Latest news with #NichollsRound
7NEWS
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Cyril Rioli and Gary Ablett Jnr stepping out of retirement for Legends Game, live and free on Seven and 7plus
Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli is stepping out of retirement for a shock return to an AFL event, confirming he will play in the rebooted Legends Game. After a six-year hiatus, the iconic event is returning to the AFL calendar on Thursday, August 28, at Marvel Stadium, and will be live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport. According to Seven, the event will be 'bigger, bolder and more legendary than ever', and showcase past AFL greats and fan favourites. Some of the biggest names in the history of the game have committed to the game, with Rioli and Geelong legend Gary Ablett Jnr locked in. For Rioli to be involved will certainly bring a smile to fans of football everywhere across the country. The superstar and Norm Smith medal winner is somewhat of an AFL recluse after his bitter falling out with Hawthorn following his shock retirement in 2018. Leading Victoria as captain is 7AFL expert commentator and Rioli's former Hawks teammate, Luke Hodge. Rioli, however, will be squaring off against his old freind and former captain, as he is set to line up for the All Stars. There were heartwarming scenes earlier this year during the clash between Hawthorn and Gold Coast in Darwin, when Rioli was spotted at the Sir Doug Nicholls Round game, and Hodge was caught on camera deep in conversation with his mate. While Rioli did not attend Hawthorn's 10-year anniversary of the club's famous threepeat (in which he played in all three grand finals) in June this year, the Legends Game marks a big step in his thawing relationship with the game. Rioli will play alongside 7AFL expert commentator and St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt, who is captain of the All Stars. Hawthorn icon and Seven's House of Wellness co-host Shane Crawford is set to coach the All Stars, while AFL great and former 7NEWS Melbourne sport presenter, Tim Watson, will also be involved, taking the reins as coach of the Big V. At a media launch event held in Melbourne on Tuesday, both team captains and coaches revealed their superstar No.1 draft picks for the match – with Ablett Jnr for the Vics and Rioli for the All Stars. The much-anticipated State of Origin clash carries the legacy of football legend E.J Whitten, who passed away from prostate cancer 30 years ago. The fan-focussed feature event aims to raise much needed awareness and funds for prostate cancer through the Australian Prostate Centre, a world-class prostate cancer hub that brings together the best in care, treatments and collaborative research for Australian men and their families. Seven Network head of AFL and sport Innovation, Gary O'Keeffe, said the return of the Legends Game will be a highlight on the AFL calendar, and offers ample entertainment for viewers. 'We are thrilled to see this iconic event return and for footy fans to be able to watch all the action live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport,' he said. 'To see a host of popular personalities, and AFL legends including our own Luke Hodge and Nick Riewoldt come out of retirement for such a great cause is important and will make for exciting viewing.' Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Aussie men, with one in five estimated to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Funds raised through match will help support patient care and vital research collaborations at the Australian Prostate Centre. SEN chief executive officer, Craig Hutchison, said his organisation was proud to play a part in supporting such an important cause and iconic match. 'We're incredibly proud to partner with the Australian Prostate Centre to bring back one of the most cherished nights on the footy calendar,' Hutchison said. 'With the support of the AFL, the Seven Network and our production team at Rainmaker, we're set to deliver a spectacular event that entertains and inspires. 'And there's some amazing further player announcements to come in coming weeks,' he said.
West Australian
19-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Mid West's Liam Ryan, Tyler Brockman and Jamie Cripps help Eagles post first victory of 2025 season
After 281 days without a win and an 11-game losing streak, Waalitj Marawar's (West Coast) trio of Mid West stars helped the Eagles post their first victory of the season against Euro-Yroke (St Kilda) at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Amid emotional scenes as Waalitj Marawar and their fans paid tribute to premiership player Adam Selwood who died over the weekend, a collective team effort saw the Eagles record a gritty 28-point win over the Saints, 16.12 (108) to 12.8 (80). Geraldton's Liam Ryan and Tyler Brockman were again used to great effect through the midfield in bursts, providing seven clearances between them. Ryan was back to his electric best at times, kicking two goals and amassing 14 disposals, five tackles and 409m gained. Brockman had 16 disposals and six tackles. Before the match, Brockman said he had relished the move into the midfield alongside Ryan in recent weeks. 'I enjoy it. Liam and I have been getting a bit more midfield time for the past two rounds,' he said. 