Two clubs produced perfect scores across a defining weekend of footy.
But two clubs were lucky they narrowly avoided fail grades as North’s
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 16 Report Card.
ADELAIDE CROWS
The Crows matched it with the reigning premiers for parts of their clash at Adelaide Oval, and took steps to show improvement in 2022. After going down three goals to start the contest, the Crows fought back to level things up by winning the ball in the middle. Facing a Demons side missing both Max Gawn and Luke Jackson, the Crows dominated the hit out count, finishing +44 but they couldn’t make the most of their advantage for the full four quarters.
In the votes
Ben Keays racked up 30 disposals and two goals against a top Melbourne midfield, while Jordan Dawson did his best to repel the Demons attack with eight intercepts. He finished the match with 30 disposals, almost 650m gained and seven inside 50s. Taylor Walker had seven score assists as he continues to help his younger teammates find their feet.
Room for improvement
Big Darcy Fogarty had a dirty day after his early goal in the opening term. A shocking dislocated finger was compounded by likely scrutiny for his cheap shot on former teammate-now Dee Jake Lever. Fogarty finished with just six disposals. Young Josh Rachele had a tough night, with just five disposals while James Rowe struggled to make an impact with 11 disposals.
BRISBANE LIONS
A response was needed from the Lions after last week’s thumping at the hands of Melbourne and that’s exactly what we got, with Brisbane storming clear by the end of it to record a 41-point win over a side that’s been in decent form. Injuries to Daniel Rich and Dayne Zorko are big blows to a side that has been so dynamic and precise out of its back-half. Still, the win was the most important thing given how tight it is at the top.
In the votes
Lachie Neale was huge as he has been so often this year, finishing with 33 disposals (14 contested), one goal and seven tackles. Hugh McCluggage was one of the only good performers last week and thrived again. Keidean Coleman played his best game yet off half-back and was crucial in the absence of Zorko early. Jarrod Berry was another who was good.
Room for improvement
The Dogs were dominant early and should’ve been further ahead. Harris Andrews has shown signs of his All-Australian best but had some uncharacteristic showings in the back-half. Other than that, it was a strong showing.
Grade
A+
CARLTON
The Blues had the chance to cement themselves in the top four on Friday night and blew it. Inaccuracy cruelled any hopes of a Carlton victory with Charlie Curnow the main offender with 1.4. They took a remarkable 15 marks inside 50 but could only manage 10 goals for their efforts. The Blues were +27 in contested possessions and +12 in free kicks but just couldn’t put it on the scoreboard. The loss puts a dent in Carlton’s top four hopes with seven games remaining.
In the votes
Sam Walsh tried to drag his side to victory, despite their inaccuracy in front of goal. He had 33 disposals, six clearances, five intercepts and five inside 50s. Patrick Cripps had 31 disposals – 19 of those contested, and was praised for his leadership early when the Saints were firing out of the blocks. Young Jesse Motlop made the most of his opportunities in front of goal with 3.1 from nine touches.
Room for improvement
Charlie Curnow had a woeful night, with just 1.4 from his nine disposals – despite being up against a weakened Saints defence. Corey Durdin was restricted to just 10 touches and didn’t hit the scoreboard. Adam Cerra had a quiet night on his return to the line up, with 16 touches. Tom de Koning was beaten in the ruck by the more experienced Paddy Ryder, and had just 12 disposals for the match.
Grade
D
COLLINGWOOD
The Magpies secured a remarkable sixth straight win with a thrilling fightback against Gold Coast. But the win has been soured by a potentially serious knee injury to star Darcy Moore, who was placed on the stretcher and taken from the field. Despite finishing -8 in the inside 50 count and -11 in clearances, the Pies defence stood tall to secure the four points. Collingwood won just four centre clearances for the match but managed 17 marks inside 50 in dewy Gold Coast conditions.
In the votes
The Daicos brothers stole the show on the Gold Coast, with Nick almost cementing his Rising Star award with 37 disposals at almost 90 efficiency and seven score involvements. The older Josh kicked three straight goals, on a night when accuracy was an issue for both teams, from 19 disposals. Steele Sidebottom stepped up when the match was on the line, and finished with 27 touches. Isaac Quaynor was a rock in defence with a game-high 12 intercepts while Jack Ginnivan made the most of almost every opportunity. He finished with 3.1 – and one out of bounds on the full after spraying a set shot from directly in front.
