'A mile off September' - Bulldogs face Swans test next
Before they try to break their duck against teams above them on the AFL ladder, the Western Bulldogs are wary of the threat from below.
Sunday's 79-point belting of Richmond, coupled with the huge win over St Kilda the week before, were two quick kills for the Bulldogs ahead of what looms as Friday night's more searching test against the resurgent Sydney at the SCG.
While the 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) defeat of the Tigers at Marvel Stadium was the Bulldogs' largest score of the season and returned them to the top eight, they are yet to claim a major scalp.
And coach Luke Beveridge is well aware the Swans, two games below them, are coming after Saturday's important away win over Port Adelaide.
When asked a speculative question post-game about the finals, Beveridge retorted: "We are a mile off September ... you're not going to catch me out talking about September."
"Will we be a team that is capable of beating anyone at the end of the year? Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said.
"Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us.
"In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming.
"They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means."
Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time.
He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury.
"For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said.
"I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are."
As his contract talks ramp up, captain Marcus Bontempelli was best afield with 36 possessions - his highest tally this season - and three goals, while key forward Sam Darcy also starred with five majors.
The Bulldogs tore Richmond apart with seven goals to none in the second term and while Beveridge was less than impressed with the Tigers' second-half rally, he described the win as "satisfying".
He is optimistic James O'Donnell (groin) and Lachie McNeil (neck) will play against Sydney after being injured late on Sunday.
Beveridge was particularly pleased with his side's scoring potency, noting attack has been their problem in a season in which their largest losing margin has only been 22 points.
"We're not worried about courage and contest and the defensive side, it is offence that we continue to need to tidy up against the better sides," he said.
Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his team's poor second term.
"You could sense that it had ripped the heart out of our team. The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad.
"We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half."
The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide.
"All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said.
Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals.
Before they try to break their duck against teams above them on the AFL ladder, the Western Bulldogs are wary of the threat from below.
Sunday's 79-point belting of Richmond, coupled with the huge win over St Kilda the week before, were two quick kills for the Bulldogs ahead of what looms as Friday night's more searching test against the resurgent Sydney at the SCG.
While the 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) defeat of the Tigers at Marvel Stadium was the Bulldogs' largest score of the season and returned them to the top eight, they are yet to claim a major scalp.
And coach Luke Beveridge is well aware the Swans, two games below them, are coming after Saturday's important away win over Port Adelaide.
When asked a speculative question post-game about the finals, Beveridge retorted: "We are a mile off September ... you're not going to catch me out talking about September."
"Will we be a team that is capable of beating anyone at the end of the year? Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said.
"Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us.
"In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming.
"They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means."
Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time.
He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury.
"For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said.
"I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are."
As his contract talks ramp up, captain Marcus Bontempelli was best afield with 36 possessions - his highest tally this season - and three goals, while key forward Sam Darcy also starred with five majors.
The Bulldogs tore Richmond apart with seven goals to none in the second term and while Beveridge was less than impressed with the Tigers' second-half rally, he described the win as "satisfying".
He is optimistic James O'Donnell (groin) and Lachie McNeil (neck) will play against Sydney after being injured late on Sunday.
Beveridge was particularly pleased with his side's scoring potency, noting attack has been their problem in a season in which their largest losing margin has only been 22 points.
"We're not worried about courage and contest and the defensive side, it is offence that we continue to need to tidy up against the better sides," he said.
Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his team's poor second term.
"You could sense that it had ripped the heart out of our team. The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad.
"We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half."
The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide.
"All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said.
Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals.
Before they try to break their duck against teams above them on the AFL ladder, the Western Bulldogs are wary of the threat from below.
Sunday's 79-point belting of Richmond, coupled with the huge win over St Kilda the week before, were two quick kills for the Bulldogs ahead of what looms as Friday night's more searching test against the resurgent Sydney at the SCG.
While the 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) defeat of the Tigers at Marvel Stadium was the Bulldogs' largest score of the season and returned them to the top eight, they are yet to claim a major scalp.
And coach Luke Beveridge is well aware the Swans, two games below them, are coming after Saturday's important away win over Port Adelaide.
When asked a speculative question post-game about the finals, Beveridge retorted: "We are a mile off September ... you're not going to catch me out talking about September."
