Clouded in controversy
Essendon’s seven-point victory over West Coast on Thursday night was once again overshadowed by a haze of fresh drug speculation in the wake of captain Jobe Watson’s admission to taking the banned substance AOD-9604.
Watson was booed throughout the evening in Perth, and although being noticeably upset with the treatment at times, he was still best afield. He racked up 29 disposals, seven clearances, eight inside 50s and kicked two goals as Essendon defied West Coast’s full ground press in an end-to-end contest.
The Eagles led by 17 points going into the final change, however they were overrun by a side beginning to hit their peak as they charge towards September action.
However whether they’ll take key players into the final series, Watson included, remains to be seen as ASADA continues its investigation.
Port makes breathing space
Port Adelaide has put two games between itself and a ninth-place after a 35-point victory over Collingwood on Saturday afternoon. The win was Port’s third in a row, following an upset victory over the reigning premiers Sydney last weekend.
Ken Hinkley’s side truly showcased their finals credentials, racing out of the blocks and shutting down the Magpies with a terrific defensive performance.
Substitute Ollie Wines was the difference in the final term as Port Adelaide booted five goals to two to ice the contest, with the 18-year-old amassing an incredible 16 disposals in the last quarter alone.
The Dees hold on
Melbourne looked a side that had almost forgotten how to win on Saturday night, barely withstanding a late Bulldogs onslaught to record just their second win of the season.
Melbourne led by 44 points midway through the final term at the MCG, before conceding the last seven goals of the match to cling to a three-point victory.
#afldeesdogs, sweet victory 4 DEMONS, in the circle, singing the club song, pic.twitter.com/Tl4vnqeo3U
— Wayne Ludbey (@WLudbey) June 29, 2013
Under interim coach Neil Craig, Melbourne looked a side transformed for the first three quarters.
However, inspired by Ryan Griffen (31 disposals and three goals) and youngster Tom Liberatore (36 disposals and 12 clearances), the Dogs fought back. Yet to the fury of coach Brendan McCartney, the 15 minutes of football was not enough to get the points.
Impressive Geelong bounces back
Geelong has rebounded from an after-the-siren defeat to Brisbane last weekend, to beat Fremantle by 41 points on Saturday night. In a scrappy contest, the Cats suffocated the Dockers, who were held to just seven goals for the match.
Geelong held Fremantle to just seven inside 50s in the second half, severely limiting the Dockers’ opportunity to hit the scoreboard.
If not for some wasteful kicking at goal – Geelong kicked 11.19 for the match – the margin of victory would be greater. Nonetheless it was a commanding win for Chris Scott’s men.
Player of the Week – Dion Prestia
Gold Coast fell 28 points short against Adelaide, but the performance of another rising Sun was the standout.
Dion Prestia continued his fantastic season with an incredible individual performance, amassing 42 possessions in defeat, and kicking at over 76% efficiency; while picking up six clearances, nine inside 50s and two goals.
With the display, Prestia became just the second Gold Coast player behind Gary Ablett to have 40 disposals in a match.
Riley Beveridge is a second-year Bachelor of Sports Journalism student at La Trobe University. You can follow him on Twitter: @RileyBev
