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AFL Sunday: Was Patrick Dangerfield milking his injury?

AN AFL star has whacked Patrick Dangerfield with a brutal sledge, revealing a surprising moment when his own teammates had to set him straight.

Adam Santarossa and Alex Blair
9 min read
July 17, 2017 - 6:44AM
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats lays on the ground injured during the round 17 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats lays on the ground injured during the round 17 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Live: AFL Sunday

Welcome to AFL Sunday, our coverage of today’s matches.

Richmond 16.16 (112) defeated Brisbane 12.9 (81)

Western Bulldogs 12.10 (82) defeated Carlton 9.8 (62)

West Coast 11.8 (74) defeated Fremantle 5.14 (44)

ROUND 17 concludes with three crucial matches on Sunday. Richmond can make a push for the top four with a big win over Brisbane. Carlton can put a big dent in the Western Bulldogs fading finals hopes and Fremantle can have a similar impact on West Coast’s September dreams when they meet in the Western derby.

6:40pm

Freo rolled in low-scoring contest

Another scrappy clash has ended, completing a huge weekend of footy.

Fremantle were downed by their bitter West Coast rivals in a 30-point thrashing. The Dockers scored just five goals, their equal lowest amount in 262 games at Subiaco Oval, as the Eagles blasted ahead. But it wasn’t a clean ride for the victors, booting eight behinds and 11 goals to complete the low-scoring derby.

Josh J. Kennedy topped the scorer’s list with three goals and two behinds.

5:51pm

Bulldogs sink Carlton

The struggling Western Bulldogs have notched a much-needed AFL win, edging Carlton by 20 points in a scrappy MCG contest.

The reigning premiers led by four goals at three-quarter time and staved off the depleted Blues to climb within a victory of the top eight.

Sunday’s 12.10 (82) to 9.8 (62) win came at a cost for the Dogs, with key forward Jake Stringer succumbing to a hamstring injury minutes into the second quarter.

Stringer immediately left the ground and sat out the rest of the game with his left leg iced.

Carlton were reduced to a single rotation late in the game with Alex Silvagni, Ciaran Byrne and Dylan Buckley succumbing to injuries.

It wasn’t the most convincing victory but the Bulldogs would be happy to take it after losing four of their past five games.

After a dismal 59-point loss to Adelaide last week, the Dogs looked in danger of another blowout early on, conceding the first three goals to a fast-starting Carlton.

The Dogs had 14 forward entries but no marks inside 50 in the first quarter, with Carlton’s tall defenders feasting on intercept marks.

Classy midfielder Caleb Daniel proved the game-changer, racking up four inside-50s and 14 of his 25 disposals in an outstanding second term as the Dogs outscored the Blues five goals to one.

There were shades of the Bulldogs of last year as Daniel, Marcus Bontempelli and eye-catching youngster Mitch Honeychurch put together some impressive handball chains.

Up by 21 points at halftime, the Dogs struggled to press their advantage, with both sides lacking composure going forward.

Opportunistic goals from Mitch Wallis and Toby McLean handed the advantage to the Dogs as the Blues ran out of legs during the fourth quarter. Matthew Kreuzer dominated the ruck battle with 50 hitouts, Matthew Wright booted three goals and Bryce Gibbs led Carlton’s midfield brigade with 32 disposals.

5:15pm

Freo belted in first quarter

Fremantle has been thrashed around the park by West Coast in their Sunday afternoon clash. The Dockers threw away a number opportunities to put pressure on in the first term, missing five potential potential goals as the Eagles scored points with relative ease.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are making up for last weekend’s horror show, taking a comfortable lead of 38 points as they enter the final quarter in their match against Carlton at the MCG.

4:53pm

Danger slammed for “exaggerating injuries”

Apparently Patrick Dangerfield has a habit of milking injuries.
Apparently Patrick Dangerfield has a habit of milking injuries.

Patrick Dangerfield has a habit of “exaggerating injuries”, says Port Adelaide premiership player Kane Cornes.

Dangerfield played as a deep forward against Hawthorn on Saturday, after injuring his lower leg in a contest with Jarryd Roughead in the first term.

