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The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Craven Week opening round fixtures confirmed
The opening round fixtures for this year's U18 Craven Week to be hosted by Middelburg High School in Mpumalanga have been announced. This year will be the 60th edition of the tournament – and the third time it will be hosted by Middelburg. The two previous editions took place in 1978 and 2014. Western Province are the defending champions and are currently on a 15-match win streak at Craven Week. The Cape side's 37-24 win over Free State in last year's main match was their fifth consecutive victory in the unofficial 'final'. It would take a brave man to bet against Western Province contesting this year's final such has been the dominance of the Cape schools this season. Western Province have a number of players returning from last year's side which bodes well for their chances. Somewhat surprisingly, however, considering their dominance in 2025 and their place atop the 'unofficial' schoolboy rankings, Paarl Gimnasium only have two members of the 23-player Western Province team Paarl Boys' High and Rondebosch Boys' High each contribute five players, while four come from Wynberg Boys' High. Along with Paarl Gimnsium, Boland Landbou, Stellenberg and Paul Roos all have two players, while the final member of the team, loose forward Briint Davids, hails from Milnerton. Western Province will begin their campaign against neighbours Boland in the main match on Day 2. This year's U18 Craven Week will run from 7 to 12 July. Pumas vs Limpopo Western Province XV vs Griffons Free State vs SWD Bulls vs Lions Leopards vs Valke Border vs Griquas Sharks vs Eastern Province Western Province vs Boland Kick-off times and field venues will be announced in due course. NOTE: Fixtures for the remainder of the tournament will be confirmed following each day's play. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
ABC News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Is goalkicking accuracy in the AFL at its lowest point? What makes players miss their shots at goal?
Across the outer in every ground in the country a familiar refrain often breaks the silence in the stands. "Oh even I could've kicked that!" Last weekend saw the lowest average score in a round since June 1989 (excluding the COVID impacted 2020). With such low scoring, many fans, ex-players and media pundits might be wondering — why don't players just kick straighter? "Goalkicking is the most underrated stats," Paul Roos said on the ABC AFL Daily Podcast last week. The shot for goal is the only kick in the game that moves the scoreboard. So far this year 23 teams have lost games despite registering more shots on goal. So what's the story with AFL goalkicking, and is it as bad as it has ever been? And what are the factors in causing players to miss? So if you've holding your breath in anger about bad goalkicking, you can finally breathe again. Goalkicking isn't at its highest point, but it's far better than it's been through most of the history of the top league. This year total scoring shot accuracy is sitting at 52.7 per cent. That's the lowest since 2021, but on par with the average of the last 20 years. The historic high came in 2000, when Essendon took the league by storm. An amazing 55 per cent of all scoring shots ended in goals in that season. It also took a long time for kicking to become accurate. No season had a goalkicking percentage of higher than 50 per cent in the first 70 years of the V/AFL. That's despite near constant calls that kicking "used" to be better. In 1940, early goalkicking legend Dick Lee said "kicking was a lost art" compared to his day due to the abandonment of the place kick. Even the great Ted Whitten was criticised as a young player in 1953. There's several reasons for the improvement over time. The construction of equipment such as balls and boots have made it easier to kick the ball straight, as has the improvement in the surfaces that games are played on. In addition, there has been considerable refinement in the way players kick for goal. While Dick Lee's favoured place kick has long gone the way of the dodo, other favourites such as the drop kick and flat punt have also been forgotten to history. Teams last weekend did kick a little inaccurately — but the main problem was they just didn't generate many shots on goal. There's still the question of why players miss when kicking at goal, especially from set shots. One common scapegoat is the training — or lack thereof — by goalkickers. Last week Roos pointed the finger at the lack of time spent having shots at training. "I can assure everyone that clubs practice goal kicking," he said. "My only concern, as I've said this a lot, is that at the moment with the amount of time that players have off now you have to cram your goalkicking into certain periods. "There was no such thing as load management back then. So that's a challenge for the clubs and as an extension for the fans. Yes it's frustrating, yes they practice it. Do they practice it enough? Probably not. "And that's because of the restrictions the AFLPA put on the clubs." The last Collective Bargaining Agreement between the AFL and the AFLPA — the Players Association representing footballers — gave AFL players one and a half days a week off. "We train goalkicking as much as we ever have — that's throughout my time in the game. It's a really important part of the game," GWS coach Adam Kingsley told ABC Sport last week. Port coach Ken Hinkley also said goalkicking was an important part of training. "We do a lot of practice. People think we don't but it's because we miss a few. But we spend a lot of time on it," Hinkley said. "They're professional footballers so they should spend a lot of time on it. We make sure all parts of our game get a lot