Australian Football

Match Report

The opening match for this week sends us across the Hilton Bridge and into Richmond for some Friday Night Mayhem, the Bloods hosting the Double Blues at City Mazda Stadium. The Blues won both encounters from last year, including their last venture to Richmond in Round 9 by 19 points and then in Round 18 by 26 points at Unley, which was their final victory for the year. Only the Blues came out on top from Round 6, extending the Roosters' pain with their 34-point victory at home while the Bloods couldn't keep up with the resurgent Panthers down south. 

Sturt has had a habit of playing entire quarters of inaccuracy on goal, the Bloods able to take advantage early as they scored 3.4 to 1.5 to lead by 11 points at quarter-time. It didn't last though, although the inaccuracy streak from Sturt did continue they would be up by a single straight kick at the long break after scoring 3.5 to the Bloods' single major in the second term. The Blues kept up their attack when play resumed, though they continued to spray shots wide they would add to their lead. A further 4.4 to the home side's 2.1 put their advantage out to 21 points by three quarter-time. It would finish similar to last year's contest at Milner Road, the Bloods pressed hard in the final term as the Blues' accuracy on goal was still poor but their defence held firm. The Bloods' two goals wasn't enough against the visitors' 1.5, Sturt winners by 19 points and edged themselves into the five. 

Zane Kirkwood amassed 35 disposals and was named Sturt's best on ground, while the Bloods named State team member Will Snelling as their best.