Re: The 2015 PREmier Fighting Tiger Award - Round 8 vs Port Adelaide - RESULTS
2015 PREmier Fighting Tiger Award
Voting Results for Round 8 vs Port Adelaide
PORT ADELAIDE 0.3 3.6 4.10 5.13 (43)
RICHMOND 3.4 7.5 7.5 11.10 (76)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Monfries 2, Wingard 2, R.Gray
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Batchelor, Ellis, Deledio, Martin, Griffiths, Menadue, Edwards
Rank | Change | Player | 3 VOTES | 2 VOTES | 1 VOTE | RD TOTAL | TOTAL | VOTES | AVG |
1 | - | Trent Cotchin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 431 | 0 | 53.9 |
2 | - | Shane Edwards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 399 | 0 | 66.5 |
3 | ↑4 | Jack Riewoldt | 57 | 10 | 2 | 193 | 329 | 69 | 41.1 |
4 | ↓1 | Alex Rance | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 282 | 0 | 35.3 |
5 | ↓1 | Bachar Houli | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 232 | 0 | 29.0 |
6 | - | Anthony Miles | 1 | 5 | 7 | 20 | 227 | 13 | 28.4 |
7 | ↓2 | Kamdyn McIntosh | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 222 | 1 | 27.8 |
8 | ↑2 | Brett Deledio | 5 | 19 | 6 | 59 | 182 | 30 | 45.5 |
9 | - | Dustin Martin | 1 | 4 | 7 | 18 | 147 | 12 | 18.4 |
10 | ↓2 | Taylor Hunt | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 137 | 1 | 17.1 |
11 | - | Shaun Grigg | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 120 | 5 | 15.0 |
12 | ↑1 | Ivan Maric | 3 | 12 | 18 | 51 | 110 | 33 | 13.8 |
13 | ↑1 | Brandon Ellis | 1 | 15 | 11 | 44 | 102 | 27 | 12.8 |
14 | ↓2 | Nick Vlastuin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 86 | 0 | 10.8 |
15 | - | Jake Batchelor | 1 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 48 | 12 | 6.0 |
16 | - | Sam Lloyd | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 2.4 |
17 | ↑2 | Dylan Grimes | 1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 2.0 |
18 | ↓1 | Ben Griffiths | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 1.5 |
19 | ↓1 | Nathan Drummond | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5.0 |
20 | ↓1 | Chris Newman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.6 |
=21 | - | Troy Chaplin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.3 |
=21 | NEW | Steven Morris | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0.3 |
=23 | ↓1 | Matthew McDonough | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1.0 |
=23 | ↓1 | Liam McBean | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1.0 |
=23 | ↓1 | Tyrone Vickery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.3 |
Total Voters=70
MATCH REPORT
by Judge Smailes
Tiggytrain crushes Port party
Just a week removed from a sensational weekend in Melbourne where stuffed my face with tasty food, drank plenty of amber nectar and of course witnessed the Tigers take down the cold pies at the “G”, it was Tiger time once again. Whilst living in the city of churches does rob you of having access to any kind of rational football discussion on the airwaves, you just have to ignore which Crows player will be plastered on the front page of The Advertiser in a candid pic with their favourite K9 every day, and just soak up whatever Tiger talk you can get your ears into.
Despite having a disdain for the local media and the fan base in general, today would be an interesting day for many reasons. The retiring Kane Cornes once wore the Tiger colours for my local team Glenelg, before following in his brother’s footsteps and being picked up by the Port Power in the AFL. “What better way to say “thanks Kane” than having the Richmond boys continue the Power’s season of pain?” I mused as I made my way on foot (the Judge supports responsible drinking) to the Glenelg tram for the journey into the city.
This is where the Adelaide footy experience for me gets a few ticks. On game day, trams run every five minutes, meaning I can walk to the stop, get on the tram, meet my mate at the King’s Head hotel for an ice cold pre-game beer, then hop back onto another tram for the final leg of the journey into Adelaide Oval. This is exactly what I did on this overcast but otherwise fine Sunday.
Another tick – for the price of general admission (no, of course the Judge does not pay), you can stand on a natural grass hill - made famous by countless cricket fans of years gone by, from the Barmy Army to girls in the shortest shorts looking for attention – get a good view of the footy and swill a few beers without having to push past a sea of legs to get to your seat. This is a footy experience that takes me back to days when I had much less in the world to worry about, and when my teenage daughters were not even a twinkle in the Judge’s eyes.
