The Power From Port.com > News > 2002 > June

Saturday 1st

Talk of revenge off mark Herald Sun

Sunday 2nd

Power joins Lions after rolling Hawks The Game

Power trounce Hawks Sportal AFL
Port Adelaide has joined Collingwood, Brisbane and Adelaide at the top of the AFL ladder after a comprehensive 40-point win over Hawthorn at York Park.

The SA premiership push Official AFL
The sheer thought of it is enough to keep most Victorian footy fans awake at night – both South Australian AFL teams playing a significant role come September.

Tredrea leaves a mark on Tasmania Official AFL
Tasmania’s AFL-starved footy fans may only get to witness two home-and-away games per season but the record 18,112 that packed into Launceston’s York Park for the Hawthorn-Port Adelaide clash were privileged to witness one of the finest displays of marking imaginable.

Tassie fans please the Power Official AFL
The bulk of them might have been barracking against his team but Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams gave Tasmania’s footy fans a special thank-you after his side ended Hawthorn’s unbeaten run at Launceston’s York Park.

Power home ABC
Port Adelaide have turned the table on last year's loss to Hawthorn in the AFL finals to clip the Hawks wings by 40 points in Launceston.

Rehn urges Hawks to stand tall Herald Sun

Monday 3rd

We'll give young ones a go, hints Williams Official Power
Last year Port Adelaide used less players through the season than any other club, only 32 in fact. So far in 2002, it’s a similar story – just 27 have had a go. But that may be about to change as Power coach Mark Williams has flagged a new system on the back of impressive performances from Scott Bassett and Shaun Burgoyne.

Salmon even money for Port AFL Essendon
Essendon veteran Paul Salmon is rated a 50/50 chance to play this week against Port Adelaide on Saturday night at Colonial Stadium, according to coach Kevin Sheedy.

Early openers: A look at round 11 Official AFL

There's Power in continuity for Port AFL Record
The Port Adelaide team which arrives at Colonial Stadium for Saturday night’s match-of-the-round against Essendon will be a vastly different outfit to the one which met the Bombers in the first game ever staged at Melbourne’s newest AFL venue. Or is it?

Wanganeen no certainty for Bombers Official Power
Gavin Wanganeen is not a certainty to play against Essendon on Saturday night. The Power has listed the former Bomber as a ‘test’ and will monitor the superstar at training this week.

It's 50/50 against Bombers: Tredrea Official Power
When Warren Tredrea, Port’s All-Australian forward, was asked by a television reporter before Monday’s light training run whether he was conscious of Essendon’s record at Colonial Stadium, he laughed and said: “I’m conscious of it now because you highlighted it. “Every time we play Essendon we think it’s a 50-50 game because if we bring our footy to the fore, we know we can win. 

It's tough at the top as AFL tightens up Yahoo AFL
Four teams level on top and all but one team holding finals hopes makes for an AFL campaign more competitive than anyone expected approaching mid-season.

Five sides in race for top four with Port storming home Sydney Morning Herald
Still a week before the half-way mark of the season, the AFL's top echelon appears to have been established with Brisbane, Port Adelaide, Adelaide, Collingwood and Essendon in prime position to claim a place in the top four from where, almost certainly, the premier will emerge.

Hawks become the hunted Herald Sun
York Park had been a happy hunting ground for the Hawks, but yesterday they became the hunted and the kill wasn't pretty. Before yesterday the Hawks were unbeaten in their four regular and pre-season games at York Park.

Schwab laments form drop Herald Sun
Even Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab yesterday had to admit his team was playing "very ordinary" football. Yesterday's 40-point loss to Port Adelaide at York Park follows last week's 38-point defeat by West Coast and leaves the Hawks outside the top eight on percentage.

Hawthorn's lone ranger Herald Sun
At just 174cm and 75kg, Shane Crawford was the smallest man on the field when Hawthorn faced up to Port Adelaide at York Park yesterday. Pity he had to carry the heaviest load. Again.

New challengers create a new season Real Footy
Have a look at the AFL ladder on the eve of the halfway point of the season, and you realise just how quickly and dramatically football's landscape can alter.

Port proves it's a power side Real Footy

Schwab warns Hawks risk being left behind Real Footy
Hawthorn was last night tipped out of the top eight, prompting coach Peter Schwab to warn that his team risked losing touch with the league's frontrunners unless its form turned around.

Tuesday 4th

Power players in the SANFL Official Power
On the weekend Brendon Lade and Darren Mead played their first games in the SANFL in more than five years, rookie-listed Nick Jackman made his league debut for South, and Michael Stevens burnt up Richmond Oval with a best-on-ground performance.

Hird stays out despite new head gear Yahoo AFL
Essendon captain James Hird has premiered the headgear he will wear in AFL games to protect his injured face, but that did not signal an earlier than expected return to playing. 

