What a second week and a whirlwind of results. The second week of footy saw the reigning premiers starting the year with four points and new Saints’ coach Alan Richardson winning his first AFL game as a senior coach.
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Essendon under Bomber Thompson appear back on the right track with Jobe Watson (153), Dyson Heppell (150) and Brendon Goddard (119) all scoring prolifically in the 39-point victory over North Melbourne, while new recruit Paul Chapman also made his presence known with four goals.
Joel Selwood showed almost no signs of the pre-season injury to his hamstring on Thursday night, in a performance (132) he encapsulated what it meant to be a great AFL captain.
The work of Steve Johnson (121) through the midfield and Jimmy Bartel (99) in his 250th forward kicking four crucial goals, kept Chris Scott grinning and the Cats purring along at the start of season 2014.
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For North Melbourne it was a night to forget with no players breaking the 100 point mark, with Aaron Mullett (97) the highest and yet far from impressive. There isn’t much North can take out of the game.
Luke McDonald (53) had a reasonable debut aside from kicking a clanger in the first quarter which gifted Paul Chapman an early goal and set the tone for North’s night. Aaron Black (1 goal) and Drew Petrie (0 goals) could have warmed the bench and were barely noticeable.
It was also a week to forget for Dogs’ coach Brendan McCartney as his side was thumped by 11 goals. Youngsters Mitch Wallis (59) and Tom Liberatore (84) struggled to have any impact on the game, and second-year key forward Jake Stringer (38) failed to fire, kicking just one behind late in the game.
Ridiculous
There was no premiership hangover for the Hawks, with an emphatic victory over a determined Brisbane side. Justin Leppitsch will be happy with the attitude of the Lions, but it was a hard day for them at Aurora stadium. Jarryd Roughead (98 points) and Luke Breust (110 points) kicked five goals each for the Hawks.
If you want to see a man put in 100 per cent then Nick Riewoldt (125) is not your man - his work rate was above and beyond that, to the point where the star forward nearly had to take the kick-in late in the Saints’ win over the Demons.
Clinton Jones was freed from his normal tagging role and put in a memorable performance, with 39 disposals (141 points) in the absence of Jack Steven, Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes. Luke Dunstan (106) had a debut to rival that of Jaeger O’Meara with 7 tackles and 21 disposals.
However it was Demons co-captain Nathan Jones (147) who put on a show with 100+ points to his name at three-quarter time. He put in a ridiculous one-man effort, trying desperately to drag his team over the line.
Regrettable
The AFL’s scheduling. We would have loved to have seen round two completed by now and have more scope on players to watch and how the kids are progressing, alas, we only have one round and five games this week to cover.
Jesse Hogan will be absent from the Melbourne line-up for some time it seems, and the Demons sorely missed his hulking presence up forward on Saturday. Look for this kid in the future as he has had a year at VFL level to get ready for AFL football and will make an impact early.
Bob Murphy (97) has been a stalwart for the Bulldogs over the years, but the Eagles were way too strong on Sunday. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t get the win in his 250th game.
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