"Will we be a team that is capable of beating anyone at the end of the year? Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said.
"Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us.
"In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming.
"They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means."
Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time.
He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury.
"For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said.
"I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are."
As his contract talks ramp up, captain Marcus Bontempelli was best afield with 36 possessions - his highest tally this season - and three goals, while key forward Sam Darcy also starred with five majors.
The Bulldogs tore Richmond apart with seven goals to none in the second term and while Beveridge was less than impressed with the Tigers' second-half rally, he described the win as "satisfying".
He is optimistic James O'Donnell (groin) and Lachie McNeil (neck) will play against Sydney after being injured late on Sunday.
Beveridge was particularly pleased with his side's scoring potency, noting attack has been their problem in a season in which their largest losing margin has only been 22 points.
"We're not worried about courage and contest and the defensive side, it is offence that we continue to need to tidy up against the better sides," he said.
Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his team's poor second term.
"You could sense that it had ripped the heart out of our team. The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad.
"We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half."
The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide.
"All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said.
Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals.
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The Age
3 hours ago
- The Age
Brisbane Lions get the last laugh on Geelong's big night, demolish 22-year hoodoo
Loading Key posts 11.19pm 'They were sharp, we were the opposite': Scott 10.55pm Lions clear Fagan's whiteboard after last hoodoo ends 10.35pm Analysis: How the hoodoo was broken 10.19pm FT: Brisbane 14.8 (92) d Geelong 6.15 (51) 9.43pm Discount Pies: How these old champs are on low contracts 9.03pm The Cats are lucky to be only 23 points down 7.27pm Cats follow Penn State's 'whiteout' 7.16pm Gardiner out sick but Andrews backs Lions to stand up Hide key posts Posts area Go to latest Pinned post from 10.35pm on Jun 20, 2025 Analysis: How the hoodoo was broken The Brisbane Lions have broken the last hoodoo of Chris Fagan's reign at the club, recording their first win at Kardinia Park since 2003 to ruin the Cats' celebrations for Patrick Dangerfield's 350th game milestone. The Lions dominated the contest from start to finish, kicking four goals in seven minutes in the first quarter to open up a lead that was never challenged and eventually ran out 41 point winners, restricting Geelong to just six goals in the process. The Lions' early ascendancy came on the back of clearance dominance, and with a lead they attacked bravely and quickly from the back half. Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft, Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry were brilliant with Lachie Neale well held. The Lions' approach was obvious, with rebounding defender Dayne Zorko smashing the ball back as quickly as it arrived to stop the Cats' defence from settling. It rattled the Cats, who could not hold them up defensively and could not score. In the first half Geelong scored just 23 points, their lowest first-half score for the season and by midway through the third quarter, the Lions led by 45 points. From there the result was never in doubt. Cam Rayner was the best player on the ground, kicking goals at the start of the third and fourth quarter to silence the crowd and snuff out any momentum. Logan Morris was also outstanding with five majors. The T-shirts handed out to create a strong visual effect pre-game were suddenly useful as surrender flags. The Cats had no answer with their ball use uncharacteristically poor. High half-forwards Gryan Miers and Brad Close were the main offenders as they kicked into an impotent forward line. Only Jeremy Cameron, with four goals, won his position. Dangerfield and Stengle were quiet in their milestone games, and Shannon Neale was given a lesson by All-Australian defender Harris Andrews as the Lions' co-captain took five intercept marks. Without Tom Atkins, Jack Henry and Tom Stewart the margin would have been even bigger, with that trio trying hard. Having struggled with their accuracy in their past two matches, the Lions found their target. It was Geelong who fluffed their chances, missing set shots regularly as they were smashed 6.15 (51) to the Lions' 14.8 (92). This win allows the reigning premiers to reclaim second spot on the ladder from Geelong, and move back on to the winner's list after two straight losses. The loss ended an unbroken run of five straight wins for the Cats as both clubs head towards the bye. 11.32pm on Jun 20, 2025 That's all for tonight Thanks so much for joining us this evening. That's all we have for you as the Lions record a big win over Geelong. We will be back with a fresh blog on Saturday afternoon, so please join us then. Bye for now. 11.19pm on Jun 20, 2025 'They were sharp, we were the opposite': Scott Cats coach Chris Scott spoke to the media post-game. On the match: Yeah, more about the occasion based on the opposition. Like, each