'I think they're going to hopefully keep putting Liam and I in the midfield and let us do our work.' Northampton's Jamie Cripps — who was the only Eagle on the field on Sunday to have played with Selwood — was visibly emotional during the pre-game tribute. He kicked the first goal of the match, after which he pointed to the sky and his black armband. Although the Saints challenged them at times, the Eagles never relinquished the lead and found an extra gear when they needed to. In the earlier Sunday game, Narrm (Melbourne) upset reigning premiers Brisbane at the Gabba by 11 points, 13.10 (88) to 14.15 (99). Geraldton's Demons defender Judd McVee had another understated game, with 13 disposals and six marks. On Friday night, Sydney proved too strong for Carlton at the SCG, prevailing by 16 points, 11.12 (78) to 9.8 (62). Carlton skipper, Patrick Cripps, was again among the Blues' best, kicking two goals and collecting 26 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances, five inside 50s and 311m gained. Walyulup (Fremantle) had a much-needed win on the road, downing the Giants by 34 points. Dockers midfielder, Jaeger O'Meara from Dongara, is still four weeks away with hamstring and foot injuries. West Coast, St Kilda, Melbourne and Fremantle are known as Waalitj Marawar, Euro-Yroke, Narrm and Walyalup during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Black's Cameron concern despite Lions' 'scary' state
Simon Black fears Charlie Cameron's wastefulness will be "costly" for the Brisbane Lions but thinks the veteran is the key to unlocking a new level for the defending AFL premiers. Cameron has been kept goalless in three of seven games this season, his 8.13 haul an anomaly in a 12-year career averaging 1.6 goals for every behind. Club great Black admits the 30-year-old's accuracy is a concern and that the same side that romped to last year's flag - two decades after he was part of the Lions' three-peat - will get "found out" if their patchy form continues. "It's good he's still getting looks but he can certainly waste that ball, can't he," Black told AAP. "It can cost you. A quality player getting the ball in his hands through ability and talent, but missing shots regularly ... that really hurts your team. "You've got to have a level of accuracy. They've got lots of avenues to goal but he's got to find a way to be more consistent with his conversion. "That worries me." The Lions ranked last (41.6 per cent) in kicks retained in forward-50 entries before Sunday's game, when their star-studded midfield was beaten by North Melbourne's engine room. There is no quick fix but Black thinks Cameron is central to the equation, particularly since the retirement of key forward Joe Daniher. "Joey, based on results, hasn't been a big loss to this point but guys like him are pretty handy in the big finals as he showed (last season)," Black said. "The small forward pressure up there is so important without Daniher's dominance in the air." Brisbane will wear guernseys inspired by Callum Ah Chee's family history against Melbourne on Sunday as part of the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Believing it's a mental issue, Black hopes the occasion will spark something inside Cameron. "His ability to make good contact with the ball ... you see sometimes he's flat-out kicking a drop punt on goal, getting the ball anywhere near the goals, when he's such a skilled player," he said. "That's his great challenge and (if solved) he can take the Lions to a new level. "But the good thing is he's getting lots of looks." Despite their struggles, the Lions have enjoyed their best start to a season as a merged club and occupy top spot on the ladder (7-1-1) after nine rounds. "It's quite remarkable ... they're finding a way and it's stark from where they were last year (13th, 3-5-1) and is probably pretty scary for the competition, based on that," Black told AAP. "They've been patchy over the journey ... they did it on grand final day last but over the course they've struggled for four-quarter efforts. "It's hard to have in modern footy - momentum's a big thing - but Brisbane's allowing those things to happen a bit too regularly." Black backed veteran Darcy Gardiner to retain his place in the remodelled forward line but thinks pressure from below will be inevitable. Fit-again pair Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee, as well as rookie forwards Ty Gallop and Will McLachlan, are pushing their case in the VFL. "There's pressure coming and it's keeping guys on their toes," he said. "Jaspa Fletcher, he's really stood up. He would have felt a bit of pressure and he's embraced it and elevated his game." Simon Black fears Charlie Cameron's wastefulness will be "costly" for the Brisbane Lions but thinks the veteran is the key to unlocking a new level for the defending AFL premiers. Cameron has been kept goalless in three of seven games this season, his 8.13 haul an anomaly in a 12-year career averaging 1.6 goals for every behind. Club great Black admits the 30-year-old's accuracy is a concern and that the same side that romped to last year's flag - two decades after he was part of the Lions' three-peat - will get "found out" if their patchy form continues. "It's good he's still getting looks but he can certainly waste that ball, can't he," Black told AAP. "It can cost you. A quality player getting the ball in his hands through ability and talent, but missing shots regularly ... that really hurts your team. "You've got to have a level of accuracy. They've got lots of avenues to goal but he's got to find a way to be more consistent with his conversion. "That worries