5 Hilariously Funny Moments of AFL - 2014 Season

This past year in the AFL has been one of the most action-packed seasons many fans have witnessed. There have been thrills and spills throughout the year, injuries, retirements and new blood looking to make headway in the coming season. With all of this drama packed into a single season, let’s look at some of the more light-hearted, funny moments that the 2014 AFL season gave us.

5) Jonathon Patton’s Wayward Penalty Kick

 

This AFL rising star has taken AFL by storm for his speed, presence and his ability to take those outstanding contested marks. But, everyone can have an off-day. Starring against Gold Coast, Patton takes a penalty kick late on in the game and completely shanks it into the second tier of the stadium.

The ball didn’t even come into play, leaving a throw in for his Gold Coast opponents to lap up. Patton’s Giants teammates couldn’t have appreciated his accuracy in this instance, but one lucky fella in the audience certainly did.

4) Brendon Goddard Slaps Teammate

 

Brendon Goddard isn’t one to shy away from controversy, and in this instance has a little too much aggression for his own teammate. After an umpire decision goes against him, Goddard lashes out at the first person in front of him, only to find out that it is in fact his own teammate Ben Howlett. Howlett looks a little shocked when he realises who just dished out the justice as Goddard continues to berate the Umpire.

3) Umpire Takes down Freo’s Christopher Mayne

 

In a hotly contested match between West Coast Eagles and Fremantle, one of the umpires got a little bit carried away in the action to see Chris Mayne getting a closer look at the action. The umpire runs along the boundary line without seeing what is in front of him, slipping and sliding into Mayne as the pair fall to the floor. Ross Lyon has already had to cope with a number of injuries this season, now he may have to look at protecting his players from the officials, too.

2) Jarrad Waite Feigns Facial Injury

 

Carlton (and now North Melbourne) player Jarrad Waite is watching play after losing the ball to his Richmond opposition when a player he takes down kicks out a foot in anger. Jarrad furiously holds his face in what appears to be a terrible kick to the face, but instant replays show Jarrard was gently brushed on the chest by his opposition player Jake King. 

Jarrard may be drafted with North Melbourne for the forthcoming 2015 season, but there may be a chance his acting career may reach new heights if he keeps this simulation malarkey up!

1) The Back-Heel-Kick in His Stride

 

Essendon number 16 Courtenay Dempsey takes it all in his stride as he makes a powerful run through the midfield against Gold Coast this season. He stumbles and loses the ball from his grip and the ball falls behind him. Not even turning to look for the ball, he sticks out a foot and back-heels the ball back over his head and grabs the ball out of the air to continue his run. 

Unfortunately he gives the ball away further up the field, but if this is a sign of his true potential, he has yet to reach the heights this demonstration of technique is yet to afford him.

The 2015 season is looking like one of the best to come this New Year, so keep an eye out for the highs and lows, thrills and spills that are yet to be made. Will we see different teams in the finals series or will it be dominated by the big few? Let’s hope for big things this season!


Video Source: http://www.afl.com.au/

The Highs and Lows of the 2014 AFL Season So Far

With all of the thrills and spills we have seen so far, this year is one to remember for many teams and players. Now that we find ourselves at the mid-point of the 2014 AFL season, let us take a look at some of the highlights of the season so far, as well as how the form teams and stand-out players have been performing compared to other outstanding seasons in history.

The 2014 season kicked off with a little drama on and off the field, with transfers making the most of the drama even before the season started. Most notably, Lance Franklin signed a nine-year contract with Sydney Swans – thought to be one of the most lucrative contracts in the leagues history. Buddy scored on his debut and has really rounded into form over the past month and a half or so. He’s currently ranked 8th in total for goals scored.

Rising Giants

This season has also been a chance to see some youngsters show their flare. Tom Boyd is one of those youngsters that were hyped up during the off season, but with a little more promise than others that have come before him. At just 18 years old, Boyd stands at a lofty 200cm and weighs in at 100kg, one of the many youngsters coming up today who seem built for the league.

Being the #1 pick of the season, Boyd needed to set aside the hype off the pitch and concentrate on what he does best for GWS Giants. His performances so far this season have lived up to the high expectations surrounding him, showing finesse, flare and a leading role in many of the matches this season. Speaking earlier in the season, Giants reserves coach Brett Hand concluded that Boyd, despite his stellar performances this season still had a lot to learn.

The leaders of the pack

On an individual basis, the standout player this season for disposals has been Josh Kennedy. The Sydney Swans #1 has made 317 disposals so far, leading Gold Coast’s Gary Ablett by a narrow margin of 3. Brodie Grundy of Collingwood leads the clanger list with a total of 41 so far this season with Dion Prestia closely following.

There have been a number of surprising victories this season, notably the Sydney Swans who have dazzled this season. Their fine form of late has made them favourites in the running to lead this second half of the season along with Freemantle. Gold Coast Suns have surprised many this season with their high ranking, but can their form continue through to the final games?

Your pick for finalists?

The eight teams in the running right now may contain the overall champions this season and with every game up for grabs, now is the time for teams like Hawthorn and Geelong to capitalise and not capitulate on their recent form. Port are certain contenders through the back end of the season as their confidence is high on the back of recent success, with Coach Ken Hinkley full of praise for his sides recent form.

The Melbourne Demons have risen to recent form leading into their blockbuster showdown against North Melbourne which is sure to delight the fans. Both teams go into the local derby on fine form and with both looking to kick on for the rest of the season; it’s looking likely that one of these teams could finish in the running, making the back end of the 2014 AFL season one not to miss.

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