Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Melbourne forward Jacob van Rooyen is “one of the nicest blokes you’ll meet in footy”, according to Demons premiership star Bayley Fritsch.
But even with that glowing character reference, van Rooyen is in grave danger of missing Melbourne’s first final since 2023 after an ugly hit that ended Aliir Aliir’s 200th game prematurely.
The Demons’ clinical 76-point demolition of Port Adelaide was overshadowed by the van Rooyen incident, in which he leapt in the air and made heavy contact with his hand to Aliir’s head.
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell expects his side will know what they need to do to secure a top-four spot when they run out against West Coast next Sunday.
The Hawks and Eagles will play the last game of the home and away season when they run out at Optus Stadium.
While Mitchell was still coming to terms with the club’s second draw with Collingwood this season, he said the Hawks would move on quickly.
“I think either way we needed to win next week, our focus will go heavily onto the Eagles and make sure we are ready for them,” Mitchell said.
Jacob van Rooyen is in danger of missing Melbourne’s first final since 2023 after an ugly hit that ended Aliir Aliir’s 200th game prematurely.
The Demons’ clinical 76-point demolition of Port Adelaide was overshadowed by the van Rooyen incident, in which he leapt in the air and made heavy contact with his hand to Aliir’s head.
Aliir lay on the ground motionless for some time before being slowly helped to his feet and to the Power dugout shortly before half-time.
Magpies coach Craig McRae didn’t hide his emotions after the draw tonight, and he thinks his young side will take plenty from it.
“We are close aren’t we? You look from our lens, and we have five players under 10 games, and we are playing pretty much their full-strength team – apologies if I have disrespected someone who is out,” McRae said.
“I’m just so proud of our group. We continue to go to another level of spirit and fight. We don’t give up and our youth were the energisers in that.
“Beau McCreery had a great game, but Sam Swadling had 29 disposals off half-back and what has he played? Four games. Charlie West is getting the ball, and Hayesy [Will Hayes] is kicking goals for us.
Hawks co-captain Jai Newcombe isn’t hiding his disappointment at drawing with Collingwood for the second time this season.
They are the first clubs to do that in one season in VFL/AFL history.
“We’ve let another one slip against them,” Newcombe told Kayo Sports.
“We’ve effectively won one and lost one now, but it’s disappointing as we’ve played better than the results suggest. It’s disappointing, that’s for sure. ”
The Hawks sit in fourth spot heading into what will be a wild final round for the clubs within reach of them.
Dylan Moore saved Hawthorn in April when his kick after the siren rescued a draw for the Hawks against Collingwood. On Saturday night, he was on the other side of the ledger.
For the second time this season, the Hawks and the Pies played out a draw. In round eight, the score was 93 apiece, this time the two clubs were locked on 92, and it marked the first time in league history two clubs have played a draw in the same season.
Moore’s kick from just inside 50 on the boundary line was airborne when the siren sounded, resulting in a mad scramble on the goal line to keep the ball in place and prevent a match-winning behind.
Time and time again tonight, Port have been the authors of their own demise.
It was Jack Steele’s turn to hit the scoreboard, capitalising on a horror switch from Joe Berry in defence, which resulted in yet another Power turnover-turned-Melbourne goal.
The Demons need percentage, and they’re getting it.
Melbourne lead 109-49 with 14 mins left in 4Q
It’s getting ugly, fast for Port.
Matthew Jefferson slotted his third goal – all in the second half – after receiving a 50/50 free kick against Jase Burgoyne.
The Power look frustrated. But they need to maintain their composure. They can’t win the game, but they can save some face by winning the last quarter.
Melbourne lead 101-42 with 19 mins left in 4Q
Sam Swadling has saved the Magpies after the siren as he punched the ball clear when it would have sailed over for a point.
Instead, the teams have drawn for a second time this season.
“Look at Sam Swadling – he’s the one. He’s saved it for Collingwood,” Jack Riewoldt said on Kayo Sports.
Craig McRae is gesturing wildly to his fans and his players. He’s pumping his fists, firing them all up – he’s treating this like a victory.
“Act like winners” is something McRae always pushes, and that result could be telling one for the Pies.
Hawks 13.14 (92) draws with Magpies 13.14 (92).
