A review was needed, say AFL

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has blasted the umpires for not calling for a goal review in a decision that could have cost the Tigers victory against Fremantle.

Fremantle post a thrilling one-point victory over Richmond in their AFL clash at Patersons Stadium.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon addresses the media after his side's thrilling one-point win over Richmond.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick shows his anger after losing the match by one point to the Dockers. Picture: Paul Kane. Source: Getty Images

THE AFL has conceded a score review should have been called in the dying minutes of last night's Fremantle and Richmond clash at Patersons Stadium.

Tiger Matt White snapped a shot at goal with about four minutes remaining that would have put his side four points in front.

The ball bounced in to the leg of the goal umpire standing against the post as it appeared set to cross the goal line.

Play on was called, before the Dockers took the ball over the line for a rushed behind.

A furious Damien Hardwick labelled the call a "joke" after the game and insisted a score review should have been called for because, from his vantage point, he felt the ball had crossed the line for a call.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane admitted today the goal umpire made an error.

"(The) AFL view is that a review should have been called by goal umpire last night,'' Keane said.

The AFL will also ask the umpiring department to review line positioning of goal umpires.

Both Hardwick and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon believed the ball had gone through for a goal before bouncing off the umpire's leg and back into play

Freo break Richmond hearts

White ended up kicking a goal a minute later to give Richmond the lead, but Dockers goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne snapped the winner with 84 seconds left to secure the 12.9 (81) to 12.8 (80) triumph.

"We've got this fantastic thing called a review system haven't we? Fair dinkum,'' Hardwick said. "Use it, or don't bother.

"At the end of the day there's a field umpire, a goal umpire, and four or five blokes sitting up in a box upstairs. Someone make a decision.

"Seriously, in a tight game - joke.''

Lyon said he understood Hardwick's frustrations all too well.

In the 2009 grand final when Lyon was coach of St Kilda, Geelong forward Tom Hawkins was awarded a goal despite his shot shaving the post.

The Cats ended up winning the match by 12 points.

"I've seen the other side of the coin,'' Lyon said. "At the end of the day, we're all humans. We all make mistakes.

"Damien is entitled to voice an opinion but I'll leave it to the papers and the AFL to sort it out.''

Hardwick was confident captain Trent Cotchin would be fit for Saturday night's clash with Geelong at the MCG.
Cotchin hyper-extended his knee late in the second quarter, but managed to play out the match and finished with 26 possessions and seven clearances.

Tigers debutant Nick Vlastuin put in a gutsy effort in defence, while former Crow Chris Knights played his best game for Richmond with three goals from 20 possessions.

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Suns too strong for Giants

Gold Coast Suns claim their biggest win in their short history, after a 44-point win over Greater Western Sydney.

• GOLD COAST SUNS 21.22 (148) GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY GIANTS 16.8 (104)

THE GWS Giants look destined for another rough education in the school of hard knocks that is AFL football.

Kevin Sheedy's boys are rooted to the bottom of the ladder following Saturday's loss to the Gold Coast Suns without a win after five matches. The prospect of their first victory remains a long way off with matches against Essendon, Adelaide, Hawthorn and West Coast to come.

Records tumbled in Canberra as the Suns kicked their highest score and big man Charlie Dixon became the first Gold Coast player to kick six goals in a match.

In what looks like a serious case of the second-year blues, the Giants have lost to three teams who finished in the bottom five last year - Port Adelaide , Melbourne and now the Gold Coast.

Live HQ: SuperCoach stats, scores

Only a handful of GWS players could hold their head high at the end of match. Callan Ward, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith Toby Greene and Dylan Shiel were all solid contributors, but their defence remains a massive problem as opposition forwards continue to have their way with them week after week.

Sixteen goals was a reasonable return for the Giants, but conceding 21 goals to the Suns put any chance of a victory out of range. Dixon, Gary Ablett and Zac Smith (three goals each) were unstoppable.

Ablett set the match up for the visitors with 19 possessions in the first half and gave Tom Scully the run-around in the first quarter, picking up nine disposals.

Fortunately, for the Giants the damage of Ablett's hot start was limited in the opening term as scores were locked at three goals a piece.

Goals to the Giants' Rhys Palmer, Cameron and Setanta O'hAilpin were cancelled out by goals to Dixon, Steven May and Jaeger O'Meara.

Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy takes positives out of loss to the Gold Coast Suns.

Steve Coniglio earned a rising star nomination in the corresponding match last year and provided an inspirational moment for his teammates at the end of the term by sprinting 50m to smother a kick by Michael Rischitelli.

Canberra was the scene of the Giants' first win over the Suns last year, but this time they met a Gold Coast team in much better form.

Led by Ablett, who was moved forward in the second quarter, the Suns kicked the three straight.

The Giants stemmed the flow temporarily with a monster 80m goal from Devon Smith. It was an effort of which AFL great and Suns football director Malcolm Blight would have been proud, with Smith using the torpedo punt to land the major.

Long goals became the order of the day for GWS, with Jeremy Cameron and Dylan Shiel landing left-foot bombs from outside the 50m arc.

Relieved of the job on Ablett, with Toby Greene taking the job, Scully pushed forward and goaled on the run.

But the Giants defence was no match for the tall timber in the Suns forward line.

Dixon was dominant for his side, as he booted three goals for the quarter and ruckman Zac Smith chipped in with one.

