Glaring fail amid array of gallant losses; surging contender flexes muscle: AFL Report Card

There were ample gallant losses and scratchy wins across the weekend.

But one glaring fail stood out, while the Lions flexed their flag contention muscles on the big stage.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 8 Report Card.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The emerging Crows, as they had been against another premiership contender Collingwood six days earlier, were gallant in a 26-point loss to Geelong in a result that flattered the hosts with Adelaide having been within two kicks in time-on in the final term. Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks post-game wouldn’t hear a bad word of his charges’ effort, saying they’re “playing much better, stronger and more consistent footy”. But he admitted the need for a win will soon become pressing, especially in the middle of a nasty stretch of the fixture with key games against fellow finals aspirants St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Brisbane in the next three weeks.

In the votes

Skipper Jordan Dawson led from the front superbly, finishing with 29 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six tackles and six inside 50s as he continues to thrive as a midfielder. Izak Rankine was brilliant with 2.1 from 21 touches, while Taylor Walker added three goals and Reilly O’Brien was the dominant ruck on the ground. Another pleasing aspect for the Crows was the form of its backline, in particular the key defenders. Jordon Butts held Tom Hawkins to a solitary goal, while a combination of Nick Murray – subbed out at half-time with concussion – and Mitch Hinge held Jeremy Cameron to a good game, not the great form he has recently been.

Room for improvement

While you couldn’t’t fault the Crows’ effort, they were well beaten around the contest in the first half, which was ultimately where the Cats got on top. The Crows broke even with Geelong in contested possessions in the second half, but were -16 in the first half. Also, for Adelaide to become genuine finals contenders, it needs to start winning on the road. Three of the Crows’ four wins this season have come at Adelaide Oval, while two of their three away wins last year were against the bottom-two sides. Also, it looks like top-10 pick Josh Rachele might be due for a week off or a spell in the SANFL.
Grade

B-

BRISBANE LIONS

The Lions brought the heat from the opening bounce and ultimately broke the game open in the third quarter. While the Blues had a decent final term, the Lions did a power of work to set up the win and make it five on the trot. There’s so much to be positive about given the form they’ve worked themselves into, not to mention the win came without key duo Daniel Rich and Dayne Zorko.

In the votes

If you believe Chris Fagan’s post-match comments, Josh Dunkley played one of the best games in recent memory. He finished with 33 disposals and 13 tackles, all while keeping Patrick Cripps quiet. Jarrod Berry was impressive, while Hugh McCluggage began to work himself back into form.

Room for improvement

Fagan was clearly disappointed by his side’s final-quarter fadeout — Carlton kicked four of the first five goals of the final term — but the Lions had well and truly sealed victory by three quarter-time. That’s five wins straight for the Lions, who are humming.
Grade

A+

CARLTON

The Blues stay above the fail category purely because they faced off against one of the better teams in the competition in Brisbane and refused to throw in the towel in the final term. They won plenty of stats that matter (including contested ball, hit-outs, disposals and contested marks). That’s the sort of fight coach Michael Voss will want to see from his players week-in, week-out despite falling to their third loss in four games. The Blues had as many opportunities inside attacking 50 as the Lions – but too often their twin towers Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow were beaten by Brisbane’s backmen.

In the votes

In game 150, inspirational leader Sam Docherty was one of his side’s best. He racked up 29 disposals, seven tackles, five intercepts and a goal. Adam Cerra was everywhere for his 33 touches, seven tackles and seven clearances. Marc Pittonet continued to press his case for a big new deal, with a game-high 48 hit-outs and three clearances.

Room for improvement

Carlton’s efficiency to get the footy to Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow needs work – but so does their positioning. Fox Footy’s Cam Mooney said the Blues “rooster problem” was evident when they got to the same contest. Overall, the Blues had more disposals (+57) and contested possessions (+25), but the fact they had the same number of inside 50s and less scoring shots than the Lions proved they over-possessed the ball. Something needs to change for this team to play finals.

Grade

D

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies were below their best form in Sunday’s 29-point win over Sydney, which could well make what was ultimately a convincing victory all the more impressive. This is a Collingwood team that very much plays every minute – as Craig McRae always preaches – even though they looked “gettable” in the first half, according to Lions great Jonathan Brown. With it, the Pies remained a game clear at the top of the ladder, and given they appear to have another gear to go to, it’ll take a mighty effort to slow down this Collingwood juggernaut.

In the votes

Having kicked four goals multiple times in his career, Brody Mihocek finally bagged a career-high five majors including a highlight soccer goal on the goal line in the dying stages of the game. Scott Pendlebury was at his masterful best, while Isaac Quaynor and Darcy Moore stood tall in defence.

