Latest news with #Dockers
Daily Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
AFL 2025: Justin Longmuir OK with Shai Bolton's scoreboard taunt
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says star Shai Bolton plays on the 'edge' but has no issue with his on-field attitude after he taunted Essendon players by pointing to the scoreboard after a goal during Thursday night's romp. Tensions boiled over in the second quarter when Bolton pointed to the scoreboard during a scuffle, letting the severely undermanned Bombers outfit, littered with first-year players including debutant ruckman Vigo Visentini, know exactly who was in control. The margin was 23 points. The former Richmond star then slotted a goal of his own a minute later and had words with Bomber Jaxon Prior, who had given away the free kick that allowed him the shot on goal. Shai Bolton got under the Bombers' skin. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images That only further stoked the fire as tempers flared again but Longmuir, who said he didn't see the scoreboard gesture, had no issue with Bolton's approach. 'I didn't see that, but I like the edge he plays with,' he said. 'I think largely Shai valued the right things tonight. I thought his pressure and contests were really strong from the get-go. 'He plays with flair and isn't afraid and likes to get in the opposition's face. 'So I didn't see the pointing at the scoreboard, but I don't mind the way he played.' Bolton finished with two goals from 15 disposals. The Dockers' fifth consecutive win takes their season record to 9-5, with a game against St Kilda next week, again in Perth. Bolton likes to get in the opposition's face. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images Longmuir praised his team's commitment to the contest, calling out Nathan O'Driscoll's bravery as a standout moment. The young midfielder crashed into Bomber Will Setterfield in the third quarter, setting up a goal from the next play. 'I mentioned it after the game,' he said. 'I asked the players for a really strong trademark game. I thought we were just a little bit off with that last week. 'Not necessarily the physicality aspect of it, more probably the communication and the connection between our roles and having each other's backs. 'I probably thought that was a little bit off last week. I thought that was tremendous today. 'And I mentioned squaring the ball up inside forward 50 and none of our forwards looked to kick goals with U-turns, they all fed it back to players in better positions. 'Then we had guys going back and putting their body on the line for the team. That moment was fantastic, along with a lot of different trademark moments throughout the night. 'It's one of many.' Originally published as Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir didn't see Shai Bolton's scoreboard taunt against Essendon but was OK with it anyway
Sydney Morning Herald
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
WA news LIVE: Luke Jackson stars as Dockers dominate baby Bombers; WA budget wash-up
Latest posts Latest posts 9.32am Luke Jackson stars as Dockers dominate baby Bombers Luke Jackson produced yet another rucking masterclass and Josh Treacy broke his run of ducks to lift Fremantle to a 41-point win over injury-hit Essendon at Optus Stadium. Jackson tallied 21 disposals to go with 48 hitouts, 10 clearances and three goals in the 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) win in front of 37,570 fans on Thursday night. Treacy, who entered the match on the back of a three-game goalless run, finished with three majors to go with crashing pack after pack. Fremantle's fifth win on the trot improved their record to 9-5 ahead of next week's clash with St Kilda. Essendon (6-8) face a major battle to turn around their fortunes, with their fourth consecutive loss leaving them well adrift of the top eight. Jackson dominated his contest against Essendon debutant Vigo Visentini, who battled hard for 15 disposals and 17 hitouts but was outclassed by Fremantle's star big man. It continued a rich vein of form for Jackson, who has thrived in the lead ruck role this season, especially in the games when Sean Darcy isn't playing. 'He's a special player. We love having him. He's not going anywhere,' star Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong told Fox Footy. 'He's locked in with us. I think what him and Sean are going to build over the next couple of months is really exciting. 'I can't wait to be a part of it. As a midfielder, I'm licking my lips.' 9.32am Across Australia and around the world Here's what's making headlines elsewhere today: The world is waiting to find out if US President Donald Trump will authorise American strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Follow all the latest developments live. The UK government is making plans to welcome Anthony Albanese to London on a visit that could come as soon as next week if he attends Tuesday's NATO summit in the Netherlands. PR operative James Radford was stuck in Israel last week. Then his boss, Australia's richest person, stepped in, leaving other stranded Australians frustrated. Tegan Wagner survived a gang rape in 2002. She says despite their age, the alleged teenage perpetrators of a recent attack in Sydney's south-west should be identified. 9.32am Today's weather No fog this morning, but we could be in for a wet afternoon. 9.32am Welcome to our live news blog Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Friday, June 20. Well, have you had enough budget news yet? Treasurer Rita Saffioti handed down the government's spending plan for 2025-26 yesterday and, by her own admission beforehand, it was indeed 'not sexy'. But that's not such a bad thing, especially in a chaotic world, writes WAtoday state politics reporter Hamish Hastie. That being said, there was a little bit of 'financial trickery' in yesterday's budget papers, according to the state opposition. labelling the budget a 'missed opportunity'. If you're pressed for time and just want to know the headlines – and how the budget will affect you – you can read our five-minute guide to the budget here.
