Latest news with #BattleoftheBridge
7NEWS
17 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Craig Hutchison shares idea to rebrand northern AFL derbies with new names
Channel 7 host Craig Hutchison has coined two new names for the northern AFL derbies in a bid to inspire fans and promote the game. Currently, Brisbane and Gold Coast play in the QClash, which has been the name since the Suns' inception in 2011. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Craig Hutchison coins new names for AFL derbies. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today The original name for the clash between Sydney and Greater Wester Sydney was The Battle of the Bridge, but that was abandoned and it's now simply referred to as the Sydney derby. The two other state-based clashes have successful names with WA's Western Derby and SA's Showdown both encapsulating the rivalries. Hutchison said it's time to bring new names for the two northern derbies. 'This is about brand in Sydney and Brisbane. It doesn't work. The QClash is ho-hum as a name, isn't it? It doesn't inspire you,' he said on The Agenda Setters. 'The Sydney Derby or the old Battle of the Bridge? 'Here it is. In Queensland, it's the Scorcher. That's the name. It's going to be on at the Scorcher on Saturday. Who's going to the Scorcher? Can't wait to get to the Scorcher. The heat's going to be on. 'And in Sydney, it's the grudge. There's been a grudge since they started. You can harbour a grudge.' Fellow panellists were immediately on board with the new names, in particular the clever use of 'harbour' for the Sydney clash. Kane Cornes said he 'liked it', while Caroline Wilson said Hutchison was 'selling it well'. Nick Riewoldt added: 'You are the great promoter.' The Grudge fits well for the Sydney derby with the genuine dislike between the two clubs. They have had a history of heated clashes on the field, while the rivalry has extended to social media with a number of barbs, mainly from the Giants' side, causing more friction. Hutchison's ideas quickly divided fans, with many in support and against it. 'Actually not the worst. Good work, Hutchy,' one fan said. 'Beats the hell out of the cringey rubbish that was Battle of the Bridge. My skin crawls whenever I hear it used!' Another said. 'Definitely spot on with both suggestions,' another added. Others backed the Grudge, but weren't on board with the Scorcher, and even threw up the Pinapple Grapple as an alternative. 'The Grudge isn't bad, but the Scorcher has to be one of the worst ideas in the history ideas,' one fan said. 'I do like the grudge match but the scorcher is woeful,' another said. There have been already been two northern derbies this year with all sides recording one victory. Sydney upset GWS in their earlier clash this year before the Giants turned the tables with an extraordinary comeback in last week's clash. The Giants kicked nine goals in a wild third quarter that came immediately after captain Toby Greene called Sydney antagonist Tom Papley 'overweight' in a wild half-time interview. The skipper was also suspended for one match for striking Isaac Heeney. Meanwhile, Gold Coast produced an equally emphatic performance to dominate Brisbane in a 66-point victory that came after losing 12 of the past 13 against their Queensland neighbours.