to their own, and celebrating those achievements, in my mind, it doesn't change much at all. You would like to play better, but you have heard me say for 15 years, Pete [Ryan], that if you need a milestone to try, then you are not a true professional. We played a really good team and they were sharp tonight, and we were the opposite. If that is a pattern throughout your games, then you have a problem, and you may not be a very good team. I don't think it is the case with us. It hasn't been a pattern, it was a bad game to have an off night against them, because sometimes you can have an off night and get away with it, but you can't against the opposition of that quality. I didn't think it was a complete disaster, like the scoreboard got out of control in a way based on their initiative, and they kicked for goal differently to the way they had in previous weeks, and we kicked a bit more like they have. Even at three-quarter-time, obviously we were well and truly up against it – the expected score was pretty tight. Yeah, there was just some uncharacteristic stuff. Again, if is a pattern, then that compounded means you're a bad team. I don't think that is us. There was some stuff tonight. It is not complicated, it is just the stuff that we all saw – skill errors, a little bit of method stuff, but a lot of it was execution... This might be one we will put in the category of 'beaten by a better team on the night'. By next week, [there's a] chance to regroup and we will be in good shape. On Brisbane wanting to end their losing streak in Geelong: I am sure they did, and they have a right to feel proud of themselves and I thought they played really well. But, again, I almost take offence to the idea that, you know, if they were us, for example, I wouldn't like the accusation that you really steeled yourself for this one. I didn't look at us and think, gee, we were off because of effort, or we took the opposition easily. We were crystal clear on what they could be, and they played the way we expected. We just weren't good enough on the night to counter it. On goal kicking and the winning margin: [Logan] Morris kicked a snap from the boundary and Pat [Dangerfield] had one 10 metres inside, which is usually put down your glasses, and he missed it – that's what it looked like to our observation. It's not that we think if we kicked straight we would have won the game, I'm not saying that – I'm saying that it wasn't a disaster where you lose by a lot and were never a chance. We were getting chances to be competitive, it just felt like one of those nights, and I said this to the players – it felt like what could go wrong, did go wrong. It happens to the best teams. I don't know where we are now but sitting back 10-5 going into the bye, I don't think we will be dwelling on this for too long. On Brisbane's quality and depth: If they are not the best, and they probably are, then they are the deepest. Their first, second and third-year guys are guns, and it is not as if they are relying on them to be their first, second or third midfielders. They are behind a Brownlow medallist [Lachie Neale] and another guy who might win it, just in their midfield, so they are going to be well-served for a while yet, I reckon. 10.55pm on Jun 20, 2025 Lions clear Fagan's whiteboard after last hoodoo ends Lions coach Chris Fagan spoke to Fox Footy post-game. On finally winning in Geelong and, earlier this season, ending their long losing streaks to Richmond and Hawthorn at the MCG: The last of the hoodoos – I put it up on the board this week. It's the only thing we hadn't done in my time at the club, was beat Geelong in Geelong. It's a pretty exciting night. We've got them all – Richmond, Hawks and more. There were a lot of them. It's been a nice way to build that confidence and belief in ourselves as there were an awful lot of hoodoos [when he first arrived] and something we hadn't done in a long time, so that was very exciting. On coming to Melbourne earlier: We just felt if we came down a little earlier, we might have a bit more energy. It wasn't my idea, it was Danny Daly, my football manager, and I think some of the leaders who wanted it, and it worked well for us. On how he handled their recent losses: I just pointed out to the players the positives. We had a tremendous performance against Adelaide in Adelaide and that's hard to do, and we kicked 13.18 last week – I just pointed out that we did everything but win the game, and we shouldn't lose confidence in ourselves. We should just keep doing what we are doing and things will turn. We didn't do any extra goal kicking practice this week – we just did what we normally do. On the importance of goal kicking: It is without a doubt the most important stat in football, that one, and tonight they didn't kick accurately, which is unlike them. I read a stat today that they are the most accurate side in football, and I thought that would bode well for us, given our kicking, but is funny how footy goes sometimes. On Logan Morris starring in the past two weeks, and Kai Lohmann playing well tonight: I was a little bit worried as he got some media attention this week for his efforts, so I said to him, 'Mate, keep your feet on the ground', but he told me he was OK, and he showed that tonight. I was really happy for Kai as he's been battling. He was sub last week and didn't play that well when he came on, but I rang him on Sunday and said, 'I'm going to play you this week, be ready' and he was tonight. 