Plucky Giants can’t catch Bombers

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THEYVE learned how to compete now GWS need to learn how to win.

After butchering a host of goal scoring opportunities throughout the match and closing within a point of Essendon midway through the last quarter the Giants ran out of puff and ideas to go down by 15 points.

"I said to the players I'd prefer to have effort than composure at this stage," Giants coach Leon Cameron said.

"Probably some composure when we were going inside forward 50 and had a chance to take the lead we needed to make some better decisions but the effort was first class."

There were only 8,429 on hand at Spotless Stadium but they found their voice as the Giants produced another encouraging performance to follow up their seven point loss to defending premiers Hawthorn last week.

Suspended forward Jeremy Cameron was sorely missed as the Giants failed to convert their numerous opportunities in front of goal.

Jed Lamb boots the ball forward. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

"Part of building a club from scratch is you just have to put up with those honourable losses and if you can build your game when the tide starts to turn it will turn," Cameron said.

In the end footy nous and experience told as Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell and David Zaharakis steered the Bombers home and kept their finals chances alive.

"I never felt at any stage we were going to lose the game," Essendon coach Mark Thompson said.

The only concerns for Essendon were a quadriceps injury to Watson and a report on David Myers who elbowed the Giants Devon Smith directly in front of the interchange bench on the stroke of three quarter time.

"Jobe is being assessed, it's probably a quad (injury) if it is it's probably four weeks (out)," Thompson said.

Every time the Giants challenge Zaharakis was there to reassert Essendon's hold on the game which at times looked tenuous, his 34 disposals lead all players.

Joe Daniher also provided a target for Essendon that Jonathon Patton and youngster Rory Lobb couldn't for the Giants.

Although Lobb made a very bright start to his career and earned himself an entry in the media guide as the latest player to goal with his first kick at AFL level.

Shane Mumford in a ruck contest with Essendon's Patrick Ryder. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

His second possession was even more impressive when he leapt over a pack on the wing to clunk a mark and then deliver perfectly to Devon Smith who in turn found Jed Lamb to goal. His efforts made even more meritorious because he was playing on one of the game's greatest defenders in Dustin Fletcher who had an experience advantage of 386 games.

Lobb has jumped ahead of regular big man Jonathon Giles and talented youngster Andrew Phillips and looks to be a talent worth persisting with for the immediate future.

"I thought Rory Lobb was terrific," Cameron said.

"To take that mark in the first quarter and to kick that goal was exciting. Rory is a terrific young kid who we look forward to a big future from at this club."

Adam Treloar put in another quality performance for the Giants as did Heath Shaw, Dylan Shiel, Smith and Callan Ward.

While the Bombers started favourites the Giants liked their chances after getting within seven points of shocking the defending premiers Hawthorn at the MCG last week.

The match was enormously important to Essendon as well, if they are to play finals this year victory over GWS was imperative.

Courtenay Dempsey and Greater Western Sydney's Curtly Hampton compete for the ball. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Opening quarter goals to Lobb and Lamb were cancelled out by majors to Cory Dell'Olio, Ben Howlett and Joe Daniher to give Essendon an eight-point lead at the first change.

The Giants started strongly in the second to edge in front with goals from Palmer and Smith before the visitors reasserted themselves to bring the lead back to 10 points at the long break.

Hampton was subbed out early in the third term with what looks to be a serious shoulder injury.

Daniher's second goal and another clever grubber kick from Ryder looked to have the Bombers in the driver's seat when the lead was 20 points at three quarter time.

A brilliant opening goal from Treloar followed by another from Rhys Palmer gave the Giants hope and a 60 metre bomb from Adam Tomlinson closed the gap to just a solitary point before Essendon settled to kick the next three to put the game to bed.

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Dogs left to rue as Lions pounce

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WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney chipped the ball from just outside 50 to the hot spot at the top of the goalsquare.

Amid a pack of nearly a dozen players, Brisbane defender Joel Patfull marked it ... unopposed.

DOGS-LIONS: FULL SUPERCOACH SCORES

That was enough for Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney. Just two minutes into the third quarter, he released substitute Daniel Giansiracusa.

