One glaring fail as young guns join two emerging contenders with perfect scores: Report Card

Two teams scrambling for spots in the bottom half of the top eight produced impressive wins on the weekend.

Meanwhile Hawthorn’s shock win almost condemned Collingwood to a fail.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 21 Report Card.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

There’s still a pulse. Adelaide kept its diminishing finals hopes alive after seeing off a late Suns scare to produce a hard-fought victory. The Crows blitzed the visitors with a strong five-goal first term before adding another five goals in the final term to hold off the gallant Suns. According to foxfooty.com.au’s ‘The Run Home’, the Crows have the best chance of any team outside the top 10 of playing finals and might be able to sneak in by winning just two more games — although three would be ideal. The issue is two of those games are against Brisbane at the Gabba and the Swans.

In the votes

Matt Crouch’s unlikely career resurgence continued, finishing with an equal game-high 31 touches and seven score involvements. But it was Crouch’s ability to win the ball on the outside that impressed Fox Footy pundits the most. Defender Mitch Hinge played arguably his best AFL game, finishing with 31 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 14 intercepts and seven marks. Darcy Fogarty was significant with 3.2 and skipper Jordan Dawson got busy in the second half, breaking away from a David Swallow tag to finish with 23 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances and five inside 50s for the match. Coach Matthew Nicks praised the efforts of his inexperienced back six against the Suns, in particular the impressive James Borlase, who got the better of veteran forward Levi Casboult in a polished AFL debut.

Room for improvement

The Crows almost cost themselves the game in the second and third terms, booting 3.9 while the Suns slammed on 6.3 despite having less inside 50s than Gold Coast. Riley Thilthorpe didn’t have his kicking boots on, finishing with 0.3. Elsewhere Josh Rachele struggled to have an impact in his return game, racking up seven disposals and two score involvements — although jis pressure was OK.

Grade

A-

BRISBANE LIONS

The Lions needed a win in Perth to stay in the race for two top, and despite being pushed all the way Brisbane managed to get the job done. It wasn’t the prettiest contest, and the Lions didn’t lead at any of the breaks until the final siren sounded. But they take the four points to sit just percentage outside Melbourne in second spot on the ladder. Star Lachie Neale described the win as a “relief” as their premiership campaign remains on track with three games to play.

In the votes

Fourteen disposals and just the one goal might not sound like an impressive day out, but Eric Hipwood was the Lion to stand up in key moments – and provided a big target on the wing. Hipwood was regularly used as the exit kick and reeled in 10 big marks to help his side break through Freo’s defence. Another underrated performer was Lincoln McCarthy who finished with an equal team-high eight tackles, two contested grabs and 17 disposals.

Room for improvement

The Lions managed to secure the four points without their defensive pillars in Harris Andrews and Jack Payne dominating. With Freo running a smaller forward line, the Lions’ big duo were beaten on the day. Andrews still finished with nine intercepts but didn’t have his usual impact. Payne took just three marks and had 10 disposals.

Grade

B

CARLTON

Beware of the Blues! That’s seven wins in a row for Michael Voss’ rampaging side, who showed grit and true character in their pulsating come-from-behind win over St Kilda. After trailing by 22 points early in the third term, Carlton dramatically flipped the script in the second half to run out 19-point winners. The second-half numbers were startling, with Carlton booting 7.9 to 1.4 and winning the clearance count 24-6. And when the game was up for grabs in the final quarter, the Blues won the contested possession count by +15. The result has put the Blues within touching distance of a finals spot, which is remarkable considering they were in the bottom four after Round 15.

In the votes

This was a win driven by some unlikely Blues heroes. Starting on the ground for just the second time this season, Paddy Dow showed cleanliness in tight and strength in the contest as he finished with 22 disposals, 10 contested possessions, seven clearances, five inside 50s and a brilliant fourth-quarter goal that put Carlton in front. Zac Fisher racked up a career-high 32 touches, nine contested possessions, four clearances and four intercepts as he thrived in a half-back/wing role, while Blake Acres had some huge moments as he booted two goals from 27 disposals. Nic Newman was brilliant again with 35 disposals, 13 marks and 10 intercepts and Jacob Weitering was a huge presence down back. Then there was Tom De Koning, who had an enormous second half to finish with 11 from 14 disposals, eight score involvements, six clearances and six inside 50s.

