Schwab, McLardy back Neeld

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab says Mark Neeld has his full support. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE chief executive Cameron Schwab says embattled coach Mark Neeld has total support from within the club, dismissing talk his immediate future could be in jeopardy.

The Dees last night sunk to hellish new lows, copping a 148-point hammering at the hands of Essendon – the worst loss the club has ever suffered at the MCG.

But Schwab called for calm today and said Neeld, 24 games into his coaching tenure, would be getting "all the support in the world".

Live HQ: Essendon v Melbourne

"He'll get support from the board, he'll get support from me and he'll get support from the people he works closest with in the football area," Schwab said on Triple M.

"Our first response to two disappointing outcomes is to get around Mark and support him."

Dees president Don McLardy reiterated that statement this morning.

When asked if he was certain Melbourne had the right coach, McLardy said: "I'm certain we've got the right team.

"But what we don't want is instability in our football club."

Schwab admitted the Dees' player development program had room for improvement, but said that was no excuse for the club's inability to convert prized draft picks into quality players.

Melbourne players head to the rooms with their heads down as fans vent their frustation Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Sunday Herald Sun

The Dees last year willingly parted with Jordan Gysberts (pick 11), Lucas Cook (12) and Cale Morton (4) a year after losing No. 1 pick Tom Scully to Greater Western Sydney.

"I don't think any Melbourne person could put their hand on their heart and say Melbourne's had the resources throughout that entire period to maximise the development of any player," Schwab said.

"But at the same time you won't hear that as an excuse, either."

Schwab said Jack Watts needed to lift after the No. 1 pick was jeered when substituted out of the loss to the Bombers.

Mark Neeld looks on during three-quarter-time with no hope. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Limited

"Jack Watts was ill and (also) subbed out for form," Neeld said last night.

"He didn't feel great, he was sick, and his performance was also one that we thought 'that was enough'. (But) when you take the field you're 100 per cent fit. That's how it works."

Schwab said: "While Jack plays with the pressure of being a No. 1 pick, from his point of view, the challenge he's got is playing to the best of his own talent and I think he's (not).

"He's had two disappointing games, the expectation is of him as it is of any player is to bounce back and play to the standards he and the coaching staff expects of him."

Media greeted Melbourne players at their recovery this morning, with Mitch Clark and Colin Garland telling Channel 9 the players were devastated and keen to ensure last night's loss was never repeated.

Melbourne's director of sports science Neil Craig also threw his support behind Neeld today.

"I'll be doing everything absolutely possible to support Mark Neeld," Craig, the Demons director of sports performance, told SEN radio.

"My days (as senior coach) are done."

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Pies pain as Jolly subbed out

Magpies ruckman Darren Jolly is out of the match with a rib injury. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD is down a ruckman after Darren Jolly was substituted out of today's blockbuster against Carlton.

Jolly spent some time off the ground after crashing into a Blues opponent during the first quarter.

The classy ruckman returned in the second quarter but could muster 15 minutes before the pain in his ribs got too much.

He took himself off the ground after brushing up alongside Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer in the throw in on the wing.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Magpie recruit Quentin Lynch must hold down the ruck duties against Kreuzer and Blues debutant Sam Rowe.

Substitute Paul Seedsman replaced Jolly on the field.

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Bartel, Cats deny Roos

A controversial free kick and 50m penalty has gifted Geelong another remarkable comeback victory at Etihad Stadium today

Geelong star Jimmy Bartel works his way through traffic against North Melbourne. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

A LAST-gasp Jimmy Bartel goal courtesy of a 50-metre penalty has given Geelong a thrilling four-point AFL victory over a gallant North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Bartel was gifted the winning goal in the final 30 seconds when a free-kick was paid against North defender Nathan Grima for a push in the back, as well as a 50-metre penalty when the ball was kicked away immediately afterwards.

It allowed Geelong a 16.16 (112) to 17.6 (108) victory - a huge effort after the Cats had rolled back a 41-point deficit just prior to halftime.

North had dominated the first half, playing superb football and piling on pressure everywhere the Cats turned.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

But led by influential Paul Chapman and the injection of substitute Mathew Stokes into the match in the third quarter, the Cats stormed back into the match.

They booted the opening four goals of the third term to reduce the margin to 10 points, before the Kangaroos again pushed the lead out to 27 points.

With Stokes and skipper Joel Selwood prominent, the Cats once more cut the deficit to nine points with three successive goals to Chapman, Tom Hawkins and an important major to Mitch Duncan right on the three-quarter-time siren.

As the rain poured in as the Etihad Stadium roof remained open, again North counter-punched, with Lindsay Thomas booting his fifth goal early in the fourth quarter.

