Dare sparks faultless charge; AFL’s biggest mysteries solved as leaders stumble: Report Card     

Three teams came into Gather Round with big questions to answer. Two were huge winners – and the other proved it can compete with the big boys.

But with big wins, come big losses, with coaches under pressure and some real surprises.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 5 Report Card.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

Fair to say that rebuild is tracking nicely, then. What a performance from the Crows, a statement win in a season that could be full of them if they continue playing with the dare and efficiency they currently are. There are standout performers everywhere, but more importantly the team as a whole is working seamlessly. If this is a sign of what’s to come this year, look out.

In the votes

Jordan Dawson starred once again, with the skipper finishing with 32 disposals and nine tackles. Darcy Fogarty returned with five goals, while Ben Keays continued his hot streak against Carlton with three. Rory Laird was a workhorse, Tom Doedee took 10 marks while Chayce Jones took nine. Stars everywhere.

Room for improvement

Nothing to fault in a performance like that. They surged into the lead in the opening quarter and never let the Blues get a genuine sniff for the rest of the match.

Nothing to fault in a performance like that. They surged into the lead in the opening quarter and never let the Blues get a genuine sniff for the rest of the match.

Grade

A+

BRISBANE LIONS

After a competitive first half, the Lions put North Melbourne in the dust. It was a demolition and a reminder of how incredible Chris Fagan’s side can be when it’s firing on all cylinders. That’s two weeks in a row they’ve rolled over the top of their opposition, albeit against far different calibres in Collingwood and the Roos. It’s back-to-back wins for the first time this season and it has the Lions with a positive win-loss ledger for the first time of the year.

In the votes

Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood were brilliant, with Daniher starring for the second week in a row. The likes of Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner hit the scoreboard after, but it was Daniher and Hipwood that helped set up the win. Lachie Neale was elite in the middle with 37 disposals, as were Josh Dunkley and Dayne Zorko. A starring day for many.

Room for improvement

In the first half they struggled at stages to get on top in the contest, but they upped their game in the second half and were helped by Jy Simpkin coming from the ground with a hand injury. It was a brilliant performance barring that.

In the first half they struggled at stages to get on top in the contest, but they upped their game in the second half and were helped by Jy Simpkin coming from the ground with a hand injury. It was a brilliant performance barring that.

Grade

A+

CARLTON

The Blues hadn’t lost a game and were buoyed by some big inclusions for Thursday, but the cracks were fully exposed by a rampant Adelaide Crows side. They’ve got a lot of big names out on the park but just aren’t firing as well or as seamlessly as the Crows are. It was a demolition in virtually every area. St Kilda next week looms as a big test.

In the votes

Sam Walsh was great on return while Ed Curnow continues a resurgent season. It was a pretty dour night for the Blues otherwise, with Blake Acres having a lot of the footy but making some poor decisions throughout the night.

Room for improvement

Every part of the ground. They had two more inside 50s but their efficiency inside 50 was a paltry 39.6% compared to Adelaide’s 64.7. It was hard for the Blues in the ruck once Marc Pittonet got subbed out but Tom De Koning was monstered by Reilly O’Brien. The Crows moved the footy with ease and the Blues were made to look slow as a result.

Grade

D

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies love a close game! Collingwood were able to hang on a thriller against St Kilda – but unlike 2022 when it was the Pies piling on points in late runs home, they coughed up the last three goals of the game in a stat that will no doubt disappoint coach Craig McRae. The Pies were beaten in contested footy (-21) in another stat that McRae won’t be pleased with. But the face they found a way without a ruckman for more than a half of footy – after Dan McStay went down injured – is testament to the drive of this Collingwood side.

In the votes

Is there any coach bold enough to send a tag to young Nick Daicos? The second year Pie ran riot against the Saints as he racked up 42 disposals, seven marks, more than 850m gained and eight inside 50s. Bobby Hill was the star forward, in a timely reminder as Jack Ginnivan returned from his suspension. He slotted three straight goals in his 12 disposals. Tom Mitchell continues to impress at his new club with 28 touches and six clearances, while Scott Pendlebury continues his Benjamin Button act with 23 disposals, five clearances, five tackles and six score involvements.

