WITH the AFL season in full swing, Sliding Doors is hitting its straps.
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So what's Damo saying about your club? What's he saying about the AFL? Check it out.
IF ...
you're winless and last on the ladder to this point of 2020 ...
THEN ...
there won't be a better chance of victory than a game against the 17th-placed team. Crows v Roos, who are on a six-match losing sequence, Saturday afternoon. An intriguing match-up.
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13:09
Nicks: 'That one hurt'
Matthew Nicks says his side were feeling the 'pain' after squandering a number of chances and lacking the 'polish and finish' required
-
07:37
Woosha: 'There's a lot of upside'
John Worsfold was most pleased about the output of his younger brigade, who showed plenty of positive signs against the Crows
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07:31
-
00:37
Cahill dances after Tim Cahill-like first ever goal
Ned Cahill celebrates in unique style after snaring his first goal in the AFL with a clever soccer
-
00:38
McKenna's magical solo trickery a sight to be seen
Conor McKenna dazzles everyone after an amazing dash through the middle featuring a Gaelic kick to himself
-
00:24
Crow and Don simultaneously reported for clashing heads
Matt Crouch and Jacob Townsend both go on report following a feisty clash after the half-time siren
-
00:34
Townsend goes for broke and lands the clever poke
Jacob Townsend pinches a terrific goal after a lunging effort off the deck
-
00:42
Stengle steams through for Crows' opener
Adelaide snare their first goal after Tyson Stengle crumbs the pack to perfection
-
00:20
Captain's bone-crunching hit rocks Adelaide Oval
Tom Doedee delivers an absolutely devastating, yet fair hit on Essendon's Will Snelling
IF ...
you were asked to list the most important Lions on the 2020 list ...
THEN ...
Andrews, Neale, Cameron, McCluggage, Martin and Zorko would all be prominent. Mitch Robinson probably wouldn't be in the top dozen. And yet, pound for pound, and when giving off-field effect equal weight to on-field skill sets, he may be the No.1 most important. In owning his past mistakes at another club, has brilliantly transformed his own life, and has significantly shaped the extraordinary rebuild of this top-four bound club. A massive well done on reaching 200 matches.
IF ...
the win against North Melbourne last week was better than most realised ...
THEN ...
it won't matter anyway if the Blues fail against the Hawks on Friday night. In any given season, for a team wishing to have genuine impact, there are must-win games. For the Blues, round nine is one of those matches.
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05:34
-
06:11
Shaw: 'There's a level of frustration'
North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw saw improvement from his charges but rued the slow start
-
05:38
Teague: 'The ticker's been there'
Carlton coach David Teague praises his side's efforts to keep fighting this season
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00:45
Brain fade costs North shot after siren
A moment of madness from veteran Kangaroo Jasper Pittard sees a free kick reversed after the three-quarter time siren
-
00:33
Anderson's studs force Cripps into rooms
Carlton captain Patrick Cripps leaves the ground after this incident with North Melbourne tough nut Jed Anderson
-
00:51
Nifty Newnes nails nice goal on left
Smarts from Carlton recruit Jack Newnes to get his side off to a fast start in the second half
-
00:46
Cheeky handball from Polec, Scott finishes
An intelligent play from Jared Polec and Bailey Scott ensures North capitalise with a nice snap from the pocket
-
01:14
Roo's horror blunder gifts Blues goal
A shocking attempted handball from North Melbourne veteran Jamie Macmillan lands in the lap of David Cuningham, who makes no mistake
IF ...
everyone in life, within reason, is deserving of a second chance ...
THEN ...
Steele Sidebottom is deserving of at least five when it comes to his time as a Magpie. Sure, he stuffed up big time. But who hasn't done something they regret? Back for Sunday's game against the Dockers. Would be staggered if he played as the stand-in skipper (for the injured Pendlebury), but would also be staggered if he's not among the best three afield.
IF ...
James Stewart hasn't been seen at the top level since round 11, 2018 and the 'big fella' Sam Draper not seen at all in four years on the list ...
THEN ...
the Bombers are embracing the possibilities of fairytales in this fairytale-required journey through 2020, with both to play against the Lions. Love the stories that have perseverance as the theme.
