Finals preview: North Melbourne v Essendon - The Age

Dyson Heppell shone the last time Essendon played North Melbourne. Photo: Getty Images

Second elimination final

North Melbourne v Essendon

Saturday, 7.15pm, MCG

Selection table

Woman banned from Melbourne CBD after Bourke St Mall bomb scare - Herald Sun

Police investigate a bomb hoax at Myer. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

UPDATE: A WOMAN charged over yesterday’s Bourke St bomb hoax has been banned

from the Melbourne CBD.

Amanda Baker-Johnson, 39, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court today charged over the hoax that saw thousands of shoppers evacuated from Bourke St Mall.

Myer and David Jones were closed to customers for more than an hour during the afternoon while police performed a safety check in and around the mall precinct.

Ms Baker-Johnson is charged with causing a bomb hoax, making a false report to police and using a telecommunication device to menace.

Firefighters at the scene in Bourke St Mall. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

The alleged serial offender has also been charged with 47 similar bomb hoax offences over a string of other incidents.

Police did not oppose her release on bail today providing she comply with strict bail conditions, including a ban from the CBD.

The court heard Ms Baker-Johnson, who suffers from significant psychiatric issues, would also complete a mental health assessment.

She will return to court on September 18.

Police blocked off the mall between Swanston St and Elizabeth St and were ordering people to back away.

Shoppers are held back from the strip. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

Bourke St Mall was evacuated for about 90 minutes. Picture:Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia

Two Myer staff told the Herald Sun they had been evacuated about 1.10pm yesterday because of a bomb scare.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers were performing “safety checks” on Myer’s Bourke St store.

Uniform police removed shoppers and workers from shops along the busy strip while they investigated the threat.

David Jones worker Tash said Myer was evacuated first, followed by DJs about 1.45pm.

“We were inundated with people,” she said.

She said workers were not told why the evacuation was happening but it was rumoured to be due to a “suspicious car on the tram tracks” outside Myer.

Shopper Arthur Mendoza said police had blocked off Little Bourke St, between Elizabeth St and Swanston St, as well.

A police officer at the scene. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

Empty Bourke St Mall during the investigation. Picture: Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia

He said he was inside Emporium shopping centre, trying to get through to Myer, but was unable to.

Jane, who did not wish to give her surname, said she was shopping inside Zara when police came in and ordered everyone to leave just after 1.30pm.

“They just sounded the alarm and said attention everyone, everyone to evacuate,” she said.

“I was in the change room, I left my singlet in there.”

She said it was “very busy” inside.

The MFB also arrived at the scene. Police removed cordons by 2.50pm.

The incident comes two days after the Myer at Chadstone was the subject of a threat, leading to police action.

shannon.deery@news.com.au

A big second half was enough for finals-bound North Melbourne to secure the ... - Herald Sun

The North Melbourne Kangaroos have overcome AFL rivals the Melbourne Demons 123-93 at Etihad Stadium.

Jack Watts can’t catch Daniel Wells. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

THAT’S the trouble with dress rehearsals.

You put on all the gear, make all the right noises and go through the motions on the stage itself, but you can’t really replicate the real thing.

For North Melbourne, this was supposed to be a game where it could hone its game style, blow out a few pre-finals cobwebs and give some fringe players the chance to push their selection credentials ahead of September.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott addresses the media after his side's 123-93 win over Melbourne.

The problem is that when there is nothing especially meaningful at stake, it can be difficult to play at full intensity. Sydney and Essendon both seemed to struggle with the same issue earlier in the day.

In the opening 10 minutes, the Kangaroos looked like they were keen to make a statement. They banged on three unanswered goals, the first from a Jack Ziebell contested mark at the top of the goalsquare, the next from free-kick awarded after a ferocious Drew Petrie tackle on James Frawley.

But soon enough the edge came off North’s game and it was scrapping away at the same standard as a bottom-two team, fumbling and turning the ball over with poor decisions and lazy disposals.

Jack Ziebell pumps his fist after the final siren. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The Roos allowed Melbourne to kick six of the next nine goals and get out to a 12-point lead before upping the ante and drawing level at half-time.

Thereafter the Roos dominated as the game opened up and Melbourne started to become ragged, with the end of their season looming large.

So what do North fans take from this dead rubber?

Melbourne Demons coach Paul Roos addresses the media after his side's 123-93 loss to North Melbourne.

