Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Ben King has his sixth goal of the afternoon after the Suns raffled just who should take the easy shot after some fine work further afield. Meanwhile, Maurice Rioli junior landed heavily in a marking contest, but has opted to remain on the field.
Considering the injury issues here today, the scoreboard could seem irrelevant … although the Suns would be delighted to lead by 40 points at the final change. The Tigers did well to hang on in that third term. Interesting to see who rucks in the final term now Nankervis is gone for the day.
Christian Petracca has returned to the bench, but is icing his hamstring. We have yet to receive official word from the Suns about the injury.
Meanwhile, Tigers skipper Toby Nankervis has joined Tom Lynch in the hamstring ward.
Christian Petrecca has left the field for treatment after pulling up proppy when tackled from behind by James Trezise. He has gone into the dressingroom. We’ll keep you informed.
The Tasmania Devils have won their first match in the VFL, defeating Coburg 14.12 (96) to 11.13 (79) as they launched themselves on the next step towards their entry to the AFL as the league’s 19th team.
Jed Hagan, who kicked four goals for the Devils in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, said it was a “huge day for the club”.
“It’s unreal. It’s a special moment, I’ll remember this for the rest of my life,” he said.
The Tigers have ended the Suns’ run of seven-straight goals thanks to a strong Harry Armstrong mark and goal from about 50m. That was a lovely left-foot bomb from about 50m. The Suns still lead by five goals. Armstrong is the man the Tigers hope can blossom into their spearhead of the future.
The Tigers have shifted Tom Brown forward to provide some kind of target with Lynch off. But it’s the Suns who continue to dominate, Ethan Read marking and converting from just inside the left boundary. He now has three goals.
Tigers coach Adem Yze says this is the first time Tom Lynch has strained his right hamstring, having had left hamstring issues through his grand career.
Oh dear, the Tigers have been ripped open here in the shadows of half-time, the Suns ending the term on a six-goal tear to take a 31-point lead into the main break. The sixth came from Ethan Read, who enjoyed a strong second term. After a sloppy first term, the Suns have shown why they are a top-four, if not, premiership contender. The Tigers have not been the same since Tom Lynch (hamstring) had an early finish to his day.
This could get ugly if the Tigers cannot rebound in the third term.
The Suns, with only two home-and-away games at the MCG this year, will be keen to make a statement.
Ben King has his fourth goal of the afternoon after a free kick against Noah Balta for an illegal nudge. King booted 71.23 last year, his accuracy a feature. That’s continued today. The Suns are out by four goals.