Their return of 7.8 was the highest score for a single term in the Suns' short existence, passing the previous record of 7.3 set against North Melbourne last year and set up the victory.

GWS's Lachie Whitfield and Phil Davis under pressure from Gold Coast Suns Charlie Dixon . Picture: Kym Smith

Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon booted a club record six goals to help the Suns defeat the Giants. Picture: Kym Smith

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LIVE: Saturday night football

Tom Hawkins is a late out for Geelong. Source: Herald Sun

THE Western Bulldogs take on Geelong and Port Adelaide meet West Coast. Follow the live coverage right here.

The big news is forward Tom Hawkins is a late out for the Cats and will be replaced in the side by Cameron Guthrie.

Taylor Hunt is the Cats' sub tonight.

The Bulldogs will go into the clash at Etihad Stadium as selected with Jackson Macrae in the green vest.

LIVE HQ- Get all the stats and SuperCoach scores here

Over at AAMI Stadium, Jasper Pittard is out for the Power with Lewis Stevenson in.

Robbie Gray is the sub.

While the Eagles are unchanged with Jamie Cripps to don the green vest.

The ball will be bounced at the Dome at 7:40pm AEST and at AAMI Stadium at 7:45pm AEST.

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Walker hurt as Blues win

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker is expected to miss 6-10 weeks after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the first quarter against Carlton.

Taylor Walker is helped from the ground. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Taylor Walker sits on the bench after injuring his knee against Carlton. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE spearhead Taylor Walker faces a significant stint on the sidelines after injuring his right knee early in the 32-point loss to improving Carlton at the MCG.

The Crows would have realised they were in for a tough afternoon when the Blues kicked the first three goals of the game.

But that difficult task became significantly harder when Walker was carried off midway through the opening term after landing awkwardly in a marking contest.

He was subbed out of the match almost immediately with what was suspected to be a posterior cruciate ligament injury.

Without their best key forward, Adelaide struggled for most of the day for goals.

But they did mount a brave challenge in the final term to get the margin down to as little as 17 points, before the Blues steadied to win 17.13 (115) to 12.11 (83).

Chris Yarran in action. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Converted forward Chris Yarran kicked the sealer for the Blues with six minutes to go, curling home a clever right-footed effort from a tight angle.

The Blues got very little from their key forwards Sam Rowe and Shaun Hampson, but it mattered little as the likes of Jeff Garlett (four goals), Yarran (three) and Brock McLean (two) found other ways to score.

The Blues led by 28 points at the first change and increased the margin to 41 points at three-quarter time before Adelaide made their run.

Simon White and Sam Jacobs colide. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

Matthew Jaensch and Andy Otten were the Crows' leading goalscorers with three apiece.

It was Carlton's second win in succession after they had started the Mick Malthouse era with three straight losses.

Adelaide also have a 2-3 win-loss record heading into a tough clash against Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium next Saturday.

Brock McLean and Chris Yarran celebrate a goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

The Blues return to the MCG to take on struggling Melbourne in eight days' time.

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Teams: Tiges swing four changes

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

A further blow for St Kilda with Stephen Milne set to miss Thursday's Anzac Day match against Sydney in Wellington.

Shane Tuck won't play against Fremantle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

MIDFIELDER Shane Tuck has lost his place in Richmond's side ahead of Friday night's crunch clash against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

Tuck was listed as "rested" and one of four omissions from a Tigers side that has been relatively settled up until now.

The Tigers also lost Reece Conca (foot), defender Troy Chaplin (calf) and Steve Morris (suspended).

Tuck has been worryingly out of form this year, with the latest blow yet again placing him at footy's crossroads.

The Tigers are set to unveil prized first-round pick Nick Vlastuin, while speedster Matt White, Brad Helbig and Jake Batchelor also earned reprieves.

Geelong has lost Paul Chapman (hamstring) but regained James Kelly as it looks to continue its unbeaten run against a decimated Western Bulldogs.

Stars Ryan Griffen and Daniel Giansiracusa have joined Shaun Higgins, Easton Wood, Robert Murphy and Tory Dickson out injured.

Melbourne will rest gun teenager Jack Viney ahead of its trip to face Brisbane, which could make up to eight changes.

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD, Thursday 2.40pm at the MCG

ESSENDON

B: M.Hibberd 1, C.Hooker 26, M.Baguley 46
HB: B.Stanton 5, J.Carlisle 22, B.Goddard 9
C: D.Heppell 21, J.Watson 4, C.Dempsey 15
HF: J.Merrett 20, D.Hille 19, S.Gumbleton 3
F: K.Hardingham 34, S.Crameri 12, A.Davey 29
Foll: T.Bellchambers 2, B.Howlett, 40, J.Winderlich 8
I/C: D.Zaharakis 11, D.Myers 23, H.Hocking 39, T.Colyer, 32
Emerg: N.Lovett-Murray 42, J.Melksham 17, T.Pears 16

In: Hardingham, Colyer, Crameri
Out: Hurley (ankle), Pears, Melksham

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COLLINGWOOD

B: N.Brown 16, A.Toovey 34, B.Reid 20
HB: M.Clarke 9, H.Shaw 39, H.O'Brien 8
C: S.Sidebottom 22, D.Swan 36, D.Thomas 13
HF: J.Elliott 19, T.Cloke 32, Q.Lynch 21
F: B.Sinclair 28, T.Goldsack 6, S.Dwyer 41
Foll: B.Hudson 25, S.Pendlebury 10, J.Blair 11
I/C: A.Fasolo 1, J.Russell 2, B.Macaffer, 3, P.Seedsman 40
Emerg: J.Witts 15, J.Thomas 24, B.Kennedy 27