Mercury
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Mercury
Western Bulldogs, Carlton land dream run in latest fixture release
Carlton and Western Bulldogs are the biggest beneficiaries of the AFL's fixture release, winning the race for the most prime-time slots. The Blues will play four Thursday nights and one Friday between rounds 16 and 23, while the Bulldogs play two Thursday and three Friday night matches. It's a great reward for Luke Beveridge's side that overcame a slate of injuries earlier in the season. Included in the Doggies' five prime-time clashes is North Melbourne's centenary match in round 17. Gold Coast will host its first Friday night fixture when it welcomes Collingwood in round 18. There will be Friday-night double headers in rounds 17, 20 and 23 as the AFL manages viewership and the mandatory shortened breaks. Round 20 will be a highlight of the season, as the Bulldogs kick off the round with Essendon ahead of the Battle of the Bridge on Friday night at Engie Stadium. Western Bulldogs are the biggest winner of the AFL's fixture release. Picture: Michael Klein The following day will revisit the competition's old Rivalry Round with the Q-Clash, Western Derby and Showdown all succeeding each other on the Saturday. Port Adelaide and Adelaide lobbied for a stand-alone Showdown but will parallel with North Melbourne and Geelong at Marvel Stadium. The rescheduled match between the Suns and Bombers in round 24 will be included in the final round's release later this year. AFL head of strategy and scheduling Josh Bowler said the finalised fixture 'is aimed at maximising momentum into finals'. 'The first nine rounds of the Toyota AFL Premiership season have delivered some of the most exciting football we have seen with close margins, high scoring, record attendances and strong ratings across the board., Bowler said. 'This season has delivered more Thursday nights than ever before with this key timeslot featuring in all AFL rounds except round 23 when we will see the exciting inaugural AFLW rematch between Carlton and Collingwood kick off the 10th NAB AFLW season. 'This back end of the season fixture is aimed at maximising momentum into the finals which is shaping up to be one of the tightest races in recent history. 'We are excited to schedule a number of Friday night double-headers aimed at maximising prime-time audience whilst also managing team travel and breaks between games.' Dogs on the move The Western Bulldogs are adamant they remain committed to Ballarat despite moving a round 18 fixture to Marvel Stadium in the wake of criticism about playing at a 'construction site' that earnt a sledge form former player Bailey Smith. Less than 5000 people were able to attend the round 8 thrashing of Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium, which is being redeveloped and didn't go unnoticed by Smith. After playing a leading role in Geelong's thrilling MCG win over Collingwood, in front of more than 80,000, Smith told Fox Footy that 'you don't get that at Ballarat', a comment that earnt a day-after retort from his former Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli. But with the round 18 clash against fellow finals aspirants Adelaide set to draw a bumper crowd, the Bulldogs asked for the game to the moved to Marvel Stadium 'While it has been a difficult decision to shift venues for our round 18 clash against the Adelaide Crows in Ballarat, all parties including the AFL, state government and club partners (Visit Victoria, City of Ballarat, Mars Wrigley and Marvel Stadium) have worked collaboratively to arrive at this outcome,' Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said. 'Importantly, the club remains extremely excited and committed to the current redevelopment of Mars Stadium, with AFL and AFLW games at Mars Stadium remaining a crucial part of the club's all-year round presence and involvement in the Ballarat region. 'The club's regular day-to-day support of the Ballarat region has become a vital cornerstone in all we do, and we look forward to our AFLW home game later this year and future AFL games at Mars Stadium for years to come. James O'Donnell fetches the ball from over the fence at Mars Stadium, where half the ground is being redeveloped. Picture: Michael Klein 'The club is incredibly appreciative of the understanding from all members and fans and looks forward to welcoming the red, white and blue army to another game at Marvel Stadium later this year.' The Adelaide match will take place on Saturday, July 12, with the first bounce at 1.20pm, with Marvel Stadium to host three games across the round. The full fixture for rounds 16-24 is set to be announced on Thursday. Originally published as Western Bulldogs, Carlton land dream run in latest fixture release
Perth Now
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
‘Where's the logic': Shock AFL move slammed