Sheedy: I might rest Salmon Official Essendon
Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy is taking it week by week with recruit Paul Salmon and has no intention of risking him if he is not 100% fit.

Interstate sides still call MCG home in finals Real Footy
The AFL has confirmed that a non-Victorian club will have no choice but to "host" a preliminary final at the MCG in the event that the top two-ranked teams are from interstate.

Your club - June 4th Real Footy
Coach counselled over throwing phone at fan Real Footy
SANFL coach throws phone at fan Yahoo AFL

Wednesday 5th

Sheedy: Crucial game - Q&A Official Essendon

Fletcher a likely starter Official Essendon
Star Essendon full back Dustin Fletcher is a likely starter against Port Adelaide this Saturday night despite only completing half an hour of training this afternoon.

French's deserved half-century Official Power
Barnaby French has had more than a fair share of frustrations on his way to 50 AFL games, and he reaches the mini-milestone this week saying that “just to be on the ground is a good thing”.

Essendon v Port Match Preview Sportal AFL

Training news Official Power
The Power is no closer to knowing if Gavin Wanganeen is fit to take on his former club Essendon on Saturday night. The Brownlow Medallist was part of some of today’s major Power training session where he neither proved himself fit or unfit.

Port clash like a mini-final: Sheedy Official AFL
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy has labelled the Bombers’ season-defining clash with Port Adelaide at Colonial Stadium on Saturday night as a mid-season final.

Clubs should all have alternate strips Herald Sun
Essendon v Port Match Preview Official AFL

Bulldogs seek review of fine Herald Sun
Incensed by the AFL's inconsistent stand on player behaviour, the Western Bulldogs have requested the $5000 fine imposed on Nathan Brown this season be reviewed. The Bulldogs and the AFL Players' Association have both written to the league, pointing to its inaction following similar incidents involving Carlton forward Matthew Lappin and Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes.

AFL's Robin Hood plan Herald Sun
The AFL plans to turn Robin Hood and take from the rich clubs to help the poor survive. A new equalisation paper in the hands of the AFL executive looks at stopping powerful clubs reaping all the cash from blockbusters.

Your club - June 5th Real Footy

Thursday 6th

Wanganeen poised to play Herald Sun
Port Adelaide is confident Gavin Wanganeen will play in Saturday night's AFL clash against his former club Essendon at Colonial Stadium.

Ch9 footy boss named No 1 in Victoria Official Power
The Port Adelaide Football Club is pleased to announce passionate Port Adelaide supporter and current Executive Producer of Football for the Nine Network, Cos Cardone, as our No.1 ticketholder in Victoria.

Wanganeen named for Bombers clash Official Power
Power champ Gavin Wanganeen has been named to take on Essendon in the match-of-the-round at Colonial Stadium but will have to prove himself fit between now and Saturday.

AFL explains discrepancy Herald Sun
The AFL yesterday explained why Western Bulldog Nathan Brown was fined $5000 for an "indecent gesture", yet took no action against Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes for a similar act.

September now, says Sheedy Herald Sun

Sheedy urges Bombers to lift for Port Real Footy
Kevin Sheedy has labelled Saturday night's match against Port Adelaide a defining moment in Essendon's season and challenged his players to lift for the game. Speaking before training at Windy Hill yesterday, Sheedy likened the match to a final. "We've just had a pretty big meeting about where we see our season at the present time," he said.

Your club - June 6th Real Footy

Friday 7th

Essendon's Colonial record demands respect Yahoo AFL
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams has pointed to Essendon's near-faultless record at Colonial Stadium as a particular danger for non-Victorian sides ahead of Saturday night's crunch AFL clash.

Power side still not confirmed Official Power
Emergency Kane Cornes will travel to Melbourne tomorrow morning as cover for the suspect thigh of Gavin Wanganeen. The Power champ got through today’s final training session at Alberton Oval but doubts still linger over his availability for Saturday night’s crucial clash with Essendon at Colonial.

Essendon still exceptional: Williams Official Power
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams has strongly refuted local media suggestions that Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy’s comments about Saturday night’s match at Colonial Stadium being “a mini-final” might have been a ploy to “get something more out of a side that maybe hasn’t got what it takes to beat the Power”.

Hardwick to add spice Official AFL
Damien Hardwick’s much anticipated first meeting against Essendon will certainly add plenty of interest to what is arguably the match of the round clash between the Bombers and Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

Why Port don't really have the Power at all Sydney Morning Herald
As long as teams which qualify for home finals can't have them, the AFL will remain Victorian, writes Richard Hinds. Almost six years after Port Adelaide became the sixth non-Victorian team in the competition, it will still be some time before the old suburban stoush that was the Victorian Football League becomes a truly integrated national league.