Room for improvement

What makes the Blues’ performance even more impressive was that Charlie Curnow (1.0 from 10 disposals) and Adam Saad (11 disposals) had very little influence on the game. Outside of struggling to handle St Kilda’s immense pressure in the first half — any team would’ve struggled, let’s face it — this was one of Carlton’s more impressive and character-building wins.

Grade

A+

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies might remain two games clear atop the ladder at the end of this round, but the notion they are premiership favourites has been shattered after Hawthorn convincingly dealt them a second consecutive loss. Collingwood had no answers for the Hawks’ fierce pressure at stoppages and could not move the ball fluently all day, as the alarming 32-point defeat was compounded by injury concerns to Nick Daicos and Nathan Murphy. Collingwood threatened at times during the second and third terms, but the young Hawks showed maturity beyond their years to see off the various Magpies challenges.

In the votes

Veteran Scott Pendlebury was a big reason why the Magpies remained in the game across the second and third quarters, finishing the game with one goal from 23 disposals, seven tackles and six clearances. Patrick Lipinski was good forward of centre with six of his 18 disposals ending up in Magpies scores – although he went at 43 per cent by foot – while Jack Crisp finished with 27 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight marks and five clearances. Skipper Darcy Moore finished with a game-high six intercept marks, but even he at times looked vulnerable inside defensive 50.

Room for improvement

Maybe we’ll look back at this as just an outlier Magpies performance, but it was still alarming. Collingwood was mauled by Hawthorn on the outside, finishing with less uncontested possessions (-83) and uncontested marks (-66). Coach Craig McRae said the Magpies would need to “find out quickly” what was impacting areas of their game, including stoppages where they were soundly beaten 18-3 at centre bounces. Tom Mitchell struggled in his first game against his former club and was subbed out with just 12 possessions to his name. Nick Daicos was well held to just five disposals by Finn Maginness before suffering a knee injury that will sideline him for six weeks, while Taylor Adams had just 13 disposals. Very close to a fail grade.

Grade

D

ESSENDON

Phew. The Bombers survived the biggest of scares against West Coast, with Brad Scott’s side falling behind late before Kyle Langford capped off a huge day with a match-winning clutch goal to help his side get home by just one point. “I know they’ll be disappointed they left some percentage on the table, but that last minute and a half of football, that was a huge get out of jail card,” Roos legend David King noted on Fox Footy. It importantly kept Essendon’s season alive as one of only a handful of clubs outside the top eight that are still a chance of climbing in. The Dons come up against an easier matchup again this week (at least on paper) in a Marvel Stadium showdown with the Kangaroos.

In the votes

Kyle Langford had a huge day to continue his breakout season as one of the most improved players in the competition. He booted a game-high five goals – four in the second term alone – and the game-winner, remarkably sitting top 10 in the Coleman Medal. Zach Merrett was also enormous, finishing with 29 touches, but more importantly, it was what he did with it – surgical kicking on another level to any other player on the ground plus providing invaluable leadership throughout the day to help will his side home. Nick Hind (31 disposals) and Darcy Parish (33 touches, one goal) were busy too.

Room for improvement

The Bombers for large chunks of the game allowed West Coast to chip the ball around and do as it pleased without putting enough pressure on the ball. It clearly helped the Eagles build confidence and belief throughout the game – and eventually get so close to winning. Being harder to play against remains a key focus for Brad Scott’s side, although it still found a way to win – and avoid a horror outcome. A couple of costly misses from point-blank range late in the game hurt, too.

Grade

C

FREMANTLE

Fremantle’s 2023 season is officially over, with its finals flame snuffed out in the thrilling three-point loss to Brisbane. But the Dockers were not disappointing in the clash with one of the premiership favourites, winning the inside 50, clearance contested ball counts while kicking the same amount of goals (11). The Dockeers may have fallen short, but they weren’t embarrassed in a match where they put it all on the line.

In the votes

Hayden Young is now a midfielder, surely? The half-back flanker went toe-to-toe with Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale on Sunday and came out the winner in a brilliant performance. He racked up 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 10 tackles and six clearances. Luke Jackson had another blinder as the sole ruckman, finishing with a game-high 15 contested possessions and 44 hit-outs, nine score involvements, 24 disposals, five clearances and a goal.

