Adam Bailey
DeanoHarmoAFL 2007 Season - Half-Time Report
June 12th 2007 02:38
Category: No Category
In some ways it feels like the season's only just started. It's hard to believe it, but we’re half-way through the season already. For some teams, everything is going quite nicely; while others are reeling in disappointment after performances haven’t lived up to expectations.
Adelaide (6 wins, 5 losses, 106.98%, 8th)
The Crows started the season on the wrong foot, suffering a shock loss at home to Essendon in the opening round. Since then the Crows have been inconsistent – winning in style against the highly-regarded Sydney and Western Bulldogs but being the first team to lose to Melbourne and only just limping over the line against bottom-placed Richmond. Luck has not run the Crows’ way, with a long and rising injury list that saw the club without Mark Ricciuto for much of the first half of the season and still without Matthew Bode, Ian Perrie, Rhett Biglands, Trent Henschell, Brent Rielly and Brett Burton. The Crows are hanging in there, and are still in the top 8 – but having topped the ladder for the last 2 seasons without a grand final appearance to show for it, their premiership window may be closing.
Brisbane (4 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw, 93.14%, 12th)
It’s a long time since the Lions made 4 grand finals in a row for 3 premierships; and the next generation of Lion cubs have a long way to go to emulate the feats of their predecessors. There have been encouraging signs for the Lions, making the final of the pre-season competition despite a horror draw that saw them flying long distances every week. Early in the season it was looking even better, with 4 wins coming from their first 6 matches while their two losses to Sydney and the Kangaroos were respectable. But it’s all come horribly unstuck since then, with just a draw coming from their last 5 matches and the inexperience of the playing group showing in their inability to maintain their form for more than the first month. The loss of premiership players Chris Johnson, Daniel Bradshaw and Chris Scott has further dented the hopes of the Lions. They are unlikely to make the finals from here, but will be looking for a strong finish to the season to boost the form and experience of their young list.
Carlton (4 wins, 7 losses, 86.24%, 13th)
After a summer of crisis and upheaval where even the club’s future was questioned, the Blues bounced back to take the pre-season cup and give some hope of a revival in the 2007 season. But the revival has taken time in coming as the Blues suffered some heavy losses early in the season. Recent weeks, however, have lifted spirits among the Carlton faithful – coach Denis Pagan introducing a playing style throwing caution to the wind and seeing the club prevail in some high-scoring shootouts. It’s a shift from the defensive patterns that are in style with other clubs, but has had some success for them with stirring wins against the Bulldogs and Port Adelaide. It will be a long and hard road to the finals from here, one that is probably beyond them; but with confidence on the rise it gives hope to the Blues that their wooden spoon days are behind them.
Collingwood (7 wins, 4 losses, 105.88%, 5th)
Regarded by many as lucky finalists last year, the prevailing wisdom among the footballing pundits was that the Magpies would crash out of the 8 this season. But predictions can so often be unreliable, and so it has been this season. A three-match winning streak from rounds 5-7, including a triumph in the annual Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon and an exciting win on the road against Adelaide has seen the Magpies entrench themselves in the top 8. Consistency is still an issue, and the round 11 loss to the struggling Melbourne side was a disappointment, but the Magpies have shown themselves to be genuine competitors in 2007, and another finals appearance this season is a distinct possibility.
Essendon (7 wins, 4 losses, 106.76%, 4th)
After two seasons in a row outside the finals, and little hope held for 2007, many football judges were questioning whether Kevin Sheedy’s long reign as Bombers coach was drawing to a close. But from the opening round trip to Adelaide, the Bombers have found a new determination. The continued rise of young guns Angus Monfries and Jason Winderlich; together with the drafting of Alwyn Davey, have done wonders for the Bombers. But the biggest plus for them has been the availability of former captain James Hird – playing in his last season, Hird has recaptured the form of seasons past to guide the side through some tight situations to fall over the line. In their last three matches, despite trailing at ¾ time in all three games, the Bombers have shown the resolve required to get themselves to victory. There is still a long way to go this season, and it remains to be seen whether the Bombers can maintain this composure all the way to a finals berth; but they have given themselves a genuine opportunity to compete in the 2007 playoffs.