No time to save Gia to impact on the burst in the final quarter in his usual super-sub role. This was a rescue mission for the 32-year-old to try to kick-start the Doggies' scoreboard at Etihad Stadium last night.

Luke Dahlhaus holds on to Joel Patfull. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

While Giansiracusa did slot a couple, the Bulldogs' inability to construct a competitive score again cost them dearly against this revived Lions unit.

The Lions' second victory on the trot and their third of 2014 saw them move above St Kilda and Greater Western Sydney, with the Giants dropping to last spot after a home loss to Essendon.

The Lions broke the game open with a seven-goals-to-two second quarter and went on to win 14.11 (95) to 13.9 (87).

Jason Tutt tackles Claye Beams. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

While Tom Williams presented well, two goals wasn't sufficient return for a key marking target. Stewart Crameri won plenty of the ball, but too often outside range. And you couldn't expect too much from Jarrad Grant in his first AFL appearance this season.

It was so frustrating for the Dogs as the collective workrate gave them a chance until deep into extra time in the last quarter.

And they could only wonder what might have been if big Will Minson, Luke Dahlhaus and Giansiracusa had converted set shots in the tense final five minutes.

Easton Wood kicked a telling third-quarter goal. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

But Brisbane deserved this rare triumph at the Docklands. While the 11 individual goalkickers emphasised the team element, they had solid contributors. Like Patfull down back, Rohan Bewick and Pearce Hanley won plenty of the ball and third-choice ruckman Stefan Martin held his own against the vastly more experienced Minson.

Brisbane produced its best quarter of the season, hammering the Dogs with 7.5 in the second term to split the game open.

Brown pushes Jordan Roughead out of the way. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The Bulldogs just couldn't contain the Lions speed, that fast break from a quick handball out of the congestion to set free the runners.

Dayne Zorko's blinding speed typified the Lions run and dare that so often left the Doggies looking lead-footed and missing tackles as opponents burst clear in the perfect playing conditions.

The Dogs paid Zorko the highest compliment by sending specialist tagger Liam Picken to him after the lively Lion had been involved in five of those goals in the dominant second quarter. He had a much quieter second half, but the damage was done.

Dayne Zorko and Jack Redden were influential in the second term. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

It had started so full of promise for the Bulldogs too. Nathan Hrovat celebrated his 20th birthday by being on the end of a Dogs burst from the opening bounce to goal after just 21 seconds.

And the birthday boy helped himself to another goal late in the first quarter when the Bulldogs were more than a match for Brisbane with workrate and attack on the ball.

Liam Picken fires off a quick handball. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

But the Lions signalled they were right in this contest with telling centre clearances in the last 10 minutes of the first term that produced goals from James Aish and Brown.

And Brisbane's ability to find space proved decisive in that second quarter blitz. It was as if the Lions had been given a licence to play on at every opportunity.

Wood and Marco Paparone get accustomed. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Even Jack Redden, assigned to run with Dogs key playmaker Ryan Griffen, chimed in with two goals. And his cheek to let Griffen know about it prompted a brief, ugly confrontation that threatened to spill over into a melee.

Redden's in-your-face reaction after the goal underlined the Lions' collective confidence to take on their opponents with that run, link and dare that left the Bulldogs with too greater task in the second half.

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Watson injury sours Bombers win

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ESSENDON'S fighting 15-point win over GWS Giants was soured by a thigh injury to captain Jobe Watson.

Watson limped from the ground midway through the final term following a seemingly innocuous marking contest and did not return, despite Essendon leading by just two points.

Watson briefly received treatment, before icing the area and appeared dejected in a post-match interview.

"I'm not sure, ill wait and see. It's a bit tender so ill have to wait and see," Watson said.

Essendon coach Mark Thompson said the early diagnosis was a "high quad" strain and the Brownlow medallist is in serious doubt for the Round 13 clash with Melbourne.

"The early call was quad. It's too early to call how long it's going to be — whether it's torn or not — it's probably a high quad.

Jobe Watson seeks medical attention from doctor Bruce Reid. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

The 11.15 (81) to 9.12 (66) win at Spotless Stadium marked the Giants' eighth straight loss, but they didn't go down without a fight, closing to within a point in a fiery final quarter.