of attention and a lot of practice." Past greats of the goalkicking game are also skeptical that practice is the cause of the problems. "It can't be practice, there's no way known it can be practice because these clubs now are training everyday, sometimes twice a day," Tony Lockett told radio station RSN in 2019. "You've got coaches in every way, shape and form for every part of the game there is, so it can't be from lack of effort or from practice or anything like that." Lockett is the fourth most accurate retired player in history to kick more than 100 goals in his V/AFL career, and was also once the goalkicking coach at the Swans. At the start of his career he trained just two or three days a week. In 1996, a season in which Lockett kicked 121 goals while leading the Swans to the Grand Final (alongside Roos), Ron Barassi asked 'Plugger' about his weekly goalkicking training. "Some blokes obviously practice a lot more than others. I believe I've put in quite a bit of practice over the years — I've been playing footy for a long time now," Lockett said at the time. "I practiced a lot more in my younger days than what I do now. I don't get out there for an hour after training every night and practice. I believe if I'm kicking well for goal I might have half a dozen shots before training and after training and that's about it for me during the week." Lockett's analysis of the evolution of his own training habits aligns with other greats. "I was a lot more wayward kick early days than I was later, after years of refining it, if you like. So, we could spend an hour, two hours out there easily." Jason Dunstall told last year. Having a consistent set shot approach is a common theme amongst the games greatest goalkickers, from Coventry to Lockett. Deep breaths feature prominently, as often does a readjustment of the ball or footwear. While some — like Jesse Hogan or Josh Kennedy — stutter on the way, it's really only the final three or four steps that matter. Some current players such as Nick Larkey spend significant amounts of time before games working on their shot individually. Others do it as part of a team based approach. Props like man-on-the-mark dummies sometimes feature prominently. Some clubs collect data on both game and training shots, with coaches providing feedback on a player's kicking. Having the right mindset matters as well, with several stars mentioning mentality as critical. It's quality — rather than quantity — that seems to play the most important role in turning misses into makes. So if modern players are training as much or more than ever before, then why isn't kicking for goal even better? To work that out, it's worthwhile looking at the main factors that impact misses. The most important factor that impacts a player or team's accuracy on goals is the location they take their shots from. This impacts both set shots and shots from open play. Generally the closer the shots that players and teams take to goal — and the straighter they are — the more likely they are to go through the big sticks. Collingwood's Dan McStay has taken the closest average set shot to goal of any player with at least 100 shots in the past five years. He is also the most accurate set shot kick at goal in that time. Few players can overcome the tyranny of distance, with Taylor Walker a rare relative exception. No player, even the snipers, are actually better at converting set shots from distance than closer in. Modern defences work furiously to deny shots in these valuable locations. Elite coaches have understood the value of defence. While John Coleman attempted to stay within 20m of goal where possible, modern forwards are expected to cover far more ground to get open. "I think they move a bit quick for me these days," Lockett told SEN in 2019. "The game's definitely got a bit quicker and the game's changed so much compared to the way we played the game." While there is no hard data available, it's likely that shot location has played the biggest role in why accuracy hasn't increased over time. Another key factor towards missed shots is weather. Windy conditions can wreak havoc on accuracy, especially at distance. The effect of rain on accuracy appears to be surprisingly negligible, with teams converting as well in the wet compared to a clear day. While the move to more protected mega stadiums has likely helped accuracy a little, wind and rain still impacts many games through winter. The time that the shot is taken in the quarter also has some real impact. Players start quarters slightly nervier than usual, before righting themselves. But one of the most interesting causes of inaccuracy is what happens at the end of close games. Teams chasing narrow leads late usually try desperately to grab the key go-ahead goal at any cost while the winning side controls the tempo and prioritises defence. This leads to the set shot accuracy dropping off hard for the trailing team. This is likely a result of taking more desperate shots from longer range. It also has some root in psychological pressure of the situation. The leading team also tends to take more shots in total in close games and converts them at a high rate, likely benefiting from the attacking mindset of the team chasing the lead. There are some factors that don't have as big an effect as expected either. Large crowds see a slight drop in set shot accuracy (2 per cent), but the data on this is more limited. Playing home or away also has minimal impact, with away teams kicking slightly more accurately overall since 2000. There's no shortage of reasons why shots miss, and no real easy fixes to improve it substantially. It's also worth noting that the most accurate team of the AFL era — North Melbourne last year — finished second to last on the ladder. Good teams can find a way to overcome bad goalkicking, even if it makes the job harder.
