The Lions are jubilant after Ash McGrath (centre) in his 200th game, kicks a goal to beat Geelong after the siren. Photo: FAIRFAX SYNDICATION
Rounds Of Our Lives: The greatest moments from Round 13
If you need a break from the constant speculation and analysis accompanying the 2018 AFL season, take a step back and enjoy some of the greatest moments from round 13 in years gone by.
This round has featured some important events, from the final game of Neale Daniher’s coaching career to the incredible “Miracle on Grass” up at the Gabba.
Because, like some Jason Akermanis magic, or “Buddy” Franklin streaming down the wing of the MCG, so are the Rounds of our Lives.
BRISBANE 15.13 (103) d GEELONG 14.14 (98) (Gabba, Round 13 2013)
In what commentator Anthony Hudson labelled the “Miracle on Grass”, Brisbane came back from a 52-point deficit to record an incredible victory over Geelong in 2013.
Geelong came to the Gabba in hot form, winning 10 of its first 11 games to sit second on the ladder, whereas a lowly Brisbane sat in the bottom four.
The Lions however, had plenty to play for. It was fan-favourite Ash McGrath’s 200th game, while Brisbane legend Simon Black became the club’s games record holder, playing in his 320th match.
Despite this, the Cats looked a class above the Lions for much of the game, holding a commanding 52-point lead late in the third term.
All looked to be lost, until the Lions rallied for two late goals to reduce the margin to a still daunting 38 points at three-quarter time.
Brisbane needed a strong start to the term and the Lions got it, kicking the first three goals of the quarter.
Steve Johnson responded with a goal for the Cats, but it would prove to be their last for the match. The Lions began to get on top in the midfield, thanks to an inspired quarter from Brent Moloney (11 disposals) and Black (12 disposals).
When Daniel Rich wheeled around from outside 50 to kick a stunning goal on the run, scores were level with under two minutes remaining.
Tom Hawkins kicked a behind from a tight set-shot, giving Geelong the lead back in the final minute. And the Cats looked home when Joel Corey kicked inside 50 with 24 seconds remaining.
But his kick was marked by Daniel Merrett. Brisbane quickly moved the ball forward and Dayne Zorko stabbed a pass to milestone-man McGrath, who marked about 50 metres out as the final siren rang out.
McGrath coolly slotted the goal to the rapturous applause of the Gabba faithful, and the Brisbane players converged to celebrate in a manner befitting a grand final win.
The Lions had kicked 10 of the last 11 goals of the game to set up what was – at the time – the eighth-greatest comeback in VFL/AFL history, and one of the club’s most famous victories.
FOOTSCRAY 33.15 (213) d ST KILDA 16.10 (106) (Western Oval, Round 13 1978)
In a record-breaking game for the Bulldogs against St Kilda in 1978, the club recorded its highest ever score and forward Kelvin Templeton kicked a club-record 15 goals. Footscray put on a show at Western Oval, especially in the last quarter, as the Bulldogs piled on 12 goals to finish on 213 points. This was not only the club’s highest score, but actually was – at the time – the highest score for any VFL match. Templeton was the star with 15.9, and his 24 scoring shots is still the most recorded in a VFL/AFL game. In the end, Footscray recorded a comprehensive 107-point victory.
BRISBANE 17.14 (116) d GEELONG 6.11 (47) (Gabba, Round 13 2005)
Given his immense talent, it was not unusual to see Jason Akermanis kick an eye-catching goal during a game. But in round 13, 2005, he kicked two amazing goals – within the space of 40 seconds. The first goal saw “Aker” rove away from a pack, break a tackle and snap a goal from deep inside the right forward pocket. Then, only seconds later, he found himself with the ball in the same forward-pocket. Kicking from an even tighter angle, Akermanis threaded it, causing him to cover his mouth in shock. He finished with five goals as the Lions romped home by 69 points.
ESSENDON 19.11 (125) d MELBOURNE 18.15 (123) (Telstra Dome, Round 13 2007)
Neale Daniher has become a beloved figure in the AFL community, thanks in part to his tireless efforts to fight motor neurone disease. But before this, he was the long-serving coach of Melbourne who took the Demons to the 2000 Grand Final against Essendon, the club for whom he’d played. In round 13, 2007, he coached his final game – fittingly against the Bombers – after announcing earlier in the week he was stepping down as coach. The game started horribly for Melbourne, with the Dees down 51 to 14 at quarter-time. But the Demons clawed their way back, and held a 17-point lead 20 minutes into the final term. The Bombers followed with two quick goals to reduce the lead to 4 points. Scott Lucas then dashed Daniher’s chance of a fairytale finish, kicking a goal in the last 10 seconds to condemn the Demons to a two-point defeat.
HAWTHORN 14.18 (102) d ESSENDON 13.8 (86) (MCG, Round 13 2010)
Lance Franklin has produced countless moments of brilliance during his career, but not many could top two incredible running goals he conjured against Essendon in round 13, 2010. The first saw him take the ball on the wing and after two bounces, thread a goal which bounced through from 50 metres. Incredibly, he would outdo himself only four minutes later. Taking the ball even wider this time, Franklin took three bounces – leaving Essendon defender Cale Hooker in his wake – before nailing an impossible difficult shot from the boundary line. Hawthorn would follow his lead and run away with the match, recording a 16-point victory. Franklin kicked five goals on the night, and his incredible running effort was later recognised as the 2010 Goal of the Year.