Fremantle (5 wins, 6 losses, 99.33%, 11th)
After a preliminary final appearance last season, hopes were high that the purple brigade could find themselves competing in their first grand final this season. But sadly for the Dockers, their form in 2007 has failed to reach the lofty heights of last season. A first-up loss to Port Adelaide at Subiaco was the first indicator that not everything would run their way this season, and it wasn’t until round 4 that their first premiership points would go onto the board. But recent performances, with a gutsy effort against Collingwood and a determined come-from-behind victory over Richmond gives some hope to Dockerland that their form may be turning around. After an early-season distraction with a high-profile tribunal appearance, Des Headland is starting to produce his best form; and a further lift from the number 1 will be required for the Dockers to sneak into finals contention this year.
Geelong (8 wins, 3 losses, 151.73%, 1st)
After a disastrous loss to the Kangaroos at Skilled Stadium in round 5, the thought that the Cats would find themselves top of the ladder by half-way through the season would have been an impossible dream. But round 6 was the turning point, with Geelong showing no mercy against the hapless Tigers in a twilight massacre at Telstra Dome to record the first double-century at AFL level since 1995. This result gave the Cats confidence, which would increase further with creditable wins at home against West Coast and Fremantle. The Cats are flying high, with a 6-match winning streak propelling them from mid-table pretenders to ladder-topping contenders. The bubble will burst eventually, but the class and confidence of this side is such that, when the loss comes, Mark Thompson’s men will have the capacity to bounce back and regain their winning ways.
Hawthorn (7 wins, 4 losses, 112.95%, 3rd)
The Hawks have been a surprise packet this season, putting themselves into genuine finals contention for the first time in many years. After a dismal performance in their opening round loss to Brisbane in a lacklustre game at the Gabba, the Hawks’ status as strugglers looked to be underlined. But the Hawks upset the apple cart in round 2 when they overpowered Melbourne, a result that has set them on their way in 2007. Losing Mark Williams up forward could easily have been a depressant factor in seasons past, but this season it has instead provided Lance Franklin with an opportunity to shine. The Hawks announced themselves as a true contender when they upset West Coast in Tasmania. The Apple Isle has not only provided the Hawks with a valuable sponsorship deal, but also a fortress where they will rarely be beaten for 3 home games this season.
Kangaroos (7 wins, 4 losses, 100.96%, 6th)
Pre-season speculation labelled the Kangaroos as a club in crisis. The deal to play home games on the Gold Coast may have given some much-needed dollars to the financially embattled club, but led to rumours of a club set to relocate. A dubiously short 50m penalty cost them a victory against Collingwood in the opening round, and losses to Port Adelaide and Hawthorn only increased the sense of doom and gloom. But someone forgot to tell Dean Laidley and his players that the club was going nowhere, and instead of lacking energy the players have shown remarkable Shinboner spirit to lift themselves from the cellar. The Kangaroos were the last club to beat ladder-leaders Geelong, but it was their triumph over back-to-back grand finalist Sydney that made the football world take note that this was a team of players putting adversity behind them to play some outstanding football. Whether they are able to maintain this all the way to the finals remains to be seen; but there is some genuine spirit in this club and there may be plenty of life at Arden St yet.
Melbourne (2 wins, 9 losses, 76.98%, 15th)
It was a season that promised much before it started, but has produced little but disappointment and heartbreak for the Demons. The first victory was not to come till round 10 – they were rarely thrashed, but good teams are able to prevail during the close games and the Demons were unable. A rash of early-season injuries didn’t help, with the loss of key players such as Rivers, Jamar, Yze and Miller. Once the victory finally came, against Adelaide in round 10, confidence has begun to flow with a rousing win over Collingwood on the Queens Birthday blockbuster. But it will be a long climb back for the Demons to salvage any respectability from such a disastrous season.
