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Josh Kennedy retirement: Every West Coast Eagles teammate’s tribute to exiting star

Josh Kennedy retirement: Every West Coast Eagles teammate's tribute to exiting star

If you wanted to know just how much Josh Kennedy means to West Coast, just ask every one of his 43 teammates.

Ahead of his final match for the Eagles against Adelaide at Optus Stadium, the Sunday Times has compiled the ultimate tribute to the West Coast premiership star and all-time leading goalkicker.

DON’T MISS YOUR FREE ‘FAREWELL JK’ POSTER WITH TEAMMATES’ TRIBUTES, ONLY IN THE SUNDAY TIMES

From Shannon Hurn, the man West Coast selected nine picks after Kennedy went to Carlton in the 2005 national draft, to mid-season selection Jai Culley, all 43 current Eagles have penned a tribute to their retiring teammate.

And while there was little doubt, the players have confirmed they have big shoes to collectively fill.

Fellow forward Jack Darling said his career had benefited from having the 716-goal spearhead alongside him.

“The big show. Been amazing sharing the 50 with you. Thanks for everything. You mean so much to so many people and thanks for taking the number one defender,” he wrote.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Josh Kennedy poses after announcing his retirement from AFL during a West Coast Eagles AFL Media Opportunity at Mineral Resources Park on August 02, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Camera IconJosh Kennedy after announcing his retirement this week. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos

The heir to Kennedy’s glittering throne Oscar Allen said Kennedy has had a substantial impact on his career on and off the field.

“Thank you for helping me understand what is required to be an AFL footballer but more importantly how to grow up into a man. You’re a champion and can’t wait to tell my kids I played with JK. Love ya mate,” he said.

Premiership teammate and captain Hurn wrote: “Such a great player for the club. Always did your best and made your teammates better. Privilege to play with.”

Andrew Gaff said Kennedy was one of the best players to represent the West Coast.

“I’ve never seen someone play through so much pain and discomfort to then always produce on the big stage. Congrats on an amazing career, enjoy retirement and thanks for making my foot skills look better than they are!”

The ultimate tribute will be available in The Sunday Times’ 12-page liftout celebrating Kennedy’s stunning career.

DON’T MISS YOUR FREE ‘FAREWELL JK’ POSTER WITH TEAMMATES’ TRIBUTES, ONLY IN THE SUNDAY TIMES

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West Australian footy club home to dual Brownlow medallist celebrates a rare milestone

West Australian footy club home to dual Brownlow medallist celebrates a rare milestone

It is a region known for producing dual Brownlow Medalist Nat Fyfe, but the small community of Lake Grace-Pingrup has produced six AFL players from a combined population of fewer than 1,000 people.

Lake-Grace Pingrup Football Club is known as the Bombers in the Ongerup Football Association – one of WA’s smallest leagues with just four senior sides.

The club marks 100 years on Saturday, a feat not many country football clubs have managed as an exodus of players and people leave many in decline.

But in Western Australia’s Great Southern grain belt, the club remains the heart of the community.

Nat Fyfe entering the field surrounded by teammates
Nat Fyfe credits Lake Grace-Pingrup Football Club for molding him to succeed in the AFL.(AAP Image: Richard Wainwright)

Fremantle Dockers captain Fyfe, one of this century’s most decorated AFL players, still visits the club he says was integral to his development as a player and person, when he returns home.

“You never forget where you come from,” he told ABC Great Southern.

“It’s unbelievable for the town, there’s some real history there… to get to 100 years and hopefully 100 ahead of us, is a great milestone for the community.”

The club was where Fyfe learned the football nous that has led to more than 200 AFL games and winning the league’s most prestigious medal twice.

Among the AFL players to come from Lake Grace-Pingrup are Richmond premiership player Liam Baker, Geelong legend Mark Bairstow and the three Moreton brothers, Cale, Jarryd and Mitch.

An AFL player pumps his fist in celebration while running ahead of a teammate
Richmond’s Liam Baker, left, hails from Lake Grace-Pingrup.(AAP: Sam Wundke)

Fyfe said he started playing for the club around year 4, when the club’s D-grade side won four premierships in a row.

“That was my grounding roots in footy… we went out, played and won,” he said.

“We had families like the Bairstows, Moretons and Slarkes; they were teaching us how to train, play and win games of footy and get together and enjoy afterwards as a team and community.

“That was my introduction to men’s footy and that taught me a lot of the craft to then go on and play AFL.”

