AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL
2012
2012
Round 1 - Hawthorn Hawks (137) v (115) Collingwood Magpies - In the opening game of the season for both teams, Hawthorn gained revenge for their Preliminary Final defeat in 2011 with a big win at the MCG. Led by Lance Franklin (5 goals, 21 disposals), the Hawks took a 15 point lead in at the break, then survived a strong 2nd half comeback from the Pies to take the win and spoil the head coaching debut of Pies top man, Nathan Buckley. Hawthorn also featured Cyril Rioli (2 goals, 16 disposals), Sam Mitchell (32 disposals, 8 tackles) and Grant Birchall (28 disposals, 9 marks). Collingwood were led by Scott Pendlebury (2 goals, 33 disposals, 6 tackles), Jarryd Blair (3 goals, 20 disposals) and Travis Cloke (2 goals, 18 disposals, 7 marks) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 1 - Geelong Cats (101) @ (105) Fremantle Dockers - The Cats opened their defense of the title with a shock defeat in Perth. In an ill-disciplined game, the Dockers started fast, racing out to a 30-0 lead after 12 minutes. The Cats fought back and narrowed the gap to 56-51 at the half. The 2nd half was back and forth and finally settled in the Dockers favour when Matthew Pavlich scored 2 goals in the final minutes. The main talking point was Matthew Scarlett's one-punch knock-down of Dockers antagonist Hayden Ballantyne in the 3rd quarter that earned the Cats defender a 3 match ban. Geelong also featured Josh Selwood (33 disposals), in his 1st game as Captain, James Kelly (26 disposals), Tom Hawkins (4 goals) and Jimmy Bartel (3 goals, 21 disposals). Fremantle also featured Nathan Fyfe (2 goals, 30 disposals, 6 marks) and Aaron Sandilands (32 hit-outs, 19 disposals) (10, 46 minutes hi-lites, CH7 - Unknown, PAL)
Round 2 - Hawthorn Hawks (90) @ (92) Geelong Cats - Geelong continued their mastery over the Hawks with a come-from-behind victory at the MCG. Hawthorn led by 18 points at the start of the 4th quarter thanks to big games from Jordan Lewis (3 goals, 20 disposals) and Sam Mitchell (31 disposals). The Cats weren't finished though, and as the rain came down they out-scored the Hawks 4-1 to 0-5 in the final quarter to take the win. The final surge was led by Tom Hawkins (3 goals, 12 marks), James Podsiadly (5 goals, 15 disposals) and captain Joel Selwood (24 disposals) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Harley, PAL)
Round 3 - Geelong Cats (114) @ (131) North Melbourne Kangaroos - The Cats indifferent start to the season continued with a 17 point loss to the Kangaroos at the Etihad Stadium. North Melbourne started fast, posting a 21 point lead at the half thanks to Brent Harvey (1 goal, 38 disposals), Andrew Swallow (30 disposals, 4 marks) and Daniel Wells (31 disposals, 4 marks). Geelong mounted a small comeback in the 4th quarter but the Roos sealed the win with late goals from Kieran Harper and Jack Ziebell (4 goals, 27 disposals, 9 marks). Geelong featured Harry Taylor (1 goal, 14 disposals, 4 marks), James Podsiadly (5 goals, 8 marks) and Jimmy Bartel (22 disposals). The win was the 1st for Roos coach Brad Scott over his twin brother Chris Scott, the coach of Geelong (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Hudson/Dunstall/Frawley/King, PAL)
Round 5 - Collingwood Magpies (80) v (79) Essendon Bombers - The annual ANZAC day clash threw up another classic as Collingwood gave Essendon their 1st loss of the season with a goal in the final 2 minutes. The Pies were down 79-74 when a bouncing ball inside the Bombers goal square was shinned in by Jarryd Blair. Video review proved that Blair touched the ball and the goal stood. The Pies closed out the game with great defense to take the win. The Pies were led by Travis Cloke (3 goals), Scott Pendlebury (34 possessions) and Dane Swan (3 goals, 42 possessions). Essendon were led by Alwyn Davey (3 goals), David