WEEKLY WRAP: The Round of One Point Thrillers
The weekly wrap, a new addition to the blog, a brief overview of the weekend that was and the week that's to come. We'll talk AFL, NRL, Union, and everything in between that happened over the four day period. We'll also talk injuries and suspensions that will affect your team for the next weekend. So, brace yourself for the inaugural 'weekly wrap' - the round of the one point thrillers.
The weekend that was provided many entertaining games across the country from the third NRL game to be played in Adelaide to a 3 point upset in the west. Regardless of the code, sports lovers across the country have been treated to an evenly contested season. The past weekend was no different, almost every game could have swung in the opposite direction, with four games in the AFL being decided by three points or less, and two games in the NRL decided by less than two points.
AFL:
Thursday night started the exciting round of football, with Hawthorne upsetting the competition favourites Adelaide in front of the Crows home ground. Now, the Hawks are no push over team, but the 2017 has shown a different side to Clarko's men, who are currently undergoing a re-building phase. The loss sees the Crows slip to second on the ladder, four points shy of the leaders GWS, but with Eddie Betts on their team, the Crows are sure to have a strong run into the finals.
Following the Thursday night shocker, Sydney and Essendon went to battle, with both teams fighting for a spot in the top eight. In a statistically even game, the Swans walked away victorious by one point but it certainly wasn't without a hard fought fight. Full forward, Joe Daniher's left foot bomb from inside the centre square sparked life into the Bombers fight in the first quarter, not to be out done by Zach Merrett and Michael Hurley who both had over 30 disposals during the game. Swans captain Josh Kennedy showed his All Australian qualities, with 19 kicks, 5 marks and 36 disposals.
The Dogs were fortunate enough to walk away with the four points after another one point thriller against the Kangaroos. It was the form of the Bulldogs that saw them claim the premiership last year that eventually got the over the line in the high scoring game. A battle in the West saw the Demons claim a three point victory over West Coast. The Eagles, who have been in and out of form all season, proved unable to stop the rampaging Demons, despite going into the fourth quarter on top. Both games were pivotal to each teams season, with the run home to the finals quickly approaching.
Geelong provided the last upset of the round, despite going into to game as favourites. Loosing their captain, Joel Selwood within the first minute, the Cats went into half time and three quarter time trailing the rising Dockers. Patrick Dangerfield was truly a danger to Freo's midfield, with 31 disposals, 9 tackles and 19 kicks. The Dockers missed the control and composure of captain Nat Fyfe, who was out due to a bruised sternum. When the final siren wrung out, the Cats took the two point victory, moving into third place on the ladder in front of a home crowd.
All in all, it was an impressive weekend of hard fought football around the country for AFL supporters, with Port Adelaide, the Giants, Richmond and St Kilda all getting the nod over their respective oppositions.
NRL:
It was another big weekend in the NRL, with seven players removed from the weekly lineups due to their State of Origin duties. Despite the omissions, the games proved to be some of the best competitions of the year, much like the AFL.
The Warriors woeful season was strengthened by a seven point win at home over the downward spiralling Dogs. The loss pushes the Dogs to 13th on the ladder, almost well and truly ending their finals hopes, despite there being nine rounds remaining. The West Tigers hosted the Titans at Campbelltown, and despite winger David Nofoluma becoming the grounds most prolific try scorer, the home side couldn't compete with the dominant Titans.
It was a milestone occasion in Townsville, with the Cowboys stand-in captain Gavin Cooper notching up his 250th game. Despite the Cowboys claiming the win, it wasn't without its difficulties, not breaking through the Panther's defence until the 57th minute. Both teams performed strongly, but the Cowboys determination was epitomised by Kyle Feldt's spectacular try in the 78th minute, followed by Ethan Lowe's freakish Jonathan Thurston-like conversion to seal the win.
Down in Adelaide for the third time in NRL history, the Roosters and Storm put everything on the line in a one vs. two game. The 'baby Storm', as they have come to be known, were dominating without their Origin quartet, just loosing focus in the final 10 minutes of the game. Mitchell Peace's composure in the fourth minute of golden point sealed the Roosters victory, despite both sides equally contesting the ball.
The Knights almost pulled off one of the greatest upsets of the season, falling four points shy of the win. Nathan Ross's hat-trick in 13 minutes sparked life into the Knights struggling to find their way in the 2017 season. However, the Dragons had greater composure with their time in attack, breaking down the Knights defensive line.
Again, it was another impressive weekend of football as the Broncos claimed the win in the nations capital, as did the Sea Eagles down in the Shire despite Luke Lewis' 80 meter try.
Around the World:
While it was a weekend worth remembering at home, Aussie's abroad represented their country with pride, as Daniel Ricardo claimed victory in the formula one in Baku beating Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton to the line. Ashleigh Barty and Casey Delllacqua took out the women's tennis doubles in the Birmingham Classic over the weekend, a strong performance from the pair who are becoming a force to be reckoned within the sport.
There you have it, the weekly wrap. What is more exciting than the weekend that was, than the week that is still too come; another opportunity for every team to excel during the home and away season.
*All statistics and photos used from AFL.com and NRL.com