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Adam Simpson pays tribute to Josh Kennedy after kicking eight goals during last AFL game for West Coast Eagles

Adam Simpson pays tribute to Josh Kennedy after kicking eight goals during last AFL game for West Coast Eagles

West Coast coach Adam Simpson has marveled at Josh Kennedy’s extraordinary performance in his final game after he kicked eight goals to write himself into AFL history.

No player in the history of the national competition has kicked more goals in his final match and only Fred Fanning, who kicked a VFL record 18 goals in 1947 before walking away from the Melbourne Football Club as a 25-year-old, had a better last game than Kennedy.

“Can you imagine kicking eight goals in your last game? It will probably never happen again,” Simpson said.

“I was just so happy for him and for what the boys were trying to do. To get rewarded and have a game like that – unfortunately we couldn’t get that last bit and get the four points.”

Josh Kennedy.
Camera IconJosh Kennedy. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Pictures

Kennedy turned back the clock with his effort during the 16-point loss to Adelaide. He hadn’t kicked eight goals in a game since 2016. No player had managed eight goals throughout the league this season and Kennedy equaled Lance Franklin’s record for the most goals at Optus Stadium.

He said it became obvious early that his teammates wanted him to finish his career with a bag of goals.

“Someone handballed to Boots, he was shoulders out and we had JD long inside the 50 and he looked inboard to try to handball it back to me. That was probably the moment,” Kennedy said.

“I’m so grateful I was able to finish on my terms thanks to Simmo and the club. To be able to have a game like that where, even though we didn’t get the win, it was great to be out there. It was a good answer.”

Josh Kennedy farewells his adoring fans.
Camera IconJosh Kennedy farewells his adoring fans. Credit: simon santi/The West Australian

An emotional Kennedy said he felt numb at the end of the match. He ran onto the field with his children from him, through a guard of honor from family and friends, then had his mum toss the coin. Kennedy also wore a black arm band and pointed to it after a goal as a tribute to his best friend’s Nanna who recently passed away.

Former West Coast teammates Mark LeCras, Adam Selwood and Quinten Lynch were among the 50,117 people in attendance, along with ex-coach John Worsfold.

Luke Shuey and Shannon Hurn chaired Kennedy from the field before he did a lap of honor after the match.

Josh Kennedy received a huge ovation while being carried from the field on the shoulders of Luke Shuey and Shannon Hurn.
Camera IconJosh Kennedy received a huge ovation while being carried from the field on the shoulders of Luke Shuey and Shannon Hurn. Credit: simon santi/The West Australian

While he dominated, Kennedy said his body reminded him of why he retired.

“The knee is a little bit sore,” he said.

“The knee was the same as it always has been. You feel good early and then it slowly starts to kick in after a few knocks. I won’t have to get up for more games now so I’ll be able to rest it and settle down. Hopefully it gets mended over the next couple of months.”

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Watch video of the moment England goal defense Layla Guscoth smashes into the post against Australia’s Diamonds at the Commonwealth Games netball in Birmingham

Watch video of the moment England goal defense Layla Guscoth smashes into the post against Australia's Diamonds at the Commonwealth Games netball in Birmingham

It was a no-holds-barred start to Australia’s netball semi-final against England at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The game started extremely physically, but nothing would compare to one of the players crashing into and breaking a goal post in the first quarter.

See the massive collision in the video player above

Stream Seven’s coverage of the Commonwealth Games 2022 for free on 7plus >>

The incident occurred as England goal defense Layla Guscoth went for an intercept, with the momentum of the effort sending her crashing into the post.

She got up smiling and was unharmed and able to continue the game.

Not so much for the post – which needed to be replaced.

After a short pause in the game, the bent post was pulled out and a new one slotted into its position.

England goal defense Layla Guscoth broke the post with the collision. Credit: Seven

Diamonds cut through Roses into the end

Meanwhile, Australia’s Diamonds cut ruthlessly through England’s Roses, earning sweet, sweet revenge for their painful 2018 Commonwealth Games final defeat.

Australia, also smarting from their shock loss to Jamaica in the group stages, roared back to steam into the final, outplaying England 60-51 in their semi-final at the NEC Exhibition Center on Saturday.

It was a surgical triumph, built on the brilliance and fluidity of the Diamonds’ movement as they repeated their Quad Series final demolition of England in London in January.

Silencing the shrill and deafening support of the home crowd, their victory set up another chance of revenge for Stacey Marinkovich’s team in the gold medal game against Jamaica’s Sunshine girls on Sunday.