Room for improvement

The Fremantle skipper had a dirty day in defence as Joe Daniher cashed in on his mistakes. When Alex Pearce dropped a mark, Daniher toed the footy off the ground for a big goal – and considering the margin was just three points on full-time, it was a huge mistake to make. Jye Amiss’ radar was off – a rarity for the young Rising Star contender, but again in a tight contest it hurts all the same.

Grade

C

GEELONG CATS

Geelong manicurists will be working overtime this week after Cats fans likely gnawed their nails off to the elbow watching their heroes fend off a stoic Port Adelaide to keep their premiership defence alive. In a rollercoaster classic that began with a 12-goal opening quarter, the Power had an eight-point lead at the start of the fourth term before the Cats piled on four unanswered majors to set up a 12-point win.

In the votes

The question was posed on Fox Footy’s First Crack on Sunday night: Is Gryan Miers Geelong’s best player at the moment? Tom Stewart — who was again excellent on Saturday night with 23 disposals, eight intercepts and several crucial defensive plays — might be No. 1, but Miers mightn’t be too far behind now. The silky half-forward put together another brilliant game, with 12 of his 24 disposals ending up in Geelong scores — including 2.1 himself — while also finishing with 10 marks, five inside 50s and a kicking efficiency of 85 per cent. Ollie Henry played his best game since joining the Cats, booting four goals from 13 disposals and six marks, while Mitch Duncan got busy at the coalface (18 disposals, 13 contested possessions and a goal) and Patrick Dangerfield was enormous in the last quarter.

Room for improvement

Not too much for Cats fans to complain about after producing an excellent win against a fancied — yet depleted — opponent. Jeremy Cameron did kick 2.2, but still just seems a level or two below his best, highlighted by the fact he struggled to make the distance on a couple of shots at goal.

Grade

A

GOLD COAST SUNS

The Suns were brave, trailing by just 11 points early in the last quarter after overcoming a slow start. But the Suns couldn’t keep that rally going, slipping to a 9-11 record with a 28-point loss to Adelaide that left them still searching for their first win at the venue after 11 attempts. It also snuffed out any faint hope the Suns had of playing finals. With three games now left in the home and away season, caretaker Steven King said his charges remain motivated by the prospect of eclipsing the club’s previous best season tally of 10 wins.

In the votes

The young midfield brigade of Sam Flanders (27 disposals), Noah Anderson (22) and Matt Rowell (16) battled hard, while Ben Ainsworth (19 disposals) impressed across half-forward with stints in the midfield. David Swallow did a decent job to curtail Jordan Dawson’s influence in the first half, while Mac Andrew continued his rise with 15 disposals and four intercept marks.

Room for improvement

While proud of the Suns’ ability to dig deep and fight back, King lamented his side’s inability to impact the game when the Crows slammed through the first six goals of the match. The Crows simply worked harder in the first quarter with an extra 41 disposals and 13 marks to give them good looks inside 50. No Suns player had a genuine ‘stinker’, but at the same time it’s hard to see any polling Brownlow votes, with no one stepping up to be a genuine match-winner.

Grade

C

GWS GIANTS

The Giants’ seven-game winning streak is over, going down to the Swans in the Sydney Derby. GWS dominated the inside 50 count but couldn’t convert dominance to points, struggling to take clean marks, hampered by consistent rain and contested possession going the way of the Swans’ defence. The Giants can likely make the finals with two wins from their last three games, but they’ve got another four teams fighting for three spots.

In the votes

Tom Green was mighty and colossal. In his first game back from injury, Green was almost best on ground in a losing cause, finishing with 38 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 10 tackles, eight score involvements, seven clearances, six intercepts and six inside 50s. Jack Buckley was brave in defence, finishing with 11 disposals, 13 spoils and three intercept marks, while he only lost two of his one-on-one contests. Skipper Toby Greene helped keep his side in the game, booting 3.1 from 14 disposals and six tackles.

Room for improvement

As coach Adam Kingsley said post-game, his side was taught a lesson. The Giants had four more scoring shots and won the contested possession (-16), clearance (-4) and inside 50 (-14) counts convincingly — and still lost. But Kingsley was more concerned by his side’s poor defence and the fact the Swans kicked 10 of their first 11 opening-half goals from their defensive half. Jake Riccardi was subbed out in the third quarter with one goal from five disposals, while Lachie Whitfield and Josh Kelly were both below their best and Sam Taylor was well held.