Then the Cats launched a final - and ultimately successful assault - though their wayward kicking nearly cost them dearly as they booted eight behinds in the final term.

Geelong grabbed the lead for the first time late in the match with a Josh Caddy goal, before North won a critical 50-metre penalty against Duncan.

That gave Daniel Wells the opportunity to put his side back in the lead, which he did.

But after two missed Geelong set shots, eventually Bartel stepped up to give his side the victory.

Allen Christensen and Hawkins finished with three goals each for the Cats.

Thomas finished with five goals for North, with Drew Petrie booting four.

Geelong have won their opening two matches, while the Kangaroos are 0-2 despite being competitive in both games.

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SuperCoach studs and duds

Richmond star Jack Riewoldt after kicking one of his seven goals during the Tigers' 17-point win over St Kilda at the MCG last night. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: The Australian

WHO were the Nissan SuperCoach stars this week and who stunk it up on the big stage.

GEELONG 112 d NORTH MELBOURNE 108

Cats studs: Jimmy Bartel pocketed 43 points with his last-gasp goal after winning a contentious 50m penalty. Joel Selwood (140) was the star with 26 disposals including six inside-50s and a goal. The skipper also laid eight tackles.

Cats duds: Trent West (30) had his colours lowered in the ruck while Billie Smedts (36) and Mitch Duncan (50) played bit part roles.

Kangaroos studs: Rookie Aaron Mullett (122) starred again off half back while Ryan Bastinac and Andrew Swallow were locked on 111 points apiece. Todd Goldstein's (105) got his mojo back in the ruck with 42 hit outs.

Kangaroos duds: Kieran Harper (21) stunk it up forcing Brad Scott to hand him the substitutes vest. Lachie Hansen (32) did very little inside the arc.

ESSENDON 184 d MELBOURNE 36

Dons stud:

Jobe, Jobe, Jobe. Could he have six Brownlow votes to start the season? Enormous with 166 points from 38 touches. Dyson Heppell had 36 touches and 149 points, albeit with very little pressure from the Dees. Seven Dons cracked 120, with popular pick Brendon Goddard racking up 129.

Dons dud:

Nick Kommer had to start as the sub and could muster just 21 points after that. Paddy Ryder finished with 88, with definite room to improve.

Dees stud:

The full-back, not surprisingly. James Frawley finished with 117. But only he and Jeremy Howe hit three figures.

Dees dud:

Just 44 for Mitch Clark,53 for Jack Watts and 24 for Jimmy Toumpas. Ouch.

PORT ADELAIDE 134 d GWS GIANTS 78

Power stud:

Seven players hit three figures, but Justin Westhoff's five goals from 20 touches netted 163. Chad Wingard scored 145, while Monfries again hit the ton and looks a value pick.

Power dud:

Hamish Hartlett let many SuperCoaches down, scoring just 38. That hurts. Kane Mitchell again had to wear the sub vest, mustering only 15.

Giants stud:

Lachie Whitfield scored an even 100 - the most of his side. And he showed exactly why he was the No. 1 pick. All class and a lovely goal to boot. Dylan Shiel another handy 92.

Giants dud:

Only 47 for Tom Scully. But you can bet he's glad he wasn't at the MCG. Adam Treloar couldn't back up his marevellous Round 1 effort, finishing with 71.

ADELAIDE 96 d BRISBANE 77

Crows studs: Patrick Dangerfield (107) delivered the Crows victory with two last-quarter goals but it was Scott Thompson (140) who kept the visitors in the match with 31 disposals including eight inside 50s and seven clearances.

Crows duds: Tough day for forwards and Taylor Walker (39) felt the pinch. Booted two goals but friendless among SuperCoaches. Bernie Vince (48) couldn't get near it.

Lions studs: Pearce Hanley (160) starred with 30 disposals and six marks. The Irishman also had six inside-50s and a goal. Tom Rockliff (109) had to overcome a slow start to sneak into triple figures while Matthew Leuenberger (101) had the best of the stoppages.

Lions duds: Patrick Karnezis (7), owned by 23 per cent of SuperCoaches, was never a chance after starting as the substitute. Stef Martin slotted two goals but scored a lowly 58 for his efforts.

FREMANTLE 106 d WESTERN BULLDOGS 78

Dockers studs: Nat Fyfe (127) justified his price tag picking up 25 disposals including six clearances and six inside-50s. Tendai Mzungu (105) clunked nine marks while Jon Griffin (102) broke even in the ruck.

Dockers duds: It was a case of chocolates to boiled lollies for Danyle Pearce (66) substituted out of his second match for the Dockers. Pearce was a revelation last week scoring 130. Lee Spurr (51) and Nick Suban (62) performed fairly.