Room for improvement

Ash Johnson didn’t have a great outing with just nine touches – going at least than 56% efficiency with those disposals. He managed 1.2 but had little influence. Nathan Murphy finished the game concussed, according to coach Craig McRae after his scuffle with Saint Anthony Caminiti and was clearly unhappy with the treatment he copped as he confronted his opponent in bizarre post-match scenes.

Grade

B+

ESSENDON

Who had St Kilda and Essendon as one-two on the AFL ladder after five rounds? The Bombers dismantled early flag favourites Melbourne with a pure coaching masterclass and a hunger that just wasn’t matched by the Dees. Brad Scott’s decision to select two ruckmen in a bid to tire out star Pie Brodie Grundy worked a treat while the defensive unit as a whole outclass Melbourne. Despite finishing -10 in clearance and only +2 inside 50s, the Bombers led by as much as 40 points before coughing up the last few goals in the wet Adelaide Oval conditions.

In the votes

Sam Draper had a day in front of family and friends in South Australia. The big ruckman was the difference early as he outworked opponent Brodie Grundy and then delivered on the scoreboard when he drifted forward. He had three first half goals, while fellow ruck Andrew Phillips kicked two to expose Grundy’s lack of defensive strength. Zach Merrett had a day out with 35 touches, seven tackles, nine inside 50s and eight intercepts while Darcy Parish also racked it up with 34 disposals, six clearances and more than 600m gained. The backline of Jayden Laverde and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher won countless one-on-ones and held firm every time the Dees pushed forward.

Room for improvement

Zach Merrett could find himself in hot water after a crude tackle that’s sure to draw Match Review attention. He pinned opponent Tom Sparrow’s arm and threw him to the ground in an action the “AFL is trying to outlaw”, according to Fox Footy’s Jordan Lewis. It was just unnecessary given Essendon had the game won and done and have a big Anzac Day clash looming. Jye Menzie needs to work on his discipline after coughing up three frees against.

Grade

A+

FREMANTLE

The Dockers overcame a 23-point third-quarter deficit, kicking seven of the last nine goals to overrun a tiring Gold Coast Suns at Norwood Oval. The Dockers went from not being able to move the ball to run the Suns off their feet. Creating overlap and flipping the script on the style that has drawn much criticism in the first month of the season.

In the votes

Caleb Serong recorded a career-high 37 disposals to lead the charge in midfield in the second half. He was well-fed by Sean Darcy who was dominant in the ruck (18 disposals, 48 hitouts, and two contested marks). Jye Amiss played the best game of his short career to date with three goals and four final quarter-contested marks to be the main focal point up front. Michael Walters kicked 4.1 from nine kicks.

Room for improvement

Triple-premiership Lion Alastair Lynch remarked that Fremantle “couldn’t move the ball” in the first half, in correlation to the widespread criticism that has come the Dockers’ way over the first month of the season. While they corrected in the second half, Justin Longmuir would be asking more of his forwards to keep presenting to the wings to increase the connection around the ground.

Grade

B+

GEELONG CATS

The Cats could’ve done more damage on the scoreboard but will still take confidence out of a second straight week in which they’ve destroyed the opposition in the space of a quarter. Some good signs are there in the last couple of weeks, but the real tests are ahead, with Sydney next week an early audit of whether their improvement in the past fortnight is genuine or more a reflection of their opposition.

In the votes

Mark Blicavs spent some time on Tim Kelly but was great in his own right, kicking a couple of goals, registering 27 hitouts and eight clearances. Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins combined for eight goals. Tom Stewart was terrific in defence.

Room for improvement

Winning by 47 points after leading by 77 early in the third quarter isn’t exactly a soaring high to end the match on, even though the match was secured by that point. Barring the inconsistency from that aspect, it was a brilliant performance.

Grade

A

GOLD COAST SUNS

The Suns were out by as much as 23 points before getting overrun by a spirited Fremantle outfit. Stuart Dew’s reaction and quick exit on the final siren said it all as Gold Coast let another golden opportunity slip to get their season back on track.

In the votes

Jack Lukosius was the best player on the ground to half-time and midway through the third quarter as the main architect of any Suns scoring chains. Noah Anderson and Touk Miller were prolific in midfield again (25 and 26 disposals respectively) while veteran David Swallow booted a career-high 3.1.