me." The Lions ranked last (41.6 per cent) in kicks retained in forward-50 entries before Sunday's game, when their star-studded midfield was beaten by North Melbourne's engine room. There is no quick fix but Black thinks Cameron is central to the equation, particularly since the retirement of key forward Joe Daniher. "Joey, based on results, hasn't been a big loss to this point but guys like him are pretty handy in the big finals as he showed (last season)," Black said. "The small forward pressure up there is so important without Daniher's dominance in the air." Brisbane will wear guernseys inspired by Callum Ah Chee's family history against Melbourne on Sunday as part of the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Believing it's a mental issue, Black hopes the occasion will spark something inside Cameron. "His ability to make good contact with the ball ... you see sometimes he's flat-out kicking a drop punt on goal, getting the ball anywhere near the goals, when he's such a skilled player," he said. "That's his great challenge and (if solved) he can take the Lions to a new level. "But the good thing is he's getting lots of looks." Despite their struggles, the Lions have enjoyed their best start to a season as a merged club and occupy top spot on the ladder (7-1-1) after nine rounds. "It's quite remarkable ... they're finding a way and it's stark from where they were last year (13th, 3-5-1) and is probably pretty scary for the competition, based on that," Black told AAP. "They've been patchy over the journey ... they did it on grand final day last but over the course they've struggled for four-quarter efforts. "It's hard to have in modern footy - momentum's a big thing - but Brisbane's allowing those things to happen a bit too regularly." Black backed veteran Darcy Gardiner to retain his place in the remodelled forward line but thinks pressure from below will be inevitable. Fit-again pair Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee, as well as rookie forwards Ty Gallop and Will McLachlan, are pushing their case in the VFL. "There's pressure coming and it's keeping guys on their toes," he said. "Jaspa Fletcher, he's really stood up. He would have felt a bit of pressure and he's embraced it and elevated his game." Simon Black fears Charlie Cameron's wastefulness will be "costly" for the Brisbane Lions but thinks the veteran is the key to unlocking a new level for the defending AFL premiers. Cameron has been kept goalless in three of seven games this season, his 8.13 haul an anomaly in a 12-year career averaging 1.6 goals for every behind. Club great Black admits the 30-year-old's accuracy is a concern and that the same side that romped to last year's flag - two decades after he was part of the Lions' three-peat - will get "found out" if their patchy form continues. "It's good he's still getting looks but he can certainly waste that ball, can't he," Black told AAP. "It can cost you. A quality player getting the ball in his hands through ability and talent, but missing shots regularly ... that really hurts your team. "You've got to have a level of accuracy. They've got lots of avenues to goal but he's got to find a way to be more consistent with his conversion. "That worries me." The Lions ranked last (41.6 per cent) in kicks retained in forward-50 entries before Sunday's game, when their star-studded midfield was beaten by North Melbourne's engine room. There is no quick fix but Black thinks Cameron is central to the equation, particularly since the retirement of key forward Joe Daniher. "Joey, based on results, hasn't been a big loss to this point but guys like him are pretty handy in the big finals as he showed (last season)," Black said. "The small forward pressure up there is so important without Daniher's dominance in the air." Brisbane will wear guernseys inspired by Callum Ah Chee's family history against Melbourne on Sunday as part of the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Believing it's a mental issue, Black hopes the occasion will spark something inside Cameron. "His ability to make good contact with the ball ... you see sometimes he's flat-out kicking a drop punt on goal, getting the ball anywhere near the goals, when he's such a skilled player," he said. "That's his great challenge and (if solved) he can take the Lions to a new level. "But the good thing is he's getting lots of looks." Despite their struggles, the Lions have enjoyed their best start to a season as a merged club and occupy top spot on the ladder (7-1-1) after nine rounds. "It's quite remarkable ... they're finding a way and it's stark from where they were last year (13th, 3-5-1) and is probably pretty scary for the competition, based on that," Black told AAP. "They've been patchy over the journey ... they did it on grand final day last but over the course they've struggled for four-quarter efforts. "It's hard to have in modern footy - momentum's a big thing - but Brisbane's allowing those things to happen a bit too regularly." Black backed veteran Darcy Gardiner to retain his place in the remodelled forward line but thinks pressure from below will be inevitable. Fit-again pair Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee, as well as rookie forwards Ty Gallop and Will McLachlan, are pushing their case in the VFL. "There's pressure coming and it's keeping guys on their toes," he said. "Jaspa Fletcher, he's really stood up. He would have felt a bit of pressure and he's embraced it and elevated his game."