Dogs studs: Will Minson (143) enjoyed another solid week at the office with 48 hit outs and seven clearances to his name. Tom Liberatore (133) made it back-to-back hundreds while Adam Cooney's (124) rich vein of form continued. Brett Goodes (98) looks a ripper.

Dogs duds: Daniel Giansiracusa (33) struggled to make an impact on the contest along with Tory Dickson (34), Shaun Higgins (48) and Ayce Cordy (23). Substitute Koby Stevens scored 30 points.

SYDNEY 114 d GOLD COAST 73

Swans studs: Jarrad McVeigh (144) booted four goals while picking up 27 disposals. Ryan O'Keefe (118) was arguably best afield with 27 touches including 10 clearances in a head-to-head duel with Gazza. Luke Parker and Kieren Jack had solid hit outs with 133 and 130 points respectively.

Swans duds: For the second week in a row Adam Goodes had his colours lowered by brother, Bulldog Brett, scoring 49 points. Rhyce Shaw (60) was substituted out of the match.

Suns studs: Jaeger O'Meara (120) put in the first of what should be many best on ground performances for the Suns. The boom recruit picked up 25 disposals including six clearances. A good day for normal folk, a stinker for Gary Ablett (99).

Suns duds: Rory Thompson (26) injured his shoulder early in the match and struggled ever since. Jared Brennan (15) started as the substitute while Harley Bennell (53) was hardly sighted.

RICHMOND 99 d ST KILDA 82

Tigers studs: Jack Riewoldt was the difference with seven sausage rolls for 138 points. Trent Cotchin had a huge second half en route to 31 disposals and 119 points while big Ivan Maric (106) lifted to sneak into triple figures. Ricky Petterd (75) was solid and could provide plenty of upside.

Tigers duds: Bachar Houli (66) had a tough outing floating across half back while Shane Tuck (58) ran with Saint David Armitage.

Saints studs: Ben McEvoy (130) had big Ivan's measure in the first half before fading as the game went on. Clint Jones scored 116 points despite tasked with stopping Cotchin. Nick Riewoldt booted four goals on his way to 111 points.

Saints duds: Steven Milne (30) couldn't get near it for a second week in a row while Beau Maister (49), Terry Milera (57) and Ahmed Saad (56) struggled forward of centre.

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Dempster out for a month

St Kilda defender Sean Dempster will miss 3-4 weeks after breaking his hand. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

ALL-Australian defender Sean Dempster is set to miss 3-4 weeks after breaking his hand last night.

He sustained the injury early in the match but played on through the pain as the Saints suffered their second-straight loss of the season.

Dempster finished with 16 disposals including eight rebound-50s. He also clunked six marks.

The 29-year-old played 22 games last year en route to his maiden All-Australian selection.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters lauded Dempster's efforts after the 17-point loss to Richmond at the MCG.

"I don't want to get too caught up in the specifics other than he broke a bone in his wrist," Watters said.

"He was cleared, obviously. We wouldn't put a player out there if he wasn't cleared from our doc. But it was an effort that I admire and I thought there were a number of those from our players even though we lost."

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Goal umpire stretchered off

Goal umpire Courtenay Lai was stretchered off the field after Bulldogs hardnut Liam Picken accidently fell across his leg.

Goal umpire Courtney Lai lies on the ground after injuring his knee after he was struck by Liam Picken. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

A GOAL umpire has been stretchered off the field in the Western Bulldogs-Fremantle clash at Etihad Stadium today with a horrific knee injury.

Officials from both clubs carried goal umpire Courtney Lai from the field after Dogs hardnut Liam Picken fell across his leg, causing it to buckle awkwardly.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

And in a bizarre twist, it has been reported Lai is a qualified doctor and diagnosed his own injury as a possible ACL tear.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

Picken laid a heavy bump on Michael Walters as the Docker booted a major from the goalsquare early in the third quarter.

VIDEO: See the injury happen in the video player above

After colliding with Walters, Picken fell across the goal line and collected the umpire.

Lai immediately grimaced in pain and called for assistance.

Field umpire "Razor" Ray Chamberlain patted Lai on the head before he was carried from the field, while the crowd clapped as Lai was lifted onto the stretcher.

Fox Footy reported Lai was taken to Epworth Hospital in an ambulance for treatment by renowned orthopedic surgeon David Young, who also works for the Dogs.
 

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Dogs rue sloppy start

Goal umpire Courtenay Lai was stretchered off the field after Bulldogs hardnut Liam Picken accidently fell across his leg.