Room for improvement

Poor kicking in front of goal once again came back to bite the Suns as their failures to convert chances cost them for a second-straight week. The Suns missed what proved to be critical shots on goal in the third quarter which could have extended the margin to as much as 40 points, but couldn’t hit the target and subsequently, put the pressure back on Fremantle. For as good as Jack Lukosius was around the ground, his 1.4 could have proven the difference in the Suns recording their second win of the year

Grade

D

GWS GIANTS

The Giants only beat a side sitting in last place in the dying seconds thanks to some Harry Himmelberg magic. Himmelberg’s hanger, goal and desperate goal line touch down the other end was enough for GWS to hold on to a two-point win. The Giants were beaten -8 in clearance, -10 in contested ball and finished with less goals than the Hawks but still came away with the four points. They only reclaimed the lead late in the fourth quarter and managed to hang on for a second win for the season.

In the votes

Harry Himmelberg was the hero in the dying stages with his match-winner and game-saver at opposite ends. He finished with 12 disposals, four tackles and 2.3. But it was captain Toby Greene who led from the front when his team needed him the most. His third goal – on the run in the last term – was pure brilliance as he turned opponent James Sicily inside out. Greene racked up 24 touches, four tackles, 445m gained and 3.2. Despite copping a heavy Conor Nash tag in the second half, Tom Green still finished with 32 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles and nine score involvements after being the most dominant player on the field in the first half.

Room for improvement

Jesse Hogan’s kicking woes have returned. Clearly the best marking forward at either end of the ground – with a whopping four contested grabs, Hogan just couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard. He blew easy set shots on goal to finish with 2.4. Harry Himmelberg was also inaccurate with 2.3 – but he more than made up for it with his heroics in the dying minutes. Cooper Hamilton had a tough day as he coughed up three free kicks and went at just 50% efficiency by foot.

Grade

C

HAWTHORN

Looking at the stats, Hawthorn were the better side than GWS in their two-point loss – but they just couldn’t make their dominance count on the scoreboard. While they fixed their third quarter woes – after a very lopsided 17-166 third quarter count, coach Sam Mitchell would be disappointed his side couldn’t take home the four points. The young Hawks were challenged in the final term and found ways to respond, but didn’t have the experience to just settle the match down once they claimed the lead. Going inside 50 at just 45.3% efficiency really hurt Hawthorn, while their 82 turnovers – up more than 11 on their season average, didn’t help their cause.

In the votes

Jai Newcombe was in everything for the Hawks as he helped them to a fast start and was again the instigator in their third term blitz. His day ended with 31 disposals, 10 clearances, 10 score involvements, seven inside 50s and five tackles. Luke Breust may have finished up with 14 disposals and one goal, but he was tireless in attack and provided the direction his young teammates needed. A lengthy second quarter phone conversation with coach Sam Mitchell showed just how valued his input is to the Hawks. Conor Nash’s lockdown role on Tom Green paid off in the second half – particularly the last term, while he still finished with 31 disposals and seven clearances.

Room for improvement

Sam Frost had some moments he’d like back against the Giants. Fellow defender Denver Grainger-Barras was beaten in his one-on-ones against Jesse Hogan. Lloyd Meek didn’t have any effect as the ruckman dropping into defence as he finished without a mark for the match, while fellow big man Ned Reeves did more of the tap work. Chad Wingard’s decision to reportedly forgo the mouthguard didn’t pay off as he exited the game before half time with a deep laceration to his tongue that saw him taken to hospital mid-match.

Grade

C-

MELBOURNE

While the Demons managed to bring the final margin back to 27 points, they were simply outgunned and outclassed by Essendon on Saturday. Melbourne’s forward line, without Ben Brown who was a late withdrawal with back soreness, were beaten while down back they didn’t have the right match ups to contain Essendon’s tall duo Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips. The loss give rivals a bold blueprint to study in how to unsettle a Melbourne side that had been early flag favourites heading into Round 5. The Dees went at just 43.6% efficiency inside 50 – down 6% on their season average and +10 on their average turnovers.

In the votes

Harrison Petty was the rock in defence who stopped the margin blowing out in Essendon’s blistering third quarter. He finished with a game-high 12 intercepts, despite battling physically in the wet. Clayton Oliver was everywhere for the Dees with 41 touches – and led the team for a number of stats including inside 50s, centre clearance and score involvement. Jake Melksham was important with two goals after being the late call up for injured Ben Brown as he kept Melbourne in the hunt.