The Age
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Age
WA news LIVE: Luke Jackson stars as Dockers dominate baby Bombers; WA budget wash-up
Latest posts Latest posts 9.32am Luke Jackson stars as Dockers dominate baby Bombers Luke Jackson produced yet another rucking masterclass and Josh Treacy broke his run of ducks to lift Fremantle to a 41-point win over injury-hit Essendon at Optus Stadium. Jackson tallied 21 disposals to go with 48 hitouts, 10 clearances and three goals in the 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) win in front of 37,570 fans on Thursday night. Treacy, who entered the match on the back of a three-game goalless run, finished with three majors to go with crashing pack after pack. Fremantle's fifth win on the trot improved their record to 9-5 ahead of next week's clash with St Kilda. Essendon (6-8) face a major battle to turn around their fortunes, with their fourth consecutive loss leaving them well adrift of the top eight. Jackson dominated his contest against Essendon debutant Vigo Visentini, who battled hard for 15 disposals and 17 hitouts but was outclassed by Fremantle's star big man. It continued a rich vein of form for Jackson, who has thrived in the lead ruck role this season, especially in the games when Sean Darcy isn't playing. 'He's a special player. We love having him. He's not going anywhere,' star Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong told Fox Footy. 'He's locked in with us. I think what him and Sean are going to build over the next couple of months is really exciting. 'I can't wait to be a part of it. As a midfielder, I'm licking my lips.' 9.32am Across Australia and around the world Here's what's making headlines elsewhere today: The world is waiting to find out if US President Donald Trump will authorise American strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Follow all the latest developments live. The UK government is making plans to welcome Anthony Albanese to London on a visit that could come as soon as next week if he attends Tuesday's NATO summit in the Netherlands. PR operative James Radford was stuck in Israel last week. Then his boss, Australia's richest person, stepped in, leaving other stranded Australians frustrated. Tegan Wagner survived a gang rape in 2002. She says despite their age, the alleged teenage perpetrators of a recent attack in Sydney's south-west should be identified. 9.32am Today's weather No fog this morning, but we could be in for a wet afternoon. 9.32am Welcome to our live news blog Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Friday, June 20. Well, have you had enough budget news yet? Treasurer Rita Saffioti handed down the government's spending plan for 2025-26 yesterday and, by her own admission beforehand, it was indeed 'not sexy'. But that's not such a bad thing, especially in a chaotic world, writes WAtoday state politics reporter Hamish Hastie. That being said, there was a little bit of 'financial trickery' in yesterday's budget papers, according to the state opposition. labelling the budget a 'missed opportunity'. If you're pressed for time and just want to know the headlines – and how the budget will affect you – you can read our five-minute guide to the budget here.
