Traditional rivals Essendon and Carlton kicked off Round 4 at the MCG on Friday night. The Bombers’ got off to a slow start, but seven unanswered goals in the third quarter put the result beyond doubt. Former rookie Nathan Lovett-Murray was Essendon’s top goal scorer with three majors. The Bombers won comfortably by 37-points and recorded their second win for the season.
Melbourne continued its dominance over Port Adelaide in Melbourne yesterday. David Neitz and Brad Green starred up forward for the red and blue booting 10 goals between them. The Demons held the lead at every change and ran out convincing winners.
St.Kilda added to Adelaide’s poor start to the season with a 15-point win at AAMI Stadium last night. Fraser Gehrig was the difference between the two sides and was damaging with six goals. With last night’s result, Adelaide and St.Kilda sit at opposite ends of the ladder.
Geelong posted its first win for the season last night against a dismal Richmond. The Cats set up the win with a seven goal to one first term. It was a fantastic team performance by the Cats who had nine goal scorers. Ben Graham topped scored with six goals and had a major hand in the 55-point defeat.
West Coast played another close game this round but the result went in their favour. They won a nail biter against reigning premiers Brisbane by three-points. Chris Judd was the top possession gatherer with 30 touches for the match. Simon Black was equally as effective as Judd and finished with 27 disposals. The Lions not only returned to Brisbane without the four points, they also received three costly injuries - Blake Caracella (shoulder), Daniel Bradshaw (back) and Justin Leppitsch (leg).
Sydney overpowered the Kangaroos today at Manuka Oval. Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes was in great touch and kicked the potential ‘goal of the year.’ Barry Hall was also busy up forward and finished with four goals. The Swans won easily by 51-points.
The Western Bulldogs sang their team song for the first time this season today. The Bulldogs overran a competitive Hawthorn in the last quarter to win by two goals at the MCG.
The trip across the Nullabor proved lucrative for Fremantle this weekend. They recorded their second win for the season when they defeated Collingwood by 34-points.
Round 5:
Friday, April 23rd
Richmond v Adelaide – The Dome
Saturday, April 24th
Carlton v West Coast – Optus Oval
St.Kilda v Kangaroos – The Dome
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn – Gabba
Sydney v Melbourne – Stadium Australia
Sunday, April 25th – Anzac Day
Collingwood v Essendon – MCG
Fremantle v Geelong – Subiaco
Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs – AAMI Stadium
