RELAY: Hawks v Cats

Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli marks in front of Geelong midfielder Taylor Hunt at the MCG. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

5.54pm: Hawks 86 - Cats 93

THE curse lives! Geelong had to overcome a six goal margin to register its tenth straight win over Hawthorn.

Joel Selwood led the fight back with 33 disposals and a goal.

Hawthorn pushed late with Shane Savage (two goals) giving the Hawks a chance in the shadows of full time.

But it was not to be as Geelong's defence stood tall amid a flurry of Hawk forward thrusts.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and commentary

Luke Breust had the chance to put the Hawks within two points with under a minute to play but sprayed his set shot for goal.

Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead stunk it up.

5.43pm: Hawks 79 - Cats 93

THE match hangs in the balance with Luke Breust putting the Hawks within 14-points midway through the final quarter.

Geelong looked to be all over Hawthorn early with James Podsiadly and Mitch Duncan kicking goals to make it a 21-point margin.

But never-say-die Hawthorn responded at the 18-minute mark with Breust.

Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead hardly sighted in the second half.

5.33pm: Hawks 71 - Cats 86

HAWTHORN faces the prospect of 10 straight losses to Geelong with the Cats running amok at the MCG.

The Cats have kicked nine of the last 11 goals to turn a six goal deficit into a 15-point lead early in the last quarter.

Allen Christensen gave the Cats the perfect start forcing a turnover from a kick in to slot the first of the final term.

James Podsiadly then got on the end of a Mitch Duncan kick inside 50 to give the Cats a handy buffer.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Meanwhile, Billie Smedts is off the ground in a bad shape after copping a heavy knock.

Geelong is yet to activate substitute George Horlin-Smith.

5.14pm: Hawks 70 - Cats 72

GEELONG has been dealt a blow with key defender Jared Rivers off the ground with a knee injury.

The Cats lead 72-70 late in the third quarter after a Joel Selwood-inspired comeback.

But the Hawks refuse to lay down with Jarryd Roughead, who has struggled to make an impact today, slotting a much-needed goal in the shadows of three-quarter time.

Hawthorn young gun Brad Hill has been substituted out of the match.

Tom Hawkins kick a long goal during the 3rd quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

5.05pm: Hawks 57 - Cats 58

GEELONG has whittled away a 20-point half-time deficit to level the scores midway through the third quarter.

Joel Selwood sparked the fight back ripping the ball out of a stoppage to set up Mitch Duncan for his first goal of the match.

The skipper then added salt to the Hawks wounds moments later converting a set shot from directly in front.

Enter spearhead Tom Hawkins who slotted his second to cut the margin to one point and put the Hawks on the ropes.

Allen Christensen then put the Cats in front missing a set shot from 45m on a slight angle.

Geelong has dominated the third quarter with Hawthorn's playmakers going Sam Mitchell, Cyril Rioli and Brent Guerra struggling to hold the Cats at bay.

Sam Mitchell shows Mathew Stokes a clean pair of heels during the 1st quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

4.25pm: Hawks 57 - Cats 37

POOR kicking continues to plague Hawthorn in its pursuit of vanquishing a nine-game hoodoo against Geelong.

The Hawks looked in control late in the second quarter when Lance Franklin and Isaac Smith slotted back-to-back goals.

Jarryd Roughead and Brent Guerra sprayed shots on goal in the shadows of half time as the Hawks go into the main break with nine behinds on the board.

But Geelong hit back with Tom Hawkins outmarking Ryan Schoenmakers to kick his first goal and put the Cats within striking distance.

Enter Travis Varcoe who used his speed to burst out of congestion and snap around his body cutting the margin to 20 points.

The Cats too have had their troubles in front of the big sticks registering seven behinds.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Hawk Paul Puopolo got plenty of the ball going into the main break with 76 SuperCoach points. Cyril Rioli (12 possessions, one goal) was next best.