10.38pm on Jun 20, 2025 'Unbelievable win': Dunkley Josh Dunkley spoke to Channel Seven post-game. You came down here and spoiled the party – the first win (for the Lions) at GMHBA Stadium in 22 years... It is an unbelievable win for us. I think we felt we could come here and make a statement, but the last couple of weeks were disappointing – we couldn't kick straight. But we have full belief in our ability. It was a genuine performance across all three lines. How impressed were you to get it done, stop their ball movement and take it back to them? That is all we were looking to do heading into the game, and it is great to see Kai Lohmann get back onto the scoreboard and hit some form. It is nice for our group to build some confidence, have a bye and have a rest and go again. Lohmann looks like a genuine fire starter when he is up and about. How does that get you going through the midfield and the back line? It is pretty funny – all the young boys, they are so good, they bring so much energy to our group, and us older fellas, I am an older fella... it is great to have them around. 10.35pm on Jun 20, 2025 Analysis: How the hoodoo was broken The Brisbane Lions have broken the last hoodoo of Chris Fagan's reign at the club, recording their first win at Kardinia Park since 2003 to ruin the Cats' celebrations for Patrick Dangerfield's 350th game milestone. The Lions dominated the contest from start to finish, kicking four goals in seven minutes in the first quarter to open up a lead that was never challenged and eventually ran out 41 point winners, restricting Geelong to just six goals in the process. The Lions' early ascendancy came on the back of clearance dominance, and with a lead they attacked bravely and quickly from the back half. Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft, Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry were brilliant with Lachie Neale well held. The Lions' approach was obvious, with rebounding defender Dayne Zorko smashing the ball back as quickly as it arrived to stop the Cats' defence from settling. It rattled the Cats, who could not hold them up defensively and could not score. In the first half Geelong scored just 23 points, their lowest first-half score for the season and by midway through the third quarter, the Lions led by 45 points. From there the result was never in doubt. Cam Rayner was the best player on the ground, kicking goals at the start of the third and fourth quarter to silence the crowd and snuff out any momentum. Logan Morris was also outstanding with five majors. The T-shirts handed out to create a strong visual effect pre-game were suddenly useful as surrender flags. The Cats had no answer with their ball use uncharacteristically poor. High half-forwards Gryan Miers and Brad Close were the main offenders as they kicked into an impotent forward line. Only Jeremy Cameron, with four goals, won his position. Dangerfield and Stengle were quiet in their milestone games, and Shannon Neale was given a lesson by All-Australian defender Harris Andrews as the Lions' co-captain took five intercept marks. Without Tom Atkins, Jack Henry and Tom Stewart the margin would have been even bigger, with that trio trying hard. Having struggled with their accuracy in their past two matches, the Lions found their target. It was Geelong who fluffed their chances, missing set shots regularly as they were smashed 6.15 (51) to the Lions' 14.8 (92). This win allows the reigning premiers to reclaim second spot on the ladder from Geelong, and move back on to the winner's list after two straight losses. The loss ended an unbroken run of five straight wins for the Cats as both clubs head towards the bye. 10.28pm on Jun 20, 2025 Full-time stats 'The boys really dug in': Rayner Lions star Cam Rayner knew his side was fired up, and they turned on one of their best performances of the year in beating the Cats in Geelong tonight. 'We seem to be playing great on the road this year and not that well at the Gabba,' Rayner told Fox Footy. 'We knew we hadn't won in Geelong in 20 years, and they've been in great form. The boys really dug in and played our brand of footy. 'We were really on today, and we built ourselves up for this one. We knew we had to be on our best game, and we were today.' 10.19pm on Jun 20, 2025 FT: Brisbane 14.8 (92) d Geelong 6.15 (51) Brisbane were down two big defenders but shrugged off an even bigger historical weight while spoiling Patrick Dangerfield's 350th game in Geelong on Friday night. The Lions claimed their first win at Kardinia Park since 2003 with Logan Morris booting five goals and Cam Rayner three as the Lions had winners all over the ground, building an early lead and growing it in the second half. It was a memorable win for Lions fans and a night to forget for the Cats faithful, who turned up for the whiteout night and ended up witnessing a whitewash. 10.15pm on Jun 20, 2025 Lions haven't won in Geelong since 2003 The Lions have made history, breaking a losing hoodoo at this ground that dates back to 2003. Last time they won in Geelong, Marcus Ashcroft was playing his 299th game, and now two of his sons are playing for the Lions. That says a lot. Kai Lohmann has snapped another goal, too. Lions 92, Cats 51 with two mins to play.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'A mile off September' - Bulldogs face Swans test next
