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CATS HANG ON TO SOLID 11 POINT WIN OVER HAWKS By Anthony Jensen An exuberant crowd of 86,179 flocked to a brisk MCG for the Friday night clash between top of the ladder Geelong and third-placed Hawthorn. The rugged-up fans rode a rollercoaster match which was well worth the build-up since these sides last met in Round 4, 2007. Despite leading at every change and coming away 11 point winners, the end result doesn’t come close to telling the story of this close encounter for the Cats.
GEELONG 6.3 8.10 9.12 12.16 (88) DEFEATED
GOALS BEST CROWD: 86,179 at MCG UMPIRES: S McBurney B Rosebury J Schmitt INJURIES: Geelong:Darren Milburn (virus), replaced in selected side by David Johnson(first game since 2007) Hawthorn: TBC REPORTS: TBC Geelong faithful coming in on the V-Line express were worried to hear over the wireless that key backman Darren Milburn was a late withdrawal with a suspected virus, replaced by David Johnson coming off some fine form in the VFL. Whilst still confident, the Cats side now lacked 3 all-Australians in Gary Ablett, Cameron Ling and Milburn as well as in form David “Wojac” Wojcinski and looked far more vulnerable. The match began with a tight contest all over the ground as both teams appeared to struggle with the dewy conditions. Andrew Mackie lined up on Lance Franklin, but Matthew Scarlett had the job for most of the match. Mathew Stokes gained the first major after a Cam Mooney contest after almost 7 minutes of play. This was quickly followed by a reply from Buddy Franklin who looked dangerous whenever he went near the pill and would finish with 4 goals and the customary 5 behinds to remain at the top of the goal-kicking (77) and behind-kicking (61) leader boards. Geelong wasted some chances but took a comfortable 19 point lead into quarter time. The second term saw the Hawks surge with Franklin drawing the ball to him, but often hard up on the boundary adding to kicking difficulty. Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell had 23 touches to half time and was among the best for his side, amassing hard ball gets and clearances inside 50 to key forwards like Jarryd Roughead. Joel Selwood once again stood up to lead the midfielders with effective possessions, while Jimmy Bartel was busy adding to his 9 touches gained in the first quarter. Ryan “Vegas” Gamble, as dubbed by the vibrant lady in Row R, put his body on the line for his team and copped a bone-crunching knock in the goal square, earning a rest on the bench. At this stage Paul Chapman also headed to the pine after suffering a hamstring injury that could see him out for a couple. After an inaccurate term for the Cats with 7 behinds, they held on to a 17 point lead. Hawthorn really put the foot down in the 3rd term, due in no small part to the aerobatic heroics of Cyril Rioli and Campbell Brown who made an uncommon venture into the forward line and finished with 2 goals. Buddy continued to prove too much for Scarlett on the lead with 3 strong marks in minutes, his inaccuracy the only saving grace for a backline under siege. With Geelong’s lead being whittled to just 4 points at the outset of the final period, a Mark Williams goal 35 seconds in had Hawks fans up and about with a taste of potential victory. But after a Bartel goal from outside 50m and a James Kelly “don’t argue” and quick pass setting up another, the visiting side regained their confidence and their slight lead. The last few minutes were tense and frantic for both sides. Hawthorn forced errors during Geelong kick-ins, with one tackle from young Rioli on Jared Rooke forcing an errant handball straight to Franklin who easily converted. But a final screamer and goal by the one and only Steve Johnson assured an 11 point victory and quashed any rumours that Geelong weren’t the best side going around. At Telstra Dome next Saturday Geelong face Richmond who are pushing for a spot in the 8. All-Australian full back Matthew Scarlett will play his 200th game of AFL after 11 seasons with the club, while the Cats hope to have Gary Ablett back from his ankle injury.
