Zorko admits accolades all a bit Rich

Outstanding: Brisbane's Dayne Zorko gets tackled by Chris Yarran in the NAB Cup grand final at Etihad Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Daniel Rich handballs while being tackled by Carlton's Mitch Robinson. Source: Getty Images

DANIEL Rich's emergence as an elite AFL talent is not restricted to his medal-winning ways.

Rich, who on Friday night added the Michael Tuck Medal as best afield in the Brisbane Lions' 40-point NAB Cup grand final win to his 2009 Rising Star award, has played a pivotal role in the development of Dayne Zorko.

Zorko, a revelation in his first 16 games last season as a mature-age recruit, was another key in Brisbane's nine-goal-to-one second-half romp over Carlton, booting two goals among 26 disposals.

The 24-year-old later revealed Rich had helped him on his mental approach to a 2013 campaign bound to attract a lot more opposition attention than his first.

Rich is still only 22, but has worked tirelessly in the past 18 months to work through heavy tags and expectations after a sluggish - by his standards - 2011 season.

"I'm still pinching myself to be here," said Zorko whose work rate was highlighted by having two rebound-50s to go with his game-high nine inside-50s.

"I worked really hard over the pre-season with Vossy (coach Michael Voss) and Daniel Rich - everyone was talking about the second-year syndrome and now I've just got to keep putting my best foot forward each week and having their advice (on how to combat that) has really helped.

"Being older and realising what's out there (outside the AFL) helps me a lot."

There's clearly great camaraderie among the Lions, who have also worked extremely hard on fitness and bulking up over summer.

"We worked really hard in the pre-season, we did a lot of extra sessions, the boys went to Arizona, and some of the younger guys went on camp," Zorko said.

"We've all really gelled together, it's a really good feeling at the moment."

Both Zorko and three-goal hero Josh Green said the Lions had not only learnt Voss' game plan better, but were adamant on rebuilding good habits at the club which remarkably has had just one ``winning'' season since its most recent Grand Final appearance in 2004.

"Some people might look at it differently, but it's vital to us ... we needed to start a successful culture and this is the start of it," Green said.

"Everyone's starting to work out what he (Voss) wants us to do. And we're all starting to get that relationship together which is good.

"It's the partnerships and relationships that are very important.

"Especially with sliding to help a mate at a contest."

Green said quicker ball release from the Lions' dynamic half-backs had a positive effect up the field.

"We try to use that overlap (that creates) and get it going quicker over the spare (player) - that's when I can use my pace to get over the back and run on to it."

Green has the happy knack of needing limited possession to damage opponents - and shone with as many goal assists as majors in his 12 disposals.

"I don't aim for 30 possessions a game. I just do my role for the team which is chase and tackle - the most important stuff for me - and then all the good stuff will come after that - goals and passing.

"I prefer to look at the ones I've given away to my mates. It's good to kick goals, but to know that I've worked hard and set up a goal to help a mate out is a good feeling. I enjoy that."

It helps both he and Zorko that inspirational leader Jonathan Brown appears in great nick early in the season.

"I'd say he's fresher (than recent seasons)," Green said of Brown, who booted five goals and was his usual physical self in setting up several others.

"He's running out games a lot better and he's backing up game to game. That reduced pre-season really helps him.''
 

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL pre-season matches wrap

Gary Ablett appeals for a free kick as the Suns beat the Dees. Picture: Adam Head Source: HWT Image Library

THE Suns beat the Dees, Hawthorn broke its pre-season duck and a Roo was placed on report. Get a full wrap of all of today's AFL pre-season matches here.

RICHMOND 148 (92) def WESTERN BULLDOGS 12.11 (83) at Visy Park

A BURST of last-quarter domination from Tigers rookie Sam Lonergan ignited Richmond to a nine-point win against the Western Bulldogs in a hotly contested match at Visy Park today.

Both sides fielded near full-strength sides as a proper tune-up for Round 1, and the Dogs controlled most of the match before Lonergan separated the sides.

Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Visy park, Sam Lonergan crash's into Luke Dahlhaus Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

The former Bomber won a pair of centre clearances and kicked an important goal as he fights to win a place on Richmond's senior list.

