Latest news with #SirDougNichollsRound
The Guardian
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Melbourne's muscular missile Kozzie Pickett ensures Demons' revival continues
Kozzie Pickett's dad Kevin is an artist, a sculptor and perhaps incongruously, a stand-up comedian. He also designed the Demons' Indigenous guernsey. His son sculpted the game to his will on Sunday, booting five goals, having a hand in many more and playing a major role in a 53-point trouncing of Sydney. The little missile of muscle began to impose himself on the game at the MCG early in the second term – a burst out of a stoppage here, a rundown tackle there. Alan Jeans once said that Gary Ayres was 'a good driver in heavy traffic' and the same could be said of Pickett, albeit in a completely different way. Ayres navigated traffic with minimum fuss, eyes in the back of his head and an imperious air. Pickett is more like a dragster in the way he explodes out of heavy congestion. In the third term in particular, he scudded in and out of bodies in the middle of the ground. But he inflicted most of his damage further afield. His five goals came in a variety of ways – lurking out the back, spearing from a stoppage, dobbing from long range and an acute angle, and one of those opportunistic snaps while everyone dithers over whether advantage will be paid. Some of his best work didn't even result in goals, including the consummate crumb off the pack at full speed in the final term, which he then dribbled into the post. When the Dees – rebranded Narrm for the weekend's Sir Doug Nicholls Round – were in their rut earlier in the season, Pickett's absence through suspension was sorely felt. It was obvious in the Fremantle win – one of the best games he's played – just how much he means to this team, and what a point of difference he is. He had a few high-profile mates on Sunday. When Christian Petracca led the Dees out for his 200th game, he was poked in the face by a little kid with a flag. When he took his first mark, he received a generous round of applause. When he kicked his first goal, they played That's Amore over the loudspeaker. I still get mild PTSD from the song, as I picture Vito cooking for Johnny Cakes in The Sopranos. Perracca has had his own trauma to contend with, after he broke four ribs, lacerated his spleen and punctured his lung just under a year ago. But he was excellent on Sunday – adept on both plains of his body and, like Pickett, at full horse-power . He was criticised earlier this year for showing too much emotion, and his explanation this week was a ripper. 'I express emotion. I'm Italian. I wear my heart on my sleeve. The way we talk is with expression and emotion. I feel everything deeply. I was frustrated after a loss, but what competitor isn't?' Sydney could have done with a bit of that Italian emotion. They were lifeless. There was no spark, no run, no appetite for risk and not a lot of skill. The same could be said of their last two ventures to the MCG – one on a hazy Sunday against Richmond and the other as favourites on grand final day. They'd occasionally try and pick off the challenging kick through the middle of the ground, but the Dees had cordoned it off with red and blue witches hats. Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion 'It'll turn,' coach Simon Goodwin said following the Essendon loss in Gather Round. It was a hard sell at that precise moment but he's since been proved right. Michael Voss is saying similar things at Carlton. Everything about the Blues' game is laboured right now, and a lot of that labour is in vain. They loom and fade. They're a team that gives the impression – even if it can seem a little forced and constructed – that they're out there to have fun, that they're focussed on lightening the load. And that's fine. But there's an anxiety and a heaviness that creeps into their game when things get tight. Afterwards, the coach speaks with an equanimity that's at odds with how they play, and what we see. To finish with, it's worth wheeling back to the opening game of the round. Initially, it was marketed around Bailey Smith. Then, as Luke Beveridge stalked the boundary line, he made eye contact with a man whose eyes and opinions are impossible to avoid if you follow this sport. Bevo not a man to cross at the best of times, let alone five minutes before one of the most important games of the season. He was coiled and Kane Cornes was stirring. If you can be bothered – and all credit to you if you can't – look at Cornes' body language – gently edging towards him, just being mildly provocative enough, the posture of a man saying 'aren't I entitled to a hello?' It's a shame, because it detracted from what was a crackerjack of a game. Sometimes we give too much credit to high scoring contests, and indeed to the high scoring eras of the game, but this showcased some of the best of the sport. As well as the Bulldogs played, and as unlucky as they were, they still have their flaws, especially in close games. Somehow, they have the same number of wins as Essendon, which says a lot about the vagaries of the fixture and the redundancy of the ladder.