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AFL 2008, ROUND SEVENTEEN HAWTHORN V GEELONG SATURDAY 25 JULY 2008, 19:40 AEST MCG
SOLOMON'S CRUDE HIT ON LING [COURTESY CHANNEL TEN]
GEELONG V WEST COAST, ROUND 13 -
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PREMIERSHIP CELEBRATIONS
QUITE POETIC
'BROWNLOW MAN' - SONG BY ANDREW BIGNELL, TO TUNE OF 'WORKING CLASS MAN'
2007 BROWNLOW MEDAL WINNER JIMMY BARTEL, MINUS 'DATE' TIM CALLAN
GEELONG PLAYERS CELEBRATE AFTER THE FINAL SIREN IN THE PRELIMINARY FINAL
77,630 PEOPLE PACKED THE MCG TO SEE GEELONG BEAT THE KANGAROOS BY 106 POINTS IN THE FIRST FINAL
A WELL WISHER IN THE ROUND 21 CLASH WITH THE LIONS AT THE GABBA
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CATS CRUISE TO SIXTY-ONE POINT WIN By Ben Jensen GEELONG cemented top spot on the AFL ladder after defeating the second-placed Bulldogs by sixty-one points at Skilled Stadium today. Windy conditions and plenty of bite from the Bulldogs ensured the Cats made hard work of it in the first half before finishing all over the Bulldogs in the second half, their superiority over their challenger rudely asserted, despite the absense of All Australian midfielders Gary Ablett and Cameron Ling. The first quarter can only be described as scrappy. Despite scoring the only goal in the first twenty minutes were lucky to level the scores by quarter time. Darren Milburn picked up an amazing 19 posessions by quarter time, although many of them were give and gets with Tom Harley and Matthew Scarlett. Ryan Gamble, who replaced an injured David Wojcinski, proved too much to handle for the Bulldogs backline most of the day, going about it in his customary low-key manner, although he did smile as he took a big grab in the third term. In the second quarter Geelong were arguably the better team, inaccurate kicking ensuring the Bulldogs remained in the match, the scores again all level going into the main break, The Cats put the foot down in the third term, building a twenty point lead midway through the term. The two sides traded goals before a sharked goal from Harry Taylor just about snuffed out the Bulldogs. However while milking time on the centre-half back line, the Geelong defence came unstuck, Nathan Eagleton benefiting with a crafty goal from just outside fifty to peg the lead back to fifteen points. The Bulldogs didn't really fire a shot in the final quarter, as Geelong finished with eight goals to one. Cameron Mooney chimed in with two goals, Gamble another. The Bulldogs didn't score until time on, as if to emphacise the differential between the two sides first and second on the ladder. This Friday night Geelong play Hawthorn at the MCG, the Cats' third MCG 'away' fixture of the season in what will certainly be a big money spinner for the Hawks. Football Manager Neil Balme maintains Ablett is a chance to return but the sight of him hobbling on crutches suggests he is more likely to miss than play.
GEELONG 3.3 6.11 11.12 19.17 (131) DEFEATED
GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Chris Donlon (1) (VIC), Michael Vozzo (2) (VIC), Shaun Ryan (25) (VIC) CROWD: 24,801 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong INJURIES: Geelong: David Wojcinski replaced in selected side by Ryan Gamble Western Bulldogs: TBC REPORTS: TBC
VFL ROUND 15
NORTH
BALLARAT 9.3 17.6 22.9 29.10 (184)
DEFEATED GOALS: BEST:
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AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2008 ROUND 16; GEELONG V WESTERN
BULLDOGS; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS By Ben Jensen GEELONG
V WESTERN BULLDOGS THE CATS host second placed WESTERN
BULLDOGS this Saturday afternoon at Skilled Stadium. Geelong will be
without All Australian midfielders Gary Ablett and Cameron Ling following
last Saturday's spiteful encounter with Fremantle.
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CATS CRUISE TO SEVENTY-FOUR POINT WIN By Ben Jensen GEELONG EASILY ACCOUNTED FOR FREMANTLE at Skilled Stadium this afternoon. The match was marred in controversy early on, Docker Dean Solomon reported for ending Cameron Ling's game in the first quarter, Ling suffering a horrendous injury in a fractured cheek bone. James Kelly was a late change due to a calf injury, replaced by Harry Taylor. Tom Lonergan kicked four goals for the second week in a row, Brad Ottens also finding the big sticks with three. But the match will be remembered for Solomon's lone act of violence, that sparked retaliations and several more spotfires throughout the match. The former Essendon 'hard man' (not sure what that means when he charges a player from 25m) has sparked a debate about whether a 'send off' rule should apply for such blatant acts of violence. Cats Coach Mark Thompson confirmed Ablett would miss at least one match, at best. Next week Geelong play the Western Bulldogs, again at Skilled Stadium, in the match of the round, before taking on Hawthorn at the MCG the week after. Cameron Ling will be having surgery tonight, and is expected to miss up to six matches, ironically possibly longer than his assailant, Dean Solomon, will receive.
GEELONG 4.2 7.7 13.10 18.10 (118)
DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Justin Schmitt (17) (SA), Stuart Wenn (22) (VIC), Jason Armstrong (26) (VIC) CROWD: 21,286 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong INJURIES: Geelong: Ablett (rolled ankle late in second quarter, did not return); Ling (king hit by Dean Solomon in first quarter, did not return to field) Fremantle: TBC REPORTS: Dean Solomon for striking Cameron Ling in the first quarter
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AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2008 ROUND
15; GEELONG V FREMANTLE; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS By Ben Jensen GEELONG
V FREMANTLE THE CATS host struggling Fremantle this Saturday
afternoon at Skilled Stadium. The 'Frockers' will
be without Peter Bell, who in a shock move announced his retirement
with immediate effect earlier in the week, while the Cats have a clean
bill of health.