Ruckman Ivan Maric was best-afield, booting three goals and impressing around the ground, while Shane Edwards, Shane Tuck and Shaun Grigg relished the winter-like conditions.

Former Docker Nick Lower took another step towards sewing up a Round 1 place for the Western Bulldogs, shutting down superstar and Richmond captain Trent Cotchin.

Lower has excelled as a tagger this pre-season, also taking the honours against Sam Mitchell.

A Jason Tutt goal cut the gap to just three points in the final term, before Jack Riewoldt found the sticks to secure victory.

It was Riewoldt's sole goal as he was shutdown by a magnificent performance by Dale Morris, who is ready to play his first proper game in 18 months after snapping his leg.

Earlier, the Dogs raced to a four-goal lead as Adam Cooney and Mitch Wallis got busy.

Cooney booted a last-quarter goal when Nathan Hrovat, the first-round draft pick who the Dogs debuted today, spotted him in attack.

Hrovat and Tom Liberatore impressed in the final quarter with their inside midfield grunt.

Jordan Roughead again showed signs his move to defence is set to pay off, while a dazzling interception from Luke Dahlhaus set up a Daniel Giansiracusa goal in the third quarter as the Dogs looked set to run away with the match.

Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Visy park, Sam Lonergan crash's into Luke Dahlhaus Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

But the Tigers held firm until the last change before making their move, with goals to Maric and Brett Deledio to start the last quarter.

Brett Goodes capped his incredible summer with another standout performance from halfback and looks certain to make his AFL debut in Round 1 at the age of 29.

GWS GIANTS 16.6 (102) def ST KILDA 12.14 (86) at Blacktown

ST KILDA has suffered a 144-point turnaround from its debut meeting with GWS Giants late last year, falling to the baby club to end its pre-season campaign.

The Saints leaked six last-quarter goals as they were overpowered by the wooden-spoon favourites in a shock result at Blacktown.

It prompted Giants coach Kevin Sheedy to issue a stern warning after the match to nemesis Sydney, declaring "they wouldn't want to treat us with any disrespect" when they do battle in Round 1.

Beau Maister goaled to give the Saints the lead late in the third term, but it was all GWS after that as the home side cruised to a rare victory.

Jack Newnes again impressed, while Gold Coast recruit Tom Hickey was spared the majority of ruck duties as Ben McEvoy took control

Oddly, St Kilda beat the premier (Sydney) and lost to the bottom side (GWS) this NAB Cup. The Saints now have a week off before travelling to Metricon Stadium to play Gold Coast in Round 1.

GOLD COAST 12.8 (80) def MELBOURNE 8.7 (55) at Southport, Queensland

A DOMINANT performance from maligned Dee Jack Watts did little as an undersized Melbourne was exposed by Gold Coast in its final pre-season match today.

A Demons side missing Mitch Clark,  Jack Viney, Jack Trengove James Frawley and Chris Dawes lacked firepower up forward and was stretched in defence as the Suns' young tall timber speared the home side to a 25-point win.

Big men Aaron Hall and Charlie Dixon combined for five majors, while Gary Ablett stepped his pre-season up another notch, collecting 24 touches in the 12.8 (80) to 8.7 (55) victory at Southport.

Watts racked up 25 disposals as he was unleashed from halfback, while James Sellar provided a lone target in attack, booting three goals.

Mature-aged recruit Dean Terlich again impressed for Melbourne and is on track for a Round 1 debut against Port Adelaide in two weeks.

Terlich collected 21 touches and booted a goal, while Mark Jamar was dominant in the ruck.

Suns' first-round draftee and midfield wrecking ball Jesse Lonergan injured his wrist and was spotted sporting a sling after the match.

16/3/13 AFL -The Gold Coast Suns play the Melbourne Demons in NAB Cup game at Southport Sharks on the Gold Coast. Jesse Lonergan in a sling after the game. Pics Adam Head Picture: Adam Head Source: HWT Image Library

HAWTHORN 19.8 (122) def NORTH MELBOURNE 5.11 (41) at Craigieburn

HAWTHORN and North Melbourne called off their practice match halfway through the last quarter as wild weather lashed Craigieburn.

With the Hawks leading by 79 points and 13.55 on the clock, both sides mutually agreed to end the contest.

