A review was needed, say AFL

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has blasted the umpires for not calling for a goal review in a decision that could have cost the Tigers victory against Fremantle.

Fremantle post a thrilling one-point victory over Richmond in their AFL clash at Patersons Stadium.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon addresses the media after his side's thrilling one-point win over Richmond.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick shows his anger after losing the match by one point to the Dockers. Picture: Paul Kane. Source: Getty Images

THE AFL has conceded a score review should have been called in the dying minutes of last night's Fremantle and Richmond clash at Patersons Stadium.

Tiger Matt White snapped a shot at goal with about four minutes remaining that would have put his side four points in front.

The ball bounced in to the leg of the goal umpire standing against the post as it appeared set to cross the goal line.

Play on was called, before the Dockers took the ball over the line for a rushed behind.

A furious Damien Hardwick labelled the call a "joke" after the game and insisted a score review should have been called for because, from his vantage point, he felt the ball had crossed the line for a call.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane admitted today the goal umpire made an error.

"(The) AFL view is that a review should have been called by goal umpire last night,'' Keane said.

The AFL will also ask the umpiring department to review line positioning of goal umpires.

Both Hardwick and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon believed the ball had gone through for a goal before bouncing off the umpire's leg and back into play

Freo break Richmond hearts

White ended up kicking a goal a minute later to give Richmond the lead, but Dockers goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne snapped the winner with 84 seconds left to secure the 12.9 (81) to 12.8 (80) triumph.

"We've got this fantastic thing called a review system haven't we? Fair dinkum,'' Hardwick said. "Use it, or don't bother.

"At the end of the day there's a field umpire, a goal umpire, and four or five blokes sitting up in a box upstairs. Someone make a decision.

"Seriously, in a tight game - joke.''

Lyon said he understood Hardwick's frustrations all too well.

In the 2009 grand final when Lyon was coach of St Kilda, Geelong forward Tom Hawkins was awarded a goal despite his shot shaving the post.

The Cats ended up winning the match by 12 points.

"I've seen the other side of the coin,'' Lyon said. "At the end of the day, we're all humans. We all make mistakes.

"Damien is entitled to voice an opinion but I'll leave it to the papers and the AFL to sort it out.''

Hardwick was confident captain Trent Cotchin would be fit for Saturday night's clash with Geelong at the MCG.
Cotchin hyper-extended his knee late in the second quarter, but managed to play out the match and finished with 26 possessions and seven clearances.

Tigers debutant Nick Vlastuin put in a gutsy effort in defence, while former Crow Chris Knights played his best game for Richmond with three goals from 20 possessions.

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Suns too strong for Giants

Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon booted a club record six goals to help the Suns defeat the Giants. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE people of Canberra came to see another Gary Ablett masterclass, but it was Charlie Dixon who came of age and stole the show as Gold Coast eclipsed Greater Western Sydney by 44 points at Manuka Oval.

Dixon, spending time both in the ruck and up forward, booted 6.2 on Saturday as the Suns won a shootout between the AFL's expansion sides, 21.22 (148) to 16.8 (104).

The 22-year-old's haul was the greatest individual effort by a Gold Coast player, bettering Nathan Krakouer's 5.1 in their inaugural clash with Brisbane.

More importantly, the Queensland product popped through his sixth goal halfway through the final quarter from a difficult position to extend the visitors' lead to 25 points and finally snuff out GWS's resistance.

Live HQ: SuperCoach stats, scores

Dixon's haul was one of four records to fall for the Suns, who recorded their second win of the year.

The visitors booted their highest score and posted their greatest winning margin, while the 7.8 (second quarter)
and 8.4 (fourth quarter) represented their two best terms ever.

Ablett was no slouch and finished with 32 possessions and three goals, despite tallying just two disposals in the third quarter when he spent most of the time in the forward line.

Jaeger O'Meara (14 contested possessions and a game-high 11 clearances) was also outstanding for Gold Coast, while Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith and Callan Ward worked tirelessly in the middle for the Giants.

The match was locked up at 21 points apiece at quarter-time, but Gold Coast took control after the first break.

The Suns led by 37 points midway through the second term, only for the Giants to fight back and reduce their buffer to 25 points at halftime.

GWS trailed by only seven points early in the third quarter, but couldn't continue their resurgence in the decisive final quarter.

GWS embarrassed the Suns in the corresponding fixture last year, the first AFL clash between the expansion sides resulting in the Giants' maiden AFL win after a terrible final-quarter fadeout from Gold Coast.

This time around, fast-finishing Gold Coast looked too strong up forward and too smart with the ball in hand and it was only inaccurate kicking that prevented a genuine thumping.

