An historic moment for the AFL as the first home and away match is played outside Australia – St Kilda and Sydney Swans breaking new ground in New Zealand. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 5.50pm AEST.
St Kilda has for a long time suggested it would be keen to take a game or two internationally, with the AFL finally agreeing to do so on ANZAC Day as a way to showcase Australia’s premier sport ‘across the ditch’.
But they will need to bring more than their A-game today as they try to hold off last year’s premiers.
The Sydney Swans are coming off a tough loss to Geelong last week, but are showing that they are right on the mark in their defence of the title.
The Saints really did disappoint last week against a rampant Essendon, really struggling to get going in the match.
The performance has seen Stephen Milne suspended for a low act, Farren Ray, Tom Simpkin and Terry Milera dropped and Beau Maister, who has been a strong focal point in the forward line miss this game with a hand injury.
It really does decimate their small forwards, but could give Nick Riewoldt a stronger chance to make a leap – but he must hold his marks.
Lenny Hayes has been a little off from his stand-out season last year and will need a boost today, while the midfield needs to try their best to stop the Swans winning the clearance count, which looks a mighty tough task.
If there is a positive to come from the changes is that Justin Koschitzke and Sean Dempster make their returns.
The Swans will know their traveling record of late has been very impressive, so going to a foreign land won’t worry them too much.
They’ll also be happy to know the Westpac Stadium is one that is reminiscent of the SCG – about the same length and a little narrower.
One thing that was very unlike Sydney last week was their low tackle count, with less than 50 next to their name. Expect that to lift a fair bit today with the usual Bloods fight to come back against a lower team.
Craig Bird coming back is a great inclusion for Sydney – he comes in for Mitch Morton. The other omission is that of Lewis Roberts-Thomson with a knee injury.
We’re hoping St Kilda can step up to the challenge and put on a good show against the Swans. The AFL will almost be relying on it. Coverage begins from 5.50pm AEST.
Gilbe'rt
Guest
Pretty simple there old mate Nathan... It's all in the history books you just have to avoid Melbourne propaganda... Melbourne Rules was the b*st*rdising of Gealic Football & Rugby Football of the time so no Melbourne Rules wasn't 'invented'. The Rules were altered to have kicking and less running because the grounds were perceived to be 'too hard' compared to the 'lush' grounds of the UK & Ireland. Because of the Gold found in NZ and South Africa in the late 1800's, Melbournians took 'their game' with them. Melbournians also tried to export it to NSW & Queensland and other parts of the Commonwealth where a Cricket Pitch could be used, in all places it withered and died a natural death except South & West Australia , where grounds were also 'hard'. So after 150 yrs still no other country on the planet thinks 'Melbourne's Rules' are a good idea... Pat on the back Melbourne... Whereas NZ are now Rugby World Cup Champions... Pat in the back NZ... To tell you the truth I was stumped that The All Australians did not play The All Blacks of NZ...
me too
Guest
Swans supporter? 19 frees to 11 in the Swans favour. Four goals from frees to none in the Swans favour. Gee those umps must hate you guys.
Ol' Mule
Guest
He is saying that while Australians are inventive and came up with their own game, the good old New Zealanders just adopted what their Imperial masters told them to play. Pat on the head to you New Zealand!
Nathan of Perth
Guest
I can't even pretend to know what you're saying there.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
More than I thought, although that would be scattered across the many different population centrres of New Zealand. The fact half of them would come from NSW and QLD and would be less interested in attending a game that would go from basically 8-11 on a weeknight. Thanks for the stats.
Gilbe'rt
Guest
Last time I checked ANZAC included NZ playing... At a guess Melbourne's Rules won't be doing much in NZ... So the Aborigines invented Melbourne Rules 40,000 years ago BUT NZ still only plays International Sports...
Ratta
Guest
About 70,000 Aussies live in NZ
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Loved 'em both, great performances, especially! Stan Walker's performance.
