For the third week in a row Essendon kicked off the round on Friday night. This time the opposition was St.Kilda. Essendon came out pumped up and dominated play in the opening 10 minutes, however didn't convert on the scoreboard - they went into quarter time with a 10 point advantage. The Bombers continued to control the play and despite St.Kilda getting within 21-points in the third quarter, they never looked like losing. James Hird was instrumental to the win. He started forward, spent time in defence and also had a run in the mid-field. He finished with 29 possessions and kicked four goals. Matthew Lloyd starred up forward - he took nine marks and finished with a season best eight goals.
The Western Bulldogs painful season continued when Hawthorn demolished them by 71-points at the MCG on Saturday. Shane Crawford was integral to the victory. His ability to find the football gave his team first use of the football and he was damaging with his 29 disposals. Crawford had good support from Joel Smith who rebounded everything across half-back and gave the team drive through the mid-field.
Brisbane travelled to Perth on Saturday to take on Fremantle. It was one of the closest games of the round. Brisbane led all game until Fremantle stole the game in the final minutes to win by three points. Fremantle is still unbeaten at home this season and the win puts them on level playing field with Brisbane - both teams have nine wins.
A team is still yet to produce a win post travelling to Perth this season. The Kangaroos had their chance on Saturday night to break this tradition but Collingwood was just too strong. Anthony Rocca and Chris Tarrant provided headaches for the Kangaroos defence and finished with seven goals between them. The skipper Nathan Buckley continued his stellar season in the mid-field with a best on ground performance and 29 touches.
Richmond suffered its sixth successive defeat on Sunday. It was Adelaide that inflicted the pain this round on the Tigers at AAMI Stadium. Mark Ricciuto notched up 29 possessions in the Crows 28-point victory. Richmond still sits on six wins and drops further away from the top eight. Adelaide joins Brisbane, Fremantle, Sydney and West Coast on nine wins after the victory against Richmond.
Carlton led Melbourne all day yesterday at Optus Oval and were on track to record its fifth victory until the Demons put their foot on the accelerator in the final quarter. Melbourne had 94 disposals in the fourth quarter to Carlton's 49 and took 26 marks to eight. The Demons turned on six goals to one in the final term to secure the seven point victory. David Neitz booted five goals for the winning team.
Geelong produced the upset of the round when they defeated Port Adelaide by one point yesterday at Skilled Stadium. The Cats led at every change and withstood a four goal final term by the Power to win by the narrowest of margins. Despite losing yesterday Port Adelaide still retain top spot on the ladder with 10 wins.
It was a thriller at the SCG between Sydney and West Coast. Sydney were in control for most of the game, however West Coast fought back in the second half. The visitors turned on eight goals to five in the second half and came close to taking the four points. Michael O'Loughlin weaved his magic in front of goal - he kicked six goals from six attempts and was back to his brilliant best.
Round 15:
Friday, July 11th:
Adelaide v Essendon - AAMI Stadium
Saturday, July 12th:
Collingwood v Fremantle - MCG
Richmond v Geelong - The Dome
West Coast v Carlton - Subiaco
Sydney v St.Kilda - SCG
Sunday, July 13th:
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn - Gabba
Kangaroos v Melbourne - MCG
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide - The Dome