Just 11 years after Lake Grace was settled by European pioneers a football club was established.

by hand
Lake Grace-Pingrup football club historian Bill Trevenen.(ABC Great Southern: Olivia Di Iorio)

Self-proclaimed football historian Bill Trevenen specializes in Lake Grace-Pingrup football and spent half his life in the library going through newspaper records of the club dating back to 1922.

“I profiled all the players [over the years] and it’s about 800 of them,” he said.

Mr Trevenen said regional football is extremely important to small communities across Australia.

“I think it’s the reason people get together on the weekend,” he said.

“In towns where football clubs have disbanded, those communities do struggle because there isn’t something that everyone comes to.”

A man on an oval
Shane Carruthers says volunteers are the lifeblood of the club.(ABC Great Southern: Olivia Di Iorio)

Club president Shane Carruthers said the club continues to flourish.

“Sporting clubs are the very social fabric of country towns — it gives people an outlet on sport days to catch up with people they haven’t seen for a little while or a long while and it’s extremely important,” he said.

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Rory Lobb stars as Fremantle Dockers record vital road win over Western Bulldogs

Rory Lobb stars as Fremantle Dockers record vital road win over Western Bulldogs

Widely tipped to become a Western Bulldog at season’s end, Fremantle big man Rory Lobb destroyed his likely future teammates at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Lobb put on a goal-kicking masterclass to inspire the Dockers to a pressure-releasing 17-point win – 14.11 (95) to 11.12 (78) – and all but cemented their finals spot.

The game-high four-goal haul, including three in the first half, to help his team end a three-game winless run and put them back in the top-four, for now at least.

Lobb was held goalless last week against Melbourne and was in doubt with a shoulder issue but showed no signs of any form or injury concerns.

He connected sweetly with four long bombs from around 50m before his first blemish of the night midway through the third term and finished with 4.2.

From rebound to forward pressure, slick ball movement and some imposing tall targets, everything the Dockers had been lacking in the past few weeks was back in the first half especially which helped setup the important four points.

Lobb marks.
Camera IconLobb marks. Credit: PRECIOUS ROB/AAPIMAGE

The win didn’t come without a cost however, with Matt Taberner – who kicked two first-quarter goals in a lively start – done before three-quarter time with a right calf strain in another injury blow to the key forward.

There was also a scare with WA’s Aaron Naughton, who kicked three to take his season tally to a career-high 47, and a couple of costly turnovers sparking a third-quarter Bulldog revival.

The Bulldogs were the better team around the ground in that term but Fremantle’s remarkable efficiency, with 4.4 from 10 inside-50 entries, saw them split it on the scoreboard.

Youngster Nathan O’Driscoll, who cost one of Naughton’s goals after an errant kick into the behind post down back, made up for it soon after with a stunning long-range goal on the run and huge celebration to go with it.

Caleb Serong was the star of the show in the midfield, helping Fremantle get on top in the clearance battle.

Serong had three center clearances on his own in the first quarter and finished with eight clearances all up from his 24 possessions.

The club’s games-record holder David Mundy, who announced his retirement during the week, showed he’s still got plenty left in the tank with some silver service inside 50, using it at 82 per cent efficiency.

Livewire Lachie Schultz had his best game in a while, tackling ferociously, nailing his kicks and providing a link between the midfield and forward-line.

Winger Blake Acres also bounced back from a lean run since returning from a hamstring injury, while Brownlow Medal fancy Andrew Brayshaw’s defensive efforts and two-way running was again on display.

Recalled mid Darcy Tucker was another important contributor, transferring his red-hot WAFL form to the top level to press his case for a permanent spot in the 22.

Tucker had a whopping 10 score involvements which was the equal-most on the ground.

Speedster Michael Frederick booted three goals including the sealer midway through the final term.

Caleb Daniel is tackled by Michael Frederick.
Camera IconCaleb Daniel is tackled by Michael Frederick. Credit: Daniel Pockett/via AFL Photos

Fremantle’s three-pronged tall forward attack, Lobb, Griffin Logue and Matt Taberner all hit the scoreboard in the opening term including two majors from the latter as the visitors opened up a nine-point quarter-time buffer.

Taberner, who was under pressure to hold his spot, looked set for a big day before his injury which saw sub Liam Henry come on and do a few nice things.

The rebound from defense was excellent from the get-go with Luke Ryan, Heath Chapman and Jordan Clark particularly damaging.

Ryan’s ability to roll off his opponent Josh Bruce was important, as was his connection with wingers Blake Acres and O’Driscoll on his way to 32 disposals and 14 marks.