After touching base with a couple of local Tiger supporters – one a Canadian who works for the local Ice Hockey team – we took our spot behind a point post at the Southern end, figuring it was a pretty safe place given the fact that John Butcher would not be suiting up for Port today. (Note – I asked Eric, the Canadian bloke why he chose Richmond as his adopted team. His response…. ”all my teams suck, I’m a Maple Leafs fan who are the worst, and Richmond’s song is the best, so I’m a Tiger for life!” I tipped my hat.
The good guys ran out onto the ground and as we got a look at the yellow strip – whether you call it the WA state strip, the VFL strip or just the “Reverse Tiger” – it looked bloody good. While I lamented the fact there would be no doubt after a couple of beers in the upcoming weeks my resolve would weaken and I would become the owner of my 11th Tiger jumper (my missus counts them reminds me that I don’t NEED any more), I was excited to see how the lads performed in their brand new livery.
As INXS’ “Never tear us apart” blared out of the stadium speakers and Port fans held their footy scarfs up like well-trained chimps, the countdown started…. “10….9….8….7…6…..” you know the drill, though I am sure a few of the locals lost their count after 5…
The anticipation of a game of footy – particularly for us Tiger fans – is gut wrenching. It was summed up pre-game while talking to my mate Rob. I ran into him as he exited the bar; double fisting some heavy beers as he made his way to his seats. “Got the colt and the missus here today, we watched the boys train yesterday and the boy got Cotch’s autograph, he was loving it”. “Good to see you brought the missus a beer” I mused. “Yeah mate, keeping everybody happy, you know me Bozza!” (An aside, my nickname is Boris, and Rob remains the only person I have ever met that has stretched that to “Bozza”, which is kinda strange but also kinda cool.) “How do you think we will go mate?” I asked. “You just never know” said Rob. And there it was, the life of a Tiger supporter summed up in four words. “You just never know”.
The square-headed man-child in Ollie Wines registered the first score, a behind to the Power. Five minutes in, whipping boy Steve Morris registered a behind for the good guys. “1-1 after five, that’s about seven goals better than at this point last time we came here to see these boys play” I remarked. The boys actually looked good, the pressure and tackling was solid, the crowd were subdued, and seven minutes in the most underrated Tiger “Sheds”, couldn’t quite stretch for the mark, but landed on his feet like a Persian kitty (the animal, not the website) before spinning and firing a magnificent handball to a free Jake Batchelor who banged it home for the first sausage roll of the day. My boy Brandon Ellis added a second a few minutes later and I was really liking the boys in yellow. Deledio, Martin and Miles were crashing in, Morris was giving Matty White fits, and Taylor Hunt was playing like his spot in the team depended on it – and he may have been right. Lids’ goal from outside 50 was something to savour. The boys were ON.
At quarter time, the Tiges had held Port goalless, and we had three of our own. About as good a start as we could have hoped for.
Another round of beers and the second quarter was underway. Pretty much straight after Eric muttered ‘it would be sweet to get the first one here”, Robbie Gray banged the footy down the throat of an unattended Wingard and Port had their first. The crowd went nuts. “The Hoff” had a chance to goal. Eric said “I hereby invoke the spirit of John Butcher”. Westhoff missed. About ten minutes went by without a score but our boys were holding firm, blocking up the corridor, just as everyone knew we would. Big Ivvy was back to his inspirational self, marshalling the troops and putting his body on the line. Jack clunked a grab and potted a sausage for the good guys as the bloke next to me – who had gotten a bit TOO close for my liking – yelled “f***ing Riewoldt!”. Ah yes, a wordsmith from the Port, you get a few of those. Two minutes later and Miles hit up Jack again. “F***ING RIEWOLDT!” was the call, with a bit more vitriol as the Jack converted again and the Tiges kicked clear.
Bomber reject Angus Monfries (that means “My Chips” in French I think?) pegged one back for the Leonard Teals but the behemoth that is Dusty was having none of it, monstering his lesser opponent out of the way to snag the footy and goal for the Tiges just a few minutes later. Everyone’s Super Coach buddy Robbie Gray banged another one through for Port and we were calling for the good guys to hold firm before the main break. Port started to assume control as they went forward on multiple occasions. Wingard had it maybe 15 meters out, and it was Eric time. “I hereby invoke the spirit of John Butcher!” he screamed, beer raised to the footy gods. Amazingly, Wingard missed. Two minutes later it was Jay Schulz, cleanest player on the ground I imagine given the bath he was receiving from Alex Rance, who lined up no more than twenty out. A lay down for Schulzy, surely. Eric again, yelling with beer raised “I HEREBY INVOKE THE SPIRIT OF JOHN BUTCHER!” Incredibly, Schulz missed. The crowd collectively groaned. Our Port wordsmith friend then directed his angst at Eric. ‘Shut the f** up mate!””. It was very funny. Oh how we laughed.