Meanwhile, Geelong skipper Joel Selwood has been the pick of the Cats ahead of veteran Corey Enright and former Melbourne defender Jared Rivers.

Standby for a huge second half!

4.15pm: Hawks 43 - Cats 25

IT'S a battle of attrition at the MCG with Hawthorn and Geelong playing an exciting brand of end-to-end football.

The Hawks lead by 20 points but the Cats continue to push through Travis Varcoe and Joel Selwood providing plenty of spark.

But poor kicking has been the tale of the tape so far with Hawthorn and Geelong combining for 13 missed opportunities.

Hawthorn v Geelong,Goal, Brent Guerra, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

4.05pm: Hawks 34 - Cats 23

FRANKLIN passed his fitness test, alright. The superboot wasted little time in the second quarter launching a 55m drop punt for goal to open the scoring.

But Geelong hit back with goals to Paul Chapman and James Podsiadly cutting the margin to 11 points.

Tom Hawkins has been quiet early while young Hawk Brad Hill continues to dominate.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and commentary

3.50pm: Hawks 26 - Cats 11

LANCE Franklin is off the ground with medicos checking out the superstar's hamstring.

A huge blow to the Hawks if the superboot is unable to return.

Brad Hill the star for the Hawks with 10 disposals and 49 SuperCoach points in a dominant first quarter.

The Cats only goal was a ripper from Billie Smedts late in the term tucked up along the boundary line.

Smedts snapped the ball around his body threading the goals but was forced to wait out a goal review to celebrate.

The review proved to be inconclusive with video umpire unable to determine if the ball had shaved the post on the way through. The goal umpire thought he "heard something".

Hawthorn v Geelong, Lance Franklin bumps Joel Selwood off play, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

3.43pm: Hawks 19 - Cats 5

GEELONG is on the back foot after back-to-back goals to Luke Breust and Brent Guerra to set up a 19-5 lead late in the first quarter.

Hawthorn has dominated play early with Guerra and Brad Hill the pick of the rampaging Hawks.

Hill, younger brother of Fremantle's Stephen, has been a revelation providing plenty of dash off half-back in the absence of Matthew Suckling (knee).

But the Cats only have themselves to blame spraying six shots on goal in the opening term.

Joel Selwood and Andrew Mackie the best for the Cats early.

Hawthorn v Geelong, Lance Franklin bumps Joel Selwood off play, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

3.28pm: Hawks 6 - Cats 2

HAWTHORN defender Josh Gibson has first crack on dangerous Geelong forward Tom Hawkins at the MCG today.

Hawkins booted a goal after the siren to deliver the Cats their ninth-straight victory over Hawthorn last time these two sides met.

Meanwhile, Ryan Schoenmakers is lined up against Cat James Podsiadly.

The Hawks have made the early running with Cyril Rioli, Jordan Lewis and Brad Hill getting plenty of the football.

Lewis kicked the first goal of the match taking a strong mark inside-50.

LiveHQ: Follow the match live with live SuperCoach points, stats, commentary and more

PRE-GAME

BRIAN Lake is a late withdrawal from the Hawthorn team to face Geelong at the MCG today in the final match of Round 1.

Lake was named in the Hawks' defence despite not playing since he hurt his calf in the first round of the NAB Cup.

The team sheets for today's match have just been submitted and the former Bulldog is out, replaced by ruckman Max Bailey.

The late inclusion means the Hawks have three potential rucks in their line-up - Bailey, David Hale and Jarryd Roughead - while the Cats are playing first-gamer Mark Blicavs as first ruck. Trent West is on the bench.

The Geelong team is unchanged.

The subs are Jed Anderson (Hawthorn) and George Horlin-Smith (Geelong).

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Thomas cleared for Reid bump

North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas faces a nervous wait with the match review panel after flooring Collingwood's Ben Reid with a big bump.

