Gold Coast pair Izak Rankine and Alex Davies gang tackle Adelaide’s Tom Doedee on Sunday. Photo: AFL MEDIA
RICHMOND 11.15 (81) defeated CARLTON 9.12 (66)
Harry McKay kicked three goals in four minutes during the final quarter as Carlton threatened to overturn a huge deficit. But the Blues’ momentum came to a screeching halt when Jack Newnes’ hurried snap – which looked to have put them back within a kick – was ruled touched on review. The Tigers then kicked away, having earlier gained the upper hand with significant contributions from Tom Lynch (three goals) and Dion Prestia, who had 33 disposals and 13 clearances. Dylan Grimes kept Charlie Curnow quiet but Noah Balta was substituted out with a recurrence of his hamstring injury. The Blues lost Jack Martin (tight calf) and mid-season draftee Sam Durdin (knee), who had been brought in as cover for an injury-hit unit of tall defenders. Richmond’s midfield got on top as ruckman Toby Nankervis, Kane Lambert and Liam Baker got to work in the absence of ill superstar Dustin Martin. Carlton captain Patrick Cripps had a crack in his 150th game and there was a melee when he reacted to Prestia’s shove on the three-quarter time siren. Shai Bolton created controversy with his showboating when he showed the ball to Sam Docherty on his way into an open goal.
ST KILDA 11.6 (72) lost to ESSENDON 15.17 (107)
The Saints’ worst performance of the season – by a whole host of statistical measures – was branded a “reality check” by coach Brett Ratten. Aside from a burst at the start of the third quarter that almost saw it overrun the Bombers, St Kilda was comprehensively outplayed. The vigour that Essendon had lacked for most of the season was on full display as Jye Caldwell and Archie Perkins relished more midfield time in the absence of injured star Darcy Parish. Zach Merrett and Mason Redman won plenty of the ball, Andrew McGrath was solid in defence and Jordan Ridley kept Max King quiet. Jade Gresham and Josh Battle were the Saints’ best, but the collective effort was a shocker on a big night for the club, which was playing in the second annual “Spud’s Game” – named in honour of late champion Danny Frawley. “We dedicate the game to a legend of our footy club and the legacy that he’s left around mental health, then we produce that. It makes you a bit flat,” Ratten said.
PORT ADELAIDE 12.10 (82) defeated SYDNEY 8.11 (59)
Two ill-disciplined free kicks given up by Peter Ladhams led directly to Power goals that cost Sydney dearly as it succumbed to a third-quarter onslaught from the ruckman’s former side. The Power piled on six consecutive majors in a 17-minute burst to take control of the contest, having led by just four points at half-time. Ladhams can expect a stint on the sidelines for striking Port’s Ollie Wines, who was one of the home side’s major ball-winners. Karl Amon, Connor Rozee and Darcy Byrne-Jones also saw plenty of the Sherrin and Todd Marshall kicked four goals. Sydney’s Isaac Heeney matched that tally but the Swans were beaten up after half-time. There were injury concerns for Port with Zak Butters (knee) and mid-season draftee Brynn Teakle (broken collarbone) both hurt. It would be cruel, but Teakle’s injury has the potential to spell the end of his AFL career before it really gets going.
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WEST COAST 9.9 (63) lost to GEELONG 12.9 (81)
West Coast celebrated the 30th anniversary of its 1992 premiership and was far from disgraced against the high-flying Cats. But the Eagles would have needed Peter Matera setting sail for home on the wing if they were to topple an opponent that always looked comfortable on Saturday afternoon. Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins slotted his 700th career goal on his way to three for the day, with livewire teammate Tyson Stengle also kicking three. Sam Menegola added two from 20 disposals on his return from injury. The Eagles had Elliot Yeo, Willie Rioli and Dom Sheed return and were within two kicks halfway through the final term, but Hawkins’ third goal shut the gate. Adding to West Coast’s woes, key defender Jeremy McGovern was taken to hospital with a rib injury after a collision with Jeremy Cameron.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 16.9 (105) lost to WESTERN BULLDOGS 19.11 (125)
It was the modern game’s version of a shootout as Toby Greene bagged seven goals at one end and Bulldogs duo Aaron Naughton and Cody Weightman kicked five each at the other. The result was a thrilling, free-scoring contest between two clubs that have built a great rivalry over the last decade. Ultimately, the Dogs put a week of drama around the Bailey Smith drugs saga behind them with an important victory. Jack Macrae (37 disposals, six clearances) and Marcus Bontempelli (28, seven) were superb for the Bulldogs. Greene did his best to drag the Giants over the line with 21 disposals, 14 score involvements and three goal assists. Fellow co-captain Stephen Coniglio continued his strong form in the middle with 32 disposals, three clearances and two goals. GWS ruckman Braydon Preuss (ankle) and Bulldogs defender Taylor Duryea (knee) were subbed out with injuries. Weightman played on after having his dislocated elbow put back in and strapped up.
GOLD COAST 18.8 (116) defeated ADELAIDE 10.13 (73)
Wil Powell’s horrific leg injury put a dampener on Gold Coast’s third straight win, which saw Stuart Dew’s men move within touching distance of the top eight. Powell was substituted out with his right foot at the wrong angle amid carnage during the third quarter, when teammate Connor Budarick (hamstring) and Adelaide’s Riley Thilthorpe (ankle) were also forced off. Mabior Chol, Ben Ainsworth, Izak Rankine, Levi Casboult and Nick Holman all kicked multiple goals for Gold Coast in a mature performance as they sidestepped a potential banana skin against a plucky opponent. Touk Miller, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and David Swallow were all influential for the home side. Rory Laird, Sam Berry and Matt Crouch were among the Crows’ best, with Darcy Fogarty kicking two goals.
