One perfect score, three glaring fails as AFL pretenders being to emerge: Report Card

One club produced one of the best – if not the best – four-quarter performance by a team so far this season.

The same can’t be said for three rivals, who had a weekend to forget.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 6 Report Card.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

It wasn’t the most convincing of wins, but sometimes, you’ve got to win ugly. The Crows did just that in a tight three-point victory over the Hawks in Tasmania where, just like they had all season, Adelaide’s forwards stood tall when it needed it with clutch goals to Izak Rankine and Darcy Fogarty. Thriving with a more free-flowing style in the second half before enduring Hawthorn’s fightback, Matthew Nicks’ side held on to claim its fourth-straight win to improve to 4-2.

In the votes

Taylor Walker was on song in attack, kicking a game-high 4.1 as the most influential forward on the ground. Rory Laird overcame a tag from Connor Nash to finish with 29 disposals and 12 tackles, while Rory Sloane wound back the clock with 30 touches and seven tackles.

Room for improvement

In a game where the Crows played well below their best, the club would be very happy to come away with the win. As highlighted by Hawks legend Jason Dunstall on Fox Footy, Adelaide got “sucked into an arm wrestle” with Hawthorn of a more scrappy style based around congestion and stoppage. Just like they did in the second half, the Crows will look to showcase their more daring brand against Collingwood next week.

Grade

B

BRISBANE LIONS

That’s three straight wins for the Lions in which they’ve kicked at least 100 points in each game. This one didn’t come easy though, with the Giants putting up a strong fight for almost the entire game on Saturday. But Brisbane just had a bit too much firepower up forward, which helped the team respond to every Giants challenge.

In the votes

A career-best night for Charlie Cameron, who was at his devastating best against the Giants. He booted 7.2 from 15 disposals, 12 score involvements and six marks in a performance that ultimately broke the Giants. First-year young gun Will Ashcroft was all class at the coalface with one goal from 19 disposals, while Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley provided strong support. Jack Gunston was a constant threat up forward Jack Payne solid in defence and Joe Daniher played with ample presence up the field.

Room for improvement

Despite the result, the Lions lost contested ball comfortably and were down on the Giants in the overall disposal count. If they’d been playing against a more established and experienced team, the result might’ve been closer — or even flipped.

Grade

A-

CARLTON

The Blues have issues, but they are still sitting inside the top eight and possess an attacking duo that any club would kill for, so it’s not all doom and gloom. They had more than 80 more disposals and 20 more contested possessions than the Saints in the 22-point loss. They also showed plenty of promise in the first half. So while the critics are coming after a second successive defeat, you could argue the glass is neither full or empty at the Blues. Keep in mind they remain without their three most attacking backmen in Sam Docherty, Adam Saad and Zac Williams. But efficiency in getting the ball inside 50 is an area of concern for Michael Voss and one he’ll want to address quickly.

In the votes

Charlie Curnow continues to be the man doing the damage in attack. And while his accuracy could use a little touch up, he still provided a target and proved the biggest threat on the ground, finishing with 3.3 from his 15 disposals. Adam Cerra was everywhere for his 39 disposals, Jacob Weitering was a rock in defence and finished with six intercepts. Patrick Cripps had 22 contested possessions – 10 clear of the next best teammate.

Room for improvement

Jesse Motlop had a dismal day, made worse by the fact he’s been slapped with a one-match ban for rough conduct. He didn’t trouble the scorers with his six touches and finished the only player on the ground not to take a mark the entire game. Marc Pittonet was well beaten by Rowan Marshall, while Harry McKay had another off night with the radar as he struggled in front of goal. The Blues only managed nine marks inside 50 for the entire contest – despite having the likes of Charlie Curnow and McKay.

Grade

C

COLLINGWOOD

They’ve done it again. The Magpies on Anzac Day turned a 28-point three quarter-time deficit into a 13-point win by the final siren, thanks to seven unanswered goals. It was the ninth time the Pies had managed to win from the past 12 matches when they’d trailed at the last change. Craig McRae’s side seemingly has indestructible self-belief to come from behind in big games.

