Josh Kelly, Lance Franklin and Andrew Gaff among Mark Robinson’s likes and dislikes from Round 20
GILLON McLachlan is taking the Sergeant Shultz approach to clubs talking to rival players during the season: I know nothing. But if the AFL doesn’t like it — and it shouldn’t — it should take action. Robbo’s best and worst of Round 20 plus his take on Andrew Gaff’s ‘unheroic’ hit.
Mark Robinson
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BEFORE the weekend’s matches it was built up as a huge round of football and it definitely delivered.
From Richmond’s thrilling win over Geelong to the epics between Hawthorn and Essendon, Adelaide and Port Adelaide, Brisbane and North Melbourne and Collingwood and Sydney, Round 20 was the closest round of footy in 122 years.
It was epic.
MARK ROBINSON names his likes and dislikes.
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WHAT I LIKE
1. Day of reckoning
While rules were being trialled at Coburg to reshape the game, the game put on a clinic around the country. Clearly matches have opened up since the mass congestion earlier in the season, but that will only encourage AFL footy boss Steve Hocking to push ahead with his “adjustments”. Hocking wants more of what we witnessed on Saturday and, at the very least, the 6-6-6 format after goals will be adopted. The football on Saturday was a rare event, like an eclipse, and it shouldn’t blind us from the bigger picture — and that’s to spread the ground and stop 30 players congregating within 30m of a stoppage in the 50m arcs.
2. Josh Kelly
He is the Mr Exquisite of the AFL and by season’s end could be the No.1 player in the game. It was schoolboy football on Sunday for Kelly as he waltzed around Etihad Stadium picking up 205 ranking points. He’s style and substance, Kelly, and his stat line was almost unbelievable in a game between adults. He had 41 touches, seven marks, 10 clearances, five tackles, 923m gained, 22 contested possessions, 16 score involvements, 16 inside-50s and did it at 80 per cent efficiency. Champion Data recorded Ed Curnow playing on Kelly for more than 70 minutes, which makes the display even more unbelievable because Curnow is a pretty good stopper. The inside-50 count was the equal-best recorded since 1999, the other two being Adam Simpson (Round 6, 1999) and Patrick Dangerfield (Round 23, 2016).
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3. Buddy Franklin
It is already footy folklore that Buddy Franklin has only trained “for 20 minutes” this season, according to coach John Longmire, so Collingwood rookies Brody Mihocek and Jack Madgen must think it would be frightening to oppose Franklin when fully fit. He was phenomenal in kicking 6.4 and although the Pies were ruing the loss of Darcy Moore to injury, the fact is Franklin kicked three of his six on Moore. Madgen had him for 36 minutes and kept him to four disposals and one goal, and Mihocek logged 20 minutes and gave up four disposals and two goals.
4. Alex Johnson
For imagery, mum crying in the stands after the game went some way to showing what it meant to see her boy play his first game in almost six years. And they enjoyed the momentous night. Johnson came through unscathed, he had 15 disposals and took 11 marks, and, in the rooms afterwards, his old man declared all celebratory drinks would go on his credit card.
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5. Unrelenting football
Yes, Richmond can be beaten, but to do so, the opposition team has to cope with Richmond’s unrelenting pressure. Geelong almost did it, but failed because for too long the Cats were camped in their back half and probably overdid the handballing. Richmond’s pressure was a staggering 208, which is the most applied this year by any team. And the Tigers created 49 forward-half turnovers — the fourth-most ever recorded in a match. Richmond was led by skipper Trent Cotchin, who had 101 pressure points. Mind you, the Cats were up for the fight. Their pressure factor was 197, their highest rating for the season.
6. Matt Crouch
Let’s not be too outraged by the booing when Robbie Gray was announced as the Showdown medallist. It wasn’t disrespectful, it was another level of contempt by fans of one team in what is the most compelling rivalry in the AFL. This match was among the best of the season for its drama, performance and consequence. Still, Matt Crouch was stiff not to win the medal. In what was a brutal game, he had 35 disposals and 18 contested possessions, and, for the season, is rated either elite or above average in every important statistical component in the game. He is the silent assassin.
