Key posts
Sheedy’s ringing endorsement for Scott as Bombers footy boss departs
By Andrew Wu
Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy, who famously voted for James Hird to coach the Bombers, now says he is happy with direction the club has taken under Brad Scott, declaring they are in the best shape they have been for years.
The four-time Bombers premiership coach said there was “not a doubt in the world” Scott was a good appointment regardless of whether the success-starved giant gets a crack this September of ending a 19-year finals drought.
Kevin Sheedy has given Brad Scott a ringing endorsement for his first year as Essendon coach.Credit: Getty Images
Though AFL greats Garry Lyon and Nathan Buckley have questioned the Bombers’ progress in key areas on the field, there is undeniable proof Scott has taken the Dons forward in his first season at The Hangar.
One late change for Bombers
The Bombers have made one late change, while the Roos will go in as selected. No changes in the Swans v Suns clash.
Pies overcome Moore’s injury and Cameron’s seven to topple Cats
By Andrew Wu
Darcy Moore may not be seen until the finals after injuring his hamstring as Collingwood returned to form with a victory that has left Geelong’s premiership defence at the point of almost no return.
Not even a seven-goal haul from Jeremy Cameron was enough for the Cats to topple the Magpies, who overcame a slow start to power away from the reigning premiers in the second half. The eight-point margin flattered the Cats – who kicked the last three goals, including one after the siren.
Injured Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore with Jack Ginnivan.Credit: Getty Images
The Pies will enter the penultimate round of the home-and-away season with at least a two-game break at the top of the ladder, and the minor premiership seemingly in the bag.
Listen: Real Footy podcast
This week on the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall discuss the ramifications of Nick Daicos’ injury on the Brownlow Medal, and more importantly Collingwood’s premiership tilt.
Daicos is expected to spend six weeks on the sidelines after fracturing his knee in Saturday’s loss to Hawthorn, which was the Magpies’ second defeat in a row – exposing weaknesses in the ladder leader’s game style.
The Magpies were smashed 18-3 in the centre clearances and looked slow through the midfield, leaving the panel genuinely concerned about their form heading into the final three rounds of the home and away season.
But they appeared to find some form last night in a good win over Geelong.
Welcome!
Welcome to our AFL live blog.
We’ve got a massive day of football around the country.
It starts at 1.45pm with North Melbourne hosting Essendon, with the Bombers needing to win to keep their season alive.
Sydney and Gold Coast will also kick off at the same time.
In the afternoon, Brisbane will host Adelaide in a match sure to have top-eight ramifications.
And then tonight, Carlton and Melbourne do battle, while the West Australian derby is also on.
Damien Ractliffe here to take you through the next nine or 10 hours.