It gives Australia the chance of a fifth Commonwealth crown after they were sensationally dethroned in the 2018 final by Helen Housby’s last-ditch goal.

Australia are out to settle an old score in their netball semi-final against England. Credit: AAP

EVERYEVENT: Check out the full Commonwealth Games schedule

TALLY MEDAL: Every gold, silver and bronze at Birmingham 2022

LATEST RESULTS: Detailed breakdown of every event at the Games

There never looked like a repeat of that shock from Housby and her colleagues, one which has become enshrined as one of the best moments in English women’s sport. The Australians took command midway through the first quarter and never released their vice-like grip.

Inspired by the brilliance inside the shooting circle of Gretel Bueta, who dominated England’s defenders with her 43 goals from 44 attempts, the Diamonds led by three after the first quarter, six at halftime and nine after the third.

It was a relentless stranglehold, the speed of Australia’s ball movement in contrast to England’s cumbersome build-up towards the net.

Every one of Marinkovich’s team, led by captain Liz Watson and Courtney Bruce, on her 50th cap, had a fine match.

There had been a bizarre early stoppage in the opening period at 3-3 when England’s Layla Guscoth crashed into the net post while trying to make an interception.

That prompted a delay to the game as running repairs were made to the post, but from that moment Australia never looked back.

Earlier, the Jamaicans had continued their inspired form, following up their 57-55 defeat of Australia with a convincing 67-51 win over world champions New Zealand.

-With APA

Just like Tokyo 2020 on Seven, there will be one destination to watch every epic feat, every medal moment, every record attempt and every inspiring turn from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

7plus is the only place to watch up to 30 live and replay channels of sport, see what’s on when, keep up to date with the medal tally, create a watchlist to follow your favorite events and catch up on highlights.

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West Coast forward Josh Kennedy kicks opening Eagles major in final game

West Coast forward Josh Kennedy kicks opening Eagles major in final game

Retiring West Coast forward Josh Kennedy has turned back the clock, kicking four goals in the opening half of his farewell game against Adelaide.

The Eagles conceded the first three majors of the game before a short kick from fellow Northampton product Jamie Cripps gave the 34-year-old his first genuine opportunity.

He failed to mark the ball but was awarded a high free kick and took the set shot from the tightest edge of the 50m arc.

It sailed through to put the Eagles on the scoreboard with Kennedy clasped his hands together, giving a ‘thank you’ gesture to the packed Optus Stadium crowd.

The club’s all-time leading goalkicker received a standing ovation when he came to the bench, unfortunately for Eagles fans, it didn’t put off Adelaide’s Shane McAdam, who was lining up for goal and kicked truly to give the Crows their fourth.

With Jack Darling, Jake Waterman and Brady Hough all missing scoring shots, Kennedy returned to the same pocket on the eve of quarter time where, just a few steps closer, he marked the ball.

The crowd erupted again as the ball sailed through the big sticks for his second – and he wasn’t done yet.

Barely a minute later, the spearhead was hit on the lead directly in front from about 50m out.

Teammates get around Kennedy.
Camera IconTeammates get around Kennedy. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos
Kennedy celebrates after scoring his third goal.
Camera IconKennedy celebrates after scoring his third goal. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Pictures

The crowd held its collective breath as the umpire weighed up whether it had been touched on the line before signaling a goal to give Kennedy his third in the first quarter.

As the siren sounded, the Crows took a three-point lead into the opening break.

Kennedy added another major to his tally in the second, surpassing St Kilda champion Nic Riewoldt’s career tally of 718 to launch himself into 22nd spot on the AFL/VFL all-time goal kickers’ list.

With Jack Darling, Jamie Cripps and Liam Duggan also scoring, West Coast flipped the script, taking a two-point lead into the main break.

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Nick Kyrgios beats Mikael Ymer in straight sets to reach Washington ATP final

Australia's Nick Kyrgios gives a thumbs-up to the crowd after a match.

Nick Kyrgios is “super excited” after continuing his career-best season by powering into the final of the ATP event in Washington.

Backing up from his gruelling workload a day earlier, when he finished off Reilly Opelka then saved five match points in an epic quarter-final win over Frances Tiafoe, Kyrgios dealt with Mikael Ymer in straight sets.

Kyrgios produced another imperious serving display to beat Ymer 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 in what was the Wimbledon runner-up’s fifth semi-final appearance from his past six events.