For the Bulldogs, prolific midfielder Josh Dunkley was their most consistent, captain Marcus Bontempelli lifted after half-time, Naughton was their main man up forward and Tim English has his moments in a see-sawing ruck battle against Sean Darcy.

on the mark

The Dockers’ uncontested-marking game caused their opponents headaches.

In the first half alone, the victors had a whopping 44 extra uncontested marks and 61 uncontested possessions.

Their ability to hit target after target proved crucial to setting up the win.

“We didn’t go into the game looking to take so many uncontested marks, it just sort of happened,” Longmuir said at half-time.

“But I think we’ve found the good balance with our ball movement, we’ve gone at the game when we’ve needed to and we’ve found a mark when we’ve needed to.”

That differential settled down in the second half but was still significant.

Son (and grandson) of a gun unearthed

A third-generation Bulldog made his AFL debut, fittingly as the club celebrated Retro Round by wearing their old Robodog jumper design.

Sam Darcy, son of club great Luke Darcy and grandson of David, got the call up after a stunning run of form in the VFL.

The 19-year-old, who stands at 205cm and weighs 94kg, started in defense and got the big job on Matt Taberner.

His first touch was an intercept mark about five minutes into the match, getting a massive round of applause, and he flew at the footy with confidence in a promising start to his AFL career.

Remarkably retiring Fremantle veteran David Mundy played against Luke in the early years of his decorated 19-year career, likewise with Scott West, whose son Rhylee was also out there.

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The 16 certainties for the rest of Round 21

The 16 certainties for the rest of Round 21

There is no such thing as a certainty in footy.

Or is there?

We’ve had certainties for Friday night footy, but with eight other games remaining in Round 21, we’ve taken a close look to come up with one certainty for each team for the remaining matches.

Take a look at our certainties for the rest of the weekend’s action.

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Hawthorn v Gold Coast

Mitchell to have 25+ touches

Tom Mitchell might have taken a backseat in the Hawthorn engine room this season, but his numbers are still rock solid.

The Brownlow medallist is averaging more than 28 disposals per game in 2022 – ranked 12th in the league – and he has found the footy 30 or more times in four of his last five outings.

Mitchell loves racking them up against the Suns too, averaging 31 touches in his last five games against Gold Coast.

Let’s back him to find it at least 25 times in Launceston on the weekend.

Chol to kick multiple goals

Mabior Chol has been a revelation in his first season up north.

Coming off a career-best five goals against West Coast last week, Chol has booted 43 goals to sit 8th in the Coleman race.

The Suns have certainly got their money’s worth with the free agency signing.

The former Tiger is one of only two players to have kicked a goal in every game this season (the other is Bayley Fritsch), and the 25-year-old has also booted multiple goals in six of his last seven appearances.

Mark him down to hit the scoreboard against the Hawks on Saturday.

Terence Lattanzio

GWS v Essendon

Parish with 30+ touches, 4+ clearances, 2+ inside 50s

Darcy Parish is going to come back with a bang.

The Bombers star has appeared in only a single game since Round 13, putting the brakes on what had been the best year of the midfielder’s career.

Parish is known for getting his hands on the ball, sitting fourth in the AFL for disposals per game.

Pair that with an average of 6.2 clearances and 4.7 inside 50s, and you’ve got a player perfectly suited to stuffing the stat sheet.

Expect the ball-magnet to put in work as Essendon look to continue their run of good form with a win over GWS.

Coniglio 25+ disposals

It has been a strange week for the Giants.

Following the 73-point loss to Sydney, GWS coach Mark McVeigh didn’t hold back in criticizing his side, labeling the performance as an “embarrassment.”

The Giants players will now be looking to bounce back, and as co-captain Stephen Coniglio would be expected to lead the way.

The GWS gun missed last week’s brutal loss due to soreness, and his return against Essendon should provide the spark his side are sorely missing.

Coniglio is collecting a tidy 25.2 possessions a game, clearly being one of the Giants’ best all year.

The co-skipper has historically been very fond of taking on the Bombers, averaging 29.4 touches over his last 5 matchups with Essendon.

It should be business as usual for Coniglio in his return.

Jack Makeham

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Western Bulldogs v Fremantle

Naughton and Weightman to combine for 3+ goals

Aaron Naughton is the Dogs’ star in attack, returning 40 goals so far this year at an average of 2.4 per game.

Nipping at his heels is Cody Weightman who has kicked 30 goals at an average of 1.2 in 2022.

The small forward kicked two against the Dockers in their most recent fixture.

