A random sequence of events has led to Mitch McGovern lining up in defence for Carlton against his former team Adelaide on Saturday.
Changes in the Carlton hierarchy that resulted in a reborn coach, mixed with Victorian politics, COVID-19 and the departure of a key defender, started the chain late in 2021.
Standing tall in defence: Carlton’s Mitch McGovern.Credit: Wayne Taylor
At that point, the chances of McGovern staying at Carlton looked slim, and it seemed he might cut his losses just three years into a five-year contract at Carlton.
The Brisbane Lions made a late bid to move McGovern up north late in that year’s trade period. He had played 33 matches and kicked 37 goals in three seasons since arriving from the Crows to play as a forward. His fitness had been below par, but the criticism had been fierce, and a fresh start was enticing.
We are awaiting an update from the Saints but Max King remains on the bench according to Fox Footy with a suspected knee complaint.
Jake Riccardi kicked a goal to open the final term and the Giants look on course for a comfortable win.
Fox Footy reports King will take no further part in the match. His injury has yet to be confirmed by the club.
GWS 76, Saints 42 with 15 mins left.
Max King.Credit: AFL Photos
Bulldogs star Tom Liberatore will miss next week’s clash with St Kilda after being put into the concussion protocols following his late goal fall last night.
He said it was an ankle issue but after further assessment today the Dogs have announced he won’t play against the Saints.
“Tom remains without concussion symptoms this morning. However, given the concerning nature of in-game footage during the final minutes that show Tom falling to the ground, the club’s medical team has subsequently reached a decision to place him in concussion protocols,” the Bulldogs said in a media release.
“This decision has been taken with an abundance of caution, with Tom’s health and wellbeing the absolute priority.
“As a result, Tom will miss Thursday’s match against St Kilda and will continue to be monitored.”
Essendon’s Darcy Parish signals for assistance after Tom Liberatore collapsedCredit: Channel Seven
The Giants have their biggest lead of the match at 29 points going into the last term and to make matters worse, key forward Max King is feeling his knee or lower leg just after the siren.
He is standing but getting seen to by the physio. Enormous task ahead for the Saints.
Xavier O’Halloran of the Giants is tackled by Josh Battle of the Saints.Credit: AFL Photos
Jesse Hogan looked in trouble at centre-half back when he won the ball and appeared to feel for his elbow.
But he brushed it off and ran back to the forward line pulling in a mark moments later and booting a goal just before the break.
The margin as high as it has been all game.
GWS 70, Saints 41 with 57 seconds left in Q3.
Jesse Hogan of the Giants is challenged by Zaine Cordy of the Saints.Credit: AFL Photos
Josh Kelly has kicked his first goal of the day to add to the GWS lead.
The Saints threatened earlier in the term but they haven’t been able to score while the Giants are starting to force turnovers and run through the lines again.
GWS 64, Saints 41 with three mins to go in Q3.
A random sequence of events has led to Mitch McGovern lining up in defence for Carlton against his former team Adelaide on Saturday.
Changes in the Carlton hierarchy that resulted in a reborn coach, mixed with Victorian politics, COVID-19 and the departure of a key defender, started the chain late in 2021.
Standing tall in defence: Carlton’s Mitch McGovern.Credit: Wayne Taylor
At that point, the chances of McGovern staying at Carlton looked slim, and it seemed he might cut his losses just three years into a five-year contract at Carlton.
The Brisbane Lions made a late bid to move McGovern up north late in that year’s trade period. He had played 33 matches and kicked 37 goals in three seasons since arriving from the Crows to play as a forward. His fitness had been below par, but the criticism had been fierce, and a fresh start was enticing.
Dan Butler has been subbed out for the Saints after a frustrating afternoon.
He’s only had one possession. Now first-gamer Hugo Garcia is on in his place.
According to Fox Footy’s Nick Dal Santo, Garcia didn’t run on but sprinted into the action.
GWS 58, Saints 41 with nine mins to go in Q3.
Aaron Cadman found space deep in the forward line and he took the mark, despite looking into the sun, and then converted his shot.
GWS 55, Saints 41 with 15 mins to go in Q3.
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