Latest news with #NickBlakey
7NEWS
2 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Swans keep Tigers goalless for over a half in much-needed win
Sydney have strangled Richmond for a badly needed 44-point win, keeping the Tigers goalless for more than a half at the MCG. The Swans' slogging 11.14 (80) to 4.12 (36) win in cold conditions on Saturday was only their third in 11 visits to the MCG, punctuated by two heavy grand final losses over the past three years. Sydney's record improves to 5-8, giving their season a glimmer of hope. After last weekend's last-quarter fadeout against GWS, Richmond started brightly and led by 12 points at quarter time. But the rebuilding Tigers did not kick a goal from 19 minutes in the first quarter until 22 minutes into the last — unofficially a club record. All-Australian defender Nick Blakey, derided this week by some in the media as one of the season's biggest disappointments, was outstanding with 34 disposals and eight inside 50s. Isaac Heeney starred in the midfield and James Jordon played his role to perfection as a defensive forward on in-form Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin, kicking three goals. Tigers onballer Dion Prestia was on fire in the first quarter with 13 possessions, but James Rowbottom then paid him more attention and he only had 21 for the game. Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy also had a day out, beating Richmond captain Toby Nankervis in another crucial match-up for the Swans. The longer the game went, the more apparent was Nankervis's frustration. Coming off big losses to Melbourne - at the MCG - and Adelaide at home, the Swans were in big trouble early. Richmond had 10 of the first 12 inside 50s and it was 10-4 at quarter time, with the tackle count also a lopsided 11-6 in the Tigers' favour. But Sydney made the game a scrap at the start of the second term and Heeney kicked a goal at 13 minutes to give them the lead. The Swans led by 14 points at the main break and they kicked 10 unanswered goals until Seth Campbell put through his second late in the final term.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Goal drought: Tigers stumble, Swans finally fire at MCG
Sydney have strangled Richmond for a badly needed 44-point win, keeping the Tigers goal-less for more than a half at the MCG. The Swans' slogging 11.14 (80) to 4.12 (36) win in cold conditions on Saturday was only their third in 11 visits to the MCG, punctuated by two heavy grand final losses over the past three years. Sydney's record improves to 5-8, giving their season a glimmer of hope. After last weekend's last-quarter fadeout against GWS, Richmond started brightly and led by 12 points at quarter time. But the rebuilding Tigers did not kick a goal from 19 minutes in the first quarter until 22 minutes into the last - unofficially a club record. All-Australian defender Nick Blakey, derided this week by some in the media as one of the season's biggest disappointments, was outstanding with 34 disposals and eight inside 50s. Isaac Heeney starred in the midfield and James Jordon played his role to perfection as a defensive forward on in-form Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin, kicking three goals. Tigers onballer Dion Prestia was on fire in the first quarter with 13 possessions, but James Rowbottom then paid him more attention and he only had 21 for the game. Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy also had a day out, beating Richmond captain Toby Nankervis in another crucial match-up for the Swans. The longer the game went, the more apparent was Nankervis's frustration. Coming off big losses to Melbourne - at the MCG - and Adelaide at home, the Swans were in big trouble early. Richmond had 10 of the first 12 inside 50s and it was 10-4 at quarter time, with the tackle count also a lopsided 11-6 in the Tigers' favour. But Sydney made the game a scrap at the start of the second term and Heeney kicked a goal at 13 minutes to give them the lead. The Swans led by 14 points at the main break and they kicked 10 unanswered goals until Seth Campbell put through his second late in the final term.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Goal drought: Tigers stumble, Swans finally fire at MCG
Sydney have strangled Richmond for a badly needed 44-point win, keeping the Tigers goal-less for more than a half at the MCG. The Swans' slogging 11.14 (80) to 4.12 (36) win in cold conditions on Saturday was only their third in 11 visits to the MCG, punctuated by two heavy grand final losses over the past three years. Sydney's record improves to 5-8, giving their season a glimmer of hope. After last weekend's last-quarter fadeout against GWS, Richmond started brightly and led by 12 points at quarter time. But the rebuilding Tigers did not kick a goal from 19 minutes in the first quarter until 22 minutes into the last - unofficially a club record. All-Australian defender Nick Blakey, derided this week by some in the media as one of the season's biggest disappointments, was outstanding with 34 disposals and eight inside 50s. Isaac Heeney starred in the midfield and James Jordon played his role to perfection as a defensive forward on in-form Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin, kicking three goals. Tigers onballer Dion Prestia was on fire in the first quarter with 13 possessions, but James Rowbottom then paid him more attention and he only had 21 for the game. Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy also had a day out, beating Richmond captain Toby Nankervis in another crucial match-up for the Swans. The longer the game went, the more apparent was Nankervis's frustration. Coming off big losses to Melbourne - at the MCG - and Adelaide at home, the Swans were in big trouble early. Richmond had 10 of the first 12 inside 50s and it was 10-4 at quarter time, with the tackle count also a lopsided 11-6 in the Tigers' favour. But Sydney made the game a scrap at the start of the second term and Heeney kicked a goal at 13 minutes to give them the lead. The Swans led by 14 points at the main break and they kicked 10 unanswered goals until Seth Campbell put through his second late in the final term.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bombers' Merrett cleared, stays eligible for Brownlow
