Latest news with #Essendon
7NEWS
12 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Aussie NBA star Luke Travers makes surprise cameo on Roaming Brian after Fremantle's win over Essendon
Aussie NBA star Luke Travers has made a cheeky dig at close friend Luke Jackson after the Fremantle big man's standout performance against Essendon on Thursday night. Jackson played arguably the best game of his career, kicking three goals to go with 48 hitouts, 21 disposals and 10 clearances as the Dockers romped to a 41-point win. But that wasn't enough to impress Travers, who played down the performance when asked by Channel 7's Brian Tayler on Roaming Brian. 'He was all right ... could've been a little better here and there,' Travers joked. Jackson and Travers both attended Willetton Senior High School in Perth and have remained close friends. Travers, 23, plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA after stints with Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United in the NBL. He is in Australia during the NBA off-season, spending time with friends and family. Decked out in a Fremantle kit, Travers has around a month back home before heading back to the USA for pre-season training. The 201cm is one of 14 Aussies making waves in the NBA. 'It's really good for the future of the Australian team, exciting times,' he added. Travers is about to link up with a pair of fellow Aussie NBA stars in Melbourne. 'I'm about to spend the next month in Melbourne with Josh (Giddey) and Dyson Daniels,' he said. 'It'll be good competition. We always like going against each other, so it'll be good.' Fremantle (9-5) posted their fifth win on the trot with the 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) triumph over Essendon. Star Dockers recruit Shai Bolton ruffled a few feathers when he pointed Essendon players in the direction of the scoreboard during the second quarter, with the scoreboard reading 51-28 at the time. 'I didn't see that, but I like the edge he plays with,' Longmuir 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 a bit of flair and he likes to get in the opposition's face. I didn't see the pointing at the scoreboard, but I don't mind the way he played.' Veteran Nat Fyfe, who had spent the previous two games as the sub, earned a rare start but managed just 11 disposals and one clearance before being subbed out in the final quarter. Fyfe spent periods stationed in attack to help fill the void left by Sam Switkowski (hamstring), and Longmuir was happy with the former captain's efforts. 'I thought he ran some really good patterns,' Longmuir said. 'I was really happy with the way he approached the role. I thought some of his physicality through the middle of the ground was great.' Fremantle have the chance to make it six wins on the trot when they host St Kilda on Sunday week.
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Fremantle boss addresses ‘astonishing' mugshot controversy
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says he's astonished the use of umpire mugshots has caused a stir, revealing his club have been doing it for the past four years. Eyebrows were raised last week during Fremantle's six-point win over North Melbourne when vision emerged from the Dockers' change rooms showing photos of the umpires plastered on the wall. The tactic is also used by some other AFL clubs to help players understand who is umpiring the match that day. Some experts questioned whether it was a tactic to help players know the style of adjudicating they can expect for the game. Longmuir was shocked the topic had become a big talking point. 'Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill,' Longmuir said following Fremantle's 41-point win over Essendon on Thursday night. 'It wasn't a specific tactic — someone just decided to put 'em up somewhere different,' he said. 'It's astonishing that it got picked up last week and it was made something of. 'We've been doing it for four years I reckon, so there's nothing sinister about it. 'We like our players and staff to understand who's umpiring the game. It's not to get a benefit.' The detail was picked up Channel 7's Nick Riewoldt on The Agenda Setters. 'I saw this from the weekend, found it interesting,' Riewoldt said earlier in the week. 'They're clearly trying to arm the players with the umpires' names. They look like mugshots, those pics. 'But I reckon the players have got enough to worry about, don't they? Without trying to memorise umpires' names.' Craig Hutchison lauded the idea: 'I think it's smart — trying to get an edge.' Fremantle are putting the names and faces of umpires up on their wall ahead of games. Credit: The Agenda Setters Meanwhile on Thursday, Fremantle (9-5) posted their fifth win on the trot with the 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) triumph over Essendon. Star Dockers recruit Shai Bolton ruffled a few feathers when he pointed Essendon players in the direction of the scoreboard during the second quarter, with the scoreboard reading 51-28 at the time. 'I didn't see that, but I like the edge he plays with,' Longmuir 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 a bit of flair and he likes to get in the opposition's face. I didn't see the pointing at the scoreboard, but I don't mind the way he played.' Luke Jackson was the standout player of Thursday's match, with the former Demon racking up 48 hitouts, 10 clearances, 21 disposals and three goals opposed to Essendon debutant Vigo Visentini. Caleb Serong also had a big night with 35 disposals, seven clearances, 783m gained and two goals. Veteran Nat Fyfe, who had spent the previous two games as the sub, earned a rare start but managed just 11 disposals and one clearance before being subbed out in the final quarter. Fyfe spent periods stationed in attack to help fill the void left by Sam Switkowski (hamstring), and Longmuir was happy with the former captain's efforts. 'I thought he ran some really good patterns,' Longmuir said. 'I was really happy with the way he approached the role. I thought some of his physicality through the middle of the ground was great.' Fremantle have the chance to make it six wins on the trot when they host St Kilda on Sunday week.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Should be banned': AFL fans all make same complaint about 'ridiculous' move