Grade

C

HAWTHORN

Right, where did that come from? The 16th-placed Hawks on Saturday pulled off one of the most unexpected upsets of the season, humbling flag favourites Collingwood in another impressive performance under Sam Mitchell. The Hawks kicked the opening five goals of the game then withstood Magpies threat in the second and third quarters to record a 32-point win. Mitchell post-game said the emphatic win was another “step forward” for his young side. That’s an understatement.

In the votes

Normal transmission resumed for James Sicily on Saturday night, with the star Hawthorn captain producing a monster masterclass in his club’s most significant win of 2023.

Six days after being curtailed by some shrewd Ross Lyon tactics against St Kilda – he still had 27 disposals but less than 10 intercepts and 10 marks – Sicily tore premiership favourites Collingwood apart with a scintillating performance for the Hawks out of the back-half, finishing with 37 disposals, a whopping 19 marks and 11 intercepts while going at an incredible 92 per cent by foot. Finn Maginness is uncontracted beyond next season, but an offer from the Hawks is surely on the way after a classic shutdown performance on Brownlow Medal favourite Nick Daicos. Maginness matched Daicos’ blend of speed and endurance while maximising his own strengths as he held the star Pie to just three disposals in the first half – with one of those out of Maginness’ hands after an over-enthusiastic Conor Nash tackle gave Daicos a free kick. The Hawks’ on-ball quartet of Jai Newcombe (28 disposals and 6 clearances), Will Day (29 and 7), Conor Nash (31 and 6) and James Worpel (23 and 7) put together their most complete performance of what has been an impressive season.

Room for improvement

Nothing to see here. A perfect grade without giving it a second thought.

Grade

A+

MELBOURNE

The Dees might have claimed the win, but they were less than impressive in the opening half and even copped a bake from their own star Christian Petracca who labelled the team “soft” in the early stages. Melbourne was beaten to the ball at every contest in the opening quarter and a half before it finally found its groove. A run of nine of the next 10 goals ensured the match did turn in the Dees’ favour, but it’s safe to say it wasn’t a performance to remember. The loss of Harry Petty to injury in the third term halted scoring as the final quarter became just a formality.

In the votes

Kysaiah Pickett has found his spark and it’s beautiful to watch. Pickett had Melbourne’s first two goals as he broke ankles with his brilliant footwork. He finished his day with three goals from his 14 disposals. Harry Petty was influential before he went down with an ankle injury, targeted 10 times in attack – the most of any player – to have two goals. But it was his efforts to bring the ball to ground for the likes of Pickett and Alex Neal-Bullen that was most impressive. Jack Viney stepped up again in Clayton Oliver’s injury absence with 10 clearances to go with his 26 touches.

Room for improvement

Melbourne’s entire first quarter effort was unacceptable against a side that was on a 17-game losing streak. The Dees were second to every ball and just didn’t have any desperation to win the footy back. Jake Melksham had a tough day with no influence.

Grade

B

NORTH MELBOURNE

If it was a grade after a quarter, North Melbourne would have got the A+. The Roos were hungry and clearly desperate for the ball in coach Alastair Clarkson’s first match back at the helm. And it showed as they opened up a five-goal lead against a genuine premiership contender. But unfortunately for Clarko and his charges, they couldn’t maintain that effort. And when Melbourne’s surge came, the Roos had no ability to stop it, conceding nine of 10 goals from midway through the second term into a horror third term. North coughed up almost 70 inside 50s and finished -30 in contested ball – despite winning that count very easily in the first term.

In the votes

Eddie Ford nailed three goals in an opening term blitz as he not only hit the scoreboard, but he kept Dees defender Jake Lever accountable and punished him when he opted to play off. Tarryn Thomas racked up a team-high eight tackles to go with his 23 disposals and 10 clearances. The retiring Jack Ziebell might have had his ankles broken by Kysaiah Pickett, but he put his body on the line time and time again with 32 touches, 12 marks, three tackles and more than 550m gained.

