The Blues get around Paddy Dow after a crucial last-quarter goal against St Kilda on Sunday. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
WESTERN BULLDOGS 19.12 (126) defeated RICHMOND 10.11 (71)
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked four goals in the first quarter and the Bulldogs piled on 9.3 to 2.1 for the term to effectively decide the result early. Ugle-Hagan finished with five majors and Dogs captain Marcus Bontempelli starred with 32 disposals, 10 clearances, nine tackles and three goals. Tom Liberatore (31 touches, 10 clearances) and Adam Treloar (32, six) were also effective as the Bulldogs’ midfield brigade destroyed its rival engine room. There was a distasteful side note when a fan leant over the fence and sarcastically patted Marlion Pickett on the shoulder, sparking an angry response from the Tigers’ utility. It led to an AFL investigation that is still ongoing. Richmond entered the contest without rested veterans Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin, and lost Jacob Hopper (concussion) in the second quarter of a defeat that just about ended its finals hopes.
ESSENDON 10.13 (73) defeated WEST COAST 11.6 (72)
Kyle Langford’s four second-quarter goals helped the Bombers break the game open and they were on track for a comfortable win over the competition’s worst-performed side when the lead blew out to 30 points during the third quarter. But the Eagles, led by Tim Kelly (30 disposals, five clearances) and Oscar Allen (two goals), fought their way back into the contest and hit the front when Ryan Maric goaled at the 29-minute mark of the final quarter. Langford’s fifth major equalled his career-best tally and put Essendon back in front before Brandon Zerk-Thatcher’s game-saving contested mark. It helped the Bombers avert disaster as they continued their finals push. Prolific midfielders Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish were typically busy for Essendon.
ADELAIDE 13.11 (89) defeated GOLD COAST 9.7 (61)
The unlucky Wil Powell suffered another serious injury when his left leg buckled in a marking contest and the Suns finals hopes were just about extinguished at Adelaide Oval. The Crows are still alive, having survived Gold Coast’s fightback attempt. Adelaide kicked five unanswered goals in the first term and led by 35 points during the second, but coughed up six of the next eight goals before steadying for a crucial win. Darcy Fogarty (three), Shane McAdam (three) and Taylor Walker (two) all kicked multiple goals and veteran midfielder Matt Crouch continued his strong form on return to the senior side with 31 disposals. Ben King, Levi Casboult and Jack Lukosius booted two goals each for Gold Coast and Rory Atkins (25 touches) was busy against his old side.
HAWTHORN 16.9 (105) defeated COLLINGWOOD 11.7 (73)
Finn Maginnes tagged Brownlow Medal favourite Nick Daicos out of the game as Hawthorn pulled off the biggest upset of the season, toppling the ladder leader, which sat 15 places above the Hawks going into the game. Daicos had just five disposals and finished the match on the bench after a knock to the knee, with a hairline fracture now set to keep him sidelined for up to six weeks. The Magpies also lost Nathan Murphy (ankle, two to three weeks) on a disappointing day. Hawthorn was dominant at centre clearances (18-3) as James Worpel (23 disposals, seven clearances), Will Day (29, seven), Jai Newcombe (28, six) and Connor Nash (31, six) got to work at the coal face. Brandon Ryan and Luke Breust kicked three goals apiece and skipper James Sicily had a game-high 37 touches. Jamie Elliott booted three goals for the Magpies, who remain top of the ladder despite losing two games on the bounce.
GEELONG 14.13 (97) defeated PORT ADELAIDE 12.13 (85)
Ollie Henry and Willie Rioli (four goals each) went head-to-head in an early shootout that developed into an arm wrestle that ultimately fell the Cats’ way when they kicked four of the last five goals. Patrick Dangerfield (20 touches, one goal), Tom Stewart (23 disposals, eight intercepts) and Gryan Miers (two goals, five assists) were all important contributors and Esava Ratugolea stood up in defence against the club reportedly pursuing his services for next season. Port lost a host of players to injuries and illness before the bounce, including key forward Charlie Dixon, and had Trent McKenzie go down with a knee injury in the opening 10 minutes. Zak Butters (30 touches), Connor Rozee (27) and Sam Powell-Pepper (three goals) tried to drag the Power over the line.
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GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 12.13 (85) lost to SYDNEY 15.6 (96)
Accuracy told a tale as Sydney moved on from Lance Franklin’s retirement with a fourth straight win that put it right back in the finals hunt and ended the Giants’ club-record seven-match winning streak in the process. Errol Gulden (32 disposals, two goals) was brilliant again as Luke Parker (26 touches, 5 clearances) and James Rowbottom (24, 7) did plenty of the grunt work. Hayden McLean (four goals), Joel Amartey and Isaac Heeney (two each) were all dangerous in attack, with McLean particularly impressive in Franklin’s absence. GWS midfielder Tom Green had a game-high 38 touches on return from injury and Toby Greene kicked three goals, improving his career-best tally in a season to 52 majors.
NORTH MELBOURNE 10.11 (71) lost to MELBOURNE 15.13 (103)
Alastair Clarkson didn’t expect to work miracles on return as Kangaroos coach but an upset wasn’t beyond the realms of possibility when his side slammed on six of the first seven goals. But the Demons recovered from their slow start and were within a kick by halftime before booting seven goals to two after the main break. Kysaiah Pickett, Kade Chandler and Alex Neal-Bullen kicked three goals each and Harry Petty added two before succumbing to a serious ankle injury. Angus Brayshaw (37 disposals, six clearances), Jack Viney (26,10) and Christian Petracca (27, six and three goals) were all important contributors. North’s Eddie Ford kicked three goals – all in his side’s dominant first quarter – while retiring veteran Jack Ziebell had 32 disposals.
ST KILDA 8.6 (54) lost to CARLTON 10.13 (73)
The rampaging Blues surged home with the last six goals of a high-energy contest, including four without reply in the final term, to extend their winning streak to seven matches. In doing so, they strengthened their grip on a top-eight spot. Patrick Cripps (24 touches, 11 clearances) was huge for Carlton as it dominated the clearance battle (46-22) and ruck-forward Tom De Koning stepped up in the second half. Blues wingman Blake Acres had 27 disposals and kicked two goals, including the late sealer, against one of his former clubs and Zac Fisher (32 touches) and Nic Newman (35) were also busy. Saints spearhead Max King was one of four players on the ground who kicked two goals as he returned from a shoulder injury.
FREMANTLE 11.8 (74) lost to BRISBANE 11.11 (77)
Brisbane kept its top-two and guaranteed home finals hopes alive with a nail-biting three-pont win in the west as the Dockers continued their strong form after having beaten Geelong on the road. In an arm-wrestle, Freo led by 17 points early in the third term, but three quick goals saw the Lions hit the front. Scores were level at the last change and it was goal for goal in the last term, Michael Frederick’s last goal of the game giving the Dockers a chance with just over a minute remaining, only for the Lions to cleverly play keepings-off as the clock wound down. Lachie Neale rose to the challenge with eight clearances and 25 disposals, Hugh McCluggage and Cam Rayner also prominent. Luke Jackson starred in the ruck for Fremantle, with Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young all prolific ball-winners.
