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 ...
Brad Crouch is a Crow in 2021 ...
THEN ...
I will be almightily surprised. Tried to get out last year, has been trying to get out this year.
IF ...
ever a team has needed a bye ...
THEN ...
it is this one. Fell in by two points against St Kilda last weekend, one point against North the previous match. Belted by the Tigers in round 10. Surely, its forwards are spending the break practising their goal kicking. Will ruin another fine season if they don’t learn to kick goals under pressure.
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05:03
Ratten: 'Looked like we were going to find a way'
Brett Ratten says his side's 'endeavour and never-say-die attitude' impressed him despite not managing to steal a close victory against the wasteful Lions
-
06:11
-
07:45
Full post-match: Lions
Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 13's match against St Kilda
-
01:18
Membrey's five minutes of admirable pressure
Tim Membrey earns plenty of plaudits after exhibiting some outstanding pressure late in the third term
-
01:00
Bend it like Billings taken to new level
Jack Billings conjures an amazing goal over his shoulder to keep the Saints' hopes alive
-
00:29
Look at the spring on Max King, what a stunner
Max King shows off his unbelievable marking potential with a staggering grab over the top
-
01:14
Pride surrounds Lion cub after first goal
Lions debutant Tom Fullarton gets pounced on by teammates after notching his first ever AFL goal
-
00:54
Saints speedsters serve up gift for Butler
The Saints link up beautifully through the middle of the ground and feed goalsneak Dan Butler for a cool finish
-
00:24
Could Lincoln be in trouble for this bump?
Lincoln McCarthy may attract attention from the MRO after collecting St Kilda's Ben Paton high
-
00:43
McCarthy turns Charlie's crumbs to gold
Lincoln McCarthy chimes in with a beautiful snap after Charlie Cameron contests the mark
-
00:25
Hipwood hanger gets Gabba rocking
Eric Hipwood reels in a beautiful speccy to create a huge buzz around the ground
-
00:38
Marshall's GOTY contender denied by own teammate
Does Tim Membrey accidentally ruin Rowan Marshall's chances to bag Goal of the Year?
IF ...
you can remember the old days when the MCG used to host games ...
THEN ...
a round 14 game involving a finals-bound Carlton against a finals-bound Collingwood would have attracted 80,000-plus spectators. Strangely, there's still as much intrigue in this one being played at the Gabba on Sunday.
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05:44
Full post-match: Suns
Watch Gold Coast's press conference after round 13's match against Carlton
-
09:14
Full post-match: Blues
Watch Carlton's press conference after round 13's match against Gold Coast
-
00:25
WATCH: Betts, Rankine in special jumper-swap moment
Eddie Betts and Izak Rankine show respect in Sir Doug Nicholls Round
-
06:15
-
00:28
Bowes' blunder gifts Newnes
Jack Newnes takes full advantage after Jack Bowes fumbles deep in defence
-
00:28
Swarming Suns too much for Blues to handle
Lachie Weller the beneficiary of Gold Coast's high pressure down the corridor
-
00:34
Betts beguiles Blues fans in the Top End
Carlton star Eddie Betts delights the crowd after hard running from Fisher
-
00:32
Newnes returns the favour with the cleanest of hands
Carlton's Michael Gibbons kicks precisely from Jack Newnes' terrific goal assist
IF ...
the Pies can hang in there, and beat at least one of Carlton or Brisbane (next Friday) ...
THEN ...
with De Goey back for games against Gold Coast and Port Adelaide, and maybe Howe back after that, don't write them off just yet.