Only an abdominal strain in Mallorca tarnished the impressive streak.

Yet to be broken every week in the American capital, Kyrgios didn’t face a solitary break point against Ymer.

He brought up set point in the opener with his 80th ace of the tournament and sealed the set with a lovely serve-volley play and backhand flick overhead winner.

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The second set also provided a serving duel but the Swede was always going to come out second best against Kyrgios in this type of mood as the Australian reeled off the last three games to prevail in one hour, 34 minutes.

Kyrgios hadn’t made a final for three years but now he’s reached two in less than a month, including his breakout run to his maiden grand slam title match at Wimbledon.

That four-set defeat to Djokovic at the All England Club remains the 27-year-old’s only loss in his past 11 matches since mid-June.

“I’m just happy to be in another ending,” Kyrgios said.

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Ollie Hoare dedicates historic men’s 1500m gold at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to late grandfather

Ollie Hoare dedicates historic men's 1500m gold at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to late grandfather

Ollie Hoare could have been excused for not being at his best heading into the men’s 1500m final at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Not only did he have the letdown of a disappointing world championships campaign this month, he was also grieving the loss of his grandfather and mentor Fred Hoare days after the event in Oregon.

Watch the emotional story behind Ollie Hoare’s famous victory above

Stream Seven’s coverage of the Commonwealth Games 2022 for free on 7plus >>

But whatever complications those challenges presented, Hoare was able to overcome them.

The 25-year-old is now the toast of the athletics world after becoming just the second Australian after Herb Elliott to win the race on Saturday.

Hoare paid tribute to his grandfather and dedicated his gold medal to him.

“I would like to dedicate that race to my pop. He was a life member at Sutherland Districts Athletics Club and he was a World War II veteran, Sergeant Fred Hoare. He passed away after the world champs,” Hoare told Channel 7.

Oliver Hoare won the sprint to the finish line in the men’s 1500m. Credit: Dean Lewis/AAP

“It was a difficult time for me because of how bad I raced (at the worlds) and to hear the news of a guy who had a stopwatch at every race I had and growing up through the sport and not having him there to watch was tough.

“But I would like to dedicate that race to my pop because he is the reason my family loves the sport and why I’m here today.

“Pop, I know you are watching, I’ll have a glass of red for you, mate. That was a good one.”

It was a remarkable turnaround for Hoare, who only two weeks ago failed to earn a place in the final at the world championships.

Oliver Hoare reacts after winning gold. Credit: Alastair Grant/AP

Hoare was fourth at the top of the final straight but powered home to win in three minutes 30.12 seconds, lunging across the line to edge out 2019 world champ Timothy Cheruiyot from Kenya by nine hundredths of a second.

Reigning world champ Jake Wightman from Scotland was third as the first seven runners across the line all broke the Games record.

Hoare stripped more than two and a half seconds off his PB in one of the greatest middle-distance runs ever by an Australian.

Elliott won the mile at the 1958 Games in Cardiff before the switch to metric distances.

Former English middle-distance superstar and current World Athletics boss Sebastian Coe was on hand at Alexander Stadium to pay tribute to Hoare.

Oliver Hoare of Australia wins the men’s 1500m final at the Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Credit: Dean Lewis/AAP

EVERYEVENT: Check out the full Commonwealth Games schedule

TALLY MEDAL: Every gold, silver and bronze at Birmingham 2022

LATEST RESULTS: Detailed breakdown of every event at the Games

“It was a sensational run,” he said.

“The golden rule is to stay in contact (with the leaders) and then you are in a position to capitalize when things start to go wrong for others.

“He stayed calm over the last lap and he absolutely capitalized.”

Hoare said he knew he had a shot at a medal at the top of the straight.

“For me, it is about just wanting to belong there and I had to be patient and back myself,” he said.

“That last lap, I wanted to make sure I stayed relaxed on the inside and knew my time would come, and it is hard to believe when you have guys there that are absolute class. I was able to get out and I had the kicker at the end, and, yeah, it was spectacular.”

-With APA

Just like Tokyo 2020 on Seven, there will be one destination to watch every epic feat, every medal moment, every record attempt and every inspiring turn from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

7plus is the only place to watch up to 30 live and replay channels of sport, see what’s on when, keep up to date with the medal tally, create a watchlist to follow your favorite events and catch up on highlights.

.

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Kookaburras show flaws, but find a way to beat England 3-2 in men’s hockey semi-final at Commonwealth Games

A group of Australian men's hockey players hug after a goal, as a dejected England player stands by.

