something old
It was a pretty entertaining weekend of footy, but Round 17 will be best remembered for ‘Boomer’ Harvey’s incredible 400th game.
The 37-year-old showed he’s still more than capable of influencing the outcomes of games, leading the Kangaroos for disposals (27) and kicking two goals against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.
There have been suggestions from some corners that 2015 could be the pocket-rocket’s final season – but based on Saturday night’s performance, games record holder Michael Tuck (426 games) would be getting nervous.
something new
It’s been an exciting year for Collingwood, but the Magpies have hit a flat patch.
Sunday’s loss to the Western Bulldogs was the club’s fifth consecutive defeat, leaving the Pies languishing in 11th position on the ladder.
But to say the Pies got something out of the match would be an understatement. In Travis Cloke’s absence, third-gamer Darcy Moore kicked five goals, took a handful of big marks and gave Magpie fans a glimpse of the future.
If the 199cm utility plays every remaining home and away match (and no finals), he’ll finishing the season on nine games – which would make him eligible for next year’s Rising Star Award. It’s early days, but there’d be plenty of Collingwood fans who’d fancy his chances.
VIDEO: Moore. Darcy Moore – http://t.co/jwaS8PSynF He’s only 3 games old, but we love this kid already #gopies pic.twitter.com/LX5h3loEWJ
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) July 26, 2015
something borrowed
After Adam Goodes performed an Indigenous war cry in Round 9, he alluded to the fact teammate Lewis Jetta had a celebration of his own lined up.
Eight weeks later, in a show of support for the dual Brownlow Medalist, Jetta borrowed a move from his veteran teammate to celebrate a goal against West Coast.
“First of all, we had the momentum and I’d kicked a goal and wanted to celebrate, and then all through the game Goodesy was getting touches and getting booed the whole time, so [it was] just a bit of support,” Jetta told sydneyswans.com.au on Monday.
“Fans need to show more respect for what [Goodes] has done for the game. This booing stuff needs to be thrown out the window.” – Lewis Jetta
“He’s a superstar of the game… Fans need to show more respect for what he’s done for the game. This booing stuff needs to be thrown out the window.”
Goodes admitted on Monday that the “bad energy” that’s been directed his way this season has disappointed him, but was buoyed by Jetta’s support.
“It’s awesome. We’re in his country over here in Western Australia and he’s got all his family and friends at the ground,” Goodes said.
“I know he wanted to kick a goal in Indigenous Round to do his own little dance but to see him do that made me very proud. To hear him talk about the reason why he chose to do it, in support of me and what’s continually going on out there, is fantastic and makes me really proud that he was thinking of me when he was doing it.
With a laugh, Goodes added, “he’s definitely got the moves and definitely performed it a lot better than I did.”
Something Blue
It’s been a tough season for the Blues. They’ve lost their coach, Mick Malthouse, an iconic superstar in Chris Judd – and on Friday night, they well and truly lost their way.
Carlton’s form had been more encouraging since interim coach John Barker took the reigns, but Friday night’s 138-point loss to Hawthorn – who have now won eight games in a row – was the worst defeat in the club’s history.
Marc Murphy was the Blues’ best, collecting 37 disposals and nine marks, but the skipper’s 200th game was one he’ll be looking to forget.