There were times – usually when the ball was moved on quickly - when the North forward line looked potent. The hard-working Petrie and Ben Brown combined well as viable tall marking targets, and brought crumbers like Leigh Adams and Kane Turner into the contest.

Turner, who resembles a smaller version of premiership defender Dean Laidley and attacks the footy in a similarly reckless manner, sets a stellar example for his teammates in the one-percenter department and also brings an energy to the North line-up.

In the attacking half coach Brad Scott also continued his tactic of rotating the likes of Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington through full-forward and they will be handy pinch-hitters when required to bob up and kick goals in finals.

Umpire Jordan Bannister talks with Chris Dawes after a free kick. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Playing in just his second game in four months, Daniel Wells, whose polish and run adds another dimension to team, ran out the game well, finishing with 20 possessions. He was used at centre clearances in the final quarter, and one slashing run out of traffic midway through the term helped set up a Mason Wood goal.

Wood put in a useful effort on debut, booting three goals playing as a marking mid-sized forward. He may struggle to retain his spot in the 22 when reinforcements arrive next week, but his clean skills earmark him as a bright prospect.

For Melbourne, it was more of what they have seen throughout the season. They had a crack and look like they have a better structure and game plan than in previous seasons. But the turnovers and wasted chances are incredibly frustrating.

Mason Wood kicked a few goals in his AFL debut. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

About 90 seconds before half-time, with the Demons seven points up and in possession deep in their backline, their runner came charging onto the field signalling for the team to slow it down and retain the football. The very next kick was back into the corridor at centre half-back and resulted in an Aaron Mullet goal.

Early in the last quarter, Chris Dawes, one of Melbourne’s better performers on the night, showed exactly how frustrating he found the whole affair when he conceded three free kicks for high contact within a four-minute spell. One of them, an elbow to Andrew Swallow’s chin, could attract the attention of the match review panel.

For the Demons, there is plenty of hard work to be done over summer, but for the Roos, the dress rehearsal was safely negotiated and the opening night of the finals awaits.

'UFO' spotted hovering over Melbourne for more than an hour - Herald Sun

Could this strange light in the sky over Melbourne be a UFO?

AN object with flashing red, green and blue lights spotted hovering over Melbourne’s southeast last night was mostly likely a gyrocopter fitted with LED lights.

Residents reported seeing the light over Carnegie for more than two hours.

“It’s really weird,” Toni Koromilas said, taking a video of the flashing lights from her sister’s Carnegie home.

MORE: Jupiter and Venus to cause UFO sightings?

“Someone said it could be a helicopter but it’s not moving, it’s been there for an hour now.

“We could be way off track, it could just be a plane, but it’s bizarre.”

The strange lights were most likely a gyrocopter with LED lights, says Perry Vlahos. Source: Supplied

Ami Hasson said on his Facebook page that he observed the lights for 2.5 hours above Carnegie.

“It was moving around in different directions ... it looked like a ball from a distance but once I went out to film it and zoomed in I was amazed by it,” he wrote.

“It looked like it had a dark square main body with no lights on it but with around 4-6 colourful arms, reminded me of an octopus.

“Many people can think many things ... I think that we had visitors.”

Perry Vlahos, from the Astronomical Society of Victoria, is voting something else.

“A few weeks ago I was driving over Carnegie and I saw something hanging in the sky,” he said.

“If we’re referring to the same thing it’s just a gyrocopter that someone is flying and outfitted with LED lights to make it a little more impressive.”

Melbourne gets an average one UFO sighting a week.

Finals preview: North Melbourne v Essendon - The Age

Dyson Heppell shone the last time Essendon played North Melbourne. Photo: Getty Images

Second elimination final

North Melbourne v Essendon

Saturday, 7.15pm, MCG

Selection table

Woman banned from Melbourne CBD after Bourke St Mall bomb scare - Herald Sun

Police investigate a bomb hoax at Myer. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

UPDATE: A WOMAN charged over yesterday’s Bourke St bomb hoax has been banned

from the Melbourne CBD.

Amanda Baker-Johnson, 39, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court today charged over the hoax that saw thousands of shoppers evacuated from Bourke St Mall.

Myer and David Jones were closed to customers for more than an hour during the afternoon while police performed a safety check in and around the mall precinct.

Ms Baker-Johnson is charged with causing a bomb hoax, making a false report to police and using a telecommunication device to menace.