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LIVE CHAT: Hawkins late change

Marc Murphy (right) leads out Carlton against Adelaide at the MCG. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW our live coverage of the clash in Canberra between the GWS Giants and the Gold Coast Suns right here.

Carlton v Adelaide
NO CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES: Eddie Betts (Carlton) and Rory Laird (Adelaide)

BREAKING

GEELONG could be forced to make a late change with spearhead Tom Hawkins in doubt for tonight's clash against Western Bulldogs.

The Cats' leading goalkicker is believed to be carrying some soreness from last weekend's 21-point win over Sydney and will likely sit out tonight's game at Etihad Stadium.

Geelong is heavy favourite to continue its undefeated start to the season against the injury-depleted Dogs.

Geelong has a no-risk injury policy and will have to reshuffle its forward line without Hawkins.

Gun defender Harry Taylor is likely to spend time forward and help support James Podsiadly in attack. 

Hawkins' replacement will come from the Cats emergencies. They are key position player Mitch Brown, speedster Jordan Murdoch and utility Cameron Guthrie.

The Cats lost veteran forward Paul Chapman to a hamstring problem but welcomed back star midfielder James Kelly from a calf injury for the Dogs clash.

-- Jay Clark

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FINAL SCORES

GWS Giants 16.8 (104) Gold Coast Suns 21.22 (148)

A GREAT final quarter by the Suns get them home in Canberra.

It is their second win over the season, while the Giants remain winless on the bottom of the ladder.

Big Charlie Dixon played the game of his life, kicking six goals in a club record.

Matt Shaw is challenged by Stephen Coniglio. Source: Getty Images

THREE QUARTER-TIME

GWS Giants 12.6 (78) Gold Coast Suns 13.18 (96)

THE Suns have failed to put away the Giants, who just keep coming.

Two goals late in the term has the Giants in touch at the final change.

Charlie Dixon has five goals for the Suns.

Charlie Dixon fires off a handball to Jared Brennan. Source: Getty Images

HALF-TIME

GWS Giants 7.4 (46) Gold Coast Suns 10.11 (71)

THE Suns lead by 25 at half-time, but it could be by a lot more.

They led by as much as 38 during the term before the Giants kicked three quick ones.

Charlie Dixon kicked a steadier right on half-time, his fourth, to help regain the ascendency.

Gary Ablett leads the match for SuperCoach points on 82.

Get all the stats and SuperCoach scores by clicking here.

Jarrod Harbrow of the Suns gets a kick away under pressure from Dylan Shiel. Source: Getty Images

QUARTER-TIME

GWS Giants 3.3 21 Gold Coast Suns 3.3 (21)

Scores are level at quarter-time in Canberra.

Big Charlie Dixon kicked the first goal of the match, but the Giants were soon on the board through Rhys Palmer and Jeremy Cameron.

Jarrod Harbrow (10 disposals) and Gary Ablett (9 disposals) are leading the way for the Suns.

For the Giants, Dylan Shiel (10 disposals) and Devon Smith (9 disposals) are winning the ball.

Get all the stats and SuperCoach scores by clicking here.

Gary Ablett and Tom Scully go head to head. Picture: Smith Kym Source: The Daily Telegraph

PRE-GAME:

There are no changes to either side.

The substitute for the Suns will be defender Jack Hutchins, while Tom Bugg will wear the green vest for the Giants.

The Suns, who are 1-4, head into the clash as favourites.

But the Giants' first win came against their fellow expansion club in Canberra this time last year.

So they will rate their chances today.

Don't miss any of the action by following the game at Live HQ by clicking here.

The match gets underway at 1:45pm AEST, followed by Carlton and Adelaide at 4:40pm AEST.

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Walker injures knee against Blues

Taylor Walker is helped from the ground. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Taylor Walker sits on the bench after injuring his knee against Carlton. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE forward Taylor Walker has suffered a knee injury against Carlton at the MCG today.

Walker went up for a spoil and landed awkwardly on his right knee, which appeared to badly hyper-extend as he came down on it.

He immediately went to ground and had to be helped by the trainers to come off the ground.

Walker was almost immediately subbed out out of the game.

Former Adelaide champion Mark Ricciuto, who is still well connected at the Crows, has tweeted he does not believe Walker has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

More to come...

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Leuey a big trade target

Charlie Dixon of the Suns takes on Matthew Leuenberger of the Lions. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger is on course to become one of the AFL's most wanted players at season's end.

The athletic big man is out of contract at the end of the year and is looming large for new club Greater Western Sydney.

While the Giants' remain genuinely interested in Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin, Leuenberger, 24, has emerged as an ideal back-up recruiting target.