In the votes

Nick Daicos literally was in the votes, polling 12 of a possible 12 to claim the Anzac Day medal. Daicos on Tuesday produced arguably his finest game yet in an already brilliant AFL career, booting 2.1 from 40 disposals (at 86 per cent kicking efficiency), nine score involvements, six inside 50s and 604m gained. Steele Sidebottom (30 disposals, 1.0) and Jordan De Goey (28 disposals, 2.1) were also enormous, while Jack Crisp (26 disposals) was particularly influential after quarter-time. And McRae post-game gave ruckman Billy Frampton a special shout-out for holding his own against Essendon’s two recognised rucks.

Room for improvement

The fact the Pies found themselves down by 28 points at the final change suggests there’s room for improvement. They were a bit wasteful forward of centre across the first three quarters, having more inside 50s than Essendon yet not converting their opportunities. And when the Bombers were on top, the Pies couldn’t get their run-and-gun handball game going, forced to chip the ball around in the first and third quarters where they took 33 and 26 marks respectively. The Pies didn’t get a goal out of Brody Mihocek or Jamie Elliott, although Elliott did present well across half-forward.

Grade

A-

ESSENDON

On a positive note, it was another strong performance by the Bombers against a premiership favourite, with Tuesday‘s 13-point loss to Collingwood coming after a strong win over Melbourne. They showed they have the profile and potential to match it with some of the best teams in the competition. But the fact the Bombers were leading the Pies by 28 points at three quarter-time would be impossible for Essendon fans to ignore.

In the votes

Mason Redman was terrific in defence, finishing with 23 disposals, seven intercepts, seven marks and 540m gained to earn a vote in the Anzac Day medal tally. But it was Kyle Langford who loomed as a potential match-winner for the Bombers, booting a game-high three goals from 17 disposals and seven marks, while also help curtailing the influence of Magpies skipper Darcy Moore in defence. Darcy Parish lifted in the third term as the Bombers got on a roll, Jye Caldwell was strong at the coalface all game and Sam Weideman kicked 2.2 from 14 disposals and eight marks in a promising performance.

Room for improvement

The last quarter, hey? The white-hot Pies slammed on 7.2 to Essendon’s 0.3 in the fourth term to run out winners. Coach Brad Scott said it was “a combination of we ran out of a bit of gas and they (the Pies) seemed to stop at a petrol station somewhere.” Ultimately, the Magpies were stronger at the coalface in the final term (+9 contested possessions), which led to more territory (+16 inside 50s) and more scoreboard pressure.

Grade

B

FREMANTLE

Well the Flagmantle hype has well and truly disappeared as the Dockers sunk to their fourth loss of the season, this time in front of home fans for a packed Len Hall Tribute match. Fremantle was off from the opening bounce, with captain Alex Pearce too busy trying to get into ex-teammate Rory Lobb. The Dockers just didn’t have any flow to their game and no answers to stop the Dogs’ ability to find avenues to goal, with the Dogs having 11 different goalkickers. Freo went inside 50 just 45 times – well down on their 54 season average – and didn’t have any threats once it got in there. The final kick into attack let them down repeatedly, leaving big headaches for coach Justin Longmuir. The margin blew out to 49 points thanks to a five-goal to one final term in favour of the Dogs.

In the votes

Caleb Serong was a midfield bull as he racked up 35 disposals, 10 clearances, six tackles and seven score involvements. But he was playing a lone hand. Luke Ryan was the pick of the Freo defenders with 30 touches and six intercepts. Sean Darcy managed a whopping 53 hit-outs against Tim English. Michael Frederick provided a spark in attack that was lacking in the first half, with two third-quarter goals when the Dockers got close. But he couldn’t sustain those efforts and it was later revealed he suffered an adductor injury in the 49-point loss.