In: Goldsack
Out: J.Thomas

ST KILDA v SYDNEY, Thursday 5.50pm in Wellington

ST KILDA
B: N.Wright 34, S.Fisher 25, D.Roberton 17
HB: S.Dempster 24, R.Stanley 28, S.Gilbert 19
C: L.Hayes 7, C.Jones 4, J.Geary 14
HF: D.Armitage 20, N.Riewoldt 12, N.Dal Santo 26
F: A.Saad 21, S.Ross 6, J.Saunders 35
Foll: B.McEvoy 5, J.Steven 3, L.Montagna 11
I/C: T.Dennis-Lane 8, T. Lee 9, J.Koschitzke 23, B.Murdoch 30
Emerg: A.Siposs 2, T.Hickey 1, F.Ray 22

In: Koschitzke, Dempster, Lee, Murdoch, Saunders
Out: Milne (suspension), Maister (hand), Simpkin, Milera, Ray

SYDNEY

B: D.Rampe 43, H.Grundy 39, N.Smith 40
HB: M.Mattner 29, T.Richards 25, N.Malceski 9
C: K.Jack 15, R.O'Keefe 5, L.Jetta 32
HF: J.Bolton 24, S.Reid20, D.Hannebery 4
F: M.Pyke 38, A.Goodes 37, B.McGlynn 21
Foll: S.Mumford 41, J.Kennedy 12, J.McVeigh 3
I/C: T.Armstrong 19, C.Bird 14, A.Everitt 13, L Parker 26
Emerg: J.White 18, T.Walsh 17, M.Morton 10

In:Bird, Everitt
Out: L. Roberts-Thomson (knee), Morton

Fremantle v Richmond, Patersons Stadium, Friday night

Fremantle
B: L.Spurr 34, Z.Dawson3, M.Johnson 37
HB: C.Pearce 46, L.McPharlin 18, P.Duffield 41
C: T.Mzungu 13, R.Crowley 15, D.Pearce 6
HF: H.Ballantyne 1, K.Bradley 26, N.Fyfe 7
F: J.Hannath 38, C.Mayne 23, M.Walters 10
Foll: J.Griffin, 12, D.Mundy 16, S.Hill 32
I/C: M.Barlow 21, L.Neale 27, M.De Boer 9, G.Ibbotson 5
Emg: H.Crozier 17, A.Silvagni 36, N.Suban 8

In: L.McPharlin, G.Ibbotson, J.Hannath
Out: N.Suban, C.Sutcliffe, Ta.Smith (hamstring)
New: J.Hannath

Richmond
B: J.Batchelor 11, A.Rance 18, B.Helbig 32
HB: D.Grimes 2, R.Petterd 13, B.Houli 14
C: C.Newman 1, T.Cotchin 9, M.White 35
HF: B.Deledio 3, S.Edwards 10, D.Jackson 23
F: L.McGuane 16, J.Riewoldt 8, T.Vickery 29
Foll: I.Maric 20, D.Martin 4, N.Vlastuin 31
I/C: B.Ellis 5, J.King 28, S.Grigg 6, C.Knights 15
Emerg: A.Edwards 27, R.Nahas 26, M.Dea 7

In: M.White, J.Batchelor, B.Helbig, N.Vlastuin
Out: S.Tuck (rested), T.Chaplin (calf), S.Morris (suspension), R.Conca (foot)
New: N.Vlastuin

Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast, Manuka Oval, 1.45pm Saturday

GWS
B: A.Kennedy 40, T.Mohr39, L.Plowman 30
HB: N.Haynes 19, P.Davis 1, S.Reid 23
C: T.Scully 9, C.Ward 8, L.Whitfield 6
HF: R.Palmer 7, J.Cameron 18, A.Tomlinson 20
F: D.Smith 10, S.O'hAilpin 37, Z.Williams 51
Foll: J.Giles 26, A.Treloar 17, D.Shiel5
I/C: S.Coniglio 3, T.Greene 4, T.Bugg 14, B.Thornton 46
Emg: C.Hampton 2, J.Townsend 31, S.Frost 48

In: B.Thornton, D.Smith, A.Tomlinson, L.Plowman, Z.Williams
Out: S.Gilham, A.Miles, J.Townsend, L.Sumner, S.Frost
New: Z.Williams

Gold Coast
B: T.McKenzie 18, S.May 17, J.Hutchins 34
HB: T.Murphy 29, R.Thompson 16, G.Broughton 36
C: M.Rischitelli 35, G.Ablett 9, J.Harbrow 5
HF: D.Stanley 25, TJ.Lynch 19, A.Hall 33
F: Z.Smith 2, S.Day 12, B.Matera 32
Foll: C.Dixon 23, K.Hunt 7, D.Swallow 24
I/C: D.Prestia 10, J.O'Meara 1, J.Brennan 3, M.Shaw 26,
Emerg: K.Horsley 42, L.Russell 8, T.Sumner 39

In: D.Stanley, T.McKenzie, TJ.Lynch
Out: M.Warnock (arm), L.Russell, J.Wilkinson (ankle)