-
06:15
Shaw: 'We're just not good enough'
Rhyce Shaw says his players are capable of competing with the best, but at the present are not quite up to the level required
-
09:34
Bucks on Sidey: 'He's 95 per cent pumped'
Nathan Buckley says while Steele Sidebottom is thrilled to be heading back home, he is also disappointed to be missing a string of important games
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06:50
-
00:29
Roo left red-faced after trying to fool Cox
Jy Simpkin pays the full penalty for trying to run around Mason Cox
-
00:57
Xerri with a very snazzy one-armed pluck
Tristan Xerri earns plenty of plaudits after managing to complete a tough grab with just one arm
-
00:38
Big Pie in agony after hard fall
Darcy Cameron is left in a lot of pain after crashing down awkwardly in a ruck contest
-
01:04
Simpkin scores without even realising it
Jy Simpkin is delighted after finding out his toe-poke was given the all clear by the score review
-
00:46
Daicos down, but definitely not out
Collingwood goalsneak Josh Daicos finds himself a little sore after managing to conjure a ripping goal
-
00:51
Pies needed a spark and Thomas answered the task
Josh Thomas burns off Todd Goldstein with some super pace to deliver a much-needed goal for Collingwood
-
00:30
Returning Pie inflicts crunching tackle on young Roo
Former North Melbourne midfielder Levi Greenwood delivers a vicious tackle on youngster Jack Mahony
IF ...
I allow myself to get carried away in the moment of big Joe's incredible comeback on Thursday night ...
THEN ...
I'm going to Perkins in the '96 Olympics, Agassi in the '99 French Open, Foreman in regaining a world heavyweight boxing title in '94, 21 years after his first. OK, even with the required dose of heavy perspective, big Joe's efforts against the Hawks will still forever be one of the AFL highlights of 2020. Loved it. More, please Joe.
IF ...
Dustin Fletcher was 40, Craig Bradley nearly 39, Brent Harvey 38, Michael Tuck 38 and Paul Salmon 37 when they played their final matches (Shaun Burgoyne is 37) ...
THEN ...
David Mundy might be 42 when his time is up. Still as smooth and impactful as ever at 35.
IF ...
the Cats can keep winning without Joel ...
THEN ...
I wouldn't play him again until the second-last round. Just get him physically bullet-proof. The premiership is there for the taking if they do.
IF ...
the Suns don't beat North on Sunday night ...
THEN ...
the early gains of 2020 will mean nothing. The Roos haven't been trying too hard to win in recent weeks (and yes, I know got close against Brisbane in round 12).
-
05:44
Full post-match: Suns
Watch Gold Coast's press conference after round 13's match against Carlton
-
09:14
Full post-match: Blues
Watch Carlton's press conference after round 13's match against Gold Coast
-
00:25
WATCH: Betts, Rankine in special jumper-swap moment
Eddie Betts and Izak Rankine show respect in Sir Doug Nicholls Round
-
06:15
-
00:28
Bowes' blunder gifts Newnes
Jack Newnes takes full advantage after Jack Bowes fumbles deep in defence
-
00:28
Swarming Suns too much for Blues to handle
Lachie Weller the beneficiary of Gold Coast's high pressure down the corridor
-
00:34
Betts beguiles Blues fans in the Top End
Carlton star Eddie Betts delights the crowd after hard running from Fisher
-
00:32
Newnes returns the favour with the cleanest of hands
Carlton's Michael Gibbons kicks precisely from Jack Newnes' terrific goal assist
IF ...
this club doesn’t beat the Dockers in Perth on Saturday afternoon ...
THEN ...
it may as well start its 2020 review on Saturday night. Yes, there have been injuries. But the worry for me is a distinct lack of urgency or dare.
-
08:13
Cameron: 'I can't question our effort'
Leon Cameron says he was pleased with his side's determination to keep pressing the Eagles but believes their execution early ultimately cost them
-
07:24
-
07:41
Simpson: 'We knew we were in for a fight'
Adam Simpson says his side were prepared for a competitive GWS outfit and were relieved to hold on for a gutsy win
-
01:55
McGovern, the intercept king at frightening best
Jeremy McGovern cuts off just about everything the Giants throw at him in an truly freakish performance
-
00:20
Stadium gasps after hard Kelly tackle
Tim Kelly takes down Adam Kennedy in a very strong tackle that may attract further attention
-
01:03
Tempers flare after Shuey caught high
Tim Taranto is penalised for catching Luke Shuey high in a tackle and remonstrates further with a push
-
00:50
Eagles soar towards 'X-factor' after first AFL major
Elation for West Coast as first-gamer Xavier O'Neill dribbles through his first ever AFL goal
-
01:05
Giants march in on debutant after first goal
GWS first-gamer Jake Riccardi manages to get under the radar in the forward line and notches his first ever AFL goal
-
00:51
Small Giant conjures long-awaited opener
Brent Daniels finds plenty of space out the back and earns GWS a much-needed first goal
-
00:21
McGovern hangs for an eternity, some screamer
Jeremy McGovern hauls in a huge speccy that will surely go down as a contender for Mark of the Year
-
00:51
Nic Nat catches a snap and sends one of his own home
Nic Naitanui delights the West Coast faithful with a beautiful snap at goal
IF ...