Essendon captain Zach Merrett remains in Brownlow Medal contention after he was cleared by the AFL over his high contact with Sydney's Nick Blakey. Blakey passed a head injury assessment after he was struck in the head by Merrett as the players contested a loose ball in the Bombers' win over the Swans on Saturday night. The match review assessment on Sunday was that Merrett had his eyes on the ball and did not breach his duty of care to Blakey. "Merrett and Blakey approach the ball from opposite directions and with his eyes on the ball, Merrett attempts to tap the ball over Blakey's head and after making contact with the ball, Merrett makes high contact with Blakey," the AFL said. "It was the view of the match review officer that Merrett made a genuine attempt at the ball and that his actions did not constitute a breach of the duty of care he owed to Blakey." As of Sunday night, Merrett was fifth-favourite in Sportsbet's Brownlow market. Merrett attempted to hit the ball forward, but also made high contact with Blakey. The Swans defender then went off in the final minutes of the match and did not return. "I thought I tapped all ball; I was about to kick the goal," Merrett told Fox Footy after the match. "I haven't seen it, but I don't think there's anything to worry about." Sydney coach Dean Cox agreed there wasn't any malice on Merrett's part. "I think both players were just going at the ball," Cox said. "The timing … that's probably all I can say from watching it live. "I didn't have time to look at it after that. I was trying to get the result we needed." Adelaide defender Mark Keane, who took a game-saving mark in Saturday night's Showdown, was cleared of a match-day report for kicking Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson. Essendon's Will Setterfield was fined for tripping.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sydney Swans fans fume over Zach Merrett incident after Nick Blakey update
Zach Merrett will be waiting to hear back from the Match Review Officer after levelling Swans defender Nick Blakey in the final stages of Essendon's win over Sydney with AFL fans calling for consistency. The Swans could count themselves unfortunate to have gone down by eight points in their 11.5 (71) to 8.15 (63) loss at Marvel Stadium on Saturday evening with their goal-kicking a concern. However, the Swans could have also been left fuming with the moment in the fourth quarter halting their momentum. The first came when Essendon star Merrett played at a ball with a few minutes left and clipped Blakey in the head. Blakey played at the ball, but Merrett came over the top and collected Blakey in the head as the ball went flying. The Swans defender laid motionless on the ground for a moment, before continuing. He then made one of the plays of the year in defence just a minute later as he sprinted 30 metres to spoil a certain Essendon goal. Although Blakey was removed from the field for a HIA with just minutes left, which ruled him out of the contest. But in good news for the Swans, Blakey passed the HIA with the club set to monitor the defender for signs of concussion. Blakey should be set to line-up next for the Swans. Regardless, this leaves Merrett waiting to find out if the MRO feels he needs to spend time on the sideline. Speaking after the game, Merrett defended his actions. "I thought I tapped all ball, I was about to kick the goal," Merrett told Fox Footy. "I haven't seen it, but I don't think there's anything to worry about." Swans coach Dean Cox admitted: "Both people just going at the ball." While the players and coaches were coy on the incident, fans called for consistency. Swans star Lewis Melican was banned for three games last week for his swinging arm that collected Toby Bedford from the Giants. Reporter Alex Donnelly called for the AFL and MRO to show consistency, which would see Merrett cop a suspension after last week's precedent. Tigers legend Jack Riewoldt felt Merrett would be fine having not taken his eyes off the ball. 'That's a footy play … I think he's trying to tap the ball, and you can see clearly that his eyes are looking a the football. It's just an unfortunate accident," he said on Fox Sports. 'You can see Blakey in the rooms, he looks like he's okay after undergoing the HIA assessment.' Fox Footy reporter Jay Clark also didn't think Merrett would be in trouble. 'I think he'll be fine, I think it was a genuine attempt on the ball,' he said on Saturday night after the game. 'I think it was very different to the Lewis Melican on Toby Bedford that we saw last week. Melican got three matches for that heavy strike (but) Zach Merrett, he's looking at the ball. It's a bit of a glancing blow to Nick Blakey. 'I think his head hits the pillow tonight really comfortably. The ball is right there, it's an accidental clip of the head. Eyes on the ball, that's the big cue for the MRO. I think he'll be okay.' Fans were more divided with plenty feeling Merrett should face similar scrutiny as Melican did last week. If the AFL and the MRO is consistent;Lewis Melican got 3 weeks for his hit on Bedford last week, Zach Merrett must be suspended for his hit on Blakey too.#AFLDonsSwans — Alex Donnelly (@AlexJDonnelly) May 10, 2025 Huge consistency test for the AFL regarding Zach Merrett. All similar incidents have resulted in 1-2 week suspensions so far this year. Will we see a brownlow contender get off once again? #AFLDonsSwans — Brody Burrows (@BrodyBurrows) May 10, 2025 How many weeks? Same as Melican? — Vinnie Gulden (@CarnBloods) May 10, 2025 Eyes on the footy, got ball. No case to worry about — Kyle Hopkins (@Hoppo_22) May 10, 2025 Essendon captain Merrett is believed to be only behind Jordan Dawson and Brisbane Lions captain Lachie Neale in the Brownlow race. If he is suspended for two matches he will not be eligible to win the medal. Unfortunately for Essendon, Lewis Hayes apperaered to sustain an ACL injury in the victory. Coach Brad Scott was full of praised for the youngster and was devastated after the update. "Lewis Hayes looks like an AFL player, but unfortunately ... we'll wait to absolutely confirm, but it's almost certain that he's done an ACL," Essendon coach Scott said. "I don't know how you sort of handle all of this, other than to say when you face adversity, you've got to come through it. It's just devastating for 'Hayesy' because he's worked so hard to get this opportunity, and he took it. I thought he looked right at home."
