The Tackle: Another show-stopper proves Tom Lonergan is one invaluable Cat
REPLAY ROBBO'S LIVE CHAT: CHRIS Scott would've shaken hands with every player as they walked into the rooms on Saturday night.
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CHRIS Scott would've shaken hands with every player as they walked into the rooms on Saturday night.
He would've admired Joel Selwood in the middle, the coolness of James Kelly and Jimmy Bartel, the rebound of Corey Enright and Andrew Mackie, and absolutely loved Jordan Murdoch's three-goal final quarter.
And then there was Tom Lonergan.
He deserved a handshake and a warm embrace from the coach, for Lonergan - again - took on the most difficult job in football and - again - came out the winner.
Lonergan is a Buddy killer.
In another absorbing contest between these modern-day giants, Lonergan had just six possessions and five marks, while Franklin was contained to 14 possessions and one goal.
In their two encounters this year, in Round 1 and Round 15, Franklin has kicked just three goals.
The time before that, in Round 2, 2012, Lonergan kept Franklin goalless.
So, in their past three matches, Franklin has just three goals in games decided by 10, seven and two points.
While the immediate past belongs to Lonergan, Franklin has also had success on the Cats backman.
In the 2011 qualifying final, Franklin kicked 4.3, in Round 12 of the same year he kicked 4.2 in a five-point loss, but in Round 5 of 2011, Franklin could only manage the one goal in a 19-point loss.
REPLAY ROBBO'S CHAT BELOW
In Round 15 of 2010, Franklin managed three goals. But in Round 2 that season Lonergan got him again and he only kicked one from six possessions in Geelong's nine-point victory.
In their past six encounters, Lonergan leads 4-2, and off the top of the head, I can't think of any other backman who is as reliable against Franklin as the unassuming Lonergan.
He remains one of the miracle stories of footy, having almost died on a hospital bed with internal bleeding in 2006.
And that may well be the headline act when his career is done and dusted.
But Lonergan's is more than a story of survival. It's also a story of resilience and late blooming.
His first season was '03. He made his debut in '05, played seven games before the major collision, was a forward in '08, lost his position to Tom Hawkins in '09 and returned to the team as a defender, taking the spot left by retiring skipper Tom Harley.
This is his 11th season and arguably his most important.
Indeed, greatness is defined in many ways.
For Franklin, who has a team willing to pay him up to $1.5 million a year and his own team ready to part with $1 million, it must be his ability to stand up in big games.
It's not all about goals for Franklin, and his ability to play team football instead of Buddy football has been identified this year.
Still, the Hawks have not beaten Geelong for five years, and in the past three games Franklin has not made a significant difference.
The greats make a difference. Lonergan is an old-fashioned backman. You won't see him stretching out of the back half, taking bounce after bounce.
He plays close, uses his body, is a solid mark and, most importantly, when playing against Franklin, he keeps his feet.
He is helped, of course, by a strong work ethic from his midfield teammates. Time and again on Saturday night, the Hawks bombed it to Franklin while under pressure, and Lonergan and company comfortably had Franklin covered.
Lonergan spoke yesterday about his battle with the game's most dangerous player, and heaped praise on his teammates.
"If you had a good day that means the midfielder put on a lot of pressure, which makes your job easier whether spoiling or marking," he told Triple M. "I thought we had a good duel."
Logic suggests Lonergan and Franklin will get another crack at it this year, some time in the finals, perhaps even on Grand Final day.
If so, the pressure on Franklin will be absolute.
IF LANCE IS WORTH $2M....
Franklin v Lonergan
Game -- Disposals -- Marks -- Goals
2010
Rd2 6 1 1
Rd15 19 6 3
2011
Rd5 11 4 1
Rd12 13 3 4
GF 8 4 4
2012
Rd2 11 0 0
2013
Rd1 12 3 2
Rd15 12 3 1
Averages
v Lonergan 11.5 3 2
Career 15.1 5.2 3.2
Weekend trivial question: Who was more pathetic? Richmond or Carlton?
It's a tough one.
Being embarrassed on the MCG against a bitter rival, with finals on offering, and not giving a yelp for three quarters?
Or being embarrassed at Etihad Stadium, against a team which is neck and neck in development, and not giving a serious yelp for four quarters?
Yep, tough.
It's like being asked how do you want to die: burnt alive or eaten by a shark?
Doubts are clearly back on the Tigers' door step.
They remain in the eight but have only beaten one team in the eight and that's Port Adelaide.
And they play Gold Coast this weekend, in Cairns, where all of Richmond's dead are buried.