Rich_daddy
Roar Guru
Umpires did their best tonight to keep the saints in it. McGlynn had his head ripped off in the third, where was the free? Did not see one holding the ball given in defensive 50 either.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Exactly how many Australians do we think have moved to New Zealand to be ex-pats? We know from the Mayor that about 5k were able to come over with plane & accom restrictions. So that's a pretty nifty turnout!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) def. St Kilda 9.9 (63) The result is most important out of most things, but the fact that 22500 rocked up to Westpac Stadium is a good thing for the AFL. Sure, plenty of ex-pat Aussies. But they would've dragged along with odd local. The conditions made it tough for a great spectacle. But it was a dour struggle the whole time and at least it was a contest. Well done to both teams for trying to scrap it out. Thanks for joining the coverage. Have your thoughts below on the match. I'll join you for Friday night football in Perth for what is another tradition around ANZAC Day - the Len Hall Tribute Game for the Fremantle Dockers as they host Richmond. Twitter - @TheSportsFreak
micka
Guest
Liked it TSF. As if I was there. Now on to youtube to watch the bastard.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) def. St Kilda 9.9 (63) Quarter by Quarter St Kilda 3.1 5.3 6.6 9.9 (63) Sydney Swans 3.3 6.7 9.13 11.13 (79) Goalscorers STK (7) – Nick Riewoldt 2, Leigh Montagna 2, Justin Koschitzke 1, Sebastian Ross 1, Trent Dennis-Lane 1, Jarryn Geary 1, Jack Steven 1 SYD (9) – Ben McGlynn 2, Luke Parker 2, Josh Kennedy 1, Ted Richards 1, Jarrad McVeigh 1, Kieren Jack 1, Jude Bolton 1, Adam Goodes 1, Shane Mumford 1 Team Stats Disposals: SYD 363-324; Disposal Efficiency: SYD 64%-57%; Kicking Efficiency: SYD 57%-52%; Contested Possessions: STK 166-164; Marks: STK 67-64; Clearances: LEVEL 43-43; Tackles: STK 96-89; Inside 50’s: SYD 59-50; Hitouts: SYD 55-36 Player Stats Daniel Hannebery (SYD) 30 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50’s Josh Kennedy (SYD) 25 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 7 tackles, 9 inside 50’s, 1 goal Lenny Hayes (STK) 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 8 tackles, 4 inside 50’s, 1 goal assist Nick Riewoldt (STK) 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 13 marks (3 contested marks), 5 rebound 50’s, 6 tackles, 2 goals, 1 goal assist
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) def. St Kilda 9.9 (63) Nice to know the NZ Prime Minister John Key gets a similar rousing boo from the locals like when any of our PM's!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) def. St Kilda 9.9 (63) The ANZAC Medal for best conduct and courage in tonight's game goes to Dan Hannebery from Sydney The Sydney Swans presented the Simpson-Henderson Trophy
Gayle Harding
Guest
Please check date on results.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) def. St Kilda 9.9 (63) It was a tough grind tonight - the greasy conditions and small dimensions of the ground meant it should have been perfect for the Swans. In a way it was, but St Kilda did a great job of at least competing well - lots of contested ball and tackles galore to keep the pressure on the Swans. But Sydney's third quarter was where they won it. Luke Parker and Daniel Hannebery were fantastic. Sydney win by 16 points.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) def. St Kilda 9.9 (63) Last chance for the Swans. Luke Parker marks at half forward. Short ball to Jetta on the flank. Pops it to the pocket - no mark.... off to the boundary... And there's the siren! Sydney take the first 4 points on foreign soil by 16 points!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 1:55 left | STK 9.9 (63) | SYD 11.13 (79) Free kick in the ruck contest to Shane Mumford! Only 35m out from the Swans goal and straight in front! This could be the killer blow... Mumford lines up... shoots and GOAL!!!! Sydney are home!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 2:28 left | STK 9.9 (63) | SYD 10.13 (73) Crowd figure - 22,546! Very good crowd. Manic defending from the Saints - right near the goal line - Fisher almost coughs it up... but off to the boundary. Forward pocket for Sydney.