Super Saturdays are back for 2025. It’s the official AFL round one, even though the season began last weekend. Today Geelong clash with Fremantle, there’s a grand final re-match in Sydney and tonight in Melbourne, the Bulldogs clash with the Kangaroos and Collingwood host Port Adelaide.
Super Saturdays are back for 2025. It’s the official AFL round one, even though the season began last weekend. Today Geelong clash with Fremantle, there’s a grand final re-match in Sydney and tonight in Melbourne, the Bulldogs clash with the Kangaroos and Collingwood host Port Adelaide.
Hawthorn defender Jack Scrimshaw has copped a three-week suspension for his high shot on Essendon opponent Jordan Ridley.
Scrimshaw collected Ridley with a swinging arm action as he rushed up on the Bomber in the second term of their MCG clash.
The action was ruled careless conduct, severe impact and high contact by the AFL’s match review officer.
Ridley suffered delayed concussion from the impact and was ruled out of the game at half-time. He will also miss Essendon’s round two clash against Adelaide at the MCG next Saturday.
Scrimshaw was also ruled out of Friday night’s 26-point win with concussion after clashing heads with new teammate Josh Battle in the second term.
It’s a procession here at the MCG. The Pies have piled on the pain for Port with seven goals to nothing in the third term to blow the lead out to 76 points.
They’re a decent chance of joining Steve Smith and Annabel Sutherland with a century at this venue tonight, though in this sport you don’t get your name on the honour board for three figures.
Actually, a late goal to Darcy Byrne-Jones, in his 200th game, has cut the margin back to 70. Small gains and all that for Port.
It has been an ugly night for Ken Hinkley, and he is sure to come under heat this week from Port fans. He is stepping down at the end of this year as part of a succession plan with Josh Carr.
Collingwood 16.9 (105) lead Port Adelaide 5.5 (35)
It is shaping as a nervous last quarter for the Western Bulldogs.
Rory Lobb is playing hurt. He copped a big knock to the ribs just before half-time.
James O’Donnell has been subbed off with a jaw injury. The Bulldogs say no sign of concussion.
North Melbourne have kicked two goals after the siren at Marvel Stadium – one at the end of the second term and again at the end of the third quarter when Nick Larkey was paid a mark despite Rory Lobb having his palms imprinted on the Sherrin.
It was a poor decision from the umpire, but the margin is now just seven points and the Kangaroos keep coming.
The only reason the Bulldogs are still in front is because of a couple of basic errors from the Kangaroos that cost them goals.
The Bulldogs have to keep attacking the game to maintain the lead because their ball movement is their strength. This is a massive quarter for the young Kangaroos. The game is there for the taking against an undermanned Bulldogs.
Western Bulldogs 12.7 (79) lead North Melbourne 10.12 (72)
The last thing Port needs is a gun with fresh legs entering the arena.
But that’s precisely what has happened: The Magpies have subbed out Jeremy Howe in a tactical move and brought on club great Scott Pendlebury.
He has barely been on the field for two minutes and Collingwood has added two more goals – to Lachlan Sullivan and Lachie Schultz.
This is beyond embarrassing for the Power. They have allowed Collingwood to break the 100-point barrier in three quarters. The Pies have 10 different goalkickers, including two to defender Brayden Maynard.
Collingwood 16.9 (105) lead Port Adelaide 5.5 (35)
It’s champagne time for Collingwood, who have caught Port napping with a coast-to-coast goal.
From the kick-in, Jeremy Howe kicked for grass in the centre square for Brayden Maynard to run on to. He knocked the ball forward for Jack Crisp, who also kept the ball in motion for Bobby Hill to find Beau McCreery, who handballed to Brody Mihocek for the easiest of goals.
As I forecast at half-time, this is getting ugly for Port. The margin is out to 62 points – and we’re just into red time yet in the third quarter. It’s been five goals to nothing.
The Bulldogs supporters must feel like a punter who has backed the leader into the straight.
They are wobbling, but they are not giving up their lead.
