Latest news with #JasonDunstall
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Unfit for footy': Calls for AFL to make drastic move after $25m 'disgrace' at SCG
The AFL is being urged to take the Sydney Swans away from the SCG until the iconic ground fixes its turf, after 'dangerous' and 'disgraceful' scenes on Friday night. The Western Bulldogs' 16.9 (105) to 14.12 (96) victory over the Swans was marred by complaints about the playing surface, with a number of players slipping over at the Paddington end. The SCG hosted an Andrea Bocelli concert in April, and the turf at one end hasn't bounced back like curators expected. The patchy turf was particularly noticeable in photos of the Bulldogs chairing Marcus Bontempelli off the ground after his 250th game. During the contest, a number of leading voices in the game expressed their displeasure. Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown labelled the surface a 'disgrace' and questioned how the AFL allowed the game to go ahead. 'Are you allowed to play on this surface? This is as bad as I've seen in years,' he said on Fox Footy. 'I remember playing early on the Colonial Stadium surface - and that was a sandpit - but this is shocking. 'This is disgraceful mismanagement by the ground, how they've allowed it to get to this. It's a real shame. It's been a really good spectacle, the ball movement, when both teams get going.' Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall said: 'What are the longest studs you're allowed to have now? Because you need three-inch studs to keep your balance here.' Dale Thomas said on Channel 7: 'The grass in that turf area, it's as bad as you see. Players trying to lead, both forward and defender, all going to ground. Chunks coming out of it everywhere. It's horrible up that end.' Former Adelaide Crows player Josh Jenkins labelled it a "genuine disgrace" on social media, while fans were calling for the AFL to step in and take the Swans to a different venue until it's rectified. On Fox Footy, leading reporter Jon Ralph pointed out the AFL got very lucky that someone wasn't injured. 'It frankly looks unacceptable and dangerous,' he said. 'In the last 27 days, there has not been a concert or, indeed, anything at this venue since the Adelaide contest (at the end of May). 'So, clubs receive a pre-match report, they basically have to tick it off from the AFL. They've been told they're not allowed to wear those long, metal stops. So, they're very much out of options. (There's) $25 million worth of AFL product out there - they're desperately hoping there is not an injury in the second half.' He later wrote on social media: "The Sydney curator has nine days to get this deck ship-shape before Sunday week's clash against Fremantle. It's been downright dangerous. The AFL does a ground inspection before each game so this passed, but so lucky we didn't have a serious injury." RELATED: Ken Hinkley spotted in eye-opening moment in coach's box West Coast make decision on controversial Nick Daicos move Speaking after his side's nine-point loss, Swans coach Dean Cox said: 'There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year. I look into other things; that's where I spend my time - things I can control.' Just me or is the SCG still complete rubbish and unfit for footy? — Will Schofield (@WillSchofield) June 27, 2025 Unsafe for play…..You hand out fines & suspensions for players laying 'dangerous' tackles but let 46 blokes run on sand them to Optus next week 😉 — DtFootyFeen (@dtfootyfeen) June 27, 2025 That's shocking. @scg & @marvelstadiumau need to decide if they are an entertainment venue or a sports venue. — Harry O'Brien (@Harry_OBrien9) June 27, 2025 It's been 85 days since the Andrea Bocelli concert at the SCG. It's beyond unacceptable the state of the SCG turf at the Paddington End. #AFLSwansDogs — Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) June 27, 2025 That SCG turf is a disgrace. Clearly not safe. Unbelievable both clubs ticked it off as ok to play on#AFLSwansDogs — Kane Neville (@kaneneville) June 27, 2025 How terrible is the surface at the @scg swans v Dogs. @AFL need to do something about this. Deplorable and unprofessional — Alan Williams (@willieal9) June 27, 2025 Sorry but the surface of the SCG was a disgrace. Surprised there wasn't A major knee or ankle injury out there tonight. Don't know what's gone wrong, but it's not up to AFL standard. — WanderingLach 🌏✈️🏈🏏🏉 (@LachlanB_) June 27, 2025 AFL should be speed dialling Accor Stadium, NRL plays Friday night there and not for the rest of the weekend. NRL might have to allow it or whatever but that would should be in much better shape than the SCG — Ky Broome (@KyBroome35) June 27, 2025
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘This is ugly': AFL world turns on Carlton and Michael Voss in Port horror show
Carlton and particularly coach Michael Voss came into Thursday's clash with Port Adelaide under enormous pressure to show some fight and pride. Instead, the Blues barely threw a punch in a horrible 16.14 (110) to 8.12 (60) mauling at Adelaide Oval, only kicking their first goal of the game with just under two minutes left in the second term. 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. At the long break, Port Adelaide led 8.10 (58) to 1.6 (12) and could have been much further in front if not for some wasteful shots on goal. For large periods the match resembled a training drill as the Power players did whatever they liked, finding acres of space against a Carlton side 'devoid of hope', according to Hawthorn great Jason Dunstall. The Blues lifted marginally after the long break, kicking seven goals to the Power's eight, but the damage had been done in an inept first half. Coming off last week's terrible effort against North Melbourne, with Voss' position under an intense glare, the Blues were expected to at least show some backbone and answer a mountain of criticism. Yet the exact opposite transpired, leaving all those watching on confused and disappointed. 