Room for improvement

Fremantle’s forward line is not functioning – and it’s an ongoing issue that we seem to repeat weekly. Jye Amiss is still a kid developing his game, but he had just two touches before being subbed out. Yes there’s no Matt Taberner in attack, but there is no clear path for Fremantle to score and it’s a big issue to address. Alex Pearce had a shocker against the Dogs, coughing up three free kicks and going at less than 45 per cent disposal efficiency. Jordan Clark falls in the same category of being too distracted by Rory Lobb, as he conceded two free kicks and didn’t have his usual impact.

Grade

F

GEELONG CATS

That’s three consecutive percentage-boosting wins by Geelong. This time, though, it was against a flag contender – albeit an undermanned one in Sydney – in a dominant 93-point thumping at GMHBA Stadium. The Cats never looked threatened during their Saturday night demolition. After a slow start to the season, Geelong moved into the eight for the first time this year with their third straight win and now face a resurgent Essendon next Sunday at the MCG.

In the votes

Geelong coach Chris Scott was particularly pleased with a midfield led superbly by captain Patrick Dangerfield, who gathered 31 disposals and kicked 1.1 in his first game as skipper on home turf. Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron continued their recent hot form with 10 goals between them, while Brad Close and Gryan Miers proved they’re back to their best touch as Max Holmes collected 23 disposals.

Room for improvement

Nothing to see here. One of the best – if not the best – four-quarter performance by a team so far this season.

Grade

A+

GOLD COAST SUNS

The Suns’ equation was simple: Beat North Melbourne and release the pressure valve building on coach Stuart Dew. That’s exactly what they did at home – although the 43-point margin could have been a lot more had Gold Coast cashed in on its early dominance. The Suns finished with a club-equalling record 20 marks inside 50. They led from start to finish against the Roos in the type of dominant display they needed to produce against a team in rebuild mode.

In the votes

Noah Anderson was a workhorse through the middle and ended his night with 28 touches, eight clearances, eight marks and nine score involvements. Ben King also made a welcome return to form with an equal career best five goals. Nick Holman may have only had the eight touches, but his goal was to clamp young Roo Harry Sheezel — and he did it with aplomb. Sheezel had just six touches to half-time – including just one in the second term. And to make his outing more impressive, Holman was also able to hit the scoreboard. Bailey Humphrey started as the sub but he was the firestarter in the final term and had two impressive goals.

Room for improvement

Levi Casboult didn’t have an impact despite all the forward territory the Suns enjoyed, finishing goalless from his 10 touches and coughing up two free kicks. Malcolm Rosas also struggled for his three disposals before being the man subbed out late.

Grade

A-

GWS GIANTS

Another week, another plucky Giants loss. Their three previous defeats were by 19 points, 10 points and 13 points. On Saturday night, they played with ample spirit and intensity, but were ultimately outdone by a team with more established talent in Brisbane, which triumphed by 21 points. Adam Kingsley’s side is competitive and tough to overcome, but it just lacks the class and experience to knock off some of the league’s better sides at the moment.

In the votes

Josh Kelly broke the record for most disposals in a game at Manuka Oval (41), while Stephen Coniglio (38) wasn’t far behind. But Nick Haynes was just as important in defence with 27 disposals and 11 intercepts – he seems to be back to his best form – while Brent Daniels starred with 4.1 from 20 disposals.

Room for improvement

As brave as the Giants were, their inconsistent ball movement speed was frustrating. While they had moments of brilliance from the back-half, they also had stints where they struggled to generate run, which allowed Brisbane’s defenders to set up easily. It’s why the Giants were +98 for disposals yet -8 for inside 50s. A lack of pressure up the field also exposed the Giants’ backline, which couldn’t contain Brisbane’s seven-goal hero Charlie Cameron.

Grade

B-

HAWTHORN

Although there aren’t high expectations on the Hawks to win a lot of game this year, you sense their three-point loss to Adelaide would’ve hurt that extra bit. In a game it wasn’t given much hope of winning, Sam Mitchell’s side was gutsy and produced one of its most competitive performances yet, staying with the Crows all day and even surging ahead during the fourth term before collapsing late. The loss was compounded by Max Lynch suffering a concussion in yet another setback for the luckless ruckman.