News.com.au
01-06-2025
- General
- News.com.au
‘Embarrassing': Rival player labels Swans ‘a rabble' after SCG horror show
The Sydney Swans are bracing for the fallout of a humiliating 90-point loss to Adelaide on Saturday night as a Crows player labelled them 'a rabble'. Adelaide demolished the Swans to claim a 21.5 (131) to 5.11 (41) victory at the SCG, cementing their position in the top four as they push for a first finals berth since 2017. 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. The Swans were celebrating the 20-year anniversary of their droughtbreaking 2005 premiership, with Adam Goodes, Barry Hall and Leo Barry among the former players who did a lap of honour with ex-coach Paul Roos. But what was supposed to be a landmark night for the club turned into a football massacre and a black eye for the club. The 90-point defeat was Sydney's heaviest loss at the SCG since 2000. Haydn McLean kicked the first goal of the game, before Adelaide kicked five goals to one in the first quarter. The Crows piled on seven unanswered goals in the second term as the Swans completely fell apart. The SCG crowd gave Bronx cheers when the Swans kicked two behinds just before halftime, such was Sydney's difficulty in hitting the scoreboard. Apart from a 10-minute period to start the third quarter, Sydney continued to get hammered in the second half and in a humiliating sign, thousands of Swans flans left the SCG at three-quarter time. It meant the SCG seats were empty mostly by the time the final siren sounded as Swans supporters couldn't bare to watch. Fox Footy commentator Anthony Hudson described the result as a 'humiliation' for the Swans. Speaking post-game Crows defender Wayne Milera described the Swans as a 'rabble', adding he was pleased with his side's contested ball work and even contribution across the ground. 'You could sort of feel it as a group … they were sort of a bit of a rabble, just hearing them on the ground,' Milera told ABC Sport radio. That remark pricked the ears of Fox Footy's Super Saturday panel, who debated whether it went too far or was simply a fair description of a hapless Swans outfit. 'It's going to reverberate through two footy clubs, too, I think,' Fox Footy reporter Jay Clark said. 'It's the most damning post-match assessment of the season, and it's come from Adelaide's Wayne Milera ... That is a damning assessment from an opposition player — 'they were a rabble'. 'This is one of the proudest clubs in the competition. We know the history of the Sydney Football Club over the past two decades, and the champions that have played. They've been so consistent, and they've just been branded 'a rabble' by an opposition player from what he could hear them talk about on the field. 'Now, that is a big question mark. I think that'll send shockwaves through the Swans, and I'd be interested — how do the Adelaide Crows handle a comment from (one of their players). Is it disrespectful? Is it just honest?' 'One hundred per cent that's disrespectful (from Milera). Yeah, calling an opposition team 'a bit of a rabble' in a media sense,' Riewoldt stated. 'We've just come off the conversation with Matthew Nicks about they dropped Josh Rachele (last year) for 'values'. I'd love to know where a comment like that sits in the values of the Adelaide Football Club. 'So, there's clearly some big questions on that going forward, too.' Premiership Kangaroo David King questioned whether Milera meant his comment to sound as damning as it came across. 'He's a guy that doesn't have a history in this space. I can't remember hearing him speak. I can't remember hearing an interview from Wayne,' King said. 'I'd love to know what he was trying to say, whether he got his words wrong … I think it's something you can fix with a phone call. I'd be surprised if Matty Nicks didn't get on the phone and say 'look, we were out of line here, we made a mistake, can we step through this and move on?' 'It's just a simple error. I think he's got his words wrong, and I hope this doesn't become the story that maybe you think it will.' The result leaves Sydney languishing at 14th on the ladder with no hope of making finals, based on their current form. 'It was unacceptable and embarrassing,' Swans coach Dean Cox said of the result. 'Massive night for the footy club when you have a 20-year reunion. 'For a team that played desperate, uncompromising, ruthless football, and that (Saturday's performance) was far from it, so we need to strip it back and get to work real quick. 'We are going to fight our way through this, everyone that's involved at the footy club, and there's going to be no easy way through it. 'I said to them 'expect some tough sessions'. That'll happen.' 'I've got huge confidence in this playing group, but we need to make sure we spend time where we need to and to turn it around as quickly as possible.' The Swans take on Richmond next week before their mid-season bye.