In a massive pile up near the boundary line, Vickery was very slow to get up. It looked like he got his leg caught underneath him, and either a knee or ankle took the brunt of his weight and a few others. As the agitated home crowd screamed for the umpire to “hurry up and bounce the ball”, Ty left the playing arena, assisted by a team of tiggytrainers. He would not return. A quick snap by Sheds missed, but at least the pill was up the right end.
With seconds remaining in the half, old Jesper put the “tard” back into Pittard with a brutal attempted pass from full back, the crumbs falling to Benny Griffiths who wheeled around and booted a sweet goal to give the Tiges a handy 23 point lead at half time. “F***ing Griffin!” was the call from old mate - close bud, no cigar.
The night was about to get even better as fellow PRE-er Shawry turned up on the hill with a beer for me, as we discussed all things Tigerland and plotted the downfall of Port in the second half.
The third quarter was one of the most bizarre quarters of footy I have witnessed. It was like trench warfare, as Port threw everything at the Tiger defense – but the Trossman and his loyal troops would not be defeated. Despite a long “My Chips” goal from outside 50 – the Power didn’t really have too many genuine attempts on goal as our boys stood firm. Our 23-point lead was slowly whittled down as the quarter wore on, and despite the home fans frustration at not being able to steamroll our boys, the score was getting a little too close for comfort. It is a strange feeling as you continually check the scoreboard, wondering where your next score is going to come from. At the final break, we held a 13-point lead. Vickery was out, Menadue was in for the duration and Tiger fans everywhere were thinking – once again – that the next 28 minutes might be the longest of our lives.
The final quarter. How sweet it was when Jack popped through the first of the final quarter just a couple of minutes in. Probably my favourite moment of the game came about 5 minutes later as a scramble in the forward line saw young Menadue pick up the footy and leg it out looking for a target – an errant tackle caught him high and the whistle went. The kid would be kicking from right on the 50, a tough kick for sure. He hit it well, and it settled perfectly just beyond the outstretched arms of Alifatty and co. as the Tiger fans erupted in delight. Teammates came from everywhere to congratulate the kid – it was an awesome sight to behold, not only had we extended the lead to a handy 26 points, but maybe – just maybe - we have another young gun on our hands.
As always seems to happen as Tige fans, we just can’t get comfortable. Metroboy Wingard dobbed one for Port and the game was still alive. At about the 15 minute mark a slice of luck went our way. Trengove looked to roll his ankle chasing Jack on the lead, and seconds later the ball came back towards the goalsquare. Jack pushed past Trengove who couldn’t raise a gallop, and instinctively threw an arm out to stop Jack, bringing him down. It was a most bizarre play, where the only result had to be a free. Jack calmly kicked his 4th, and it looked like we might just about be home. Schulz, having an absolute mare, missed again, and when Sheds received the pill running towards goal, you could put down your glasses as the Tiges were out by 31 points and it was high-five’s all round for the good guys - you couldn’t wipe the smile of our faces. Eventually running out 33 point winners, I couldn’t help but think what a great win this was. Sure, Port aren’t going anywhere near as well as last season, but an away game against quality opposition playing for a club legend is a pretty damn solid win any way you look at it.
A couple of random points: Being at the ground helps you to appreciate just how hard Jack Reiwoldt works for the entire game. You just miss so much on TV. He was so impressive against Port, just loved his game. Brandon Ellis and Lids were also sensational, having Lids back makes us so much better it isn’t funny. The man can do it all. Guys that surprised me by how well they contributed were Batchelor and Hunt. The best game I have seen Batch play, hands down. He was pretty pumped in the rooms afterwards too, hopefully he can go on with it and string some excellent games together. Ivan is a warrior, pure and simple. Funny story, Rob, my mate, when he took his kid to watch training – his boy says “I like you Ivan, you’re nice”. Ivan replies “I’m not going to be nice tomorrow.” Gold. Dusty was excellent also, what a unique player he is.
I was lucky enough to be in the rooms to watch the boys sing the song, it was stirring singing along with the handful of fans down there, and watching Jack, Dusty and Batch signing a few autographs for the kids later. Dimma had his chest puffed out, chatting with a family, you could see how proud he was of the boys, a great win indeed.
Onto the dream time game. How will we go? You just never know.
EDITORIAL
by Panthera tigris FC
....and the match reports are BACK with a vengeance! Many thanks to our SA reporter Judge Smailes for that excellent run down. I've got Dyer'ere pencilled in for Dreamtime, so we should be in for another treat.
Just a quick note....if you are voting for an Ellis and there are two playing, make sure you specify. I put all the votes to Brando (sorry Corey), so if that was a mistake let me know.
Carn' the Tiges!