AFL 2021 Round 5: NSW Derby, Maddie’s match, Gary Ablett Jr return?

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Posted: Apr 18, 2021 | Updated: 3 years ago

Josh Kelly scored the winner, with just a minute to go, as GWS took the honours, in the New South Wales derby, with a two-point victory over Sydney at the SCG.

Despite trailing for most of the night, the Giants were always within touching distance and managed to get themselves ahead on the scoreboard with just two minutes left.

Speaking in the presser, coach Liam Cameron said: “It was a fabulous spectacle for football in Sydney, a close game. Unfortunately, we kicked poorly but still believed we were in it. Sometimes it can take until a minute to go and Josh Kelly kicks us a great goal. I am really proud of our boys but also for our fans and members.”

In the sixth annual ‘Maddie’s Match’, Richmond put on a show as they thrashed a below-par St.Kilda by a massive 86-point margin. Forward Jack Riewoldt bagged five majors and was amongst ten different goalscorers for a rampant Tigers side.

The game serves as part of a number of different initiatives to help raise vital funds to support gene therapy clinical trials for Australian patients, research to find new treatments and ultimately a cure for Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes (BMFS).
Website: https://www.mrv.org.au/ #FightlikeMaddie

Heading into the weekend, there was no coach under the pump more than Collingwood’s Nathan Buckley as he took his side over to face West Coast.

The evening got off to a good start with the Magpies actually leading at quarter-time. Unfortunately, though, their fortunes soon changed as they were dealt a double blow losing key players Jordan de Goey (concussion) and Jeremy Howe (hamstring).

From there it turned into a long, difficult night as the Eagles fought back to completely run over the top of them. It is a result that leaves them one-and-four, sixteenth on the ladder, and will no doubt lead to more scrutiny in the days ahead.

The crowd of 54,159 was the largest since the 2019 Grand Final after Optus Stadium was allowed to open to 100 per cent capacity by the West Australian Government.

Marcus Bontempelli made his 150th appearance for a Western Bulldogs side that maintained their perfect record with a huge 62-point success over Gold Coast.

The Doggies got off to a flyer and kicked the first eleven majors of the match to effectively seal it by half-time; in truth, they should have won by a bigger scoreline.

The only other side with an unblemished record after five rounds, making it their best start to a campaign since 1994, are Melbourne who defeated Hawthorn at the MCG.

A pretty close contest for three quarters, the Demons managed to find an extra gear, in the final term, which proved far too much for the Hawks.

Captain Max Gawn, a four-time All-Australian, led the way with an awesome contribution that included 26 disposals, 24 hit-outs, eight contested marks, five clearances and a goal.

Up in Queensland, all eyes were on Brisbane forward Joe Daniher as he lined up against his former club Essendon, for the first time, since his well-publicised trade.

The 27-year-old, though, showed no sign of any nerves as he recorded a career-high 25 disposals along with two goals to help the Lions romp home to a 57-point triumph.

Speaking to Channel Nine, post-match, he said: “I knew once the game started it would be a normal game of footy. It was nice to contribute tonight and I think the boys pressured really well and that’s something we need to keep improving on.”

Despite making a slow start, Geelong was still able to come back and claim victory over North Melbourne, at the GMHBA Stadium, although it was far from convincing.

Prior to the game, Gary Ablett Jnr, who retired at the end of last season, participated in a farewell lap of honour. However, it may not be the last we see of the dual Brownlow medallist as, earlier in the week, he revealed in an interview with the Herald Sun that he would be open to making a return if needed by the club.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinckley admitted that he was “happier than you’d know” after watching his players put in a dominant performance to beat Carlton at the ‘G’.

Robbie Gray and Mitch Georgiades grabbed three apiece while midfielders Ollie Wines and Travis Boak also starred as the Power move up to fourth on the ladder.

Forward Matt Tabener booted four majors as Fremantle produced a strong finish to get over the line against Adelaide and record their first win at the Oval since 2015.

This was despite being dealt a blow, in the first quarter, when they lost young midfielder Adam Cerra who had to be subbed out after suffering an ankle injury.

Round 5 Results
St.Kilda 7.6 (48)
Richmond 20.14 (134)

West Coast 16.7 (103)
Collingwood 11.10 (76)

Western Bulldogs 17.16 (118)
Gold Coast 8.8 (56)

Sydney 10.9 (69)
GWS 9.17 (71)

Brisbane 15.12 (102)
Essendon 6.9 (45)

Carlton 9.14 (68)
Port Adelaide 15.6 (96)

Adelaide 11.6 (72)
Fremantle 12.12 (84)

Hawthorn 8.6 (54)
Melbourne 15.14 (104)

Geelong 10.17 (77)
North Melbourne 7.5 (47)

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