At the Trough Rd 12
West Coast disposed of Carlton on the back of some Natinui brilliance and a Selwood clamp. Adelaide seemed in control but were almost pipped at the post by the fast finishing Saints. GWS pushed the Tigers and Gary Ablett showed us all again just how good he is. Zorko emerges and Wil Minson regresses. We’ll take a look at the highs and lows of round 12.
Top Dollar!
5. Seven in Seven: In an effort to keep their members interested during the bye week, the Hawthorn football club released a new initiative where they are announcing the resigning of seven players over seven days. With Isaac Smith, Grant Birchall and Sam Mitchell already putting pen to paper it promises to be an exciting week for the Hawthorn faithful.
4. Zorko: He made his way to Brisbane via a Suns zone selection but everyone in QLD knew his worth. Dominating the QAFL for a number of years and picking up the Syd Guildford Trophy as the player of the year in the NEAFL last season, it was only a matter of time until he got his chance. He’s been solid this year but a breakout performance against the Hawks on Sunday has made him a household name. 24 touches, 9 marks, 7 tackles and 3 goals in a soundly beaten side must have Michael Voss beaming with the way he goes about it.
3. Dan Connors: Making his way back into top flight footy after injury and club imposed suspensions Dan Connors had a point to prove. He’d showed massive amounts of promise in his fledgling career but his off field antics threatened to derail his attempts to achieve his potential. Breaking back into the Tigers outfit isn’t as easy as it has been and Connors made the most of his opportunities with 3 goals. His disposal wasn’t great and he looks a step off but he’ll come good and the Tigers will be better for it.
2. Natinui and Selwood: I’m almost getting sick of writing about Nic Nat but he just keeps on amazing. We’ve all seen the “greatest point ever kicked” which is a testament to his athleticism but the fact he managed to gather 25 touches was the highlight. He’s so creative with the ball in hand. Scott Selwood took on Judd and not only did he shut him down, he managed 33 touches of his own. His performances this year have been a massive part of the Eagles continued success.
1. Jesus Ablett: The son of ‘God’ keeps performing miracles. Undoubtedly now the best player in the competition. His work rate is off the charts and his skills are sublime. 42 possessions, 18 of them contested. 10 clearances 5 tackles and four goals, one of which should be leading the goal of the year race. Surely it won’t happen that a player in a winless team could win the Brownlow but if the umpires are fair dinkum then he’d have to be a red hot show.
Shithouse!
1. Sheeeeet String! Jesse Stringer isn’t the most recognizable name in the competition but after his antics at the weekend his notoriety could soar. He allegedly assaulted a woman at his home in Geelong and after informing the club he has been declared ineligible for senior selection for the rest of the season and suspended from the VFL for four weeks. Whilst we don’t want to hang the kid out to dry and we’re all innocent until proven otherwise, there’s no room in society, let alone football for any violence towards women and if he’s found guilty he should be deregistered from the AFL immediately.
2. Big mouth Minson or soft cock Pearce: I’ll admit that when I first heard about this my initial reaction was that Danyle Pearce should harden the fuck up. Regardless of what was actually said, it’s believed to have been along the lines of ‘I’m going to rape your mum’, the fact remains, words are only words and if you have that sort of reaction then Minson got the desired result. Everyone seems to be coming out in support of Pearce and apparently family is off limits in sledging. If the line’s been drawn then ok but are we that precious that it needs to be a media beat up every time someones feelings get hurt?
3. Wounded Judd: Carlton fans would be worried about the form of the champion skipper and on Thursday night he probably the worst game he’s ever played. It’s been revealed that he is battling neck and shoulder worries and whilst carrying those injuries may excuse his inability to win the contested ball and generate his usual damaging run and carry, it’s no excuse for dropping uncontested marks and ill discipline. I’m sure he’s frustrated but all he’s able to contribute is a dozen limp touches then perhaps he should have a spell and get himself right.
4. Long Term Morris: The Dogs were forced to place defender Dale Morris on the long term injury list as he battles to recover from a shattered leg. It’s shocking news for Morris who is right up there with Lenny Hayes as one of the most respected players in the game. He plays on talls and smalls with great effect and for me, is as good a one on one defender as there is in our game. Hopefully he’ll be back to his best next season.
5. On Schedule: Brad Scott is kidding himself if he thinks the Roos are on the right track. "We're on that path and we're really confident. People's opinions outside that are just that, they're their opinions." Well Brad, after finishing 9thtwo years in a row you’ve hit the skids. If not for the Suns and GWS you’d be sitting behind Port and the Lions on the ladder and in dire straights. There’s a lot of 50 game players at your club now who have little to no consistency and even less work ethic. Unless you’ve got a secret weapon or two in the cupboard (fuck knows why he would) I think the next few years could be very tough for the Kanga’s.