Carlton and Western Bulldogs are the biggest beneficiaries of the AFL's new-look fixture release, winning the race for the most prime-time slots. The Blues will play four Thursday nights and one Friday between rounds 16 and 23, while the Bulldogs play two Thursday and three Friday night matches. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. It's a great reward for Luke Beveridge's side that overcame a slate of injuries earlier in the season. Included in the Doggies' five prime-time clashes is North Melbourne's centenary match in round 17. Gold Coast will host its first Friday night fixture when it welcomes Collingwood in round 18. There will be Friday-night double headers in rounds 17, 20 and 23 as the AFL manages viewership and the mandatory shortened breaks. Round 20 will be a highlight of the season, as the Bulldogs kick off the round with Essendon ahead of the Battle of the Bridge on Friday night at Engie Stadium. Western Bulldogs are the biggest winner of the AFL's fixture release. Michael Klein Credit: News Corp Australia The following day will revisit the competition's old Rivalry Round with the Q-Clash, Western Derby and Showdown all succeeding each other on the Saturday. Port Adelaide and Adelaide lobbied for a stand-alone Showdown but will parallel with North Melbourne and Geelong at Marvel Stadium. The rescheduled match between the Suns and Bombers in round 24 will be included in the final round's release later this year. AFL head of strategy and scheduling Josh Bowler said the finalised fixture 'is aimed at maximising momentum into finals'. 'The first nine rounds of the Toyota AFL Premiership season have delivered some of the most exciting football we have seen with close margins, high scoring, record attendances and strong ratings across the board., Bowler said. 'This season has delivered more Thursday nights than ever before with this key timeslot featuring in all AFL rounds except round 23 when we will see the exciting inaugural AFLW rematch between Carlton and Collingwood kick off the 10th NAB AFLW season. 'This back end of the season fixture is aimed at maximising momentum into the finals which is shaping up to be one of the tightest races in recent history. 'We are excited to schedule a number of Friday night double-headers aimed at maximising prime-time audience whilst also managing team travel and breaks between games.' Friday night double headers, overlapping games There are three Friday night double headers in Rounds 17, 20, 23 — a move that will raise eyebrows given Friday nights have long been a timeslot reserved for standalone games. In Round 20, Essendon play the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium at 7.20pm before GWS take on the Sydney Swans in a rivalry game starting half an hour later at 7.50pm. The Showdown between Port Adelaide and Adelaide in Round 20 clashes with North Melbourne vs Geelong on the Saturday night. Friday double headers are commonplace in the NRL, but they are traditionally spaced out with the games kicking off at around 6pm and 8pm. Dogs on the move The Western Bulldogs are adamant they remain committed to Ballarat despite moving a round 18 fixture to Marvel Stadium in the wake of criticism about playing at a 'construction site' that earnt a sledge form former player Bailey Smith. Less than 5000 people were able to attend the round 8 thrashing of Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium, which is being redeveloped and didn't go unnoticed by Smith. After playing a leading role in Geelong's thrilling MCG win over Collingwood, in front of more than 80,000, Smith told Fox Footy that 'you don't get that at Ballarat', a comment that earnt a day-after retort from his former Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli. But with the round 18 clash against fellow finals aspirants Adelaide set to draw a bumper crowd, the Bulldogs asked for the game to the moved to Marvel Stadium 'While it has been a difficult decision to shift venues for our round 18 clash against the Adelaide Crows in Ballarat, all parties including the AFL, state government and club partners (Visit Victoria, City of Ballarat, Mars Wrigley and Marvel Stadium) have worked collaboratively to arrive at this outcome,' Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said. 'Importantly, the club remains extremely excited and committed to the current redevelopment of Mars Stadium, with AFL and AFLW games at Mars Stadium remaining a crucial part of the club's all-year round presence and involvement in the Ballarat region. 'The club's regular day-to-day support of the Ballarat region has become a vital cornerstone in all we do, and we look forward to our AFLW home game later this year and future AFL games at Mars Stadium for years to come. The AFL fixture for the backend of the 2025 season has been released. Credit: FOX SPORTS 'The club is incredibly appreciative of the understanding from all members and fans and looks forward to welcoming the red, white and blue army to another game at Marvel Stadium later this year.' The Adelaide match will take place on Saturday, July 12, with the first bounce at 1.20pm, with Marvel Stadium to host three games across the round. 