Carlton v Adelaide, MCG, 4.40pm Saturday

Carlton
B: C Yarran 13, M Jamison 40, L Henderson 23
HB: Z Tuohy 42, D Armfield 27, B Gibbs 4
C: K Simpson 6, A Carrazzo 44, M Robinson 12
HF: C Judd 5, A Walker 1, J Garlett 38
F: E Curnow 35, S Hampson 22, S Rowe 17
Foll: R Warnock 11, M Murphy 3, B McLean 14
I/C: E Betts 19, K Lucas 9, H Scotland 29, S White 43
Emerg: L Casboult 41, D Ellard 46, A Joseph 45

In: E Betts
Out: A Joseph (omitted)

Adelaide
B: L Brown 16, B Rutten 25, A Otten 22
HB: D Mackay 14, D Talia 12, B Reilly 3
C: R Douglas 26, S Thompson 5, B Smith 26
HF: S Kerridge 29, J Jenkins 4, J Petrenko 23
F: T Lynch 27, T Walker 13, M Wright 11
Foll: S Jacobs 24, P Dangerfield 32, R Sloane 9
I/C: M Jaensch 10, B Vince 17, R Henderson 45, R Laird 46
Emerg: J Lyons 31, S McKernan 35, J Porplyzia 40

In: B Vince, B Smith
Out: J Porplyzia (omitted), B Crouch (hamstring).

Western Bulldogs v Geelong, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 7.40pm

Western Bulldogs
B: B Goodes 44, J Roughead 23, T Young 31
HB: J Johannisen 39, D Morris 38, A Cooney 17
C: N Lower 33, M Boyd 5, T Liberatore 21
HF: J Tutt 15, J Stringer 9, L Dahlhaus 6
F: L Picken 42, L Jones 19, J Macrae 11
Foll: W Minson 27, C Smith 14, M Wallis 3
I/C: D Cross 4, P Veszpremi 8, K Stevens 25, M Austin 47
Emerg: D Pearce 20, C Howard 30, L Markovic 37

In: M Austin, P Veszpremi, C Smith
Out: A Cordy, R Griffen (shoulder), D Giansiracusa (shoulder)

Geelong
B: T Hunt 19, T Lonergan 13, C Enright 44
HB: J Corey 11, J Rivers 25, A Mackie 4
C: M Duncan 22, J Bartel 3, J Kelly 9
HF: A Christensen 28, H Taylor 7, S Motlop 32
F: T West 12, T Hawkins 26, J Podsiadly 31
Foll: M Blicavs 46, J Selwood 14, M Stokes 27
I/C: G Horlin-Smith 33, J Caddy 23, S Johnson 20, B Smedts 2
Emerg: M Brown 1, J Murdoch 21, C Guthrie 29

In: James Kelly
Out: Paul Chapman

Port Adelaide v West Coast, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 7.45pm
Port Adelaide
B: T. Jonas 42, A. Carlisle 27, C. Heath 3
HB: J.Pittard 29, J.Trengove 12, D.Cassisi 25
C: K.Cornes 18, T.Boak 1, Bra.Ebert 7,
HF: P.Stewart 14, J.Westhoff 39, M.Broabent 5
F: R.Gray 9, J.Schulz 28, C.Wingard 20
Foll: B.Renouf 4, O.Wines 16, H.Hartlett 8
I/C: M.Lobbe 23, A.Monfries 6, J.Neade 32, C.O'Shea 13
Emg: S.Colquhoun 30, L.Stevenson 15, M.Thomas 21

In: P Stewart
Out: L Stevenson

West Coast
B: S.Hurn 25, D.Glass 23, J.Brennan 14
HB: B.Waters 8, E.Mackenzie 16, S.Butler 26
C: C.Masten 7, M.Priddis 11, A.Gaff 3
HF: J.Cripps 15, J.Kennedy 15, M.LeCras 2
F: C.Sinclair 22, J.Darling 27, D.Kerr 4
Foll: D.Cox 20, S.Selwood 10, L.Shuey 13
I/C: AS.Hams 43, B.Dalziell 18, M.Brown 1, J.Hill 33
Emg: M.Hutchings 34, As. Smith 28, W.Schofield 31

In: B Waters, M Brown
Out: A Selwood, W Schofield

Brisbane Lions v Melbourne, Gabba, 3.15pm Sunday
Brisbane Lions
B: J.Adcock 7, D.Merrett 21, E.Yeo 26
HB: J.Patfull 24, J.Clarke 42, M.Golby 41
C: J.Polkinghorne 31, B.Moloney 3, S.Mayes 32,
HF: M.Paparone 22, J.Brown16, R.Bewick 8
F: J.Green 6, A.Cornelius 44, D.Zorko 15
Foll: M.Leuenberger 23, A.Raines 29, J.Redden 30
I/C from: S.Docherty 1, B.Longer 5, A.McGrath 9, P.Karnezis 28, R.Lester 35, J.Crisp 47, T.Rockliff 38

In: J.Polkinghorne , A.Cornelius , P.Karnezis , R.Lester , B.Longer , E.Yeo , J.Crisp , J.Clarke
Out: P.Hanley (suspension), D.Rich (shoulder), S.Martin (ankle) , R.Harwood (omitted) , N.McKeever (omitted)

Melbourne
B: J.Watts 4, J.Frawley8, D.Terlich 46,
HB: J.Grimes 31, T.McDonald 25, C.Garland 20
C: J.Trengove 9, C.Sylvia 12, S.Blease 17
HF: R.Bail 44, C.Pedersen 21, J.Howe 38
F: D.Rodan 15, M.Gawn 37, S.Byrnes 10
Foll: M.Jamar 40, M.Evans 32, N.Jones 2
I/C from: J.McKenzie 13, J. Strauss 19, D.Nicholson 26, L.Tapscott 35, A.Davey 36, J.Spencer 42, M.Jones 45,

In: D.Rodan, J.McKenzie, J.Spencer, S.Blease, J. Strauss, D.Nicholson
Out: N.Jetta (suspended), J.Viney (rested), M.Clark (foot).