Room for improvement

Nick Daicos was again targeted by the opposition and tagged by Ryan Clarke, holding the Magpies star to a season-low 25 disposals. This time it was a more of a team-wide physical attack from the opposition as multiple Swans players got stuck into him, leading to a heated scuffle between both clubs in the first quarter. Although Daicos ran the game out well, including racking up 10 disposals in the last term, the Brownlow Medal favourite didn’t have his usual brilliant impact, just like when he was nullified by Adelaide’s Ben Keays last week. The Pies won both matches though.

Grade

B+

ESSENDON

Another game, another gallant loss by Essendon. The Bombers are clearly such a better side under Brad Scott this year, but a tight loss to Port Adelaide — after competitive performances against flag contenders Collingwood and Geelong — won’t soften the blow for Bombers fans. The Bombers pushed the Power all the way in a five-point thriller at Adelaide Oval, but suffered their third loss in a row. To add salt to the wound, star defender Jordan Ridley was subbed out with a concussion in the second quarter after a clash with Junior Rioli. It was a cruel blow for Essendon, which was already short-handed in defence.

In the votes

Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips worked well together in the ruck, with 18 of their 45 hit-outs going to a teammate’s advantage. Kyle Langford (2.1 from 19 disposals and 10 marks) was excellent at both ends of the field, while Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett and Jake Stringer were huge at the stoppages for the plucky Bombers.

Room for improvement

While the Bombers were brave and efficient, they just didn’t have the weight of contested ball (-17) and inside 50 (-18) numbers. Ultimately volume won out and gave Port enough chances to win. Since their stirring Gather Round win over Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, the Bombers have dropped games against Collingwood, Geelong and the Power to slip to a 4-4 win-loss record. But Scott remained unashamedly upbeat post-game — and rightly so.
Grade

B-

FREMANTLE

The Dockers not only got the win they desperately needed against Hawthorn, they finally found some speed on the ball – and used it to perfection. Fremantle posted their highest ever score under coach Justin Longmuir as they tore the Hawks apart through the centre of the ground. The Dockers had contributors across the field and went at a season high 63% efficiency inside 50 – well up from their average of just 45.8% in 2023. They finished +20 on contested ball and were down on their average turnovers in promising signs that Fremantle could have played themselves into some form.

In the votes

Just a casual 34 disposals and two goals from Andy Brayshaw in his best game for the season. Hayden Young was influential down back, racking up 26 touches, and even got a shout out from rival coach Sam Mitchell in his press conference, saying the Hawks just “didn’t have an answer” for him. Luke Jackson had since best game as a Docker, as he not only provided a big marking target, but he won the footy on ground level too – finishing with 24 disposals, seven tackles, six marks, four clearances and two goals. Three goals to Michael Frederick after shrugging off a heavy Sam Frost bump also put him among Freo’s best.

Room for improvement

Alex Pearce is still struggling to recapture his best form in 2023. The new skipper appeared to be battling a toe injury against the Hawks – but coach Justin Longmuir downplayed the injury scare. Pearce was beaten on the lead several times by young Hawk Mitch Lewis, causing Fox Footy’s Dermott Brereton to question if Pearce had lost pace after his lengthy career injury toll. The Dockers were also smashed in centre clearance in the first half, falling to a 12-2 discrepancy before fighting back in the second half.

Grade

A

GEELONG CATS

That’s five straight Cats victories — although they were really made to earn this one against a plucky Adelaide outfit. The Crows were within striking distance all day and got to within 12 points late in the last quarter before two Geelong recruits in Ollie Henry and Tanner Bruhn converted goals to seal a victory. The 26-point win flattered the Cats considering the game was at their GMHBA Stadium fortress, but it was still a strong and important showing.

In the votes

It was only several months ago that Port Adelaide made an aggressive play for Esava Ratugolea during the trade period, only for the Cats to retain the contracted player. Thank goodness they did, for he was crucial in Saturday’s win, finishing with 13 disposals, seven spoils and four intercept marks as he held strong in a backline missing Sam De Koning. Fellow defender Tom Stewart was one of the Cats’ best players finishing with 24 disposals, nine intercepts and eight marks. Patrick Dangerfield was arguably best on ground before he injured his hamstring at the start of the third term, before Mark Blicavs, Max Holmes and Isaac Smith led the charge in the second half to see Geelong home.