2025 AFL FIXTURE — ROUND 16 to ROUND 24 All times AEST ROUND 16 Thursday June 26 Port Adelaide v Carlton, Adelaide Oval (7.30pm) Friday June 27 Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs, SCG (7.40pm) Saturday June 28 Gold Coast Suns v Melbourne, People First Stadium (1.20pm) Hawthorn v North Melbourne, UTAS Stadium (4.15pm) Collingwood v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm) Sunday June 29 Richmond v Adelaide Crows, MCG (3.20pm) Fremantle v St Kilda, Optus Stadium (5.10pm) Bye: Brisbane Lions, Essendon, Geelong Cats, GWS Giants ROUND 17 Thursday July 3 North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm) Friday July 4 Carlton v Collingwood, MCG (7.10pm) West Coast Eagles v GWS Giants, Optus Stadium (8.20pm) Saturday July 5 Essendon v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium (12.35pm) Geelong Cats v Richmond, GMHBA Stadium (4.15pm) Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide, The Gabba (7.35pm) St Kilda v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium (7.40pm) Sunday July 6 Sydney Swans v Fremantle, SCG (1.10pm) Adelaide Crows v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval (3.20pm) ROUND 18 Thursday July 10 Carlton v Brisbane Lions, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm) Friday July 11 Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood, People First Stadium (7.40pm) Saturday July 12 Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows, Marvel Stadium (1.20pm) GWS Giants v Geelong Cats, ENGIE Stadium (4.15pm) Richmond v Essendon, MCG (7.35pm) Fremantle v Hawthorn, Optus Stadium (8.10pm) Sunday July 13 Melbourne v North Melbourne, MCG (1.10pm) St Kilda v Sydney Swans, Marvel Stadium (3.20pm) Port Adelaide v West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval (4.40pm) ROUND 19 Thursday July 17 Essendon v GWS Giants, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm) Friday July 18 Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs, The Gabba (7.40pm) Saturday July 19 Hawthorn v Port Adelaide, UTAS Stadium (1.20pm) Sydney Swans v North Melbourne, SCG (4.15pm) Carlton v Melbourne, MCG (7.35pm) West Coast Eagles v Richmond, Optus Stadium (8.10pm) Sunday July 20 Geelong Cats v St Kilda, GMHBA Stadium (1.10pm) Collingwood v Fremantle, MCG (3.20pm) Adelaide Crows v Gold Coast Suns, Adelaide Oval (4.40pm) ROUND 20 Thursday July 24 Hawthorn v Carlton, MCG (7.30pm) Friday July 25 Essendon v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium (7.10pm) GWS Giants v Sydney Swans, ENGIE Stadium (7.50pm) Saturday July 26 Gold Coast Suns v Brisbane Lions, People First Stadium (1.20pm) Fremantle v West Coast Eagles, Optus Stadium (4.15pm) North Melbourne v Geelong Cats, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm) Adelaide Crows v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval (8.10pm) Sunday July 27 Richmond v Collingwood, MCG (2.10pm) St Kilda v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium (3.20pm) ROUND 21 Thursday July 31 Western Bulldogs v GWS Giants, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm) Friday August 1 Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval (7.40pm) Saturday August 2 Melbourne v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium (1.20pm) Gold Coast Suns v Richmond, People First Stadium (4.10pm) Sydney Swans v Essendon, SCG (4.15pm) Collingwood v Brisbane Lions, MCG (7.35pm) Sunday August 3 St Kilda v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium (1.40pm) Geelong Cats v Port Adelaide, GMHBA Stadium (3.20pm) Fremantle v Carlton, Optus Stadium (5.10pm) ROUND 22 Thursday August 7 Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG (7.30pm) Friday August 8 Geelong Cats v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium (7.40pm) Saturday August 9 Richmond v St Kilda, MCG (1.20pm) Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans, The Gabba (4.15pm) Carlton v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm) Port Adelaide v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval (8.10pm) Sunday August 10 GWS Giants v North Melbourne, ENGIE Stadium (1.40pm) Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG (3.20pm) West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Optus Stadium (5.10pm) ROUND 23 Friday August 15 Essendon v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium (7.10pm) Fremantle v Brisbane Lions, Optus Stadium (8.20pm) Saturday August 16 Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants, People First Stadium (12.35pm) Carlton v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium (1.20pm) Hawthorn v Melbourne, MCG (4.15pm) Adelaide Crows v Collingwood, Adelaide Oval (7.35pm) Sunday August 17 North Melbourne v Richmond, Ninja Stadium (1.10pm) Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats, SCG (3.20pm) Western Bulldogs v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium (4.40pm) ROUND 24 (days and times TBC) Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24 Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn, The Gabba Collingwood v Melbourne, MCG Essendon v Carlton, MCG GWS Giants v St Kilda, ENGIE Stadium North Melbourne v Adelaide Crows, Marvel Stadium Port Adelaide v Gold Coast Suns, Adelaide Oval Richmond v Geelong Cats, MCG West Coast Eagles v Sydney Swans, Optus Stadium Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