The duo should combine for at least three goals on Saturday afternoon.

Serong to have 25+ disposals

Caleb Serong is an absolute jet.

Entering his third season, Serong has already shown that he belongs at the elite level over.

He’s averaging 25.5 disposals per game in 2022 and in a huge Saturday night clash against the Dogs, he will be key to Fremantle’s hopes of getting a win.

Hugh Fitzpatrick

Geelong vs St Kilda

Stengle 2+ goals

Geelong small forward Tyson Stengle has been a revelation this season, booting 37 goals from 19 games.

That averages out to be 1.9 per game, while he’s booted two goals in both of the Cats’ last two games against the Power and Bulldogs.

With a multiple-goal streak beginning to build, expect Stengle to get off the chain and bob up inside 50, particularly as St Kilda’s defensive efforts will center around stopping Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins.

The livewire could just be the key for his side to achieve their 11th straight victory.

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Steele 25+ disposals

St Kilda captain Jack Steele has only had less than 25 disposals three times from 15 games this season.

His lowest tally was 22 which coincidentally came in the win against Geelong in Round 9, but the reason behind his low output was that he injured his AC joint during the clash.

Considering he almost hit the 25-touch mark with an injured shoulder that ended up sidelining him for a month, expect a fully-fit Steele to eclipse that number this time around.

The 26-year-old averages 28.5 touches a game this season and he should find himself around that figure at the Cattery on Saturday.

Lachlan Geleit

Port Adelaide v Richmond

Wines to finish with 20+ disposals

The reigning Brownlow Medallist continues to rack up big numbers.

Wines is averaging 27 disposals per game in 2022 and is coming off a 30-disposal performance against Collingwood last week.

The Power star collected 26 touches and five clearances against Richmond earlier this year.

Wines and co will look to put a dent in the Tigers’ final hopes.

Bolton, Riewoldt and Lynch to kick a goal each

The trio combined for eight goals in Richmond’s come-from-behind win over Brisbane last week.

Lynch booted four majors while Riewoldt and Bolton kicked two each to help the Tigers come from 42 points down to keep their final chances alive.

The latter dazzled with 12 score involvements and could’ve had a bigger day in front of goal had it not been for inaccurate kicking.

They could prove a handful for Port Adelaide’s defense on Saturday night in what is a must-win match.

alex zaya

North Melbourne v Sydney

Gulden to have 15+ touches, 3+ inside 50s

Errol Gulden was superb in Sydney’s big win over GWS last weekend.

He had 33 disposals along with 10 within 50s to take his season averages to 19.7 and 4.7 in those two categories.

While Gulden was quiet the last time the Swans met the Roos in Round 4, he should be primed for an improved performance at Marvel Stadium this weekend.

We’re tipping the 20-year-old to pick up at least 15 touches with at least three of those being inside 50s.

Simpkin to have 20+ touches, 3+ clearances

Jy Simpkin is fresh off 41 disposals and six clearances against Essendon last week.

The midfielder has enjoyed a fairly strong season individually, averaging 26.3 disposals and 5.2 clearances.

Simpkin has dropped below 20 touches just three times and under 25 seven times while leading the club for clearances.

Against Sydney on Sunday, Simpkin should rack up at least 20 touches and have three or more clearances.

Andrew Slevison

Brisbane v Carlton

Hipwood and Daniher to combine for 5+ goals

Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood have impressed in recent weeks, and they’ll hope to combine and down the Blues in Round 21.

After seven goals between them last week and four in Round 19, the key forward duo will reunite at the Gabba with the hope of a big win and moving back into the top four.

Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty were electric against Michael Voss’ side last week, while Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins were dominant two weeks before at the MCG.

Daniher and Hipwood are heating up at the right time of the season, and the oe of the league’s most attacking game styles should help feed them.

Walsh to amass 30+ touches

Brisbane has a hardened on-ball unit, but not many can match it with Sam Walsh.

That’s what Michael Voss will be hoping for and what should unfold on Sunday afternoon, with the 22-year-old one of the best inside/outside midfielders in the competition.

He’s dipped under 30 disposals once in the last seven weeks and gathered 33 against the Lions last year when Carlton was a bigger outsider than they are in Round 21.

Whether he can arise his side over the line is yet to be seen, but he’ll be everywhere on the Gabba and should amass 30 touches.

Seb Mottram

West Coast v Adelaide

Kennedy boots 3 goals

In his final game, expect Josh Kennedy to go out with a bang.

His teammates will be looking for him and you can be sure he won’t be venturing too far from goal.