you hear Jeff Kennett in his capacity as Hawks president say something publicly ...
THEN ...
don't always believe it. So often he's said one thing, and done the opposite. Of course, he wants another three years in charge now, having said all season he didn't. Clarko will be furious. One of 'em won’t be standing in three years' time.
IF ...
Alex Neal-Bullen knows the words to Moving Pictures' and Shannon Noll's 'What About Me' ...
THEN ...
he may as well belt 'em out. After this week's inexplicable AFL softening on sling tackles, Neal-Bullen, who copped four weeks for a tackle on Will Hamill, is officially the unluckiest player of 2020. By a very long way.
IF ...
the Roos are to be fair to a person they chose to hunt and bring into their club ...
THEN ...
Polec deserves to play. He made a decision to become a Roo, based on a hard and financial sell. He has upheld his end of the deal, he's no different to the player he was when the Roos recruited him.
IF ...
I've given big Charlie a whole lotta love this year ...
THEN ...
I'm still sending it his way. But Charlie, you've been quiet the past couple of weeks. The Swans without Rampe on Saturday might be the proverbial "easy kill" that seems so desperately needed.
IF ...
you're capable of having 11 players kick a goal in a 14-goal winning scoreline, as the Tigers did in a crushing win against the Eagles on Thursday night ...
THEN ...
you're absolutely cruising. But Riewoldt's left-foot, across-body, set shot late in the match was the work of someone not fully in sync with "team".
IF ...
an 8-5 score line is a good one ...
THEN ...
it could easily have been 11-2. Three of the four losses have been by a goal or less (Brisbane last weekend by two points, Freo by six and North by two). And yet, reckon the Saints are vulnerable against the Dees on Saturday.
-
05:03
Ratten: 'Looked like we were going to find a way'
Brett Ratten says his side's 'endeavour and never-say-die attitude' impressed him despite not managing to steal a close victory against the wasteful Lions
-
06:11
-
07:45
Full post-match: Lions
Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 13's match against St Kilda
-
01:18
Membrey's five minutes of admirable pressure
Tim Membrey earns plenty of plaudits after exhibiting some outstanding pressure late in the third term
-
01:00
Bend it like Billings taken to new level
Jack Billings conjures an amazing goal over his shoulder to keep the Saints' hopes alive
-
00:29
Look at the spring on Max King, what a stunner
Max King shows off his unbelievable marking potential with a staggering grab over the top
-
01:14
Pride surrounds Lion cub after first goal
Lions debutant Tom Fullarton gets pounced on by teammates after notching his first ever AFL goal
-
00:54
Saints speedsters serve up gift for Butler
The Saints link up beautifully through the middle of the ground and feed goalsneak Dan Butler for a cool finish
-
00:24
Could Lincoln be in trouble for this bump?
Lincoln McCarthy may attract attention from the MRO after collecting St Kilda's Ben Paton high
-
00:43
McCarthy turns Charlie's crumbs to gold
Lincoln McCarthy chimes in with a beautiful snap after Charlie Cameron contests the mark
-
00:25
Hipwood hanger gets Gabba rocking
Eric Hipwood reels in a beautiful speccy to create a huge buzz around the ground
-
00:38
Marshall's GOTY contender denied by own teammate
Does Tim Membrey accidentally ruin Rowan Marshall's chances to bag Goal of the Year?