MATCH PREVIEW, INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, VFL TEAM INFO, TV DETAILS
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CATS CLIP CROWS' WINGS By Anthony Jensen GEELONG THRASHED ADELAIDE at AAMI Stadium by 68 points on Friday night. Geelong led from start to finish, never looking troubled by the team that was fifth on the ladder heading into this match. Matthew Scarlett returned from a hamstring complaint while Mathew Stokes resumes his small forward role after accepting a one-match suspension for striking Brisbane’s Michael Rischitelli.
GEELONG 4.6 9.8 12.10 18.16 (124)
DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Chamberlain, Rosebury, Stevic CROWD: 44,377 at AAMI Stadium, Adelaide INJURIES: Geelong: None reported ADELAIDE: Reilly (knee) REPORTS: Nil A MATTHEW STOKES SPIN AND GOAL foreign exchange forex banks money travel holiday dating ipod
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AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2008 ROUND
14; ADELAIDE V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS By Ben Jensen ADELAIDE CROWS V GEELONG THE CATS should face some half decent opposition against Adelaide at the ground formerlly known as Moron Park next Friday night. Geelong, top of the ladder before the split round began and Adelaide, fifth, are certain to be contesting finals come September, the latter somewhat surprisingly. The Cats have almost a clean bill of health, with Matthew
Scarlett to return after injuring a hamstring against the Kangaroos
in Round 11. In form little man Matthew Stokes also comes back into
the side that has only lost one match this season, albeit it to Collingwood
by a hundred odd points. Adelaide, on the other hand, are missing at
least two ruckman in Rhett Biglands and Ivan Maric, while fourth choice
Jonathan Griffen is also under a cloud.
SCARLETT TO RETURN; MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, TV / RADIO DETAILS
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CATS A GOOD BET AGAINST CROWS By Andy Morris of Betfair ADELAIDE Adelaide play host to reigning premiers Geelong in what could see quite a shake up of the top eight. Geelong sits in second place after a fired-up Western Bulldogs accounted for a struggling Port Power over the weekend. A win to Geelong would see them outright competition leaders, while a win to Adelaide would afford them some breathing space in the middle order.
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CATS MAUL EAGLES BY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE POINTS By Ben Jensen GEELONG DEMOLISHED the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco this evening to the tune of one hunded and thirty five points. The Cats led by just under twenty goals at three quarter time, then increased the margin with a five goal to two final term. Gary Ablett will surely be streaks ahead in the Brownlow Medal by now; if not they may as well take the voting away from umpires (hopefully not). Paul Chapman continued his renewed affair with the big sticks, booting five goals to make it nine in two weeks. Tom Harley had one of his best games of the season, while fellow backman Harry Taylor kicked his first ever goal in front of his own 'home' crowd including his family. James Kelly booted four while the crowd almost appeared to have more blue and white fans than blue and yellow. Brent Prismall continues to play like his life depends on it, ditto Max Rooke. David Wojcinski replaced Matthew Stokes in the side, returning after a week in the VFL. Ablett had thirty-seven possessions as well as two goals, and also laid six tackles for good measure. Fifteen of the possessions were 'contested', and not surprisingly he finished top of whatever 'ratings tables' the stats men come up with. Not far behind him for effectiveness though were Kelly and Chapman, who had to step up a bit to take some of the load Matthew Stokes has been taking the past two months. Steve Johnson had 'only' two goals but he played a hand in countless others, bringing the ball inside fifty six times and earning eleven contested possessions. The Cats have a week off now due to the split round, and resume on Friday week against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, a game to be televised live into Victoria, although unfortunately the blackout of Geelong by Setanta Sports in Europe and America continues, the Pay TV channel no longer showing Friday night games. DVD - $34.95
+ P&H
GEELONG 7.3 13.6 23.10 28.14
(182) DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Donlon, Rosebury, Kamolins CROWD: 38,414 at Subiaco Oval, Perth INJURIES: Geelong: None reported West Coast : TBC - two players in hospital REPORTS: Nil
GARY ABLETT GOAL |
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CATS DISPENSE WITH POWER ON WAY TO TOP OF AFL LADDER,
JOHNSON REPORTED By Ben Jensen GEELONG finished off Port Adelaide's season yesterday afternoon on their way to the top of the AFL ladder, bypassing Hawthorn in thrashing the Power by fifty-nine points in front of 21,642 at Skilled Stadium. The game may yet come at a cost however, star forward Steve Johnson reported for making 'unnecessary' contact to Troy Chaplin's face in the second quarter. Joel Corey against probably took the three Brownlow votes ahead of Gary Ablett, with Joel Selwood and Paul Chapman vying for the one vote. Chapman, goalless last week, booted four while Johnson kicked two. Cameron Mooney didn't feature in the major scorers list at all, while Mark Blake added another rare goal to his career statistics.