Lindsay Thomas clashed heads with Ben Reid. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas is in the clear for his off-the-ball bump that floored Magpie Ben Reid.

Thomas crashed into Reid with a fierce shepherd at Etihad Stadium, forcing the Magpie from the field with a bloody face as a result of a clash of heads.

The incident sparked a fierce war of words between opposing coaches after the match, with Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley labelling the hit an "average" act that would see the AFL "hold him to account for his actions".

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott defended his player, telling Buckley to "keep his opinions to himself".

VIDEO: See the incident in the video player above

But the match review panel today ruled the clash of heads was accidental and Thomas is free to play next weekend.

The panel ruled that despite making contact several metres off the ball, Thomas did not leave the ground and made contact to Reid's body with his shoulder and body.

The clash of heads which injured Reid was deemed to be "caused by circumstances outside the control of the player, which couldn't be reasonably foreseen."

The incident sparked a mini melee in the third quarter of the Etihad Stadium clash, with Reid bleeding from the mouth.

Live HQ: North Melbourne v Collingwood

The panel also cleared Carlton's Chris Yarran for a short jab to Richmond defender Bachar Houli, saying the contact wasn't sufficient to constitute a report.

Tom Scully, Jared Brennan and Kieren Jack are also in the clear after match-day reports for tripping, striking Stephen Milne and rough conduct were thrown out.

Melbourne's Colin Sylvia can accept a reprimand for striking Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff at the MCG yesterday.

Brisbane defender Pearce Hanley can also accept a reprimand for an ugly spoil on Bulldogs veteran Daniel Giansiracusa.

If you don't mind, umpire: Round 1's most controversial calls

Social media was divided yesterday on whether Thomas would be rubbed out, but former Pies ruckman Josh Fraser leapt to the Roo's defence.

"Players block off the ball like Thomas did all the time. Not sure it's the crime people are making out," he tweeted.

The incident came among a stretch of Magpie goals as the undermanned side kicked four goals clear after the halftime break.

Brad Scott tells Buckley to "keep opinions to himself".

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Lyon questions Dees' courage

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

Nathan Jones after the match Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

Melbourne great Garry Lyon with the players last season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE great Garry Lyon has launched a stinging attack on the Demons following their "demoralising" loss to Port Adelaide yesterday.

Lyon, who described the 79-point hammering as "heartbreaking", questioned the Demons' intensity, effort and courage.

"I've got absolutely no defence for the football club," Lyon said on Triple M today.

"Whatever comes their way they need to cop, and wear it and there is no defence at all that can be mounted for the performance that unfolded yesterday.

The Tackle: Demons simply pathetic

"The lack of pressure, the decision making, the lack of intestinal fortitude ... courage if you like. It was all there, anything you need to throw up was there to say (it was) absolutely hopeless.

"To come out for the first game of the year on your home ground, with credit to Port, they weren't playing Hawthorn or West Coast. This was a side that had six new players as well.
 

Live HQ: Melbourne v Port Adelaide

"You see guys going back with the flight and flinching and ducking their head and electing to punch rather than take possession, that to me, I don't ever excuse that in footy, but sometimes you can rationalise it, but not ever in a first game when your whole season is alive.

"It's demoralising to have a Round 1 like that ... I can cop floggings but I need to know what happens in the week following and I'm not confident in next week.

Lyon said coach Mark Neeld had to flog the players on the training track this week.

"Sacrifice an injury, sacrifice a tear ... if you don't compete out there, compete somewhere else."

Dees lay egg in Easter shock

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Cats reign supreme over Hawks

Geelong captain Joel Selwood bursts out of trouble to set up a late goal for the Cats. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

CAPTAIN is a moniker that befits a warrior like Joel Selwood.

He oozes leadership, a fine trait that was never more evident than when the contest hung in the balance at the MCG.

Geelong's tardy first half required someone to show the way back against Hawthorn in the second half.

