Fallen power, spoon favourites cop horror fails amid more Magpie magic: AFL Report Card

The big stories out of the weekend were some horrendous fails – including one from a fallen power who just can’t win a game.

Plus there was more Magpie magic to leave the AFL stunned.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 7 Report Card.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

That one will hurt. Adelaide led the Magpies for all but 20 seconds in the twilight Adelaide Oval clash as its inaccurate 7.16 goalkicking effort ultimately came back to haunt it. It included the Crows kicking just 3.10 by half-time to only hold a six-point lead despite being the far superior team throughout the opening two quarters. But Matthew Nicks’ side left the door ajar and couldn’t put the never-say-die Pies away – like so many sides before it. When Collingwood came with a rush in the decisive final term, Adelaide had no answers nor the ability to halt the opposition momentum.

In the votes

Jordan Dawson (30 touches) and Rory Laird (29 disposals) were both brilliant in the midfield, while Chayce Jones (20 possessions, 2.2) had one of his best games at the top level and it could’ve been even bigger had he converted more of his opportunities in front of goal.

Room for improvement

Do we even need to say it? The Crows will clearly be lamenting all their missed opportunities in front of goal, and it’s not like they were tough shots either. Adelaide’s dominant 3.6 (24) to Collingwood’s 0.2 (0) first quarter was probably the most wasteful period where the red-hot Crows had complete control and the Pies on ice and should’ve done more damage. But as they say, bad kicking is bad football, however the Crows know their best footy is good enough to overawe one of the flag favourites.

Grade

B

BRISBANE LIONS

A powerful Brisbane outfit sent an ominous warning to the AFL, claiming its fourth win on the trot and breaking the 100-point barrier for the fourth straight week as it saw off a Fremantle at The Gabba. In an entertaining clash, Brisbane responded to every Dockers challenge, eventually running out 48-point winners. However the win might’ve come at a cost, with Dayne Zorko (hamstring) and Daniel Rich (calf) both finishing the game on the bench with ice on their respective injuries.

In the votes

Brisbane, L. Neale, three votes. The Brownlow Medallist was at his elusive best, finishing with a game-high 35 disposals, a whopping 24 contested possessions, 13 clearances and seven tackles. Will Ashcroft starred with two goals – including a ridiculous goal of the year contender – from 28 disposals, while Oscar Mcinerney won the ruck battle, finishing with 13 disposals and nine clearances, while 12 of his 30 hit-outs went to the Lions’ advantage. There was a lovely spread of scorers, with Joe Daniher and Lincoln McCarthy booting three goals each, while Eric Hipwood, Charlie Cameron and Zac Bailey kicked two.

Room for improvement

Nothing to see here. While the Lions have produced bigger scores and wins so far this season, the performance against Fremantle on Saturday was arguably their best and most complete yet.

Grade

A+

CARLTON

Charlie Curnow single-handedly destroyed West Coast with a career-best nine-goal haul in his side’s 108-point win in Perth. Carlton smashed the Eagles in contested possessions (138-115) and inside 50s (56-34) and basically all facets of the game. With it, the Blues snapped a two-game losing streak and responded to criticism in the best possible way to now sit just half a game and percentage outside the top four.

In the votes

Curnow was the clear match-winner, with his nine goals moving him into equal first in the Coleman Medal leaderboard. Beyond Curnow, several Blues had big performances. Nic Newman dominated across half back with a career-best 34 touches, 14 marks and a goal, while Adam Cerra, Blake Acres, Sam Walsh, George Hewett and Patrick Cripps dominated at the coalface.

Room for improvement

There’s no faulting the Blues here in a big percentage-boosting win in enemy territory as they’ll take plenty of confidence into next Friday night’s Marvel Stadium showdown with Brisbane.

Grade

A+

COLLINGWOOD

How does this club keeping doing it!? Trailing by 22 points early in the fourth quarter, the Pies came from the clouds to overrun the Crows at Adelaide Oval in yet another miracle comeback win to move to the top of the ladder, with Steele Sidebottom’s game-winning point with 2o seconds remaining giving them their first lead of the game. It came despite Craig McRae’s side being on a short five-day turnaround from Anzac Day, playing without Scott Pendlebury and in a hostile environment, and while it was fortuitous the wayward kicking Crows converted just 7.16 shots at goal, the never-say-die Pies simply found a way … again.

