Quinn marks return with vital equaliser

MICHAEL QUINN continued the hugely positive impression he is making on Aussie Rules experts, with an accomplished performance on his return to the Essendon team that drew with Brisbane 87-87 on Saturday.

The 19-year-old from Longford scored a crucial equalising goal in the fourth quarter as the Bombers reeled in a 15-point deficit. The Melbourne-based outfit actually went eight points clear but the Lions hit back with a goal after the siren to secure a share of the spoils.

Pearce Hanley had been ruled out of action for Brisbane due to a hamstring injury but the Mayo man must have admired the manner in which Quinn tore into proceedings.

Named in the forward pocket, Quinn was joint third ranked amongst his team-mates for disposals at the interval, with 11.

His second half performance tailed off a little but the Killoe teenager still finished with 18 and an efficiency rating of find a team-mate of 94%.

As well as his important goal – his first in the league for Essendon – Quinn made seven marks and four tackles.

This was his third appearance in the league but his first since April. Quinn stunned observers with a 20-possession debut just five weeks after playing his first ever game of Aussie Rules.

That was the quickest debut ever made by an Irish recruit in the AFL. Quinn missed out the following week because of a virus and though returning for the round 4 defeat to North Melbourne, Bombers coaches decided to give him more time to learn the game with the reserves.

Meanwhile, Colm Begley made his debut for all-conquering St Kilda as they brought their figures to 19-0 for the season against premiership champions Hawthorn with a 74-49 win. The Laois defender has had to remain patient since joining at the end of last year despite showing good form in the reserves, as the Saints have embarked on a relentless run of good form.

A number of injuries led to the former Brisbane player being named on the emergency list but he still looked like missing out until the late withdrawal of Sam Fisher.

Begley had a 100% efficiency rating from his seven disposals (four kicks and three hand-passes), while also making three tackles.

There was a competent display too from Setanta O hAilpín, who had 14 disposals, seven marks and two goal assists in Carlton’s surprise 97-62 win over Geelong, which almost guarantees the Blues a place in the finals’ series.