Firefighters at the scene in Bourke St Mall. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

The alleged serial offender has also been charged with 47 similar bomb hoax offences over a string of other incidents.

Police did not oppose her release on bail today providing she comply with strict bail conditions, including a ban from the CBD.

The court heard Ms Baker-Johnson, who suffers from significant psychiatric issues, would also complete a mental health assessment.

She will return to court on September 18.

Police blocked off the mall between Swanston St and Elizabeth St and were ordering people to back away.

Shoppers are held back from the strip. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

Bourke St Mall was evacuated for about 90 minutes. Picture:Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia

Two Myer staff told the Herald Sun they had been evacuated about 1.10pm yesterday because of a bomb scare.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers were performing “safety checks” on Myer’s Bourke St store.

Uniform police removed shoppers and workers from shops along the busy strip while they investigated the threat.

David Jones worker Tash said Myer was evacuated first, followed by DJs about 1.45pm.

“We were inundated with people,” she said.

She said workers were not told why the evacuation was happening but it was rumoured to be due to a “suspicious car on the tram tracks” outside Myer.

Shopper Arthur Mendoza said police had blocked off Little Bourke St, between Elizabeth St and Swanston St, as well.

A police officer at the scene. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

Empty Bourke St Mall during the investigation. Picture: Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia

He said he was inside Emporium shopping centre, trying to get through to Myer, but was unable to.

Jane, who did not wish to give her surname, said she was shopping inside Zara when police came in and ordered everyone to leave just after 1.30pm.

“They just sounded the alarm and said attention everyone, everyone to evacuate,” she said.

“I was in the change room, I left my singlet in there.”

She said it was “very busy” inside.

The MFB also arrived at the scene. Police removed cordons by 2.50pm.

The incident comes two days after the Myer at Chadstone was the subject of a threat, leading to police action.

shannon.deery@news.com.au

A big second half was enough for finals-bound North Melbourne to secure the ... - Herald Sun

The North Melbourne Kangaroos have overcome AFL rivals the Melbourne Demons 123-93 at Etihad Stadium.

Jack Watts can’t catch Daniel Wells. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

THAT’S the trouble with dress rehearsals.

You put on all the gear, make all the right noises and go through the motions on the stage itself, but you can’t really replicate the real thing.

For North Melbourne, this was supposed to be a game where it could hone its game style, blow out a few pre-finals cobwebs and give some fringe players the chance to push their selection credentials ahead of September.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott addresses the media after his side's 123-93 win over Melbourne.

The problem is that when there is nothing especially meaningful at stake, it can be difficult to play at full intensity. Sydney and Essendon both seemed to struggle with the same issue earlier in the day.

In the opening 10 minutes, the Kangaroos looked like they were keen to make a statement. They banged on three unanswered goals, the first from a Jack Ziebell contested mark at the top of the goalsquare, the next from free-kick awarded after a ferocious Drew Petrie tackle on James Frawley.

But soon enough the edge came off North’s game and it was scrapping away at the same standard as a bottom-two team, fumbling and turning the ball over with poor decisions and lazy disposals.

Jack Ziebell pumps his fist after the final siren. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The Roos allowed Melbourne to kick six of the next nine goals and get out to a 12-point lead before upping the ante and drawing level at half-time.

Thereafter the Roos dominated as the game opened up and Melbourne started to become ragged, with the end of their season looming large.

So what do North fans take from this dead rubber?

Melbourne Demons coach Paul Roos addresses the media after his side's 123-93 loss to North Melbourne.

There were times – usually when the ball was moved on quickly - when the North forward line looked potent. The hard-working Petrie and Ben Brown combined well as viable tall marking targets, and brought crumbers like Leigh Adams and Kane Turner into the contest.

Turner, who resembles a smaller version of premiership defender Dean Laidley and attacks the footy in a similarly reckless manner, sets a stellar example for his teammates in the one-percenter department and also brings an energy to the North line-up.

In the attacking half coach Brad Scott also continued his tactic of rotating the likes of Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington through full-forward and they will be handy pinch-hitters when required to bob up and kick goals in finals.

Umpire Jordan Bannister talks with Chris Dawes after a free kick. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Playing in just his second game in four months, Daniel Wells, whose polish and run adds another dimension to team, ran out the game well, finishing with 20 possessions. He was used at centre clearances in the final quarter, and one slashing run out of traffic midway through the term helped set up a Mason Wood goal.