Zaharakis (24 possessions, 2 goals) and Ricky Dyson (25 possessions) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 8 - Geelong Cats (84) @ (96) Collingwood Magpies - Geelong dropped to 4-4 with a heart-breaking loss in the final 2 minutes to big rivals Collingwood. The Pies led 71-52 at the end of 3 quarters, led by Scott Pendlebury (4 goals, 30 disposals), as the Pies capitalised on the Cats inaccuracy in front of goal. But Geelong started finding their range in the 4th quarter and pulled level with 2 minutes remaining, only for the Pies to score 2 late goals to take the win. Geelong were led by Joel Selwood (36 disposals), Matthew Stokes (3 goals, 19 disposals), Tom Hawkins (2 goals) and Corey Enright (25 disposals). Collingwood also featured Alex Fasalo (4 goals) and Steele Sidebottom (38 disposals) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 9 - Geelong Cats (95) @ (75) Western Bulldogs - Geelong finally ended their losing streak with a tough win against the Dogs. The Cats never trailed in the game but the Dogs dominated the contested possessions (148-130) and clearances (45-29) stats to stay in the game. Geelong were led by best-on-field Steve Johnson (36 disposals, 14 marks), Jimmy Bartel (20 disposals, 1 goal), Paul Chapman (27 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals), Tom Hawkins (3 goals, 6 marks) and Matthew Scarlett (17 disposals, 8 marks) who returned after missing the last 2 games. Western featured Matthew Boyd (34 disposals) and Daniel Giansiracusa (3 goals) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 11 - Geelong Cats (97) @ (85) Carlton Blues - Geelong headed into their mid-term break with momentum after beating the Blues at the Etihad Stadium. The Blues started fast and led 28-14 after the 1st quarter but Geelong fought back to within 5 points at the half before pushing ahead for good in the 2nd half. The Cats finished strong, outscoring the Blues 8.6 to 5.13 in the 2nd half, to take the morale-boosting win. The stars for Geelong were Steven Motlop (4 goals), captain Joel Selwood (27 disposals) and Mitch Duncan (24 disposals, 6 marks). Carlton were led by Eddie Betts (4 goals), Chris Judd (25 disposals, 1 goal) and Kade Simpson (31 disposals, 6 marks) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 13 - Geelong Cats (74) @ (80) Sydney Swans - The Swans got out of jail, halting a huge comeback by the Cats by kicking the game-winning goal with 1:12 left to take the win. Sydney started fast, leading 42-7 at the end of the 1st quarter and 50-21 at the half-time break. But Geelong fought back in the 2nd half and out-scored the Swans 32-14 in the 4th quarter to pull ahead. The Cats led 74-72 with 1:12 left when Swans substitute Andrejs Everett knocked over a goal which put the Swans in front, a lead which they defended to the end. Sydney also featured Kieren Jack (2 goals, 20 disposals), Ben McGlynn (2 goals, 17 disposals) and Adam Goodes (7 disposals) who had a quiet game in his 1st game back after a long injury break. Geelong were led by Corey Enright (29 disposals, 1 goal), Joel Selwood (25 disposals, 1 goal) and Paul Chapman (20 disposals, 2 goals) (10, Missing action in the 3rd quarter between 9:08 and 8:03 - 1 Geelong goal missed, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 17 - Essendon Bombers (67) @ (134) Geelong Cats - Geelong sensationally turned around their season with an upset win over the Bombers at Etihad Stadium. The Cats started fast, out-scoring the Bombers 4.5 to zero in the opening 20 minutes and never looked back, sealing the win with a 3 goals before and after the half. The top scorer was Tom Hawkins (5 goals) and he was supported by a big game from Steve Johnson (2 goals, 22 disposals) and Billy Smedts (3 goals). The Bombers were led by Tom Bellchambers (3 goals) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Matthews/Harley)