Selwood immediately and instinctively stepped forward in the critical third quarter which the Cats started with a 20 points deficit.

The midfielder simply willed himself to win the ball at a fiercely congested contest in the centre of the ground that set free Mitch Duncan to goal on the run.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Selwood built on that perfect start after the resumption by floating across a pack of players, with typical disregard for his own welfare, to mark and slot another goal.

And he hit a leading Tom Hawkins on the chest with a bullet pass a couple of minutes later for the big Cat to roost one from 50m to trail by only one point.

It was deflating for the Hawks to watch all their first half toil disintegrate in 10 minutes of sterling Selwood leadership that dragged along senior colleagues like Paul Chapman.

Just the same, it took Geelong until 15 minutes into the third quarter to grab the lead for the first time in what was another cracking contest between these rivals.

Geelong forward Allen Christensen kicked a critical last-quarter goal to set up the Cats victory over the Hawks. Picture:Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

But you sensed the game was up for the dogged Hawks even when Shane Savage and Jarryd Roughead pulled back a couple of goals to snap the Cats' six-straight run late in the third term.

In the end, Geelong had too much run left and controlled the flow in the same manner as Hawthorn did in the first half.

When most players were sucking in deep breaths, Cats Travis Varcoe, Steven Motlop and Allen Christensen found acres of space to run and carry with devastating effect.

Goals by Christensen, James Podsiadly and Duncan pushed the Cats lead out to 21 points with only 10 minutes left.

And, while the brave Hawks kept coming with answers from Luke Breust and Savage, they were always going to run out of time as much as legs.

Tom Hawkins celebrates after kicking a goal during the 3rd quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Geelong's defence, so shaky in the first half, regained control, with Tom Lonergan containing Lance Franklin to just two goals.

And he had wonderful support from Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie and Jared Rivers, particularly when the dangeous high balls floated within Buddy's reach.

Hawthorn should've gone into the long break with a bigger buffer than 20 points, particularly with 11 more inside 50 entries.

The Hawks dominated the first half, especially the centre clearances, with Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell right on top, and looked far more potent going forward.

Geelong's defenders were under immense pressure, illustrated by rare fumbles from the likes of Corey Enright and Mackie who have withstood the fierce heat of grand final battles.

When the Cats went forward, it was a scattergun approach.

They had been inside 50 11 times before Billy Smedts posted the first goal from a snapshot right against the boundary line.

Geelong increased the intensity in the second quarter, but the fumbles continued and a lack of system up forward presented key targets Hawkins and Podsiadly with few opportunities to operate one-out with opponents Josh Gibson and Ryan Schoenmakers.

At least the goals started to flow, especially with Podsiadly from a toepoke on the goalline and Hawkins two-steps snapshot from a mark close to the behind post.

And when the dangerous Varcoe crumbed a spilled ball at the top of the goal square for another with only seconds left on the clock, it set up an intriguing second half.

It may have taken the Cats 25 minutes to post their first goal and another half hour to find their touch, but the breathtaking manner they wrested the game away from the Hawks after half-time hammered out another warning of who was boss in these contests.

Sam Mitchell leads the hawks of the MCG after their 7 point loss to Geelong at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

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LIVE: Demons v Power

Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney bursts forward against Port Adelaide. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

3.45pm: Demons 54 - Power 133

MELBOURNE was completely outplayed with Port Adelaide running away with the Round 1 clash at the MCG.

Port punished the hapless Dees who lacked the intensity required to play senior football.

The Power won by 79 points 19.19 (133) to 8.6 (54) in front of a small but vocal crowd.

The Demons looked a mess going forward, while other than the Jacks - Viney and Grimes - no body stood tall against the odds.

Viney starred with 22 disposals and a goal for 113 SuperCoach points in his AFL debut.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Meanwhile, Viney's best mate, Port Adelaide No.7 pick Olli Wines, finished with 24 possessions and a goal of his own.