Fans are questioning the AFL's decision to schedule a Thursday night game in Perth after Fremantle's win over Essendon at Optus Stadium. Luke Jackson produced another rucking masterclass and Josh Treacy broke his run of ducks to lift the Dockers to a 41-point win over the injury-hit Bombers. Jackson had 21 disposals to go with 48 hit-outs, 10 clearances and three goals in the 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) win in front of 37,570 fans. And while the strong turnout showed the Thursday night time-slot worked for the WA audience, the majority of the AFL world on the east coast were left fuming. The 6.10pm start time translated to an 8.10pm start in Melbourne and Sydney - later than the usual 7.30pm start for Thursday night games - and it didn't finish until around 11pm on the east coast. It normally wouldn't be an issue on a Friday or Saturday night, but fans on the east coast couldn't stay up late because of work and school the next day. Viewers flooded social media with angry comments questioning why a Thursday night game would be scheduled on the west coast. The AFL was likely looking to capitalise on the extra people in Perth watching State of Origin 2 on Wednesday night, but it alienated the TV audience in the eastern states. One person wrote: "Dear AFL, for future reference, Thursday night games do not work in Perth at this time slot." Another commented: "Surely Thursday night footy from Perth simply doesn't work. Most people on the East coast (who work) will go to sleep at half time. Reckon Friday night is more suitable for the later start." A third added: "They (Perth) should be banned from playing Thursday nights. The only state it helps is WA." While a fourth wrote: "Thursday night games should start at 7.30 if played at WA. They either accept it or forget it, kids go to school and to start at 8.10 is ridiculous." Thursday night games should start @730 if played at WA they either accept it or forget it, kids go to school and to start at 810 is ridiculous @AFL @AFLcomau — Rick K (@rick_k62) June 19, 2025 They should be banned from playing Thursday nights. The only state it helps is WA — Cool Reigns (@reign40402) June 19, 2025 Works alright in Perth. Probably 40,000 there tonight. Pity @freodockers had to do it on a five day break in order to get a couple home games in a row. Have a good sleep 😴 — MarkTheAndrews (@MarkTheAndrews1) June 19, 2025 Only 14 different venues to choose from and the AFL schedule a Thursday night in WA the night after a State of OriginAnd put Essendoom there to capitalise on the NSW & QLD marketsAFL House is absolutely flying though @Sammy__Edmund — Shane Donoghue (@shanedonoghue) June 19, 2025 Meanwhile, Fremantle's fifth win on the trot improved their record to 9-5 ahead of next week's home clash with St Kilda. Essendon are now 6-8 and face a major battle to turn around their fortunes, with a 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 hit-outs but was outclassed by Fremantle's star big man. "He's a special player. We love having him. He's not going anywhere," star Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong told Fox Footy about Jackson. "He's locked in with us. I think what him and Sean (Darcy) 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." RELATED: Cyril Rioli continues sad stance as Buddy Franklin set for return AFL world sends flood of messages over news about Abbey Holmes Nat Fyfe earned a rare start after spending the last two games as the sub, but managed just 11 disposals and one clearance before being taken off in the final quarter. Fyfe spent periods stationed in attack to help fill the void left by Sam Switkowski (hamstring), and coach Justin Longmuir was happy with the former captain's efforts. "I thought he ran some really good patterns," Longmuir said. "I was really happy with the way he approached the role. I thought some of his physicality through the middle of the ground was great." with AAP
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
News.com.au
13 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Essendon could get up to six first-choice players back following bye to stem run of four losses
Essendon could get as many as six players back immediately after the bye but 'balance' will drive coach Brad Scott's decision despite the battling Bombers coping a 41-point hiding from Fremantle on Thursday night. Scott unleashed another debutant, his team's 11th amid an injury crisis, with teenage ruckman Vigo Visentini added to an outfit that has now lost four games in a row, including a 95-point mauling by Geelong. But as Scott declared young Archie Perkins was 'doubting himself' after a few questionable moments coming on as the sub for the second week in a row despite being one of the more senior players available to him, the coach stopped short of declaring he throw everyone available back in for the round 17 clash with Gold Coast. 'We might get some players back after the break,' Scott said. 'We'll definitely get (Sam) Durham back, for example, from suspension, and there's probably five or six others that will be close. 'But now we've got to balance, is it a risk to bring five or six back all at once? We'll have to assess where they're at. 'Those players will have a really strong training session this weekend. 'They won't have the same bye week that all the other players will have, so we've got two weeks really now to get them ready and then make an assessment as to whether we bring some back.' Perkins, who now has 93 games under his belt, having been taken at pick 9 in the 2020 draft, had a couple of moments that he would rather have back against the Dockers, including missing an uncontested mark in attack because he took his eyes off the ball. He managed just 10 possessions in the loss to the Dockers, following seven against Geelong and 11 against Carlton. Scott said he thought it would come for the 23-year-old. 'I think that it's always about reminding players what they're really good at. And Perkins is a strong, powerful footballer who, at his best, is breaking through tackles and competing really strong,' he said. 'Right at the moment, he's doubting himself a little bit. And so my job is to remind him of what he's really good at. 'Coach those things in terms of the technical aspect but then getting to the point where he's in the frame of mind to get out and compete because he is a competitor. 'But he's just making mistakes through hesitation at the moment. 'It'll come for him. We've just got to persist.' The Bombers had seven first-year players on the ground on Thursday night. One that impressed Scott was Visentini. 'We think there are some players that have come into our team that won't go out regardless of who comes back,' he said. 'So that, by definition, should make us stronger. 'From what I saw tonight, it won't be his (Visentini's) last game of AFL footy, that's for sure. 'I thought he rucked really well. I thought he competed really well. 'He's a 19-year-old playing his first game against a premiership player who was picked two or three in the draft. So, you know, there's some big challenges in footy but probably not too many bigger than that. 'I like his competitiveness. He's a great size, he's a terrific athlete, and he's got a huge opportunity to learn under one of the all-time great ruckman in Todd Goldstein. 'Knowing Goldie, like I do, Goldie's dual objective will be to get himself ready to perform when he needs to play, but he'll take a really-strong interest in getting Vigo up to speed as quickly as possible.'