Round 18 - Adelaide Crows (75) @ (102) Geelong Cats - Geelong continued their strong start to the 2nd half of the season with a home win against the Crows at a rainy Simonds Stadium. The Cats held a 33 point lead at the half, led by Tom Hawkins (3 goals, 11 marks), before the Crows fought back to within 2 points in the Final Quarter to make for a nervy finish. But the Cats scored 5 of the final 6 goals of the game to run out easy winners. The Cats also featured Joel Corey (18 disposals) who was making his 250th appearance for the club, Allen Christensen (23 disposals, 1 goal) and Joel Selwood (26 disposals). The Crows were led by Scott Thompson (40 disposals) and Patrick Dangerfield (33 disposals, 2 goals) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McLachlan/Zempilas/Malthouse/Harley, PAL)
Round 19 - Geelong Cats (118) @ (116) Hawthorn Hawks - In one of the games of the season, the Cats continued their dominance over the Hawks with a sensational late winner. Since losing the Grand Final to the Hawks in 2008, the Cats have won every match-up since and they started fast at the MCG, opening up a 51 point lead in the 2nd quarter. The Hawks pulled back the deficit and took the lead with 7 minutes to go in the game before a final push from the Cats put them behind by only 4 points as Tom Hawkins (6 goals) marked at the 50 as time expired. Hawkins held his nerve and nailed the goal with the final kick of the game to take the win. The Cats also featured Joel Selwood (29 disposals), Paul Chapman (4 goals) and Steve Johnson (26 disposals, 2 goals). The Hawks were led by Brad Sewell (26 disposals, 1 goal), Sam Mitchell (24 disposals), Cyril Rioli (18 disposals, 2 goals) and Jack Gunston (4 goals) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - Cometti/Zempilas/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 20 - Geelong Cats (97) @ (102) West Coast Eagles - The Eagles ended Geelong's 3 game win streak with a comeback win at Patersons Stadium. The Cats started fast, booting 5 goals in the 1st quarter, but also lost star forward Tom Hawkins to concussion. The Cats kept in front at the end of every Quarter but the Eagles fought back in the 4th and took the win by outscoring the Cats 5.1 to 4.2. The stars for the Cats were Steve Johnson (32 disposals, 1 goal), Andrew Mackie (26 disposals) and James Podsiadly (3 goals). The Eagles were led by Daniel Kerr (29 dispoals, 1 goal), Matthew Priddis (24 disposals, 2 goals), Nic Naitanui (18 disposals, 2 goals) and Dean Cox (23 disposals, 3 goals) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - Cometti/Zempilas/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 21 - St.Kilda Saints (81) @ (123) Geelong Cats - Geelong cemented their Finals place at the expense of the Saints with an easy win at the Etihad Stadium. The Cats led by 34 points at the half, and despite not scoring at all in the 3rd quarter, they put the game away in the 4th quarter with 7 goals to 2 to take the win and knock the Saints out of the Finals placing. The stars for Geelong were Tom Hawkins (6 goals), James Kelly (27 possessions) and Steve Johnson (23 possessions). The Saints were led by Stephen Milne (4 goals), Jason Gram (31 possessions), Brendon Goddard (30 possessions, 1 goal) and Ahmed Saad (3 goals) but were missing Nick Riewoldt to inury (10, Same day re-broadcast, 2 Discs, CH7 - Cometti/Zempilas/Matthews/Harley, PAL)
Round 22 - Western Bulldogs (73) @ (107) Geelong Cats - At a breezy Simonds Stadium, the Cats consolidated their place in the top 6 with a strong win against a young Bulldogs team. The Cats dominated possession in the 1st half and built a 31 point lead at the major break. The Bulldogs fought back in the 2nd half but the Cats scored 6 goals in the 4th quarter to steady the ship and take the win. The leaders for the Cats were Tom Hawkins (4 goals) and Corey Enright (29 disposals) with 10 other players over 20 disposals. The Bulldogs were led by Matthew Boyd (46 possessions) and Ryan Griffen (37 disposals, 1 goal). The Cats were without Joel Selwood (rested) and Matthew Scarlett and Taylor Hunt (injury) (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Russell/Healy/Frawley/Pickering, PAL)
