Ollie Wines kicks a critical last quarter goal in Port Adelaide’s come-from-behind win over Collingwood. Photo: AFL MEDIA
BRISBANE15.12 (102) defeated RICHMOND 11.8 (74)
Rhys Mathieson was the agitator and Mitch Robinson landed a huge tackle on Dustin Martin as Brisbane put the reigning premiers to the sword in another impressive performance that extended its winning streak to six matches. The Tigers’ depleted midfield was outpointed as Hugh McCluggage, Jarryd Lyons and Dayne Zorko continued their strong form for the Lions in the ongoing the absence of Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale. Zac Bailey and Eric Hipwood kicked four goals each for Brisbane while Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch kicked three apiece for Richmond. A lop-sided free kick count (28-16) fell the home side’s way, much to Damien Hardwick’s chagrin, and Tiger Marlion Pickett was offered a one-week ban for a high hit on Brandon Starcevich.
CARLTON 13.8 (86) defeated HAWTHORN 9.9 (63)
David Teague’s half-time spray in the changeroom had the desired effect as the Blues overcame some defensive lapses and did enough in the second half to outlast a gallant Hawthorn. Sam Walsh, Sam Docherty and Ed Curnow were big for Carlton and Coleman Medal leader Harry McKay kicked two important second-half goals under close watch from Kyle Hartigan. Tom Mitchell had 44 disposals for Hawthorn and Luke Breust kicked three goals, but it wasn’t enough. Teammate Jaeger O’Meara was left worse for wear after a heavy collision late in a defeat that left the Hawks (2-8) with their worst record after 10 rounds in Alastair Clarkson’s 17-year tenure.
GEELONG 14.7 (91) defeated GOLD COAST 8.9 (57)
There looked a chance of an upset when Gold Coast closed to within five points early in the third quarter, but Geelong kicked seven of the next eight goals to put the result to bed. Already without Patrick Dangerfield, the Cats lost Mitch Duncan to concussion before half-time, but Quinton Narkle (34 disposals) stood up in one of his best performances to date. Joel Selwood was everywhere as Jeremy Cameron led the home side’s goal-kicking with three majors. That tally was matched by Ben King at the other end and Touk Miller found plenty of the ball on return from suspension. Former Cats ruckman Zac Smith kicked one goal from nine disposals for Gold Coast in his first AFL match since 2019. The Suns have now lost all seven trips to Kardinia Park by an average margin of 72 points.
ADELAIDE 15.16 (96) defeated MELBOURNE 14.11 (95)
“If you’re going to have a player from your team at 40 metres, dead in front, he is the guy to have with the ball,” Crows coach Matthew Nicks said post-match. That player? Taylor Walker. Rested in round nine, the re-invigorated veteran returned and stood up when it counted as the Crows kicked three goals in the final seven minutes to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year. There was controversy at the end – not for the first time this season – when the umpires swallowed their whistles and didn’t penalise fifth-gamer Nick Murray for deliberate out of bounds in the final minute. Melbourne could easily have been awarded a last-ditch shot at a dramatic victory, but its winning streak ended at nine matches. Clayton Oliver almost dragged the Dees over the line with 38 disposals – 27 contested – 13 clearances, nine tackles and three goals. Christian Petracca also put in a superb individual display for Melbourne as Ben Keays, Paul Seedsman and Rory Laird starred for the Crows.
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WESTERN BULLDOGS 21.18 (144) defeated ST KILDA 5.3 (33)
Adam Treloar’s ankle injury soured what was otherwise another pleasing night under the roof for the Bulldogs, who surged into premiership favouritism and top spot on the ladder with a second triple-figure win of the season. Marcus Bontempelli (26 disposals, four goals) was the standout in a strong team display as Aaron Naughton (five) and Josh Bruce (three) combined for eight goals. Tom Liberatore had 17 score involvements and Jack Macrae 14 as the so-called lesser lights, such as Lachlan McNeil (seven tackles), stood up across the board. Saints coach Brett Ratten said his side’s issues are “all above the shoulders” and forecast selection changes after the insipid display. Alarmingly, St Kilda was thumped in the tackle count (74-48).
FREMANTLE 12.14 (86) defeated SYDNEY 13.6 (84)
Nat Fyfe’s goalkicking has been so wayward this season that when he slotted the match-winner at Optus Stadium, it should have come as no surprise that it was a hacked snap out of congestion. But the Dockers skipper didn’t care that it wobbled and slid through, later declaring his “relief” at snapping a three-match losing skid. A see-sawing contest saw Lance Franklin kick half-a-dozen goals for the Swans, who had ruckman Tom Hickey battle through a knee injury. Sydney’s efficiency from far fewer chances in attack kept the Swans in it as Fremantle dominated the inside-50 count (69-45) without really making the visitors pay. Brennan Cox (five) and Rory Lobb (four) combined for nine contested marks in telling contributions at either end for the Dockers. Fyfe was huge with 29 disposals and 13 clearances, including five at the centre bounce.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 13.15 (93) defeated WEST COAST 11.11 (77)
GWS led by four points at three-quarter time and took until the final few minutes to shake off the Eagles in an arm-wrestle, with Bobby Hill’s two late goals ultimately decisive. The result catapulted the Giants back into the top eight and could have huge ramifications for both sides’ fortunes as they jostle for finals spots. Jeremy Finlayson kicked three goals on return from suspension and Josh Kelly led from the front as stand-in captain in the absence of injured teammates Stephen Coniglio and Toby Greene. Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield, Jacob Hopper and Tom Green all impressed for the home side, while Nic Naitanui and Tim Kelly were among the Eagles’ best. Former captain Shannon Hurn became West Coast’s all-time games record holder, passing Dean Cox’s mark in his 291st AFL game.
COLLINGWOOD 8.10 (58) lost to PORT ADELAIDE 8.11 (59)
A largely dour contest produced an epic final few minutes with plenty on the line for both clubs despite them sitting at opposite ends of the ladder. Flag hopefuls Port had trailed by as much as 26 points during the second quarter, but snatched the lead with the first four goals of the final term. Sam Powell-Pepper made John Noble pay for a bad error and Ollie Wines looked to have sealed a Power win before late goals to Collingwood youngsters Beau McCreery and Caleb Poulter cut the visitors’ lead back to one point with enough time remaining. Ultimately, it was Port who hung on in a desperate finish. Earlier, Collingwood’s banner crew fired the first shot of the day as the “jumper debate” raged on in the background, and the Pies kicked the first four goals of the match. Robbie Gray kicked three goals for Port as Wines and Travis Boak starred in the midfield, while Taylor Adams was one of Collingwood’s best on return from injury.
ESSENDON 22.9 (141) defeated NORTH MELBOURNE 10.9 (69)
The Kangaroos registered their first win of the season in round nine but came crashing back to earth, made to look second-rate by an old rival in a comprehensive defeat. Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Andrew McGrath starred for Essendon in the midfield, while Peter Wright, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Harrison Jones each kicked three goals. Most pleasing for the Bombers was the even spread of contributors across the ground. Cam Zurhaar provided one moment for North fans to enjoy when he took a ride on Jayden Laverde and pulled down a mark of the year contender, but it was one of the rare occasions when the Kangas were on top.