GEELONG 3.5 7.9 13.14 15.18 (108)
DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Stewart, McLaren, Ellis CROWD: 21,642 at Skilled Stadium (Kardinia Park), Geelong INJURIES: Geelong: None reported Port Adelaide : Dominic Cassisi (calf) REPORTS: Geelong: S Johnson (Geelong) for making "unnecessary contact" to the face of Chaplin (Port) in the second quarter |
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CATS PREVAIL OVER KANGAROOS IN NAIL BITER AT THE
DOME By Ben Jensen GEELONG hung on the defeat a gallant and undermanned North Melbourne at Telstra Dome last night, thanks largely to Gary Ablett and Cameron Mooney. The Cats dominated the opening half but the Roos got right back into the game and trailed by only eight points at the main break. Unfortunately the win came at a cost, All Australian backman Matthew Scarlett twinging a hamstring, almost certain to miss at least a couple weeks. Ablett Junior must surely be ahead in the Brownlow Medal by now; the boy wonder's star continues to rise. Ablett had 21 possessions and two goals to half time, finishing with 39. Fellow All Australian Mooney, in his first game back after missing last week due to injury, booted seven goals, including three by half time. Ablett, dispatched to full forward five minutes from the final break, conjured up a miraculous goal thirty seconds before three quarter time that all but culled off the Kangaroo hopes. Leading by two goals, Steve Johnson's third goal barely three minutes in was crucial and gave the Cats breathing space that ultimately wouldn't be breached by the Kangaroos. David Hale provided heart palpitations as he kicked the Roos' only goals of the final term, while the Geelong players peppered the goals but produced only behinds, until the final goal of the match by Cameron Mooney. Mooney's seventh goal came with just under four minutes left on the clock, the margin now fourteen points.
GEELONG 7.0 11.6 17.7 19.13 (127)
DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: McInerney, Wenn, Ryan CROWD: 38,373 at Telstra Dome (Docklands), Melbourne INJURIES: Geelong: Selwood (virus) replaced in selected side by Prismall. Scarlett (hamstring) North Melbourne: Pratt (shoulder)
Geelong coach Mark Thompson reflected on the game, admitting all that mattered was the four points. "It was a weird sort of a game. The last two times we've played North Melbourne we've beaten them by a lot and they never, ever give up and they didn't tonight. To walk away with the victory is really the only thing that matters." |
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AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2008 ROUND
11; NORTH MELBOURNE V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST
DETAILS By Ben Jensen NORTH MELBOURNE V GEELONG GEELONG are hosted by newly-renamed North Melbourne at Telstra Dome this Friday night, a match finally covered live in Setanta Sports (but don't get used to it). Last time the two sides met, the Cats tore the Roos a proverbial new one, winning by a lazy one hundred and six points at the MCG in a qualifying final. Geelong's two inclusions, forwards Cameron Mooney and Paul Chapman, each kicked five goals that day, and will be looking to repeat the feat.
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GEELONG GET BACK ON TRACK WITH WIN
OVER CARLTON By Anthony Jensen GEELONG players and fans alike looked keen to scrub last week's monumental loss to Collingwood out of their collective minds, and achieved this on Saturday night in a 56-point win over Carlton. Cats fans saw the long awaited return of 'gutsy' Tom Lonergan [sans one kidney], coming in for Cam Mooney who was a late withdrawal with a suspected shoulder complaint. Brad Ottens also made his first AFL appearance since his stellar performance in the 2007 Grand Final, returning from what turned out to be a severe ankle sprain incurred during the pre-season.
In the opening term Geelong had the majority
of the play but was wasteful in front of goal, kicking 2 goals 7 behinds,
with Lonergan one of the main culprits and looking nervous. For their
part Carlton were lively, with Chris Judd racking up 8 first quarter
touches before heading for the bench in the 25th minute; dreaded osteitis
pubis clearly still troubling the midfielder once any treatment has
ceased to have effect. On more than one occasion Cameron Cloke and Brendan
Fevola linked up well, the former leading hard and creating space for
the reformed spearhead to run into.
GEELONG 2.7 7.10 13.18 19.19
(133) DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Ryan, Avon, Farmer CROWD: 46,231 at Telstra Dome (Docklands), Melbourne
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CATS PUT IN MAYOR OF HIROSHIMA EFFORT (WHAT THE F&%*
WAS THAT?!) By Ben Jensen IT WAS MAYOR OF HIROSHIMA stuff at the MCG last night, as Geelong were thrashed by Collingwood to the tune of 86 points, in front of a crowd of 78,206. The Cats' first loss since round 21 2007 was certainly a big one - they don't get that much bigger, especially not for this team. Collingwood kicked the first three goals of the match and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the first half, before snuffing out a belated Geelong comeback early in the third term to lead by 62 points at the final break. A four goal to one final quarter rounded out the insult. Geelong coach Mark 'Bomber' Thompson admitted the loss was that bad, he and his side are better off forgetting about it and moving onto next week's clash with Carlton at Telstra Dome. "You almost have to say, 'It was a bad night, let's move on', and put it out of the way as quick as we can and look forward to Carlton. We just had a bad night, a really bad night. It was right from the start, right to the very end". "There were seven minutes in the third quarter where we played reasonable footy after getting a bit of a wind-up at halftime, but apart from that there wasn't many positives. They (The players) are not happy, nobody is happy. It has been a long time since we lost a game, and it's been a long time since we lost one by 86 points, but it gives us a chance to work on a few things." "We have got the Blues in eight days, so we will go after them as hard as we can. Sides have done it for the last three or four weeks; if they come at us and tackle us and they try to unsettle us and we let teams keep doing it, they will continue to do it all year. At some point we have got to give it back and that's what we are looking forward to doing."