Room for improvement
After a dominant few weeks, Pies ruck duo Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron struggled to get into the match against the Gold Coast in slippery conditions. Cox had just four touches to half time and one mark. Neither of the ruck duo hit the scoreboard against the Suns. Jordan De Goey’s return didn’t go to plan, wracking up just 11 touches as he struggled to get into the contest. Brody Mihocek had a moment he’d like to forget in a tight contest. After taking a great mark on the goal line, Mihocek tried to play on quickly and got his snap touched by his opponent, as the shot sailed wide. Mihocek finished with just 1.1 from 13 touches.
Grade
B+
ESSENDON
What a win by the Bombers and a great way to respond to last week’s loss against West Coast. There were key players everywhere but the resolve and effort was clearly a focus heading into the game judging by interviews pre and post-match with players. Both of those aspects were on full display against Sydney. Two wins from three games now and maybe they can finish the year off with a bang to salvage something from the season.
In the votes
Zach Merrett was huge, kicking three goals to go with his 24 disposals. Nick Hind kicked the sealing goal and was great all day, while Jake Kelly and Dyson Heppell offered plenty in defence. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher was enormous in defence, Ben Hobbs was huge in the final quarter and Massimo D’Ambrosio has slotted into the side brilliantly since being picked up in the mid-season rookie draft. Of course, Jake Stringer was huge in the final quarter.
Room for improvement
The Bombers were once again picked apart on turnover by their opponents, which led to a considerable Swans lead before they were eventually reigned in. Even then, the Bombers are lucky Sydney missed so many chances in front of goal. The main issues are what led to such a big Swans lead, whereas everything that came after it was fantastic.
Grade
A+
FREMANTLE
Phew. That was a close call. The Dockers on Sunday night almost blew a 40-point lead, holding on for an eight-point victory over a fast-finishing Port Adelaide at home. Despite the late scare, there were ample positive signs for the Dockers, particularly with their young midfield standing up despite Nat Fyfe spending the whole game inside 50. They’re now well placed to finish inside the top four.
In the votes
James Aish’s career-best season continued, booting two goals from 29 touches and eight marks as he showed off great versatility. Jordan Clark had a career-high 29 disposals and went at 87 per cent efficiency by foot. And speaking of career games, Rory Lobb booted five goals, including three in the third term when the Dockers got on a roll. Andy Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Will Brodie all had 25-plus disposals, while ruckman Sean Darcy was colossal, finishing with 21 disposals, 16 contested possessions and game-high clearances (9) and score involvements (9), while 10 of his 38 hit-outs went to the advantage of a teammate.
Room for improvement
There would’ve been ample red faces among the Dockers camp if the team had coughed up that 40-point lead. Justin Longmuir’s side “stopped” and “looked all at sea” in the fourth term, according to club legend Matthew Pavlich, as they allowed the Power too much space through the corridor. As coach Longmuir pointed out post-game, the Dockers dropped their intensity, lost their method and turned the footy over in areas that made it hard to defend. Individually, Michael Walters struggled for rhythm in his first game back from a sideline stint, finishing goalless from six disposals.
Grade
B+
GEELONG CATS
That’s as close to Geelong pornography as it gets: A massive win at GMHBA Stadium against a lowly team that’s nowhere near the same class as the Cats at the moment. After the Roos broke even with them in the first term, the Cats found a scary gear across the final three terms, kicking eight goals to two to run out 112-point winners. It was Geelong’s biggest win over North Melbourne since Round 13, 1981 and the biggest win by any team so far this season. Above all, it was a big percentage-booster for the Cats that put some separation between them and Brisbane and Fremantle in the top four.
In the votes
Maybe people now genuinely have to start looking at Jeremy Cameron as the best player in the competition. He kicked four goals from an equal career-high 30 disposals and 10 marks. Partner in forward crime Tom Hawkins added six majors as he dined out on a depleted North backline. Mitch Duncan starred in his 250th game with 30 disposals, 10 score involvements and a remarkable kicking efficiency of 91 per cent. Cameron Guthrie, Isaac Smith and Mark Blicavs all found plenty of the footy, while Patrick Dangerfield showed glimpses of his explosive best in a successful return game.