'They are peppering the goals, the home side. Could be a lot worse on the scoreboard than it currently is,' Mark Howard said in the first quarter on Fox Footy. 'This is ugly,' David King added. Trailing by 31 points at quarter-time, the Blues then gave up 2.6 to just a single point across the first half of the second term, with Voss seen heading to the boundary line in a desperate bid to find some spark for his side. The 49-year-old didn't address any of his players, instead making a beeline for his magnet board to search for answers. 'This is something we haven't seen for a while, Michael Voss coaching from the bench,' Jack Riewoldt said. 'Either that or (he's) going home,' King quipped. Fellow Fox Footy commentator Matt Hill then chimed in with: 'What movement are we going to see from the coach here? 'He's moving those magnets frantically around.' Crows great Mark Ricciuto replied: 'It doesn't really matter what the magnets are going to do. 'It's the effort the players put on. It's just not up to standard at the moment.' At one stage it was nine Port inside 50s to just one for the Blues in the second quarter and Carlton's first goalless half in seven years was a real possibility. 'It's hard to describe what we're seeing Kingy,' a bewildered Howard said. King responded: 'I'm shocked to be honest because Carlton's effort has been good the last few weeks. 'You can be critical of their execution and their skills, but their effort has always been there.' After big Power forward Mitch Georgiades kicked his fourth goal of the half, Howard commented: 'Steps one way, steps another way around (Billy) Wilson. Georgiades has kicked four and it's party time at Port Adelaide. 'They are destroying the Carlton footy club.' Ricciuto added: 'It's just a wave. An absolute wave from halfback there from Port Adelaide.' When halftime mercifully arrived for the visiting side, there was a brief melee between the two teams as the Blues showed some well overdue fight. Fox Footy's halftime crew then did their best to dissect what the footy world had just witnessed. 'It has been a total and utter disaster for the Carlton football club and Michael Voss,' Sarah Jones began. 'Under massive pressure coming into the game and really, the opening half could not have gone much worse for them.' Dunstall replied: 'We just saw a bit of fight from them, which is good because up until that point in time it was basically insipid. 'I'm really disappointed with the effort the Blues have shown. They're devoid of confidence, they look devoid of hope, they've been devoid of skill in the first half. 'It's like the football world has just caved in on top of them and they don't know what to do.' St Kilda Hall of Famer Leigh Montagna then offered: 'It looks like a group to me that has lost belief. 'Last week they were poor and the question now is whether Michael Voss is starting to lose the group. 'He hasn't got the response he would've been after … you just wonder where their minds are at.' Dunstall added despondently: 'You just wonder if there's anything left inside them. 'You can count on one hand the players that have been competitive.' Fans were having an absolute ball at the Blues' expense on social media, with many doing their best to come up with jokes to describe the fallen giants' predicament. Carlton won the last of its 16 premierships back in 1995, the equal most in league history. Since then, the Blues have picked up five wooden spoons to go with one other grand final appearance, losing to the Kangaroos in 1999, in a wretched three-decade stretch. X account @Marruso89 tweeted: 'Carlton came into this match with one goal in mind. They've kicked it just before half time.' Gussy Girth wrote: 'Buying shares in Harvey Norman tomorrow, judging by the amount of smashed TVs tonight.' As Voss headed to the sideline, Brett Rowe offered: 'Headed to Centrelink to beat the queue tomorrow morning.' @ragecherry joked: 'What are the odds for the Matildas to score more goals than Carlton tonight?' The Matildas are taking on Slovenia in a friendly in Perth on Thursday night. Other X users were starting to ask a consistent question. Kurtmans wrote: 'Has a coach ever been sacked at half time? Genuine question.' Another account, @SwaggySport, wrote: 'The Carlton Board on their phones right now (Googling) can you sack someone at halftime?' Others were left signalling the death knell for Voss' time in charge of the club. Matthew Stone tweeted: 'I hate the term 'play for the coach' because players are selfish and do what's best for themselves (all of them), but Carlton players at least had the chance to show how much they care for their coach tonight, and they've failed to in spectacular fashion.' Coldogs suggested: 'It's almost like the Carlton players want the coach gone…' John Corey said: 'Goodbye Vossy. Ain't all your fault but something must change.' Darren wrote: 'Surely this has to be it for Voss, people saying the players are s**t and can't hit a player with their kicks, that's on the coaches who say we don't have time to practice skills, and this game style is horrendous.' After the third term, the Blues had lifted slightly but still trailed by 56 points and the writing appeared to be on the wall for Carlton's beleaguered coach. If Voss survives the week, it doesn't get any easier for his Blues, who face ladder-leading Collingwood at the MCG on Friday, July 4.