And the Roos could be without another defender for their Round 1 clash against Collingwood with former Sun Taylor Hine reported for a high bump on Jack Gunston.

The Roos are already without Scott McMahon for the season-opener, while veteran Brent Harvey is suspended until Round 7.

The Roos were monstered by Hawthorn, with David Hale booting four goals in the first three quarters against his old side to spear the Hawks to a 76-point lead at the final change.

Nathan Grima and Ryan Bastinac tried hard for the Roos, while Lance Franklin and Gunston kicked three goals each.

For updates from Craigieburn follow Matt Windley on Twitter

PORT ADELAIDE 15.12 (102) def SYDNEY 10.12 (72) at AAMI Stadium

NEW Port Adelaide skipper Travis Boak speared his side to a five-goal win against premiers Sydney to cap the Power's impressive pre-season under Ken Hinkley.

The midfield star booted three goals from 29 touches as Port shot clear in the final quarter.

But forward John Butcher injured his hand during the 15.12 (102) to 10.12 (72) win, although Port Adelaide tweeted it did not appear to be a serious blow.

Brad Ebert collected 25 touches, while former Eagle Lewis Stevenson racked up 21 from defence as he continues to bolt towards a Round 1 Power debut after 10 games for West Coast in 2010.

Goals to Sydney stars Adam Goodes, Kieran Jack and Jesse White in the third quarter sent the Swans into the final break just seven points down, before the home side seized control in front of 5042 fans.

Sam Reid kicked Sydney's sole major in the final term, two weeks out from Sydney's Round 1 match against GWS.

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hawks win carries worries

Sam Mitchell spins out of trouble. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

HAWTHORN finally got its first win of the pre-season, but will now sweat on the fitness of Josh Gibson and the Match Review Panel's verdict of David Hale's hit on Leigh Adams as it prepares for Round 1.

The Hawks defeated North Melbourne by 81 points in Craigieburn this afternoon in a match that was cut short midway through the final term as both teams opted for a safety first approach at a rain-swept Highgate Reserve.

Gibson was smashed in a marking contest in the dying seconds of the first half and appeared to be short of breath and holding the left side of his rib cage.

Get a wrap of all the matches here

He moved gingerly towards the bench, but then was assisted from the field by two trainers once the half time siren sounded.

He did not return to the field, but coach Alastair Clarkson said afterwards it was always planned to rest Gibson - as well as Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughead - in the second half.

nm#38 Majak Daw gets away from h#25 Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

Hale was reported for making forceful front on contact to Adams in the first quarter.

Both attacked a ground ball in the Hawks' forward 50m, but Adams was sent crashing to the turf after being collected high.

He played on, but was sporting a black eye after the match.

Injuries and reports aside, it was a fairly routine win for Hawthorn against an extremely undermanned Kangaroos outfit missing up to 12 of its first choice players.

After a competitive first quarter, the Hawks ran out 19.8 (122) to 5.11 (41) winners.

Hale kicked four goals while Gunston, Lance Franklin and Sam Grimley chipped in with three goals each.

Clarkson said he was confident Gibson would be fit to face Geelong at the MCG in 15 days time.

"I think he's going to be OK, Gibbo ... he just got a bit of a knock in a marking contest,'' Clarkson said.

nm#38 Majak Daw gets away from h#25 Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

"We were going to take him out at half time anyway. He'll be OK, he's a pretty tough competitor.''

Many Hawks fans would have headed to the northern suburbs hoping to glean information on how their side would go about replacing the injured Matthew Suckling.

Matthew Spangher was good in defence and can play both tall and small, while Kyle Cheney was also serviceable.

Interestingly, Gunston also won a fair few possessions in the back half and also had two rebound 50s to his name.

Clarkson said the art of re-working his side's backline was still a work in progress.

"We'll work it out, we've got good depth at our footy club,'' he said.

"Suckers is obviously a loss for us, but you've just got to forge ahead _ when one goes down you replace him with another guy.

"We think we've got enough depth, is it the same quality? We'll wait and see. We'll keep putting blokes in there and hopefully we'll get the same rebound as last year.''

The coach said Gunston's clean foot skills could be utilised in defence at times.

"But just his polish in the front half is really valuable for our side, so we'll continue to explore things across half back but we probably don't want to rob the influence he can have for us in the front half of the ground.''