-
13:09
Nicks: 'That one hurt'
Matthew Nicks says his side were feeling the 'pain' after squandering a number of chances and lacking the 'polish and finish' required
-
07:37
Woosha: 'There's a lot of upside'
John Worsfold was most pleased about the output of his younger brigade, who showed plenty of positive signs against the Crows
-
07:31
-
00:37
Cahill dances after Tim Cahill-like first ever goal
Ned Cahill celebrates in unique style after snaring his first goal in the AFL with a clever soccer
-
00:38
McKenna's magical solo trickery a sight to be seen
Conor McKenna dazzles everyone after an amazing dash through the middle featuring a Gaelic kick to himself
-
00:24
Crow and Don simultaneously reported for clashing heads
Matt Crouch and Jacob Townsend both go on report following a feisty clash after the half-time siren
-
00:34
Townsend goes for broke and lands the clever poke
Jacob Townsend pinches a terrific goal after a lunging effort off the deck
-
00:42
Stengle steams through for Crows' opener
Adelaide snare their first goal after Tyson Stengle crumbs the pack to perfection
-
00:20
Captain's bone-crunching hit rocks Adelaide Oval
Tom Doedee delivers an absolutely devastating, yet fair hit on Essendon's Will Snelling
IF ...
the rounds five and six wins against the Crows and Saints were well deserved reward for a solid start to 2020 ...
THEN ...
the rounds seven and eight losses to the Eagles and Cats were very ordinary. Need to be competitive, at the very least, against the Pies on Sunday.
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06:56
Longmuir: Tucker's hamstring 'looks like a bad one'
Watch Fremantle's press conference after round eight's match against Geelong
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10:45
Scott: 'We had a bit of luck tonight'
Watch Geelong's press conference after round eight's match against Fremantle
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04:42
-
00:47
Tomahawk strikes, but is he in MRO strife?
Tom Hawkins kicks his second goal after an incident with Luke Ryan
-
01:05
Serong's special effort in the pocket
Caleb Serong kicks a great goal in the latter moments of the game
-
01:27
Longmuir mimics ump signal as Taberner breaks through
The goal umpire causes confusion but the result is Fremantle's opening goal
-
00:51
Hawkins by a whisker on the goal line
Geelong forward Tom Hawkins cannot believe his luck from the barest of deflections
-
00:41
Slam Dunc ends run of misses in bucketing rain
Mitch Duncan kicks a goal after 11-straight behinds between the sides
-
00:15
Vital Docker goes down early with hamstring concerns
Darcy Tucker out of action in the opening minutes and ice on his right leg
-
00:47
Debutant Cat's dream start with first kick, first goal
Brad Close wasted no time to nail the first goal of his career for Geelong
IF ...
the Cats play their cards right from here ...
THEN ...
they'll be in a prelim final. It's that sort of season. Jenkins, who probably misses one more, maybe two, could yet be the wildcard.
IF ...
the Suns can stop Toby Greene ...
THEN ...
their match-up against the Giants will become very winnable.
-
11:15
Bevo: 'A while since we've won a close game'
Luke Beveridge was proud his backline withstood multiple late attacks from the Suns to hold out for a memorable, nail-biting win
-
07:13
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06:11
Dew: 'It's a missed opportunity'
Stuart Dew says his players are 'hurt and disappointed' after squandering a number of gettable chances against the Dogs, but is optimistic they will learn from it
-
00:25
It Touk a supernatural tackle to bring the Bont down
Touk Miller uses everything in his power to hang on to Marcus Bontempelli and completes a tremendous tackle
-
01:05
Swallow candy with Day vision, Suns have risen
Gold Coast complete a wonderful team goal following a silky step from David Swallow and delightful kick from Sam Day
-
00:54
Lipinski pinches one among Suns' honesty
Patrick Lipinski notches an eye-catching goal on the brink of half-time, following confirmation from a goal review
-
00:46
Lethal Libba on the left while falling down
Tom Liberatore produces a first-class goal on the run while under pressure
-
00:47
Suns, your Sexton's on fire
Gold Coast livewire Alex Sexton snares two fantastic goals in quick succession as his side takes the lead
-
00:36
Mitch swerves and dishes, so Smith turns and finishes
The Dogs are off to a fast start after Mitch Wallis finds Bailey Smith with a swift handball
IF ...
Toby runs amok, again, as he did last round against Richmond ...
THEN ...
the Giants will be winning easily against the Suns.
IF ...
Clarko took a moment to reflect on his offerings in Thursday's media conference ...
THEN ...
he'd hear a man presenting excuse upon excuse upon excuse. Yeah, you won some matches late last season. Dead-rubber matches. Sure, you've had a few injuries this year. Every team has. And yep, we get it, you've been on the road. So too has everyone. Way out of his comfort zone, Clarko, and presenting so-called excuses is not the answer.