The Kookaburras are human.

It is not something we have often seen at the Commonwealth Games, where they have won all six gold medals in the competition’s history.

But they almost missed the gold medal match, after an aggressive, inspired, and amped-up England side threatened to pull off an incredible upset.

The Kookaburras sailed through the pool stage, as they so often do, racking up big score lines and making big statements.

It was different against the Englishmen.

They smothered the world’s top-ranked team and stifled their flow.

They walked a fine line, and at times stepped over it too, receiving two yellow cards and a green card during the game.

“You play the Aussies, they come out hard, they look to throw punches, to knock you down, and kill the game,” England captain Zach Wallace said.

“The plan was to go out and throw punches back, and we did that. We got them running the other way. I just went at them, it was like a boxing match.”

If it went to a points decision, it might have gone in England’s favour, but the Kookaburras found a way to land the knockout blow, and come back from 2-0 down, to win 3-2.

Kookaburras grind to ‘ugly’ win

The hosts started with intent and looked especially dangerous on the counterattack.

Phil Roper put them ahead in the first quarter, then a penalty stroke in the second quarter saw Wallace give them a 2-0 lead.

“They play a bit different, a bit more of a marking team, so they definitely put us under pressure early,” Kookaburras midfielder Daniel Beale said.

“Ideally, we don’t like to go two goals down that early in the game. (But) we trust in this group to be able to come back from anywhere.”

And the comeback arrived, in a slow, measured grind, rather than in a blaze of glory.

The Australian men's hockey squad gather in a tight circle with their arms around each others' shoulders.
The Australians said they always believed they could come back to win the match.(Getty Images: Tom Dulat)

“Things don’t go your way, you have to crawl your way out, fight a little bit, you probably need a bit of luck” co-captain Eddie Ockenden said.

“I didn’t question that we would be able to do it. It’s not like we got on a big run, we just had to edge our way through a bit of attrition.”

“They started the game very well, and we were certainly on the backfoot,” Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said.

“I think they got a lot of confidence from that situation, so it was a huge challenge just to get up to our level and it took a long time to get there.”

One of the Kookaburras’ most reliable sources for goals, Blake Govers, again delivered when needed from a penalty corner to make it 2-1 at half-time.

And Jacob Anderson’s tomahawk drew them level, but the winning goal was the most contentious.

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Anderson took a quick free hit to penetrate the circle, and Beale capitalized to score.

It was reviewed to see whether Anderson had stopped the ball dead before taking the hit, and the goal stood.

“Probably one of the most timely goals in my career, very glad to put that one in the net and for the referral to stand,” Beale said.

England raided the Kookaburras in the final minutes, even substituting their goalkeeper for an extra field player to try and force a shootout.

And while overall the Kookaburras weren’t at their best, they still produced what was required when needed.

There were crucial saves from goalkeeper Andrew Charter, Flynn Ogilvy alerted on the post to bat away an attempt off a penalty corner, Jeremy Hayward blocking a shot on goal at the death, and Ockenden an overall calming presence to take the sting out of England’s bite .

An England hockey player in red lies on the astroturf with his hands over his face and his hockey stick lying next to him.
England captain Zach Wallace was distracted after losing the match.(Getty Images: Clive Brunskill)

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Blues manage Pittonet for crunch AFL clash

Blues manage Pittonet for crunch AFL clash

Sydney veteran Josh Kennedy has again missed out on senior selection, while Carlton have opted to manage ruckman Marc Pittonet just one match after his AFL return.

The Blues made five changes from the team that suffered a shock 29-point loss to Adelaide.

Caleb Marchbank, Jack Newnes Paddy Dow, Jack Martin, and last week’s medical sub Jack Silvagni have all been named in the 22 for Sunday’s crunch clash with Brisbane at the Gabba.

Pittonet, who played his first AFL match since round six last week, has been rested, while Matthew Kennedy (concussion), Nic Newman (knee), Corey Durdin (shoulder), and Lachie Plowman (omitted) go out of the side.

The Lions axed Nakia Cockatoo and Mitch Robinson to make room for the returns of Daniel Rich and Brandon Starcevich.

Kennedy was the unused sub for Sydney in last week’s win over GWS, and he couldn’t squeeze his way into the 22 for Sunday’s encounter with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

The Swans made just one change, recalling Logan McDonald for Joel Amartey.

Kennedy is an emergency and is a chance to be the sub again.

