Hugh McCluggage sprints clear during Brisbane’s big win over Carlton on Sunday at the Gabba. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
MELBOURNE 13.11 (89) lost to COLLINGWOOD 15.6 (96)
Oops, they did it again. The “all duck, no dinner” Magpies prevailed by a single-figure margin for the sixth straight week, extending their winning streak to 11 matches and surging into second spot in the process. Despite a Melbourne landslide in all the key statistical indicators, the Magpies hung on in the first half and made their move late. Jamie Elliott and Ash Johnson kicked four goals each and the lead changed hands five times in a thrilling last quarter. Clayton Oliver was huge for Melbourne, which dominated the midfield and territory battles until Jordan De Goey helped turn the tide in the second half. There was a familiar tone for the Demons, who again failed to put an opponent away when seemingly in control of the match. The side-story was Ed Langdon’s pre-match assessment of “one-trick pony” Collingwood, which had the last laugh.
HAWTHORN 10.10 (70) defeated GOLD COAST 8.15 (63)
The Suns kicked themselves out of the game – and out of the finals race in the process. Trailing by 17 points at the last change, Gold Coast kicked 1.5 from 17 forward entries in the final term with their season on the line. It was a disappointing end in a year where the Suns seriously threatened to push for a maiden finals berth and re-signed coach Stuart Dew. Veteran Hawks forward Jack Gunston kicked five goals and Ben McEvoy claimed a crucial late mark to help seal the win in his 250th game. Jai Newcombe (27 disposals) and Dylan Moore (26) impressed again for the Hawks.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 14.12 (96) defeated ESSENDON 10.9 (69)
Two of the season’s most disappointing teams locked horns and the Giants snapped a four-game losing streak. It was an emphatic response to Mark McVeigh’s blast a week earlier, when he said a host of GWS players had “checked out” for the season. Jesse Hogan booted four goals and Toby Greene two for the home side, with Lachie Whitfield (29 disposals) and Callan Ward (25) superb. Harry Perryman (23 disposals and six clearances) and Jacob Hopper (21 and eight) were also important. Matt Guelfi kicked a career-high four goals for the Bombers, while Darcy Parish had 28 disposals and seven clearances on return from injury.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 11.12 (78) lost to FREMANTLE 14.11 (95)
Reportedly bound for Whitten Oval at the end of the year, Rory Lobb was a thorn in the side of his possible future employers with four goals in the Dockers’ important win. Fremantle tore the Dogs’ defence to shreds at times to take 18 marks inside 50 and kept the home side at arm’s length after the main break. Michael Frederick kicked three goals for the Dockers and spearhead Matt Taberner started well with two in the first term but was substituted out with a calf injury. Aaron Naughton and Cody Weightman booted three goals each for the Bulldogs but the costly defeat leaves last year’s beaten grand finalists in grave danger of missing the top eight. Sam Darcy impressed on debut for the Dogs at half-back.
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GEELONG 17.8 (110) defeated ST KILDA 10.5 (65)
There was drama at Kardinia Park as Patrick Dangerfield pulled out minutes before the opening bounce after experiencing tightness in his troublesome calf during the warm-up. But it didn’t seem to bother the Cats, who started the second half with eight consecutive goals to bury their opponents and stay a game clear on top of the ladder. Joel Selwood and Mark Blicavs were left out (managed) and watched on as some lesser lights stepped up, with Max Holmes and Jed Bews grabbing their chance to shine. Sam De Koning kept Max King quiet as Tom Hawkins and Isaac Smith booted three goals each and Brandan Parfitt starred in the middle. Few Saints performed well after half-time and injury-plagued veteran Dan Hannebrey was subbed out with an ankle issue as they slipped out of the top eight.
PORT ADELAIDE 10.11 (71) lost to RICHMOND 16.13 (109)
It was Tiger Time in the third quarter as a Richmond onslaught tilted the contest in the visitors’ favour. Some of the Tigers’ biggest names stepped up as they piled on 7.4 to 3.2 for the term to lay the platform for a crucial win that propelled them back into the top eight. Shai Bolton kicked 4.5 in a best-afield display, Dion Prestia had 23 contested possessions and 10 clearances, co-captain Toby Nankervis starred in the ruck, Tom Lynch kicked four goals and Daniel Rioli pushed forward to boot two from 25 disposals at half-back. The only worry was Trent Cotchin’s sling tackle on Ollie Wines, who hit his head on the turf but returned to finish as Port’s chief ball-winner with 32 disposals.
NORTH MELBOURNE 13.10 (88) lost to SYDNEY 18.18 (126)
Rampant speculation around Lance Franklin’s playing future didn’t bother the Swans as they gave their top-four hopes another boost with a comfortable win at Marvel Stadium. It came despite a seven-goal haul from Kangaroos spearhead Nick Larkey, who equalled his career-best haul from just 11 disposals. Franklin nailed four goals himself as Tom Papley and Chad Warner (three each) got in on the act for the Swans, who also had Luke Parker, Errol Gulden, Tom Hickey and Callum Mills to thank for their dominance. There was also a big development in the VFL game between these sides, where Swans veteran Josh Kennedy suffered another hamstring injury.
BRISBANE 17.12 (114) defeated CARLTON 12.9 (81)
Patrick Cripps found himself in hot water for a high bump on Callum Ah Chee as the Blues’ finals hopes took a big hit. Brisbane kicked the first five goals of the match and led by as much as 58 points during the third quarter of a dominant display. Dan McStay and Zac Bailey cashed in on their teammates’ midfield dominance with four goals apiece and Charlie Cameron bagged two. Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and Rhys Mathieson were all busy. Cripps and Sam Walsh worked hard for the Blues but the visitors were well off the pace in a defeat that left them in danger of dropping out of the top eight.
WEST COAST 13.8 (86) lost to ADELAIDE 16.6 (102)
Eagles champion Josh Kennedy signed off on one of the modern era’s great careers by kicking eight goals in his final appearance but the home side couldn’t send him out with a win. Darcy Fogarty booted four goals for Adelaide and Shane McAdam three as Rory Laird starred for the visitors in his 200th game, finishing with 36 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals.