Hawthorn v North Melbourne, MCG, 4.40pm Sunday

Hawthorn
B: J.Gibson 6, B.Lake 17, L.Hodge 15
HB: G.Birchall 14, B.Stratton 24, S.Burgoyne 9,
C: I.Smith 16, S.Mitchell 5, B.Hill 10
HF: L.Breust 22, L.Franklin 23, P.Puopolo 28
F: L.Shiels 26, J.Roughead 2, D. Hale 20
Foll: M.Bailey 39, J.Lewis 3, C.Rioli 33
I/C from: J.Gunston 19, M.Spangher 27, S.Savage 21, M.Osborne 7, B.Guerra 18, J.Kelly 34, K.Cheney 13

In: B.Guerra, B.Lake, M.Spangher, K.Cheney, J.Kelly
Out: R.Schoenmakers (knee), T.Duryea (corked thigh)

North Melbourne
B: S.McMahon 42, S.Thompson 16,M.Firrito 11
HB: A.Mullett 41, N.Grima 17, J.Macmillan 34
C: D.Wells 8, S.Atley 18, S.Wright 19
HF: R.Bastinac 3, B.Cunnington 10, T.Hine 26
F: L.Thomas 12, D.Petrie 20, L.Adams 13,
Foll: T.Goldstein 22, A.Swallow 9, J.Ziebell 7
I/C from: B.McKenzie 2, L.Anthony 4, L.Hansen 6, W.Sierakowski 28, A.Black 35, M.Daw 38, S.Gibson 43

In: W.Sierakowski , A.Black, B.McKenzie New: W.Sierakowski

Replay the live chat below

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LIVE: Swans by 10 at half-time

The AFL video review system is in the spotlight again after a close call in New Zealand

Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack and St. Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt in Wellington ahead of today's historic first AFL match in New Zealand. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

FOLLOW the live coverage of today's clash between St Kilda and the Sydney Swans in Wellington here.

HALF-TIME: Sydney Swans 6.7 (43) leading St Kilda 5.3 (33)

The Swans lead by 10 points at the main break.

Daniel Hannebery and Josh Kennedy, who both have 14 disposals, lead the way for the Swans.

For the Saints, forward Nick Riewoldt is having a blinder with 19 disposals and two goals.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

QTR TIME: Sydney Swans 3.3 (21) leading St Kilda 3.1 (19)

Great lively start by the Saints, who kicked the first two goals of the match.

Justin Koschitzke kicked the first goal in his return to senior football.

But the Swans rallied and got better as the quarter went on.

LATE CHANGES
Nil

SUBSTITUTES

Lewis Jetts (Sydney)

Josh Saunders (St Kilda)

PRE-GAME

IT is an histroic occasion as St Kilda and the Sydney Swans prepare to face off in Wellington - the first game for premiership points to be played overseas.

Follow the live coverage here and join in our live chat below.

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Bombers demolish Pies

Essendon claim ANZAC Day honours with massive 46-point win over Collingwood.

Watch Nathan Buckley react to Ben Reid's free kick for pushing Essendon's Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter.

Jason Winderlich celebrates a goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

A DEFIANT Essendon has shaken off its off-field scandals to thrash Collingwood in an historic Anzac Day clash at the MCG.

The third biggest home-and-away crowd in AFL/VFL history watched the Bombers shake off the drugs scandal that has rocked Windy Hill to record a 46-point victory before a crowd of 93,373.

It was just the eighth time 90,000 people or more have attended a home and away match at the MCG and the biggest crowd since 94,825 turned up for the first classic drawn contest between the Bombers and the Pies in 1995.

On a sacred day on the Australian calendar, footy said thanks to our fallen the best way it could – a match epitomizing the Anzac spirit of skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play.

The Bombers had not won on Anzac Day since 2009 when then teenager David Zaharakis ignored pouring rain and a fast evaporating match clock to boot the winning goal in the dying seconds.

He was at it again today, winning the Anzac Medal for the best player afield as the Bombers won their fifth straight match to keep their unbeaten season alive and retain top spot on the ladder.

The contest may have been about premiership points and sporting pride but for the players and fans it was much more than that.

Full stats and SuperCoach points at LiveHQ

As players from both sides linked arms for the national anthem, with the Australian flag at half mast in a sign of respect, the unique pulse of this special footy match pumped around the ground.

The goosebump moment of the home-and-away season came as the capacity crowd huddled and hushed in startling silence to pay its respect to the brave who have fallen and fought for their freedom.

Gallery: All the action and emotion from the MCG

Watch Nathan Buckley react to Ben Reid's free kick for pushing Essendon's Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter.

But when the bugler was done, and the haunting last post sent spines tingling, it was up to the players to perform.
It took 15 minutes for the first goal to be scored.

But despite the drug investigation casting a shadow over the club off the field, the Bombers let their football do the talking on the arena.