News.com.au
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘We've missed you': Adam Goodes back at the SCG
Adam Goodes made a welcome return to the SCG on Saturday night as the Sydney Swans celebrated their 2005 premiership triumph. Goodes, 45, coach Paul Roos and members of the team that won the drought-breaking flag against West Coast two decades ago marched from Swans HQ to the SCG ahead of the round 12 match against Adelaide. 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. Barry Hall, Michael O'Loughlin, Tadhg Kennelly and Jude Bolton were also in attendance as the club and its fans saluted the four-point win over the Eagles that ended 72 years of South Melbourne and Sydney Swans pain. But Goodes was the biggest name and the ex-player fans were most thrilled to welcome back to the famous old ground. Watch some of the parade in the video player above The two-time Brownlow medallist played 372 games for the Swans, a club record, among a swag of honours before he retired in 2015. The closing years of his career were mired in controversy, however, stemming from his move to call out a young Collingwood fan that had called him an 'ape' during a game in 2013. Despite Goodes calling for support for the girl in the aftermath, it was the tipping point of a dark period for the sport, when the champion was regularly booed by opposition supporters whenever he took to the field or touched the footy. Goodes has largely stayed out of the footy spotlight in retirement, turning down an invitation to the 2015 grand final and the chance to join the AFL Hall of Fame in 2021. So the appearance of a smiling Goodes, greeting fans and seemingly relishing being back among his old teammates, thrilled scores of Swans fans watching on. There were countless comments on the official Sydney Swans page on Instagram as the club toasted a team that will forever live in history. 'Goodsey! That has made my night. So good to see him back at the club!' was one comment. 'Sensational! So pleased to see all of them but particularly Goodesy,' wrote another. 'Marvellous to see the boys together again. Thrilled to see Goodsey, you're always welcome,' said a third. 'Love that Goodsey went. Bloody legends!' said a fourth. Another wrote simply: 'We've missed you Goodsey.' There were similar sentiments on X, with one fan writing: 'Adam Goodes joining the rest of the 2005 team in the walk to the SCG is so wonderful to see.' Another wrote: 'So awesome to see the great man up close again!!' Sadly for Goodes, the 2005 team and the fans in attendance, the current Swans did not come to the party. After Sydney kicked the opening goal of the game through Hayden McLean, the Crows responded with a stunning 12 unanswered majors to power to a 65-point lead at halftime. The Swans are battling a tough season under first year coach Dean Cox, while the Crows – under former Swan Matthew Nicks – appear primed for a top-four run in 2025. 'What a quarter and what a half from the Adelaide Crows,' Anthony Hudson said on Fox Footy at the long break. 'They put up 12 goals, but Dean Cox has a massive headache. 'His Sydney Swans, on a night when they're celebrating past triumphs, have managed a meagre one goal.' As Paul Roos said during the halftime celebration: 'I thought these (2005) blokes might have brought their boots, get them back out there.' Perhaps inspired by the halftime parade, the Swans hit back to start the third term before the Crows regained control.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
All the schoolboy rugby fixtures this weekend
There are a number of exciting matches taking place on Saturday, from Pretoria all the way down to Cape Town. Some of the final rounds of schoolboy rugby matches this second term take place this weekend before the schools break for the midyear June exams. Then during the holidays the annual rugby weeks, including the U18 Craven Week, take place across South Africa. It has been a thrilling few months of schoolboy rugby, with Paarl Gimnasium setting the tone in 2025. This weekend there is again plenty to look forward to. In the Western Cape, Paarl Gim host Oakdale, Paul Roos take on SACS and Stellenberg host Paarl Boys High. In the Eastern Cape, Hudson Park entertain Queen's, Marlow welcome Dale, and Grey High take on St Andrew's. In KZN, Maritzburg face Kearsney, DHS play Hilton and Westville clash with Glenwood. In the Noordvaal region, Pretoria Boys High face Michaelhouse, Jeppe host Affies, Garsfontein welcome Nelspruit, Monument take on Helpmekaar, EG Jansen face Noordheuwel, and Randburg play Eldoraigne. In Bloemfontein, Grey College host Selborne. Fixtures Western Cape Paul Roos v SACS Boland Landbou v HTS Bellville Paarl Gim v Oakdale Stellenberg v Paarl Boys High Tygerberg v Swartland Brackenfell v DF Malan Eastern Cape HudsonPark v Queen's Marlow v Dale Graeme v Nico Malan Framesby v Pearson Grey High v St Andrew's Free State Grey College v Selborne Witteberg v Voortrekker Diamantveld v Jim Fouche Louis Botha v Sentraal Goudveld v Welkom Gim Hentie Cilliers v Trio KZN Maritzburg v Kearsney DHS v Hilton Westville v Glenwood Noordvaal Waterkloof v Rustenburg Menlopark v Transvalia Garsfontein v Nelspruit Monument v Helpmekaar Oos-Moot v Zwartkop EG Jansen v Noordheuwel Pretoria Boys High v Michaelhouse St Stithians v St Charles Jeppe v Affies KES v St Benedict's Parktown v St John's
