Essendon’s Sam Draper and Massimo D’Ambrosio after the latter’s winning goal against North Melbourne. Photo: AFL MEDIA
MELBOURNE 8.13 (61) defeated CARLTON 6.8 (44)
It wasn’t pretty but Simon Goodwin didn’t care, instead taking pleasure from his side’s domination in stoppages and contested possession as it got back on track after consecutive losses over the preceding fortnight. Harry McKay kicked three goals for Carlton but was again wayward late in the match, while Christian Petracca (32 touches, seven clearances) and Jack Viney (20, seven) got to work for the Dees in injured midfielder Clayton Oliver’s absence. Steven May shut Charlie Curnow out of the game and Max Gawn stood up for Melbourne in the final term. Despite perfect conditions under lights at the MCG, both sides kicked their lowest score of the season to date in a match that wouldn’t be the subject of many “Name A Game” orders.
PORT ADELAIDE 23.13 (151) defeated HAWTHORN 14.12 (96)
The Power’s ball movement was the highlight as the Hawks’ lack of intensity stuck out like a sore thumb in a first-half thrashing. Port set new club records by posting 105 points in a dominant first half and extending their winning streak to nine matches. The home side led by as much as 96 points at one stage as Jeremy Finlayson kicked a career-best five goals – four of those in the opening term. Todd Marshall (five goals) and Junior Rioli (four) also got in on the scoring act and midfield stars Connor Rozee (29 touches, one goal) and Zak Butters (26, one) shone. Veteran forward Luke Breust was the standout on a dark day for Hawthorn, with his five goals taking him beyond 500 for his career.
WEST COAST 8.9 (57) lost to COLLINGWOOD 18.12 (120)
Jordan De Goey will be suspended for a high bump on Elijah Hewett in an incident that took some of the shine off a Collingwood win that came with an unexpected scare. The injury-ravaged Eagles lost Shannon Hurn (hamstring), Connor West (knee) and Hewett (concussion) to injuries by quarter-time but fought bravely, cutting a 43-point margin back to just 14 before the Magpies kicked away again late in the piece. Senior players Dom Sheed (43 disposals, 10 clearances, one goal), Tim Kelly (29 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) and Elliot Yeo (26 disposals, seven clearances) stood up for West Coast. Nick Daicos (30 disposals, three goals) shone for Collingwood as Bobby Hill, Ash Johnson and Brody Mihocek also booted three goals. But Johnson (corked leg), Beau McCreery (ankle) and Will Hoskin-Elliott (ankle) were all hurt on a bruising day in the west.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 10.15 (75) lost to GEELONG 15.7 (97)
Undermanned Geelong got its premiership defence back on track with a tough win, kicking the last six goals of the game as Tom Stewart (27 touches, one goal) led from the front. Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron and Gary Rohan booted two goals each. The inaccurate Bulldogs kicked 2.7 in the second half to blow a shot at victory. Tim English (27 disposals, 30 hit-outs, four clearances) stood tall and Tom Liberatore (30 touches, seven clearances) had a crack but the Dogs’ night was further soured by Ed Richards’ hamstring injury. They dodged a bullet when Adam Treloar returned to action after what looked like yet another soft tissue setback.
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GOLD COAST 16.16 (112) defeated ADELAIDE 13.9 (87)
A win that could be the making of Stuart Dew’s side this year as it chases a maiden finals appearance. The Suns trailed by 35 points during the second quarter in Darwin but clawed their way back for a triumph that squares their season ledger at 6-6. Matt Rowell (15 disposals, 10 clearances) and Noah Anderson (28, eight) were vital contributors and Jack Lukosius (16 touches, five goals) starred, while Jarrod Witts and Bailey Humphrey also had a say. In his first meeting with his former club, Izak Rankine went goalless for the first time this season. Star Crows defender Tom Doedee sustained a potentially serious knee injury in what could be a huge blow to their finals chances.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 15.14 (104) lost to RICHMOND 16.14 (110)
Marlion Pickett’s goal with 24 seconds left and a series of ball-ups in the middle to ensure time ran down gave Andrew McQualter his first win as Richmond coach, snapping the club’s horror run of near misses in tight games. The Tigers led by 29 points during the second term but the lead changed hands four times in the last before the frantic climax. Jack Riewoldt kicked 5.3 for the visitors and GWS captain Toby Greene booted three majors at the other end. Tim Taranto (35 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) starred for the Tigers against his old side, and Tom Green (35 touches, eight clearances) continued his hot form in an attempt to haul the Giants over the line.
ESSENDON 16.9 (105) defeated NORTH MELBOURNE 15.9 (99)
Massimo D’Ambrosio’s goal with two minutes left clinched victory for the Bombers in a heartstopper under the roof at Marvel Stadium. Zach Merrett had 17 disposals, five clearances and two goals in a hot first term but was kept relatively quiet by Liam Shiels after quarter-time. That helped North work its way back into the contest and six straight goals gave the Roos a 17-point lead during the third quarter. Jye Caldwell (27 touches), Jordan Ridley (21) and Nic Martin (21, two goals) were all important for Essendon, while Cameron Zurhaar (four goals) and key defender Ben McKay tried to get North over the line. Will Phillips (28 disposals), Bailey Scott (19) and Harry Sheezel (21) all impressed for the Kangaroos, whose losing streak now stands at 10 matches.