Round 23 - Sydney Swans (78) @ (112) Geelong Cats - The #6 Cats completed their regular season with a big win over the #2 Swans. The Swans held a small lead for most of the game but the Cats kicked 8 goals either side of the 3rd and 4th quarter break to take control and coast home for the win. Geelong were once again led up front by Tom Hawkins (4 goals, 7 marks) who was playing in his 100th game. The other stars for the Cats were Paul Chapman (3 goals, 18 disposals), Joel Selwood (27 disposals) and James Podsiadly (3 goals, 5 marks). The Swans were led by Josh Kennedy (24 disposals), Jared McVeigh (32 disposals, 2 goals) and Adam Goodes (19 disposals, 2 goals). With the win, the Cats secured a home-state elimination playoff against Fremantle (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McLachlan/Zempilas/Malthouse/Harley, PAL)
Elimination Final - Geelong Cats (80) v (96) Fremantle Dockers - Fremantle knocked the reigning Premiers out of the competition with a big win at the MCG. The Dockers started fast, posting a 36-1 lead after the 1st quarter, and were still in control at the half, leading 57-23. The Cats found the deficit too large to overcome in the 2nd half and the Dockers held on for the win. The stars for the Dockers were Matthew Pavlich (6 goals, 9 marks), Michael Barlow (27 Disposals, 11 tackles) and Adam McPhee (18 disposals, 11 marks). The Cats were led by Joel Selwood (28 possessions, 1 goal), Joel Corey (21 disposals, 12 tackles) and Andrew Mackie (2 goals) but were missing Steve Johnson to suspension. The game was also the final AFL game for Cats Defender Matthew Scarlett (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - Darcy/Taylor/Ling, PAL)
Preliminary Final - Hawthorn Hawks (97) v (92) Adelaide Crows - At the MCG, Hawthorn won through to their 1st Grand Final since 2008 with a tough win against a feisty Crows team. The Hawks trailed 45-40 at the half but took a 16 point lead into the 4th quarter before the Crows fought back again to lead by 1 point with 5 minutes left. Once again the Hawks again fought back and 2 late goals provided the winning margin. The stars for the Hawks were Lance Franklin (3 goals), Cyril Rioli (2 goals, 26 disposals), Sam Mitchell (29 disposals) and Brad Sewell (28 disposals). Adelaide were led by Taylor Walker (4 goals), Kurt Tippett (4 goals), Scott Thompson (31 disposals), Patrick Dangerfield (28 disposals) and Jason Porplyzia (26 disposals) (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - Taylor/Darcy/Richardson/Ling, PAL)
Grand Final - Hawthorn Hawks (81) v (91) Sydney Swans - In an upset at the MCG, Sydney claimed their 1st flag since 2005 with a comeback win against the Hawks. The Swans started the better and led by 28 points in the 3rd quarter before the Hawks fought back to take an 12 point lead in the 4th quarter. Sydney suddenly re-found their form and kicked the last 4 goals of the game, including the game-sealer with 34 seconds left, to take the title. The heroes for the Swans were all in the midfield and included Norm Smith medal winner Ryan O'Keefe (28 disposals, 15 tackles), Daniel Hannebery (29 disposals, 1 goal), Josh Kennedy (26 disposals, 2 goals), Jarrad McVeigh (21 disposals, 9 tackles, 2 goals) and Adam Goodes (14 dispoals, 6 tackles, 1 goal) who finished the game with a torn ligament in his knee. The Hawks were led by Lance Franklin (24 disposals, 3 goals), Brad Sewell (33 disposals and 11 tackls) and Sam Mitchell (24 disposals) but were let down by poor shooting, especially in the final quarter (10, 2 Discs, CH7 - McAvaney/Cometti/Matthews/Harley, PAL)