Clarkson said the match had been approached as a full Round 1 dress rehearsal and, as such, he was happy enough with the outcome.

"You can only control what you can do ... by and large it was a good hitout for both sides.''
 

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

More pain for injured Nicoski

SETBACK: West Coast's Mark Nicoski has been placed on the long-term injury list. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast veteran Mark Nicoski's career is at the crossroads after being placed on the long-term injury list again.

Nicoski, who missed all of last season after a severe hamstring injury in the NAB Cup Grand Final, is unlikely to be available until the second-half of the season. It is a serious blow for the 29-year-old, who has been battling in his recovery and is on a one-year contract.

Nicoski had originally targeted a NAB Cup return and hoped to push his claims for Round 1 but the club has become increasingly concerned with his progress over the past two months as his body struggled to cope with his rehab program.

The popular clubman, who played in the Eagles' losing Grand Final team in 2005 but missed the premiership a year later, remains adamant his career is not over.

"There has not been a setback per se, it's just a matter of backing it off a little over the next couple of months, managing and manipulating my training loads," he told the club's website.

Nicoski enjoyed a career-best season in 2011 but would have to prove himself for an extended period in the WAFL before pushing for selection later this year.

He may find it tough to break into the West Coast team if it is performing strongly. The decision to return Nicoski to the long-term injury list continues the Eagles' turbulent build-up to the season.

West Coast is preparing to throw off-season pickups Jamie Cripps and Mark Hutchings straight into the cauldron of the Round 1 Western Derby on Saturday amid its midfield injury crisis. Cripps, secured in a trade deal after playing 16 games for St Kilda, impressed during the NAB Cup and is a likely inclusion for the clash with Fremantle.

Hutchings had not originally been pencilled in for a Round 1 debut and has been playing for West Perth in WAFL pre-season fixtures in recent weeks.

But the 21-year-old was held out of the Falcons' side for yesterday's match against East Perth. The Eagles are looking for options to bolster their ball-winning division with key midfielders Daniel Kerr (knee), Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) and Matt Rosa (thigh) all sidelined.

An AFL debut in the derby would continue a fairytale turnaround for Hutchings, who was taken in the rookie draft by St Kilda in 2010 but dumped after one season without playing a senior game. He starred in the WAFL for the past two season before being selected by the Eagles at No.60 in last November's national draft.

In a fresh approach to the derby build-up ahead of the 37th meeting between the two clubs, coaches Ross Lyon and John Worsfold will hold their official pre-match press conference at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle on Wednesday.

West Coast remains favourite despite its injury woes, with the Eagles at $1.60 and the Dockers paying $2.35.

The derby is set to be played at a frenetic intensity, with the combatants in the unusual situation of having a fortnight to recover. The Dockers have a 14-day break before their Round 2 trip to face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, while the Eagles will have 15 days before they host Hawthorn.

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daisy, Reid on track for opener

Collingwood's Dale Thomas now appears a huge chance to be available  for Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD hasn't given up on Ben Reid and Dale Thomas being available for its opening-round clash against North Melbourne in 14 days.

But the Magpies have already ruled out Alex Fasolo and Andrew Krakouer.

Reid and Thomas could play in a practice match next weekend, and director of football Geoff Walsh said they would be available for the first round.

If they don't play for the senior side against the Kangaroos on March 30, they will line up four days earlier for the club's VFL side against an Australian Institute of Sport team in a curtain raiser to the Richmond and Carlton clash.

Yesterday Walsh said Reid and Thomas, who both missed Friday's practice match against Geelong, were in a similar situation.

"Like Reidy, if 'Daisy' (Thomas) is not fit to play in the game on the weekend, he'll be right for Round 1," Walsh said.

Fasolo won't make his AFL return until at least Round 3 after battling a hamstring complaint. He has not played so far this pre-season.

Krakouer is still a couple of weeks away from playing his first game for the season in the VFL.

He was a considered a chance of playing in yesterday's VFL clash against Geelong, but the club believes he needs more fitness work before he resumes at the lower level.

Walsh said Krakouer had missed a couple of training sessions in the past month and the club wanted to make sure he was fit before he played.