Essendon and Collingwood players observe a minute's silence on Anzac Day Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

They led by four points at quarter-time and the long break but made their move in the second half to run out 18.13 (121) to 10.15 (75) victors.

It took the tally to 10 Collingwood wins, eight Essendon triumphs and a draw in 19 Anzac showdowns.

Australian Army trooper and lifelong Essendon fan Rhys Kelly, who survived a bomb blast while serving in Afghanistan, presented the match ball to officials before the first bounce.

Dank supplement letter 'won't save players'

And 10-year-old Bombers fan Nathan Garcia who was born with half a heart and survived only to suffer a life-threatening spinal condition tossed the coin.

In a touching sign of solidarity between the two on-field enemies, players from both sides ran onto the field through a single banner built by the cheer squads of both clubs listing the names of former footballers killed at war.

Jobe Watson celebrates a goal in the last quarter. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Even the trophy carried special significance.

It too was etched with the names of VFL players killed on active service and was built from wood from an ammunition wagon used in battle at Villers-Brentonneux in France and metal salvaged from the battlefields of Gallipoli.

Recap our live updates from the MCG below

LATE CHANGES
Nil

SUBSTITUTES
David Myers (Essendon)
Tyson Goldsack (Collingwood)

FULL TIME - ESSENDON 121 - 75 COLLINGWOOD

ESSENDON produced a huge final quarter to steamroll Collingwood in front of more than 93,000 fans at the MCG.

The Bombers led by four goals at three-quarter time then kicked 6.5 to 3.1 to blow the game apart and win by 46 points.

The Magpies also face an anxious wait on defender Alan Toovey, who went down late in the match with a knee injury.

Essendon has its own injury concerns with key defender Jake Carlisle hurting an ankle after blanketing power forward Travis Cloke.

The Anzac Medal for best on ground was awarded to Bomber David Zaharakis, who had 34 disposals and four goals.

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson was also immense with 31 touches and two goals, while Jason Winderlich booted three in his second game back from a long-term injury layoff.

Steele Sidebottom, Heath Shaw and Scott Pendlebury were the Magpies' best.

SUPERCOACH STARS
Zaharakis 140
Pendlebury 135
Sidebottom 135
Watson 131
Swan 126

Tom Bellchambers tries to rip the ball free. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

3/4 TIME - ESSENDON 80 - 56 COLLINGWOOD

A SOFT free kick paid to Tom Bellchambers directly in front of goal has steadied Essendon at the last change at the MCG today.

The gift followed a free kick and goal to Scott Gumbleton moments earlier as the Dons opened up a 24-point buffer at the last change.

The Bombers speared to a 32-point lead in the third term before Travis Cloke, Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury lifted to bring the Pies back to life.

But the free kick goals steadied the Dons.

1/2 TIME - ESSENDON 40 - 36 COLLINGWOOD

A WASTEFUL Collingwood has crawled to within four points of Essendon at halftime despite an array of botched shots on goal.

The Pies converted just one goal from eight set-shots in the first half, while the Dons momentarily skipped to a three-goal lead early in the second quarter.

Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson have led the way for the Dons, while Jake Carlisle is dominating star Pies forward Travis Cloke.

Steele Sidebottom's late goal kept the Pies in touch at the main break, with the star half-forward sneaking free inside 50.

The ball magnet racked up a game-high 22 disposals in the first half.

SUPERCOACH STARS
Sidebottom 91
Shaw 73
Watson 71
Zaharakis 70
Swan 68

Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG for the blockbuster Anzac Day clash. Essendon celebrating their win. Picture: Coppel Alex Source: Herald Sun

Full list at Live HQ

1/4 TIME  - ESSENDON 15 - 11 COLLINGWOOD

STEELE Sidebottom has recaptured his best form, but Essendon leads at quarter-time at the MCG.

Sidebottom had 13 first-quarter disposals in a congested start that saw just three goals kicked.

It took 15 minutes for David Zaharakis to break the deadlock, while Jarryd Blair marked and goaled to give the Pies their first major.

Join our live chat below and head to Live HQ for live SuperCoach scores, stats and more from today's Collingwood-Essendon blockbuster.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

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ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD, Thursday 2.40pm at the MCG

ESSENDON

B: M.Hibberd 1, C.Hooker 26, M.Baguley 46
HB: B.Stanton 5, J.Carlisle 22, B.Goddard 9
C: D.Heppell 21, J.Watson 4, C.Dempsey 15
HF: J.Merrett 20, D.Hille 19, S.Gumbleton 3
F: K.Hardingham 34, S.Crameri 12, A.Davey 29
Foll: T.Bellchambers 2, B.Howlett, 40, J.Winderlich 8
I/C: D.Zaharakis 11, D.Myers 23, H.Hocking 39, T.Colyer, 32
Emerg: N.Lovett-Murray 42, J.Melksham 17, T.Pears 16

In: Hardingham, Colyer, Crameri
Out: Hurley (ankle), Pears, Melksham

COLLINGWOOD

B: N.Brown 16, A.Toovey 34, B.Reid 20
HB: M.Clarke 9, H.Shaw 39, H.O'Brien 8
C: S.Sidebottom 22, D.Swan 36, D.Thomas 13
HF: J.Elliott 19, T.Cloke 32, Q.Lynch 21
F: B.Sinclair 28, T.Goldsack 6, S.Dwyer 41
Foll: B.Hudson 25, S.Pendlebury 10, J.Blair 11
I/C: A.Fasolo 1, J.Russell 2, B.Macaffer, 3, P.Seedsman 40
Emerg: J.Witts 15, J.Thomas 24, B.Kennedy 27

In: Goldsack
Out: J.Thomas

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Bombers here to stay

Essendon claim ANZAC Day honours with massive 46-point win over Collingwood.