They lost the unlosable there last year, and Paul Roos described it as the worst 47 seconds of football in the history of the game.
The Tigers go north with concern.
Until they can eradicate from their persona the type of performance we saw on Saturday, the Tigers will always be a ''maybe side''.
The Kangaroos monstered them.
They hunted in numbers, ran them ragged, key forwards kicked goals, mids kicked goals, defenders swarmed out of defence, and key defenders completely dominated their opposition.
The Tigers looked shaky and vulnerable.
Deledio was shut down, Vickery was a shadow from the week before, Jack couldn't get it, Edwards disappeared, Conca was stop start, Vlastuin was quiet, Chaplin and Newman didn't lead, and most of the rest of them were in and out of the game.
It was the worst Richmond up against the best of North Melbourne.
The ball is back in Richmond's court.
The Blues were munched, and now the club is looking at ''radical list changes'', according to CEO Greg Swan.
Lack of leadership has been a problem all season, and some say it has been a problem for several seasons, and it giving it up so easily to the Magpies on Friday night didn't dispel that theory.
They have issues with their small forwards and one wonders if Mick Malthouse will want to keep the pack of Garlett, Betts and Yarran together.
The midfield has lost Simpson to half-back and arguably carry too many defensive players, ala Cachia, Curnow, Armfield off the forward flank and Ellard is also in the mix.
It's Waite or bust forward, and while they want to keep Henderson and Jamison as key defenders, often they are split to compensate for the lack of potency up forward.
For what it's worth, I thought Malthouse spoke honestly after the game.
He didn't dismiss the media with inept answers and instead spoke about the challenge he has in front of him, which starts this week against St Kilda.
Footy is a strange beast because at the start of the year most observers thought Malthouse would have his team nearing top four.
Now it's the Blues on the rebuild.
The defensive game plan seems to have stifled the Blues. Before Friday night, it has kept the team competitive without having a knock-out punch.
They were knocked out themselves.
Back to the question.
Probably Carlton. They seem to be heading south and rebuilding, while Richmond is steering north on the back of a rebuild.
10 THINGS I LIKE
1. The Curse continues. That's Legs Eleven for the Cats in what was a close game without it being an absolute epic. The Hawks comeback had the crowd roaring in the final quarter, but once again the Cats handled the final minutes better than their opposition. No Johnson and no Chappy required greater leadership across the board and outside of Joel Selwood, the unknowns such as Jordan Murdoch and Josh Caddy (four goals in the final quarter between them) stood tall. It is a storied rivalry and let's hope it continues in September.
2. Cale Hooker. At the end of last year the Bombers wanted to trade him to West Coast for a second-round draft pick, the Eagles had long-term deal waiting for him, yet Hooker stayed. He wanted to prove the Bombers wrong, he said. At Round 14, he is the No.1 player for intercepted marks and yesterday was probably best afield with 30 disposals and 13 marks. The rise and rise of Hooker has been phenomenal. As has Tom Bellchambers. Essendon liked what he did yesterday, and so would’ve GWS and Collingwood, two clubs looking for their next ruckman.
3. Collingwood. Was three days ago, but cannot be ignored. Enormous turnaround which not only rewards with four points but rewards Nathan Buckley's faith in the pathway his team is taking. If players are upset, so be it. Didak and Johnson were premiership players but time has moved on. Sinclair, Seedsman, Elliott, Josh Thomas, Williams and Witts will be inconsistent because of their youth, but they will be persevered with by the coach. As for Harry O'Brien, only he can explain why he is so offended by comments based on sexual-identity of a third person and, indeed, if Harry was offended when asked if he was offended by the comments. Hope that makes sense.
4. The Jacks. What a terrific story. K Jack is elite. He is never mentioned with Gazza and Pendlebury and Watson and Selwood, but he is probably the hardest two-way mid in the competition. Had 31 yesterday, 10 inside 50s, and seven score assists and just know if he gets knocked down he will get up again. His little brother Brandon replaced Reid as sub and led all goalkickers with four. Like his older brother, he appears to be clean below his knees, which as a small forward is a very handy attribute.
5. Jeremy Cameron. The MRP will watch the incident 25 times from five angles, but Cameron should be safe. In fact, that's what you want from your players, a strong attack on the man and ball. It was unfortunate that Jason Johannisen's season over, but that's footy. Cameron went low and collected JJ from the side. It wasn't malicious, it was hard and from my couch, it was fair.