"He might be a couple of weeks away from playing," Walsh said. "His general fitness is not as good as it could be, so we want to get him fit on the track."

Forward Quinten Lynch suffered a corky during Collingwood's 51-point loss to the Cats at Simonds Stadium on Friday.

Lynch, who booted four goals, has already been cleared of any serious damage.

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Geelong demolishes Pies at Cattery

Jimmy Bartel breaks clear against Collingwood. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun

IT WAS a mix of reliable regular performers and exciting new talent for Geelong in its practice match romp against Collingwood yesterday.

Gold Coast trade Josh Caddy and former athlete Mark Blicavs put in their bids for AFL season starts with impressive performances in the 51-point win at Simonds Stadium.

Caddy ran up 20 possessions and booted two goals with his strong work in the midfield and up forward in what Cats coach Chris Scott described as collectively "an overwhelmingly positive'' final tune-up.

"It was pretty important for Josh. He's still learning our system, he's one of a few players who hasn't been exposed to it for long and he got a lot of game-time leading into the season," Scott said.

"It wasn't crucial for his chances of playing Round 1. I've been pretty happy with the way he has been playing and he took another step forward today."

And Blicavs underlined that he might be able to hold down a ruck role if required early in the season. The steeplechase convert complemented his running ability with quick hands as he held his own in the ruck battles with experienced Magpie Darren Jolly.

"He just gives us another dimension. We're a long way from deciding what our best look is in there, but there's some chance he's a part of that even when our big guys come back," Scott said.

"I don't know how switched on Collingwood was, but in the NAB series against pretty good opposition, he has looked like he belongs. He still has a lot to learn, but if he continues the rate, he's going to be a capable footballer.

"I'm not one for massive statements, but there has never been a 198cm footballer who can run like him. If he doesn't play in the ruck, we're confident he can play in different positions.''

Billy Smedts gets tackled by Nick Maxwell. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun

The slick, quick Cats had an astonishing 14 goalkickers, with Jimmy Bartel, James Podsiadly, Allen Christensen, Mitch Brown and Caddy the multiple scorers. And that massive scoring sheet didn't include Tom Hawkins.

Collingwood scrounged only five goals in the first half, but the Pies dramatically lifted their workrate with 6.3 to 3.7 in the third quarter in a far more competitive effort.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said the "intensity reflected the practice match", but he wasn't happy the Cats had 41 scoring shots.

"The game plan is good, we're moving the ball all right. If you take today out of the equation, we feel like we've really progressed to where we need to be," Buckley said.

Big forward Quinten Lynch underlined his importance as an alternate target with four goals and Travis Cloke bagged only two in a fast, open contest made for high scoring.

Magpie Dane Swan in action against Geelong. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun

And Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan were the only players to amass more than 30 possessions to indicate they're ready to go.

Suspended pair Steve Johnson and James Kelly will play with Geelong's VFL team today against a Collingwood team that contains Andrew Krakouer and Ben Hudson.

The Pies were missing at least eight regulars, including Luke Ball, Dale Thomas, Ben Reid, Alan Didak, Alex Fasolo, while Clinton Young was a late withdrawal with a suspected calf injury.

It was the first time a Collingwood team has played at the Cats' home since Round 15, 1999.

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Goddard slams Saints cash claims

Brendon Goddard in his new colours. Source: Herald Sun

STAR Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says suggestions he held former club St Kilda to ransom over his contract are "a complete bunch of lies".

Goddard was questioned about comments by Saints president Greg Westaway, who said his demand for a lucrative four-year deal would have made the club pay him $750,000 at age 32.

"I don't think so. It would have been derelict of our board to have sewn him up for that fourth year," Westaway told Fairfax Media.

But Goddard totally rejected the claims.

"That is totally fabricated and untrue," he said on The Footy Show.

"For Greg Westaway to come out and say that - a complete bunch of lies - is somewhat hurtful, because it's not true at all."

Goddard said the $750,000 figure was wrong and he felt he left the club on good terms.

"Pretty much he's suggesting I held the club to ransom on those figures, so it's pretty hurtful.

"There was a number of things (that led to the decision to join Essendon) and obviously the talks went a bit pear-shaped, but at the time summing it up I thought it was the best decision for me personally.