Kennedy has hit the scoreboard consistently all throughout his career and remains an elite goal kicker even in his twilight.

The full forward is absolutely going to kick at least three goals against Adelaide.

Walker and Fogarty combine for 4 goals

Josh Kennedy will dominate up one end and you can expect Taylor Walker to hit the scoreboard up the other end.

Walker will have the tough matchup on Tom Barrass, but should still hit the scoreboard.

Darcy Fogarty should be able to get off the chain against lesser opponents and hit the scoreboard himself.

Expect the pair to do some damage against the Eagles.

Nic Negrepontis

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AFL live ScoreCentre: Hawthorn vs Gold Coast, GWS vs Essendon, Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle, Geelong vs St Kilda, Port Adelaide vs Richmond live scores, stats and results

Josh Dunkley smiles and clenches both fists as Aaron Naughton hugs him from behin

The Western Bulldogs and Fremantle are both desperate for a win as the race for top four and finals positions heats up.

Earlier, Hawthorn claimed a hard-fought win over the Gold Coast to end the Suns’ slim hopes of making finals.

Later, Geelong take on St Kilda and Port Adelaide host Richmond.

Follow the live scores, stats and results below.

Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle

Team stats

Player stats

Hawks hold on to end Suns’ finals hopes

Hawthorn have all but snuffed out Gold Coast’s AFL finals hopes, holding off a final-quarter Suns fightback for a seven-point win in the milestone match of skipper Ben McEvoy.

Veteran Hawk Jack Gunston picked up five goals in Launceston on Saturday afternoon in the 10.10 (70) to 8.15 (63) result in McEvoy’s 250th appearance.

Jarman Impey pats Jack Gunston on the chest in congratulations
The Hawks claimed a well-earned win in Tasmania.(Getty Images: Dylan Burns)

Despite leading at each change, the Hawks had some nervous moments late with the Gold Coast virtually setting up camp in their half.

Trailing by 17 at three-quarter time, the Suns kicked the opening two goals of the fourth term and got within a goal with about five minutes left on the clock.

The Gold Coast were left to rue several muffed opportunities in the final quarter, with big man Mabior Chol and rookie Mac Andrew missing gettable set shots.

McEvoy picked up a crucial mark in defense inside the final two minutes as the Hawks scrambled for their eighth win of the year despite scoring just one point in the last term.

The result leaves the Suns in 11th position on the ladder, two wins outside the top eight with two rounds remaining and a host of teams above them still to play in round 21.

Gunston was on fire early, picking up four of his five goals before half-time.

The Suns were slow out of the blocks and took until the 21st minute to register their opening major but trailed by just eight at the first break.

Hawthorn pulled ahead in the second term with three goals straight, including Gunston’s third which was followed shortly by a fourth on the run, for a 21-point half-time lead.

Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey was put on report in the third quarter for contact on Darcy Macpherson after he kicked the ball following a mark.

Despite having the breeze at their back in the all-important third term, the Suns could only equal Hawthorn’s two goals.

Suns’ livewire small forward Izak Rankine picked up 11 disposals amid reports the Adelaide Crows have offered the 22-year-old a $4 million deal over five years.

Giants finish stronger to beat Bombers

GWS have responded to a week of intense focus and strong internal criticism with a rousing 27-point AFL triumph over Essendon at Giants Stadium.

The fired-up Giants were looking to bounce back after an insipid performance last week but were unable to shake off the Bombers until slamming on seven consecutive second-half goals to set up a 14.12 (96) to 10.9 (69) victory on Saturday.

Jake Stringer grits his teeth while a number of GWS players surround him and grab at him
The Giants came out on top of the scrap against the Bombers.(Getty Images: Brendon Thorne)

The Bombers (7-13) came into the clash having won four of their past five matches but had little answer to the Giants’ improved effort after briefly claiming the lead with two majors just after the main change, only kicking one consolation goal from there .

Jesse Hogan (four goals, 12 marks) set the tone with his intensity as he collected three tackles inside 50 as the Giants dominated that count 16-1, while the key forward was also his usual threat around goal and in the air.

Giants co-captains Stephen Coniglio (20 disposals, one goal) and Josh Kelly (19, one) led from the front in the midfield, while Lachie Whitfield (30, one) was one of the best afield and did plenty of damage with his sharp foot skills.

Harry Perryman (23 touches) was one of few Giants lauded by their coach last week and backed it up with a crucial role keeping Zach Merrett in check.

The Bombers’ star midfielder gathered 19 disposals but his influence on the contest and especially around the stoppages was down on his usual output.

