3 minute read
A snapshot of what happened in round two of the AFL, with Eddie McGuire in hot water off the field, while Essendon and Melbourne are struggling on it.
WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND TWO OF THE AFL:
THEY SAID IT: "I think we should introduce a $5000 fine to anybody who's tossing the coin and can't do it properly, Every week, we have someone dropping it on their foot. Come on, toss it up properly, for goodness sake. Practice in the week, you know you're going to do it. It can't be that hard, can it guys?" Eddie McGuire is in strife for his comments after Cynthia Bantham, a double amputee, tossed the coin at the Sydney-Adelaide game.
STATS THAT MATTER: Essendon have made a 0-3 start only once, in 1967. Woe betide the loser of their match this week against Melbourne, who are also winless, under the unforgiving glare of Friday night lights at the MCG.
MAN OF THE ROUND: A year ago, Collingwood forward Jordan De Goey was yet to return to the AFL after the club suspended him for a drink-driving charge and he was also recovering from a hamstring injury. On Thursday night, he lit up the MCG with five goals in the big win over Richmond.
KEY MOMENT: Scores were level with just under five minutes left at the MCG on Sunday when Hawthorn's James Sicily gave away a contentious free kick to Western Bulldogs forward Josh Schache. After what appeared minimal contact in a push and shove, Schache was given the ball well inside 50 and goaled to put the Dogs in front for good.
TALKING POINT: First they lose Alex Rance for the season and now Jack Riewoldt is sidelined for a month. How will this season play out for Richmond?
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Collingwood are weighing up whether to challenge Mason Cox's one-match ban for rough conduct on Richmond defender Dylan Grimes, who also faces a one-game suspension for a high elbow on Jamie Elliott.
KEY INJURIES: Jack Riewoldt (Rich, wrist), Sam Jacobs (Adel, knee), Isaac Heeney (Syd, ankle), Jack Watts (PA, broken leg/dislocated anke), Karl Amon (PA, knee), Charlie Curnow (Carl, knee), Jack Henry (Geel, hamstring) Steven May (Melb, groin), Liam Duggan (WC, knee) Phil Davis (GWS, eye), Cameron Rayner (Bris, corked thigh), Daniel McStay (Bris, face), Marley Williams (NM, ankle), Liam Shiels (Haw, hamstring), Shaun Burgoyne (Haw, hamstring),
WHAT'S NEXT: On Thursday night, the Crows host unbeaten Geelong. As already noted, Friday night's Melbourne-Essendon game is crucial for two teams yet to gain any traction this season. Brisbane and Port Adelaide are unbeaten ahead of their Saturday night duel at the Gabba and Collingwood also host West Coast on Saturday night in their grand final rematch.