"I played 10 seasons at St Kilda and 200 games, I played in a couple of Grand Finals, so they're always going to hold a special place in my heart.

"To think that I walked away disappointed, or on bad terms, is a bit hurtful. I just thought I made the best decision personally for myself."

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mayne, Dawson commit to Dockers

STAYING ON: Chris Mayne will remain with Fremantle until at least 2016 after signing a contract extension. Picture: Paul Kane Source: Getty Images

FREMANTLE has shored up its future at both ends of the field, with Chris Mayne and Zac Dawson agreeing to contract extensions at the club.

Mayne, who was coming out of contract at the end of the season, will remain at the Dockers until at least 2016 having signed a three-year extension.

The dead-eye forward booted 39 goals and just seven behinds in 23 appearances last year to finish second behind Coleman Medal contender Matthew Pavlich (69) on Fremantle's goalkicking tally.

Mayne, 24, has played 81 games for the Dockers since his debut in 2008.
Dawson will be at Fremantle through to the end of the 2015 season after agreeing to a two-year extension.

Fremantle general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said the club was happy to have secured the duo for the medium-term.

"Both players are very important components of our structure," he said.

"Chris had an excellent 2012 playing as a forward, and Zac was part of a solid defensive group that really grew as a unit last year."

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

REPLAY: Brisbane Lions win NAB Cup

Daniel Rich is congratulated by teammates after kicking a goal during the NAB Cup Grand Final. Source: Getty Images

REPLAY our live coverage of tonight's NAB Cup grand final between the Brisbane Lions and Carlton at Etihad Stadium here.

10:18pm AEDT- Carlton 69 defeated by Brisbane 109

JONATHAN Brown kicks his fifth and the NAB Cup premiership cup is heading north.

The siren sounds at the Dome for what is the club's first silverware since the 2003 premiership win.

Carlton gave very little after half-time.

Daniel Rich won the Michael Tuck medal for best on ground.

Daniel Merrett marks in front of Mitch Robinson. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

10pm AEDT- Carlton 68 trail Brisbane 96

THE Lions look home at the Dome.

They have kicked the first two goals of the term, through Ash McGrath and Rohan Bewick, and lead by 28.

It looks like curtains for the Blues.

Stefan Martin tackles Bryce Gibbs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

9:50pm AEDT - Carlton 67 trail Brisbane 82 at THREE QUARTER-TIME

THE scoring dried up late in the third term, but it would not have worried the Lions.

They head into the final term with a 15-point lead.

It would have been by more had they not blown a few chances late in the term.

The Blues seem tired - can they fight back in the last?

Jack Redden jumps for a high mark attempt on Nick Duigan. Source: Getty Images

9:30pm AEDT - Carlton 66 trail Brisbane 79

COMETH the hour, cometh big Browny.

Jonathan Brown receives a free kick and kicks a long supergoal from a set shot.

The nine-pointer helps the Lions to a two-goal lead.

11 minutes remain in the third term.

Stefan Martin (right) of the Brisbane Lions contests for the ball against Simon White. Source: Getty Images

9:20pm AEDT - Carlton 60 trail Brisbane 65

GREAT start to the second half by Brisbane.

Patrick Karnezis gets on the end of one, running onto it to kick a goal from 40m out.

Jack Redden then decides to get in on the act, snapping one that bounced and bounced its way through.

Jonathan Brown then kicks his third after winning a free for in the back.

Three quick ones and the Lions are back in front.

Daniel Rich is congratulated by teammates after kicking a goal during the NAB Cup Grand Final. Source: Getty Images

9pm AEDT - Carlton 60 lead Brisbane 47 at HALF-TIME

CARLTON lead by 13 points at the main break.

The teams went goal for goal late in the term.

Kade Simpson (15 disposals), Mitch Robinson (14 disposals) and Marc Murphy (14 disposals) are doing the damage for Carlton.

Brent Moloney (13 disposals), Pearce Hanley (12 disposals) and Daniel Rich (12 disposals and one goal) are leading the possession count for the Lions.

Jonathan Brown and Josh Green have kicked two goals apiece.

Jed Adcock marks against Carlton. Picture: Andrew Tauber Source: Herald Sun

8:44pm AEDT - Carlton 47 lead Brisbane 41

Josh Green kicks a very important goal to halt Carlton's run.