Toby Greene (two goals) looked dangerous throughout but young forward James Peatling had to be subbed out in the second term after he chose to bump rather than tackle Mason Redman and they clashed heads.

Darcy Parish was straight back to his prolific ball-winning best after a month out with a calf injury, collecting 28 disposals and seven clearances and Sam Durham collected 23 touches.

Bombers spearhead Peter Wright had an enthralling duel with the Giants gun defender Sam Taylor but made the most of his chances with two goals, while Matt Guelfi slotted four goals from just six kicks.

The Giants looked eager to make an early impact after coach Mark McVeigh’s scathing post-match criticisms last week, with spot fires breaking out around the ground as both teams lined up for the opening bounce.

When play finally started, Stephen Coniglio rushed forward and snapped a goal after 47 seconds, and after Jake Stringer knocked Harry Himmelberg over before the ball had gone back to the middle the Giants had two goals in as many minutes.

The Giants’ victory snapped a four-match losing streak and lifts them to a 6-14 record and within reach of avoiding their first bottom-four finish since 2014.

GWS will be on the road next week to face arch-rivals Western Bulldogs on Saturday, while Essendon are at home to Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Geelong vs St Kilda

Team stats

Player stats

Port Adelaide v Richmond

Team stats

Player stats

ladder

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Former Adelaide Crow Bryce Gibbs speaks out about infamous training camp after Eddie Betts book release

Bryce Gibbs celebrates a goal for Adelaide

Former Adelaide Crows footballer Bryce Gibbs has admitted a controversial pre-season training camp fractured the playing group and says he regrets not speaking up about it.

Gibbs is the latest player to speak publicly about the camp, echoing concerns about the Gold Coast trip raised by former teammates Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins.

Betts wrote in his book, released this week, how personal details he confidentially shared with a counselor were used to verbally abuse him in front of teammates, in an experience he found “traumatizing.”

In another example, Betts details how First Nations rituals were misappropriated, which he found “extremely disrespectful”.

Gibbs said incidents shared by Betts and Jenkins about the camp should not have happened.

“When I reflect, this is where I feel really disappointed in myself, this is when I started to take a back seat, watching guys stand up and say ‘this is not on, we need to address this, we need to tell people what happened’, they seemed to get shut down pretty quickly,” Gibbs told radio station SEN SA.

Gibbs was traded from Carlton at the end of 2017 and joined Adelaide weeks before the players went on the camp, where he was included in the more intensive “group one” version of the camp alongside nine other players and two coaches.

The retired AFL player said he was disappointed he did not support teammates who experienced a more difficult time during the camp than he did.

books of eddie betts on bookshelf, with his face on the front cover.
Eddie Betts’ biography, The Boy from Boomerang Crescent, includes claims about his traumatic experience during the training camp.(ABC News: Ben Pettit)

“Reflecting on those ongoing conversations when we were trying to flush it out, I do regret not speaking up when I probably should’ve been a more experienced and senior player of that group,” he said.

“It did fracture the playing group, it fractured relationships in the football department, players lost trust with members in that football department.”

In a statement made in 2021, the Crows said a SafeWork SA investigation “found neither the club nor any other person or organisation, breached any work-health-and-safety laws during or in relation to the camp.”

“We tried to move on where that was obviously the wrong thing to do and that’s probably why we’re speaking about it four years on,” Gibbs said.

“If it was handled correctly and people had taken responsibility, put their hand up and knocked it on the head a lot earlier when it happened, it still would’ve been hard as people still went through what they went through – and people will still carry some emotional scars from it — but at least it would’ve been dealt with in the proper manner then and there.”

‘It shouldn’t have happened’

Gibbs said he took a call from a counselor before the camp to discuss his childhood and past experiences, which he thought was “a bit of a red flag.” He said he was “pretty calculated” in what he disclosed.

He said by not divulging too much to the counsellor, his experience of the camp was different from what Betts and Jenkins spoke about this week.

“Reflecting on it all, it just shouldn’t have happened. It was easier for me to move on as I didn’t have that level of experience and trauma put to me, I found it easier to suppress it and squash it and just try and move on personally which I was able to do, which made it easier for me,” Gibbs said.

“That’s my experience of the camp, obviously very different to a lot of people.”

Eddie Betts jumps onto Josh Jenkins as the crowd cheers a goal in the background.
Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins (right) have both spoken publicly about the 2018 pre-season training camp.(AAP: Tracey Nearmy)

Jenkins recalled an exercise involving players being hoisted up in harnesses while having abuse hurled at them by facilitators and teammates, including “some of the barbs” being thrown at Betts.