Port Adelaide (6 wins, 5 losses, 96.71%, 10th)
Port Adelaide caused a few shocks early in the season, finding themselves surprise ladder leaders after round 7 to rekindle hopes that the glory years of the early part of this decade could return. But it’s all come horribly unstuck for the Power in the last 4 rounds, with a 4-match losing streak seeing the club slip from top to out of the 8. Key players who promised much early in the season have lost their form, in particular captain Warren Tredrea who was hopelessly out of sorts in the last match against Carlton. The Power still have a positive win-loss record, but will need a spark to turn their season around and recapture the early form if they are to be a finals challenger for 2007.
Richmond (10 losses, 1 draw, 72.66%, 16th)
When will anything go right for the embattled Tigers? Again the club has failed to produce anything like the form they are capable of and look set for another season of under-achievement. Yet it so easily could have been a different story. In 6 of their losses this season, the Tigers have led during the last quarter – had they been able to hang on and record victories in those matches, and they were in winning positions in all of them, they could have been challenging for a spot in the finals. Instead they find themselves staring down the barrel of a wooden spoon; a dubious honour which would remain as a permanent memorial of their ability to go on with the job when they could have recorded victories.
St Kilda (4 wins, 7 losses, 85.15%, 14th)
When St Kilda recorded an impressive victory over Melbourne in the opening match of the season, hopes were high that the Saints as a club had turned the corner and were set to launch a credible challenge in season 2007. Sadly for the Saints, it was a false dawn and instead the club finds themselves down near the bottom, with their premiership window well and truly closed. The public feud between club president Rod Butterss and former coach Grant Thomas is an unwelcome distraction for current coach Ross Lyon and the players, while the long-term injury of former Brownlow Medallist Robert Harvey has robbed the Saints of some much-needed drive through the midfield.
Sydney (6 wins, 5 losses, 113.77%, 7th)
Sydney coach Paul Roos is well-known for his care to ensure the Swans don’t hit their peak form too early, and again this season they look to be building up quite nicely. Early-season losses against Adelaide, the Kangaroos and St Kilda have proved no cause for alarm, with the Swans holding plenty of form in reserve to build their form to a crescendo as the season reaches its climax. The Swans are known for flooding and playing strong defensive football, but this has worked to their advantage – and with more low-scoring games, the Swans will play in more than their fair share of thrillers. Again this year they have had some excitingly close finishes; and although unsuccessful with one-point losses to West Coast and Essendon have provided some heart-stopping moments to their supporters.
West Coast (8 wins, 3 losses, 125.95%, 2nd)
It was a disastrous pre-season for the reigning premiers, with revelations of a culture of drug-taking leading to the suspension of Ben Cousins from the club. Further scandals have continued to unfold, including controversy over Michael Braun’s language at a trophy presentation and Adam Selwood’s infamous sledging incident with Des Headland. But the controversy and close scrutiny the club has found itself under has also had the effect of drawing the players closer together; best illustrated in the opening round in Sydney when they put their pre-season woes behind them to jump the Swans and hang on for a thrilling one-point victory. Despite a close loss to Essendon in round 11 costing them top spot on the ladder, the Eagles remain strongly in contention; and if Ben Cousins is able to complete his rehabilitation and return to the West Coast lineup during the buildup to the finals it will further strengthen an already well-skilled squad who already have the strongest of motivation to launch a bid for what would be a truly remarkable premiership.
Western Bulldogs (6 wins, 5 losses, 97.74%, 9th)
Following a strong finals campaign last season, the Bulldogs found themselves the centre of speculation that they could be the team to restore Victorian pride in 2007. Such talk may have been premature for this young squad, who haven’t been able to fully capitalise on the momentum they built in 2006. Consistency has been a key factor, and while the Bulldogs have recorded some strong victories losses to sides below them on the ladder have been costly. But the Bulldogs are only out of the top 8 on percentage, and with Chris Grant expected to soon be fit to return to the lineup, hopes are still strong of a finals berth for 2007 – and once in the 8, anything is possible.