Backing up from an encouraging performance against premier Hawthorn last weekend, the Giants heaped plenty of pressure on their more senior opponents in front of 8429 fans.

Both sides struggled on the slippery surface, particularly in a scrappy and low-scoring opening quarter.

Joe Daniher kicked three goals and flew for several high marks. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

It took fewer than 90 seconds for the Bombers to get on the board via late inclusion Cory Dell'Olio, in for Jason Winderlich for his first match of the season.

That was soon negated by the Giants' impressive debutant Rory Lobb, who nabbed his maiden major with his first kick in the AFL.

The 21-year-old ex-basketballer, the tallest player on GWS's list at 206cm, was brought in to help plug the hole left by suspended forward Jeremy Cameron and proved mightily useful across the park.

Essendon's Heath Hocking celebrates their win with team mates Patrick Ryder and Dyson Heppell. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

The Giants manned up well and, with their early energy, were within eight points of the Bombers at the first break. They burst out of the huddle in the second term, scoring back-to-back goals to take the lead.

But it was quickly undone by a series of turnovers, on which Mark Thompson's men capitalised with a pair of majors of their own, to head into the main break 10 points up.

Two early second-half goals to Essendon appeared to sap the spirit out of the home team, which managed only a single goal in a lacklustre third quarter to fall 20 points behind.

The term ended on a fiery note, with several players involved in a melee after Giant Devon Smith copped a high elbow from David Myers.

Tom Bellchambers grabs Callan Ward by the jumper near the three-quarter time break when a fight broke out following David Myers high hit on Devon Smith. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

The incident spurred on the Giants, who turned what was becoming an uneventful match into an exciting contest with quick-fire goals to Adam Treloar, Rhys Palmer and Adam Tomlinson.

It took them to within a point, before the Bombers wrested back control with three majors of their own. Treloar took his haul to three with a consolation goal on the siren.

Paul Chapman fires a handball ahead of Rhys Palmer. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

The Bombers will sweat on the fitness of veteran Dustin Fletcher, who was subbed off midway through the third quarter with a suspected lower-back injury. Skipper Jobe Watson also limped off in the game's closing stages.

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Dogs’ quick descent to also-rans

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THE need for speed has never been greater for the Western Bulldogs.

For all the talk about the desperation for a key forward — which now looks certain to come with a top-five selection at November's draft — pace is rising towards No. 1 of an array of issues coach Brendan McCartney was last night left facing.

MATCH: DOGS LEFT TO RUE AS LIONS POUNCE

DOGS-LIONS: FULL SUPERCOACH SCORES

It was laid bare in embarrassing fashion as the bottom-placed Brisbane Lions swept the Dogs off their feet in the second quarter.

Perhaps fortunately, only 18,054 — the smallest ever Etihad Stadium crowd between the clubs — watched on.

The run and carry of self-proclaimed 'mozzies' — Dayne Zorko, Lewy Taylor and Josh Green — sliced and diced the Bulldogs to shreds.

Mitch Wallis and teammates contemplate the loss after the match. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

In the second term Brisbane dominated inside 50s, contested disposals and outscored the Dogs by 33 points as, in all too familiar fashion, McCartney's side threw away a match with one messy quarter.

It was painfully obvious when Zorko speared a counter attack from half-back and combined with Taylor who hit goalkicker Marco Paprone with a bullet pass just before half-time as the footy zipped up the ground in breathtaking fashion.

Marcus Bontempelli tried to avoid trouble. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Rewind five years and the Dogs were the slickest, most polished side in the league.

They had tricks and class and their ball movement was so exciting to watch they demanded frequent Friday night appearances, a timeslot the Dogs again won't enjoy this season.

Lindsay Gilbee and Jason Akermanis boasted golden foot while angle-cutting and zippy back pocket Jarrod Harbrow was as creative as Thomas Edison.

Bob Murphy, 32 tomorrow, can break lines, as can midfield stars Adam Cooney and Ryan Griffen.

Wallis has a kick smothered by Dayne Zorko. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Of the youngsters Luke Dahlhaus, Jason Tutt and Easton Wood have wheels, but as a collective the Dogs are stagnant and slow and are suddenly in the biggest hole McCartney has faced.