COLLINGWOOD 6.4 11.6 16.7 20.14
(134) DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: McBurney, Kennedy, Jeffery CROWD: 78,206 at MCG, Melbourne
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AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2008 ROUND
9; COLLINGWOOD V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS By Ben Jensen COLLINGWOOD V GEELONG The match of the round is a replay of last year's sensational Preliminary Final between Geelong and Collingwood, again at the MCG. Last September, the Cats had a bad night out while the Magpies played well above themselves in what was Nathan Buckley's final match, the end margin just two points. The Cats have made two changes, bringing straight back Matthew Stokes who missed last week through suspension, and recalling Trent West. West replaces fellow rookie ruckman Shane Mumford, while Stokes takes the place of Max Rooke, who has so far endured an indifferent season and is surely carrying an injury. Nothing could have been sweeter than making a grand final, other than just pipping Collingwood at the final post on a Friday night at the MCG - so you've got ALL weekend to gloat. That's what Geelong did last season, and of course followed it up by tearing a despondent Port Adelaide team a proverbial new one less than eight days later at the same venue. In the VFL the Bendigo Bank Cats travel to Ballarat to face the North Melbourne - affiliate North Ballarat Roosters.
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CATS' CLASS SHOWS UP TIGERS
IN THE END By Ben Jensen THE CATS blew away a spirited Tigers side with a seven goal to one third quarter, ending up winners by thirty points to remain top of the ladder, undefeated since round 21 last season. They don't call it the 'Premiership quarter' for not, so it was fitting Geelong blasted Richmond's hopes away. Richmond were in front at quarter and half time, but soon fell by the wayside as the Cats had winners all over the ground in their first match at the MCG since their record-breaking Grand Final win last September. Rain fell pretty much all game, but that didn't dampen the silky skills of Gary Ablett, Paul Chapman or Cameron Ling. And if anything, Jimmy Bartel improved. Richmond had a real red hot go early on but as is their want, didn't have enough in the tank when the Cats got out of second gear.
GEELONG 2.1 4.4 11.12 14.15 (99)
DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: TBC CROWD: 37,275 at MCG, Melbourne
At the opening bounce Andrew Mackie manned up on Matthew Richardson, who took his now-customary position on the wing, while Gary Ablett slotted back onto the ball after a brief absence due to injury. Tigers fans had plenty of cheer about after the first two minutes, as their side shot to a two goal to nil lead. The Cats answered back but a short time later the Tigers had another goal, due in part to a fortuitous bounce. Brett Deledio kicked a rush snapshot from a pocket, the ball bobbing up into the air and bouncing in front of Matthew Scarlett, who having waiting for the ball to bounce before gathering possession, looked like an English Premier League goalkeeper as he helplessly watch the ball sail straight over his head for a goal, and all he could do was shrug his shoulders. The Cats probably should have gone into half time with a lead, but partially due to the conditions James Kelly and Ryan Gamble had trouble putting the ball between the big sticks - sometimes booting the ball out on the full. The margin at half time remained essentially the same, a two goal lead to Richmond. Both Richmond's goals resulted from fifty metre penalties, given away by Kelly and skipper Tom Harley. As eluded to earlier, it was the third quarter when the Cats really turned it on. Cameron Mooney and Ryan Gamble really stamped their authority on the game, holding strong marks, while Gary Ablett and Cameron Ling bossed the midfield. Paul Chapman bobbed up with a couple for good measure, while Darren Milburn found himself on the goal-line at the right time for his fourth goal of the season. Andrew Mackie was well and truly on top of Matthew Richardson by three-quarter time, the siren couldn't ring quick enough for Terry Wallace and the brains trust from Punt Road. In contract to Wallace, Mark Thompson was at his relaxed best, even during the final quarter as the Tigers grabbed a couple cheap goals in 'junk time'. Tom Hawkins, who didn't trouble the scorers but contested well early on considering the conditions, booted his one and only goal from just inside fifty to stem the tide, the Cats kicking three goals three for the term to the Tigers' four two. Next Friday night Geelong play Collingwood, who had a narrow win over a disappointing St Kilda Friday night. Matthew Stokes should return, possibly in place of Max Rooke, who it must be said was good today, ferocious at the ball, but probably the odd man out right now as new boys Ryan Gamble and Harry Taylor told their own in specialist roles in the forward and back line respectively.