Wood put in a useful effort on debut, booting three goals playing as a marking mid-sized forward. He may struggle to retain his spot in the 22 when reinforcements arrive next week, but his clean skills earmark him as a bright prospect.

For Melbourne, it was more of what they have seen throughout the season. They had a crack and look like they have a better structure and game plan than in previous seasons. But the turnovers and wasted chances are incredibly frustrating.

Mason Wood kicked a few goals in his AFL debut. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

About 90 seconds before half-time, with the Demons seven points up and in possession deep in their backline, their runner came charging onto the field signalling for the team to slow it down and retain the football. The very next kick was back into the corridor at centre half-back and resulted in an Aaron Mullet goal.

Early in the last quarter, Chris Dawes, one of Melbourne’s better performers on the night, showed exactly how frustrating he found the whole affair when he conceded three free kicks for high contact within a four-minute spell. One of them, an elbow to Andrew Swallow’s chin, could attract the attention of the match review panel.

For the Demons, there is plenty of hard work to be done over summer, but for the Roos, the dress rehearsal was safely negotiated and the opening night of the finals awaits.

'UFO' spotted hovering over Melbourne for more than an hour - Herald Sun

Could this strange light in the sky over Melbourne be a UFO?

An object with flashing red, green and blue lights was spotted hovering over Melbourne’s southeast last night as residents reported they had never seen anything quite like it.

The light sat still over Carnegie for more than an hour.

“It’s really weird,” Toni Koromilas said, taking a video of the flashing lights from her sister’s Carnegie home.

MORE: Jupiter and Venus to cause UFO sightings?

“Someone said it could be a helicopter but it’s not moving, it’s been there for an hour now.

“We could be way off track, it could just be a plane, but it’s bizarre.”

Melbourne gets an average one UFO sighting a week, with most reports of lights at night time.

So could it be that aliens chose Melbourne as their destination to make first contact with the world?

Or could it be something else?

A screengrab from footage by Toni Koromilas. Source: Supplied

Perry Vlahos, from the Astronomical Society of Victoria, is voting something else.

“A few weeks ago I was driving over Carnegie and I saw something hanging in the sky,” he said.

“If we’re referring to the same thing it’s just a gyrocopter that someone is flying and outfitted with LED lights to make it a little more impressive.”

Woman banned from Melbourne CBD after Bourke St Mall bomb scare - Herald Sun

Police investigate a bomb hoax at Myer. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

UPDATE: A WOMAN charged over yesterday’s Bourke St bomb hoax has been banned

from the Melbourne CBD.

Amanda Baker-Johnson, 39, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court today charged over the hoax that saw thousands of shoppers evacuated from Bourke St Mall.

Myer and David Jones were closed to customers for more than an hour during the afternoon while police performed a safety check in and around the mall precinct.

Ms Baker-Johnson is charged with causing a bomb hoax, making a false report to police and using a telecommunication device to menace.

Firefighters at the scene in Bourke St Mall. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

The alleged serial offender has also been charged with 47 similar bomb hoax offences over a string of other incidents.

Police did not oppose her release on bail today providing she comply with strict bail conditions, including a ban from the CBD.

The court heard Ms Baker-Johnson, who suffers from significant psychiatric issues, would also complete a mental health assessment.

She will return to court on September 18.

Police blocked off the mall between Swanston St and Elizabeth St and were ordering people to back away.

Shoppers are held back from the strip. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

Bourke St Mall was evacuated for about 90 minutes. Picture:Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia

Two Myer staff told the Herald Sun they had been evacuated about 1.10pm yesterday because of a bomb scare.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers were performing “safety checks” on Myer’s Bourke St store.

Uniform police removed shoppers and workers from shops along the busy strip while they investigated the threat.

David Jones worker Tash said Myer was evacuated first, followed by DJs about 1.45pm.

“We were inundated with people,” she said.

She said workers were not told why the evacuation was happening but it was rumoured to be due to a “suspicious car on the tram tracks” outside Myer.

Shopper Arthur Mendoza said police had blocked off Little Bourke St, between Elizabeth St and Swanston St, as well.

A police officer at the scene. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia

Empty Bourke St Mall during the investigation. Picture: Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia

He said he was inside Emporium shopping centre, trying to get through to Myer, but was unable to.