It has been all Carlton this quarter, but the Lions now trail by only a goal after Green's six-pointer.

And what a goal it was.

He received a handball from Ash McGrath deep on the boundary and proceeded to kick a banana goal on the run.

That's Green's second goal.

Brocl McLean tackles James Polkinghorne Picture: Andrew Tauber Source: Herald Sun

8:35pm AEDT - Carlton 42 lead Brisbane 34

THE Blues have gone bang.

Carlton kick the first goal of the second term through Levi Casboult.

Bryce Gibbs gathered and booted it long to Casboult, who was able to out position Daniel Merrett.

Then Nick Duigan runs through the centre and makes no mistake from 45m out.

The run-on continues with a supergoal to Zach Tuohy.

Brisbane have stopped.

Brent Moloney and Kade Simpson tangle. Picture: Andrew Tauber Source: Herald Sun

8:18pm AEDT- Carlton 21 trail Brisbane 33 QUARTER-TIME

THE Lions lead at the first change, but the Blues are back in this.

It started with Eddie Betts, who kicked a badly-needed goal for the Blues.

The Lions kicked four goals in a row before Betts weaved his magic, snapping a terrific goal from the pocket.

Then Bryce Gibbs kicks a nine-point supergoal after drilling a long one from outside 50.

Great mini fightback by the Blues after the Lions skipped away.

Chris Judd on the bench. Picture: Tauber Andrew Source: Herald Sun

8:09pm AEDT- Carlton 6 trail Brisbane 33

THE Lions are on fire.

Ash McGrath missed a sitter before Daniel Rich snapped a great goal on his left foot to extend the Brisbane lead.

Then big Jonathan Brown takes a strong grab and goals.

If that was not enough, James Polkinhorne followed it up with a great snap goal.

The Lions are being well beaten in the possession count, but look much more dangerous when going forward.

Carlton need to steady here with four minutes remaining in the first term.

Mitch Robinson lays a tackle. Source: Herald Sun

7:57pm AEDT - Carlton 6 trail Brisbane 13

THE Lions are up and about.

Carlton have dominated the early going and are winninng the football.

Yet the Lions have jumped ahead through Josh Green.

The young Lion took a great one-handed mark 15m out in front of goal and made no mistake.

Then Dayne Zorko kicked a great, long goal from outside 50.

Here they come.

Mitch Robinson kicks the opener. Source: Getty Images

7:51pm AEDT - Carlton 6 lead Brisbane 0

Mitch Robinson with the first goal of the NAB Cup grand final.

The Blue cops a high one and calmly slots it through from 30m out.

Good positive start by the Blues.

Marc Murphy leads Carlton out against Brisbane. Picture: Andrew Tauber Source: Herald Sun

PRE-GAME

Superstar Chris Judd makes his first appearance of the pre-season tonight - and what a time to do it.

Make no mistake of it, the Blues want this and see it as the perfect way to launch their new era under new coach Mick Malthouse.

But the Lions, who are still aggrieved this match is not being played in Queensland, decided a long time ago they wanted to win the NAB Cup.

If they win, it will be their first piece of silverware since the 2003 premiership win.

Brisbane Lions:

B: Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Elliot Yeo

HB: Jed Adcock, Matt Maguire, Mitch Golby

C: Patrick Karnezis, Tom Rockliff, Pearce Hanley

HF: Rohan Bewick, Jonathan Brown, Josh Green

F: Aaron Cornelius, Stefan Martin, Dayne Zorko

Foll: Billy Longer, Brent Moloney, Daniel Rich

Int: Sam Docherty, Ashley McGrath, Claye Beams, Andrew Raines, Jack Redden, James Polkinghorne

Emg: Marco Paparone, Ryan Lester, Jack Crisp

Carlton:

B: Chris Yarran, Michael Jamison, Simon White

HB: Nick Duigan, Lachie Henderson, Zach Tuohy

C: Kade Simpson, Brock McLean, Dennis Armfield

HF: Andrew Carrazzo, Andrew Walker, Kane Lucas

F: Sam Rowe, Levi Casboult, Eddie Betts

Foll: Shaun Hampson, Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy

Int: Chris Judd, Matthew Kreuzer, Mitch Robinson, Josh Bootsma, Ed Curnow, Aaron Joseph

Emg: Jeremy Laidler, Tom Bell, Heath Scotland

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Victory proves who's the Voss

Brisbane smash Carlton in the final quarter to win NAB Cup.

