The Kangaroos Loose Again - AFL 2006

A strong second half performance from Fremantle has handed the Kangaroos their second successive defeat, and sixth of the season, by 35 points at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.The visitors took the game up to the Dockers in the opening half and with four goals to three in the second term led by three points at half-time, but eight goals to one after the long break saw Freo to a 13.6 (84) to 6.13 (49) victory.

FREMANTLE: 2.3, 5.4, 9.4, 13.6 (84)
KANGAROOS: 1.5, 5.7, 5.9, 6.13 (49)

GOALS –
Fremantle: Pavlich 6, Murphy 3, M Carr, Hasleby, Longmuir, Farmer
Kangaroos: Jones 2, Harding 2, Harvey, Grant

BEST –
Fremantle: Pavlich, Bell, Murphy, Grover, Mundy
Kangaroos: Pratt, Wells, Sinclair, Jones, Petrie

The Kangaroos suffer another loss - AFL Blog 2006

The Kangaroos have suffered a heart-breaking four-point loss to Melbourne in a thrilling encounter in front of 30,392 fans at the MCG, the Demons prevailing 13.12 (90) to 12.14 (86).

Having fought back from a 20-point deficit at half-time, the Roos turned for home with a three-point lead and had increased it to as much as 12 during the final quarter, but a James McDonald goal in the dying minutes sealed Melbourne's victory.

In a match that had 10 lead changes - including eight in the second half - Melbourne bounced back from a disappointing third quarter to pull off a gritty win.

For the Kangaroos, Thompson led the way with five majors, while key defender Leigh Brown was outstanding down back, notching up 20 disposals and claiming 14 marks. Skipper Adam Simpson was the leading ball-winner for the match with 25 touches.

MELBOURNE: 1.3, 7.5, 9.9, 13.12 (90)
KANGAROOS: 2.4, 3.9, 9.12, 12.14 (86)

GOALS – Kangaroos: Thompson 5, Harvey 2, Green 2, Grant, Hale, Pratt
BEST – Kangaroos: Simpson, Grant, Thompson, Brown, Harvey, Makepeace, Firrito

AFL Kangaroos FC Blog - Dean Laidley has again defended forward Nathan Thompson

Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley has again defended forward Nathan Thompson for his decision to bench himself against Melbourne last week.

Thompson was in sound touch having kicking five goals for the game but left the ground in the dying minutes claiming fatigue.

The Demons went on to win by four points.Laidley said the club would continue to enforce a 'self-benching' policy for certain members of the side despite the controversy Thompson's fourth quarter departure has caused.

"We have certainly three or four players that bring themselves off the ground and they're midfielders," Laidley said on Tuesday at Arden Street.

"We need to make sure we keep our heat on the footy, and that's the way we'll continue to do it."

More support for Thompson
12:58:30 PM Tue 2 May, 2006
Jennifer Witham
Sportal for afl.com.au