In the votes

Jai Newcombe gave the Hawks great contest in the midfield with 26 disposals, eight marks and 10 tackles. James Sicily (27 touches, 11 marks) led the team well from the backline and Karl Amon (28 possessions, one goal) showed great class with ball in hand at key stages. Fergus Greene was also a standout with three goals as Hawthorn’s best forward.

Room for improvement

The Hawks will take plenty of positives away from the loss in one of their most consistent showings this year. And really, outside of the last few minutes, they didn’t do a lot wrong. Kangaroos legend David King noted on Fox Footy that the Hawks chose not to put an extra number back while they were up by two goals in the dying minutes, saying they “paid a price”. It was ultimately signs of a team that just doesn’t know how to consistently win yet.

Grade

B

MELBOURNE

The Demons had to come from behind to snatch an 18-point win over the spirited Tigers in front of a bumper Anzac Day Eve crowd. But the comeback was brilliant to watch as Simon Goodwin’s side showed how dangerous and dynamic it can be. The Demons kicked seven unanswered goals during a match-defining period across the third and fourth quarters where they controlled possession superbly. Melbourne kicked 5.1 to 1.5 in the final term – the sixth time this season it’s won the last quarter – to seal victory.

In the votes

Jack Viney was named best on ground for his strong game that saw him lift in the second and fourth quarters when the Dees were at their best. Viney finished with one goal from 30 disposals, eight contested possessions, seven score involvements and five clearances. Clayton Oliver continued his awesome season with another 31 touches and six clearances. Emerging talent Jacob van Rooyen announced himself on the big stage with a stunning three-goal final term – including a soaring pack mark – while returning captain Max Gawn took six contested marks and dealt the hammer blow with a deft tap-in goal to put the result beyond doubt. The Demons’ forward half finally began to click after the main break, as Christian Petracca exploded with 14 second-half disposals, Kade Chandler booted three goals and Brodie Grundy took over in the ruck to finish with six clearances.

Room for improvement

Overall, it wasn’t a great night for Melbourne’s smaller forwards, with Kysaiah Pickett and Bayley Fritsch both kicking just one goal each from their respective eight-disposal hauls. Judd McVee also looked a little vulnerable at times in defence, while Steven May still appeared rusty – even though he had 22 disposals, 11 intercepts and nine marks. The Dees also lost the contested possession (-9) and inside 50 (-8) counts – and it could’ve been a different story if the Tigers had converted their opportunities.

Grade

B+

NORTH MELBOURNE

Look, it’s harsh to give a developing side an F-grade so early in the season after promising signs, but North Melbourne’s efforts just didn’t cut it on the Gold Coast. Blown away early by a Suns side that should have opened up more than a three-goal lead at quarter-time, there was no rhythm to the Roos’ game. It was almost a “training run” for the home side. North Melbourne were never in the contest after that horror start and lacked any sort of dare to get back into it. They coughed up 20 Suns marks inside 50 in a dismal day out for their defenders – for the second week running.

In the votes

It was the veterans Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell who led from the front on a disappointing day out on the Gold Coast. They finished as the club’s two highest ball-winners with 27 and 23 respectively. Todd Goldstein pulled his weight in his 300th milestone game, with 33 hit-outs, 14 touches, five clearances and three tackles. Aaron Hall was the man from defence trying to get the Roos some drive, finishing with 530m gained with his 22 touches.

Room for improvement

Ben McKay had a stinker against the Suns. He was beaten by Mabior Chol and then had his efforts questioned by Fox Footy experts in a tough outing. Nick Larkey couldn’t get near it as the Suns defence swarmed him at every opportunity. The Roos were accused of being too Larkey focused, as he was forced to compete outnumber time and time again. He finished his day with 1.1 from four touches, and spent time on the sidelines with a foot complaint. Rookie Harry Sheezel isn’t someone we’ve seen in this section, but he was tagged out of the contest on Sunday. Managing just 11 disposals – well down from his 30-plus average in his debut season, coach Alastair Clarkson had to swing him forward in an attempt to get him near it. It’ll be a good lesson for the kid.