Room for improvement

Steven May had a day to forget. The star defender was kept out of the aerial contests, and when he did get involved, it was Essendon who seemed to cash in each time. Fellow defender Adam Tomlinson also had a tough day at the office as he coughed up a goal to Jake Stringer from a disastrous handball over the top. Bayley Fritsch, although he kicked two goals, missed opportunities to set up teammates and was later criticised by Fox Footy’s Garry Lyon for not “thinking what’s best for the team”.

Grade

D

NORTH MELBOURNE

For the second week in a row, North Melbourne showed promise in the opening half before fading out considerably in the second. It’s bound to happen with a young side, but the sheer lack of organisation in defence was notable and worrying, particularly with Ben McKay back in the side to in theory steady the ship. There’s a lot to work on heading into Round 6 and beyond.

In the votes

Harry Sheezel once again showed poise beyond his years. Daniel Howe was also very solid in game 100. Jack Ziebell was good by foot for the most part. It all faded pretty quickly after half-time, however, barring a four-goal game to Jaidyn Stephenson and a couple of goals to Charlie Comben.

Room for improvement

The breakdowns in defence were considerable, dubbed “farcical” by Alastair Lynch who was watching boundary-side. It allowed the Lions to take a club-record number of marks inside its forward 50. Many of them were uncontested, with Eric Hipwood in particular having no one near him on several occasions. Regardless of where North Melbourne is at rebuild-wise, it’s not something that can be repeated. If not for some inaccuracy from the Lions, the final margin could’ve been a fair bit bigger.

Grade

C

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power had to defy both torrential rain and a spirited Bulldogs fightback before they could seal their third victory in five games and set their season back on track. Port Adelaide had 30 less disposals than the Dogs, less hitouts and less clearances – but they refused to lie down and fought until the final siren. Their willingness to go harder at the ball was evident as they finished +17 in tackles and +8 in contested ball. When the match went on the line in the final quarter, plenty of players put their hands up with starring roles, which will no doubt please coach Ken Hinkley. Port just miss out on the A+ rating given they allowed the Dogs back into the game in the third term, and only managed six goals up until three quarter time.

In the votes

Zak Butters was everywhere for the Power with 32 disposals, 565m gained. seven clearances and the goal that sealed their win in the dying minutes. When you need a goal or two, every team would love to have a Todd Marshall in their side. His two goals in the final term – including one ripping set shot from the boundary – not only got the match back in Port’s favour, but turned the game. Defender Aliir Aliir was a hero once again when his desperate dive prevented opponent Aaron Naughton from slotting a late goal in the final term. And while Jason Horne-Francis’ stats read 19 disposals – he was a game changer in the final quarter.

Room for improvement

It wasn’t great conditions for big men in the pouring rain at Adelaide Oval. Scott Lycett was subbed out in the third term with just two touches to his name at that point. Charlie Dixon also battled on, as he appeared hampered by a leg complaint to finish goalless. Sam Powell-Pepper coughed up four free kicks as inched too far over the discipline tightrope.
Grade

A

RICHMOND

A 44-point defeat to Sydney marked Richmond’s third-straight loss, sitting with just one win through five rounds as its season dwindles. The Tigers produced blistering patches where they liked like a top eight side – and despite their injury woes, still have ample talent – but also key stretches where Damien Hardwick’s side let itself down including being wasteful with its possession – most notably the delivery inside 50. It comes ahead of a testing Anzac Day eve meeting with Melbourne.

In the votes

Liam Baker might be Richmond’s best player now, racking up 35 touches and kicking a goal running off half back. Jack Riewoldt booted 4.1 in a prolific role up forward without Tom Lynch, while Jacob Hopper (32 disposals) and Tim Taranto (34 possessions) found plenty of the ball inside.

Room for improvement

As highlighted above, Richmond’s wasteful kicking efficiency – particularly forward of centre – really hurt it. The Tigers’ inside 50 efficiency was just 41 per cent against the Swans – getting 23 shots from 56 entries – and without Lynch in there, it’s an area of their game they must correct moving forward.