7. Ben Stratton
Loved this line from Cameron Mooney: “Stratton looks like Gary Ayres and is playing like Gary Ayres.” That’s not to say he’s in the same stratosphere as the two-time Norm Smith medallist. What Mooney was saying is Stratton has the mullet and his current football is the best of his career. Coach Alastair Clarkson said post-match: “It’s probably good that he’s getting a little bit of credit because he’s been doing that for us for 10 years.” Stratton’s scalps this year have included Jarrad Waite, Jack Darling and Charlie Curnow — keeping all three goalless — and on Saturday he was indestructible down back.
8, Jack at the Gabba
It takes a good team to beat Brisbane at home (they have lost four games by fewer than seven points) and their midfield youngsters are taking steps forward. They see Luke Hodge every week for inspiration and at the weekend saw Jack Ziebell up close. The North Melbourne captain, once a kid with potential, is now a vastly respected leader and is probably the main reason why the Kangas won. Season-highs in disposals (26), goals (three) and score involvements (10) on the road is a huge game.
9. Josh Dunkley
To combat the Western Bulldogs you must put time into Jack Macrae, Jason Johannisen and Marcus Bontempelli, who together tormented the Saints. Yet it is the emergence in recent weeks of Josh Dunkley that would please coach Luke Beveridge and Dogs fans. The best two games of his career have been the past two. Against Port Adelaide he had 147 ranking points and against the Saints it was 132 points. He represents the growth the Dogs are pinning their hopes to.
10. James Harmes’ layers
James Harmes tagged Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane in his previous two games, and on Sunday had a watch on Will Brodie for a time. But he was also a ball-winner against the Suns with 25 disposals and 10 score involvements. He looks to be a midfield luxury — both stopper and attacker.
WHAT I DON’T LIKE
1. King hits
Unusual for Andrew Gaff to be violent, but that won’t save him from a long suspension when he heads to the tribunal. He king-hit Andrew Brayshaw in the third quarter with the Eagles leading 80-30. It was stupid and unheroic and, from afar, unprovoked. Brayshaw left the field bloodied and dazed in the hands of trainers.
Not everyone will agree, so save the abuse. But you can't punch someone and break their jaw and escape police scrutiny just because you're wearing a footy jumper. Will be surprised if charges aren't considered #gaff
— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) August 5, 2018
Five weeks is not out of the question if Brayshaw has a broken jaw. The incident threatened more violence on the field and clearly unsettled the West Coast midfielder, who was targeted by Dockers players and then, when on the bench, comforted by coach Adam Simpson.
2. St Kilda
Kicked the first four goals in the first quarter and the Western Bulldogs kicked 15 goals to five in the next three quarters, including 8.6 to 0.5 in the third quarter. With seven minutes to play in the third term the score was 57-50. At the three-quarter siren it was 96-51. To borrow a Paul Roos-ism: It was the worst seven minutes of football we’ve seen a team play this year. No Tom Hickey (injured) didn’t help, but neither did the turnovers, lack of effort and lack of accountability. The seven minutes of shame played out like this:
— JAKE Carlisle’s handball was smothered, then he fumbled and Mitch Wallis kicked the goal. 63-50.
— DANIEL McKenzie fumble and Marcus Bontempelli kicks the goal. 69-50.
— HUNTER Clark kick turnover and Bontempelli kicks the goal. 75-50.
— BONTEMPELLI opposed to Jade Gresham at the stoppage and Bontempelli kicks the goal. 84-51
— BONTEMPELLI opposed to Seb Ross at the stoppage and Bontempelli kicks the goal. 90-51.
— JACK Macrae dispossess Jack Steven, Dogs spread and Hayden Crozier kicks the goal. 96-51.
It was six goals in seven minutes against the worst second-half team in the AFL.
3. Yes, it was that awful
Does anyone care? Accused the Bulldogs of being irrelevant last week after yet another second-half fade out and the same accusation is levelled at the Saints. And unfortunately for coach Alan Richardson, insipid performances like Saturday’s will put the club’s decision to go forward with him on the agenda. Yes, he will coach in 2018, but the inconsistency from pushing GWS last week to surrendering to the Dogs this week is too big a gap to ignore.