Grade

F

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power led comfortably from start to finish against the undermanned Eagles, blasting away with six second-quarter goals to put a comfortable gap in the game. The Power sit comfortably inside the top eight after three wins in a row.

In the votes

Connor Rozee claimed best on ground honours with his 2.1, 23-disposal display. Jeremy Finlayson matched his haul from the corresponding game last year, kicking five goals in a game for the fifth time in his career. Willem Drew (22 disposals, eight tackles and a goal) and Zak Butters (17 disposals and five tackles) were also busy in a solid team performance.

Room for improvement

Port Adelaide has handed over the keys to the engine room to the next generation. Young ruckman Brynn Teakle replaced veteran Scott Lycett and the young stars Rozee, Butters, Jason Horne-Francis and Willem Drew were the ones attending most centre bounces. While they won the contested possessions (133-131), they lost the ruck battle to young ruck Bailey Williams and lost the clearance battle (42-41) and centre clearances (14-11) as they look to continue winning the ball at the source and driving forward.

Grade

A-

RICHMOND

An improvement from last week, but ultimately Richmond wasn’t good enough to claim the win. The Tigers jumped out to a 25-point lead in the second quarter but were ultimately run down by a classy Demons outfit.

In the votes

Jayden Short showed his importance to the Tigers’ outfit on his return with 30 disposals and a game-high 644m gained, while a resurgent Jack Riewoldt fought brilliantly against the Demons’ defence with a second consecutive four-goal haul. Nick Vlastuin was terrific in defence with 21 disposals, 12 intercepts, eight marks and seven rebound 50s, while Dustin Martin probably played his best game for the season with 1.3 from 25 disposals.

Room for improvement

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said his side continues to be its own worst enemy after losing a game that “looked like a Richmond game”. Ultimately, poor accuracy in front of goal and an inability to keep the clamps on Melbourne’s powerful ruck duo after half-time left the Tigers vulnerable to a Demons comeback when they should have been well in front. Rhyan Mansell and Hugo Ralphsmith had just four disposals each, while Noah Cumberland had a funny night. Cumberland was dominant in the first term with 3.1 from four disposals before only managing three more touches for the match. Hardwick post-game said Cumberland can “be as good as he wants” but has “got to get to work on some things in his game – and a lot of that has to do with Noah, how bad he wants it.”

Grade

C+

ST KILDA

The Saints are just going from strength to strength under returned coach Ross Lyon as they remain top of the table with victory over the Blues. It took one brilliant third term to ensure the Saints secured the four points — but that’s why they call it the premiership quarter. The Saints had almost 90 less disposals than Carlton, almost 40 less marks and 20 less contested possessions. Yet they were more efficient forward of centre, leading to the 22-point win.

In the votes

Rowan Marshall was important as he pushed forward to hit the scoreboard, to go alongside his 21 hit-outs and 17 disposals. The big ruckman also had the Saints’ most metres gained for the night with 477m, three tackles and four clearances. Dan Butler proved the danger man in attack with 3.1 from his 13 touches. Butler’s ability to find space in a congested forward line paid off, while Mitch Owens contributed with two goals.

Room for improvement

With Anthony Caminiti out through suspension, the Saints had room inside forward 50 for someone to shine. Tim Membrey couldn’t get the radar going in his first game back, finishing with 1.2, while Mattaes Phillipous didn’t trouble the scorers. The Saints defenders had a tough night trying to contain big Blue Charlie Curnow, with multiple free kicks coughed up in front of goal.

