Darcy Cameron’s controversial mark in the last quarter gives Collingwood a crucial break. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
PORT ADELAIDE 14.7 (91) lost to GEELONG 17.10 (112)
Talk about a game of swinging momentum. Ascendancy changed hands several times within quarters as two genuine flag threats went blow for blow. In the end, it was Jeremy Cameron’s three goals in the final term that broke it open for the Cats, who twice had to pick themselves up off the canvas. Earlier, Connor Rozee kicked four of his five goals in the first quarter as Port grabbed a 21-point lead. They kicked three quick ones at the start of the last term and looked to be surging towards victory before the Cats hit back again. Cameron finished with five majors and Tom Hawkins (four) and Gary Rohan (three) were also influential in a dangerous attacking set-up. Port’s four losses this season have all come against finals-bound sides.
SYDNEY 7.9 (51) lost to HAWTHORN 14.5 (89)
It wasn’t the sort of fixture many of us expected to see in the marquee Friday night timeslot, but the Hawks grabbed their primetime opportunity with both hands, producing a stunning upset. New recruit Jai Newcombe finished with 14 tackles – the most recorded by a debutant in AFL history – and Tom Mitchell had 34 disposals to spearhead the win. Sam Frost held Lance Franklin to one goal as four Hawks, including youngster Jacob Koschitzke, kicked two goals each. Swans fans were incensed by a 26-10 free kick count in Hawthorn’s favour. The Hawks’ win was somewhat soured by midfielder James Worpel being handed a one-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Harry Cunningham.
FREMANTLE 11.10 (76) defeated GOLD COAST 6.13 (49)
There could only be one winner as Matt Rowell and Alex Pearce faced off in a battle of two important returnees from injury, and the points went to the Dockers defender. Pearce held Coleman Medal contender Ben King goalless in a telling contribution as Fremantle kept its slim finals hopes alive in a scrappy win at home. Ruckman Sean Darcy, key forward Rory Lobb and evergreen veteran David Mundy were among the Dockers’ best as rookie forward Josh Treacy showed glimpses of his ability. Touk Miller and Wil Powell were busy for the Suns but Rowell did not have a major influence in a game Gold Coast will be keen to move on from quickly.
ST KILDA 8.12 (60) lost to ADELAIDE 9.12 (66)
The Saints had the first 11 scores, kept Adelaide scoreless for 45 minutes, led by as much as 36 points early in the third quarter and were in front with less than 70 seconds remaining – but still lost. And with that, their slim finals hopes evaporated. Young gun Riley Thilthorpe was the hero for the Crows with the last two goals, including the match-winning snap over his head after Paddy Ryder’s attempted clearance rebounded off a teammate and fell fortuitously in his arms. The previous goal came after a debatable free kick paid against Dougal Howard. Rory Laird and Ben Keays were important for the Crows and Rory Sloane provided grit and leadership in the final few minutes. Saints midfielder Brad Crouch had a game-high 36 disposals against his old side, but it wasn’t enough. David Mackay was sent directly to the tribunal after a collision with Hunter Clark that left the St Kilda player requiring surgery to repair a broken jaw.
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NORTH MELBOURNE 14.10 (94) drew with GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 14.10 (94)
The upset was on the cards as the last-placed Kangaroos opened up a 28-point lead by three quarter-time. But one-time North target Josh Kelly kick-started the Giants’ comeback a minute after the re-start and Daniel Lloyd’s two goals in time-on drew scores level. Lloyd had another chance to snatch victory in the dying seconds, but his snap from near the boundary sailed wide. Aaron Hall’s late clearing kick moments later floated out on the full to give Adam Kennedy one last shot after the siren, but the task from 60 metres out with a wet ball proved too difficult. Jy Simpkin, Hall and Jack Ziebell were important for the North as the Roos built what looked to be a match-winning lead, and Tarryn Thomas was one of four Kangaroos to kick two goals, but they were ultimately denied their second win of the season. Kelly was a star for GWS with 39 disposals and two goals.
WEST COAST 13.7 (85) defeated RICHMOND 12.9 (81)
You could have been forgiven for thinking the Tigers were home at the 14-minute mark of the final term when Shai Bolton kicked their third consecutive goal to blow the margin out to 22 points. But the Eagles weren’t done yet. Cheered on by a raucous home crowd, West Coast kicked 4.2 to 0.0 from that point to snatch a remarkable win. Liam Ryan’s superb pick-up and short pass to Josh Kennedy allowed the spearhead to kick the match-winning goal around his body from near the boundary. The Tigers made a desperate late attempt to steal the game back, but Dustin Martin’s shot on the run from 55 metres under pressure fell short. Kennedy kicked four goals, Nic Naitanui starred in the ruck and Elliot Yeo showed his importance to the Eagles’ flag chances in a result that kept them in touch with the top four. Richmond is stuttering, but we all know the champs have been here before.
MELBOURNE 9.9 (63) lost to COLLINGWOOD 11.14 (80)
The Magpies produced one of the upsets of the season to send coach Nathan Buckley out on a high. Collingwood announced club legend Buckley’s departure on the Wednesday leading into the game, ensuring an emotional Queen’s Birthday contest. Darcy Cameron and Brody Mihocek combined for seven goals as the Pies skipped 20 points clear during the final term and hung on despite a late challenge from the ladder leaders. Scott Pendlebury, Brayden Maynard and Jordan De Goey were important for Collingwood, while young ruck-forward Luke Jackson (two goals) was one of the Dees’ best. Brayden Maynard was penalised for a “dangerous tackle” on Ed Langdon in an umpiring decision that drew fierce criticsm on social media. But there was a happy ending for the Pies and Buckley, who was all smiles on the final siren.