6. Chris Masten. Have to admit I'm not completely sold on Masten, but it's performances like Saturday night which keeps me thinking this bloke could be an A grader. Collected it 39 times, and gets it by being hard-runner more than stay-at-home clearance player. Just the three clearances against the Crows, and his 39 did include some orindary disposal. The point is, though, he can find it. The next step for him is to be more productive with his use of.
7. Ben Sinclair. Collingwood has had its troubles finding defenders to take the small forwards since Alan Toovey fell over and Ben Johnson fell out of favor. Marley Williams has been revelation, and on Friday night, Sinclair perhaps played his best game for the club. Has been tried as a small forward and probably lacks the class to be a consistent goalkicker. But class isn't everything. Had 17 touches at 82 per cent, but it was his decision-making which stood out. He made big plays when needed, turning defence into attack, and his courage is not lacking.
8. Taylor Hine. Didn't crack at the Suns where he played nine games in two years, and played his ninth for the Kangas on Saturday. It would be up there with his best. Given Brett Deledio, which is the trick if you want to shut down the Tigers, and kept him to 16 touches. Hine only had 11 himself, but it's not about numbers. It's about influence. He was probably only behind the rejuvenated Lachie Hansen (15 marks) in the club B&F votes.
9. Clinton Young rundown. New club, first game, and wins respect with a one percenter that probably changed the pattern of the game. Young took off after Dennis Armfield on the southern stand wing and nailed him on the verge of kicking the ball. The free kick led to a Scott Pendlebury goal and the momentum was all Collingwood's.
10. Matthew Leuenberger. Forget everyone else, this bloke is the next Dean Cox. Twenty touches, 29 hit outs, seven marks, seven inside 50s and a game-high seven clearances had him close to best afield against the Lions. His re-signing was the most important completed in-season, followed by Rich, and let's hope Pearce Hanley is in for the long haul. Those three with Redden, Rockliff, Mayes, Golby, and Zorko are what the Lions can build on. And another win clearly helps the coach's long-term future.
Honourable mentions: Kommer's conviction, Andrew Swallow, Swan and Pendlebury, Kennedy's 12 clearances and 29 handballs, Levi Greenwood, the brilliant Dylan Shiel, always Dangerfield, Jack Fitzpatrick the cult hero, Ballantyne's five goals, Pav's two from 50m plus and it's not right to leave out Joel Selwood.
THINGS I DISLIKE
1. Cheap shots. Shaun McKernan is finally getting an opportunity to play senior footy and embarrasses himself in doing so. His hit on Brad Sheppard was late and crude. You can sometimes excuse a bicep to the head, and maybe even the latest technique to hit players - the use of the inner forearm - but when it is a flush elbow to the face moments after a player has the ball, it is completely unacceptable. McKernan has let himself down and his club.
2. Interchange steward. Huge mistake, with the potential for huge consequences. The Cats fans in MCC, including all the top brass, were gobsmacked as David Hale took the free kick and the 50m penalty and kicked the goal. The Curse was to be cursed by the a stupid mistake by one of their players. But it didn't pan out that way. Sipping a few a beers afterwards, the news had already filtered upstairs from the changerooms that the AFL had already admitted the mistake. As for the punishment for an interchange infringement, it's way too harsh. Make it a free kick from where the play is and keep it real.
3. Hypocrites. Essendon fans must get a grip. Offended by the treatment of Jobe Watson at Subiaco, they respond with constant booing of former player Angus Monfries and Port swingman Justin Westhoff. It's neither here or there the booing, but bloody hell, don't whinge one week and then do exactly the same the following week. #packmentality
4. Port Adelaide. Not so much a dislike but a disappointment. Having beaten Sydney and Collingwood, Essendon was for the taking with Watson gone, Carlisle injured in the warm-up and Stanton carrying an ankle injury. Port disappeared for half a quarter, allowing the Dons to kick six unanswered goals in the second term, and then couldn't co-ordinate their fourth-quarter surge by missing goals. Schulz missed two, Stewart another one, and Robbie Gray was too selfish when he missed another. Westhoff was another disappointment. Frustrated, his decision to elbow Hooker in the head will almost certainly see him sidelined for at least one match.
5. Kennedy-Judd comparisons. Get over it. This was done six years ago and, yes, Kennedy's a gun but so has been Judd. Can't remember one Blues supporters lamenting the trade at the time, and now some of them are saying it was a mistake. Judd was mighty in defeat on Friday night and Kennedy was mighty when kicking the match-winner with a minute to play against the Crows. It's a win-win, and it's not Judd's fault that Fev stuffed up, Waite gets injured, and they haven't yet found a power forward.