Grade

A

SYDNEY SWANS

Swans coach John Longmire was lost for words by his side’s lack of competitiveness as they crashed to their biggest loss in his 289-game tenure, going down by 93 points. The Grand Final rematch against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium evoked memories of Sydney’s nightmare thrashing against Geelong in last year’s decider. Most concerning, it was a near identical scoreworm to the 2022 Grand Final, in which the Cats had a handy lead at half-time before blitzing the Swans with a devastating third quarter.

In the votes

Co-captain Luke Parker tried hard all night, finishing with 21 disposals. 12 contested possessions and six clearances. Will Hayward kicked two goals and Robbie Fox had a game-high 11 intercepts and kicked the ball at 83 per cent efficiency. That was about it.

Room for improvement

Where do you start? Put simply, the Swans dropped away far too easily. Yes they were without superstar forward Lance Franklin, co-captain Dane Rampe, ruckman Tom Hickey and both Paddy and Tom McCartin against the reigning premiers, but the Swans were uncharacteristically uncompetitive. They scored just three behinds after half-time and again were thumped in contested possessions (-20) by a premiership contender in a dispiriting display. Speaking of uncharacteristic, Errol Gulden and Ollie Florent were both poor by foot, while Chad Warner had just one score involvement and one inside 50 for the game. Logan McDonald went goalless and Tom Papley kicked just one goal from nine touches. A tape of a game Swans fans quickly put in the bin – and rightly so.

Grade

F

WEST COAST EAGLES

The young, undermanned Eagles continued to battle manfully throughout the warm afternoon in Adelaide but simply weren’t in the same weight division as Port Adelaide. The second quarter aside where the Power slammed on six goals to one, the Eagles were up for the contest and ended up winning the second half, showing more impressive sparks and signs as they battled through their rebuild and injury crisis.

In the votes

Tim Kelly continued his excellent start to the season collecting 28 disposals and winning five clearances despite not attending a single centre bounce. Mid-season draftee Jai Culley overcame a big bump from Port skipper Tom Jonas and passed a HIA assessment to kick a career-high four goals. Tom Barrass was a “pillar” in defence with 11 intercept possessions, Jake Waterman continued presenting up the field all day as a forward option and Andrew Gaff was again a senior presence between the arcs, collecting 23 disposals.

Room for improvement

The Eagles had fought back and started showing some signs to make an interesting contest as three-quarter time neared. Crows’ premiership player Mark Ricciuto spoke on Fox Footy how the Eagles could not afford to let Port Adelaide score and “hold onto the footy for two minutes” as time ticked down. The Power proceeded to score a goal in the final minute of the quarter, completely snuffing any chance of a miracle out. The Eagles have conceded ‘red time goals’ in all of their games so far this year. It remains a big Achilles heel for the young developing side.

Grade

C-

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Dogs headed west with a forward line that was under a pretty big spotlight. Sitting 17th for scores for the season, despite boasting a tall arsenal, there needed to be a response. And that’s what they got from an attacking end that not only made an impact on the scoreboard, but as a unit when they defended teammate Rory Lobb in his first venture back to Perth to face his former side. The Dogs found their run and carry — which had been lacking in early season losses — and won contested ball +25. But the most pleasing aspect for coach Luke Beveridge would be the improvement in efficiency inside 50, which was up a whopping 18 per cent on their season average.

In the votes

Marcus Bontempelli continues to be the Dogs’ inspirational leader, as he racked up 31 touches, eight clearances, seven inside 50s, nine score involvements, 10 tackles – including a remarkable six tackles inside 50 – and five intercept possessions as he did it at both ends of the ground. Aaron Naughton was the star of the show in attack, kicking 3.2 from his 11 disposals, while having two goal assists. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan may not have had the impact on the scoreboard like Naughton, but he was influential with three contested marks and 10 score involvements. Tim English starred against the Dockers’ ruck duo of Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson, as he finished with 34 hit-outs, 20 disposals and a goal.

Room for improvement

Cody Weightman’s radar was off against Freo as he finished with 1.3. Arthur Jones also had a quiet night, with just nine touches and finished goalless. The Dogs need more from their smalls in attack.

Grade

A