there and finds an unmarked Masten, but it’s the Eagles’ first point.
Turnover from the kick in, and Nokoski gets a point.
8:04pm
mds1970 said | 8:04pm | Report comment
Centre break for the Bombers. Blaze away, but just a point.
The Eagles go end to end, and young draftee Maskoulis is left unattended to score West Coast”s fifth.
17 Minutes West Coast 5.0 Essendon 1.2
8:02pm
mds1970 said | 8:02pm | Report comment
Essendon’s defence has struggled against the Eagle forwards. The Bombers have had to go short and take time to avoid turning it over again.
But finally Travis Colyer found room to move. A run, two bounces and Essendon’s first goal. He could have gone for a 9-pointer, but safety first.
15 Minutes. West Coast 4.0 Essendon 1.1
7:57pm
mds1970 said | 7:57pm | Report comment
Bombers’ defence under pressure, and turn it over again. Nikoski unlucky not to be paid a mark 20 out.
Weedon taken high by Slattery 30 out, free paid. Weedon kicks his second, and West coast’s fourth.
11 Minutes West Coast 4.0 Essendon 0.1
7:54pm
mds1970 said | 7:54pm | Report comment
Monfries goes forward for the Bombers. Attempted mark in the pocket but it’s out on the full.
West Coast go forward, and a ling bomb by McGuinness bounces through.
7 Minutes. West Coast 3.0 Essendon 0.1
7:51pm
mds1970 said | 7:51pm | Report comment
Centre break to the Bombers. Travis Colyer blazes away but misses.
West Coast move forward, and Ashton Hams is left unmarked to run into an open goal.
4 Minutes. West Coast 2.0 Essendon 0.1
7:49pm
mds1970 said | 7:49pm | Report comment
The Eagles go forward. Anthony Long attempts to clear, but is run down and holding the ball is the decision.
It’s a tough kick for Gerrick Weedon, only 20metres out but a tight angle. But he makes no mistake.
1 Minute. West Coast 1.0 Essendon 0.0
7:46pm
mds1970 said | 7:46pm | Report comment
West Coast are kicking to the three-tiered stand end in the first half.
The umpire bounces, and we’re under way
7:46pm
mds1970 said | 7:46pm | Report comment
West Coast are kicking to the three-tiered stand end in the first half.
The umpire bounces, and we’re under way
7:39pm
mds1970 said | 7:39pm | Report comment
Essendon have run on for the first game. They’re wearing their traditional black jumper with the red sash, and red shorts.
They were followed by the Eagles. They are wearing their regular medium blue strip with the yellow yoke and a yellow Eagle logo in the middle of their jumper, with the blue shorts.
Bright sunshine for the opening game, with the temperature still around 34 degrees. Crowd is about 20,000, but still building.
7:30pm
mds1970 said | 7:30pm | Report comment
It’s been a warm day in Perth today, getting up to 37 degrees; and although the Fremantle Doctor has blown in, it’s still going to be warm conditions as the game gets under way just after 4:30pm WA time.
First up will be West Coast v Essendon. The Eagles have been rocked by a training injury, which saw Mark LeCras’s season over before it started. It’ll be a test for the young Eagle rucks, with Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui both sitting the first game out.
Subiaco has been far from a happy hunting ground for Essendon, and the Bombers haven’t won a game west of the Nullabor since 2004. And they’ll have to play both their games in the heat of the day before the local derby after sunset. The betting markets suggest that the WA teams are hot favourites to defeat Essendon, but the derby is evenly matched.