VFL RESULTS NOT SO GOOD NEWS in the VFL; the Cats defeated by Richmond affiliate Coburg. It was just the Cats' second loss of the season, although they find themselves in fourth position on the ladder behind Casey, North Ballarat and Williamstown on percentage alone.
COBURG 1.4 4.11 7.18 11.19 (85)
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AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2008 ROUND
8; RICHMOND V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS By Ben Jensen GARY ABLETT is back for Geelong's first match at the MCG since their record-breaking Premiership in September last year. Geelong face an improved (and hyped up) Richmond side intent on having a crack at the best team in the land. After the week's break due to the 'Hall of fame' match, about half the team has had a fortnight's rest. Matthew Stokes misses out through suspension from the match against Brisbane, although he was able to play for the Dream Team last weekend. In sad news this week it was confirmed that Matthew Egan will not be taking any part in this season, despite optimism expressed just under a fortnight ago at a VFL match he was not far off. Egan broke a bone in his foot (the navicular, to be precise) in the round 22 win over Brisbane at the GABBA, which ruled him out of the finals series. However he had a plate screwed into his foot in an attempt to make it in time for the Grand Final, and even appeared on the training track wearing a 'moon boot'. So far no recriminations have been made. Recalled from the VFL for the Tigers is out of favour but valuable backman Joel Bowden and former Docker (and we can't tell you why he left due to a standing court injunction) Graham Polak.
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CATS EDGE OUT LIONS By Ben Jensen GEELONG defeated Brisbane by twenty-seven points at Skilled Stadium today, surviving a spirited challenge by the Lions after scores were almost leveled early in the final term. Brownlow favourite Gary Ablett was a late withdrawal after suffering general soreness all over, including a calf muscle, after his unsportinglike treatment by various Fremantle Dockers last Friday night. Ablett's place was taken by Max Rooke, getting the nod ahead of other two emergencies Brent Prismall and Travis Varcoe. To be fair, the Lions had their own significant injury worries - Jonathan Brown and Simon Black took no part in the match. GEELONG 4.1 7.6 11.8 15.15 (105)
DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Vozzo, Kamolins, Meredith CROWD: 23,388 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong
Cats coach Mark 'Bomber' Thompson was not at all pleased with the opening quarter but still saw things he liked. "I liked the fact we reset our goals and to play that sort of footy for the last three quarters was a real positive in our eyes". Rookie ruckman Shane Mumford impressed at least one match-goer, who believed the past two weeks he handled giant ruckman in Aaron Sandilands (last week) and Matthew Leuenberger (this week) much better than Mark Blake, who seems to be tentative going into ruck contests "knowing he'll get a knee in the guts". Watch this space on that one.
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AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2008 ROUND
7; GEELONG V BRISBANE LIONS; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST
DETAILS By Ben Jensen THE CATS ARE UNCHANGED as they host Brisbane at home this Saturday. The Lions have swung the axe to a degree, with four changes, two of them forced. Geelong fans have mixed feelings about the last time these two sides clashed - it was the last game Matthew Egan played footy, while the Cats belted the Lions and several people including Corey Enright and two unnamed women stripped down to their underwear to liven up proceedings.
MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING FULL TEAM LISTS, BETTING AND BROADCAST INFORMATION
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CATS WIN THRILLER AT SUBIACO By Ben Jensen GEELONG defeated Fremantle by a solitary behind in their ANZAC Day clash at Perth's Subiaco Oval last night, after being behind virtually all match. The Dockers not only proved they can be a handful to the best side in the competition, but they're still more than capable of disappointing their fans, throwing away significant leads (twice), in the second and then final quarters. Geelong's best were the two Joels, Corey and Selwood, the former going all day collecting 35 possessions, the latter providing bursts of sublime football to help his side back into the match.
GEELONG 1.1 8.4 8.7 13.11 (89)
DEFEATED GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Farmer, Margetts, Kennedy CROWD: 38,022 at Subiaco Oval, Perth |
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CATS OUTSHINE SWANS By Anthony Jensen The sun was shining down at Skilled today, and the thus far undefeated Geelong side ran out through a smoky haze [caused by some burning off in Geelong's west I'm told] ready to face their latest challengers, the stifling Swans who were 2-2 going into this match.
A big [bad and bustling] out for Sydney was Barry Hall, whilst for Geelong notable absences included two up and comers in Harry Taylor [omitted to make way for Mackie] and Ryan 'Punter' Gamble out through suspension. Geelong came out
firing and through the enigmatic albeit sometimes unorthodox brilliance
of one Stevie Johnson, who helped himself to three first quarter goals,
the home side saw themselves 5 goals up at the first break. Apart from
Sydney big man Darren Jolly who was dominating in the ruck and took
potential mark of the day, the Swans looked flat and were urged to turn
it around. The Sydney siders and a handful of their fans were suitably
gobsmacked and the visible spray delivered by coach Paul Roos to his
players was well deserved.