Why is it happening? Of everything that could be questioned in the loss to the Dogs, and there is plenty, one thing stands out: How can Jason Johannisen, the Bulldogs’ best runner, be allowed to have 42 disposals at Etihad Stadium? Everyone at the Saints has to take responsibility for that.
4. Bad week for the AFL (I)
It started with the Tom Lynch debacle, which evolved like it did because the AFL has buried its head in the sand about clubs talking to rival players, free agency or not. Gillon McLachlan is acting like Sergeant Schultz: I see nothing. Meanwhile, players are disrespecting their clubs, clubs are disrespecting rival clubs. In the Suns’ case they wanted an answer from Lynch and when they got it, they dumped him. No winners there and there wasn’t going to be from the moment Nathan Buckley admitted he had spoken to Lynch.
The AFL has to act. It beats its chest about being professional and having integrity, yet allows coaches — and we’re all doing it, said Ken Hinkley — to chat to contracted players from rival clubs, one of which led to the Lynch debacle. What can the AFL do? Bring in anti-tampering rules and fine clubs for acting outside of the free agency window.
5. Bad week for the AFL (II)
In a single day the AFL managed to anger every woman playing — and wanting to play football — by saying it’s committed to AFLW as it was reported the league is considering reducing the number of matches being played. Comparing a four-week season to the World Cup was a monumental gaffe.
6. Bad week for the AFL (III)
Does anyone really know if Josh Jenkins’ kick hit or didn’t hit the post? Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was savage post-match, but, hand on heart, was there convincing evidence it did? Still, Hinkley was furious. “There is a major failure by the AFL,’’ he said. “The technology should have made sure this monumental mistake should not have appeared.’’ What technology, Ken? Replays that are sometimes inconclusive? It’s time the AFL opened its wallet and put in goal line technology, so balls hitting posts can be truly decided.
7. Cameron Rayner saved Mason Wood’s bacon
Brisbane’s Cameron Rayner got the headlines for his miss at the siren — and for the warmth and love shown by coach Chris Fagan on the ground — but if Rayner had kicked the goal the finger would have been pointed at Wood for his blunder minutes before. He had a two-on-one running into goal, got clumsy and ended up attempting a banana from 15m, which resulted in a point. Too cute from the talented forward.
8. Ollie Wines lost his bacon
With Port Adelaide leading 93-83, Wines tried to kick around the body but hit the ball fat and didn’t score. The ball was taken to the other end, where Eddie Betts snapped a goal. Instead of the sore being 99-83 and the game possibly over, the score was 93-89 and the game was alive. Wines didn’t lose the game for Port, but the loss may nevertheless cost Port a top-four spot. They say the game is a matter of inches, when it really is a matter of moments.
9. Injuries
Is there a breaking point? Darcy Moore (hamstring) will be missed because the Pies are running out of experienced key defenders and Jimmy Bartel suspects they might have to change their system to help protect the back six. And it can be done, he said. The Giants, however, have lost Brett Deledio (calf and maybe career) and more importantly ruckman Dawson Simpson (ankle), which means Rory Lobb is back in the ruck — not ideal for their premiership campaign. If either Collingwood or GWS win the flag from here it will be an unbelievable coaching performance.
10. Stigma of begging
Time for the AFL to hand-out priority picks and not wait for clubs to beg. The AFL decides anyway and it would have to be ignorant not to realise four clubs need urgent help via extra picks in the national draft. Carlton hasn’t played finals since 2014 and was beaten by 105 points on Sunday. Gold Coast has never played finals and was beaten by 96 points. St Kilda last played finals in 2011 and has won four games this year. Brisbane hasn’t played finals since 2009 and has won four games this year. The AFL needs to help give hope to the fans.
BEST TWEETS
@steven_johno: Dislikes WC crowd cheering Gaff
@DJLeigh_Roy: The Showdown is the AFL’s version of State Of Origin. Deserves its own primetime spot on a national stage. #victorian
@hoyley098: at what point does a hit like tonight become assault? If you hit someone like that in public, your going to be charged. Are you exempt on an AFL field?
@MarcSummersFOX: Like GWs doing the right thing by there players despite not having any rotation on the bench.
@cmanifis: Where do you start. Likes: Buddy is back, Kelly * 2, Dislikes: GAFF what was he thinking.