In the votes

While his brother has drawn so much praise this season, it was Josh Daicos who was enormous for Collingwood with a game-high 31 disposals – 12 in the final term – to help will the Pies over the line and drive the fourth quarter avalanche that was. John Noble (23 touches) was also super off half back including kicking a memorable clutch goal, while Darcy Moore (23 touches) and Tom Mitchell (29 possessions) were prolific, too.

Room for improvement

To take the glass half empty view, the Pies went back to their 2022 ways where a bit of luck helped get them over the line – even though there was some dubious umpiring decisions that went against them in the fourth term. But for most of the day, Adelaide was the much better side. So while it was clearly a phenomenal win – especially against a much-improved Crows side on the road – Craig McRae’s side will look to play a more consistent brand across four quarters like it showed it can earlier this season.

Grade

A

ESSENDON

Essendon conceded 132 points for the day and lost to Geelong by 28 points. Yet outside of the first 20 minutes of the game, you sensed this was a glass half-full day for Brad Scott’s side. Off a tough five-day break, the Bombers never gave in against the reigning premiers. In fact after quarter-time, Geelong only outscored Essendon by one point (14.9 to 14.8). They leaked a lot points – mind you, they’re not the only side Geelong has got hold of in the past month – the Bombers were excellent on offence, constantly using handball through the corridor to transition the footy.

In the votes

Jake Stringer was the major reason why the Bombers looked like any chance of mounting a fightback as he booted four goals from 26 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 11 clearances and six inside 50s. Stringer was well supported by Sam Weideman, who also booted a personal-best five goals, while Darcy Parish (38 touches) was one of their few four-quarter performers, ending up with 13 contested possessions and nine clearances. Dylan Shiel, too, thrived in an attacking role. He kicked two goals from 22 disposals and four inside 50s. Most importantly, 11 of his touches ended up in Bombers scores.

Room for improvement

Jake Stringer was the major reason why the Bombers looked like any chance of mounting a fightback as he booted four goals from 26 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 11 clearances and six inside 50s. Stringer was well supported by Sam Weideman, who also booted a personal-best five goals, while Darcy Parish (38 touches) was one of their few four-quarter performers, ending up with 13 contested possessions and nine clearances. Dylan Shiel, too, thrived in an attacking role. He kicked two goals from 22 disposals and four inside 50s. Most importantly, 11 of his 11 touches ended up in Bombers scores.

Grade

B-

FREMANTLE

That’s three losses from their past four games for the Dockers, whose finals hopes are fading fast. At least the attitude from Fremantle appeared much better this week and there was a clear direction to play with more dare and dash compared to previous matches. But ultimately every time Freo challenged Brisbane on Saturday, the Lions had answer as they handed the Dockers a 48-point loss.

In the votes

Andy Brayshaw worked tirelessly for 30 touches, while Luke Ryan starred in defence with 18 disposals, nine rebound 50s and eight intercepts. Top-10 picks Caleb Serong and Hayden Young both found a way to finish with 27 and 33 touches respectively, and Matt Johnson impressed – although he faces two weeks on the sidelines due to a dangerous tackle suspension now. Jaeger O’Meara battled admirably for two goals from 18’touches, while Sean Darcy battled manfully in the ruck.

Room for improvement

The Dockers came to The Gabba on Saturday with a clear intention to put speed on the ball — and it looked great at times. But as coach Justin Longmuir pointed out post-game, his side wasn’t able to consistently strike a balance. The Dockers lacked polish – and the Lions were at their best. It meant whenever Fremantle turned the footy over, Chris Fagan’s troops were ready to pounce. Ultimately they were thumped around the ball, losing the contested possession (-19), clearance (-17) and inside 50 (-20) counts convincingly. Jye Amiss, Bailey Banfield and Sam Sturt barely had any impact on the game.

Grade

D+

GEELONG CATS

That’s four wins on the trot for Geelong with four 100-plus point scores. In an entertaining, high-octane game against Essendon on Sunday, Geelong kicked the first six goals of the match to establish an early 38-point lead halfway through the first term. That was ultimately the difference between the two sides, who kicked 14 goals apiece after quarter-time. Importantly, while the much-improved Bombers didn’t relent against the reigning premiers, they couldn’t stop Geelong from responding to every challenge, with the Cats eventually running out 28-point winners.