GEELONG 6.2 (38) 7.8 (50) 8.13 (61)
16.18 (114) GOALS BEST UMPIRES: McBurney, Rosebury, Ellis CROWD: 24,368 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong
VFL RESULTS GEELONG 3.4 7.7 12.10 16.16 (112)
DEFEATED GOALS: BEST: READER COMMENTS SEND YOUR COMMENTS |
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CATS ROLL SAINTS By Ben Jensen, from London GEELONG taught ST Kilda who's boss at the Telstra Dome today, victors by fourty-two points in a game that was over five minutes into the third quarter. The Aints led at quarter time after kicked a couple late goals to go with their seven behinds, however it was the Cats who played the more entertaining brand of footy for the rest of the afternoon (or morning for us), earning their fourth victory of the season and eighth in a row from last year. Steve Johnson led the goalkicking with a bag of four, fellow forwards Tom Hawkins and Cameron Mooney also getting amoungst the goals with three apiece. For St Kilda it was left to tall timber Justin Koschitzke and Nick Riewoldt to provide the bulk of their attack, in contrast to Geelong who had eleven goalkickers, six of them multiple. The Cats take on the Sydney Swans, a side St Kilda half tries to emulate through coach Ross Lyon, at Skilled Stadium next Saturday in another Channel Ten (and Setanta Sports) televised match. The Swans flogged West Coast at 'ANZ Stadium' by sixty-two points today, and will be one of the first real tests for a side sitting on top of the ladder, threatening to go back to back already. But, the Swannies will almost certainly be without Barry Hall. Matthew Scarlett is going to have a field day down at Skilled; a bit like when parents go to a party and leave the kids at the grandparents - he'll have no-one to be responsible for and should pick up 25-30 possessions.
GEELONG 4.0 (24) 10.6 (66) 17.9
(111) 21.10 (136) GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Rosebury, Chamberlain, Meredith CROWD: 44,368 at Telstra Dome, Docklands, Melbourne
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CATS MAKE HARD WORK BUT TAKE TOMAHAWK TO DEMONS By Ben Jensen, from London NOT THE MASSACRE some had predicted, but Geelong followed up the pre-match flag-unfurling festivities with a thirty point win over a spirited Melbourne side at Skilled Stadium today. Tom Hawkins led the goalkicking with five, in probably his best performance to date as ultimately he was the difference between the two sides. The Cats were quite disappointing and not attractive to watch; Gary Ablett had 30 possessions but just wasn't himself, his disposal lacking the usual polish. Mark Blake had a great day in the ruck however. In the VFL Brent Prismall and Jason Davenport are ready-made replacements should any vacancies open up in the midfield or forward line, while Shannon Byrnes also played well in the 53-point win over Werribee. As an example of the unattractiveness of the game, Cameron Mooney marked on the edge of the square, played on to bring it around and kicked it out on the full. His colleague in Hawkins however was spectacular, in one play pushing off his opponent to pick up the ball in the goal square before drilling it into the stands.
GEELONG 4.4 8.11 13.14 16.16
(112) GOALS BEST UMPIRES: H Ryan D Sully S Wenn CROWD: 23,569
VFL SCORE GEELONG 4.0 9.2 14.5 22.8 (140)
DEFEATED GOALS: BEST: READER COMMENTS SEND YOUR COMMENTS
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CATS FLOG BOMBERS By Ben Jensen, from London BOYS AGAINST MEN stuff today, GEELONG giving Essendon a football lesson at the Telstra Dome this afternoon (or morning as it is for us). The Cats made a mockery of the pre-match billing that it might be a good game - sticking with the Cats for about ten minutes before losing touch midway through the opening term as ruckman Mark Blake and Trent West kicked running goals. The second quarter opened with an avalanche of goals as the Cats sprung to a fifty-three point lead before the Bombers woke up with their first goal. Essendon were the better side for a ten minute period, but could score just two goals. Geelong struck back before half time with two more of their own, thus restoring the fifty-point buffer at the main break. The second half was a bit of a blur but more of the same - Cats outscoring their opponents with such ease, maybe too much ease, they were never in any danger at all of slipping up.
GEELONG 4.4 (28) 11.9 (75) 17.13
(115) 21.18 (150) GOALS BEST UMPIRES: Chris Donlon, Hayden Kennedy, Ray Chamberlain CROWD: 50,636 MALARKEY VOTES: Ablett (Geelong) 3, Bartel (Geelong) 2, Stokes (Geelong) 1
NEXT SATURDAY Geelong finally play their first home game at Skilled Stadium against wooden-spoon favourite Melbourne. A few years ago you'd have almost tipped the Dees next week but with 'New Geelong' I'd say the Cats will open the betting 150 points in, and that's in the wet. There's also the small matter of the Premiership flag unfurling.