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00:52
'Horse' and Clarko's latest stoush
Premiership coaches and long-time mates Alastair Clarkson and John Longmire go toe-to-toe once again, this time over Tom Papley
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08:15
Gobsmacked Longmire's reaction to Clarkson claim
Sydney coach John Longmire was stunned to hear what his Hawthorn counterpart said about star Swan Tom Papley
-
02:48
Sydney goalkicking sensation lights it up again
Tom Papley has been in scintillating form for the Swans and he ran amok against Hawthorn
-
11:58
Clarkson: 'Papley milks frees as good as anyone'
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson expresses disappointment with his side's lack of polish in the loss to Sydney
-
06:45
-
00:41
Inspirational Swans co-captain hurt in desperate effort
Sydney backman Dane Rampe's slide to stop Chad Wingard's shot from going through saw him in pain
-
01:24
Speedy Swan burns Hawks and loves his work
There's no stopping Tom Papley when he's in this sort of form and he celebrates his fourth goal in style
-
01:27
Brownlow medallist's first goal in 688 days
Hawthorn star Tom Mitchell gets his side off to a flier in the second half
-
00:16
Will Burgoyne be scrutinised again for his tackling?
Hawthorn champion Shaun Burgoyne could be looked at by the MRO after he caused a rule change following his tackle on Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield in round two
-
02:21
Papley and Mitchell clash prompts two goals in one play
A pumped up Tom Papley receives a free kick after kicking a goal
-
00:38
Left foot or right foot, the end result is Silk
Shaun Burgoyne kicks a brilliant goal from the stoppage
-
01:14
Exciting Swan's first goal a moment to savour
Elijah Taylor shows his sublime skills to claim a special career milestone
IF ...
I've kept believing in Goody's Dees ...
THEN ...
'’m only just hanging on after Thursday night. They are brittle. Gawn and Petracca aside, too many let you down. It's all words. Crisis times seem near. Again.
-
05:18
Goodwin: 'Tonight was unacceptable'
Simon Goodwin was visibly frustrated after side's horror outing against Port, admitting 'we let ourselves down tonight'
-
04:23
Hinkley: 'Played as well as we possibly could'
Ken Hinkley believes his side produced a faultless performance against the Dees and was delighted by their continual ferociousness, despite the large lead
-
02:12
Dees' disastrous skills make for painful viewing
The Demons had an evening to forget with some very ordinary skills sure to frustrate fans
-
01:48
Georgiades grows in front of our eyes
Port fans will be full of excitement after highly-touted youngster Mitch Georgiades delivers a stunning performance
-
06:20
-
00:52
Dees' best move of the night is a welcome sight
The Demons conjure their most efficient play of the game and earn a long-awaited goal through Sam Weideman
-
00:38
Gray genius works wonders for Georgiades
Robbie Gray weaves some of his usual magic and helps the ball towards Mitch Georgiades who snares his second
-
00:52
Crowd electrified after Power play
Port Adelaide produce a scintillating bit of play through the middle and earn a goal through Kane Farrell
-
00:42
Class of Rozee for red-hot finish
Port young gun Connor Rozee is afforded too much space and makes the Dees pay with a fine snap on goal
-
00:20
Hallelujah, Petracca gets Dees off the mark
Melbourne were desperate to earn their first goal before half-time and their in-form midfielder obliges
-
00:28
Oliver on report for this action
Clayton Oliver goes in the book for 'striking' after this incident involving Peter Ladhams
-
00:52
Robbie lets Rozee rise and the result's no surprise
Connor Rozee is given rein to fly over the top and haul in a great grab, followed by a textbook snap on goal
IF ...
playing his first game in the AFL back in 2013 was a virtual Mission Impossible for Majak Daw ...
THEN ...
match No.51 this weekend may be his Everest. One of the all-time great AFL stories, this comeback.
IF ...
you're 18 years old, having five shots at goal in your third game, looking like you belong and talking like a seasoned pro on live TV post-match ...
THEN ...
can't see why Mitch Georgiades won't play a key role from here in Port's 2020 push for a second flag. Ridiculously composed, on and off the field. (Sidenote: dad John had kicked 15 goals after his first three games – eight, two and five – for the Bulldogs in 1989.)
IF ...
one of the many qualities of all-time great sportspeople is to respond when their standing and status is challenged by rivals and questioned by commentators ...
THEN ...
Dusty, not that he really needed to, has in his past two matches (Giants in round eight and Dogs in round nine) showed up both the desperate wannabes and the headline seekers.
IF ...
the Saints should actually be top of the ladder with a 7-1 scoreline (led both the lowly North and Dockers respectively by five and six goals-plus before losing) ...
