Plays of the Week: Round 1
Back by popular demand, kangaroos.com.au is again asking fans to decide the best plays of the 2012 season.
Back by popular demand, kangaroos.com.au is again asking fans to decide the best plays of the season.
Each week the club’s social media followers on Facebook and Twitter will be quizzed about their favourite moments from the weekend’s match, with the top five posted on the club’s website.
Then, it’s over to you to choose the number one play.
PRESS PLAY above to view the top five highlights from Saturday night’s clash against the Bombers, then register your vote below.
Can't view the video? Watch it on YouTube
At the end of the season the top moment of 2012, as voted by the supporters, will be played at the Syd Barker Medal.
1. Leigh Adams goal
Late in the first quarter, Todd Goldstein puts a handball out in front of Leigh Adams. The number 13 pounces on the loose ball about 50m from goal. Aided by a terrific shepherd from Aaron Edwards, he sells the dummy and weaves around Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher. With composure, he sizes up the big sticks from 40m and finishes with a terrific goal.
2. Shaun Atley clearance
Just four-points separate the teams with barely three minutes left. Michael Firrito’s punch away from defence is impressive enough, but it’s Atley who shows a cool head under pressure despite his young years. Having received a handball from Firrito, he brushes off Essendon big man David Hille before getting a kick down field. Team-mate Leigh Adams is unable to mark but recovers the loose ball. Atley has kept running, gets a handball back and delivers a perfect pass to Brent Harvey. While North doesn’t get the desired result from the consequent play, Atley’s effort can’t be understated.
3. Aaron Edwards mark and goal
After an otherwise quiet game, Aaron Edwards is having a huge impact in the final term. After Leigh Adams bursts from the pack at half-back with only five minutes left and a 10 point deficit, Edwards finds himself one-out inside the 50-metre arc. With confidence in his team-mate’s marking ability, Adams bombs long. Edwards’ opponent Kyle Hardingham looks for body contact, but the Roo judges the kick better and pulls down a vital mark. As calm as ever, he kicks truly from 40-metres to bridge the gap.
4. Scott McMahon smother
Streaming into attack and with the ball in the hands of dangerous playmaker Dyson Heppell, Essendon looks set for a certain goal. But Scott McMahon has other ideas and corrals Heppell, stopping him from getting a kick away. Eventually when the Bomber finds an option down field, McMahon throws himself across his boot and the result is a terrific smother.
5. Daniel Wells goal
After an amazing first quarter, Wells’ impact has faded somewhat. But when the game is there to be won, he steps up again. A move forward has breathed new life into the brilliant athlete and when he gets the chance to crumb off an Aaron Edwards marking attempt, he doesn’t waste the opportunity. Wells soccers once to clear the ball, then with two Essendon players chasing, he lobs it off the ground from 40-metres for a remarkable goal.