The 13-goal hammering was made worse when Demons spearhead Mitch Clark left the field during the third quarter with an ankle injury.

Clark looked to be in trouble writhing in pain and clutching at his left leg.

But a short time after hobbling into the rooms he emerged on the boundary line unassisted with heavy strapping on his leg.

3.26pm: Demons 52 - Power 116

MELBOURNE has substituted Mitch Clark out of the match against Port Adelaide after the spearhead rolled his ankle during the third quarter.

Clark emerged from the rooms with heavy strapping on the ankle.

He was subbed out shortly after with Demons coach Mark Neeld not prepared to take any risks with his star commodity.

Melbourne looks to have lifted its intensity in the final term after a deplorable third quarter where the Demons failed to kick a goal.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Jordie McKenzie slotted the Dees first goal of the final quarter.

Viney continues to impress registering 104 SuperCoach points. Kane Cornes (138) is the stand out for Port Adelaide.

Mitch Clarke gets helped off the ground. Picture: Harman Stephen Source: Herald Sun

3.10pm: Demons 45 - Power 108

IT'S turned into a clinic at the G.

Melbourne is on the brink of being completely blown out of the water by Port Adelaide at the MCG.

And it only gets worse with spearhead Mitch Clark in the rooms with a serious leg injury.

Clark hobbled off the ground during the third quarter after hyper-extending his left leg.

The former Brisbane forward missed most of last year with stress fractures in his foot.

Angus Monfries kicked his third goal in the term against a lazy Melbourne outfit not willing to chase anymore.

Jack Viney remains the only shining light on a miserable day for the Dees.

2.57pm: Demons 45 - Power 82

PORT Adelaide has broken the shackles leading by 37 points early in third quarter.

Angus Monfries kicked his second goal after taking strong mark at the top of the goal square.

Melbourne showed signs of life early in the term but was let down with poor disposal.

Jack Viney leads the Demons with 17 disposals for 91 SuperCoach points while Mitch Clark has been hardly sighted after kicking two goals in as many minutes in the first quarter.

Kane Cornes is the pick of the Port players whit Jay Schulz and Hamish Hartlett dangerous every time they go near the pill.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Mitch Clark of the Demons celebrates after kicking a goal during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

2.27pm: Demons 44 - Power 73

THE case for goal line video technology is mounting with contentious marks being paid to Port Adelaide sharpshooter Jay Schulz and Melbourne utility Cameron Pederson.

Schulz was awarded a mark on the goal line despite an inconclusive review.

Moments later, Pederson clunked a strong mark next to the goal post which looked at real speed to have crossed the line.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

The Power dominated the first half setting up a 29-point buffer at the main break.

Paul Stewart booted three goals while Kane Cornes leads the Power with 14 disposals.

Meanwhile, debutant Jack Viney is the pick of the Demons with 15 touches -- 12 contested -- and a goal to his name.

The tough as teak midfielder also has four clearances to his name.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

2.04pm: Demons 31 - Power 58

MELBOURNE continues to find a way of keeping up with Port Adelaide at the MCG today.

The Power have made all the early running but until now have been unable to shake the pesky - at times outclassed - Demons.

Goals to Shannon Byrnes and Jeremy Howe, his second, cut the margin to 27 points midway through the second term.

Port Adelaide has kicked three goals in the term, its last in somewhat controversial circumstances with Jay Schulz awarded a mark on the goal line.

Schulz, who launched over the pack, looked to clunk the ball over the line. The umpires paid the mark despite a video review showing Schulz, his Demon's stepladder and the football clearly over the line.

Regardless, it was a goal, and great mark, either way. Play on!

1.49pm: Demons 19 - Power 45

ALL Port Adelaide and Melbourne's Jack Viney in the first quarter with the Power running rings around the hapless Demons.

The boom father-son prospect leads the Demons with nine disposals.

