|
Venue: MCG | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date: Sat 28 June 2008, 2:10pm | Result: Won by 30 points | ||||||||||||||||||
| Umpires: C Kamolins, B Rosebury, S Wenn | Crowd: 73,503 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goalkickers: Fevola 4, Gibbs 3, Fisher, Betts 2, Murphy, Wiggins, Edwards, Cloke, Stevens, Grigg 1. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reports: Nil | Injuries: Judd (concussion) replaced in selected side by Joe Anderson | Ladder Position: 9th | |||||||||||||||||
Game Review
The first quarter was a very boring affair with a total of 3 goals and 12 behinds. No one would ever imagine that 29 goals would be kicked by the end of this game. When Brett Deledio kicked truly after the quarter-time siren, the Tigers went into the first break with an 8 point buffer.
The Tigers started off the 2nd quarter strong, scoring the first 2 goals to get out to an 18-point lead. Just as the Blues were starting to fade away, they characteristically wrestled back the lead with a 3-goal burst. The Tigers once again scored after the siren when Cleve Hughes goaled to give the Tigers a 2-goal lead at the main break.
After a rocket from coach Brett Ratten, the Carlton players came out firing in the second half and piled on the first 3 goals of the third quarter. The Tigers again had a chance to kick a goal after the siren but were unable to capitalise and managed only a behind and that would be their winning margin at three-quarter time.
With the well-held Matthew Richardson off the ground with a hamstring injury, the Blues well and truly dominated the last quarter: kicking 7 goals 4 behinds to 2 goals 3 behinds and running away 30-point winners and as they did against Collingwood in Round 8, 1992 when they were celebrating its 100 year, Carlton again spoiled Richmond celebrating its 100 years in the league.
In the absence of Chris Judd, fill-in captain Nick Stevens was clearly best on ground with 26 disposals, a career-high 10 tackles and a goal. Bryce Gibbs played arguably the best game of his career to date with his precision disposal and deadly skills combining with 3 goals. Jarrad Waite did an incredible job to negate one of the Brownlow favourites in Matthew Richardson. Richardson had very little impact on the game and his 12 disposals, 1 goal and 4 marks were well down on some of the great numbers he'd produced earlier in the season. Reigning best and fairest Andrew Carrazzo kept the dangerous Nathan Brown goalless while picking up 29 disposals himself.
Team
| B: | 32 Bret Thornton | 40 Michael Jamison | 17 Setanta Ó hAilpín |
| HB: | 44 Andrew Carrazzo | 30 Jarrad Waite | 4 Bryce Gibbs |
| C: | 15 Steven Browne | 7 Adam Bentick | 29 Heath Scotland |
| HF: | 6 Kade Simpson | 14 Brad Fisher | 2 Jordan Russell |
| F: | 19 Eddie Betts | 25 Brendan Fevola | 37 Jake Edwards |
| Ruck: | 8 Matthew Kreuzer | 24 Nick Stevens (a/c) | 3 Marc Murphy |
| Interchange: | 16 Shaun Grigg | 26 Joe Anderson* | 28 Cameron Cloke |
| 34 Simon Wiggins | |||
| Coach: | Brett Ratten | ||
| Emg: | 21 Mark Austin, 9 Jason Saddington, 36 Darren Pfeiffer* | ||
NB Late change on Friday night Joe Anderson for Chris Judd, with Pfeiffer replacing Anderson as an emergency
The great last quarter comeback
Milestones
Celebration Matches: Carlton spoiled Richmond's centenary celebrations in this matchInteresting Fact: This was the biggest ever Round 14 crowd in the history of VFL/AFL
Brownlow Votes
3. Nick Stevens, Carlton2. Bryce Gibbs, Carlton
1. Brett Deledio, Richmond
Best and Fairest Votes
43 Nick Stevens, 38 Andrew Carrazzo, 34 Jarrad Waite, 33 Adam Bentick, Bryce Gibbs, 32 Heath Scotland, 17 Brad Fisher, 16 Simon Wiggins, 12 Kade Simpson, 10 Matthew KreuzerMike and Dan
Bryce Gibbs
A win often brings highlights aplenty, particularly one where the attention of over 70,000 are watching. There was Edwards’ goal, there was Stevo’s brilliance, but then for many reasons we went with Bryce Gibbs for his goal-kicking, baulking, ball-winning and dance moves with young Shaun Grigg….
Bryce, you win Play of the Week for a number of great moments on the weekend, including your baulking, goals and all round efforts. Do you think you are making it in the AFL now?
I certainly haven’t played enough games to think I have made it that’s for sure. It is all about continuing to learn and develop as an individual and as part of the team and I just have to keep working, there is no chance to sit back and relax. While I know there is a long way to go I have been pleased with the development in a number of areas so far.
That was the up-and-down potato, wasn't it? You know it's been posted on Youtube...
No I didn’t know that – has there been many hits?
The Blues are running games out very well, compared to previous years and even the first few rounds of this season. What is the reason and what have you noticed in regard to your own fitness?