Ryan Griffen was tagged by Ryan Crowley. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

THE first 25 minutes at Etihad Stadium were always going to tell the story.

Ultimately it was 1500 seconds which summed up the whole game.

Last week the Western Bulldogs were able to do as they pleased against the Brisbane Lions. Brendan McCartney's men were ranked No.1 in the comp for effective kicks, marks and uncontested marks.

Goal umpire stretchered off

It took all of a minute for the Dogs to establish that they would not have things so easy against Fremantle.

The Dockers cleared from the middle and although they didn't score from their first foray forward, it took the Bulldogs an eternity to find an avenue out of defensive 50m.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

They were not afforded the time and space they got against the Brisbane Lions last week, as Robert Murphy learnt in the early stages.

He got free 30m from goal but was forced in to a quick snap for the big sticks and as such missed a wide open Daniel Giansiracusa.

Live HQ: Western Bulldogs v Fremantle

His shot was marked on the goal line.

A short time later the Dockers sent a nothing ball inside 50m, but the harrying pressure of Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters forced a couple of fumbles from Jordan Roughead and Adam Cooney, leading to a shot on goal from the Freo skipper.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

The Bulldogs won nine of the first 12 clearances, but the effectiveness was just not there. The Dockers relentless pressure on the ball carrier was too much.

Last week the Dogs chalked up a kicking efficiency tally of 71 per cent.

By the 20-minute mark yesterday they were going at 48 per cent efficiency by foot, the Dockers were at 75 per cent.

Last week the Bulldogs kicked the first six goals. Yesterday they conceded the first five.

Game over.

But this, as the rest of the game would suggest, was not so much a reality check for the Bulldogs as it was a demonstration in just how good Fremantle are and will be for the rest of the season.

Coach McCartney should have walked from Docklands last night happy in the effort his side put in.

From quarter time the Dogs matched the Dockers on the scoreboard and probably shaded their opponents in endeavour.

Tom Liberatore (28 possessions) will be a gun and is already a clearance king.

Cooney might not be able to run out a full game in the midfield, but his dash off half back is going to be a lethal weapon for the Dogs this year.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

Will Minson battled manfully against Fremantle ruckman Jonathon Griffin and Nick Lower took yet another scalp in the form of David Mundy.

Fremantle is going to be a force this year.

Ross Lyon has stamped his authority all over this team _ it is intense around the contest, suffocates its opponents in to submission and is nigh on impossible to score against.

Griffin is a more than able substitute for the injured Aaron Sandilands, the outside speed of Danyle Pearce and Stephen Hill is hard to combat while Michael Walters adds another exciting dynamic to a forward line already possessing lethal finishers in Pavlich and Chris Mayne.

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Sluggish Swans bury Suns

The Suns' Gary Ablett and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

JARRAD McVeigh led from the front as Sydney overcame an uncharacteristic slow start at the SCG to post a 41-point win over Gold Coast.

The Swans unfurled their 2012 premiership flag under overcast skies and heavy rain, which soon turned torrential in the opening quarter.

Live HQ: Sydney v Gold Coast

It made for an incredibly turgid tussle and Swans coach John Longmire was quite rightly breathing fire in the coaches' box as the Suns proved more willing and grabbed a one-point lead at quarter-time.

AFL - Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. The Swans run out after unfurling the 2012 premiership flag to the fans. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

Only five games in the past three seasons had the Swans trailed at the SCG after the first quarter, and never against opposition as lowly as the Suns.

With traditional saviour Adam Goodes below his best, McVeigh proved the steadying influence as the showers cleared in the second term.

In the space of seven minutes, the co-captain kicked two goals and hit the post with another shot to lay the platform for the Swans' 17.12 (114) to 11.7 (73) victory.

McVeigh, who celebrates his 28th birthday on Sunday, finished with 27 possessions, seven clearances, eight inside-50s and four goals in a best afield display.

AFL - Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. The Swans run out after unfurling the 2012 premiership flag to the fans. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

The Swans started their premiership defence with an unconvincing 30-point win over Greater Western Sydney last week, and Gold Coast provided similar stubborn resistance at the SCG.

The visitors only trailed by only 22 points at three-quarter time and impressively the Suns did it with Gary Ablett reduced to mere-mortal status.

Ablett still tallied 24 disposals but Kieren Jack and Nick Smith combined well to curb his influence on the contest.

The Swans took control of the game in a one-sided final term, with Ryan O'Keefe booting two goals and Mike Pyke, Andrejs Everitt and Luke Parker all slotting their second goal.

A crowd of 20,372 turned up for the final celebration of the Swans' grand final success over Hawthorn, despite it being Sydney's wettest start to April in 14 years.

