The AFL prepare for their 2023 season, while the NRL and soccer premier league both had shock matches this past weekend, in this Monday’s sports round-up.
AFL practice matches
Greater Western Sydney looked promising under new coach Adam Kingsley, beating Gold Coast by 45 points in their practise match on Saturday.
The Giants put on a show for their Sydney fans at Blacktown International Sportspark, with remarkable performances from Tom Green (34 disposals) and Jake Riccardi scoring four goals.
Kingsley said their 122 to 77 victory was encouraging, but they still have a lot of work to do.
“They’re going to be challenged. They need to be able to compete with the best and continue to improve,” he said in his post-match interview.
They face Adelaide in the first round of the AFL season.
The Western Bulldogs proved too strong for North Melbourne with a 58 point win at Ikon Park on Saturday.
It was a competitive start between the Bulldogs and Kangas, but the red white and blue were to dominate, leading to a solid victory with the help of Aaron Naughton (four goals), Jamarra Ugle-Hagen (three) and Tom Liberatore (two goals, 33 disposals).
The only concern heading into round one against Melbourne for the Bulldogs is injuries. Taylor Duryea suffered a neck injury and was forced to leave the game early to get scans, while Ed Richards also exited early with a corked quad.
The Demons secured a well-deserved win 18.12 (121) to 10.11 (71), against the Tigers at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.
Star duo Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy were lethal, combining for six goals in the first half. The Demons came out firing playing fast and slick football from the first minute.
However, former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is heading to the Tribunal after a sneaky hit in the third-quarter after he drilled his forearm into James Harmes neck, which led to Melbourne getting a free kick.
The Match Review Officer will take a look at the incident later in the week.
Cotchin could look at a two-week suspension if graded medium, or one week if it’s classified as low severity.
NRL Dolphins dream debut
The Dolphins, NRL’s newest team, had a dream debut, defeating the Sydney Rooster’s 28 – 18 in round one.
The shock victory, led by veteran coach Wayne Bennett, saw them scoring five tries to three in front of 32,000 fans at Brisbane’s Lang Park on Sunday.
Felise Kaufusi, Dolphins back rower was player of the match, and awarded the Artie Legacy Medal.
“That was awesome, what an effort. It is huge and just to see the crowd here supporting us, it’s outstanding,” Kaufusi told ABC Sport.
All eyes will be on The Dolphins next week when they face the Raiders, with everyone anticipating if they can make it 2-0.
Star cricketer Beth Mooney injured in Women’s Premier League
Mooney suffered a left knee injury during a 143-run defeat against the Mumbai Indians, in the opening match of India’s Women’s Premier League.
The star Australian who was named captain of the Gujarat Giants faced just four balls before she was sent to hospital after injuring her knee while running.
The extent of the injury is unclear, but Australian teammate Rachel Haynes announced on a broadcast that Beth Mooney’s injury isn’t looking good, and the Giants are looking to replace her.
Photo: Relay runner by Braden Collum is available HERE and used under a creative commons license. The photo has been modified.
