AFL live updates: Swans star takes aim at Dons’ physical ‘facade’, Bevo’s Dogs face Suns

Essendon’s physicality is under scrutiny after Sydney star Tom Papley took aim at the Bombers in a spicy TV interview, and as Dons forward Peter Wright awaits his MRO fate for a clumsy head-high bump.

Wright was booed by Swans fans at the SCG after cleaning up Harry Cunningham, who was subbed out with concussion.

Papley, interviewed on Fox Footy, made his views clear. The sides were evenly matched at half-time, but the Swans won by 30 points.

“They were pretty good early, their pressure is good. They’re getting after us a bit, but we’ll keep going hard at the ball,” said Papley.

“They’re trying to get after us, it’s all off the ball. We’re just worried about the ball, we’ll keep being hard in the contest and get the job done.”

He also labelled the Bombers’ physicality a “facade”.

In a post-match interview on Nine Radio Papley took another swipe saying Wright was “going to have a nice holiday”.

“Brad Scott came out and said it’s the Essendon way, but … anyway I won’t go into it,” he added.

“You can pretend to be tough, but you’ve still got to win the ball and win the game.

“It’s all a facade I think, but anyway.“

Essendon coach Scott defended Wright.

“I can’t comment on issues that might be before the MRO,” Scott said.

“I’m not going to talk about the incident but the only thing I can say is Peter Wright is a well-known ball player – always has been, since he was a kid.”

Wright was set upon by several irate Sydney players, before more spot fires erupted after Essendon ruckman Sam Draper cannoned into Jake Lloyd and conceded a 50m penalty.

Dogs and Suns have kicked off at Mars Stadium, where fans are packing out the hill.

It’s almost perfect conditions with a bit of cloud cover, plenty of fun and just a little bit of a light breeze.

If you were in Ballarat right now, there’s really nowhere else you’d rather be (unless you’re not a footy fan).

No score for the opening two minutes.

Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs have run out and are warming up under the Ballarat sun.

There’s less than 5 minutes till first bounce of the day.

In storylines to watch this game: it’s two-time premiership Brandon Ellis’ 250th game, while much discussed teen Jed Walter will make his debut, and will have a lot of eyes on him.

Ok, let’s go.

No need to stop the presses but there has been a late change for the Suns ahead of their clash with the Dogs at Mars Stadium.

Bailey Humphrey comes out with a shoulder issue, replaced by Rory Atkins, who is the sub.

The sub for the Dogs is Oskar Baker.

Gold Coast Academy product Jed Walter will make his debut today for the Suns against the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium.

The 18-year-old, who was taken at pick three in last year’s draft and already a sensation up north, has been likened to Charlie Curnow in physicality and goal-kicking style.

The similarities in hair help with the comparison, too.

AFL talent ambassador and draft guru Kevin Sheehan, told this masthead on the eve of last year’s draft: “He’s just about a replica of Charlie, looks like he’s come out of the same mould.”

Sheehan said the similarities extended to their playing styles, including the way they both launch themselves at the ball in the air in pursuit of pack marks.

“He [Walter] has got that freakish ability to really track [the ball in] the air that Charlie Curnow has. and when it hits the deck, Jed’s so agile as well, he’s quick … he gets down and hunts the footy or the opponent if they get it. He’s a really exciting player.”

Essendon’s physicality is under scrutiny after Sydney star Tom Papley took aim at the Bombers in a spicy TV interview, and as Dons forward Peter Wright awaits his MRO fate for a clumsy head-high bump.

Wright was booed by Swans fans at the SCG after cleaning up Harry Cunningham, who was subbed out with concussion.

Papley, interviewed on Fox Footy, made his views clear. The sides were evenly matched at half-time, but the Swans won by 30 points.

“They were pretty good early, their pressure is good. They’re getting after us a bit, but we’ll keep going hard at the ball,” said Papley.

“They’re trying to get after us, it’s all off the ball. We’re just worried about the ball, we’ll keep being hard in the contest and get the job done.”

He also labelled the Bombers’ physicality a “facade”.

In a post-match interview on Nine Radio Papley took another swipe saying Wright was “going to have a nice holiday”.

“Brad Scott came out and said it’s the Essendon way, but … anyway I won’t go into it,” he added.

“You can pretend to be tough, but you’ve still got to win the ball and win the game.

“It’s all a facade I think, but anyway.“

Essendon coach Scott defended Wright.

“I can’t comment on issues that might be before the MRO,” Scott said.

“I’m not going to talk about the incident but the only thing I can say is Peter Wright is a well-known ball player – always has been, since he was a kid.”

Wright was set upon by several irate Sydney players, before more spot fires erupted after Essendon ruckman Sam Draper cannoned into Jake Lloyd and conceded a 50m penalty.

While we wait for the first centre bounce of the day – 1:00pm at Mars Stadium for the Dogs and Suns clash – we’ve got plenty of pre-game reading for you.

If you want to take a look at how yesterday’s games of footy – including the drama on-field for Sydney and Essendon’s clash – played out, head here.

The new look Swans continued their dominance against a spirited Bombers side; Steven May suffered a suspected broken rib in Melbourne’s win against Hawthorn; and Fremantle had a mighty comeback against a hot starting North Melbourne.

How do you see today playing out?

Will the Western Bulldogs be able to notch their first win of the season? It’s a tough ask against a rampaging Gold Coast, who have started their 2024 campaign 2-0.

Good afternoon, footy fans, and welcome to the Sunday rendition of the live blog.

We’ll have all the action of the day, starting with the meeting of the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast at Mars Stadium in Ballarat. The Dogs will be hunting their first season win, while the Suns have gone 2-0.

Then, it’s an intriguing clash between Richmond and Port Adelaide at the MCG.

And of course, all the MRO news from the day before. Will Bomber Peter Wright be in trouble for his collision with Swan Harry Cunningham, or any players for the subsequent melee?

We’ll have you covered with everything you need to know.

Ok, so, we should probably get to it, hey? Time for some footy.