Despite playing under duress, the Geelong superstar booted five goals and could have had as many as 11 if he’d kicked straight.

“He does exaggerate injuries,” Cornes said on the Sunday Footy Show.

“In his time at Adelaide, his teammates had to sit him down and say, ‘look, you do carry on a little bit with your injuries’.”

Dangerfield is due to have scans to reveal the extent of the damage to his leg on Sunday.

But Cornes suggested the Brownlow Medal winner would be right to take on his former team in next weekend’s top of the table clash.

“He does (carry on), so I’d be surprised if he missed with that injury yesterday,” Cornes said.

Dangerfield kicked five goals from 20 disposals and took an incredible eight marks inside 50 — more than half of Geelong’s total tally and only four fewer than Hawthorn.

— Sarah Olle, FOX Sports

4.30pm

Dogs bite Blues early

The Western Bulldogs have come out to dominate Carlton at the contest.

The premiers have 10 more ground ball-gets, more clearances and more tackles in the opening half.

Bryce Gibbs has been the most effective for the Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, grabbing 19 disposals in the opening term, but Carlton have been simply out enthused by the Dogs throughout the first two quarters.

4pm

Brownlow doubts for Dusty

Dustin Martin and Richmond have made tough work of a regulation 31-point AFL win over bottom side Brisbane.

Martin led the way as the Tigers rallied from a sluggish first half and won 16.16 (112) to 12.9 (81) on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

The Tigers star will probably come under video review after a running battle with Nick Robertson in the third term, but it should not affect his Brownlow Medal favouritism.

“It was annoying, but a bit of fun,” Martin said of Robertson. Robertson is set for a suspension after he headbutted Tigers captain Trent Cotchin in an eventful third term.

Martin’s disposal was ordinary to halftime, but he starred in the second half and ended up with a game-high 40 disposals and a whopping 14 clearances. There were hints of Brisbane’s huge upset win over Essendon at the same venue a fortnight ago.

A week after their appalling first half against St Kilda, the Tigers only led by eight points at the main break.

Even early in the last term, Brisbane had returned fire on two Richmond goals and were in touch at 23 points down.

But a booming goal from outside 50m from Martin and Daniel Rioli’s brilliant snap killed off the young Lions’ challenge.

Responding to queries about his form, Richmond onballer Dion Prestia also impressed with a strong game.

Apart from 19 disposals, Prestia also spent plenty of time on Dayne Zorko. The dangerous Brisbane midfielder only had 11 disposals and that hurt their chances of another boilover.

Midway through the third term, with Richmond leading by 23 points, Robertson blatantly headbutted Cotchin as they scrapped in a forward pocket. Moments later, Robertson went to Martin and the pair had a running duel for the rest of the quarter.

At one stage it came to jumper punches and Martin, a Brownlow Medal favourite, will come under video review.

Dustin Martin of the Tigers (L) tussles with Nick Robertson of the Lions.
Dustin Martin of the Tigers (L) tussles with Nick Robertson of the Lions.

But Robertson looked like he was milking the moment and the match review panel will probably clear the Tigers star.

Martin had the last laugh, going deep into attack and kicking a goal on Robertson from a free kick just before three-quarter time.

The niggle continued late into the last quarter, when Richmond key defender David Astbury had some pointed advice for Brisbane’s Rhys Mathieson after a scuffle.

While Richmond key forward Jack Riewoldt kicked four goals, his young opponent Harris Andrews was excellent and was best afield early.

Lewis Taylor and Alex Witherden also impressed for Brisbane and Josh Schache kicked two goals in his AFL return.

3pm

Things get fiery at Etihad

The footy is getting heated between Richmond and the Brisbane Lions.

Firstly Nick Robertson tangled with Trent Cotchin on the boundary line. Cotchin seemed to take offence to a hold from the Brisbane midfielder, and pushed Robertson away.

The pair came together face-to-face and replays showed Robertson lean in and make contact with Cotchin’s face — an act that was immediately placed on report.

“You’re reported Nick for headbutting,” exclaimed on-filed umpire Leigh Fischer.

Minutes later it was Richmond star Dustin Martin who was shown to make contact with Robertson off the ball. But replays showed it was Robertson who struck the first blow in the battle, attempting to knee Martin during a contest.