Grade

D

ST KILDA

St Kilda be sitting at the top of the AFL table, but they hadn’t faced one of the heavyweights in Melbourne, Geelong or Collingwood – until Sunday. And while the new style under coach Ross Lyon held firm in the opening half, when the match went on the line late, it was Collingwood who outclassed them. A late flurry of three goals in three minutes did set up a thrilling finish, but it wasn’t enough to come away with the four points. They won plenty of stats that mattered – including +21 contested ball and +6 clearances – but fell one goal short.

In the votes

Rowan Marshall made the most of Collingwood’s lack of ruck stocks – and was helped by the fact makeshift ruckman Dan McStay was subbed out before half time. He finished the most dominant big man on the ground with 25 disposals, 32 hitouts, seven marks, five tackles, a goal assist and more than 400m gained. Brad Crouch was everywhere that mattered for the Saints with 33 touches – and he also kicked two important goals to go with his nine clearances and 10 inside 50s.

Room for improvement

Anthony Caminiti may have finished with two goals to his name, but it wasn’t a great outing for the rookie who had just five touches and is set to face scrutiny for an off-the-ball hit on opponent Nathan Murphy. Jade Gresham and Dan Butler didn’t hit the scoreboard at a time the Saints are desperate for their smalls to lead the forward line.

Grade

B-

SYDNEY SWANS

John Longmire was beaming with pride after his undermanned side thumped the Tigers despite its injury list growing, with Joel Amartey’s hamstring setback the only dampener on the win. An inexperienced Swans outfit was able to endure a Richmond fightback before responding late with seven fourth-quarter goals to one, led by Tom Papley kicking four of his six majors in a dominant final term.

In the votes

Papley led the charge with his career-high six goals from 25 disposals including 13 score involvements and 686 metres gained. Nick Blakey (30 disposals) was also a standout in the Swans’ undersized defence, while Chad Warner (26 disposals, one goal) and Isaac Heeney (20 touches, seven tackles, two goals) also played key roles.

Room for improvement

At this stage, the Swans just need more troops back, with their key position stocks particularly depleted at the moment with Dane Rampe (neck), Lance Franklin (knee) and Paddy and Tom McCartin (both concussions) and Sam Reid (hamstring) all sidelined. It makes Amartey’s hamstring issue all the harder to bear, and Sydney will hope to get one or two back next week for its trip to Geelong.

Grade

A+

WEST COAST EAGLES

It started well for the Eagles but faded quickly with a second quarter onslaught from the Cats. Credit to the Eagles for fighting back in the fourth quarter after trailing by as much as 77 points, but it was a match they were well and truly outclassed in, in a season that’s beginning to be full of such performances. Not a whole heap to get excited about from the opening five rounds.

In the votes

Jake Waterman kicked four goals and Tim Kelly was solid despite receiving significant attention from his former club. Liam Duggan was another good performer, while there’s plenty to be excited about with Oscar Allen, who has resumed from injury in 2023 without missing a beat.

Room for improvement

The second and third quarters would make for horror viewing in the review given how easily Geelong scored. They were thumped at clearance for most of the day and were picked apart by the Cats forward line. It’s just a matter of whether Adam Simpson focuses on the good, the bad, or something in between.

Grade

C

WESTERN BULLDOGS

It’s a tough ask for a side to travel for Gather Round and get drawn a home team like Port Adelaide. It’s even tougher to ask for your tall forward line to find avenues to goal in torrential rain at Adelaide Oval. The conditions did not suit the style of game the Dogs want to play. But they still showed plenty of grit to work their way back into the contest in the third term. They opened up their game-high nine point lead in the last quarter, but simply fell away when the pressure from Port really ramped up.

In the votes

There’s no doubt the Dogs have missed Cody Weightman. In his first game for the year, the small forward was an absolute firestarter and almost the match winner for his side. He finished his night with 11 disposals, three tackles and 4.2 in a brilliant first hitout back from injury. Skipper Marcus Bontempelli wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty as he racked up a whopping 12 clearances. His goal came from a strong one-out mark deep in attack. Adam Treloar worked tirelessly for his 35 touches, eight clearances and five intercepts.

Room for improvement

As with Port Adelaide’s report card above – it was not a night for tall forwards. Unfortunately for the Dogs, they’ve got a stack of them. Rory Lobb (eight touches and 0.2) and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (nine disposals and 0.1) both failed to kick goals in the wet. When the match went up for grabs as Port found momentum in the last 10 minutes, the Dogs didn’t have a player to step up and put their body on the line.

Grade

C