Delight and despair: Bailey Banfield celebrated his fourth goal in Fremantle’s win over Brisbane. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
WESTERN BULLDOGS 10.10 (70) lost to GEELONG 12.11 (83)
Bailey Smith made headlines for headbutting Zach Tuohy – a move that has cost him a two-match ban – as the Cats rode a late challenge to post a third consecutive win that put them firmly in top-four contention. It was all Geelong early as Jeremy Cameron kicked three of its seven goals (to the Bulldogs’ one) in the first quarter. The Dogs clawed their way back within a kick during the final term but Cameron stood tall again, booting two decisive goals in time-on to settle the contest. The key forward finished with six majors in a telling display. Young Geelong defender Sam De Koning impressed in keeping Aaron Naughton quiet for the most part. The Dogs’ star forward kicked his one goal of the night early in the final term to help his side threaten to pull off the comeback. The Bulldogs had more disposals, clearances and inside-50s, but the Cats’ superior efficiency going forward told the tale. Geelong lost brilliant defender Tom Stewart to a head knock.
ADELAIDE 13.10 (88) defeated WEST COAST 8.9 (57)
Five unanswered goals in the first quarter gave Adelaide the upper hand in the wet and they were never in any danger despite West Coast kicking four straight goals in a brief show of fight straddling three-quarter time. Darcy Fogarty shone in attack alongside Taylor Walker in a display that would have brought a smile to Matthew Nicks’ face, with the duo and Shane McAdam kicking three goals apiece. Walker’s strong contribution came in a week where he signalled his desire to win another contract for next season. In his post-match assessment, Nicks admitted his side dropped away after the first break, but the Adelaide coach knows he can’t be too picky after the Crows snapped a five-match losing streak. West Coast counterpart Adam Simpson is still searching for answers after the Eagles slumped to a new low. Their 1-11 start to the season is the worst in the club’s proud history.
GOLD COAST 15.19 (109) defeated NORTH MELBOURNE 7.5 (47)
Coach Stuart Dew has admitted this year the improving Suns are still learning to cope with being favourites heading into games, but they passed this test with flying colours after clearing an early hurdle and remain firmly in contention to snatch a spot in the top eight. It was one-way traffic after quarter-time in Darwin as Gold Coast overturned a 17-point deficit, with 13 players joining the list of goal-kickers. Sam Day and Izak Rankine kicked two each as the Suns shared the load. Touk Miller, Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and David Swallow all had a say in the outcome, but one sour note for Gold Coast was a suspected serious knee injury to dashing midfielder Lachie Weller. No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis kicked a brilliant goal for the Kangaroos, but they lost Ben McKay to a head knock during a scoreless second quarter as Gold Coast put through seven goals at the other end, racking up an astonishing 28 inside 50s for the quarter alone in the process.
PLEASE HELP US CONTINUE TO THRIVE BY BECOMING AN OFFICIAL FOOTYOLOGY PATRON. JUST CLICK THIS LINK.
MELBOURNE 9.7 (61) lost to SYDNEY 10.13 (73)
It was a case of “no Buddy, no worries” for Sydney as tall forwards Sam Reid and Logan McDonald booted three goals each in the suspended star’s absence. Tom Papley chipped in with two as the Swans coughed up the first five goals but fought back to snatch a thriller. Errol Gulden put them in front late in the match before Papley shut the gate in an upset. Demons skipper Max Gawn produced a monster performance – 28 disposals, 30 hit-outs, five clearances and three goals – but couldn’t prevent his side suffering its second successive defeat. The setbacks have come after Melbourne had appeared close to invincible over the opening 10 rounds. The Demons had seven of the game’s top eight disposal winners, but the likes of Callum Mills (26 possessions) and defensive duo Tom and Paddy McCartin helped Sydney prevail. Melbourne’s backline struggled without Steven May (concussion) and Harrison Petty was assessed after a shoulder knock.
HAWTHORN 10.8 (68) lost to COLLINGWOOD 10.12 (72)
Oliver Henry’s late goal clinched victory for Collingwood in a see-sawing second half as the Hawks fell short in a desperate slugfest at the end. The Magpies led by 30 points but almost threw victory away when Hawthorn took a more direct approach in the wet after half-time. The Hawks booted four straight goals out of the main break to pinch the lead and looked as if they may celebrate the 250-game milestones of Luke Breust and Liam Shiels with a win. But the Pies came again, with Nick Daicos, Beau McCreery and Henry among the youngsters who stood tall in the final term. Henry and Ginnivan kicked two majors each for Collingwood and Mitch Lewis booted four for the Hawks. This match ensured the intense spotlight on umpiring will continue in coming days after a series of debatable decisions. None were more baffling than the call against Darcy Moore for supposedly making contact below the knees on Sam Butler.
FREMANTLE 15.9 (99) defeated BRISBANE 13.7 (85)
Both sides are destined for the finals and gave fans an early taste of September in the last game of Round 12. Ultimately, it was another impressive win over one of the genuine flag contenders to strengthen Fremantle’s position in the top-four, and again it was built on the back of a dominant third term, mirroring the previous week’s upset of Melbourne. The Lions led by a solitary point at the main break but six Docker goals to three in the premiership quarter tilted the match the home side’s way. Bailey Banfield celebrated his 50th game with four goals in the second half and the electric Michael Frederick booted three, including the first of the final term and a steadier when Brisbane challenged again. Roy Lobb finished with three in another impressive outing. Small forwards Zac Bailey (four goals) and Charlie Cameron (three) were dangerous for the Lions, who lost Darcy Gardiner to a rib injury. Andrew Brayshaw and Will Brodie were strong around the contest for Fremantle, and Lachie Neale was busy for Brisbane against his old side.