THEN ...
that's something that will play on their minds all season. As would a loss to Sydney on Saturday. If they are, indeed, finals bound in 2020, then no excuses on this one.
-
08:08
Full post-match: Power
Watch Port Adelaide's press conference after round eight's match against St Kilda
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10:36
Ratten: 'That's the blueprint'
St Kilda coach Brett Ratten was chuffed after the Saints defeated ladder-leader Port Adelaide
-
07:03
-
00:24
St Kilda's King caps off stunning upset
Saints spearhead Max King takes a late contested mark and slots the sealer
-
00:25
Even the player didn't know: Watch as ARC picks up freak flying-foot goal
Simply astounding mid-air magic from Tim Membrey originally called a behind before eagle-eyed score reviewer overturns decision
-
00:18
Former Port tall delivers critical goal
A smooth finish from Paddy Ryder gives the Saints breathing room in the final term
-
00:36
Hinkley furious after Port veteran's horror error
After receiving a late recall into the side, Justin Westhoff's terrible turnover cost the Power at a crucial stage
-
00:42
Young Port star celebrates goal in style
Xavier Duursma comes from nowhere to mark and then converts truly with the long-range set shot
-
00:29
Powerhouse clunks and goals against former teammate
St Kilda defender Dougal Howard finds himself in a position no backman would envy - against Charlie Dixon in a one-on-one
-
00:07
Deep breath Saints, there's a long way to go
St Kilda uses the quarter-time break to take a moment against the top-of-the-ladder Power
-
00:27
Bullocking Port mid shows finesse with stellar snap
Sam Powell-Pepper nails Port Adelaide's first with a classy finish
IF ...
I've been craving the next box-office drawcard ...
THEN ...
I've found him. Tom Papley. Knew he was very good before 2020, didn't realise he had the capacity to be outstanding. Really hope he continues to play in his - sometimes and appropriately arrogant - way. Please don't curtail him, Horse. Let him loose! Walters still my favourite movie star, Toby a very close second, this guy closing hard.
IF ...
it took him seven, maybe eight, matches to properly find his best form ...
THEN ...
look out from here. Tim Kelly now ready to roll.
IF ...
the Dogs' best – including wins against GWS, Essendon and Gold Coast – appears top-four worthy ...
THEN ...
their worst – losses to Collingwood (52 points), St Kilda (39), Carlton (52) and Richmond (41) – is bottom-six woeful. Identity crisis looming.
-
08:02
Bevo: 'Don't think we've been playing that well'
Luke Beveridge says his side have been fortunate to scrape wins together lately, but tonight proved 'there's no significant chemistry' between the group
-
08:56
Dimma: 'It looked like a Richmond game'
Damien Hardwick says his side looked back to their best tonight and also sung his praises for Dustin Martin after a freak performance
-
06:42
-
02:26
Martin mesmerises Metricon after outrageous outing
Dustin Martin turns on beast mode with an absolutely devastating display against the Dogs
-
00:39
Stop it Dusty, that's out of this world
Dustin Martin is on fire against the Dogs with a sensational goal on the boundary
-
00:38
Pickett picks the sticks with left-foot pearler
Richmond feed the ball towards Marlion Pickett who delivers a wonderful snap on his left
-
00:38
Skipper delivers a ripper after mighty mark
Marcus Bontempelli takes a strong grab and sends the perfect ball towards Mitch Wallis
-
00:25
Dog gets a shot to his eye but forms a shot at goal
Mitch Wallis suffers a painful blow after enduring a footy to the face, however all ends well with a goal to Laitham Vandermeer
-
00:41
Breathtaking Tigers and Dusty a sight to be seen
Richmond conjure a scintillating string of play and feed the ball to their superstar, who finishes in absolute style
-
00:29
Riewoldt's rousing rise leads to work of Aarts
Jack Riewoldt heaves himself on top of the pack and the spillage falls towards Jake Aarts for a wonderful soccer finish
-
00:24
Shake and Baker for Jack in the pack
Liam Baker shows a nice step before bombing the ball into Jack Riewoldt for a beautiful contested mark
AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL
IF ...
you're an AFL player in 2020 ...
THEN ...
it's OK to recklessly throw an elbow into the neck of an opponent. You won't even miss a game. The AFL Tribunal approved such actions this week, with the Hawkins decision. Thanks, Tribunal, for yet again throwing a stupidly mixed message into the otherwise strong messaging of 2020 on what is, and isn't, allowed on head-contact matters. Time to get rid of the Tribunal. It's run its race.