Adelaide (6 wins, 5 losses, 106.98%, 8th)
The Crows started the season on the wrong foot, suffering a shock loss at home to Essendon in the opening round. Since then the Crows have been inconsistent – winning in style against the highly-regarded Sydney and Western Bulldogs but being the first team to lose to Melbourne and only just limping over the line against bottom-placed Richmond. Luck has not run the Crows’ way, with a long and rising injury list that saw the club without Mark Ricciuto for much of the first half of the season and still without Matthew Bode, Ian Perrie, Rhett Biglands, Trent Henschell, Brent Rielly and Brett Burton. The Crows are hanging in there, and are still in the top 8 – but having topped the ladder for the last 2 seasons without a grand final appearance to show for it, their premiership window may be closing.
Brisbane (4 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw, 93.14%, 12th)
It’s a long time since the Lions made 4 grand finals in a row for 3 premierships; and the next generation of Lion cubs have a long way to go to emulate the feats of their predecessors. There have been encouraging signs for the Lions, making the final of the pre-season competition despite a horror draw that saw them flying long distances every week. Early in the season it was looking even better, with 4 wins coming from their first 6 matches while their two losses to Sydney and the Kangaroos were respectable. But it’s all come horribly unstuck since then, with just a draw coming from their last 5 matches and the inexperience of the playing group showing in their inability to maintain their form for more than the first month. The loss of premiership players Chris Johnson, Daniel Bradshaw and Chris Scott has further dented the hopes of the Lions. They are unlikely to make the finals from here, but will be looking for a strong finish to the season to boost the form and experience of their young list.
Carlton (4 wins, 7 losses, 86.24%, 13th)
After a summer of crisis and upheaval where even the club’s future was questioned, the Blues bounced back to take the pre-season cup and give some hope of a revival in the 2007 season. But the revival has taken time in coming as the Blues suffered some heavy losses early in the season. Recent weeks, however, have lifted spirits among the Carlton faithful – coach Denis Pagan introducing a playing style throwing caution to the wind and seeing the club prevail in some high-scoring shootouts. It’s a shift from the defensive patterns that are in style with other clubs, but has had some success for them with stirring wins against the Bulldogs and Port Adelaide. It will be a long and hard road to the finals from here, one that is probably beyond them; but with confidence on the rise it gives hope to the Blues that their wooden spoon days are behind them.
Collingwood (7 wins, 4 losses, 105.88%, 5th)
Regarded by many as lucky finalists last year, the prevailing wisdom among the footballing pundits was that the Magpies would crash out of the 8 this season. But predictions can so often be unreliable, and so it has been this season. A three-match winning streak from rounds 5-7, including a triumph in the annual Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon and an exciting win on the road against Adelaide has seen the Magpies entrench themselves in the top 8. Consistency is still an issue, and the round 11 loss to the struggling Melbourne side was a disappointment, but the Magpies have shown themselves to be genuine competitors in 2007, and another finals appearance this season is a distinct possibility.
Essendon (7 wins, 4 losses, 106.76%, 4th)
After two seasons in a row outside the finals, and little hope held for 2007, many football judges were questioning whether Kevin Sheedy’s long reign as Bombers coach was drawing to a close. But from the opening round trip to Adelaide, the Bombers have found a new determination. The continued rise of young guns Angus Monfries and Jason Winderlich; together with the drafting of Alwyn Davey, have done wonders for the Bombers. But the biggest plus for them has been the availability of former captain James Hird – playing in his last season, Hird has recaptured the form of seasons past to guide the side through some tight situations to fall over the line. In their last three matches, despite trailing at ¾ time in all three games, the Bombers have shown the resolve required to get themselves to victory. There is still a long way to go this season, and it remains to be seen whether the Bombers can maintain this composure all the way to a finals berth; but they have given themselves a genuine opportunity to compete in the 2007 playoffs.