Gibbs said he was told not to reveal details of the camp to players in the other groups of the camp.

“Getting spoken to and getting educated on what to say to family, friends and the other guys in the other groups, we were told not to go into detail about what happened and for whatever reason most of us stuck to that at the time,” he said.

‘Strange rules’ during camp

Gibbs said he experienced “unusual things” and “plenty of red flags” during the infamous training trip but convinced himself to keep an open mind and that the camp would help build stronger relationships with his teammates.

The 268-game veteran shared that on the trip to the campsite, Crows players were blindfolded and were not allowed to talk on the bus, which had blacked-out windows.

They played heavy metal music on the bus and talked about the 2017 Grand Final, in which Adelaide were heavily defeated by Richmond, and Gibbs’ departure from Carlton.

Gibbs said “strange rules” were enforced during the camp, including players being required to walk in a straight line and not being allowed to use their mobile phones or shower.

A football player crouches with a yellow ball while surrounded by other players
Bryce Gibbs plays for South Adelaide in SANFL since retiring from AFL in 2020.(Supplied: Nick Hook via South Adelaide FC)

He said some of the rules imposed were “hard to justify” and players were doubting the benefits of the training.

“I felt like we were in a bit of a state of mind, this whole experience was happening around us and a couple of guys spoke up about their concerns, it was sort of negotiated that we would continue on with what we were doing,” Gibbs said.

“I think Eddie used “brainwashed”, as he described it, but in the state of mind and in the moment we just continued doing what they’d set out to do.

“It probably wasn’t until later on when reflecting on it that it was probably an opportunity to speak up a bit more.”

The AFL and the Adelaide Football Club have both apologized to Betts for the trauma caused by the camp.

Prominent Adelaide lawyer Greg Griffin said he had spoken to at least seven players who were on the 2018 Crows’ list about a potential class action.

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Collingwood beat Melbourne by seven points in yet another thriller to make it 11 straight wins

Jamie Elliott celebrates a goal for Collingwood

Jamie Elliott has kicked four goals in his 150th game to help Collingwood upset Melbourne by seven points and stamp themselves as a genuine AFL premiership threat.

The lead swung on the last five goals of a pulsating contest at the MCG on Friday night before the Magpies prevailed 15.6 (96) to 13.11 (89) in front of 70,956 fans.

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It was Collingwood’s 10th win by a margin of less than two goals in a rolling first season under Craig McRae, lifting them into a second spot on the ladder.

But the fallout could hurt, with Will Hoskin-Elliott (hip flexor) substituted out, Nick Daicos (ribs) hurt and Mason Cox set to come under scrutiny for driving his knee up into Max Gawn’s stomach at a ruck contest.

Ash Johnson matched Elliott’s tally with four goals, Daicos (31 disposals) was brilliant at half-back, Jordan De Goey (24 touches, nine clearances) had an impact in the middle and hard-working forward Brody Mihocek (two goals) played a key role opposed to Steven May.

Clayton Oliver (42 disposals, 14 clearances) was best afield for Melbourne and Gawn (31, 10) was superb, while Ben Brown and Bayley Fritsch kicked two goals each.

But they couldn’t stop an irresistible second-half surge from Collingwood, who trailed by 23 points during the second quarter and kicked seven goals to three after the main break to overpower the reigning premiers.

The fuse was lit for a red-hot contest when Ed Langdon branded Collingwood “a bit of a one-trick pony” in a radio interview on Thursday.

The response was one of intent, with the Melbourne wingman crunched by Brayden Maynard in the opening exchanges and immediately set upon by three other Magpies.

Elliott marked his milestone with two first-quarter goals but it was the Demons who led by eight points after a fast-paced opening term.

Every Langdon touch was booed by the Magpie Army and Melbourne fans also found a villain to jeer when Cox thrust his knee into Gawn at a ball-up.

Melbourne dominated overall play in the second term thanks to their brilliant midfield – Christian Petracca (36 disposals) and Andrew Brayshaw (32) were prominent — and could easily have led by more than 17 points at half-time.

But Collingwood kept themselves in it with superior efficiency, crafting eight goals from just 18 forward entries to the Demons’ 10 from 41.

The Magpies evened up the midfield battle and attacked the contest with ferocity in the third quarter and cut the margin to seven points by the final change.

Daicos was crunched in a Fritsch tackle when he was called to play on after a mark but returned in pain after having his ribs checked.