Room for improvement

Jaidyn Stephenson would love a moment back in the second term when the Roos still had the lead but Melbourne were pressing. Instead of opting to dish out the handball, Stephenson took it upon himself to take the running shot at goal and slammed it into the post in a momentum-shifting passage of play. Paul Curtis was untidy with his discipline coughing up three free kicks and went at just 57% efficiency.

Grade

C-

PORT ADELAIDE

Injury and illness have hit at the wrong time of the year for Port Adelaide, which has now lost its past four straight games. But at the same time, Power fans shouldn’t be panicking after a brave effort against Geelong in tough circumstances. Port was without Aliir Aliir (concussion), Charlie Dixon (foot), Jeremy Finlayson (illness), Kane Farrell (illness), Lachie Jones (concussion and Miles Bergman (illness) then were forced to activate their sub by quarter-time when key defender Trent McKenzie was ruled out due to a knee concern. Despite the odds, the Power put up a brave fight against Geelong, even leading by eight points at the start of the fourth term before running out of puff and conceding four straight goals.

In the votes

Even with eight players having 35 or fewer games of AFL experience, midfield tyros Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis ensured the Power remained competitive. Butters, in particular, was back to his brilliant best, kicking a goal from 30 disposals, 10 score involvements, eight marks, seven inside 50s and six tackles. Willie Rioli was lively early with four first-half goals, while Dante Visentini stood up as the Power’s sole specialist ruck, finishing with a game-high eight clearances while five of his 25 hit-outs went to a teammate’s advantage. Ryan Burton was also strong in defence often playing above his height, while Willem Drew curtailed Patrick Dangerfield’s influence for three quarters.

Room for improvement

As gallant as the Power were, they were ultimately well beaten in contested possessions (-19) as some of the Cats’ senior bodies stood tall late in the game. But considering the array of personnel issues, we’re glass half-full on the Power after Saturday night’s performance.

Grade

B+

RICHMOND

It was an underwhelming showing from the Tigers on Friday night, comprehensively outplayed in all facets of the game and at no stage did they look even close to the Bulldogs’ level. That sentiment was echoed by an evidently flat Andrew McQualter post-match, although the caretaker coach was adamant that Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin weren‘t managed. With it, Richmond’s season is all but over as it dropped down to 13th on the ladder with just three rounds remaining, while Jacob Hopper will miss next week with concussion.

In the votes

Jack Riewoldt continues to battle hard in attack and do the brunt of the heavy lifting with no Tom Lynch, with the veteran kicking 3.2 in a strong display. Tim Taranto and Jayden Short each registered 25 touches, but probably didn‘t have their usual impact, while Noah Balta had some bright moments in defence.

Room for improvement

It started in the midfield, and sure, the Dogs‘ on-ball unit is always hard to even just match. But the Tigers were comprehensively smashed in contested possessions (-38) as it was constant one-way traffic. Richmond otherwise was on the backfoot early – conceding nine goals in the first term – and simply couldn’t match the Dogs’ intensity all around the field nor get the game on its term for any meaningful stretch.

Grade

F

ST KILDA

That one has to hurt. Sunday’s game looked to be safe in the Saints’ keeping when Max King booted his second goal to put them up by 22 points shortly after half-time. St Kilda’s fast ball movement and ferocious pressure troubled the Blues early as they had laid 51 tackles in the first half. But the undermanned Blues kicked the last six majors to steamroll St Kilda in the second half and win by 19 points. It meant St Kilda finished the round in seventh spot — and to make the finals, they will probably have to win at least two of their last three games against Richmond, Geelong and the Lions in Brisbane.

In the votes

St Kilda was best served by Callum Wilkie (21 disposals and 10 marks), who did a great job of keeping Charlie Curnow to one goal, as well as Brad Crouch who produced another strong performance in the middle with 31 disposals (13 contested), nine tackles, seven clearances and a goal. You also couldn’t question Rowan Marshall’s attitude as he finished with one goal from 13 disposals, 12 contested possessions, eight tackles and four contested marks, while 10 of his 30 hit-outs went to a teammate’s advantage. Mason Wood also worked tirelessly with 36 disposals, 14 marks and 773m gained, while Mitch Owens was tough at the coalface.