In the votes

In game No. 334, 34-year-old Tom Hawkins produced a career-best performance, booting 8.1 from 16 disposals and 12 marks — of which 10 were take inside 50. Hawkins kicked four goals within the opening 20 minutes, which was ultimately when the Cats set up their victory. Skipper Patrick Dangerfield was electric as he finished with 28 disposals, nine score involvements, 10 clearances, 681m gained and a whopping 15 inside 50s. He was one forward entry away from equalling the AFL record for most inside 50s in a game. Jeremy Cameron added three goals, while Tanner Bruhn, Ollie Henry and Sam Simpson all booted two each. Max Holmes was excellent at stoppages, while Tom Stewart was brilliant in defence.

Room for improvement

The Cats weren’t able to completely bury the Bombers after their blistering start, but that probably said more about the spirit of the much-improved Essendon outfit. Esava Ratugolea looked a little shaky at times as the main key defender, with Sam De Koning the starting ruck.

Grade

A

GOLD COAST SUNS

Gold Coast are now sitting just one win outside the top eight, off the back of victory over Richmond away from home. The Suns had only won 8 of their 32 matches at Marvel Stadium heading into Sunday’s contest. But they managed to lead at every change against the Tigers – despite not being able to find a target inside 50 in the first half. Statistics showed the Suns went at an embarrassing 10% efficiency for goals per inside 50 in the opening terms. A big third term turned the match in the Gold Coast’s favour before they held off a Richmond fightback in the last quarter.

In the votes

Ben King’s return has provided the Suns a big marking target up forward. He finished with four goals from 10 disposals and five marks – two of those contested. Jarrod Witts was a game-changer in the third term – despite coughing up a 50m penalty that directly resulted in a Richmond goal. Witts “bullied” the Richmond talls, according to Dermott Brereton, with a 10-disposal term – that included his own goal out of the ruck contest. Charlie Ballard was a rock in defence as he silenced Tiger Jack Riewoldt. Ballard finished with 10 intercept possessions, 12 marks and 24 disposals.

Room for improvement

Outside of Ben King, there wasn’t a lot for the Suns to go to in attack. Mabior Chol was unsighted for a lot of the contest, with just three disposals and only the one behind. The efficiency going forward was also tough going for the Suns and something coach Stuart Dew will want to address. The Suns were also down -20 on their contested ball average for the season.

Grade

B+

GWS GIANTS

Toby Greene was the man. The captain kicked the winning goal in the final minute of the game to snatch the Battle of the Bridge off their crosstown rivals in a see-sawing affair. The Giants lost contested possession (137-160), clearances (37-46) and inside 50s (48-63) but ultimately came away with the all-important four points to record their third win for the season.

In the votes

Toby Greene was awarded the Brett Kirk Medal for his four-goal, 22-disposal performance. Harry Perryman was instrumental too in the closing stages with two final quarter goals to finish with three goals and 21 disposals. Tom Green continued to find the football, finishing with 31 disposals. Senior midfielders Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly were busy with 28 and 27 disposals respectively.

Room for improvement

The Giants were on the wrong end of the contested ball, clearances and inside 50s but was dragged over the line courtesy of some individual brilliance from their captain. Adam Kingsley will be imploring his side to get their hands dirty and start winning the ball at the source after losing the clearance battle for the third straight week.

Grade

A

HAWTHORN

It was a brave performance from Hawthorn despite fading in the second half against the Bulldogs, with Sam Mitchell’s side winning the contested possession (138-120) and clearance (38-26) battle. It came in Mitch Lewis’ welcome return to the side after missing the start of the season through injury, although he misfired in front of goal with 1.4. It marked the Hawks’ fourth-straight loss to fall to 1-6.

In the votes

Ned Reeves (3-hitouts) gave his midfield first use in a battle against Western Bulldogs star Tim English, assisting the likes of James Worpel (25 disposals, one goal) and Will Day (30 touches). Blake Hardwick was busy across half back with 26 possessions and 12 marks.

Room for improvement

As to be expected from a young, developing side, consistency has been an issue for Sam Mitchell’s Hawks, and it hurt them again against the Dogs. Hawthorn looked great throughout stages in the first half — but it could only produce strong form in patches as it’ll look to produce a more complete performance against Fremantle at Optus Stadium next week.

