The crucial cogs of AFL's Round 9: Which players need to be the difference makers?
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
The Joel Selwood-led Geelong Cats have defeated the Essendon Bombers by 28 points on Thursday night at GMHBA Stadium.
The Cats kicked 15.11 (101) in a free-flowing contest against the Bombers’ 11.7 (73). New recruit Gary Rohan kicked four goals, while Selwood gathered 38 disposals, 11 marks and seven tackles in a convincing display.
After the first quarter, the Bombers were playing catch-up for most of the evening with centre clearances coming freely for both sides. The Cats led the disposal count 405-366, marks 119-64, but the Bombers led tackles 79-50.
Another off-season arrival at Kardinia Park, Luke Dahlhaus, had an impressive game with 25 disposals and a goal in what could be a return to his 2016 premiership form.
Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield gathered 30 disposals and a goal, youngster Jack Henry had 20 kicks and one handball, while Tim Kelly had 28 disposals as well.
Key forward Tom Hawkins led the way in attack with two goals and looked a dominating presence inside 50 alongside Esava Ratugolea’s two majors. Tom Atkins, Jordan Clark, and Charlie Constable also impressed for the Cats.
Dyson Heppell (21 disposals) and new recruit Dylan Shiel (25 disposals) led the way for the Dons in their second loss of the pre-season.
A quiet night by reigning best and fairest Devon Smith (15 disposals) did include an AFL first. A new rule interpretation penalised Smith, who conceded a free kick for trying to take a mark with his studs out.
Although there were highlights from Joe Daniher’s big marking ability, he failed to hit the scoreboard with a major.
The Cats will look to the first Friday night of the season in two weeks time against grand finalists Collingwood at the MCG, while the Bombers will be hoping to gather some form before Round 1 against the Giants – a clash that pits Sheil against his former club.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
What is the worry in players having some harmless fun from time to time – does everything need to be taken seriously all the time?
As teammate Jake Waterman was lining up for goal, Cripps gave away a free kick by pushing an Essendon player as the Eagles lost…
Essendon coach Brad Scott says ruckman Sam Draper still has plenty of scope to express his personality and be funny - just not at…
Former great Jimmy Bartel is 'incredibly uncomfortable' at the prospect of Tarryn Thomas being given a second chance at an AFL career, as the…
Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.