Expert tips for Rd 11 The Game

Rd 11 Teams & Predictions Real Footy

Saturday 8th

Essendon succumbs to the Power Official Essendon
Port Adelaide has sounded a warning to all other finals contenders with a crushing 59-point win over the Bombers at Colonial Stadium. It was only the Bombers second ever loss at their home ground.

Port pounds Colonial Stadium AFL Essendon
Essendon has suffered only its second loss in 21 matches at Colonial Stadium and its first for nearly two years as Port Adelaide confirmed it is now the major challenger to reigning premiers Brisbane.

Time to dig deep: Sheedy Official AFL
Speaking after his side suffered only its second loss in 21 matches at Colonial Stadium courtesy of a rampant Port Adelaide, Kevin Sheedy said for the first time in recent years his players would have to come to terms with not being amongst the top four teams.

Evening up at the Docklands Official AFL
When Colonial Stadium opened for the first time in round one of the 2000 season, Port Adelaide was humbled by Essendon by almost 100 points. But that result was a distant memory as the Power became just the second club in AFL history to venture to the Bombers’ home at the Docklands and walk away with the four premiership points.

Port boosts standing as AFL contender Yahoo AFL

Revenge for Power Herald Sun
Port Adelaide enhanced its standing as an AFL premiership contender here tonight, thrashing Essendon by 59 points at Colonial Stadium.

Bombers feel the Power Sportal AFL
Port Adelaide has inflicted only Essendon’s second-ever loss at Colonial Stadium, extending its lead at every break to win by 59 points.

Dons humbled at Colonial Official AFL
Essendon has suffered only its second loss in 21 matches at Colonial Stadium and its first for nearly two years as Port Adelaide confirmed it is now the major challenger to reigning premiers Brisbane.

Fletch unlikely to make Bombers line-up Herald Sun
Essendon's All-Australian backman Dustin Fletcher is almost certain to miss tonight's game against Port Adelaide at Colonial. And that poses a major question for coach Kevin Sheedy: Who will play on Warren Tredrea?

Port faces unknown territory The Game
Port Adelaide will need to play at its peak to overcome Essendon's near-faultless record at Colonial Stadium tonight, according to Power coach Mark Williams.

Sunday 9th

Gouphie's mid-season review Official AFL
PORT ADELAIDE: Any doubts about Port’s premiership credentials are now well and truly buried after they handed Essendon only their second defeat in 21 matches at Colonial Stadium. And while the Bombers may have been without players of the quality of James Hird, Matthew Lloyd, Dustin Fletcher, Joe Misiti and Dean Solomon it should be noted Port was also without Gavin Wanganeen, Brendon Lade and forgotten pair Stephen Paxman and Michael Wilson. But with their powerful attack, devastating midfield and a much-improved defence this is one team that will take some serious stopping over the second half of the season.

Port seals its grand standing Sunday Herald Sun
A vibrant Port Adelaide cemented its standing as a genuine premiership contender with a comfortable 59-point victory against Essendon in front of more than 40,000 fans at Colonial Stadium last night.

Victorian trio in tough times Real Footy
It might be only the halfway mark of the season, but you can already pencil in two, and perhaps three, new names for the top four. Two of last year's preliminary finalists are bowed and all but broken, and the runner-up is struggling nearly as badly.

Tough and hard Power dishes it out Real Footy
Kevin Sheedy had dubbed this a mid-season final and it had that kind of feel about it from the start at Docklands last night.

Don's home joy turns sour as Port triumphs Real Footy
Port Adelaide, which had given Essendon such a dream house-warming in its first-ever game at Colonial Stadium in 2000 when the Bombers belted it by 94 points, continued its surge toward September with its fourth consecutive victory by thrashing the Bombers by 59 points.

Dons go soul searching Real Footy
Essendon, now back among the pack after successive losses, faces a test of character according to coach Kevin Sheedy.

Brutal Power push Bombers aside Sunday Mail
Port Adelaide last night ticked off another major item on its shopping list, meeting high expectations to thump Essendon by 53 points at Colonial Stadium.

Port boosts standing as AFL contender Sportswatch
Power gun down the Bombers The Sun-Herald

Monday 10th

Monty run comes to an end Official Power
Brett Montgomery will miss one and possibly two matches after injuring his knee in Saturday night’s win over Essendon.

No power strike this year: Kingsley Official Power
Adam Kingsley says Port Adelaide players will be “recharging the batteries” this weekend to try to ensure history does not repeat itself. The Power was disappointed to lose two successive matches immediately after the mid-season break last year.

Paxman comeback inspires teammates Official Power
Stephen Paxman is set to play for Central Districts in the SANFL when competition resumes in two weeks time. The Power vice-captain will play his first match in more than nine months and teammate Adam Kingsley today said his comeback from a knee reconstruction was an inspiration to the team.