Jane, who did not wish to give her surname, said she was shopping inside Zara when police came in and ordered everyone to leave just after 1.30pm.

“They just sounded the alarm and said attention everyone, everyone to evacuate,” she said.

“I was in the change room, I left my singlet in there.”

She said it was “very busy” inside.

The MFB also arrived at the scene. Police removed cordons by 2.50pm.

The incident comes two days after the Myer at Chadstone was the subject of a threat, leading to police action.

shannon.deery@news.com.au

Finals preview: North Melbourne v Essendon - The Age

Dyson Heppell shone the last time Essendon played North Melbourne. Photo: Getty Images

Second elimination final

North Melbourne v Essendon

Saturday, 7.15pm, MCG

Selection table

A big second half was enough for finals-bound North Melbourne to secure the ... - Herald Sun

The North Melbourne Kangaroos have overcome AFL rivals the Melbourne Demons 123-93 at Etihad Stadium.

Jack Watts can’t catch Daniel Wells. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

THAT’S the trouble with dress rehearsals.

You put on all the gear, make all the right noises and go through the motions on the stage itself, but you can’t really replicate the real thing.

For North Melbourne, this was supposed to be a game where it could hone its game style, blow out a few pre-finals cobwebs and give some fringe players the chance to push their selection credentials ahead of September.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott addresses the media after his side's 123-93 win over Melbourne.

The problem is that when there is nothing especially meaningful at stake, it can be difficult to play at full intensity. Sydney and Essendon both seemed to struggle with the same issue earlier in the day.

In the opening 10 minutes, the Kangaroos looked like they were keen to make a statement. They banged on three unanswered goals, the first from a Jack Ziebell contested mark at the top of the goalsquare, the next from free-kick awarded after a ferocious Drew Petrie tackle on James Frawley.

But soon enough the edge came off North’s game and it was scrapping away at the same standard as a bottom-two team, fumbling and turning the ball over with poor decisions and lazy disposals.

Jack Ziebell pumps his fist after the final siren. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The Roos allowed Melbourne to kick six of the next nine goals and get out to a 12-point lead before upping the ante and drawing level at half-time.

Thereafter the Roos dominated as the game opened up and Melbourne started to become ragged, with the end of their season looming large.

So what do North fans take from this dead rubber?

Melbourne Demons coach Paul Roos addresses the media after his side's 123-93 loss to North Melbourne.

There were times – usually when the ball was moved on quickly - when the North forward line looked potent. The hard-working Petrie and Ben Brown combined well as viable tall marking targets, and brought crumbers like Leigh Adams and Kane Turner into the contest.

Turner, who resembles a smaller version of premiership defender Dean Laidley and attacks the footy in a similarly reckless manner, sets a stellar example for his teammates in the one-percenter department and also brings an energy to the North line-up.

In the attacking half coach Brad Scott also continued his tactic of rotating the likes of Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington through full-forward and they will be handy pinch-hitters when required to bob up and kick goals in finals.

Umpire Jordan Bannister talks with Chris Dawes after a free kick. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Playing in just his second game in four months, Daniel Wells, whose polish and run adds another dimension to team, ran out the game well, finishing with 20 possessions. He was used at centre clearances in the final quarter, and one slashing run out of traffic midway through the term helped set up a Mason Wood goal.

Wood put in a useful effort on debut, booting three goals playing as a marking mid-sized forward. He may struggle to retain his spot in the 22 when reinforcements arrive next week, but his clean skills earmark him as a bright prospect.

For Melbourne, it was more of what they have seen throughout the season. They had a crack and look like they have a better structure and game plan than in previous seasons. But the turnovers and wasted chances are incredibly frustrating.

Mason Wood kicked a few goals in his AFL debut. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

About 90 seconds before half-time, with the Demons seven points up and in possession deep in their backline, their runner came charging onto the field signalling for the team to slow it down and retain the football. The very next kick was back into the corridor at centre half-back and resulted in an Aaron Mullet goal.

Early in the last quarter, Chris Dawes, one of Melbourne’s better performers on the night, showed exactly how frustrating he found the whole affair when he conceded three free kicks for high contact within a four-minute spell. One of them, an elbow to Andrew Swallow’s chin, could attract the attention of the match review panel.

For the Demons, there is plenty of hard work to be done over summer, but for the Roos, the dress rehearsal was safely negotiated and the opening night of the finals awaits.