Bomber, Hawk fly high and get creativeAS Essendon and Hawthorn last round celebrated their famous and bitter rivalry of the 1980s, youngsters Paddy Ryder and Cyril Rioli created their own highlight reel with superb individual efforts that puts them in contention for the AFL's Mark/Goal of the Year.
While his team may be struggling second-year Hawk Rioli is flying, and his sensational 'Rioli-esque' goal against the Bombers has put him in contention for the AFL's Goal of the Year.
The goal came from around the 50m arc after Rioli dis-possessed opponent Bachar Houli and, in traffic, dodged two incoming tacklers, fired off a handpass, saw some space, got it back and drilled in the major. While his brilliant effort failed to lift the Hawks, it did lift Etihad Stadium's roof.
Ryder, now thrust into the ruck after team-mate David Hille's season-ending knee surgery, used his prodigious athleticism to bring down a big mark over Hawks skipper Sam Mitchell.
* See Rioli's goal here:
AFL Goal of the Year.
* See Ryder's mark here:
AFL Mark of the Year.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Friday, May 15, 2009
Last Modified on 15/05/2009 12:50