But the Power look superior to their rivals with Hamish Hartlett on track for a best on ground performance.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

The classy midfielder has 10 disposals and two goals early in the second quarter.

Mitch Clark made a welcome return to senior footy kicking two goals in as many minutes during the first quarter.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Hamish Hartlett of the Power passes the ball during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

1.34pm: Demons 13 - Power 27

MELBOURNE spearhead Mitch Clark has made a welcome return to senior footy kicking two goals in a hurry to claw the Demons back within striking distance.

Port Adelaide made all the early running at the MCG with midfielders Hamish Hartlett, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes and young gun Olli Wines dominating the stoppages.

Clark's timely goals helped the Demons get back in the match before Power sharpshooter Jay Schulz's courageous mark in the goal square.

It took Melbourne about four minutes of play to register its first kick, a free kick to co-captain Jack Grimes at half-back.

PRE-GAME

Melbourne lines up as selected in today's match against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

The Demons will unveil prized recruits Jack Viney and No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas in the Easter Sunday clash.

Port Adelaide also boasts a couple of new faces including No.7 pick Olli Wines and mature-aged recruit Kane Mitchell who will start as the substitute.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Demon Sam Blease will also start on the pine wearing the green substitute's vest.

Melbourne will join Port Adelaide in wearing black armbands today in memory of Power midfielder John McCarthy.

The former Collingwood and Sorrento utility fell to his death while on holidays in Las Vegas with Power teammates last year.

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LIVE: Roos v Pies

Ben Cunnington goals in the first quarter Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

6.40pm North 61 - 81 Pies

A BURST of four goals to start the third quarter has an undermanned Collingwood primed for a Round 1 victory against North Melbourne.

Live HQ for all the scores

And it wasn't only the scoreboard that hurt the Roos after the main break, with a brutal bump applied by Lindsay Thoams on Ben Reid set to be heavily scrutinised.

Lachie Hansen snagged a goal from a free kick nearing the final change to keep the home side alive at the last change.

Pendlebury and Swan have combined for 47 touches to monster North's engine brigade.

6.00pm North 52 - 54 Pies at HALFTIME

IT'S the Scott Pendlebury show. The star Pie has 19 touches and 97 SuperCoach points at the main break and is torching North Melbourne's engine room.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Dane Swan Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

The Pies are firing with big forwards Cloke and Lynch combining for five goals, while Lindsay Thomas has been chief destroyer for the Roos with four majors.

Cloke is locked in a fascinating duel with Scott McMahon, while Alan Toovey is chasing Thomas.

HALFTIME SUPERCOACH STARS

Pendles (97)
Swallow (78)
Sidebottom (62)
Swan (58)

Live HQ for all the scores

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Nathan Grima battles with Travis Cloke Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

5.40pm Roos 52 - 53 Pies

FREE flowing, end-to-end, high pressure, 12 lead changes and loads of intensity. It's a cracking game at Etihad Stadium between two sides having a big dip.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

A pair of late goals in the second half handed Collingwood the lead against North Melbourne as Quinten Lynch and Steele Sidebottom both booted majors from the square.

Sidebottom's was courtesy of a beautiful transition from full-back ignited by Tyson Goldsack.

Lindsay Thomas has four goals for the Roos, while Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan have shared 35 possessions.

5.20pm Roos 32 - 23 Pies

A 50-metre penalty handed Quinten Lynch his first goal in black and white as the Pies cut the gap to just three points to start the second quarter.

And while the Roos won the first term, it was owned by Pies superstar Scott Pendlebury.

The midfielder racked up 12 touches, booted a goal and scored a whopping 56 SuperCoach points.

The intensity and pace of the match has impressed observers, particularly after the poor showing by Melbourne just hours earlier at the MCG.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Harry O'Brien and Lindsay Thomas Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

5.00pm Roos 19 - 16 PiesIT'S taken just 15 minutes into Collingwood's season for coach Nathan Buckley to blow up, smashing - and breaking - a phone in the coach's box.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

But it was a nice start for the undermanned Pies, who trail North Melbourne by three points nearing quarter-time.