News.com.au
10-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Australian Football Hall of Fame 2025: Live updates, every inductee as they are named
It's one of the most prestigious nights on the AFL calendar. Every year, the contribution of past greats is honoured with induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Last year that included Kelvin Templeton, Dane Swan and Chris McDermott, while goalkicking great Jason Dunstall was elevated to legend status. Who will join – or become a legend in 2025? Follow the 2025 Australian Football Hall of Fame ceremony live below. Originally published as Australian Football Hall of Fame 2025: Live updates, every inductee as they are named
News.com.au
09-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘That's extraordinary': Go home AFL, you're drunk
Football commentators are up in arms over a series of controversial moments during Collingwood's win over the Demons at the MCG on Monday. An incredible confrontation between Melbourne captain Max Gawn and star defender Steven May attracted all the headlines after the traditional King's Birthday blockbuster, but it hasn't stopped the umpires from coming under fire. 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. Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall was left staggered by the whistle-blowers after Collingwood was warded a free kick during an incident where Magpies captain Darcy Moore shoved Jake Melksham to take out the legs of teammate Jeremy Howe. Replays showed Moore had his hands on Melksham's back as the former Essendon player slid under Howe during a marking contest. The furious roar from the crowd said it all. You can watch the incident in the video player above. 'Oh you've got to be kidding me,' Dunstall said in commentary for Fox Footy. 'You got to be kidding me. He got pushed into him. It has to be Melksham's free kick. He just got pushed into Howell by Darcy Moore. That is extraordinary.' Fox Footy commentator Dwayne Russell said: 'That's how the fans saw it in the stands. That's how we all saw it, but the four (umpires) out there are the ones that count'. The decision was widely criticised by fans and commentators. One Melbourne fan wrote on X: 'The AFL has completely lost the plot. The umpiring is terrible. That free against Melksham WTF. And the MRO is a joke. 'I'm not usually a Twitter whinger but enough is enough.' It comes as former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas continued to publicly share his disappointment at the standard of umpiring this year. The 67-year-old said recently the standard of officiating is the worst he has seen. North Melbourne great David King said last month 2025 has been the worst season of officiating he has seen in the game. Kane Cornes also said last month: 'I feel like it's never been worse'. Thomas on Monday night was particularly unhappy with the handling of the special treatment Demons players gave to Collingwood star Nick Daicos. Ed Langdon was given the job of doing a hard tag on the Collingwood ball-winner — and his niggling tactics were clearly working. He held Daicos to just seven disposals in the first half. However, that changed dramatically in the second half when Langdon was penalised multiple times for holding and shoving Daicos during ball-ups. Thomas posted on X during the game: 'What the umpires are allowing Langford to get away with — at stoppages especially — is dreadful and sends a bad message to what's acceptable'. Fox Footy's Leigh Montagna described Langdon's actions as being a 'really old-school' tagger. Demons coach Simon Goodwin said his team had devised the tactic of using Langdon on Daicos weeks ago. The premiership coach was asked bluntly about the clear crackdown on Langdon's niggling tactics in the second half and said: 'It was certainly pretty clear post half-time, early especially, that they were watching some of the holding around the ball. 'I'm not sure what transpired at half-time, but obviously the free kicks were pretty evident early in the third quarter. 'I don't know what transpires in those breaks with the umpires and what they discuss, but hopefully they do it for every player.' Collingwood coach Craig McRae congratulated Langdon on his performance. 'He did a great job,' McRae told AFL 360. 'It's challenging because it's all contest and it's hard to get space. Nick's biggest weapon is when he's running – and Langdon is an elite runner. But we didn't really get the ball into open spaces to allow Nick to be at his best. 'There comes a time when you've just got to do your job and we thought Nick fought it out pretty well in the second half.' Daicos was clearly unsettled by the added physicality Langdon and Demons players dealt out and the Brownlow medal fancy at times let his frustrations show. McRae was honest in his appraisal of the Daicos brothers, Josh and Nick, in his side's thrilling one-point win over Melbourne. 'If one Daicos doesn't get you, the second one will. It's a nice duo, isn't it,' he declared with a smile in his post-match press conference. Josh was named the best player on the ground to take home the Neale Daniher Trophy as his younger brother faced one of the toughest tags in his short career. Daicos found more of the footy in the second half and eventually finished with 19 disposals and a goal. Josh finished as the leading disposal winner on the ground with 34 touches including 545 metres gained.
News.com.au
09-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Jason Dunstall blows up at umpire blunder
Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall was left shocked by a bizarre incident during Collingwood's win over Melbourne.