Jobe Watson celebrates a goal with Essendon fans. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Travis Cloke misses a shot at goal. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON left the MCG with a clearer statement: It is a serious contender.

Not might, or will, or could be - is.

The Bombers dismantled Collingwood with a 12-goal second half, the final quarter a six-goal to three blitz which came after the Magpies kicked the first two goals of the term.

They were challenged at the end of the first quarter, through the middle of the second and third quarters and at the start of the final quarter.

Each time, they responded with a run of goals, including a run of four in the third quarter, and five to finish the game.

That would be disturbing for Magpies coach Nathan Buckley.

His team was opened up by Hawthorn at the same venue in Round 3 and again yesterday.

When it happens once it can be an aberration. When it happens twice inside three weeks it is a concerning trend.

Just like the Hawks game, the Pies were overran in the final quarter, which means it is either a fitness issue or they aren't good enough.

The final score was 18.13 (121) to 10.15 (75).

The Bombers put Scott Pendlebury under pressure. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Bombers coach James Hird praised the overall team defence yesterday, but also singled out a back group which has held steady throughout the five-zip start.

Yesterday, Jake Carlisle contained Travis Cloke (six marks, two goals), Michael Hibberd and Courtenay Dempsey created off the flanks, Mark Baguley subdued Jamie Elliott (nine touches, one goal) and Kyle Hardingham and Cale Hooker were steady enough.

Everyone's talking about our offence, but not giving us enough credit for our defence. Look at the stats. Look at them.

Overall, the Bombers are defensive demons.

It is the No.1 improvement from last year to this.

Hird admitted yesterday his midfield needed a ''change of mindset'' and Heath Hocking agreed.

Hocking took Pendlebury yesterday and, although beaten, he was part of a midfield which had more depth of contribution than Collingwood.

Hocking, who was restricted last year because of a shoulder injury which needed surgery at the end of the season, epitomises what is required in intensity, while Brent Stanton epitomises how much Essendon has improved.

''I like our team defence,'' Hocking said.

''We've worked on it which was one of the coaches' aims, just be a better accountable footy team which means we can compete with the better sides."

Scott Gumbleton celebrates a goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

He says his teammates ram home the point at every opportunity.

''Last year there were times when it was not so consistent, but right now it's there, we're red hot. If someone is not manning up, we're tough on them. And it's contagious. If you're mate's doing it, you do it, and it lifts you.''

Brendon Goddard transferred from the one of the most miserly team defences in the history of the game, and when asked last night how big a difference defence makes, he said: ''It's between winning and losing.

''Everyone's talking about our offence, but not giving us enough credit for our defence. Look at the stats. Look at them.''

For the Pies, Steele Sidebottom had 22 disposals at the half and 31 for the game, and stats show he had Dempsey for much of the first quarter, when he racked up 13.

As the game continued, Pendlebury became Collingwood's most threatening player, while Dane Swan had 30 touches.

The next best mid in terms of numbers was Marty Clarke with 21.

Dale Thomas crashes over Courtenay Dempsey. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

No wonder Pendlebury talked about cheats, because the Essendon midfield was able to run rampant several times.

In the first quarter the Pies laid just four tackles. That improved to 15 in the second quarter, 18 in the third and 13 in the final-quarter capitulation.

A critical period of the game was the first 11 minutes of the third quarter. The Bombers had a 7-0 clearance differential and kicked four goals.

The game might've been tighter, perhaps, if the Bombers big men, Tom Bellchambers and Scott Gumbleton, didn't receive free kicks - and goals - for two contentious decisions late in the third quarter.

Watch Nathan Buckley react to Ben Reid's free kick for pushing Essendon's Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter.

As it was, the Bombers had too many winners.

Jason Winderlich kicked three goals and had five score assists and was a menace in the forward line, Alwyn Davey's tackling pressure is first rate, and Bellchambers is far better than anyone ever thought.

On the flip side, Buckley will ask questions about Jordan Russell in defence, and he didn't get enough out of his three smalls, Dwyer, Blair and Elliott, just to name a few.

Picture gallery: All the action and emotion from the MCG

Herald Sun Player of the Year votes
3. David Zaharakis (Ess)
2. Jobe Watson (Ess)
1. Michael Hibberd (Ess)

Best players
Essendon: Zaharakis, Watson, Hibberd, Stanton, Carlisle, Goddard, Winderlich, Baguley, Bellchambers. Collingwood: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Reid, Shaw, Swan.
 

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Teams: No Joe for Anzac Day

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

A further blow for St Kilda with Stephen Milne set to miss Thursday's Anzac Day match against Sydney in Wellington.

Justin Koschitzke could play his first match for the year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has made three changes but resisted the temptation to play Joe Daniher against Collingwood on Anzac Day.

Stewart Crameri, Kyle Hardingham and Travis Colyer have been promoted to the Bombers' line-up.

Michael Hurley is out with an ankle injury suffered against St Kilda last week while defender Tayte Pears and midfielder Jake Melksham were dropped.

Dustin Fletcher has not recovered from a groin injury in time to play.