Fremantle (5 wins, 6 losses, 99.33%, 11th)
After a preliminary final appearance last season, hopes were high that the purple brigade could find themselves competing in their first grand final this season. But sadly for the Dockers, their form in 2007 has failed to reach the lofty heights of last season. A first-up loss to Port Adelaide at Subiaco was the first indicator that not everything would run their way this season, and it wasn’t until round 4 that their first premiership points would go onto the board. But recent performances, with a gutsy effort against Collingwood and a determined come-from-behind victory over Richmond gives some hope to Dockerland that their form may be turning around. After an early-season distraction with a high-profile tribunal appearance, Des Headland is starting to produce his best form; and a further lift from the number 1 will be required for the Dockers to sneak into finals contention this year.
Geelong (8 wins, 3 losses, 151.73%, 1st)
After a disastrous loss to the Kangaroos at Skilled Stadium in round 5, the thought that the Cats would find themselves top of the ladder by half-way through the season would have been an impossible dream. But round 6 was the turning point, with Geelong showing no mercy against the hapless Tigers in a twilight massacre at Telstra Dome to record the first double-century at AFL level since 1995. This result gave the Cats confidence, which would increase further with creditable wins at home against West Coast and Fremantle. The Cats are flying high, with a 6-match winning streak propelling them from mid-table pretenders to ladder-topping contenders. The bubble will burst eventually, but the class and confidence of this side is such that, when the loss comes, Mark Thompson’s men will have the capacity to bounce back and regain their winning ways.
Hawthorn (7 wins, 4 losses, 112.95%, 3rd)
The Hawks have been a surprise packet this season, putting themselves into genuine finals contention for the first time in many years. After a dismal performance in their opening round loss to Brisbane in a lacklustre game at the Gabba, the Hawks’ status as strugglers looked to be underlined. But the Hawks upset the apple cart in round 2 when they overpowered Melbourne, a result that has set them on their way in 2007. Losing Mark Williams up forward could easily have been a depressant factor in seasons past, but this season it has instead provided Lance Franklin with an opportunity to shine. The Hawks announced themselves as a true contender when they upset West Coast in Tasmania. The Apple Isle has not only provided the Hawks with a valuable sponsorship deal, but also a fortress where they will rarely be beaten for 3 home games this season.
Kangaroos (7 wins, 4 losses, 100.96%, 6th)
Pre-season speculation labelled the Kangaroos as a club in crisis. The deal to play home games on the Gold Coast may have given some much-needed dollars to the financially embattled club, but led to rumours of a club set to relocate. A dubiously short 50m penalty cost them a victory against Collingwood in the opening round, and losses to Port Adelaide and Hawthorn only increased the sense of doom and gloom. But someone forgot to tell Dean Laidley and his players that the club was going nowhere, and instead of lacking energy the players have shown remarkable Shinboner spirit to lift themselves from the cellar. The Kangaroos were the last club to beat ladder-leaders Geelong, but it was their triumph over back-to-back grand finalist Sydney that made the football world take note that this was a team of players putting adversity behind them to play some outstanding football. Whether they are able to maintain this all the way to the finals remains to be seen; but there is some genuine spirit in this club and there may be plenty of life at Arden St yet.
Melbourne (2 wins, 9 losses, 76.98%, 15th)
It was a season that promised much before it started, but has produced little but disappointment and heartbreak for the Demons. The first victory was not to come till round 10 – they were rarely thrashed, but good teams are able to prevail during the close games and the Demons were unable. A rash of early-season injuries didn’t help, with the loss of key players such as Rivers, Jamar, Yze and Miller. Once the victory finally came, against Adelaide in round 10, confidence has begun to flow with a rousing win over Collingwood on the Queens Birthday blockbuster. But it will be a long climb back for the Demons to salvage any respectability from such a disastrous season.