Dane Swan started his season in devastating fashion, racking up eight early touches in an exciting clash at Etihad Stadium.

Steele Sidebottom booted the first goal but Lindsay Thomas hit back with two majors for the Roos to give the home side the lead.

PRE-GAME: COLLINGWOOD'S short-term injury worries have taken another turn for the worse with star Dayne Beams and defender Heath Shaw late withdrawals from today's clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The Pies replaced Beams with youngster Josh Thomas, will 26-year-old VFL recruit Sam Dwyer will have to wait a little longer for his AFL debut after being named the substitute.

Jack Frost replaced Shaw and will make his AFL debut.

The Roos enter unchanged with Liam Anthony set to start in the green vest.

North Melbourne touched up the Pies the last time they met late last year and enter the Round 1 clash full of confidence.

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Score review system sparks confusion

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

THE AFL's contentious score review system created confusion at the MCG today when Jay Schulz was surprisingly paid a mark he seemed to take over the goal line.

The Power forward launched over a pack and cleanly reeled in a screamer on his chest, before the umpires called for a review and deemed the mark should stand.

VIDEO: See the incidents in the video player above

The ball was headed for a Port goal regardless, but later in the same quarter Melbourne mirrored the situation when recruit Cam Pedersen took a mark awkwardly close to the goal line.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

The umpires then checked whether he completed it in play and if the ball hit the post, before awarding Pedersen a shot at goal, which he converted.

It followed a bizarre ruling in the Dogs-Lions clash yesterday, when Jack Redden appeared to dribble through a goal from the square only to have a behind given.

The umpires went upstairs for several minutes before ruling the ball was touched.

The league brought in the system just before the start of last season and it has suffered teething problems, with very few decisions able to be overturned due to a lack of conclusive vision.
 

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Lights out for Dees as Power surges

Melbourne leaves the field lead by Jack Grimes Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

IT FELL to Angus Monfries to put the polish on Port Adelaide's training drill on a rare run at the MCG.

That the former Bomber was able to mark uncontested on the edge of the goal square midway through the third quarter told only a part of Melbourne's sorry story.

The build up to Monfries' second goal for his new club was the ridiculous ease the Power players were able to ferry the ball around the southern wing in a wave of white jumpers.

Score review causes confusion at the MCG

Always one loose on the overlap to inevitably land the ball in the new forward's lap for another embarrassing goal.

Little wonder the patient Melbourne faithful broke into sustained hooting at the sound of the three-quarter time siren.

Generally, that reaction is aimed at the umpires - this time there's no doubt it was directed at their dysfunctional team.

The deplorable Demons had managed to scrounge a solitary behind from that third quarter after they were still in contest, facing a gettable 27 points deficit heading into the second half.

Simply, Melbourne never looked a winning chance.

Port Adelaide celebrate in the rooms after the game Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

From the moment Port Adelaide pair Travis Boak and Hamish Hartlett took hold of the midfield duels in the opening minutes, the result was inevitable.

Only mystery was having to wait for the final siren for the full extent of the scoreboard carnage.

Nothing inspired the Melbourne players.

Not the ball hunger of new boy Jack Viney, not the gutsy comeback of key forward Mitch Clark, not even the spectacular "hanger'' mark and goal by recruit Cam Pedersen just before half time.

Live HQ: SuperCoach score, stats and more

Pedersen's goal left the Demons trailing by only 20 points, for goodness sake, with still half a game to play.What was Melbourne's response?

To allow Port Adelaide to dictate every aspect of play to literally stroll to their 79 points victory, only 10 short of the Power's greatest winning margin against the once proud team of the red and the blue.

Remember, the Power also had half a dozen new players in their line-up for what was a dream start for coach Ken Hinkley.