Before they try to break their duck against teams above them on the AFL ladder, the Western Bulldogs are wary of the threat from below. Sunday's 79-point belting of Richmond, coupled with the huge win over St Kilda the week before, were two quick kills for the Bulldogs ahead of what looms as Friday night's more searching test against the resurgent Sydney at the SCG. While the 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) defeat of the Tigers at Marvel Stadium was the Bulldogs' largest score of the season and returned them to the top eight, they are yet to claim a major scalp. And coach Luke Beveridge is well aware the Swans, two games below them, are coming after Saturday's important away win over Port Adelaide. When asked a speculative question post-game about the finals, Beveridge retorted: "We are a mile off September ... you're not going to catch me out talking about September." "Will we be a team that is capable of beating anyone at the end of the year? Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said. "Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us. "In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming. "They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means." Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time. He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury. "For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said. "I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are." As his contract talks ramp up, captain Marcus Bontempelli was best afield with 36 possessions - his highest tally this season - and three goals, while key forward Sam Darcy also starred with five majors. The Bulldogs tore Richmond apart with seven goals to none in the second term and while Beveridge was less than impressed with the Tigers' second-half rally, he described the win as "satisfying". He is optimistic James O'Donnell (groin) and Lachie McNeil (neck) will play against Sydney after being injured late on Sunday. Beveridge was particularly pleased with his side's scoring potency, noting attack has been their problem in a season in which their largest losing margin has only been 22 points. "We're not worried about courage and contest and the defensive side, it is offence that we continue to need to tidy up against the better sides," he said. Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his team's poor second term. "You could sense that it had ripped the heart out of our team. The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad. "We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half." The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide. "All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said. Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals. Before they try to break their duck against teams above them on the AFL ladder, the Western Bulldogs are wary of the threat from below. Sunday's 79-point belting of Richmond, coupled with the huge win over St Kilda the week before, were two quick kills for the Bulldogs ahead of what looms as Friday night's more searching test against the resurgent Sydney at the SCG. While the 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) defeat of the Tigers at Marvel Stadium was the Bulldogs' largest score of the season and returned them to the top eight, they are yet to claim a major scalp. And coach Luke Beveridge is well aware the Swans, two games below them, are coming after Saturday's important away win over Port Adelaide. When asked a speculative question post-game about the finals, Beveridge retorted: "We are a mile off September ... you're not going to catch me out talking about September." "Will we be a team that is capable of beating anyone at the end of the year? Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said. "Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us. "In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming. "They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means." Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time. He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury. "For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said. "I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are." As his contract talks ramp up, captain Marcus Bontempelli was best afield with 36 possessions - his highest tally this season - and three goals, while key forward Sam Darcy also starred with five majors. The Bulldogs tore Richmond apart with seven goals to none in the second term and while Beveridge was less than impressed with the Tigers' second-half rally, he described the win as "satisfying". He is optimistic James O'Donnell (groin) and Lachie McNeil (neck) will play against Sydney after being injured late on Sunday. Beveridge was particularly pleased with his side's scoring potency, noting attack has been their problem in a season in which their largest losing margin has only been 22 points. "We're not worried about courage and contest and the defensive side, it is offence that we continue to need to tidy up against the better sides," he said. Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his team's poor second term. "You could sense that it had ripped the heart out of our team. The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad. "We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half." The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide. "All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said. Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals. Before they try to break their duck against teams above them on the AFL ladder, the Western Bulldogs are wary of the threat from below. Sunday's 79-point belting of Richmond, coupled with the huge win over St Kilda the week before, were two quick kills for the Bulldogs ahead of what looms as Friday night's more searching test against the resurgent Sydney at the SCG. While the 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) defeat of the Tigers at Marvel Stadium was the Bulldogs' largest score of the season and returned them to the top eight, they are yet to claim a major scalp. And coach Luke Beveridge is well aware the Swans, two games below them, are coming after Saturday's important away win over Port Adelaide. When asked a speculative question post-game about the finals, Beveridge retorted: "We are a mile off September ... you're not going to catch me out talking about September." "Will we be a team that is capable of beating anyone at the end of the year? Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said. "Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us. "In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming. "They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means." Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time. He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury. "For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said. "I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are." As his contract talks ramp up, captain Marcus Bontempelli was best afield with 36 possessions - his highest tally this season - and three goals, while key forward Sam Darcy also starred with five majors. The Bulldogs tore Richmond apart with seven goals to none in the second term and while Beveridge was less than impressed with the Tigers' second-half rally, he described the win as "satisfying". He is optimistic James O'Donnell (groin) and Lachie McNeil (neck) will play against Sydney after being injured late on Sunday. Beveridge was particularly pleased with his side's scoring potency, noting attack has been their problem in a season in which their largest losing margin has only been 22 points. "We're not worried about courage and contest and the defensive side, it is offence that we continue to need to tidy up against the better sides," he said. Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his team's poor second term. "You could sense that it had ripped the heart out of our team. The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad. "We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half." The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide. "All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said. Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals.
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Outrageous': State of Origin move sparks furore as Ashley Klein set to be named for series decider
Ashley Klein is set to be handed the officiating reins for the State of Origin decider despite his controversial performance in Perth which left New South Wales fans and players outraged. The Blues were on the wrong end of an 8-0 first half penalty count in Game 2, which turned into 9-0 after 45 minutes. By that stage, Queensland were up 26-6. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. In the end, Queensland won 26-24, but the NSW camp felt they were officiated out of the game and scheduled a meeting with NRL management to seek an explanation for several of Klein's controversial calls. The Blues' main gripe was why Klein chose to ignore numerous clear indiscretions by Maroons players while penalising the Blues for similar offences. However, despite the Blues' protests, Code Sports reports Klein will again be in charge of the series decider. That is because the NRL referees are rated under a KPI system by the league and by the numbers Klein is at the top of the list. Categories measured include play-the-ball speed, decision-making, communication, game understanding, accuracy, communication with other officials, consistency, identifying infringements, positioning, game management, ruck communication, positioning, fitness and endurance. His appointment in Sydney will be under heavy scrutiny and will undoubtedly be met with fierce backlash. Speaking about his Game 2 performance earlier this week Buzz Rothfield tore into the veteran ref, saying his calls cost the Blues the game and series win in Perth. 'I think NSW were ill-disciplined and I don't have too many problems with the nine penalties they conceded. The problem I do have is that anyone can look at a replay of that first half and find 4-5 areas of the game where Queensland could quite easily have been penalised as well,' Rothfield said. 'In my eyes, he was refereeing one side for the majority of the first half. 'I know we were ill-disciplined and I'm not blaming it for the loss … but Gordie you cannot be perfect in Origin for 45 minutes. Impossible.' 'It's outrageous that Queensland can play 45 minutes in State of Origin and that intensity, mistakes are made, high speed, high intensity and not one penalty. That cannot happen.' He also went on to say NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley – who refused to answer any question on the officiating after the Game 2 defeat – was privately furious at Klein. 'Laurie will look at the video and find out what he wants to talk to the NRL about and then take it to adjudication,' Rothfield continued. 'He was furious after the game. Privately furious, but he knows he can't come out and say anything. Not just for the fine, but because it'll look like poor sportsmanship.' And as news of Klein's Game 3 appointment spread NSW fans were unsurprisingly annoyed. 'You've got to be kidding,' one fan wrote. 'What an absolute joke!' another added. While a third commented: 'Surely he's not the best ref we have.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.