6. Keyboard coward. To the bloke who sent a tweet about Clinton Young's brother, there's not a lot left to be said. Luke Hodge and Scott Pendlebury said it best, but can't repeat them in this environment. Let's just say you're a pathetic piece of @#(*.
7. Tim McGrath's battle. Another in the football family has a fight ahead with the former Cat at the weekend revealing he has cancer. The father of three has been diagnosed with stage-three melanoma and faces year-long treatment. #goodluck
8. Sucked in. Twice Essendon players - Goddard and Bellchambers - gave away free kicks for stupid incidents off the ball. One cost a goal, and Port stuffed up the other one. Don't people know that the retaliator always gets caught. What's the point grabbing someone around the neck and throwing them to the ground? Or in Westhoff's case, throwing yourself to the ground.
9. Injuries. This week it's Watson (shoulder), Reid (quad) and McPharlin (calf), two of them in line for All Australian selection. McPharlin missing against Fremantle next week will push the defence now that Pavlich and Sandilands are floating down there, while we still can't get handle on Sydney and how they will play all their talls. As for Jobe, the next fool who tweets me that it is karma ...
BEST TWEETS
@MickyGilmore: Likes- Kennett's curse. Everyone tipped Hawks but Cats too good. Dislikes- none this weekend. Footy had too many likes.
@Ro0STALikes: Caddy solidifying goal from the boundry. Kennedy's 4 2get Eagles over the line. Stanton onfield leadership on 1 leg!
@Rommas86: Dislike Essendon supporters hypocrisy of booing Westhoff for a clean bump on Watson
@mattypopechiro: best - AL "BUNDY" CHRISTENSEN. Possibly Duncan too. Did Buddy play? Oh yeah. Put Lonergan in too.
@hcdc93: Dislike: Crows coaching mentality of continuing to play average footballers that won’t be taking us to a
premiership.
@AdamLavars: Like the cult figure Jack Fitzpatrick! Dislike the effort from the Blues, finals now out of reach!
@timrosen35: Like: St.Kilda returning to the effort and tackling of the first part of the season. Some good signs from youngsters too
@agentorangeutan: likes: Hooker and Pears, once maligned, a mighty combo. Dislikes: sniper Westhoff on his roller skates
@HeathBlair5: Like / Has C Enright been the most consistent Backman of the past decade/ Dis/ Harry O just get on with it mate
@sculls_6: likes: Jack Steven. Much like Dane Swan and Paul Puopolo, Jack takes small steps but no one gets near him
@cunners2287: D - hypocritical Essendon supporters booing Monfries and Westhoff. L - B Reid forward, especially if Keefe plays next week
@RoCoop23 #like teams fighting through injuries #dislike idiots on twitter showing no respect #tassieidiot #respectyoungfamily
@Tigerwhite1977: dislike Richmond opened up like a tin of John West's finest. Still a massive amount of work to do for Dimma.
@Haraash: dislike Clarko using the same game plan against the Cats which had failed 10 times before #dontkickthelonghighballyoufools
@stkildamatt: dislike that excuse of a human who took a cheap shot at Clinton Youngs brother on twiiter....what a disgrace
@adembarolli: Like: Stantons efforts to continue on and Colingwoods turn around and Melbourne's Effort Dislikes: Mick Malthouse. #excuses
@benjiman1983: Likes -Melbourne showing some real grit against a flag fancy, finally! Dislikes-Carltons defensive mindset in centre square:
@andybuds23: Dislike yet another insipid Carlton performance. Like that Wimbledon is over by the time i read this in the paper.
@reddishracing: dislike, this is easy . Carlton Football Club enough said#thetackle
@aidanpauna: Like: Brandon Jack, 3 games in, 2nd full game, comes on early and kicks 4 goals! Another rookie draft gem for Swans.
@eggsy_big21: 1, pavs return, 2 bombs in a minute & the curse continuing. DL my tipping and punting woeful
@kateandjon2012: dislike Liam Jones - 51 games. Played worst 2 teams in last 2 weeks and managed 2 goals. he hasn't 'got it' and never will.
@Bushrangers_01 like- Talia! 27 touches at CHB, it's not about numbers, but the kid is composed, strong and impressive! + for the dogs!!!
@_ria84: like - amazing goals (dwyer, gunston); dislike - twitter trolls (what was said about lachie young was utterly disgusting)
@BeccaHayne: Likes: Travis Cloke playing like a leader Dislike: Harry O Speculation and ill informed discussion without fact
@thegoldenduck05: dislike, essendon fans booing monfries and westhoff. Lions fans booing Brennan. Not one commentator sticking up for them