Daniher, who has been starring at VFL level, did not even make the emergencies.

But his father Anthony is not concerned.

"It's all about the right time and the right environment to bring him in, and everyone is different," he told 3AW.

"I think tomorrow could have been just a bit too early.

See the full team line-ups below and in LiveHQ

"The critical thing is to make sure he's ready to play and Joe has missed a lot of footy over the past few years.

"He's just motoring along really nicely at the moment.

"Theres absolutely no hurry to rush him into that senior team."

Collingwood made just one change, bringing in Tyson Goldsack at the expense of youngster Josh Thomas.

Meanwhile, Justin Koschiztke will resurrect his AFL career in New Zealand tomorrow.

Koschitzke, who has been bumped from the Saints' best side this year, is one of five inclusions for St Kilda's historic clash against Sydney - the first match for premiership points outside Australia.

St Kilda will be boosted by the return of All-Australian defender Sean Dempster, while draftees Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders will make their AFL debuts.

The pair were selected with picks 40 and 43 in last year's national draft.

The Swans have lost Lewis Roberts-Thompson to a knee injury and dropped Mitch Morton.

Craig Bird and Andrejs Everitt are their replacements.

Champion Data SuperCoach formguide

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD, Thursday 2.40pm at the MCG

ESSENDON

B: M.Hibberd 1, C.Hooker 26, M.Baguley 46
HB: B.Stanton 5, J.Carlisle 22, B.Goddard 9
C: D.Heppell 21, J.Watson 4, C.Dempsey 15
HF: J.Merrett 20, D.Hille 19, S.Gumbleton 3
F: K.Hardingham 34, S.Crameri 12, A.Davey 29
Foll: T.Bellchambers 2, B.Howlett, 40, J.Winderlich 8
I/C: D.Zaharakis 11, D.Myers 23, H.Hocking 39, T.Colyer, 32
Emerg: N.Lovett-Murray 42, J.Melksham 17, T.Pears 16

In: Hardingham, Colyer, Crameri
Out: Hurley (ankle), Pears, Melksham

COLLINGWOOD

B: N.Brown 16, A.Toovey 34, B.Reid 20
HB: M.Clarke 9, H.Shaw 39, H.O'Brien 8
C: S.Sidebottom 22, D.Swan 36, D.Thomas 13
HF: J.Elliott 19, T.Cloke 32, Q.Lynch 21
F: B.Sinclair 28, T.Goldsack 6, S.Dwyer 41
Foll: B.Hudson 25, S.Pendlebury 10, J.Blair 11
I/C: A.Fasolo 1, J.Russell 2, B.Macaffer, 3, P.Seedsman 40
Emerg: J.Witts 15, J.Thomas 24, B.Kennedy 27

In: Goldsack
Out: J.Thomas

ST KILDA v SYDNEY, Thursday 5.50pm in Wellington

ST KILDA
B: N.Wright 34, S.Fisher 25, D.Roberton 17
HB: S.Dempster 24, R.Stanley 28, S.Gilbert 19
C: L.Hayes 7, C.Jones 4, J.Geary 14
HF: D.Armitage 20, N.Riewoldt 12, N.Dal Santo 26
F: A.Saad 21, S.Ross 6, J.Saunders 35
Foll: B.McEvoy 5, J.Steven 3, L.Montagna 11
I/C: T.Dennis-Lane 8, T. Lee 9, J.Koschitzke 23, B.Murdoch 30
Emerg: A.Siposs 2, T.Hickey 1, F.Ray 22

In: Koschitzke, Dempster, Lee, Murdoch, Saunders
Out: Milne (suspension), Maister (hand), Simpkin, Milera, Ray

SYDNEY

B: D.Rampe 43, H.Grundy 39, N.Smith 40
HB: M.Mattner 29, T.Richards 25, N.Malceski 9
C: K.Jack 15, R.O'Keefe 5, L.Jetta 32
HF: J.Bolton 24, S.Reid20, D.Hannebery 4
F: M.Pyke 38, A.Goodes 37, B.McGlynn 21
Foll: S.Mumford 41, J.Kennedy 12, J.McVeigh 3
I/C: T.Armstrong 19, C.Bird 14, A.Everitt 13, L Parker 26
Emerg: J.White 18, T.Walsh 17, M.Morton 10

In:Bird, Everitt
Out: L. Roberts-Thomson (knee), Morton.
 

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Crouch down in Crow blow

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

Brad Crouch celebrates a goal with Taylor Walker. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE has been dealt a stinging blow with promising midfielder Brad Crouch expected to miss at least two weeks after suffering a hamstring injury at training today.

Crouch, who debuted this season after spending a year as an ineligible 17-year-old player on the Crows list, had impressed coach Brenton Sanderson in his few senior games but the injury is expected to be at the lower end.

Crouch warmed up with teammates before hurting his leg during today's closed session. He will be sent for scans to determine the damage.

"It's a bit of a setback for us,'' Sanderson said.

"I've really liked how he's been playing; he's been great for a first-year player."

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Sanderson was this afternoon heading for a match committee meeting, and one of the first names that would be brought up to replace Crouch was Bernie Vince.

Vince was dropped to Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL last weekend and responded with a dominant contribution.

"I did like how Bernie went back,'' Sanderson said. "He went back and dominated that game in the SANFL and he's too good to play in the SANFL, you know.

"So we'll look for opportunities to get those guys back where we can.''

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