NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 23 wrap

By Michael DiFabrizio

Sydney Swans 16.4 (100) def. by Hawthorn 17.10 (112)

The Hawks got an early edge over the Swans in their September preview, prevailing by 12 points.

The two sides will meet again next week at the ‘G but the teams could be noticeably different by then given the ANZ clash saw Kurt Tippett go out as a late withdrawal and Buddy Franklin reported for a high bump.

Either way, the Swans did give Hawthorn a scare on Friday night, leading for the bulk of the first three quarters and carrying a 10-point lead into the final term.

Making up for their performance a week earlier, the Swans got on top in the inside 50s (57-51). They also laid ten more tackles than the Hawks.

But it wasn’t enough to stop a late-charging Hawthorn, who kicked six of the last nine goals.

Shane Mumford was dominant in the ruck with 41 hitouts, two goals and six tackles.　Kieren Jack was active with 13 of those inside 50s while Ryan O’Keefe laid 11 tackles. Josh Kennedy had nine clearances among 33 disposals.

Luke Parker and Jesse White had three goals each up forward and Ted Richards applied pressure in the back line with eight one-percenters.

The Hawks’ best included Jarryd Roughead (who kicked 4.3) and Jordan Lewis (10 tackles, six inside 50s).

Gold Coast Suns 22.14 (146) def. GWS GIANTS 9.9 (63)

The curtains have come down on the GIANTS’ 2013 season – and Kevin Sheedy’s coaching career – with a loss to the Suns.

Sheedy finished the match with 1030 games to his name. 251 of those were as a player, 779 as a coach.

While it would’ve been fitting to send him off with a win, Gary Ablett and his team mates certainly had other ideas.

The Suns built a 21-point lead at quarter time and it was never in doubt thereafter.

The GIANTS were led by Jon Giles in the ruck (43 hitouts and a goal), Adam Tomlinson (12 marks and a goal) and Taylor Adams (30 disposals and a goal).

Jeremy Cameron did kick 2.3 although his Coleman Medal hopes were already scaled down by the time Sunday came.

The star of the show, however, was Ablett, who did his best to secure some late-season Brownlow votes with 33 touches and four goals.

Dion Prestia also saw the ball 33 times. Andrew Boson also kicked four goals.

NSW/ACT Notes

Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) led the NSW/ACT contingent in his match (see report). Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) kicked a goal, laid eight tackles and had five inside 50s.

Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had 23 disposals. Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had 24 disposals.

For the Hawks, Luke Breust (Temora) kicked two goals and Isaac Smith (Temora) had 15 disposals.

Justin Koschitzke (Brocklesby) farewelled AFL football but couldn’t quite get one last goal, kicking 0.4 which included an agonising goal review. He did finish with six marks despite starting as the sub and the Saints did get the win over Fremantle.

Team mate Lenny Hayes (Pennant Hills) finished with 24 disposals and a goal. Adam Schneider (Osborne) had 17 touches with five inside 50s.

Freo’s Craig Moller (Cronulla Sharks) was given his debut in the match. He had five touches after coming on as the sub.

Daniel Cross (Albury) had 27 disposals, seven tackles and a goal in the Western Bulldogs’ win over Melbourne. Tom Young (Wollondilly) had 15 touches and four marks.

For the Dees, Dean Terlich (Osborne) had 17 disposals and six marks.

Orren Stephenson (Mangoplah-CUE) had a team-high 15 hitouts with four marks for Richmond as they beat Essendon.

Phil Davis (Marist Canberra) patrolled the back line in the GIANTS game, taking eight marks and having 15 disposals.

Will Sierakowski (St Ignatius Riverview) had 12 touches at 100 per cent efficiency in North Melbourne’s win over Collingwood.

NEAFL Eastern – Semi Finals

Sydney Swans 23.12 (150) def. Belconnen 10.9 (69)
Brisbane Lions 16.10 (106) def. Aspley 15.14 (104)

NEAFL Northern – Semi Finals

Ainslie 15.15 (105) def. UWS GIANTS 5.11 (41)
Southport 16.13 (109) def. Redland 11.12 (78)