Grade

C+

MELBOURNE

Although it did only come against the lowly-ranked Kangaroos, Melbourne made a powerful statement in a 90-point thrashing to show how devastating its brand is in full swing. Simon Goodwin’s side stacked on eight goals to one in a one-sided first quarter as the game was all but decided before keeping its foot on the pedal all game, dominating contested possessions (149-117) and inside 50s (64-51).

In the votes

Christian Petracca (35 disposals, three goals, 552 metres gained and nine inside 50s, and (Clayton Oliver (37 touches) were both at their absolute best, while Bayley Fritsch (four goals), Kade Chandler and Kysaiah Pickett (both three goals) were busy up forward.

Room for improvement

The only real downside for Melbourne was that it didn’t win by more and couldn’t hang onto its 100-point lead during the fourth quarter after conceding two late goals. Full marks here.

Grade

A+

NORTH MELBOURNE

It was an ugly night for North Melbourne even though it came against one of the premiership favourites in Melbourne. But the Kangaroos was uncompetitive for most of the contest including coming out with a lack of intent from the first bounce as Simon Goodwin’s side ran rampant on the MCG. The big defeat was further soured by a trio of injury blows to Charlie Comben, Tom Powell and Callum Coleman-Jones, with Comben’s horrific lower leg setback appearing the most serious.

In the votes

Harry Sheezel continues to put up big numbers in a brilliant first season, racking up 30 touches with 11 marks in his customary half back role. Cameron Zurhaar booted 3.2 and was lively up forward all night.

Room for improvement

Fox Footy pundits were critical of the Roos in a scathing post-match assessment including questioning their motivation and commitment to the defensive side of the game, suggesting it should also be put on coach Alastair Clarkson as the master coach came under the microscope. The criticism included several examples where North Melbourne players applied limited pressure and allowed Melbourne to play its own game, with Cameron Mooney calling for Clarkson’s side to be harder to play against. Given it felt like this game was decided within the first 10 minutes, coming out with more intent from the first bounce will be a priority for North in next week’s clash against St Kilda.

Grade

F

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power’s ridiculous run of wins over St Kilda rolled on on Friday night in a seven-point thriller in Melbourne. Port Adelaide had less disposals, less marks, less contested ball, -14 free kicks, -5 clearances and only five contested marks – but they managed to hit the scoreboard when it mattered to claim the four points. The Power were hungry at the contest with almost +20 tackles on their season average. In a match where defence was always going to be the dominant aspect, Port Adelaide’s held firm when it mattered.

In the votes

Travis Boak wound back the clock against the Saints with 30 touches, six tackles and 1.1 as he moved to half forward to replace the injured Xavier Duursma. Jason Horne-Francis had a career-best night – despite the “embarrassing” boos he copped. The teenager finished his night with 25 disposals – 18 of them contested, 11 clearances, seven tackles and seven score involvements. Charlie Dixon may not be topping any of the stat sheets, but his return was crucial for the Power. His ability to provide a target and a contest against a stifling Saints defence was a game-changer. He still collected two goals, eight score involvements and three marks – two contested. Add in his smother in the final term that ended in the goal to reclaim the lead too.

Room for improvement

The kid Ollie Lord, in just his second game, struggled to get near it in a forward line that needed big bodies to stop the Saints’ defence. No doubt he’ll learn from that outing. Another rookie, Brynn Teakle, also struggled for an impact with just 18 hitouts against the more experienced Rowan Marshall.

Grade

A

RICHMOND

Richmond are now sitting alongside the likes of West Coast and Hawthorn as the only teams left with just one win. Just let that sit for a minute. The once-mighty Tigers are down in the dumps with the strugglers, and the loss to the Gold Coast did little to instil faith that this is a side who can turn it around quickly. They went forward with just 34% efficiency – and had just four goals to three quarter time. The Tigers were down on marks (-39), up on turnovers (+72), down on centre clearance (-4) and down on disposals (-41) but still managed to achieve the same number of inside 50s as the Suns.

In the votes

Tim Taranto tried his best to lift the Tigers, with 32 disposals, eight clearances, nine marks, 564m gained and 1.1 – including a goal in the final term to spark their mini-fightback. Jayden Short put his body on the line repeatedly and came up with 32 touches, 11 marks, five clearances and 760m gained.