Bombers search for lost strength Herald Sun
Call it soul, call it strength of character, call it what you will. Port Adelaide has an abundance of it, and Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy is hoping the Bombers find some fast.

Testing times for Bombers The Game

Bombers to bounce back, say friend and foe Real Footy
Assistant coach Robert Shaw and former Bomber, now Port Adelaide defender, Damien Hardwick said the return of key players over the coming month would help to turn around the Dons' fortunes.

Port had the soul, Bombers left with the Blues Real Footy
There was no James Hird, no Matthew Lloyd, no Joe Misiti, and in no surprise, no Dustin Fletcher. But not even the pumped-up talk of granting the Port Adelaide clash the status of a mid-season final could spark those who ventured on to the field for Essendon on Saturday night.

Football's xenophobic Victorians, accept the results and please acclaim Real Footy
If you live in Victoria, follow the football and are prone to a little xenophobia, you might want to start seeking treatment, or consider emigration, sooner rather than later.

Tuesday 11th

Some R&R for Nick Stevens Official Power
Like most players in a non-Victorian club, Port Adelaide star Nick Stevens does his share of travelling – but come this weekend, he won’t mind hitting the road again. Stevens is returning to Victoria to take advantage of the fact the Power does not have to play in week one of the round 12 split round.

Power players in the SANFL Rd 11 Official Power

Duo facing wrestling charges Official AFL
Essendon’s Mark Johnson and Port Adelaide’s Josh Carr will face the AFL tribunal after being reported on video evidence for wrestling.
Also see Carr reported for wrestling Official Power

Our mid-season review AFL Record

Your club - 11th June Real Footy

Tough act to follow 2000 team Real Footy
An article about Essendon but Port and Damien Hardwick rate a mention.

Wednesday 12th

No 'flat spot' in 2002 Official Power
At the half way point of the season, Power fitness coach Andrew Russell says his players are still getting fitter and will use the bye to keep the team sharp to avoid the ‘flat spot’ that cost the Power in 2001.

Port Adelaide v Richmond Match Preview Official AFL

Carr cleared, Johnson guilty
Josh Carr has been cleared of the wrestling charge that would have seen him pay a substantial fine if he was found guilty. Essendon's Mark Johnson, who was reported for the same incident was not so fortunate and was found guilty. Johnson was fined $3,000.
Also see Carr cleared of wrestling Official Power
Johnson fined for wrestling, Carr cleared Official AFL
Bomber Johnson fined for wrestling Yahoo AFL

Dermie's top 25 players at half-way mark Real Footy

Your club - 12th June Real Footy
Three players will reach personal milestones in Port's next match. It will be Darryl Wakelin's 150th AFL appearance (his 35th for Port after 115 with St Kilda from 1995-2000), Peter Burgoyne's 100th and Josh Carr's 50th. Burgoyne will be only the fifth player to notch 100 AFL games for the Power, after Darren Mead (118), Josh Francou (117), Stephen Paxman (105 after 102 with Fitzroy from 1991-96) and Adam Kingsley (104).

Thursday 13th

State of Origin 2002 Official AFL
The AFL has picked four state squads of who they think should be in the sides if there were state games this year. Port Adelaide players chosen were.
Allies: Che Cockatoo-Collins (emergency)
South Australia: Darryl Wakelin, a half forward line of Peter Burgoyne, Warren Tredrea and Stuart Dew, Josh Francou (Gavin Wanganeen unlucky to miss)
Victoria: Adam Kingsley, Nick Stevens, Matthew Primus (Brett Montgomery unlucky to miss)
Western Australia: Josh Carr, Jarrad Schofield

Mark Johnson fined $3,000 Herald Sun
Essendon defender Mark Johnson accused Port Adelaide tagger Josh Carr of elbowing him to the face during a heated AFL Tribunal hearing last night. 

Hard lessons in store for Bombers: Sheedy Real Footy
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy yesterday demanded greater competitiveness from his struggling players as the Bombers continued to lurch without their star "goal-to-goal line", conceding hardness was an area that had to be redeveloped in the side. Sheedy said the 59-point capitulation to Port Adelaide last Saturday night had left an unpleasant stamp of failure about the club as it fell two games behind the leading pack at the halfway point of the season.

Don fined for wrestling Real Footy
Essendon defender Mark Johnson was fined $3000 by the AFL Tribunal last night after being found guilty of wrestling with Port Adelaide's Josh Carr.

Your club - 13th June Real Footy

Friday 14th

Winning the fight for form and fans AFL Record
With blond hair, tattoos and a laid-back West Australian manner, it’s little wonder it took a while for staunch Port Adelaide fans to identify with Jarrad Schofield.