IF ...
I held a lot of Swans players in lofty regard on entering 2020 ...
THEN ...
I'm a tad disappointed in some of them. They've all been OK, but I have expected more of Mills, Hayward, Blakey, Dawson, even Florent.
IF ...
the Eagles at Optus Stadium in 2020 have looked as comfortable as Brian Lara driving any bowler he ever faced on any deck through covers ...
THEN ...
they have also looked like Daryll Cullinan against Shane Warne when they're playing in south-east Queensland. All four losses there, Thursday night's to the Tigers the equivalent of an eight-wicket Test Match loss in the final session of day four.
-
06:11
-
06:29
Simpson: 'Losing, nothing to do with Queensland'
Adam Simpson refuses to attribute the shift from home as a factor in tonight's loss, stating they were simply 'beaten by the better side'
-
06:54
Dimma: 'Just kick it Jack'
Damien Hardwick shared his thoughts on Jack Riewoldt's uncanny decision to snap on his left from a 15m set shot
-
00:57
Jack's choice of kick too fancy for Dimma's liking
Jack Riewoldt surprisingly attempts to go with a left-foot snap from an easy position and ends up missing
-
00:45
Noah lets rip from outside the arc
Tiger utility Noah Balta gets mobbed by teammates after unleashing an absolute pearler from around 60m out
-
00:34
Shai step and snap just pure genius
Improving Tiger Shai Bolton showcases some exquisite skill to notch this stunning goal
-
00:54
Dusty bender sends everyone berserk
Dustin Martin conjures an outrageous banana on the boundary to light up the stadium
-
00:32
Nic Nat pushes traffic aside and drives through
Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui does brilliantly to conjure space in the forward line and complete a clever snap
-
00:34
Kennedy off after nasty knee connects
Josh Kennedy cops a painful blow to his head after Noah Balta catches him in a marking contest
-
00:30
When the skipper forgets how to kick the footy
West Coast captain Luke Shuey has one of the stranger moments of his footy career by completely squandering a standard kick
IF ...
the Dogs can play an explosive, great-to-watch style at times ...
THEN ...
their impact on the comp is tempered by the fact that their seven wins, upon entry to round 14, have all been against teams outside the top eight, and that six of those wins have been against teams in the bottom eight.
-
06:28
-
04:50
Goodwin slams third-quarter defensive effort
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the Demons 'defended as poorly as we have all year for about 20 minutes'
-
07:00
Beveridge instructed Dogs to 'make better decisions'
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge explains how the Dogs needed to pick smarter options to overcome Melbourne
-
00:24
Cavarra's Carrara special seals it for Dogs
A nice dribbler from Ben Cavarra effectively ends the contest
-
00:56
Out-of-form tall clunks to give Demons a sniff
Tom McDonald shows his aerial prowess and converts an important set shot
-
01:08
Dee in strife after huge hit, Wallis capitalises
Melbourne onballer Tom Sparrow went straight to the bench after being crunched by Marcus Bontempelli
-
00:51
Clever underground handball and Dogs get another
An intelligent piece of play from Lachie Hunter is followed up by a great kick from Marcus Bontempelli, and Mitch Wallis does the rest
-
01:01
Clarry bursts from congestion and snaps it through
The Dees get one late in the second half thanks to gun onballer Clayton Oliver
-
01:23
Late inclusion with head of steam, sets up goal
Mitch Hannan showed his clean hands with a great pick-up and created a chance for Sam Weideman
-
01:17
Comedy of errors but Toby McLeans it up
Three shanks in a row but the Western Bulldogs end up finishing the play with their first of the afternoon
AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL
IF ...
the AFL's match incidents system was able to send clear messages about sling tackles and staging between rounds three and 12 ...
THEN ...
normal transmission resumed in the past week. Mess and confusion, again, about what will, and won't be allowed. And another full-on breakdown between the Match Review Officer and the Tribunal. Time for the Tribunal to be ditched.