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Essendon v Richmond AFL Round 11: Live updates, SuperCoach scores, teams
Essendon and Richmond will push for the AFL to schedule next year's Dreamtime game a week earlier to ensure it remains at 'the pinnacle' of Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Tigers chief executive Shane Dunne said both clubs were thrilled with the annual match moving to Friday night for the first time this season, but it would prefer it was held on the opening weekend of the round to commemorate Last week, Richmond was the only AFL club not to wear its Indigenous guernsey as it decided to 'honour the tradition' of the Dreamtime game by saving it for the occasion. The Tigers did the same when the game was fixtured on the second weekend last season, and it is understood the club gave heavy consideration to the decision in both years. Essendon wore its Indigenous jumper against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, but it was emblazoned with 'Dreamtime at the 'G' across the chest. The AFL has run Sir Doug Nicholls Round over two weekends since 2019, with the Dreamtime game played on the first weekend in the non-Covid affected years until 2024. 'No matter when it's played, Dreamtime will always stand as the flagship game of Sir Doug Nicholls Round,' Dunne told the Herald Sun. 'We are incredibly proud of the significance it continues to hold – both culturally and within the broader community. 'Our top priority is ensuring the game is accessible to as many people as possible. We think it should always be on free-to-air television, and ideally positioned in the opening week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.' It's time for Dreamtime at the 'G 🖤ðŸ'›â�¤ï¸� — Richmond FC ðŸ�¯ (@Richmond_FC) May 22, 2025 A game fit for the biggest of stages. Let’s rock the ‘G tonight, Bomber Army ðŸ'° — Essendon FC (@essendonfc) May 22, 2025 Essendon boss Craig Vozzo said the Bombers were 'extremely keen' for the match to return to the start of the round from next season. 'Friday night football commands a massive broadcast audience on Channel 7 and Fox Footy … it's crucial for Dreamtime at the G to reach as many Australian households as possible, as it's a powerful celebration of our proud Indigenous connection to the game,' Vozzo said. 'We're extremely keen for it to kick-off the fortnight of footy … the game deserves that place in our football calendar. 'Kevin Sheedy's vision for 'Dreamtime at the 'G' was revolutionary. He didn't just see a football match – together with Michael Long, they saw a powerful platform for reconciliation, a spectacle to celebrate Indigenous culture, and a terrific way to honour the immense contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to our great game.' The Tigers said they were mindful that many Indigenous Victorians lived in regional areas, and would 'engage directly with community voices' to help people attend the game in future years. Both clubs will have Indigenous players on the field after Essendon forward Jade Gresham overcame an adductor injury and Richmond pair Rhyan Mansell and Maurice Rioli were named to play. It would have been Essendon's first time without selecting an Indigenous player in a Dreamtime game, while Richmond has regularly fielded five players in previous years. 'We believe this game continues to play a crucial role in promoting Indigenous participation,' Dunne said. 'More Indigenous players make our game better … we are a lesser sport without their involvement. 'But this isn't just about playing – it's about creating a sense of belonging and opportunity within the game.'
ABC News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
AFL round 11 Geelong v Western Bulldogs live updates — blog, scores and stats from Kardinia Park
Geelong and the Western Bulldogs open the second week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round with a blockbuster clash at Kardinia Park. Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.
The Advertiser
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Bombers' Dreamtime record intact as Gresham returns
Essendon's record of fielding at least one Indigenous player in every "Dreamtime at the G'' contest will remain intact after Jade Gresham declared himself fit. Sidelined by an adductor strain for the past two weeks, Gresham is set to return when the Bombers take on Richmond in the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round feature match at the MCG on Friday night. "I'm all good to go. I got through training yesterday and Brad (Scott) gave me the all-clear that I'd be playing Friday night, which is awesome," Gresham said. "It's a game you want to play, as an Indigenous player, every year. "To be able to run out this week and represent your people is going to be really important for the footy club and, more broadly, for the AFL and the community." Former St Kilda forward Gresham, a proud Yorta Yorta man, will feature in "Dreamtime at the G'' for the second time, after running out in front of almost 80,000 fans last season. "I grew up coming to these games every year and running around in the Auskick at halftime," Gresham said. "I always dreamt to be able to run out in 'Dreamtime' and it's just an awesome occasion for the Indigenous community to represent your people." Richmond will also have at least one Indigenous player in Friday night's contest, with Rhyan Mansell set to play and Maurice Rioli Jr in the selection mix. Mansell, a proud Pakana man, helped design the Tigers' predominantly yellow "Dreamtime'' guernsey and addressed his teammates this week during Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrations. "I told my story, my family's story and (that of) the guernsey," Mansell said. "We're really celebrating the week and what it really means to us as a footy club. "We've got good (Indigenous) history and we've got a lot of new boys coming in this week for their first Dreamtime (game). It's going to be very exciting." Essendon's record of fielding at least one Indigenous player in every "Dreamtime at the G'' contest will remain intact after Jade Gresham declared himself fit. Sidelined by an adductor strain for the past two weeks, Gresham is set to return when the Bombers take on Richmond in the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round feature match at the MCG on Friday night. "I'm all good to go. I got through training yesterday and Brad (Scott) gave me the all-clear that I'd be playing Friday night, which is awesome," Gresham said. "It's a game you want to play, as an Indigenous player, every year. "To be able to run out this week and represent your people is going to be really important for the footy club and, more broadly, for the AFL and the community." Former St Kilda forward Gresham, a proud Yorta Yorta man, will feature in "Dreamtime at the G'' for the second time, after running out in front of almost 80,000 fans last season. "I grew up coming to these games every year and running around in the Auskick at halftime," Gresham said. "I always dreamt to be able to run out in 'Dreamtime' and it's just an awesome occasion for the Indigenous community to represent your people." Richmond will also have at least one Indigenous player in Friday night's contest, with Rhyan Mansell set to play and Maurice Rioli Jr in the selection mix. Mansell, a proud Pakana man, helped design the Tigers' predominantly yellow "Dreamtime'' guernsey and addressed his teammates this week during Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrations. "I told my story, my family's story and (that of) the guernsey," Mansell said. "We're really celebrating the week and what it really means to us as a footy club. "We've got good (Indigenous) history and we've got a lot of new boys coming in this week for their first Dreamtime (game). It's going to be very exciting." Essendon's record of fielding at least one Indigenous player in every "Dreamtime at the G'' contest will remain intact after Jade Gresham declared himself fit. Sidelined by an adductor strain for the past two weeks, Gresham is set to return when the Bombers take on Richmond in the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round feature match at the MCG on Friday night. "I'm all good to go. I got through training yesterday and Brad (Scott) gave me the all-clear that I'd be playing Friday night, which is awesome," Gresham said. "It's a game you want to play, as an Indigenous player, every year. "To be able to run out this week and represent your people is going to be really important for the footy club and, more broadly, for the AFL and the community." Former St Kilda forward Gresham, a proud Yorta Yorta man, will feature in "Dreamtime at the G'' for the second time, after running out in front of almost 80,000 fans last season. "I grew up coming to these games every year and running around in the Auskick at halftime," Gresham said. "I always dreamt to be able to run out in 'Dreamtime' and it's just an awesome occasion for the Indigenous community to represent your people." Richmond will also have at least one Indigenous player in Friday night's contest, with Rhyan Mansell set to play and Maurice Rioli Jr in the selection mix. Mansell, a proud Pakana man, helped design the Tigers' predominantly yellow "Dreamtime'' guernsey and addressed his teammates this week during Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrations. "I told my story, my family's story and (that of) the guernsey," Mansell said. "We're really celebrating the week and what it really means to us as a footy club. "We've got good (Indigenous) history and we've got a lot of new boys coming in this week for their first Dreamtime (game). It's going to be very exciting."
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Long: Indigenous participation ‘too important'
AFL great Michael Long says 'we all have a role' in improving the number of Indigenous players and hopes Sir Doug Nicholls Round inspires change across the competition. There are now only 62 Indigenous players in the competition, a 28 per cent drop across the past five years and a 19-year low. Long, who is setting up a foundation to encourage an influx of Indigenous players, says fixing participation extends beyond just the AFL. 'I suppose there's a lot of things the clubs can do, not just the AFL, and football is played at all different levels and countrywide and remote communities,' he said. 'I think we all have a role to play and I think we spoke to some of the clubs in Adelaide about how can we work closely with the clubs and resource the clubs. 'It's too important, obviously we've seen the dip, but we want to improve that and give every kid the opportunity – boys and girls. 'We are looking at setting up a Long foundation at Windy Hill, working with the club, not just pathway but pathway programs. 'It's something we want to see improvement on, not lowering.' Michael Long (left) behind Essendon's only Indigenous player in Dreamtime at the 'G – Jade Gresham. Michael Klein Credit: News Corp Australia Long was one of the most exciting Indigenous players in the competition over his 190-game career at the Bombers. Since his retirement, Long has supported Indigenous people in various ways including 'The Long Walk', which is now a Dreamtime tradition. Long said he anticipated the fall in Indigenous participation and was working with AFL clubs to regenerate it. 'I saw it coming a few years ago with what was happening, not just on the field, but off the field,' he said. 'I suppose that's why we announced a few weeks ago how can we support clubs, resource clubs, but also players and families. 'Nothing is perfect in this world, but we want to see it get better, we definitely do, and that's from past players. 'This week we embrace what clubs do and the good things that happen, that's important. 'Hopefully, from this week we can have those discussions from the AFL – you've got to lead from the top, it's important we provide that pathway.' Long fronted media at the MCG alongside this year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round honoree Stephen Michael.