AFL world calls out GWS Giants after pre-game act towards Sydney Swans backfires
The GWS Giants have been called out for a rather 'tacky' banner in their Battle of the Bridge loss to the Sydney Swans on the weekend. Sydney put on arguably their best performance of the season so far having rediscovered their form to defeat their city rivals 12.15 (87) to 10.13 (73) in front of 39,260 fans at the SCG. Dean Cox was under pressure heading into the derby, but the Swans came out with plenty of ferocity to start the game as the players went at each other from the opening siren. However, the GWS' team banner also caught the attention of AFL and Sydney fans ahead of the game. GWS' social media and banner game is considered one of the best in the business, but not everyone felt like their dig at the Swans hit the target. The Giants ran through a banner that read: "We lost a GF, that wasn't nice. You got smashed, not once but twice." This was an obvious dig at the Swans' last two grand final appearances with the latest coming last year. The Brisbane Lions hammered the Sydney Swans by 60 points in 2024, which marked John Longmire's last game in charge. In 2022, the Geelong Cats won a blowout final against the Swans by 81 points. While the Giants were taking a dig at the Swans' disappointment, it's fair to say many felt like it missed the mark. Fans argued at least the Swans made the grand final last year having finished top of the table. The Swans also defeated GWS in the qualifying final. Others felt the GWS banner was only going to escape criticism if they were able to beat Sydney at the SCG this time round. Although that didn't happen either with GWS now having lost their last five games against the Swans. The Swans' social media team were quick to respond after the victory and edited the GWS image to read: "We lost." While all in good humour, the Giants' banner appeared to cop more criticism than love. There were some interesting comments from the AFL world with many calling out GWS for the 'tacky' dig at their rivals before the Sydney derby. Nothing but ❤️🤍 — Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) May 4, 2025 i always like the @GWSGIANTS media skits and their signsBut gotta say this is pretty tacky#AFLSwansGiants @scg — Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) May 4, 2025 I we get smashed twice last year in finals (including to Sydney)? This one might be a miss folks — Justin Fawcett (@Merilvingien) May 4, 2025 This ain't it. — jimmy (@omgiant88) May 4, 2025 The Swans moved up to 14th on the ladder after the desperate victory. They are now only a win off the top eight. Coach Cox was happy with the effort, but felt it was only the start for a team trying to rediscover their from after plenty of injuries. "The players are aware that it's one game. We've made some inroads, but we've still got a lot of work to do," Cox said. "You've got to get to the line and test it. We're in such a ruthless competitive environment that you have to get there as often as you possibly can, and we went away from that last week. To the players' credit, they responded well, but we have to go again." Swans midfielder Chad Warner won the Brett Kirk medal for the best on ground after recording 24-disposals and seven-clearance efforts. The Swans will play Essendon this weekend and will have the opportunity to draw level on points. The Giants have now slumped to three straight defeats after starting the season off so well. While the sit in eighth, they face a tough task in snapping their losing streak against Geelong this weekend.
News.com.au
27-04-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Gold Coast v Sydney AFL Round 7: Live updates, SuperCoach scores, teams
Sydney's season is nearing the point of no return ahead of a must-win clash against Gold Coast The Swans, under new coach Dean Cox, entered the round 14th on the ladder with just two wins and following successive losses to Collingwood and Port Adelaide. And things don't get any easier from here. Following third-placed Gold Coast, a huge Battle of the Bridge looms against the Giants. The Suns will be desperate to rebound from a shock loss to Richmond last round – their first of the season. In the next two Sunday games Carlton will try to prove it is a serious contender when it faces Geelong before Hawthorn and West Coast finish the round. Follow all the action in the live blog below.
