Back in the hunt! Richmond’s Noah Balta reacts to the final siren sounding a comeback victory. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
FREMANTLE 5.9 (39) lost to MELBOURNE 12.13 (85)
Jake Melksham’s treatment of a Fremantle fans’ jumper that hung over the fence (with “Jackson 6” printed on the back to goad the visiting Demons) was a forerunner to his side’s rag-dolling of the hosts once the ball was bounced. Melksham snatched the merchandise and discarded it on the ground as the brilliant Jack Viney, Christian Petracca and recently re-signed Angus Brayshaw marched out to dominate the midfield battle. James Aish limited Clayton Oliver’s influence, but Melbourne had too many winners as Kysaiah Pickett and Bayley Fritsch kicked three goals each. The Dockers’ poor performance and completely ineffective attack raised more questions over their form in wet conditions as Melbourne dominated contested possession (163-137) and inside-50s (60-40).
COLLINGWOOD 13.10 (88) defeated PORT ADELAIDE 12.10 (82)
Another week, another Jack Ginnivan free-kick storm – and yet another heart-stopping Collingwood victory. Make that a record nine wins for the Magpies by margins smaller than two goals this season, including eight in their current 10-game winning streak. Jordan De Goey kicked two goals from 23 disposals on his return from injury and Ginnivan was important with three goals despite the controversy. Port Adelaide had the top five ball-winners on the ground with Travis Boak (27 disposals, two goals) and Zak Butters (25, two) among its best. But as has been the case all year – and as Ken Hinkley admitted post-match – the Power were just not quite good enough when it mattered most. Collingwood was the more efficient side, but lost tough midfielder Taylor Adams to a groin injury.
SYDNEY 17.10 (112) defeated GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 5.9 (39)
It was one-way traffic in the “Battle of the Bridge” as big brother Sydney asserted its authority in emphatic fashion, posting its biggest win over the Giants in almost seven years. GWS produced two goalless quarters in a limp display. Errol Gulden kicked two goals from a career-best 33 disposals in a superb performance for the Swans, who had five of the top six ball-winners on the ground. Luke Parker (34 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances) won his fifth Brett Kirk Medal – and third in a row – while Jake Lloyd and Callum Mills were busy as always. Isaac Heeney, Lance Franklin and Sam Reid kicked three goals each, with Franklin involved in an enthralling battle with young Giants star Sam Taylor. Damningly for GWS, it finished -115 in disposals and also -23 in tackles despite the lop-sided possession statistic. Interim coach Mark McVeigh later conceded the Giants “embarrassed our club”.
ST KILDA 10.15 (75) defeated HAWTHORN 9.9 (63)
A largely uninspiring contest looked just about over when St Kilda’s lead blew out to 44 points midway through the third term. The Saints had dominated contested ball, with Brad Crouch, Jack Steele and returning veteran Dan Hannebery among their best. But Hawthorn wouldn’t die wondering. Having kicked just one goal to that point – and down three men with Mitch Lewis, Jacob Koschitzke and Josh Morris off injured – they kicked eight of the last 10 majors to get within two kicks. The Saints eventually held on for a win that could prove crucial in a tight finals race. Injury-plagued Hannebery finished with 27 disposals, five clearances and a goal in his first match of the season.
GEELONG 14.10 (94) defeated WESTERN BULLDOGS 9.12 (66)
Having conceded the first four goals and trailing by 11 points at half-time in Joel Selwood’s 350th game, the Cats produced one of the most dominant quarters of the season to turn the contest on its head and salute their long-time captain in fine style. Tom Hawkins and Tyson Stengle kicked two goals each as Geelong piled on 8.2 to 0.3 for the third term, running away with a convincing win to stay a game clear on top of the ladder. Gary Rohan and Jeremy Cameron also booted two goals as Cam Guthrie and Patrick Dangerfield delighted in the work of Cats debutant Jon Ceglar in the ruck. Cody Weightman kicked three goals for the Bulldogs and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan added two, while Josh Dunkley booted two from 24 disposals.
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ADELAIDE 12.12 (84) defeated CARLTON 8.7 (55)
Ben Keays was superb in a defensive role on Adam Saad, kicking three goals and handing off four assists from his 22 disposals as Adelaide snapped a four-match losing streak with an upset win at home. The Crows led by just four points at half-time, but kicked seven goals to three after the main break to seal the result. Taylor Walker booted three goals while Darcy Fogarty kicked two – he brushed off three tacklers on the way to snapping his second – and hauled in a spectacular mark with a ride on Mitch McGovern. Patrick Cripps (41 disposals) and Sam Walsh (40) had a stack of ball for Carlton, but couldn’t drag their side over the line as Charlie Curnow (two goals) and Harry McKay (one) were relatively well held. The Blues lost contested possession (155-141) for just the second time this season, and are now winless from six trips to Adelaide Oval.
GOLD COAST 16.11 (107) defeated WEST COAST 16.8 (104)
Mabior Chol’s career-best haul of five goals was crucial as Gold Coast kept its finals flame flickering with a nervy win over the lowly Eagles. The result wasn’t settled until the final minute when the Suns, leading by three points, won the clearance and found a sealer through Malcolm Rosas with 15 seconds left to play. Even then, another West Coast goal to Jamaine Jones on the siren showed just how close the visitors had been to pinching it. Touk Miller (31 disposals) starred and Izak Rankine booted three goals for the Suns, while Eagles veteran Jack Darling matched his career-best haul with half a dozen majors.
RICHMOND 15.14 (104) defeated BRISBANE 14.13 (97)
Tiger veteran Shane Edwards’ 300th game wasn’t going to plan in the first half as the home side fell 42 points behind. But an epic fightback saw Richmond overpower its opponent in the second half to pinch a thrilling win and give its finals hopes a huge boost. Noah Cumberland made a costly decision to play on at the end of the previous week’s draw with Fremantle but redeemed himself with five goals against the Lions. Tom Lynch kicked four, including the sealer after Darcy Gardiner’s turnover in the dying stages. Eric Hipwood (four goals) and Joe Daniher (three) were threats for Brisbane, which managed just three goals to Richmond’s 10 in the second half. The result extended the Lions’ long losing run at the MCG to 11 matches, their last victory at the ground in 2014.
ESSENDON 17.12 (114) defeated NORTH MELBOURNE 9.12 (66)
Jake Stringer’s three goals in the first quarter gave Essendon a platform to build on in a scrappy encounter that won’t have too many fans calling up the replay any time soon. “The Package” finished with five majors in a superb display. James Stewart played forward and kicked three goals for the Bombers, who had Zach Merrett (38 disposals), Dyson Heppell (28), Nick Hind (24) and Mason Redman (32) to thank for giving them plenty of drive. Cam Zurhaar booted four goals for North Melbourne but Nick Larkey was held goalless by Brandon Zerk-Thatcher. The result was Essendon’s fifth win in its last seven games.