The premiership flag was unfurled by Susie Colless, wife of Swans chairman Richard, with the likes of AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou watching on in a poncho.

Key defender Ted Richards was chaired off the ground after playing his 150th game for the Swans.

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Let the flag dream go, Saints

Nick Riewoldt with the premiership cup. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

IN THIS week's installment of his weekly column, Please Explain, Glenn McFarlane asks the tough questions of the Saints.

Dear St Kilda,

You're stiff. Very stiff.

But for the bounce of a ball in 2010, or an audacious toe-poke in 2009, you might have a second premiership cup sitting in the trophy cabinet at Seaford.

The fact is you haven't and, barring a miracle, won't with this group of players. And while that's cruel for the likes of Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes who deserve a flag, it's the cold, hard reality.

It seems more certain than ever that your premiership window has slammed shut. The only way to prise it open again is to be bold, daring and invest in the national draft.

You had the chance to start that last year, but went with the present instead of the future.

In a sense, that's understandable given your record with drafting over a long period.

As revealed in Champion Data's AFL Prospectus, of the 24 players you drafted, elevated or traded in from 2008-2010, only five remain. None has yet made a telling impact.

Is Macca right? Leave a comment below

We know Ross Lyon coached for the moment, and it almost won you that elusive cup.

He failed to trade out any high-profile players when they had currency – Justin Koschitzke must have been an option several years ago – and followed the Sydney model of chasing experience over youth.

Justin Koschitzke kicks at goal. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Scott Watters has to learn to coach for the future and you - the club - need to back him and highly-rated head of football Chris Pelchen to make this happen.

Short to medium-term pain might equate to long-term gain.

We're still surprised by what you did last year when you got your hands on picks 12 and 13 in last year's draft then jettisoned them during the trade period.

Fair enough on Tom Hickey. He is 22 and a promising young ruckman. But with Ben McEvoy locked in for the best part of the next decade, and with your young midfield stocks almost bare, maybe snaring one of the best young onballers in the land might have been a better option with pick 13.

It's harder to fathom why you traded pick 12 for Tom Lee, who kicked 60 goals in the WAFL last year. While the worry is the quality of your young midfielders, you seemingly have an endless supply of forwards.

And here is a damning fact for the future.

You have the second oldest playing list in the competition - at an average age of 24.54 years - and the fifth most experienced - averaging 77.08 games.

The best players in your side are in the twilight in their careers.

St Kilda players on the ground after the 2011 Grand Final draw. Picture: David Caird Source: Herald Sun

There are some young guys coming through - Jack Steven, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes, Seb Ross, Rhys Stanley, Sam Dunell, and perhaps Tom Ledger.

But it is time to seriously plan for the long haul. That doesn't mean you won't win quite a number of games this year – you will. But a premiership? It isn't going to happen.

If it comes to a 50-50 decision at the selection table between a kid and an older player, go with the kid.

The focus needs to be on identifying - and drafting - the best youngsters available in November, not trading out any first-round picks you might get.

Better to punt on kids and chase a flag in 2018 than wallow for an extended period in the bottom half of the ladder with a delusion that a premiership remains within reach with this group.

Yours Sincerely,
Glenn McFarlane

PS

MELBOURNE
It's good to hear how well you trained in the lead-up to last week's game against Port. Just imagine how bad things could have been if you had trained poorly.

JEFF KENNETT
Jeff, you've apologised, but surely now it's time to channel your predecessor Ian Dicker and quietly and constructively assist the football club that you profess to love.

BRENDAN McCARTNEY
Hey Macca, great win last week, but can you please do us a favour? Play Adam Cooney and Tom Young at opposite ends this week. We couldn't tell the difference between them last week and neither could Haylea Cooney.

BRIAN TAYLOR
It's OK to call Ben McEvoy "Big Boy McEvoy" a few times. But when it is ad nauseum, it's annoying.

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the Adelaide Crows should not be taking part in next week's AFL draft. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

 

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Chat live with Josh Jenkins

Josh Jenkins chases a loose ball at Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

HOW are the Crows shaping up ahead of their round 2 clash with Brisbane? Ask Adelaide ruckman Josh Jenkins from 3pm.

The Crows, preliminary finalists last season, suffered a surprise 35-point loss to Essendon in their season opener at AAMI Stadium.

They will be desperate to register their first win of the season when they take on the Lions, also 0-1, this Saturday.

Got a question about the match, what the Crows have been doing in preparation for Round 2 or any other footy issue?

Join the live chat with Josh Jenkins from 3pm (Adelaide time) below:

Using a mobile device? Click HERE for a better chat experience.

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