GWS has made no secret of its desire to add an established blue-chip ruckman, and potentially some key defensive reinforcement, to help bolster its glittering young midfield.

Live HQ: Essendon v Collingwood

The club's list management chiefs, Graeme Allan and Stephen Silvagni, have been lauded for the Giants' start-up recruiting, but are yet to finalise their key trade options for October's exchange period.

Should Franklin, 26, accept a big-money bid from the Giants, Leuenberger could also come into the Hawks' contingency plans as a mobile ruck-key forward.

The Lions remain confident Leuenberger, a No. 4 draft pick, will remain in Queensland, having recovered a debilitating achilles injury.

But it is likely the Perth-raised big man will wait to finalise his contract later in the season, after only three games last year.

If the 204cm ruckman's recovery continues without setback, Leuenberger's value is expected to soar.

The Lions' direction will also be a factor for the 72-gamer, with coach Michael Voss again under pressure after a sloppy start to the season.

West Coast's Mitch Brown is also expected to lob on the Giants' radar.

Brown, a versatile key position player, has put off contract negotiations with the Eagles until the end of the season, after failing to secure a trade to St Kilda last year. The Saints are expected to continue to pursue Brown.

Gold Coast's Daniel Gorringe could also be on the move next season.

Gorringe, who is third in line in the Suns' ruck stocks behind Zac Smith and Charlie Dixon, has been trialled as a centre half back this year.

Out of contract at the end of the year, it is believed Gorringe, from South Australia, is being keenly pursued by Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

North Melbourne's Daniel Currie's deal also expires at the end of the season.
 

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Lyon aims to tame Tiger midfield

TAB's Adam Hamilton and Nick Quinn bring you the latest news and information for this week's AFL action.

The Dockers will try to put the brakes on Brett Deledio. Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says his team can't afford another mental lapse if it is to tame Richmond's talented midfield tomorrow night at Patersons Stadium.

The Dockers (2-2) are yet to put together a consistent four-quarter effort this season, with a horrible third term against Essendon in Round 3 and a similarly bad opening stanza against Hawthorn last week costing them dearly.

Lyon is well aware of the threat Richmond's midfield poses, with the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and Shaun Grigg able to tear the game wide open, with the help of ruckman Ivan Maric.

Fremantle has its own midfield matchwinners in the form of David Mundy, Nat Fyfe, Michael Barlow and Stephen Hill, but Lyon said consistency would be the key to victory.

"Richmond have got real speed. That midfield they've invested in over five or six years now is really strong," Lyon said.

"So we understand what we're up against is very impressive. And there's a reason everyone's talking about Richmond, because their best is very good.

"We think we're quite a good team, but we've been a bit inconsistent, which concerns us. But we get a real opportunity to fix that."

Lyon said the club's annual Len Hall tribute match was a good chance to honour Anzac Day.

But given sport wasn't a life-and-death scenario, Lyon said it would be disrespectful to compare footballers to soldiers.

"The Australian and New Zealand forces over a long period of time have been sent to battle by their governments to protect the country and represent the free world," Lyon said.

"But for our players, I don't ask them to play like the Anzacs and live like the Anzacs because that, to me, would almost be disrespectful.

"What we ask is an effort that honours that day.

"(Anzac Day) is a lot about mateship and the view on mates and trust, and where it originated from under real pressure."

Fremantle utility Matt de Boer, whose grandfather served in World War II, echoed Lyon's thoughts.

"It's silly to try to compare us to the bravery and the actions the Anzacs did for us to ensure that we live today the way we do," de Boer said.

"But we'll go out there and do our best job to honour them in our special way."

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Secrets of junior genius

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

Hawthorn defender Grant Birchall has been a great pick this season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THIS amazing fact may inspire hope or despair. The No.10 ranked SuperCoach this season is seven years old.

And that's just the start. Oliver, coach of Oliver's Army, hasn't made a single trade all year.

Oliver's line-up has scored 9127 points so far at average of 2282 per week. His total ranks him 10th of more than 297,000 SuperCoach players, nicely placed at 365 points behind the overall leader Jack and his team jackattack in the race for the $50,000 grand prize.

Oliver's father says his son, a Richmond supporter, picked the team himself.

"What Ollie and I try to do is load up with guns and rookies ... I just said to Ollie fill up your team with all the young kids you can fit and he picks all them himself," he told the Jock Reynolds fantasy footy podcast.

He said playing SuperCoach was a great father-son bonding exercise and also good maths homework for Ollie.

"He's pretty clever on the numbers, he's always shown a gift for that and it's a good game to play around and practice your numbers."

Ollie said he was thinking of making his first trades this week, with Lion Patrick Karnezis and injured Crow Brad Crouch on the chopping block.