No doubt we are getting fitter and that is part of our development. I don’t think it is just traditional fitness that is helping us run out games, I really think it is a combination of the work we are doing on the training track and in the gym. Justin Cordy heads up the fitness area and Noel McCarthy works with us on a daily basis in this area with our running etc. We are also getting stronger and have Rex (full time weights coach Steuart Livingston) to thank for that as well as Boxing coach Lynden Hosking. Even the guys who have been out injured are coming back better prepared thanks to our Rehabilitation coach, Mark Homewood so it is not just one are but a combination. Hopefully they read this and are happy that I have given them all a wrap! Personally I have been working hard on running to ensure I can run games out and that is helping.
Did you get as confused by Richmond's heritage jumper as we did?
No but I must admit it did look like Hawthorn but the main thing is to look for the Navy Blue guernsey not the opposition.
This was a big game for the Tigers, and we have a lot of milestone games coming up for particular players - do you feel that these are distractions, or non-issues?
If anything it should add to the occasion in the build up to the game but really, once you are on the ground it doesn’t matter. You don’t think about milestones etc. when you are running for the ball during the game.
Did the absence of Judd alter team planning?
There were some changes to the line-up and the leadership group ensured we all knew we had to step up and share the load and certainly Nick Stevens set an example on Saturday.
Our disposal was off early, but we seemed to improve as the game went on. What's with that - nerves?
Don’t believe it was nerves, perhaps we can put it down to good pressure that we were able to overcome.
Even though you are only 19, do you have a role in helping some of the other new recruits and inducting them into the club? Do you spend much time with the new boys?
We all play a role in working with recruits and for me it is relevant as it is only 12 months ago that I was in that position so I guess I have a close understanding of what they are going through. I certainly spend a lot of time with the new players as we are involved in the development squad with them. (First, second and third year players are in the development squad with Lappin and Teague).
We have seen a number of midfield rotations this year. If we absolutely had to win the ball out, who would you have as our best starting four are in the centre square?
It is difficult to say as it depends very much on the day and the opposition. Chris Judd is always pretty handy in the centre square and so is Nick Stevens. Then of course Adam Bentick, Richard Hadley was very good early in the season before he was injured, Marc Murphy has been in great form and doing very well in the centre clearances and of course Cameron Cloke and Kreuzer have also been doing a good job. As I said it depends on the day and the opposition.
You extended your contract earlier in the year to the end of 2010. Do you leave that kind of stuff to your manager, or do you play an active role in the negotiation process?
I speak with my Manager and then leave the negotiation process to him.
You have played as a defender and tagger most of your short career. In the 2nd half On Saturday you had more of a roaming role and kicked 3 goals and set up play. Have you suggested to the coach that you get more of a midfield run?
I do like to tell Bomber (midfield coach Mark Riley) to ensure he doesn’t forget me when it comes to team selection but like everyone it is about playing in the best position for the team on the day.
Does Sticks ever speak to you about wearing the number 4 guernsey? Does he want you to emulate his mullet?
No he doesn’t but I can say it was a great honour to be given the number 4 and to have Sticks present it to me when I arrived here for training. I don’t think I could emulate his mullet – that is a Stephen Kernahan exclusive.
Next up is St. Kilda, who we have not beaten in some time. Do you pay attention to that, or do you just focus on winning the game, not the history?
We don’t really think about the history because we really haven’t been part of it. For us it is a new challenge but it has been good to break some of the poor records this year – such as winning interstate and stopping the most consecutive losses.
We appear to be more comfortable at the MCG than the dome - any truth to that, does the G suit our game better?
We like playing at the MCG, it is the home of football and it is where you get to play in front of the big crowds. The Dome is different and not as big as the MCG but we don’t really think about the differences of if we play better at one ground than the other.
Your father Ross was a SANFL champion. What effect did he have on your career and what role does he continue to play? He was apparently a real showman. What truth is there in the story that in his last game of football, playing for Victor Harbour. He stripped off naked while lining up for his 100th goal, got sent off by an umpire without a sense of humour and was stranded on 99 for the season?
Dad was a huge influence on my football career as I am sure most fathers are. He coached me in my junior football and provided great advice as a coach and a father. As for now he keeps in the background but both he and mum are keen to see me play whenever they can and I really appreciate their continued support. In fact dad was over for the Richmond game, he came over for two days and flew back straight after the game.
You played with Paringa in your junior career. C'mon, sell the town to us, why would we want to visit there?
Paringa was my school, my junior club was Plympton in Adelaide so probably best to suggest you look up the SA Tourism Website, which will sell it far better than I can. Let’s just say I still enjoy getting back to Adelaide.
Bryce, you win Play of the Week for a number of great moments on the weekend, including your baulking, goals and all round efforts. Do you think you are making it in the AFL now?
I certainly haven’t played enough games to think I have made it that’s for sure. It is all about continuing to learn and develop as an individual and as part of the team and I just have to keep working, there is no chance to sit back and relax. While I know there is a long way to go I have been pleased with the development in a number of areas so far.
