NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 14 wrap

By Michael DiFabrizio

Sydney Swans 8.17 (65) def. Carlton 5.13 (43)

In yet another wet-weather game, the Swans defeated Carlton by 22 points.

This time around, compared to last week against Port, the disposal from the Swans’ top ball winners improved. Clangers dropped from 63 down to 45. They generated 12 more inside 50s.

Carlton, for what it’s worth, actually won the inside 50 count. But the Swans’ forward pressure meant they struggled to capitalise. They had just one goal to half time, and even that came late after a dubious deliberate rushed behind call.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse credited the slow start to not playing or training in the wet “for months”.

In the second half Carlton rallied, bridging the gap to just seven points early in the final term, but it was not enough. After trading behinds – something that were quite a common occurrence in this game – it was the Swans, through Ben McGlynn and Tom Mitchell, that would kick the last two goals.

Craig Bird stood up for a 33 disposal game, while Ryan O’Keefe had 29 touches and seven tackles.

Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Mitchell each had at least 20 touches, six tackles and a goal.

Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd and Kade Simpson were the lead contributors for the Blues, while Matthew Kreuzer led the game with 40 hitouts.

North Melbourne 19.16 (130) def. GWS GIANTS 6.8 (44)

An eight-goal North Melbourne first term set up a convincing 86-point victory over the GWS GIANTS.

The two sides started well, trading the first two goals, but from there it was one way traffic for North.

GIANTS coach Kevin Sheedy had opted not to play an extra man behind the ball to start with but had no choice but to change plans in the second quarter.

While the away team did get going in the second term, North – no doubt seeking a percentage boost to keep their finals hopes alive – quickly switched back into gear.

Toby Greene was the leading ball winner for the GIANTS with 25 disposals. Adam Treloar and Stephen Gilham took ten marks each and had 24 and 23 touches respectively.

Setanta O’hAilpin, who replaced Jeremy Cameron in the forward line, reminded us he still has a bit to offer by kicking 2.1 and grabbing 18 disposals. Jon Giles won the ruck battle with Todd Goldstein.

For North, Drew Petrie returned five goals and Lindsay Thomas three. Scott Thompson had 28 disposals and nine marks.

The GIANTS now turn their attention to Star Track Oval next week where the Western Bulldogs present a realistic chance for victory.

NSW/ACT Notes

Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had a huge game for the Sydney Swans, as mentioned above. Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) laid nine tackles.

Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES) had eight rebound 50s while Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had seven. Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) kicked 2.1.

Aidan Riley (Figtree) played his first game for the season in Adelaide’s win over Gold Coast, picking up 14 disposals and a goal.

Dean Terlich (Osborne) once again featured in Melbourne’s best with 24 disposals, eight marks and six rebound 50s in the win over the Western Bulldogs. Mitch Clisby (West Broken Hill) also impressed with 18 disposals, five marks and five one-percenters.

Tom Hawkins (Finley) kicked two goals and assisted two others in Geelong’s win over Fremantle.

Isaac Smith (Temora) finally made it to 50 games and he did it in style, racking up 21 disposals, eight tackles and a goal in Hawthorn’s win over the Brisbane Lions.

Luke Breust (Temora) managed three goals in the same game while at the other end of the ground Taylor Duryea (Wahguyah) had five rebound 50s. For the Lions, Brent Staker (West Broken Hill) had five tackles and five one-percenters.

Richmond ruckman Orren Stephenson (Mangoplah-CUE) led the hitouts in the Tigers-Saints game with a career-high　equaling　30. It was his third game of the season.

NAB AFL Under-18 Championships (Round 4)

NSW/ACT 7.5 (47) def. by Queensland 8.8 (56)

The NSW/ACT U18s side went down to Queensland by nine points in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Rams put themselves in a good position in the first three quarters, holding Queensland to just three goals at three quarter time and booting 7.5 themselves. But a final quarter blitz – in which Queensland scored five goals to none – saw the tables turn.

200cm forward Max King had something of a breakout game for NSW/ACT, kicking four goals. Chris Jansen and Jedd Clothier saw a lot of the ball.

What the result means is the division two title will be up for grabs on Thursday. NSW/ACT, Queensland and Tasmania can all win.

It will be up to NSW/ACT to beat Tasmania, who have been undefeated against division two opposition.

NEAFL (Round 15)

Sydney Swans 9.3 (57) def. by Brisbane Lions 19.11 (125)
Tuggeranong 7.5 (47) def. by Belconnen 18.10 (118)
Sydney Uni 5.14 (44) def. by Hills Eagles 9.5 (59)
Eastlake 14.6 (90) def. by Ainslie 16.9 (105)
Queanbeyan 9.7 (61) def. by UWS GIANTS 28.19 (187)