Martin starred for the Tigers in the third term, claiming 15 possessions and a goal to stretch the Richmond’s lead.

2.30pm

‘Pathetic’ Tigers slammed

Richmond fans eyed Sunday’s clash with the Brisbane Lions as a tremendous opportunity for their side to sit on the verge of the AFL top four.

An expected four points and a hefty percentage boost was what many hoped for, but Richmond have so far delivered a sluggish display.

Brisbane Lions kicked the last three goals to come roaring back into the contest at Etihad Stadium.

Jack Riewoldt’s solitary effort was all the Tigers could manage in the second term, having started the first so strongly.

Alex Witherden is having a significant impact in his third game with a game-high 16 disposals, 278 metres gained as well as three inside 50s.

Richmond took a slender lead to the main break.

Already some on social media are getting nervous that the Tigers are about to capitulate yet again this season at a crucial time. Perennial underachievers, Richmond fans are hoping it doesn’t happen against the bottom placed Lions.

1.40pm

Tigers show teeth early

Richmond has made the early running against the Brisbane Lions, taking a 19-point lead to quarter time.

The Tigers managed eight scoring shots to three in a dominant opening term, as the Lions fought to keep pace.

Richmond showed its potential, taking just 30 seconds to kick the opening goal of the match. A swift team move was finished off by Jason Castagna.

1pm

New fave for ‘worst job in footy’

THE AFL will be forced to move quickly following the shock resignation of two key AFL officials amid revelations of affairs with female employees.

Simon Lethean and Richard Simkiss stood down from their roles after “inappropriate relationships” with two young AFL employees on Friday.

Lethean’s role as General Manager of Football Operations is crucial, particularly as the AFL season races to its most important phase, and it seems a new face is already being linked to the position.

Channel Seven’s Mark Stevens revealed that St Kilda’s Ameet Bains is the favourite to step into the job.

“Ameet Bains is a name that keeps coming up, Stevens told AFL Game Day. “Very highly respected at St Kilda, sort of Commercial Manager there.”

“2IC to Matt Finnis and virtually could have had the Hawthorn CEO job, knocked that back, so he is a name to watch, coming in with a bullet I think for an AFL gig.”

St Kilda’s Ameet Bains.
St Kilda’s Ameet Bains.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan is currently on leave, taking a short break to recover from a big week on the job.

Host of AFL Game Day, and Gillon’s brother Hamish, said his brother was “toasted”.

McLachlan asked Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead whether he would put his hand up for the Football Operations Role, calling it “the most unpopular job in football”.

“No, I’m OK,” Roughead replied sheepishly.

12.30pm

‘Heroic’ Dangerfield hailed by legend

Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats lays on the ground injured.
Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats lays on the ground injured.

Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield has been hailed by AFL legend Leigh Matthews following his courageous display against Hawthorn on Saturday.

Dangerfield hobbled from the ground after a collision with Jarryd Roughead.

The Cats star looked like taking no further part in the match, but not only did he return, he proved the match winner.

“He hobbled off and you thought he was done for the day,” Matthews said.

“He must have had a little bit of pain killing help in the rooms, I gather.

“But as the game went on, he clearly couldn’t kick left foot and he couldn’t jog and he couldn’t stride — but he looked like he could sprint OK. And as he played deep forward, he just kept finding holes in the Hawthorn zone,” Matthews told Channel Seven.

Dangerfield kicked five goals and had 20 disposals in a polished display, ending the day with 14 scoring involvements, despite the fact he was impeded by injury — something Matthews says shows his importance to the Cats.

“You could see he was on one leg, but whatever the problem is, he was effectively he was the match winner, by being forced to play deep forward as a forward fifty target,” Matthews explained.

Dangerfield will be racing the clock though to take his place for Geelong in its clash with Adelaide.

The Cats midfielder will await the results of a scan, but is unlikely to feature on Friday night.

“He won’t be walking on it today,” AFL reporter Mark Stevens said.

“The problem is the top of the ankle. Will have a scan tomorrow, will have a battle to get up, could be in doubt for Adelaide Crows.”

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