North get back four players who missed last week due to entering the AFL’s health and safety protocols – Aidan Corr, Lachie Young, Paul Curtis and Aaron Hall.

Father-son draftee Jackson Archer has been ruled out with a hip injury, while Aiden Bonar, Kayne Turner and Phoenix Spicer were all axed.

West Coast welcome back forward Josh Kennedy for his 293rd and final AFL match in Sunday’s meeting with Adelaide at Optus Stadium.

Samo Petrevski-Seton and Zac Langdon are also back, but Jai Culley (suspended), Connor West (wrist) and Jack Petruccelle (hamstring) go out.

Adelaide have named an unchanged side following their impressive win over Carlton.

GWS made a late change for Saturday’s match against Adelaide, with Tim Taranto (possible concussion) replaced by Lachie Ash.

The Western Bulldogs lost Norm Smith medalist Jason Johannisen to an ankle injury.

He has been replaced by Laitham Vandermeer for Saturday’s clash with the Dockers.

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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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Commonwealth Games 2022 medal tally: Kurtis Marschall’s pole vault win and Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva rhythmic gymnastics gold

Kurtis Marschall leaps over the bar as shown from below

The ninth day of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham has ended with another nine gold medals for Australia, strengthening the nation’s lead in the overall tally.

Two Australians made it to the final in the table tennis women’s singles classes 6-10, ensuring two medals for the nation.

Qian Yang won gold and Li Na Lei took home the silver medal.

Australia also won gold in athletics, lawn bowls, diving and gymnastics.

You can check out how the latest batch of medals were won in our Commonwealth Games blog, or have a look at the medal winners and the top 10 medal standings by country below:

Day nine medal results:

Gold:

  • Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics
  • Jemima Montag, athletics, 10,000 meter race walking
  • Oliver Hoare, athletics, 1,500 meter run
  • Maddison Keeney and Anabelle Luce Smith, diving, 3-meter synchronized springboard
  • Ellen Ryan and Kristina Krstic, lawn bowls, pairs
  • Aaron Wilson, lawn bowls, singles
  • Melissa Wu and Charli Petrov, diving, 10-meter synchronized platform
  • Kurtis Marshall, athletics, pole vault
  • Qian Yang, table tennis, singles classes 6-10

Silver:

  • Eleanor Patterson, athletics, high jump
  • Li Na Lei, table tennis, singles classes 6-10

Bronze:

  • Tina Rahmi, boxing, featherweight
  • Edgardo Coumi, boxing, heavyweight
  • Caitlin Anne Parker, boxing, middleweight

Birmingham 2022 medal standings:

POSITION

TEAM

G

yes

B.

TOTAL

1

Australia

59

46

fifty

155

two

England

fifty

52

46

148

3

Canada

22

29

33

84

4

new zealand

17

12

fifteen

44

5

India

13

eleven

16

40

6

Nigeria

9

8

13

35

7

Scotland

8

9

24

41

8

south africa

7

8

eleven

26

9

Malaysian

6

5

4

fifteen

10

Jamaica

6

4

two

12

posted

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Commonwealth Games schedule today, Day 9: Watch live stream and coverage of Australia v New Zealand in the T20 cricket as our Diamonds win v England in the netball

Commonwealth Games schedule today, Day 9: Watch live stream and coverage of Australia v New Zealand in the T20 cricket as our Diamonds win v England in the netball

England have closed the gap at the top of the Commonwealth Games medal tallyand are on the verge of taking the lead after a rare day without Australian gold.

Australia remain atop the medal tally with 50 gold medals, but England have moved within three golds after winning five golds on Friday, including two at the diving.

See all of the highlights from Day 8 of the Commonwealth Games in the video player above

Stream Seven’s coverage of the Commonwealth Games 2022 for free on 7plus >>

The Aussies added eight medals on Friday, with decathletes Daniel Golubovic and Cedric Dubler taking silver and bronze behind Grenada’s Lindon Victor.

There was also a silver for diver Brittany O’Brien in the women’s 1m springboard, an another five bronze medals.

Australia are on track for a big weekend with both the men’s and women’s hockey teams, the women’s T20 cricket side and netball outfit among those staring down medals.

On Saturday, we’ve got a massive night of Aussie action in the athletics, boxing, netball, and beach volleyball. There’s also T20 cricket, hockey, diving and a whole lot more.

Follow all of the live action from the Day 9 of the Commonwealth Games in the live blog below.

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