Port's steely resolve: Williams Official Power
Mark Williams believes Port Adelaide is a better team this season, even though it is in the same 8-3 win-loss position as it was in this time last season.

Robert Walls rates the 16 AFL coaches Real Footy
Mark Williams: Port Adelaide's Mark Williams is four years into the job and has his team on track for a grand final appearance. At the moment, "Choco" is happy with his lot in life, but memories of the team's dip in his second season should never be far from his mind.

Sunday 16th

Unsung Wakelin makes 150 Herald Sun
In a much-fancied interstate team oozing with speed and flair, Darryl Wakelin knows there will be little fanfare for his 150th milestone game next weekend against Richmond. 

Power surge danger Herald Sun
Port Adelaide defender Adam Kingsley has declared the Power is better than last year, when it won 16 matches, a club record. In a warning to rival clubs, he said the team was far better placed to win a premiership than at the same time last season, despite boasting an identical 8-3 win-loss record at the halfway mark.

SANFL: Big V makes SA eat Crow Sunday Mail
The SANFL's winning state league run has come to a humiliating end – South Australia thrashed on its own ground yesterday by a more physical, more skilful and hungrier Victorian team. 
Also see Vics avenge SA losses Real Footy

AFL: In short the long kick is a diminishing art Real Footy
Analysis of disposal patterns in the AFL this season reveals teams are relying on shorter kicks. Long kicks to a contest are becoming an exception, with most teams "playing the percentages".

AFL: Footy club's trainee bonanza Herald Sun

Monday 17th

Power more mature: Dew Official Power
Port Adelaide expects Richmond to be “fired up” at Football Park on Sunday after three consecutive narrow losses.

What a difference a week makes for Monty Official Power
Brett Montgomery’s unbroken run with Port Adelaide may not be over after all. The Power utility is now rated a chance to take on Richmond on Sunday at Football Park having initially been diagnosed as being out for one to two matches.

Richo to return Sportal AFL
Matthew Richardson looks set to return for Richmond after a hamstring injury, but fellow big man Brad Ottens will miss again with a calf strain.

Richo set to play Official AFL
Richmond is confident of having champion forward Matthew Richardson available for what Tigers coach Danny Frawley now rates as the toughest test in the AFL – playing Port Adelaide at Football Park.

Bring on SA: Ambrose The Game
Key position player Richard Ambrose, a former Port Magpie, threw out a challenge to the SANFL State team in the wake of WA's crushing 111-point win against Queensland at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

Tuesday 18th

Burgoyne proves Power maturity Official Power
The Power is more mature in 2002 and it’s making a lot of difference. And on Sunday at Football Park, we’ll be given our strongest reminder yet of just how much growing up our list has done in the past six years when 24-year-old Peter Burgoyne will play his 100th AFL match.

Port v Richmond Match Preview Sportal AFL

Dockers to wave the anchor The Game
Fremantle will capitalise on coach Chris Connolly's exuberant anchor waving celebration following his team's thrilling 11-point win over Collingwood by naming its next home game after the symbol. Anchor Day will be celebrated against Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval on Saturday July 6 in what Dockers chief executive Cameron Schwab says is more than just a one-off gimmick.

Frawley sweats on stars The Game
Richmond expects to regain Matthew Richardson for what coach Danny Frawley says is the hardest test in the AFL, but Brad Ottens remains in doubt.

Richo raring to go Herald Sun
Richmond is still a chance to have its favourite double act back in action against Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Richo is the good news for Tigers Real Footy
One back, two others a chance and a fourth postponed indefinitely was the news on a quartet of injured Richmond stars at Punt Road yesterday.

Wednesday 19th

Tigers good enough to complete Mission Impossible AFL Record

A professional team: Wakelin Official Power
In-form defender Darryl Wakelin has praised the “professionalism” of his Port Adelaide teammates as he prepares for his 150th AFL match – against Richmond at Football Park on Sunday.

Our All-Australians Official AFL
Matt Burgan of AFL.com has selected what he believes are the best 22 players at the half-way mark of the season. Only Port forward Warren Tredrea featured in the team, with Power skipper Matthew Primus selected as on of three emergencies.

MCC won't budge on interstate final Official AFL
The Melbourne Cricket Club has summarily dismissed any prospect that it would be prepared to forego a preliminary final for the MCG this year if the game involved two non-Victorian clubs.

Your club - June 19th Real Footy

Thursday 20th

Richo has plenty to prove Official AFL
Richmond assistant coach Greg Hutchison believes Matthew Richardson will have plenty to prove when he returns to the line-up this Sunday against Port Adelaide.