His plan was to generate some cash to trade Brent Moloney in for Magpies star Scott Pendlebury.

See Ollie's full line-up below

OLIVER'S ARMY

Defenders
Grant Birchall, Brendon Goddard, Brett Goodes, Dyson Heppell, Jasper Pittard, Campbell Heath, Lewis Stevenson, Nick Vlastuin

Midfield
Gary Ablett, Dane Swan, Trent Cotchin, Nathan Fyfe, Brent Moloney, Ollie Wines, Jaeger O'Meara, Matt Jones, Jack Viney, Brad Crouch.

Ruck
Dean Cox, Sam Jacobs, Sam Rowe, Majak Daw

Forwards
Lance Franklin, Nick Riewoldt, Josh J Kennedy, Tom Rockliff, Dustin Martin, Jake Neade, Brent Macaffer, Patrick Karnezis
 

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LIVE: Anzac Day footy in Wellington

Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack and St. Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt in Wellington ahead of today's historic first AFL match in New Zealand. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

FOLLOW the live coverage of today's clash between St Kilda and the Sydney Swans in Wellington here.

LATE CHANGES
Nil

SUBSTITUTES

Lewis Jetts (Sydney)

Josh Saunders (St Kilda)

PRE-GAME

IT is an histroic occasion as St Kilda and the Sydney Swans prepare to face off in Wellington - the first game for premiership points to be played overseas.

Follow the live coverage here and join in our live chat below.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

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Crouch down in Crow blow

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

Brad Crouch celebrates a goal with Taylor Walker. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE has been dealt a stinging blow with promising midfielder Brad Crouch expected to miss at least two weeks after suffering a hamstring injury at training today.

Crouch, who debuted this season after spending a year as an ineligible 17-year-old player on the Crows list, had impressed coach Brenton Sanderson in his few senior games but the injury is expected to be at the lower end.

Crouch warmed up with teammates before hurting his leg during today's closed session. He will be sent for scans to determine the damage.

"It's a bit of a setback for us,'' Sanderson said.

"I've really liked how he's been playing; he's been great for a first-year player."

SuperCoach rookie trade guide

SuperCoach unique pick stars and flops

Sanderson was this afternoon heading for a match committee meeting, and one of the first names that would be brought up to replace Crouch was Bernie Vince.

Vince was dropped to Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL last weekend and responded with a dominant contribution.

"I did like how Bernie went back,'' Sanderson said. "He went back and dominated that game in the SANFL and he's too good to play in the SANFL, you know.

"So we'll look for opportunities to get those guys back where we can.''

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McPharlin ready for Tigers clash

READY TO GO: Luke McPharlin will return for Fremantle this weekend after suffering concussion a fortnight ago. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has declared Luke McPharlin a certain starter for Friday night's home clash with Richmond.

McPharlin was subbed off with concussion after being crunched by Essendon's Patrick Ryder in the sides' meeting a fortnight ago, before being a late withdrawal in the Dockers' loss to Hawthorn last weekend.

But Lyon said his key defender would be good to go for Friday's Len Hall game after ticking all the boxes so far this week.

"He's had a really good week," Lyon said this morning.

"Last week it was positive for the most part, and then he had a downer late.

He passed the CogState (cognitive test), and then didn't feel well so we gave him another one, which he failed.

"But he's passed it really early (this week) and he feels a million bucks and trained really well."

Lyon was less committal about Nick Suban, who was on the receiving end of a rare pre-half time substitution after a quiet opening against the Hawks.

Suban has tallied just 12 disposals across the last fortnight in the Dockers' pair of losses.

"We really respect and value Nick, but it's about what's best for the team," Lyon said.

"We'll sit down and finalise that selection this afternoon."

Richmond comes to town on the back of an impressive start to the season, with the Tigers notching three straight wins before last Saturday's loss at the hands of Collingwood.

"They were right in it against the Pies - they just had a bad 20 minutes, which we've experienced as well, (and) that costs you," Lyon said.

"They've got real speed, and that midfield they've invested in over five or six years now is really strong. They've got plenty of run and experience now, and (Ivan) Maric has really balanced them out.

"They're a really well-balanced team who's ready to deliver, so we understand what we're up against is very impressive."

Fremantle will focus on fixing the inconsistency that has cost the side in its two losses this season. The Dockers gave up a five-goal-to-none opening term against the Hawks, and blew a 36-point half time lead against the Bombers.

"We haven't had a full four-quarter performance," Lyon said.

"I thought (the) Essendon (game) was very good bar 15 minutes of sloppiness that really hurt us, and some missed opportunities.

"We're focused on training well and preparing well and that will give ourselves the best opportunity."

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson
 

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