Just 33 games ago the Dogs whipped the Lions, pre-season champs, kicking 19.13 in a 68-point thumping before Brisbane was crippled by its serious talent drain.

From that Bulldogs side only Daniel Cross and Nick Lower (both delisted) are no longer on the list, highlighting just how far back the Dogs have suddenly sling-shotted.

The Dogs own talent drain is what has them in strife. In four consecutive drafts from 2006-9 they added 19 players.

Ryan Griffen collides with Claye Beams. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Only six remain and of those Tutt and Jarrad Grant are still yet to cement their places and first-round pick Christian Howard looks likely to face the chop.

Howard was substituted out after just a half last night as he collected only two kicks.

At this year's season launch, president Peter Gordon cleverly borrowed a famous TV quote and warned the Dogs were not in danger, but would be the danger.

Since then they've been broken.

Badly.

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‘Our fans can be really excited’: Leppitsch

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BRISBANE coach Justin Leppitsch labelled the second quarter the best under his watch as the Lions stunned the struggling Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium to climb off the bottom of the ladder.

Brisbane rattled home 7.5 to 2.2 in the second term to surge 27 points clear as the outside brilliance of the self-proclaimed 'mozzies' — Dayne Zorko, Lewy Taylor and Josh Green — cut the Dogs to shreds.

MATCH: DOGS LEFT TO RUE AS LIONS POUNCE

ANALYSIS: DOGS' QUICK DESCENT TO ALSO-RANS

But Leppitsch said he was glad the match didn't go for much longer as Brisbane lost composure amid fatigue to hold on for an eight-point victory.

Daniel Merrett was a constant presence all night up forward. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The win was the Lions second on the trot and they will now host GWS as favourites for the first time since last year.

On the run and carry of his speedy trio, Leppitsch said: "We have a weapon I think and one that'll be around for a long period of time.

"Our fans can be really excited. It's a terrific strength we've got, hopefully we can maximise it every week and they can all contribute like they did tonight."

Dayne Zorko's pace was electric during the second quarter. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Zorko collected nine second-quarter disposals and sparked a sizzling counter-attack when he combined with Taylor who delivered a bullet pass to Marco Paparone.

The young forward kicked truly to sting the Dogs, while ageing superstar Jonathan Brown booted 2.2 and took an important defensive mark in the last term.

"He was great. He's been really important for us, Browny," Leppitsch said.

Stefan Martin and Josh Green celebrate the Lions' third win of 2014. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

"There's no doubt (and) I've said it 100 times he provides a target for us and allows Zorko, Green and Taylor and our high forwards to get into the game."

Just 33 games ago the Dogs smashed the Lions — NAB Cup champions — by 68 points at Etihad Stadium before Brisbane suffered a talent drain with five players walking out last year.

On the dramatic turnaround, Leppitsch said: "What it shows is history means nothing. It also shows nothing is ever as bad as it seems and nothing is ever as good as it seems."

Mitch Golby stuck in a Bulldogs sandwich. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

A win against the Giants next week would all but guarantee Brisbane will avoid this year's wooden spoon.

Leppitsch praised former Dee Stefan Martin and Rohan Bewick, the Lions two inclusions, as his two best performers.

It was just Martin's second win since 2011 as the utility wilfully battled star Dog Will Minson in the ruck.

The Dogs are now just one win above last-placed GWS and have now dropped six of their past seven matches.

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Inglis injured as wounded Rabbits fire

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QUEENSLAND's eight-year State of Origin run has suffered a body blow with star centre Greg Inglis almost certain to miss next Wednesday week's return bout against the Blues with a serious ankle injury.

Inglis suffered suspected syndesmosis of the ankle.

Inglis's injury took the gloss off a courageous come-from-behind win by the Bunnies over the Warriors in Perth.

George Burgess on the turf after a crunching tackle. Source: News Limited

Inglis flew back to Sydney with his team-mates late Saturday night and will have scans on the injury on Sunday after limping off just before halftime.

Souths produced a superb late fightback, scoring 28 points in the final 23 minutes to swamp the tiring Warriors.

With the game kicking off at nearly midnight Auckland time, there were real fears that the Warriors would not have their games faces on.