Finals need fair deal Herald Sun

Monty 'The Iron Man' named to play Official Power
Brett Montgomery remains on track for a stunning recovery from a knee injury, after tonight being named in the squad to play Richmond at Football Park on Sunday. The 25-man squad includes more than 400 games of experience from three players who were not part of the 59-point win over Essendon almost two weeks ago.

Ottens injury lingers Herald Sun
If Brad Ottens is really going to eyeball Matthew Primus across the centre circle on Sunday, for Richmond's sake, the big fella had better be moving more freely than last night.

Ottens off track in bid to play Real Footy
If Brad Ottens was borderline to play this week after Monday's training, yesterday he appeared to take a step backwards when he disappeared from the Tigers' main session. The star ruckman/forward remains a risky prospect to take on Port Adelaide at Football Park on Sunday...

MCC sticks to preliminary final deal Real Footy

Your club June 20th Real Footy

Friday 21st

AFL rejects zone plan Herald Sun

Monty completes super comeback Official Power
A faultless training performance from Brett Montgomery at Football Park today completed an astounding 12-day recovery from knee surgery.

No complacency: Williams Official Power
Mark Williams has dismissed suggestions complacency might creep into Port Adelaide’s game because it is the unanimous choice of tipsters to beat Richmond at Football Park on Sunday.

Richo on the burst: Frawley Official AFL
Richmond coach Danny Frawley says Matthew Richardson is a certainty to play his first match since round six against Port Adelaide on Sunday, but says he is not anticipating a miraculous return.

Patient path for Paxman AFL Record
Port Adelaide vice-captain Stephen Paxman will take a significant step on his comeback trail when he plays his first match in more than nine months tomorrow.

Rd 12 Teams & Predictions Week 2 Real Footy

Saturday 22nd

Complacency not an issue for Port Yahoo AFL
Coach Mark Williams has doused talk of complacency being Port Adelaide's biggest danger in Sunday's AFL encounter against struggling Richmond.

Tigers go softly, softly with Richo Herald Sun
Richmond will adopt a kid-gloves approach with forward Matthew Richardson against Port Adelaide tomorrow.

Rd 12 Tips (week 2) The Game

Sunday 23rd

Dual Burgoyne magic for Port Official Power
Shaun Burgoyne, in only his fifth AFL match, was able to share some of the limelight with his older brother, Peter, in his 100th game, as Port Adelaide celebrated the century milestone – and those of Darryl Wakelin (150) and Josh Carr (50) – with a crushing 84-point win against Richmond at Football Park on Sunday.

Port crushes Tigers before home crowd Yahoo AFL
Richmond coach Danny Frawley says he made mistakes and will go back to the drawing board after Sunday's humiliating 84-point loss to emerging flag favourite Port Adelaide.

Tame Tigers mugged by Port Official AFL
Richmond will return to Melbourne to regroup and rethink after being mugged by Port Adelaide at Football Park on Sunday.

We had a 'Barry Crocker': Crocker Official AFL
That’s what Richmond had at Football Park on Sunday in going down by 84 points to the ladder leaders, Port Adelaide.

Port on top, top, top Herald Sun

Port charges to top Sportal AFL
Port Adelaide sits atop the AFL ladder for the first time after belting a disappointing Richmond by 84 points at Football Park.

Frawley seeks answers to Tiger rout Herald Sun
Richmond coach Danny Frawley says he made mistakes and will go back to the drawing board after today's humiliating 84-point loss to emerging flag favourite Port Adelaide.

Port power over Tigers ABC

Port pounds timid Tigers Official Power
Port Adelaide has gone to the top of the AFL ladder after handing out an 84 -point drubbing to Richmond at Football Park.

It's time for us to up the ante: Williams Sunday Mail
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams has upped the ante for today's clash against Richmond at Football Park, declaring it must be the starting point for his side to "stamp ourselves on the competition".

Monday 24th

Power players in the SANFL Rd 12 Official Power

Feel the Power Herald Sun

Carr's ready to roll Official Power
Josh Carr is one of the hardest nuts in the football business so he wasn’t softened by Richmond coach Danny Frawley’s generous praise of Port Adelaide after the Power had mauled the Tigers by 84 points at Football Park.

Derek Murray's season over Official Power
Derek Murray tragically had his season ended on Saturday at Unley Oval when he broke his leg in two places while playing for South Adelaide. The fearless 22-year-old underwent surgery on Monday afternoon.

Port not daunted by lofty heights of AFL table ABC

Early openers: round 13 Official AFL
There are times in footy when a game is all over as a contest after five minutes or so. Such was the case at Football Park on Sunday when Port Adelaide demolished Richmond.

Port trounce Tigers and hold off Lions SMH
Port Adelaide is top the ladder for the first time in their six-year AFL history after walloping Richmond by 84 points at Football Park yesterday.