Daily Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
AFL Optus Stadium's huge test for Fremantle vs Essendon after State of Origin slugfest
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Perth's $1.6 billion Optus Stadium was under intense pressure as it backed up for an AFL game on Thursday night less than 24 hours after a brutal State of Origin contest on the ground. After a tight battle early on, the Dockers pulled away for a comfortable 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) win that moves them to sixth place early in round 15. The surface at the stadium, which was officially opened in 2018, has come in for criticism in recent years, leading to extensive renovations at the start of 2025. 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. Back in 2023, footage emerged of stadium staff relaying grass on sections around the ground, while the following year the slippery surface was criticised by former West Coast coach Adam Simpson and ex-Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt following a Fremantle clash with the Suns. It is facing its sternest test since then after hosting three AFL games over the last six days, along with Wednesday's typically physical Origin clash held in driving rain. Watch the ground transformation in the video player above The Dockers were hosting Essendon at Optus Stadium. (Photo by) Less than 24 hours after a State of Origin match at the ground. (Photo by) The Dockers beat North Melbourne at the venue on June 14, a day before the Blues took care of West Coast, while Fremantle is hosting Essendon on Thursday night. Thirty ground staff worked on the pitch since the rugby league game finished and Optus Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna was extremely confident it would 'look like it's a new ground' by the time the AFL fixture had its opening bounce. 'When the (State of Origin) game finishes tonight, there'll be obvious signs that it's been played on, but by the time we get to tomorrow evening, it'll look like it's a new ground,' McKenna told 'I think we'll come out of this game into tomorrow and it won't be very noticeable, so I think we'll see a really strong result and we're really confident that it will play really well right through the season.' Optus Stadium set up for rugby league on Wednesday night. (Photo by) And during the AFL game on Thursday. Photo: Fox Sports State of Origin matches in the NRL are renowned as among the most bruising in Australian sport, with the players often causing significant damage to playing surfaces. Regular NRL grounds including Sydney's Accor Stadium and Allianz Stadium often come in for criticism for its turf quality. The surface was a hot topic prior to the Dockers' home game as they chased a fifth straight win. 'How nervous are the AFL going to be tonight given just how much wear and tear it's had lately?' Fox Footy's Jon Ralph was asked pre-match. 'No doubt. The Optus Stadium boss, Mike McKenna, says the ground will look brand spanking new, but Fremantle certainly has concerns,' Ralph reported. 'So the NRL State of Origin was played last night in drenching rain. 'The Dockers and Essendon get the official report from the AFL a couple of hours beforehand, but as (Fremantle) footy boss Joe Brierty says, it's clearly too late to make any changes at that stage. 'The third AFL game in six days, the Optus Stadium turf did undergo a renovation over summer, the drainage is so much better. 'Essendon will liaise with their players about the long stops in boots. The players don't love wearing them, they do pull up really sore. 'The 30 workers who worked around the clock to try to get this in good nick, and it certainly looks OK, it just depends how it plays.' West Coast and Carlton played on the ground last Sunday. (Photo by) The ground had major issues back in 2023. Photo: X Sarah Jones added: 'We'll have a close eye on that. It might be a headline waiting to happen.' Reporting from ground level, Kath Loughnan said the ground looked 'pretty good' and the ground staff had done a 'pretty good job' before the game commenced. It also helped that solid rain in Perth this week had eased by Thursday night, but fans watching on weren't impressed by what they were seeing. An X account called Gazzalinga tweeted: 'I'm sorry, the Optus Stadium looks horrible right now. The ground was labelled too slippery when the Dockers played Gold Coast last season. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images) 'I know they said people have worked tirelessly to get it ready for the game but who in their right mind would actively play on that ground in current condition? Surely someone is going to be pulling up.' Daniel Hikisz quipped: 'Seen enough, the surface isn't up to AFL standard. Call off the game now, we take the 4 points and move on.' With the Perth Bears set to join the NRL competition in 2027, Scott King wrote: 'When North Sydney Bears start playing in Perth, they CANNOT play at Optus Stadium. The centre of the ground looks terrible. Go find a rugby ground.' Despite obvious signs around the ground the NRL match had been played the night before the turf was holding up reasonably well as the Dockers took a 16-point lead into halftime. Showing some strong defence, Fremantle pulled away in the second half in another encouraging step for Justin Longmuir's side. Originally published as Optus Stadium's huge test AFL after State of Origin slugfest
West Australian
2 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Fremantle Dockers manage Sean Darcy out of Thursday night clash against Essendon as Nathan O'Driscoll returns
Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy has been managed out of their clash with Essendon and debutant ruckman Vigo Visentini. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE TEAMS The Dockers will leave athletic big man Luke Jackson to take on the teenage first-gamer head-to-head in Thursday night's primetime clash at Optus Stadium. Sam Switkowski is also out with a hamstring injury, but the Dockers have not recalled impressive first-year small forward Isiah Dudley. They have instead recalled Nathan O'Driscoll and versatile small James Aish. It means O'Driscoll is in line for his first match at AFL level since he suffered a syndesmosis injury in the round four defeat to Western Bulldogs. Aish has played just two games this season, against West Coast in round four and Melbourne in round seven. The pair have both been named on a five-man bench that also includes Nat Fyfe. The Dockers are weighing up whether or not to give the two-time Brownlow medallist a full game after he came on as an effective final-quarter substitute in their past two matches. Darcy has played seven times for the club this season. He missed the first part of the season in the final weeks of his recovery from off-season knee and ankle issues. He was then subbed out of their loss to Collingwood in round 10 and missed another two weeks. The breather will give Darcy a second fortnight-long break inside a month, after the Dockers' round 14 bye. He had 23 hit-outs and was influential in Fremantle's ruck battle with North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri. The Dockers' high-priced ruck combination has been at the centre of great debate this season, with many experts suggesting Jackson should be used as a solo ruck, while others — including The West Australian columnist and former senior coach Danielle Laidley — believe Darcy being in the side allows Jackson to impact other parts of the game. Jackson has started as the No.1 centre-bounce ruckman in both games since he returned in the win over Gold Coast. Coach Justin Longmuir has played both rucks and three key forwards in all of those matches. O'Driscoll had 24 touches in Peel Thunder's win over West Coast in the WAFL at the weekend. Aish was effective with his own 24 disposals down back in that victory. The Dockers confirmed on Tuesday Switkowski had suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday night's win over North Melbourne. Since round nine, the damaging forward had been the fourth-highest rated player in the competition, according to Champion Data. Visentini is one of two inclusions for the injury-ravaged Bombers, alongside midfielder Ben Hobbs. Todd Goldstein — who has been shouldering the ruck load for the Bombers since both Sam Draper and Nick Bryan went down injured — has been given a long-awaited rest of his own. Archer Day-Wicks has been omitted. Visentini is Essendon's 11th debutant this season, which also includes Lachie Blakiston and Archer May, who have both been retained in the side from their debut against Geelong last week, less than a month after they were plucked from the WAFL in the mid-season draft. B: L Ryan, J Draper, B Cox HB: H Chapman, K Worner, J Clark C: J Sharp, C Wagner, M Johnson HF: M Frederick, S Bolton, B Banfield F: P Voss, J Treacy, J Amiss R: L Jackson, C Serong, A Brayshaw IC: J Aish, N Erasmus, N Fyfe, N O'Driscoll, M Reid EMG: W Brodie, O McDonald, L Reidy B: A McGrath, J Laverde, A Roberts HB: Z Johnson, J Prior, A Clarke C: X Duursma, Z Merrett, L Lual HF: A Perkins, N Caddy, N Martin F: A May, P Wright, I Kako R: V Visentini, J Caldwell, D Parish IC: B Hobbs, J Gresham, W Setterfield, M Guelfi, L Blakiston EMG: D Shiel, R Unwin, A Day-Wicks