Port Adelaide (6 wins, 5 losses, 96.71%, 10th)
Port Adelaide caused a few shocks early in the season, finding themselves surprise ladder leaders after round 7 to rekindle hopes that the glory years of the early part of this decade could return. But it’s all come horribly unstuck for the Power in the last 4 rounds, with a 4-match losing streak seeing the club slip from top to out of the 8. Key players who promised much early in the season have lost their form, in particular captain Warren Tredrea who was hopelessly out of sorts in the last match against Carlton. The Power still have a positive win-loss record, but will need a spark to turn their season around and recapture the early form if they are to be a finals challenger for 2007.
Richmond (10 losses, 1 draw, 72.66%, 16th)
When will anything go right for the embattled Tigers? Again the club has failed to produce anything like the form they are capable of and look set for another season of under-achievement. Yet it so easily could have been a different story. In 6 of their losses this season, the Tigers have led during the last quarter – had they been able to hang on and record victories in those matches, and they were in winning positions in all of them, they could have been challenging for a spot in the finals. Instead they find themselves staring down the barrel of a wooden spoon; a dubious honour which would remain as a permanent memorial of their ability to go on with the job when they could have recorded victories.
St Kilda (4 wins, 7 losses, 85.15%, 14th)
When St Kilda recorded an impressive victory over Melbourne in the opening match of the season, hopes were high that the Saints as a club had turned the corner and were set to launch a credible challenge in season 2007. Sadly for the Saints, it was a false dawn and instead the club finds themselves down near the bottom, with their premiership window well and truly closed. The public feud between club president Rod Butterss and former coach Grant Thomas is an unwelcome distraction for current coach Ross Lyon and the players, while the long-term injury of former Brownlow Medallist Robert Harvey has robbed the Saints of some much-needed drive through the midfield.
Sydney (6 wins, 5 losses, 113.77%, 7th)
Sydney coach Paul Roos is well-known for his care to ensure the Swans don’t hit their peak form too early, and again this season they look to be building up quite nicely. Early-season losses against Adelaide, the Kangaroos and St Kilda have proved no cause for alarm, with the Swans holding plenty of form in reserve to build their form to a crescendo as the season reaches its climax. The Swans are known for flooding and playing strong defensive football, but this has worked to their advantage – and with more low-scoring games, the Swans will play in more than their fair share of thrillers. Again this year they have had some excitingly close finishes; and although unsuccessful with one-point losses to West Coast and Essendon have provided some heart-stopping moments to their supporters.
West Coast (8 wins, 3 losses, 125.95%, 2nd)
It was a disastrous pre-season for the reigning premiers, with revelations of a culture of drug-taking leading to the suspension of Ben Cousins from the club. Further scandals have continued to unfold, including controversy over Michael Braun’s language at a trophy presentation and Adam Selwood’s infamous sledging incident with Des Headland. But the controversy and close scrutiny the club has found itself under has also had the effect of drawing the players closer together; best illustrated in the opening round in Sydney when they put their pre-season woes behind them to jump the Swans and hang on for a thrilling one-point victory. Despite a close loss to Essendon in round 11 costing them top spot on the ladder, the Eagles remain strongly in contention; and if Ben Cousins is able to complete his rehabilitation and return to the West Coast lineup during the buildup to the finals it will further strengthen an already well-skilled squad who already have the strongest of motivation to launch a bid for what would be a truly remarkable premiership.
Western Bulldogs (6 wins, 5 losses, 97.74%, 9th)
Following a strong finals campaign last season, the Bulldogs found themselves the centre of speculation that they could be the team to restore Victorian pride in 2007. Such talk may have been premature for this young squad, who haven’t been able to fully capitalise on the momentum they built in 2006. Consistency has been a key factor, and while the Bulldogs have recorded some strong victories losses to sides below them on the ladder have been costly. But the Bulldogs are only out of the top 8 on percentage, and with Chris Grant expected to soon be fit to return to the lineup, hopes are still strong of a finals berth for 2007 – and once in the 8, anything is possible.
| 29 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