That was the up-and-down potato, wasn't it? You know it's been posted on Youtube...
No I didn’t know that – has there been many hits?
The Blues are running games out very well, compared to previous years and even the first few rounds of this season. What is the reason and what have you noticed in regard to your own fitness?
No doubt we are getting fitter and that is part of our development. I don’t think it is just traditional fitness that is helping us run out games, I really think it is a combination of the work we are doing on the training track and in the gym. Justin Cordy heads up the fitness area and Noel McCarthy works with us on a daily basis in this area with our running etc. We are also getting stronger and have Rex (full time weights coach Steuart Livingston) to thank for that as well as Boxing coach Lynden Hosking. Even the guys who have been out injured are coming back better prepared thanks to our Rehabilitation coach, Mark Homewood so it is not just one are but a combination. Hopefully they read this and are happy that I have given them all a wrap! Personally I have been working hard on running to ensure I can run games out and that is helping.
Did you get as confused by Richmond's heritage jumper as we did?
No but I must admit it did look like Hawthorn but the main thing is to look for the Navy Blue guernsey not the opposition.
This was a big game for the Tigers, and we have a lot of milestone games coming up for particular players - do you feel that these are distractions, or non-issues?
If anything it should add to the occasion in the build up to the game but really, once you are on the ground it doesn’t matter. You don’t think about milestones etc. when you are running for the ball during the game.
Did the absence of Judd alter team planning?
There were some changes to the line-up and the leadership group ensured we all knew we had to step up and share the load and certainly Nick Stevens set an example on Saturday.
Our disposal was off early, but we seemed to improve as the game went on. What's with that - nerves?
Don’t believe it was nerves, perhaps we can put it down to good pressure that we were able to overcome.
Even though you are only 19, do you have a role in helping some of the other new recruits and inducting them into the club? Do you spend much time with the new boys?
We all play a role in working with recruits and for me it is relevant as it is only 12 months ago that I was in that position so I guess I have a close understanding of what they are going through. I certainly spend a lot of time with the new players as we are involved in the development squad with them. (First, second and third year players are in the development squad with Lappin and Teague).
We have seen a number of midfield rotations this year. If we absolutely had to win the ball out, who would you have as our best starting four are in the centre square?
It is difficult to say as it depends very much on the day and the opposition. Chris Judd is always pretty handy in the centre square and so is Nick Stevens. Then of course Adam Bentick, Richard Hadley was very good early in the season before he was injured, Marc Murphy has been in great form and doing very well in the centre clearances and of course Cameron Cloke and Kreuzer have also been doing a good job. As I said it depends on the day and the opposition.
You extended your contract earlier in the year to the end of 2010. Do you leave that kind of stuff to your manager, or do you play an active role in the negotiation process?
I speak with my Manager and then leave the negotiation process to him.
You have played as a defender and tagger most of your short career. In the 2nd half On Saturday you had more of a roaming role and kicked 3 goals and set up play. Have you suggested to the coach that you get more of a midfield run?
I do like to tell Bomber (midfield coach Mark Riley) to ensure he doesn’t forget me when it comes to team selection but like everyone it is about playing in the best position for the team on the day.
Does Sticks ever speak to you about wearing the number 4 guernsey? Does he want you to emulate his mullet?
No he doesn’t but I can say it was a great honour to be given the number 4 and to have Sticks present it to me when I arrived here for training. I don’t think I could emulate his mullet – that is a Stephen Kernahan exclusive.
Next up is St. Kilda, who we have not beaten in some time. Do you pay attention to that, or do you just focus on winning the game, not the history?
We don’t really think about the history because we really haven’t been part of it. For us it is a new challenge but it has been good to break some of the poor records this year – such as winning interstate and stopping the most consecutive losses.
We appear to be more comfortable at the MCG than the dome - any truth to that, does the G suit our game better?
We like playing at the MCG, it is the home of football and it is where you get to play in front of the big crowds. The Dome is different and not as big as the MCG but we don’t really think about the differences of if we play better at one ground than the other.
Your father Ross was a SANFL champion. What effect did he have on your career and what role does he continue to play? He was apparently a real showman. What truth is there in the story that in his last game of football, playing for Victor Harbour. He stripped off naked while lining up for his 100th goal, got sent off by an umpire without a sense of humour and was stranded on 99 for the season?
Dad was a huge influence on my football career as I am sure most fathers are. He coached me in my junior football and provided great advice as a coach and a father. As for now he keeps in the background but both he and mum are keen to see me play whenever they can and I really appreciate their continued support. In fact dad was over for the Richmond game, he came over for two days and flew back straight after the game.
You played with Paringa in your junior career. C'mon, sell the town to us, why would we want to visit there?
Paringa was my school, my junior club was Plympton in Adelaide so probably best to suggest you look up the SA Tourism Website, which will sell it far better than I can. Let’s just say I still enjoy getting back to Adelaide.
Round 13 | Round 15