Room for improvement
Nothing to see here.
Grade
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns’ finals hopes now hang by a thread after the heartbreaking nine-point loss to Collingwood at home. Gold Coast finished +19 in contested possessions, +11 in clearances and +8 for inside 50s but just couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard. The Suns went inside 50 at just 35% efficiency which no doubt frustrated coach Stuart Dew.
In the votes
Jarrod Witts played a solo ruck role against the Pies duo of Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron, and came out on top. He had 30 hit-outs, 12 disposals and two clearances. Touk Miller defied a second quarter head knock to rack up 31 touches, 10 clearances and lay 10 tackles. Izak Rankine stepped up on a dewy night to kick 4.1 and build the Suns an impressive lead that they ultimately couldn’t hold onto.
Room for improvement
Gold Coast’s big forward duo of Mabior Chol and Levi Casboult struggled for an impact. They had just 17 touches between them with Chol kicking 1.1 and Casboult 1.2. Aside from a beautiful moment when James Tsitas dished out the hands when he could have had a shot at his first goal in AFL, the debutant had a tough night and struggled to get involved.
Grade
GWS GIANTS
It was never going to be pretty given the conditions, but well done to the Giants for getting the job done in relatively convincing fashion. They looked more adept in the conditions early on and then charged home after being tested by the Hawks in the middle of the match. They’re now 3-3 under Mark McVeigh, but they showed promise in those losses, which came against Brisbane at the Gabba, Western Bulldogs and Collingwood at the MCG. It does seem a freer type of football they’re playing and it’s reaping rewards for the most part so far.
In the votes
Callum Brown was a late inclusion and was arguably the best player on the ground, kicking four goals and playing a huge role in the win, which has surely earned him a spot next week at the very least. Jesse Hogan played like it was a dry-weather game and was dominant. Tim Taranto, Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio led the way in the middle, while Lachie Whitfield is working his way back into some decent form.
Room for improvement
Hawthorn was able to peg back margins a couple of times, with both sides struggling to stem the flow when momentum was going the other way. It was a pretty impressive performance barring that, however.
Grade
HAWTHORN
Like most of the year, Hawthorn lost without being humiliated. It was odd to see them struggle with the conditions early given Sam Mitchell has been so good at coaching the side on a week-to-week basis. Losses continue to mount but the development is there and they’ll add a high-end draft pick to their pool at year’s end. It is starting to feel like more of the same each week though, so at least one more win before the end of the season is needed.
In the votes
Tom Mitchell loved the conditions and thrived with 35 disposals, while Harry Morrison and Jaeger O’Meara were both solid throughout. James Sicily didn’t have much elegance in his game given the conditions but repelled the ball a lot when needed.
Room for improvement
They’re still way too easy to score against and were edged out in virtually every key statistic by a side not that much further above them on the ladder. James Worpel’s season goes from bad to worse with a dislocated shoulder.
Grade
C
MELBOURNE
The Demons showed why they are the premiership favourites with a blistering start against the Crows. A positional shift for star Christian Petracca gave Melbourne another notch to their attack end, while Sam Weideman stepped up in the ruck at late notice, given Luke Jackson’s withdrawal. While challenged for patches, Melbourne got the job done to stay at the top of the AFL table.
In the votes
Christian Petracca continues to show why he is one of the best players in the competition, by shifting forward and still dominating. He had kicked just nine goals from 40 attempts in 2022, but found his radar against the Crows with three goals from his 33 disposals. Mitch Brown kicked two goals in his return to the senior line up. The Dees defence of Steven May, Jake Lever, Harrison Petty and Angus Brayshaw set a new club record for intercept marks, breaking the record of 28.
Room for improvement
Bayley Fritsch had a quiet day in his 100th game, with just eight touches and one goal. Kysaiah Pickett struggled to find the footy, with just seven disposals and two tackles.