Room for improvement

It could’ve been a much more convincing win for the Cats if they’d kicked more accurately in front of goal. The Cats were 2.6 at quarter-time and finished with 14.14 for the match. They had 28 scoring shots to Adelaide’s 17, yet only won by 26 points. Outside of that, a pretty strong performance from the Cats.
Grade

A-

GOLD COAST SUNS

The Suns were so close to causing the boilover against Melbourne, but just couldn’t deliver the final goal to secure four points (or two at least). They finished +25 in disposals, +6 for clearances +27 for contested ball and +28 for marks but couldn’t find an avenue to goal. Gold Coast went inside 50 just 45 times as they couldn’t convert their turnovers, and laid just 44 tackles. The Suns didn’t have an answer for Melbourne’s ruck duo Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn when they both went forward, as their height down back was stretched too far.

In the votes

Noah Anderson tried to drag his side over the line with his 37 disposals, 10 clearances and final quarter goal with the match up for grabs. He and Matt Rowell had 12 tackles between them – more than a quarter of the entire Suns’ side’s efforts. Malcolm Rosas was the spark in attack as he had three goals in the opening half. He finished with four in a stunning display.

Room for improvement

Jack Lukosius struggled to find the radar against the Demons, as his day ended with 1.3. Levi Casboult was ill-disciplined, as he coughed up four free kicks. One off the ball in the final term proved to be the nail in Gold Coast’s coffin. The Suns had possession and were looking to kick in when Casboult lost his cool. The result ensured Max Gawn was “gifted” a goal from directly in front.

Grade

B

GWS GIANTS

That’s nine straight losses for the Giants at Manuka Oval. But, again, the Giants were competitive against a strong opposition. Without skipper Toby Greene — a late withdrawal due to an ankle injury — the Giants were wasteful forward of centre in wet conditions, while the sharper Bulldogs skipped out to a 34-point lead in the third term. The Giants launched an launched an unlikely comeback, booting four unanswered goals to reduce the Dogs’ lead to eight points in the last term before two strong marks and goals to Aaron Naughton helped the Bulldogs seal a 15-point win.

In the votes

Tom Green, take a bow. The 22-year-old played with maturity beyond his years against the star-studded Bulldogs midfield, finishing with 38 disposals 14 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, nine clearances and eight clearances. But what was best about Green’s game was his ability to hit the scoreboard. He kicked the Giants’ first goal of the game then kicked two telling goals in the final quarter to give his side a sniff. Josh Kelly had a big night with 34 touches, while Jack Buckley and Connor Idun had 20 intercepts between them.

Room for improvement

That would’ve been a frustrating performance for coach Adam Kingsley. While his side trailed by as much as 34 points in the third term, they had more inside 50s and just as many scoring shots and contested possessions as the Bulldogs, yet couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities. Also, No. 1 pick Aaron Cadman might be due for a spell in the VFL after being subbed out for the second straight week. He had just three disposals and didn’t kick a goal.
Grade

C+

HAWTHORN

It’s hard to find a pass mark for the Hawks after they wilted under the Dockers’ pressure in Perth. They coughed up 18 goals and just couldn’t capitalise on their centre clearance dominance. Coach Sam Mitchell was disappointed that, for their 29 forward 50 entries in the first half, they managed just eight scores. A goalless third term then did little to inspire a Hawthorn fightback. They still managed 12 marks inside 50 without veteran Luke Bruest travelling to Perth – but scored only seven goals.

In the votes

Conor Nash was Hawthorn’s clearance beast, with eight for the match to go with his 26 disposals – 12 of them contested and three tackles inside 50. Mitch Lewis continues to provide a target for the young Hawks in their attack end and will only grow with confidence in his second game back. Sam Frost took a game-high 10 intercepts to lead his side down back.

Room for improvement

Unfortunately Frost’s night won’t be remembered for his brilliance down back – rather his ill discipline which coughed up free kicks and a 50m penalty goal. Frost wasn’t the only Hawk guilty of playing too close to the edge, with skipper James Sicily also conceding a 50m penalty goal – his for dissent. Ruckman Ned Reeves didn’t have an impact as he tried to take on Freo’s ruck duo Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson.

Grade

D

MELBOURNE

The Demons couldn’t put Gold Coast away, and despite coming home with the four points they won’t be happy with how the match played out. Melbourne didn’t trail at any break and showed experience in the final term when the Suns threw everything at them. The Max Gawn-Brodie Grundy ruck combination is only growing in strength as they both pushed forward and got on the end of a few goals. Coach Simon Goodwin won’t be pleased with his side’s efficiency inside 50, sitting at just 42.6%.

In the votes

Melbourne’s midfield duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver did the damage once again. Petracca kicked a goal in the final quarter when the Dees needed someone to stand tall, and finished with 26 touches, eight clearances, eight inside 50s and seven score involvements. Oliver racked up 28 disposals and six clearances along with nine score involvements.