But the astute Hinkley knows his team won't be able to similarly run the ball unchecked and mark uncontested this season ... probably starting with a home assignment against the young Giants next Saturday night.Obviously, it's far too early to accurately assess Hinkley's effect on Port Adelaide.

The signs were healthy first up, like the midfield unit led by skipper Boak and Monfries class adding a new dimension to a forward set-up built around the dangerous Jay Shulz.

The Power players were disciplined, accountable to their opponents and worked together with a structure and purpose that was missing in their opponents haphazard ball use.

Mitch Clarke gets helped off the ground Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

An interchange bench infringement when onballer Jordie McKenzie prematurely returned to the field early in the third term summed up the Demons dismay day.

But it was the complete lack of any system in Melbourne's play that most distressed its fans that made up all but a small pocket of the disappointing 22,924 crowd.

Viney's impressive debut was the only highlight of the Demons' bleak Easter Sunday.It started with teenager's breakaway burst, one bounce and pinpoint pass to Colin Sylvia midway through the opening quarter.

And he finished with 22 possessions, bettered only by captain Jack Grimes.In retrospect, the warning signs were flashing early for the Demons.

A free kick to Grimes was Melbourne's first effective kick ... and the contest had been running nearly six minutes.

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Punt Rd back on the AFL map

Punt Rd oval could be brought back to life as a boutique stadium. Picture: Blair Hamish

THE AFL has started some "interesting" work on the possibility of bringing Punt Rd Oval back as a boutique ground for games featuring low-drawing interstate clubs.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said Punt Rd and Visy Park were the two options the league was looking at, and had already done a feasibility study on Carlton's base.

"There's some work we've already commenced on Punt Rd which looks really, really interesting," Demetriou said on SEN today.

Demetriou said Punt Rd held a key advantage over Visy Park with its public transport access, with the ground situated adjacent to Richmond train station and next to the MCG.

"We have a situation where we've probably got 8-12 games (per year) where we think we're going to struggle to get 18, 20, 22,000 people," he said.

"But in a boutique stadium, where you might be playing Western Bulldogs versus Greater Western Sydney Giants or Richmond versus Gold Coast Suns, it makes sense to consider a boutique stadium that would have a great atmosphere with that crowd."

The AFL will acquire Etihad Stadium in 2025, but the league has been in talks about buying the stadium early to help clubs who get a poor return from playing at the venue, including Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and St Kilda.

Demetriou has previously said the number of games the AFL was contracted to play at Etihad Stadium would drop next year.
 

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Corey to miss Hawks clash

Geelong veteran Joel Corey will sit out Monday's clash against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG veteran Joel Corey will sit out the Cats' Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn after an interrupted pre-season.

As revealed in the Panic Room yesterday, Corey is expected to be eased back into the Cats' best 22 following minor setbacks in his preparation.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn is set to unleash young gun Jed Anderson in Monday's clash at the MCG.

The Northern Territory local has been named on the interchange bench alongside Shave Savage, Liam Shiels and defender Ryan Schoenmakers.

Former Olympics aspirant Mark Blicavs will lead the Cats' short-handed rucks division with Trent West starting on the pine.

HAWTHORN

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, S.Burgoyne
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: C.Rioli, L.Franklin, L.Breust
F: J.Gunston, J.Roughead, P.Puopolo
Foll: D.Hale, B.Sewell, J.Lewis
Int: J.Anderson, S.Savage, L.Shiels, R.Schoenmakers
Emerg: M.Bailey, K.Cheney, J.Simpkin

GEELONG

B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: T.Hunt, H.Taylor, T.Varcoe
C: A.Mackie, P.Chapman, M.Stokes
HF: J.Murdoch, S.Motlop, B.Smedts
F: J.Podsiadly, T.Hawkins, M.Duncan
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Bartel
Int: T.West, J.Caddy, A.Christensen, G.Horlin-Smith
Emerg: J.Corey, J.Walker, J.Stringer

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