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GEELONG TOO GOOD FOR PORT ADELAIDE By Justin Kremmer THE Grand Final re-match at AAMI Stadium on Thursday night promised a typical Round One hit-out between now rivals Geelong and Port Adelaide. Both teams had declared during the off-season the last time they met, less than six months ago on the main stage, was done and dusted and from the first bounce this was a new season.
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CATS START SEASON IN FINE FASHION
AND SWITCH OFF POWER By Ben Jensen GEELONG started their season in perfect fashion, defeating Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in the Grand Final Replay. In front pretty much all game, and by fourty-four points at half time, the Cats let Port back into the match but never surrendered the lead; the final margin was just nine points. James Kelly and Joel Corey were Geelong's best in the match that saw ruckman Trent West make his AFL debut, and Ryan Gamble play just his second match. The win was Geelong's third in a row at AAMI Stadium, a venue which was previously a very unhappy hunting ground - previously the Cats tasted success just three times in twenty-one visits.The
Discuss on forums forums.thecattery.com.au Link: 2008 SEASON DRAW GEELONG DRAW [HTML]
GEELONG 6.4 (40) 10.8 (68) 12.11
(83) 15.15 (105) DEFEATED GOALS BEST
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CATS ROUND OFF PRE SEASON BY DEFEATING
TIGERS By Ben Jensen GEELONG thrashed Richmond by twelve goals at Skilled Stadium on Friday night. Gary Ablett made his presence felt in his return from injury, kicking two goals and dominating the midfield after half time. Cameron Mooney led the goalkicking this week with four, Ryan Gamble again got in the goals with three while Tom Hawkins kicked just one. Matthew Scarlett played his first match of the season, and like Ablett will be right for round one. MEANWHILE former Geelong skipper and AFL/VFL Premiership ruckman Steven King has collected another winner's medal; this time while playing for St Kilda as they won the AFL NAB Cup overnight. St Kilda came from behind to defeat Adelaide at their home turf of AAMI Stadium, just as Geelong had done in 2006. Setanta Sports Sky Foxtel Ipod
Discuss on forums forums.thecattery.com.au Link: 2008 SEASON DRAW GEELONG DRAW [HTML]
GEELONG 6.2 14.9 20.9 23.11 (149)
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CATS BEAT LIONS By Ben Jensen GEELONG easily accounted for Brisbane in an official AFL NAB Challenge practice match at Gold Coast Stadium overnight. Ryan Gamble and Tom HAwkins helped themselves to five and three goals each, but the big news was the potentially serious head injury to Matthew Stokes. However, Stokes was fortunately later cleared of any serious injury and while he may not play next week, he'll definitely be available for the round one clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
Discuss on forums forums.thecattery.com.au Link: NAB CUP / 2008 SEASON DRAW GEELONG DRAW [HTML]
GEELONG 2.4 4.10 11.13 13.14
(92) DEFEATED GOALS BEST INJURIES CROWD: 4,134 at Gold Coast Stadium (Carrara!)
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CATS KNOCKED OUT OF NAB CUP BY SAINTS By Ben Jensen CATS KNOCKED OUT OF NAB CUP BY SAINTS GEELONG was knocked out of the NAB Cup by St Kilda in a thrilling encounter at Canberra's Manuka Oval yesterday. St Kilda led going into the final quarter but Geelong refused to give in, Tom Hawkins' fourth goal giving the Cats back the lead. But the Saints ultimately ended up on the better side of the see-saw, unheralded Jack Steven kicking the decisive goal to give his new side a five point win over the 2007 AFL Premiers. Discuss on forums forums.thecattery.com.au
ST KILDA 0.2.4 2.6.5 2.8.9 3.9.10
(91) DEFEATED GOALS BEST INJURIES CROWD: 6,825 at Manucka Oval (Canberra)
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VALE PETER PIANTO By Justin Kremmer VALE PETER PIANTO Geelong great Peter Pianto has passed away at the age of 78. Pianto was a dual Geelong premiership player in 1951-52 with 121 games and 144 goals. He was an outstanding rover, much adored by Geelong supporters for his ability to ease in and out of packs with ease. One of his most memorable efforts was when he kicked 5 goals in the 1953 semi-final against Collingwood. He admitted he probably retired early, at the age of 28. He was also a successful coach from 1966 to 1970 which included a Grand Final appearance, in 1967, one of only five Grand Final losses between 1963 and 2007. Pianto will be sorely missed and remembered forever for his involvement with the Cats as a player and coach. In his post playing days, Pianto ran a successful sports store in Grovedale and was adored by the local folk for his good humour and flexibility on prices.
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CATS NAMED 2007 SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR By Justin Kremmer CATS NAMED 2007 SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR GEELONG HAS WON the prestigious OAMPS Insurance Brokers National Team |
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