@AdrianO_JBaus: Like - Mitchell unreal, O’Meara brilliant but Ben Stratton was simply unpassable. Got to be in All-Australian discussion
@K_Yeezey: Like :Gazza, in the words of Gene Hackman, “champions always want the ball when the game is on the line” Dislike: people acting like he’s past it because he missed
@amock18: Dislikes: ungracious losing coaches. Likes: Chris Fagan; gracious, supportive, protective, even after a shattering loss.
@chevalierjimmy: Like: ‘Hot spot’ uses infrared cameras to determine if ball touches bat. For goalposts the AFL should be leading edge and open their bulging wallet.
@therealmnev: Like: Clayton Oliver will win multiple brownlows. Dislike: Unable to put the suns away by 100+
@DGray1990: Like- Jenkins honesty dislike - ovation for gaff when he touched it after the punch?
@conmakri: No different to the guy that broke that kid’s jaw in the country league. He was charged and so should Gaff.
@AndrewR94994450: Likes. More discussions on the validity of rules changes. Leave our great game as it is. Dislike.Goal review system. Got to get this right.
@THE_SC_GOAT: Dislike: Bashing of Gary Ablett Jnr
@Nate0809: Benjamin Stratton matching his level of football game, to his level of mullet game.
@_BradleyWilliam: Dislike: Gaff, cheers from Eagles for Gaff. Like: Adam Simpson, his care for his players is next level. Same as Fagan actually
@Matt_Holden79: Dislike Showdown and WA derby on at 4pm. Both games should be prime time Friday and Saturday nights. both games, every year.
@peterb007007: dislike, the AFL considering only having 6 rounds of the AFLW despite bringing two new teams in. It shows lack of respect to the players and poor management, do they even have a plan set out??
@Sneza68745707: Dislike - Hypocrisy . We hate on Vince for smiling ( really? It’s only a game) yet rightly acknowledge the need for more support for mental health in footy. We hate on one punch cowards then rationalise Gaff hit.
@Lazlow: not excusing the act, but I think the MRO’s inconsistent and at times weak stance on gut punches & off the ball garbage has enabled an environment where more players are pushing the limit. Been more closed fists thrown the last few weeks.
@LukeMathew92: Dislikes Alan Richardson not tagging JJ. Likes seeing Bont show Saints what they passed on in that 3rd quarter
@jonesmatt_1: Mark Blicavs. Has to be close to all Australian and is very good chance to win his 2nd best and fairest
@nicofooty22: Like: Coniglio, he is a gun Dislike: the world hating Andrew Gaff, just ease up, he will get his just deserts, but no need to friggin crucify him, remember hall, remember Muir, remember banks, remember Rhys jones, I mean ease up everybody
@DomSacco: Whether he meant it or not, all this wacking, pushing, jumper punching, acting tough crap is what blemishes the game, play like sportsman and compete fairly, otherwise take up boxing or mma
@TijoTelli: Dislike: time to assess West Coast fans cheering a player who coward punched an 18 year old kid, and booing Adam Goodes continuously for standing up for racial justice
@razorsharp1983: Dislike Goddard haters. The guy has been the backbone of the bombers since joining the club. Guided the young players and fill ins through some very tough times. Deserves the right to decide when he retires not the media and not some so-called bomber supporters.
@aptwasteoftime: Like - Buddy’s 6-3 return last night. Dislike - Score Review System and VFL Head Gil’s condescending remark comparing AFLW to World Cup Final
@Roogirl4eva: I like Kayne Turner. Game saver!
@s_chambo: Like: Worpedo cool under pressure when left one out on Hurley. Dislike: Ump mauling the advantage rule when Worpedo put hands in air not to take it. Nearly cost Hawks the game.
@hurkymark: like - 4 brilliant matches of footy to start the round. dislike the blues not even being able to outscore a side who played a whole quarter with no rotations and then with less players on the ground #tiredofexcuses
@Samuelmac151: Dislikes: Adelaide supporters booing Robbie Gray winning the showdown medal. Likes: we still have around a dozen high quality games over RD21-23 that will shape the finals!
@smac_01: Like: Trent Dumont. Huge game for North. Dislike: Sunday blow outs.
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