Port takes no prisoners Herald Sun
Spud forgets the positive spin Herald Sun
Tigers on the brink, says Frawley Herald Sun

Interstate teams look great, preliminary final debacle looms Real Footy
Port Adelaide has known plenty of success over its history, but few moments as proud as yesterday's 84-point smashing of Richmond at Football Park.

Port on top as Tigers hot rock bottom Real Footy
Was Port Adelaide really so good and Richmond so bad at Football Park yesterday? Yes. But was Port so good because Richmond was so bad? Well, partly. But that would be unfair to the way the Power was switched on and duly performed for the biggest of its eight wins in the past nine matches, the one that took it to the top of the ladder for the first time.

Port powers on to No. 1 Real Footy
Richmond's season was "teetering on the edge of disaster" last night after its fourth consecutive loss - an 84-point embarrassment inflicted by Port Adelaide, which moved to the top of the ladder.

Francis to have knee scan The Game
Fremantle will send former Port Adelaide player Fabian Francis to specialists today to determine the extent of damage to his knee which he injured while playing for South Fremantle at the weekend.

Tuesday 25th

Power youngsters booming Official Power
Port Adelaide’s strong emphasis on growing its junior supporter base to set itself for the future, seems to be working. The Power has more than doubled its junior (0 – 17) membership figure in the past 12 months. The AFL released audited figures of the 16 AFL clubs’ membership figures on Tuesday.

$14,000 in fines for melee Official AFL

AFL set to ditch split round for bye Herald Sun

Port v Western Bulldogs Match Preview Sportal AFL

Murray surgery successful Official Power
Murray to miss the rest of AFL season Herald Sun

2002 AFL Club Memberships Official AFL

Nine to face melee charges Official AFL
Nine players have been booked for engaging in a melee during Sunday’s one-sided encounter between Port Adelaide and Richmond at Football Park.
Also see Nine more to face tribunal Sportal AFL
Nine Port, Richmond players charged Herald Sun
Richmond and Port players face tribunal Yahoo AFL

Port clash our biggest test, says West Herald Sun
With the Bulldogs' confidence sky-high after five consecutive wins over bottom-eight sides, onballer Scott West says Saturday's clash against Port Adelaide is his side's biggest test this year.

Food for thought while killing time in Adelaide Real Footy
Robert Walls reflects on the season so far and among some of the things he tells us is that Neil Kerley has said that today's Port Adelaide team is better than the Crows' premiership teams of '97 and '98. Kerley also rates Shaun Burgoyne very highly.

Wednesday 26th

Confidence, hard work boost Power: Stevens Official Power
Nick Stevens says confidence and hard work are prime reasons for Port Adelaide’s stunning two-year climb from bottom to top of the AFL ladder.  

We're ready for a challenge: Wallace Official Bulldogs
Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace says the club is ready for the challenge of playing top-placed side Port Adelaide after five wins in a row against clubs below it on the ladder.

Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs Preview Official AFL

Francis' AFL future in doubt after knee injury Real Footy
The football future of former Port Adelaide star Fabian Francis is again under a cloud after it was announced he would need a knee reconstruction.
Also see Francis in Freo limbo Herald Sun
Francis out of AFL for 12 months Yahoo AFL
Francis in limbo: Injury puts future in doubt The Game
Knee op may spell end for Francis Official AFL

Stafford out for two games Real Footy
Richmond continued to feel the repercussions of its woeful 84-point weekend loss to Port Adelaide, when the AFL Tribunal last night suspended ruckman Greg Stafford for two matches. Also last night, five players from Richmond and Port Adelaide were fined a total of $14,000 for a melee. Pleading guilty, Tigers Hall and Andrew Kellaway were fined $3500 and $3000 respectively, while for Port, Roger James, who also pleaded guilty, was fined $3000, Peter Burgoyne $2500 and Stuart Dew $2000.
Also see Stafford out for two matches Herald Sun
Stafford ban adds to Tiger tall woes Yahoo AFL

A question of style as the big men fly Real Footy
The debate about ruckmen continues in football. Robert Walls leads with the dogmatic view that the ruckman remains the single-most important player on any team. Others contend that ruckwork is a seriously flawed science, pointing out how seldom a ruckman palms the ball directly to a midfielder.

Saturday at Football Park might provide the latest installment in the debate, for Luke Darcy versus Matthew Primus is about as good as it gets in the modern era. More to the point, it is a match-up that could easily decide the most important game of the round.

Your club - June 26th Real Footy

Thursday 27th

Young Bulldogs still knocking Official Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs have stuck with an unchanged lineup for Saturday’s clash with Port Adelaide at Football Park. The match committee resisted the temptation to tamper with a winning team, despite several players at VFL level pushing hard for selection.

When you're on a winner, stick to it Official Power
The Power and the Bulldogs – both on five game winning streaks – have stuck with their winning formulas for Saturday’s clash at Football Park.

