THE BRISBANE Lions will aim to replicate the round eight efforts of Collingwood this Sunday and catch an undermanned St Kilda on the hop at the Gabba.
The Saints, without Nick Riewoldt, Xavier Clarke, Steven Baker, Matt Maguire and Sam Gilbert, were valiant against the Magpies on Friday night, but simply didn’t pack enough punches when it counted, eventually going down by nine points.
Ross Lyon’s men were in striking distance throughout the four quarters and had the chance to pull within a straight kick in time-on of the final term. But Stephen Milne missed a set shot, and all hope of an upset fifth win of the season disappeared. St Kilda now sits in ninth position, just behind the Lions on percentage.
In other weekend news, the Lions’ round 10 opponent, North Melbourne, toughed its way to a hard-fought win over West Coast at Carrara, while round 11 and 12 foes Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs slugged it out at Subiaco on Sunday – the Dogs emerging three-point victors.
Hawthorn preserved its unblemished record with a come-from-behind 15-point win over Port Adelaide, Geelong eclipsed Richmond by 30 points, Adelaide belted Melbourne by 76 points, and the Sydney Swans were easy 91-point winners against Essendon.
Collingwood 16.7 (103) d St Kilda 14.10 (94)
Superior ball movement and finishing helped the Magpies to a much-need nine-point win – their fourth of the season. Alan Didak was close to best afield and kicked three goals for the victors, while Luke Ball was outstanding for the Saints, accumulating 30 possessions and consistently winning the ball in the clinches.
Hawthorn 17.15 (117) d Port Adelaide 15.12 (102)
The Hawks’ undefeated start to the season looked in real jeopardy when the Power led by as many as 38 points during the second quarter. But the Hawks rallied and outscored Port Adelaide nine goals to four in the second half, with Lance Franklin’s six goals keeping him on track for a 100-goal season.
Geelong 14.15 (99) d Richmond 10.9 (69)
Another week, same old pattern for Geelong and, again, a familiar result. The Cats started slowly once more and trailed by a goal at half-time, but the reigning premiers kicked it up a gear in the second half to notch an eighth win of the year. Gary Ablett starred with 27 possessions and a goal.
North Melbourne 13.11 (89) d West Coast 12.11 (83)
The Kangaroos cemented their spot in the top eight, but the lowly Eagles certainly made them work for it. West Coast was 21 points in front in the opening moments of the second half and, after North Melbourne regained the lead, John Worsfold’s side surged again to tie the scores mid-way through the final term. Matt Campbell’s opportunist goal eventually provided the final margin for the Roos.
Adelaide 22.18 (150) d Melbourne 11.8 (74)
The Demons tried hard but were no match for the Crows, who set up their sixth win of the season with a first-term haul of 8.1. No fewer than five Adelaide players kicked three goals or more – Brett Burton, Kurt Tippett, Simon Goodwin, Luke Jericho and Jason Porplyzia. Cale Morton underlined his potential for Melbourne with three majors.
Sydney 21.17 (143) d Essendon 7.10 (52)
The Bombers continue to attempt to play enterprising football, but their style also continues to open pathways for opposing teams. Matthew Knights’ charges were within 15 points at half-time but were outscored 15 goals to three thereafter – Michael O’Loughlin leading the way with six majors. Nick Malceski got through the comeback from his miracle knee reconstruction unscathed, but the Swans lost Tadhg Kennelly to a dislocated knee cap in the second quarter.
Western Bulldogs 17.12 (114) d Fremantle 17.9 (111)
More heartbreak for Fremantle fans after the Dockers led by three goals in the last quarter but found yet another way to lose. While Freo appeared to throw the game away from a box-seat position, credit must go the Bulldogs, who dug deep to stay undefeated. Ex-Lion Jason Akermanis played a prominent role in the comeback and finished with three goals.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
