By Ajit Alister
8:23 PM Tues 14 July, 2009
An interesting round of footy action in the AFL on the weekend saw some upset victories and tight finishes to some exciting matches.
Western Bulldogs V Collingwood was billed as the match of the round and it didn’t disappoint. Collingwood jumped out of the blocks in the first term kicking 7 goals straight before the Doggies rallied to get a few late goals, keeping them in the match.
The Pies maintained their lead and went into the last quarter 32 points up and looking to have the win. The Doggies however came storming home and nearly knocked them off if not for a late goal to Dale Thomas, allowing Collingwood to escape with a 1 point victory.
Essendon maintained their spot in the final 8 by beating Sydney by 35 points and at the same time probably ending the Swans finals chances.
Led by controversial forward Brendan Fevola, Carlton accounted for Richmond by 20 points. Fevola finished the match with a career best 9 goals including possibly the goal of the year with a fly kick over his head. For the Tigers, Ben Cousins was a standout with 35 possessions and some of their rookies showed great promise for the future.
The Brisbane Lions recorded the upset of the round, inflicting Geelong with their 2nd consecutive defeat, with a 33 point victory. The Cats however were missing several stars including superstar midfielder Gary Ablett and backman Matthew Scarlett.
Fremantle put in their worst display for the year scoring one solitary goal to the Adelaide Crows nineteen, in a massive 117 point flogging.
Hawthorn kept their slim title defence hopes alive with gritty come-from-behind win against North Melbourne. Led by Coleman Medallist Lance Franklin, the Hawks kicked 5 goals to 1 to come away with a 9 point win.
Melbourne notched their 2nd consecutive win by beating Port Adelaide by 11 points and St Kilda held off a spirited West Coast defeating them by 20 points, keeping their undefeated record intact.
Next weekend’s "Match of the round" features two of the most attacking teams in the AFL, the Western Bulldogs and Essendon, in what should be a terrific match.
*This week’s “Weird or Wonderful” photo - "Classic Slip & Slide"