Room for improvement

Brodie Grundy coughed up a whopping SEVEN free kicks. Yes, you read that right – seven. Definitely an area he’ll want to tighten up. Bailey Fritsch couldn’t have an impact on the scoreboard with 0.3 from his seven disposals. Harrison Petty didn’t hit the scoreboard despite playing as a forward against the Suns. And with Jacob van Rooyen hit with a two-game ban for his head contact that saw Sun Charlie Ballard stretchered from the field, there could be a few changes in the Dees forward line for Round 9.

Grade

B+

NORTH MELBOURNE

It’s tough to mark a rebuilding side with a big fat fail. But when the Kangaroos go goalless in the first half against St Kilda and manage just four majors for the entire game – in a match played under a closed roof – there is no pass mark. It’s the worst ever first half North has produced against St Kilda and their worst half of footy in more than 45 years. North Melbourne were woeful in front of goal and could not make the most of their countless opportunities to rebound from defence. Only a three-goal third quarter from Nick Larkey saved the Roos’ from total embarrassment in front of goal. The Roos managed just four centre clearances for the entire match – but keep in mind it was a low scoring affair.

In the votes

Jack Ziebell was a standout for the Roos, taking a whopping 18 marks for the match. Often asked to play undersized in that North Melbourne backline, Ziebell didn’t take a backward step as he repeatedly put his body on the line for his game-high 36 touches. Ben McKay also found some form in the opening half, with six intercepts from his nine marks. Liam Shiels showed why he was recruited by coach Alastair Clarkson as he laid a team-high nine tackles to go with his 28 disposals.

Room for improvement

Goal kicking practice will need to be on the agenda at training this week. The final kick inside forward 50 also needs work, after their backline held firm for most of the match. The long bomb in to Nick Larkey didn’t work. Cam Zurhaar’s discipline also has room for improvement.

Grade

F

PORT ADELAIDE

It wasn’t easy, but surging Port Adelaide made it five wins in a row on Sunday. The Power overcame inaccuracy and a brave challenge from Essendon to prevail in a five-point thriller. The hard-nosed Bombers muscled their way to an early lead at Adelaide Oval, but despite some shocking kicking for goal, Port edged in front in the third quarter then held off a furious late rally to score a hard-fought victory. Ken Hinkley simply said post-game: “Today our boys were outstanding at wanting to go the distance.”

In the votes

The young star on-ball brigade of Zak Butters and Connor Rozee starred again. Butters shook off an indifferent start to explode into action with 11 touches and five clearances in the second term. He finished with 28 touches, nine score involvements and 615m gained for the game, while Rozee kicked a goal from 29 disposals. Miles Bergman was excellent down back with 15 disposals and six intercept marks, while Dan Houston provided plenty of drive and Junior Rioli was lively with two goals.

Room for improvement

The home side let itself down with poor kicking for goal. Port went inside attacking 50 15 times to Essendon’s six for a frustrating return of 2.7 in the second quarter. The Power finished with 12.20 – overall 32 scoring shots to 22 – and 65 inside 50s to Essendon’s 47. Jeremy Finlayson (1.4) and Junior Rioli (2.3) were the main culprits, but they weren’t alone. This shouldn’t have been a five-point ball game. Essendon smashed the Power at centre bounces, winning centre clearances 8-1 in the opening term, as the visitors bounded away to a 15-point lead at the first break. While the Power corrected, it was clearly a concern for Hinkley.
Grade

B+

RICHMOND

It may have taken until the third quarter, but the Tigers eventually broke the Eagles with a dominant five-goal surge – including three-straight goals to Dion Prestia – in the period to march on to their first win since Round 2. It was proper party time in the fourth quarter as Damien Hardwick’s side looked like the Tigers of old, albeit against a severely undermanned Eagles outfit. With it, Richmond crucially remained in touch with the top eight ahead of a key test against Geelong next Friday night at the MCG.

In the votes

Shai Bolton was at his dominant best, booting three goals from 31 disposals in his best performance of 2023. Prestia was the hat-trick hero in the third term to really separate the hame, while off-season recruits Tim Taranto (30 touches, two goals) and Jacob Hopper (32 disposals, one goal) were also instrumental through the midfield.

Room for improvement

Although it mattered not in the end, inaccurate kicking in front of goal was the only real downside on the day for the Tigers, particularly in the first half where Hardwick’s side converted just 5.8. Richmond in the first quarter also allowed too many contested marks and for West Coast to play at its own pace before tightening the screws thereafter.