Grade
A
NORTH MELBOURNE
It’s getting worse. That’s now 13 consecutive losses for David Noble’s Kangaroos — and it was their biggest one yet, going down to Geelong by 112 points. The Roos matches the Cats in the first term with three goals apiece, but conceded 18 goals to two across the final three quarters as their spirit broke. They’re not the first – and certainly won’t be the last – team to cop a Cats thumping at GMHBA Stadium, but there was a sense Saturday night’s loss could be the one that cranks up the internal heat on Noble.
In the votes
Slim pickings, but the midfield had a crack and matched the Cats in clearance and contested possession for all quarters except the third. Luke Davies-Uniacke had a 35-disposal haul — the second-biggest of his career — to go with 17 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven marks and six tackles. Jy Simpkin, Jed Anderson and Hugh Greenwood also battled hard at the coalface, while Jaidyn Stephenson had 25 touches.
Room for improvement
Hard to know where to start. The fact the Roos had just 25 inside 50s for an entire game is diabolical and bewildering. But Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna said Roos fans shouldn’t solely blame the players for Saturday night’s performance, claiming their effort was good for most of the game and instead pointing to the coaching group’s inability to help the players implement mid-game changes. Montagna said this was on the coaching staff, not the players.
Grade
F
PORT ADELAIDE
The Power almost pulled off a miracle comeback but, ultimately, left too much too late as they went down to Fremantle by eight points. The Dockers were cruising towards a big win, leading by 40 points in the third term before the Power kicked six of the next seven goals. They had their chances to pinch the win in the dying minutes but couldn’t capitalise, meaning the club’s finals hopes are hanging by a thread.
In the votes
Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines put in a genuine four-quarter game, finishing with 39 disposals, 17 contested possessions and six score involvements. Fox Footy’s Brad Johnson joked during the second term Wines would need a serious shoulder rub at half-time as he’d been carrying his team during the first half. But fellow veteran Travis Boak lifted his output after quarter-time, finishing with 32 disposals for the game. Connor Rozee was all class, booting two goals from 21 touches, while Charlie Dixon was monstrous in the final term, booting 2.1 from eight disposals, three tackles and two clearances for the quarter alone playing as a ruck-forward. Coach Ken Hinkley post-game said Dixon “could be an elite ruckman”, but added he knew how important he was to the team inside 50.
Room for improvement
Robbie Gray and Todd Marshall are the two most reliable Port players you’d want taking important shots under pressure. But both squandered gettable shots in the dying minutes. Yet Hinkley refused to blame the forward pair for the loss, saying: “When you put yourself that far behind (-40 points), you probably don’t deserve to win.” The Dockers kicked 10 goals to five across the second and third terms in a period where the Power were thumped in contested possessions (-19) and clearances (-7). Aliir Aliir had a tough day on Rory Lobb, conceding five goals to the Dockers big man while managing just 10 disposals and one intercept mark.
Grade
B-
RICHMOND
The Tigers stamped their finals credentials with a big win over West Coast. The victory was soured by injury to star Dustin Martin, but the club says it was just precautionary to sub him out of the contest. The Tigers finished down on inside 50s -4, -6 in clearances and -19 in contested possessions but still managed to punish the Eagles by kicking 20 goals.
In the votes
Marlion Pickett had a day out for the Tigers, finishing with 25 touches, two goals, eight intercepts and two big contested marks. Dustin Martin was back to his brilliant best in the first half before his hamstring tightness saw his day ending in the third quarter. Martin had 17 disposals and a trademark goal from stoppage inside forward 50. Dan Rioli had one of his best games in recent memory, with 28 touches, three clearances and a goal.
Room for improvement
Liam Baker was well-held for three quarters before getting off the chain late. The out-of-contract Baker had just one touch to quarter time. Ivan Soldo could only manage five disposals, one mark and nine hit-outs playing as the back up ruck and failed to hit the scoreboard.
Grade
B+
ST KILDA
The Saints arrested a three-game losing streak with a 15-point win over the Blues. Big man Max King sacrificed his own game for the team, playing at times as a “decoy” and leading out into the pockets in a bid to bring his fellow forwards into the game. King has been one of the most targeted players in the game, with critics labelling the Saints’ attack as predictable. The return of Paddy Ryder helped spark the Saints’ clearance game, as St Kilda finished +11 in clearances, +5 clearances and +32 in marks.