The Bulldogs just cruising along AFL Record

Bulldogs lose a champion Herald Sun
Ingrid McDonald, confidant, diarist, watchdog and conscience for coach Terry Wallace and football manager Paul Armstrong, died yesterday at 42 of cancer. The Bulldogs will wear black armbands in memory of her for the match against Port Adelaide on Saturday.

AFL keeps up the pressure Herald Sun
The MCC is in for a rude shock if it thought the AFL was going to roll over without a fight on the great preliminary final debate. AFL chief executive Wayne Jackson again made it clear yesterday it would be a blow to the integrity of the national competition if two interstate teams were forced to play a preliminary final at the MCG.

Your club - June 27 Real Footy

Friday 28th

Midfield goals will count: Wallace Official AFL
Saturday’s Port Adelaide-Western Bulldogs match at Football Park could well be decided by which team’s midfielders score more goals, according to Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace.

Dogs will tag Port: Williams Official Power
Port Adelaide has averaged 18 goals and the Western Bulldogs 20 in each winning their past five matches, but Port coach Mark Williams is not anticipating an all-in “shootout” at Football Park on Saturday.

Williams doesn't see the view at the top Herald Sun
Port Adelaide's Mark Williams has got his AFL club to the top, but he's not stopping to admire the view. Port heads the ladder for the first time since entering the AFL in 1997, but Williams feels like all other AFL coaches: under pressure.

Flag within reach after five years of team building The Game
When Port Adelaide entered the AFL in 1997, it had a five-year plan to have a major impact on the competition. Now, 12 games into 2002, the Power is on top of the ladder for the first time so the plan could hardly have been more successful.

Expert tips for Rd 13 The Game

Kickett to pull pin on Dockers The Game
Dale Kickett will play his last game for Fremantle against Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval tomorrow week.

AFL Teams & Predictions Real Footy

Saturday 29th

Power talent trumps Bulldogs Sunday Herald Sun
Port Adelaide underlined its status as the AFL's best team as the Burgoyne brothers went on a goalkicking rampage in yesterday's 46-point thrashing of the Western Bulldogs yesterday.

Port demolish Bulldogs by 46 points Sportswatch

Cats up, Dogs down ABC

Oh brother, what a win Herald Sun
Another challenger has proclaimed Port Adelaide the best side in the AFL after being battered into submission by the South Australian team. Western Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace labelled Port as the best side he'd come across this year after his outfit was hammered by 46-points at Football Park today.

Port scorches Bulldogs Sportal AFL
The Western Bulldogs have had a dirty day, going down by 46 points to Port Adelaide at Football Park and losing captain Chris Grant to an ankle injury.

The fabulous Burgoyne boys Official AFL
Peter and Shaun Burgoyne have kicked 11 goals between them as Port Adelaide emphatically ended the Western Bulldogs five-game winning streak, posting a 46-point victory at Football Park. The much-anticipated clash between the two form teams of the competition failed to live up to expectations as Port outclassed the visitors – 25.11 (161) to 18.7 (115).

Ball-magnets capture the eyes - and votes Real Footy

Sunday 30th

Port setting the pace Official Power
Port Adelaide equalled one club record and fell just sort of another in its powerful 46-point win against the Western Bulldogs at Football Park on Saturday.

Dogs' second-half bite pleases Wallace Official AFL
The Western Bulldogs took some consolation – and confidence and impetus for this Saturday night’s match against Essendon at Colonial Stadium – from outscoring Port Adelaide 12.4 to 11.7 in the second half of the loss at Football Park on Saturday.

Port delivers finals warning Real Footy
Rohan Connolly says: They were the two most in-form sides in the competition, both sitting in the eight having won their last five games, their meeting the most anticipated of the round. Which is precisely why Port Adelaide's 46-point demolition of the Western Bulldogs at Football Park yesterday is perhaps the most ominous shot yet fired in the jostling for top-dog status in the lead-in to the 2002 finals series.

Burgoyne boys bully Dogs Real Footy
The Burgoyne brothers shared 11 goals - Peter six and Shaun five - as Port Adelaide whipped the Western Bulldogs by 46 points in a remarkable 43-goal shootout at Football Park yesterday.

Grant hurt as Dogs hit wall Sunday Herald Sun
The Western Bulldogs' five-match winning streak came to a crashing halt at Football Park yesterday as captain Chris Grant suffered an ankle injury during the 46-point loss to Port Adelaide.

The Burgoyne show wins rave reviews Sunday Mail
Port Adelaide's fabulous Burgoyne boys have led the Power to a comprehensive 46-point thrashing of the Western Bulldogs at Football Park yesterday.

Port have power to go all the way The Sun-Herald