Room for improvement

After a brilliant first half, the Saints’ pressure dropped dramatically and they conceded the last six goals of the game. As coach Ross Lyon pointed out post-game, the loss was “hard to swallow” for St Kilda as second halves have been the team’s strength this season. Lyon said St Kilda was let down badly by its on-ball unit, which “just couldn’t touch the ball – they didn’t lay a glove on it, three or four of them”. Remarkably, Jack Steele, Brad Crouch, Dan Butler, Mattaes Phillipou and Max King all didn’t have a disposal in the final quarter, with Steele the only one of that group to lay a tackle. Jack Higgins (1.3) also missed some crucial opportunities in front of goal. Almost a C-grade.

Grade

B-

SYDNEY SWANS

Sydney’s finals hopes remain alive after taking out a thrilling and sodden 26th edition of the Sydney Derby. The Swans were far more efficient forward of centre than the Giants as Sydney’s next generation forward line put on a clinic in front of goal, kicking 12 straight majors in the first half. After sitting 15th a month ago, the Swans’ fourth win in a row sees them now just half a game outside the top eight.

In the votes

Oh my, Errol Gulden. If he wasn’t an All-Australian lock prior to Saturday night’s game, he might’ve been after it, booting 2.2 from 32 disposals and seven inside 50s against the Giants. Logan McDonald, Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean wasted little time proving they were up to the task to fill the Lance Franklin-sized hole. McLean was excellent, booting 4.0 from 10 disposals and also relieving Tom Hickey in the ruck, while Amartey kicked the Swans’ opening two goals. James Rowbottom was big at the coalface, finishing with 24 disposals, 17 contested possessions, an impressive 10 intercepts, seven clearances and seven tackles.

Room for improvement

While the Swans were efficient, they were somewhat fortunate the Giants didn’t capitalise on their opportunities. The Giants had four more scoring shots and the Swans lost the contested possession (-16), clearance (-4) and inside 50 (-14) counts convincingly.

Grade

A

WEST COAST EAGLES

Where has this been all season? The Eagles backed up last week’s win over North Melbourne with another spirited showing, getting within a whisker of the Bombers in an impressive display from Adam Simpson’s side. The Eagles coach even admitted post-match it was beneficial for not only the team, but the coaching group to be back in close-game situations. Though it missed an opportunity to get off the bottom of the ladder (if that’s a good thing? We see you Harley Reid), West Coast can take some confidence out of its recent performances into the off-season.

In the votes

Tim Kelly (30 disposals) battled hard in the midfield and even looked like being the difference in the game at one stage and pinching it from the Bombers amid calls from Fox Footy pundits for the Bombers to lock down on him. Alex Witherden (22 disposals, nine marks) and Liam Duggan (29 touches, six marks) racked up plenty of ball across half back to lead the team’s high-possession brand, which you’d have to say was effective.

Room for improvement

Although it’s not necessarily a game plan the Eagles would want to continue with long-term, the keepings off brand clearly frustrated the Bombers and kept the game close enough for most of the day. From that perspective, you’d have to say they executed their plan, but just ultimately didn’t have enough of the answers late. West Coast was also bullied in the midfield (-35 in contested possessions and -9 in clearances) in an area of the ground it clearly needs more help.

Grade

B+

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Dogs came out breathing fire from the first bounce against Richmond, kicking nine goals in the first quarter alone – where they did most of their damage – to virtually shut the door on the Tigers then and there. It set the tone for an overwhelming and uncompromising performance from Luke Beveridge’s side – maybe its best yet of 2023 – with stars at their best across the board to lead the team to a huge win as it climbed into fifth place on the ladder. Could we be seeing a repeat of that fairytale 2016 season?

In the votes

Marcus Bontempelli was at his brilliant best in a best-on-ground performance, racking up 32 disposals and three goals – all in the third quarter – to continue his Brownlow Medal charge. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan set the tone early with four of his five goals coming in the first quarter alone – totalling an equal career high – to lead his side’s charge. Adam Treloar (32 touches) and Tom Liberatore (31 disposals, 12 tackles) were masterful on the ball, too, while Liam Jones had a tremendous impact defensively in his return.

Room for improvement

Beveridge’s troops were dominant in all facets of the game in probably their most complete performance of 2023. Delivering on the potential many believe the Dogs have, it’s now just a matter of backing it up.

Grade

A+