AFL: Terrific scenes at the MCG. First Jarryd Roughead led his beloved Hawthorn out through a banner dedicated to his decorated career then he calmly slotted the second goal of the match to the delight of Marvel Stadium.

Super Netball: 3 mins remaining: Vixens 52-53 Lightning - What a turnaround in Melbourne! After trailing for almost the entirety of the match the Lightning have hit the front at the death.

NRL: HT: Sharks 12-6 Dragons - Cronulla are on course to return to the top eight courtesy of a two-try first-half showing against the Dragons. Aaron Woods and Sosaia Feki crossed for the hosts while Paul Gallen has already carried for over 100 metres on his 200th appearance as Sharks skipper. However, the Dragons stabilised with a try of their own just before half-time and will have the wind in their favour in the second term.

Cricket: With all results still possible, a packed house, and the drama of yesterday, we could be in for one of the all-time great Test match climaxes.

Super Netball: 3QT: Vixens 45-41 Lightning - The Vixens retain a handy lead heading into the final quarter but they only have one bonus point to show for it after the Lightning pinched the latest. The stats sheet is remarkably even with both teams shooting at 87% accuracy. Who will end the round in second place on the ladder?

AFL: HT: GWS 9.6 (60) v Western Bulldogs 9.3 (57) - After that fast start from the Bulldogs the Giants have worked their way nicely back into this contest. There’s plenty of talent on display but it’s the height and strength of Dawson Simpson in the ruck that’s shaping as the decisive factor.

A few old friends have turned up to farewell Hawthorn legend Jarryd Roughead. The Hawks host the Suns later this afternoon.

The Steve Smith concussion story is going to run and run.

ID9357571

18 August 2019 6:53am

Indeed to boo this lad in this series after that blow would be pretty sad. That Langer thinks by asking him several times if he is OK he is looking after him is pretty sad in 2019. Medical decision, not Smiths or Langers. That being said, not a good look coming back on, not sure of the message it sends. Watched three concussions in three sports over the weekend, just so commonplace and all the players wanted to come back on.

Super Netball: HT: Vixens 31-25 Lightning - No bonus points in that second quarter but the third-placed Vixens retain their six-goal lead over the second-placed Lightning.

AFL: QT: GWS 5.3 (33) v Western Bulldogs 7.1 (43) - A free-scoring opening quarter at Giants Stadium with the Bulldogs battling hard to stay alive in this year’s competition.

AFL: 5 mins remaining: Richmond 12.10 (82) v West Coast 13.4 (82) - Scores are level with five minutes remaining at the MCG. The injury toll is mounting for both sides but in appalling conditions we are being treated to a heck of a contest.

Super Netball: QT: Vixens 17-11 Lightning - It’s third hosting second at Melbourne Arena and the home side have made a strong start. Six points separate this pair on the ladder but Melbourne are already chipping away at that deficit with a bonus point. Just one shot on goal missed during the match so far.

Football: To the surprise of nobody who follows the A-League, VAR has caused controversy during its early use in England’s Premier League.

AFL: Q1: 6 mins: GWS 0.0 (0) v Western Bulldogs 3.0 (18) - The Bulldogs have raced out of the blocks in the second AFL contest of the day. A win today would surely put the Doggies favourites to snatch the last available finals spot.

AFL: 15 mins remaining: Richmond 9.10 (64) v West Coast 9.3 (57) - As inexorable as a creeping tide Richmond have finally hit the front at the MCG. It’s been a long old slog for the Tigers but West Coast have barely had a shot at goal since quarter-time.

Ashes: Questions were asked about Steve Smith’s return to the crease following the sickening blow he received to the back of his head. Coach Justin Langer confirmed after the close of play that Smith had passed all necessary medical tests and was eager to bat on.

Ashes: So much to digest from last night’s action. From a match situation all possible results remain in play heading into day five...

But that is only a fraction of the story on a day of incredible drama at Lord’s, featuring one of the all-time great duels between the hostile Jofra Archer and the redoubtable Steve Smith.

AFL: 3QT: Richmond 8.8 (56) v West Coast 9.3 (57) - The conditions have impacted the scoreboard but not the intensity of this gripping contest. Dustin Martin continues to be the decisive character in the unfolding drama, bulldozing his way through the centre of the ground for a thrilling goal and 29 hard fought disposals. West Coast have only scored twice since the opening quarter but have somehow retained a slender lead in the face of sustained Richmond pressure.

NRL: HT: Roosters 12-6 Warriors - The visitors may have opened the scoring but tries to Latrell Mitchell and Joseph Manu have returned the Roosters into an expected lead at half-time. It was a half halted for some time while Gerard Beale received treatment for what appeared to be a very nasty knee injury. The Warrior left the field on a stretcher and will take no further part in the game.

AFL: Richmond 6.5 (41) v West Coast 8.2 (50) -Back underway at the MCG but the calm conditions of the opening half have been replaced by a swirling wind and heavy rain. Some bad news for the Eagles at the break with Mark Hutchings ruled out of the remainder with a hamstring injury.

Rugby union: The Wallabies headed to Eden Park in search of a drought breaking Bledisloe Cup victory last night. They left New Zealand with a humbling whitewash.

Tennis: Ashleigh Barty failed to return to number one on the WTA Rankings after suffering an upset defeat to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the semi-final of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. However, with Naomi Osaka - the incumbent number one - defending so many points at the forthcoming US Open Barty may not have to wait long for another crack at top spot.

Super Netball: 3QT: Thunderbirds 28-41 Giants - Honours even in the third quarter but the Giants retain their commanding lead. The visitors have only shot at 77% accuracy today but it hasn’t mattered a great deal because they’ve enjoyed 20 more shots at goal than the Thunderbirds.

AFL: HT: Richmond 6.5 (41) v West Coast 8.2 (50) - Richmond fought back tigerishly in that second quarter to reduce the deficit at half-time to just nine points. It should have been just three but Jason Castagna butchered a simple set shot on the S of the siren. It was Dustin Martin who stood up when his side needed him most, battling for 20 possessions despite the attentions of Elliot Yeo. Oh, and Liam Ryan took another speccy.

NRL: 4 mins: Roosters 0-6 Warriors - We’re underway in the first NRL contest of the day and the unbackable favourites are behind early. It’s been a round of upsets already, could another one be brewing?

We’re being treated to a beauty at the MCG. Richmond have matched West Coast’s intensity this second quarter and are slowly clawing their way back into the contest.

20CharactersNoSpaces

18 August 2019 5:00am

Hi Jonathan
Well, I was nervous about this game for good reason - the Weagles are flying high so far, and we’re not matching their intensity. Getting killed around the ball too. C’mon Tiges!
Could be a long afternoon...

Super Netball: HT: Thunderbirds 18-31 Giants - After the Magpies upset the Swifts yesterday they reignited the race for the top four in Super Netball. A response was demanded of the Giants and a response is what they are delivering, heading into half-time with a commanding lead over the Thunderbirds.

AFL: QT: Richmond 3.1 (19) v West Coast 7.1 (43) - This weekend feels like a pre-finals bonus round and the Eagles have brought their September intensity to the MCG, storming out of the blocks to shock the Tigers at quarter-time. Jack Darling already has a brace. Plenty riding on this one with West Coast pushing hard for a top-two finish, Richmond desperate to return to the top four.