Lions coach Michael Voss and AFL chief Andrew Demetriou after Brisbane's super impressive win in the NAB Cup grand final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Brisbane Lions midfielder Dayne Zorko celebrates a goal. Picture: Andrew Tauber Source: Herald Sun

AS A player, Michael Voss expected perfection, personally and from teammates.

As a coach, it's taken time for that same stamp to be noticable - but make no mistake, signs are becoming evident.

From the Brisbane coach's viewpoint, a disturbingly large gap between old and new Lions still exists.

But when it works, look out.

The Lions won the NAB Cup by 40 points last night on the back of two stellar periods of football that, in simple terms, Carlton couldn't match.

The Blues, who themselves had some exciting patches, wouldn't be troubled long-term with their rivals seemingly more advanced in their unbeaten pre-season preparation.

But these understated Lions have pieces of the next top-flight puzzle coming together.

The arrival of Stefan Martin combined with the bigger and fitter presence of Aaron Cornelius not only gives Brisbane's forward line more structure, it permits Daniel Merrett to stay at home in the key defensive post.

In turn, Matt Maguire and Joel Patfull are shuffled down the defensive totem pole, with Jed Adcock and the ultra-impressive Pearce Hanley free to swoop on more balls brought to ground.

NAB cup grand final. Carlton v Brisbane @ Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.Lions Jonathan Brown goes for a mark against Jamison Picture: Tauber Andrew Source: Herald Sun

But it's when the next phase of play across half-back links up with Daniel Rich and Dayne Zorko that these Lions become killers.

Time and again last night, the Lions swept the ball the length of the ground with July-like precision.

Jonathan Brown (five goals) and Patrick Karnezis (21 disposals, one goal before being subbed at the final change) are the principal targets on the rampage, but Josh Green (three goals) has that Cyril Rioli-like capacity to alter games with minimal possessions whether off his own boot or setting up others.

There were times last night, whether through increased intensity or Brisbane lapses, when the Blues impressed.

Kane Lucas and Kade Simpson were running standouts, while Mitch Robinson appeared the Blues' barometer with his typically bullocking style augmented by some incisive forward forays.

But with Chris Judd underdone and the influence of new skipper Marc Murphy limited, the Lions midfield held sway.

NAB Cup,Grand Final,Carlton v Brisbane,Chris Judd tackled by Brent Moloney, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

They shot the reluctant visitors out of the gate to a 27-point lead 23 minutes into the first term, before two of those lapses Voss must eradicate to make them a top team cost them two supergoals on wraparound plays for Bryce Gibbs and Zach Tuohy either side of quarter-time.

The Blues edged out to a 13-point lead at the long break, but when the Lions rebooted the game plan - particularly across half-back - the Blues were blown away.

At halftime, Carlton had managed 14 scoring shots to 12.

By game's end, the Blues had managed just six more compared to Brisbane's 17.

Hanley, the Irishman whose knowledge of the game's finer points continues to both advance and amaze, was brilliant across half-back.

He and co-captain Adcock are a lethal springboard combination against whom opposition coaches must guard.

Because when they look further afield now, it's not just Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff, it's Rohan Bewick, Brent Moloney and the destructive Zorko and Rich who help diffuse attention from Brown.

NAB cup grand final. Carlton v Brisbane @ Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.A jubilant Lions after the win Picture: Tauber Andrew Source: Herald Sun

Carlton will be better for the run.

It shouldn't be forgotten that the Blues are still building and were far from rampant victors in their early NAB Cup rounds.

Bryce Gibbs showed flashes of the impact he will have in the midfield this year, while Michael Jamison already looks fitter than in recent seasons at full-back.

Make no mistake, though, this won't be the last time the Lions salute in big games this year.

It's folly to suggest a NAB Cup trophy is a guarantee of something bigger.

But you can see Voss' imprint - and it's impressive.

NAB Cup,Grand Final,Carlton v Brisbane,Stefan Martin tackles Bryce Gibbs, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

20.48 | 0 komentar | Read More