But it was the Kiwi team who came out with guns blazing, charging to a 10-0 lead inside eight minutes.

Bryson Goodwin is forced from the field with an arm injury. Source: News Corp Australia

And they did it in fine style, stunning Souths with two superb early tries.

Rookie winger David Fusitua got the Warriors rolling with an effort that will take plenty of beating for the solo try of the year.

Fusitua took a pass from centre Konrad Hurrell and hurdled the cover defence of Souths skipper John Sutton as he charged for the corner.

Fusitua jumped high in the air, his entire body over the sideline, but managed to keep his ball-carrying arm in play to touch down.

Greg Inglis stops Simon Mannering from scoring. Source: News Limited

Soon afterwards, Warriors prop Suaia Matagi charged through the heart of the Souths defence and put halfback Shaun Johnson over for a shock 10-0 to the rank outsiders.

Souths should have bridged the gap in the 15th minute, but Sutton lost control of the ball as he attempted to scamper over.

The Rabbitohs finally got on the board after sustained pressure in the 24th minute, with Sutton putting boom centre Dylan Walker over with a clever short pass.

Dylan Walker celebrates a try in the second half. Source: News Limited

The game threatened to explode late in the half when Warriors forward Sebastine Ikahihfio hit George Burgess and Adam Reynolds with high shots in quick succession.

The first saw Sam Burgess give Ifahihfio an angry spray for dazing his little brother and the second resulted in him being placed on report.

The Rabbitohs almost hit the front just before the break when the on-field officials ruled Bryson Goodwin had scored from a bomb - only to be proved wrong by the video referee.

Shaun Johnson celebrates scoring his teams second try of the match. Source: News Limited

The tragedy struck for Souths on the stroke of halftime when Inglis attempted to make a tackle on giant Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei.

Both Vatuvei and Inglis' Souths team-mate Sam Burgess came down on Inglis' knee and the star fullback ended up writhing on the turf in agony.

To add to Souths' woes, Goodwin went off with a painful elbow injury early in the second half.

Greg Inglis goes down injured. Source: FoxSports

The Warriors looked set for a win when skipper Simon Mannering scored to extend the lead to 14-6 early in the second half.

But boom Rabbitohs centre Dylan Walker turned the game with a superb solo run midway through the second half and the Rabbitohs added two late tries to finish convincing winners.

SOUTH SYDNEY 34 (D Tyrrell 2 D Walker 2 J Reddy K Turner tries A Reynolds 5 goals) bt WARRIORS 18 (D Fusitua K Hurrell S Johnson S Mannering tries S Johnson goal) at nib Stadium. Referee: Jared Maxwell, David Munro. Crowd: 20,267.

Re-live all the action in our blog below:

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Cafu predicts Cup celebrations

Former Brazilian soccer player Cafu and Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff with the 2014 World Cup trophy. Picture: Eraldo Peres Source: Eraldo Peres / AP

BRAZILIAN former World Cup-winning captain Cafu insists his protesting countrymen will soon get into the right spirit once the World Cup kicks off on Thursday.

Brazilians are enduring tough times, with metro strikes bringing commuter misery to Sao Paulo amid protests at the mammoth cost of the World Cup.

But the people will get into celebration mode once the event begins, Cafu insisted Saturday.

"The political situation is boiling over - and I wish the talk could be of football. But that's currently not possible given all the political arguments," 2002 World Cup-winning skipper Cafu said on the day he turned 44.

He believes, however, that the atmosphere will change once Brazil kick off against Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

"There are strikes all around the world and in general this has nothing to do with the World Cup.

"This is a moment that the people feel they can make their voices heard most clearly in the Cup foreground," the only man to have appeared in three World Cup finals told German sports news agency and AFP subsidiary SID.

"We are currently going through tough times as a country. That is why there is no great joy coursing through in the run-up to the event.

"But once it gets going, you will see a totally different Brazil," Cafu forecast, insisting the celebrations would then begin to take hold.

He stressed that he backed the protests as long as they were not violent.

At the same time, he feared they could be even larger than those which marred last year's Confederations Cup "as this is a bigger event" with even more attention focused on the host nation.

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