In an error-riddled quarter, the goals are coming, and the Kangaroos are hanging in there.
Western Bulldogs 12.5 (77) lead North Melbourne 9.9 (63), 20 minutes gone in the third term
Kenny Hinkley needs to sound the trumpet – his Port players have gone missing.
The Pies have kicked the first five goals of the third term – two to Brayden Maynard, if you don’t mind, one to Dan McStay, one to Brody Mihocek and one to Nick Daicos – and have stretched their lead to 62 points.
Collingwood have kicked the past eight goals of the game, including a coast-to-coast major from a kick-in.
It is getting uglier by the minute at the MCG and the Power are staring at a 100-point defeat.
Port fans will be calling for Kenny’s head, of course, but this is his last year. He will make way for Josh Carr at year’s end.
Harry Perryman to Dan McStay. Mark. Goal. That’s a call in the commentary that Magpie fans would not have dreamed about halfway through last year.
McStay was battling his way back from a knee injury, and Perryman was still wearing a Greater Western Sydney jumper.
But it’s a new year, and new dreams. McStay (two goals) is looking strong and sturdy, and Perryman (seven possessions) joined the Pies as a free agent.
Add in three goals from former Saint Tim Membrey so far in this match, and 18 disposals from ex-Port defender Dan Houston and this Collingwood outfit is looking the goods.
Collingwood 10.7 (67) lead Port Adelaide 4.4 (28) five minutes gone in the third term.
I know it’s early, and the margin isn’t massive, but I have the feeling this could be a blowout in the second half.
The Pies are dominating Port. They’re smacking them them on the inside, and their pressure once the ball gets out is smothering Port’s running game.
Port can’t get anything done with ease. The Power hung on grimly in the final 10 minutes but they look tired. Aliir Aliir is sucking in the deep ones at the start of the half-time break – and I can understand why.
He and Port’s defence have been under siege, weathering an inside-50 count that reads 33-21 in Collingwood’s favour. Dan Houston has been excellent in defence. Any time he has the ball, Pies fans can relax, confident he will do something constructive with it.
The Pies’ surge from defence – their trademark under Craig McRae – is threatening to sweep Port away. Nick Daicos was much better that quarter. Their forward line looks dangerous, with multiple avenues to goal through Tim Membrey, Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott.
Something would have to go awry in the second half for the Pies to drop this one.
Rory Lobb has limped off as the Kangaroos kicked the final goal of the half with a goal on the siren to Cameron Zurhaar.
The margin is just 10 points to the Western Bulldogs, but they do not have much control over the game.
Roos ruckman Tristan Xerri is having a huge influence over the contest, leading the hitouts 25 to Tim English’s 13, and giving his midfielders first possession and allowing the team to claim territory.
The Bulldogs’ key players Ed Richards (16 possessions), Bailey Dale (14 possessions), Tom Liberatore (13 possessions) and Sam Darcy (one goal) are critical if they are to hang on here.
The clamps were put on Dale who only had three second-term touches, while Kangaroos skipper Jy Simpkin (17 disposals) lifted.
Half-time: Western Bulldogs 8.5 (53) lead North Melbourne 6.7 (43)
Collingwood is looking the business at the MCG.
No sign of fatigue or cramp tonight. It must be the support of the Magpie Army.
Their two star recruits have set the stage for a big win. Tim Membrey booted three first-quarter goals and has added balance to the Collingwood forward line, fitting in seamlessly alongside Brody Mihocek (one goal) and Dan McStay (goal). Jamie Elliott has kicked two.
Fox Footy commentator David King praised Membrey’s forward craft.
“Sometimes you don’t speed or brutality, it is just finding the right spot,” King said.
Former Port player Dan Houston has looked dangerous in his new black-and-white strip. He is the leading possession winner on the ground – nine kicks and eight handballs.
For Port Adelaide, Connor Rozee (16 possessions) and Ollie Wines (15 possessions) have been trying to keep their side from losing touch.
Half-time score: Collingwood 9.7 (61) lead Port Adelaide 4.3 (27)