Key posts
Giants jump Dockers early
Fremantle are bound for the finals regardless of today’s result but the Dockers have been well below their best in the opening term against the Giants who are only playing for pride after an inconsistent season.
The Giants lead 26-7 with quarter-time closing in.
Jesse Hogan has been active up forward and Callum Ward just kicked a classy goal from distance.
Giants 26, Dockers 7 with six minutes left in Q1.
Paddy Ryder to call it quits after stellar 16-season AFL career
By Scott Spits
AFL ruckman Paddy Ryder has announced his retirement, pulling the pin on his stellar career with St Kilda, Essendon and Port Adelaide.
The 34-year-old told his Saints teammates on Saturday that his career, mainly with the Bombers, was ending.
Paddy Ryder.Credit:Getty Images
He has played 281 matches across 16 seasons.
“It’s been a really tough decision to come to, but I know it’s the right one,” Ryder told the club’s website.
Hogan kicks opener for Giants – subs named.
Jesse Hogan has kicked the opening goal in the Giants v Dockers game in Canberra taking a mark about 30m from goal and converting his set shot.
The Dockers made a late change with big man Griffin Logue replaced by small forward/midfielder Bailey Banfield.
Darcy Tucker (Fremantle) and Cooper Hamilton (Giants) are the medical subs.
North make a late change
Charlie Comben will come into North Melbourne’s side today in place of Callum Coleman-Jones who has an ankle injury.
Kayne Turner will be the medical sub with first bounce at 2.10pm AEST.
How the Roos beat the Dons in the chase for Clarkson
By Peter Ryan
Petty accepts Zorko’s apology for ‘over the top’ family comment
By Peter Ryan and Andrew Stafford
Melbourne have accepted an apology from the Brisbane Lions and Dayne Zorko for comments directed from the Lions’ captain to Melbourne defender Harrison Petty, which the Demons described as “over the top in terms of a reference to a member of his family”.
The incident saw an emotional Petty consoled by teammates and coaches at the three-quarter-time huddle, and Melbourne players verbally harassing Zorko during the last quarter of Melbourne’s runaway win.
Melbourne defender Harrison Petty was left in tears after an alleged personal sledge from Brisbane Lions skipper Dayne Zorko
Melbourne football manager Alan Richardson said on Saturday morning that Petty was keen to move on from the incident, having accepted the apology from Zorko post-game.
Good afternoon
G’day everyone,
Welcome to our AFL live blog for this Super Saturday of games in the last round of the home and away season.
All eyes will be on the two games tonight with Essendon trying to win back some respect after an embattled week and Richmond attempting to lock in a top-eight position while over in Adelaide, the Crows and Power will finish their tough seasons with a Showdown that will no doubt be fierce from start to finish.
But before we get to those matches, we have three compelling contests with GWS Giants and Fremantle playing at Manuka Oval, North Melbourne taking on Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium and Geelong hosting West Coast Eagles in Geelong.
The Giants game will kick us off at 1.45pm AEST with North Melbourne game beginning soon after at 2.10pm AEST.
Please feel free to leave a comment on the blog at anytime and enjoy the hours to come.