Room for improvement

Let’s start from the backline and work our way to full forward. Noah Balta had a mare down back, the Tigers coughed up the footy repeatedly exiting defence, Ivan Soldo wasn’t at his best in the ruck in his first game for the year while Samson Ryan was outmuscled by Jarrod Witts. And in attack Richmond just don’t have answers without Tom Lynch. Dustin Martin is nowhere near his three-time Norm Smith Medallist form.

Grade

F

ST KILDA

The Saints are still sitting pretty in second spot despite the loss to the Power on Friday night. And there aren’t any alarm bells ringing for coach Ross Lyon after that defeat – they were simply beaten on the night. Lyon will likely look to work through a man-on-man style of game after the Saints just couldn’t break through. Their forward line is still lacking a big body – but there’s relief coming with Max King not too far away.

In the votes

Big man Rowan Marshall dominated against his younger Port opponent, with 26 disposals, 28 hitouts, 10 tackles, three clearances, nine score involvements and nine intercept possessions. Jack Steele was everywhere with his 28 touches, 11 tackles and five clearances. Jack Sinclair was important on the transition as his night ended with 33 disposals, almost 560m gained, five tackles and eight intercepts.

Room for improvement

There’s no doubt the Saints have been missing the suspended Anthony Caminiti – not to mention Max King. Port Adelaide’s Aliir Aliir was able to pick off entries given there wasn’t a lot of tall options to choose from.

Grade

C

SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans dominated all the key metrics but a lacklustre final 15 minutes of the game saw them cough up the last four goals to let the game slip away in the final minute against their crosstown rivals. Coach John Longmire was going off his head on the interchange bench as the Swans let their second game at the SCG in a row slip away in the final minute of the game.

In the votes

Had Toby Greene not done what he did, Luke Parker likely would have won his fourth consecutive Brett Kirk Medal after 33 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal. Chad Warner returned to form after being closely checked last week with 29 disposals, five clearances and a goal. Errol Gulden (27 disposals, six tackles, six clearances and a goal) was also busy through the midfield and Jake Lloyd was prolific as usual from the back half with 25 disposals.

Room for improvement

In such an even competition, the notion of ‘defending your own patch’ never has been more important and banking wins in familiar territory. For the second time in as many games at the SCG, the Swans have lost their games at home at the death. Sitting on three wins through the first seven rounds, the results could come back to haunt last year’s grand finalists as the season and spots in the top eight tighten up.

Grade

D+

WEST COAST EAGLES

Although undermanned due to widespread injuries, the Eagles lowered their colours in a big 108-point loss to the Blues that saw Adam Simpson’s side tumble to the bottom of the ladder. Simpson even labelled his team’s performance “unacceptable” and ”not good enough,” conceding “we got tipped over” as Charlie Curnow got off the leash in a career-best nine-masterclass.

In the votes

Tim Kelly continued his brilliant form this season with 27 disposals — 12 of those contested — to go with eight tackles despite Carlton’s talented midfield overwhelming the Eagles. Unfortunately, not many of his teammates were up for the fight.

Room for improvement

West Coast was comprehensively beaten in just about all facets of the game, but it all starts with contest and effort and having more commitment to the defensive side of the game, having conceded a score of 152 (23.14). No matter how many players are injured — albeit key players of that — Simpson would simply want to see better buy in from his troops next week and them playing with more desperation.

Grade

F

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs fought off a plucky Hawks outfit to claim a 29-point win at Marvel Stadium to celebrate club champion and skipper Marcus Bontempelli’s 200th game in style. Luke Beveridge’s side wasn’t quite at its best and even trailed throughout the first half before kicking away with four goals in the last term. It marked the Dogs’ third-straight win to move into the cusp of the top eight.

In the votes

Caleb Daniel played arguably his best game of the season with 27 touches, five, marks, seven tackles and a goal, while Aaron Naughton was the difference between the two sides with 4.3 in what could’ve been a big bag.

Room for improvement

The Dogs actually lost contested possessions (138-120) and clearances (38-26), but still found a way to win after turning things around in the centre half. Of course, the absence of Tom Liberatore was felt in the middle as his return from concussion next week will be much welcomed.

Grade

B