West Australian
13-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Black's Cameron concern despite Lions' 'scary' state
Simon Black fears Charlie Cameron's wastefulness will be "costly" for the Brisbane Lions but thinks the veteran is the key to unlocking a new level for the defending AFL premiers. Cameron has been kept goalless in three of seven games this season, his 8.13 haul an anomaly in a 12-year career averaging 1.6 goals for every behind. Club great Black admits the 30-year-old's accuracy is a concern and that the same side that romped to last year's flag - two decades after he was part of the Lions' three-peat - will get "found out" if their patchy form continues. "It's good he's still getting looks but he can certainly waste that ball, can't he," Black told AAP. "It can cost you. A quality player getting the ball in his hands through ability and talent, but missing shots regularly ... that really hurts your team. "You've got to have a level of accuracy. They've got lots of avenues to goal but he's got to find a way to be more consistent with his conversion. "That worries me." The Lions ranked last (41.6 per cent) in kicks retained in forward-50 entries before Sunday's game, when their star-studded midfield was beaten by North Melbourne's engine room. There is no quick fix but Black thinks Cameron is central to the equation, particularly since the retirement of key forward Joe Daniher. "Joey, based on results, hasn't been a big loss to this point but guys like him are pretty handy in the big finals as he showed (last season)," Black said. "The small forward pressure up there is so important without Daniher's dominance in the air." Brisbane will wear guernseys inspired by Callum Ah Chee's family history against Melbourne on Sunday as part of the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Believing it's a mental issue, Black hopes the occasion will spark something inside Cameron. "His ability to make good contact with the ball ... you see sometimes he's flat-out kicking a drop punt on goal, getting the ball anywhere near the goals, when he's such a skilled player," he said. "That's his great challenge and (if solved) he can take the Lions to a new level. "But the good thing is he's getting lots of looks." Despite their struggles, the Lions have enjoyed their best start to a season as a merged club and occupy top spot on the ladder (7-1-1) after nine rounds. "It's quite remarkable ... they're finding a way and it's stark from where they were last year (13th, 3-5-1) and is probably pretty scary for the competition, based on that," Black told AAP. "They've been patchy over the journey ... they did it on grand final day last but over the course they've struggled for four-quarter efforts. "It's hard to have in modern footy - momentum's a big thing - but Brisbane's allowing those things to happen a bit too regularly." Black backed veteran Darcy Gardiner to retain his place in the remodelled forward line but thinks pressure from below will be inevitable. Fit-again pair Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee, as well as rookie forwards Ty Gallop and Will McLachlan, are pushing their case in the VFL. "There's pressure coming and it's keeping guys on their toes," he said. "Jaspa Fletcher, he's really stood up. He would have felt a bit of pressure and he's embraced it and elevated his game."
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Black's Cameron concern despite Lions' 'scary' state
Simon Black fears Charlie Cameron's wastefulness will be "costly" for the Brisbane Lions but thinks the veteran is the key to unlocking a new level for the defending AFL premiers. Cameron has been kept goalless in three of seven games this season, his 8.13 haul an anomaly in a 12-year career averaging 1.6 goals for every behind. Club great Black admits the 30-year-old's accuracy is a concern and that the same side that romped to last year's flag - two decades after he was part of the Lions' three-peat - will get "found out" if their patchy form continues. "It's good he's still getting looks but he can certainly waste that ball, can't he," Black told AAP. "It can cost you. A quality player getting the ball in his hands through ability and talent, but missing shots regularly ... that really hurts your team. "You've got to have a level of accuracy. They've got lots of avenues to goal but he's got to find a way to be more consistent with his conversion. "That worries me." The Lions ranked last (41.6 per cent) in kicks retained in forward-50 entries before Sunday's game, when their star-studded midfield was beaten by North Melbourne's engine room. There is no quick fix but Black thinks Cameron is central to the equation, particularly since the retirement of key forward Joe Daniher. "Joey, based on results, hasn't been a big loss to this point but guys like him are pretty handy in the big finals as he showed (last season)," Black said. "The small forward pressure up there is so important without Daniher's dominance in the air." Brisbane will wear guernseys inspired by Callum Ah Chee's family history against Melbourne on Sunday as part of the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Believing it's a mental issue, Black hopes the occasion will spark something inside Cameron. "His ability to make good contact with the ball ... you see sometimes he's flat-out kicking a drop punt on goal, getting the ball anywhere near the goals, when he's such a skilled player," he said. "That's his great challenge and (if solved) he can take the Lions to a new level. "But the good thing is he's getting lots of looks." Despite their struggles, the Lions have enjoyed their best start to a season as a merged club and occupy top spot on the ladder (7-1-1) after nine rounds. "It's quite remarkable ... they're finding a way and it's stark from where they were last year (13th, 3-5-1) and is probably pretty scary for the competition, based on that," Black told AAP. "They've been patchy over the journey ... they did it on grand final day last but over the course they've struggled for four-quarter efforts. "It's hard to have in modern footy - momentum's a big thing - but Brisbane's allowing those things to happen a bit too regularly." Black backed veteran Darcy Gardiner to retain his place in the remodelled forward line but thinks pressure from below will be inevitable. Fit-again pair Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee, as well as rookie forwards Ty Gallop and Will McLachlan, are pushing their case in the VFL. "There's pressure coming and it's keeping guys on their toes," he said. "Jaspa Fletcher, he's really stood up. He would have felt a bit of pressure and he's embraced it and elevated his game."