Grade

A

ST KILDA

The Saints get a pass mark purely because they got the four points – but the first half against North Melbourne bordered on unwatchable as neither side could find their radar. Easy goals were missed in moments that left coach Ross Lyon shaking his head. The Saints managed just 18 hit-outs and 48 inside 50s on Sunday afternoon. But they still jumped into the top four off the back of the ugly performance.

In the votes

Dan Butler was the only player to kick a goal in the opening term, and he had two of the three kicked to half time. Liam Stocker had moments to forget, but still managed to find plenty of footy to rack up 24 disposals and 15 marks. Young gun Mattaes Phillipou might have taken Mark of the Year with his hanger late in the contest, drawing plenty of praise.

Room for improvement

Like the Roos, goal kicking practice is needed. While we know the Saints play a heavy defensive style, it wasn’t their backline that saw North only manage four goals – it was just their poor accuracy. The Saints couldn’t stop North Melbourne’s rebound from defence – particularly in the third term when they coughed up two goals from their defensive half.

Grade

C+

SYDNEY SWANS

Although they didn’t get the four points, Sydney did so much right in a fiery clash against Collingwood and took Craig McRae’s side all the way until the Magpies kicked away late. Although the 29-point margin probably doesn’t ultimately reflect how competitive this game was, with the Swans even outplaying Collingwood throughout key stages but not getting reward on the scoreboard. It marked Sydney’s third-straight loss to fall to 3-5 and occupy 11th place on the ladder.

In the votes

Errol Gulden was everywhere, racking up season-highs in disposals (37), clearances (7) and marks (13). Luke Parker (34 touches) and Callum Mills (31 possessions) were also busy in the Swans midfield.

Room for improvement

The Swans kicked an inaccurate 6.12 on the day, and a better outcome in front of the big sticks could’ve vastly changed the end result. Ruckman Peter Ladhams also got struck down with injury after a big hit in the first contest of the game, and although he returned and played out the game, didn’t look 100 per cent. It left Hayden McLean to shoulder most of the ruckload, although the experienced Tom Hickey is waiting in the wings after returning from injury via the VFL in recent weeks.

Grade

C-

WEST COAST EAGLES

The Eagles’ 46-point loss to Richmond at the MCG was compounded by yet another brutal injury setback with fears of a ruptured ACL for youngster Jai Culley as the club’s towering list of casualties worsened. It came in a game West Coast was competitive and even looked capable of producing a shock upset in – especially during a promising first half – before the Tigers took all control in the third term. While it was an improved performance from Adam Simpson’s side on last week’s 108-point loss to the Blues, it marked the 17th-placed Eagles’ sixth-straight defeat.

In the votes

Dom Sheed impressed in his return from injury with a 29 disposals, while Jamaine Jones was busy off half-back with a team-high 30 touches. Oscar Allen kept the Eagles in the game at stages with four goals as the club’s only multiple goalkicker on the day.

Room for improvement

The Eagles got smashed in contested possessions (153-10) and were badly beaten out of the middle during the one-sided third term (lost contested possessions [-12] and clearances [-6]) that ultimately led to Richmond putting significant damage on the scoreboard that was ultimately too much to recover from. West Coast will also just simply be hoping to regain more of its injured stars as its best avenue to improved performance and more overall consistency.

Grade

D

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Beware of the Bulldogs! After a slow start to the season, Luke Beveridge’s side has now won five of its past six games, including a hard-fought win over the Giants on Saturday night. The Dogs blitzed the Giants in the third term to get out to a 34-point lead at one stage before holding off the fast-finishing home side.

In the votes

Marcus Bontempelli is quickly developing a reputation as not only one of the AFL’s best players, but one of the great modern-day wet-weather players. With players fumbling and sliding everywhere, Bontempelli showed incredible cleanliness and precision by foot, while he was just as tough at the coalface. He finished with a stunning statline: 32 disposals, 26 contested possessions, 14 clearances, seven score involvements, 561m gained and a whopping 164 ranking points. Tom Liberatore (1.1 from 29 touches and 8 clearances) and Bailey Smith (32 disposals) were also influential in the middle — especially in the third term — while Arty Jones (2.0) sparked the Dogs early and Aaron Naughton (3.2) sealed the win with a few late clutch goals. Tim English also put in another dominant game as his push for an All-Australian ruck berth continues.

Room for improvement

If it was a more seasoned and polished team, the Dogs might’ve lost on Saturday night. The Giants had more contested possessions (+5) and inside 50s (+11) and the same amount of scoring shots as the Dogs but didn’t make the most of their chances. However overall, the Dogs got an even contribution from their 23 players.
Grade

A-