In the votes
With Max King making space, Tim Membrey kicked four goals from his 10 disposals while King managed one goal in each of the final three quarters. Paddy Ryder was influential in the ruck with 31 disposals and two goals from 11 touches. Jack Sinclair and Brad Hill got on top of the Blues, with Matt Cottrell sent to Hill to try and curb his influence. But that allowed Sinclair to get off the chain, as he racked up 37 disposals, eight intercepts, more than 600m gained and six inside 50s. Hill still managed 27 touches.
Room for improvement
Josh Battle had a tough day at the office. He was sent to man the bigger Harry McKay after Dougal Howard went down with injury to start the third term. While McKay was wayward with his goal kicking, he had the better of Battle. Without Howard down back, the defence conceded a whopping 15 marks inside 50.
Grade
A
SYDNEY SWANS
This will be a bitter pill to swallow for the Swans given how tight the ladder is. They could’ve finished as high as fourth but instead sit in eighth at the close of the round. There were a lot of missed opportunities in the game itself, too, which continue to show why the Swans aren’t premiership contenders this year. Next year could be a different story, but they’re simply too inconsistent and too bare in the middle of the ground to be a genuine premiership threat.
In the votes
Chad Warner has played some enormous games this season and Saturday’s was another, finishing with 25 disposals and three goals. Luke Parker was great in game 250 before falling away in the final term. Lance Franklin kicked a couple of goals and Tom Papley should’ve kicked at least three. Paddy McCartin started well before fading out of the contest.
Room for improvement
They allowed a 26-point lead to vanish and butchered so many chances in front of goal. Their clearance game continues to fall apart around the ground and with Callum Mills below his best and Isaac Heeney hobbled it showed how thin the mix is in the engine room. It remains an area in desperate need of addressing if they’re to play finals and be any threat in them.
Grade
D-
WEST COAST EAGLES
The Eagles took it to Richmond for three quarters with an altered game style that could pave the way for other teams to build on. West Coast were handball-happy against the Tigers in a bid to draw the spare defender up to the ball. Forwards like Liam Ryan and Jake Waterman were then able to find space out the back in a promising sign for the remainder of West Coast’s season. The Eagles ended up winning a host of crucial stats including contested ball, clearances and inside 50s. But they just lacked the polish and fell away in the fourth term.
In the votes
Tim Kelly had arguably his best game in blue and gold at the MCG on Saturday. He finished with a whopping 40 disposals, nine clearances and 2.1 – after only managing two goals all season. Nic Naitanui was back in a big way for West Coast, finishing with 19 touches, two tackles and 26 hit-outs in his first game back from injury suffered in Round 4. Young Brady Hough showed plenty off the halfback, with 20 disposals – at 95% efficiency and 10 marks.
Room for improvement
Out-of-contract ruck Bailey Williams had a day to forget. Given the nod ahead of young Callum Jamieson to partner Naitanui, Williams struggled to have an impact and made several crucial errors in the loss. He finished his day with just six touches and 11 hit-outs. Elliot Yeo suffered another soft tissue issue in a massive blow for the club. Since his osteitis pubis battle cut short his 2020, Yeo has managed just 17 games due to a host of injuries.
Grade
B-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Lions were slight favourites, but a margin in excess of 40 points is never good, especially when percentage will play such a big part in the run home. The midfield battle was well fought, but the ability to repel sides’ attacks continues to be a big issue. It’s a tough run home for them and things won’t get any easier. Finals are looking more unlikely than likely as things sit.
In the votes
Tom Liberatore was huge in the middle as always, while up forward Aaron Naughton generated a couple of chances. Bailey Dale offered some good rebound and Marcus Bontempelli was on fire early before he and the side faded out of the match.
Room for improvement
Their ability to stop sides from getting off the chain up forward is a serious concern whenever the opposition is able to counter-attack, which Brisbane did often. Too many of the sides’ players faded out of the game after a solid opening quarter and they just flat out fell away once the result was beyond doubt.
Grade
D