The lead changed hands five times in an epic final quarter before Collingwood hit the front for the last time through Johnson, who converted a free kick after being pushed in the back by Harrison Petty.

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AAP

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Former Adelaide Crow Josh Jenkins speaks out about controversial camp days after Eddie Betts’s book release

Former Adelaide Crow Josh Jenkins speaks out about controversial camp days after Eddie Betts's book release

Retired AFL player Josh Jenkins has called for a “damning report” by a club doctor following the Adelaide Crows’ controversial 2018 camp to be made public and says he was moved on from the club for being a “problem child.”

Jenkins has spoken publicly about the camp for the first time, backing up former teammate Eddie Betts — who has released a book this week which details the trauma he experienced as a result of the 2018 camp.

As well as outlining his own experience at the camp, Jenkins has called for the findings from a report conducted by club doctor Marc Cesana after the camp to be made public.

“No-one has ever acted on that report, which I know is damning,” Jenkins told Melbourne radio station SEN.

“The report must see the light of day. It’s the only example of a medical professional who had day-to-day dealings with the people and players who were involved. He was concerned about us.

“He expressed his disappointment to me about what happened to us, but never disclosed the details of what he’d discussed with other players.”

In a statement, the Adelaide Crows said the club was not in a position to publicly share private medical information relating to its people.

“While under investigation, the club provided the doctor’s report, without identifying individuals, to both the AFL and SafeWork SA,” it said.

Jenkins also claimed the club’s welfare manager was “iced out” of all discussions, planning and follow-up conversations regarding the camp.

Josh Jenkins and Darcy Fogarty give each other a high five during the Crows' encounter against the Bulldogs.
Josh Jenkins says he had asked facilitators not to use information about his upbringing during the camp.(AAP: Kelly Barnes)

In detailing the events of the camp, Jenkins said he was one of 10 players and two coaches who were part of the more intensive “group one” version of the camp.

He said he had reservations about taking part in the camp and tried to get himself out of it on numerous occasions.

“I recall us going around the circle and accepting the challenge whilst a couple of players needed to be withdrawn due to injury issues, as well as one player being removed because of some personal trauma he’d recently experienced,” Jenkins said.

“Hearing he was removed because his personal trauma may be too much on top of what we were about to endure had alarm bells ringing inside my head.”

Jenkins, who was raised by his non-biological grandmother, said he provided a “supposed counsellor” with details about his childhood prior to going on the camp.

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Fringe Blues midfielder “needs a role if he’s going to survive”

Fringe Blues midfielder “needs a role if he's going to survive”

Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy has designated a role for fringe Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow.

Dow was one of six inclusions for the Blues’ crucial clash against Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday.

The 22-year-old was named on an extended bench alongside Tom De Koning, Corey Durdin, Lachie Fogarty, Brodie Kemp, Jack Martin, Jack Newnes and Will Setterfield.

The Blues will be without Matthew Kennedy (concussion/jaw) and Nic Newman (knee), while Lachie Plowman was omitted.

If selected for Carlton’s upcoming meeting with the Lions, Healy would like to see Dow play a negating role on Brownlow Medalist Lachie Neale.

The Swans Hall of Famer thinks Dow needs a role to “survive” in the AFL.

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“Dow comes straight in to tag Lachie Neale,” Healy told sports day.

“Can I do that role? They need someone to do that role.”

sport day co-host McClure replied: “He hasn’t tagged before.”

Healy said further: “I know that – give him a role.

“He definitely needs a role if he’s going to survive in footy.”

Dow, who is contracted for 2023, hasn’t played at senior level since Carlton’s Round 11 loss to Collingwood.

The former No.3 pick has been prolific at VFL level averaging 27 disposals per game.





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Fremantle Dockers ruckman Sean Darcy lifts lid on ’40 second’ David Mundy retirement speech

Fremantle Dockers ruckman Sean Darcy lifts lid on '40 second' David Mundy retirement speech

Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy has lifted the lid on veteran teammate David Mundy’s typically selfless retirement speech, which he says went for “no longer than 40 seconds”.

The Dockers games-record holder told the playing group and coaching staff on Monday of his decision to call time at season’s end, but quickly changed to focus away from himself and towards the crunch clash against Western Bulldogs on Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

“In front of the boys, it was honestly I don’t think longer than 40 seconds,” Darcy told the Back Chat podcast.

“I’ve sat through a couple and they go for 10-15 minutes and have the works, tears and he was in and out. He goes ‘we’ve got bigger fish to fry’ and just sat down.

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