One team outshined all – and just one failed – as statements made: AFL Report Card

It was yet another action-packed weekend of footy where several clubs enhanced their reputation, and others got their season on track.

And while there was some underwhelming performances, one side unexpectedly sank to a new low.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 3 Report Card.

Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

ADELAIDE CROWS

This will go down as one of Adelaide’s all-time greatest Showdown wins. Heading into Saturday night’s clash against arch rivals Port Adelaide as underdogs, the Crows spoiled the Power’s Prison Bar jumper party. After an enthralling arm-wrestle across the first three quarters, Adelaide pulled away late, booting the last six goals of the game to claim a 31-point victory – its first of 2023.

In the votes

Skipper Jordan Dawson claimed his second Showdown Medal for his one-goal, 18-disposal performance. But many believed Crows forward duo Riley Thilthorpe and Izak Rankine had a greater influence when the game was up for grabs. Thilthorpe booted a an equal career-high five goals, while Rankine had his best game since joining the Crows with four goals from 17 disposals. Rory Laird was excellent at the coalface, while Reilly O’Brien was the best ruck on the ground.

Room for improvement

The Crows, who severely struggled with inaccuracy across the first two rounds, really could’ve kicked away from the Power in the third term, but made it hard for themselves with a 2.5 quarter. Veteran Taylor Walker was also the lowest rated player on the ground, finishing with 0.1 from 11 disposals and three marks. But ultimately, the Crows kicked away with a fourth-quarter blitz and Walker inspired his teammates by taking it up to his Port opponents, while he also pinch-hit in the ruck to give O’Brien a chop-out. So minor issues on an otherwise terrific night for Adelaide.

Grade

A+

BRISBANE LIONS

A horror loss to Port Adelaide followed by a powerful statement win over Melbourne — and then a mightily frustrating and sloppy loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night. If the first three rounds are anything to go by, Lions fans are in for one heck of a rollercoaster ride in 2023. Despite rallying late and getting within a kick of the Dogs in the final quarter, the Lions never genuinely looked like winners on the night.

In the votes

Not many. The co-captains, though, were outstanding. Harris Andrews was colossal down back, finishing with 21 disposals. 16 marks (8 intercept) and eight spoils, while Lachie Neale was strong at the coalface, booting one goal from 31 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight clearances and eight score involvements. Will Ashcroft and Josh Dunkley battled admirably, Brandon Starcevich was solid in defence and Jack Gunston kept his side in the game with three third-quarter goals.

Room for improvement

As coach Chris Fagan said post-game, the Lions lacked polish all night. They had 48 inside 50s for the match but managed 7.11. Joe Daniher was the worst culprit, booting 0.4 — but he wasn’t the only one. In fact outside of Gunston, Brisbane’s entire forward line copped a pasting from pundits in the aftermath of Friday night’s match. Eric Hipwood and Charlie Cameron kicked just 2.2 between them, while Lincoln McCarthy and Zac Bailey had very little influence on the game. Elsewhere, Hugh McCluggage went at just 36 per cent by foot. And for a team that prides itself on the contest, the Lions would be filthy to lose the contested possession count by -18.

Grade

C-

CARLTON

The Blues got an ugly win over GWS, but four points is still four points. Carlton’s only goals in the second half came from a controversial dissent free kick and a Charlie Curnow set shot with just minutes remaining in worrying signs for coach Michael Voss. The Blues were anything but convincing as the Giants went coast to coast too easily. But there were plenty of positives including a lopsided hitout count (+29), a +7 clearance win and a +25 contested ball count. Inaccuracy was an issue with the Blues finishing 9.20.

In the votes

Patrick Cripps was an absolute beast for the Blues as he dragged his side into the contest. He gave teammates a quarter time rev up, and then led from the front with 42 disposals, 13 clearances, 11 score involvements and six inside 50s. Matt Owies was on song early before a hamstring injury saw him subbed out in the second term. Sam, Docherty was at his inspirational best with 39 disposals, 10 marks and a big goal from outside the arc when his team needed someone to stand tall.

Room for improvement

Big forward Harry McKay had a day to forget with just seven touches and one behind to show for his efforts. He copped an early head knock that required treatment as he left the field under the blood rule, but played out the contest.

Grade

C

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies’ unbeaten run rolled on but they weren’t without their challenges. Twice Richmond came at them, and twice they had the answer to swing momentum back in their favour. Collingwood were more daring with the footy, finishing with +19 inside 50s, as only wayward goalkicking prevented them from blowing the Tigers out of the water. Collingwood were +22 in contested ball and -10 in turnovers in an outing that will no doubt have pleased coach Craig McRae – goalkicking aside.

In the votes

Is there anything second-year player Nick Daicos can’t do? He had Tiger Jack Graham well beaten early and finished the night with 33 disposals at almost 88% efficiency in wet conditions and seven intercepts. Jordan de Goey may have ended up with 0.3 in front of goal, but he was everywhere for the Pies as he racked up a game-high 32 touches, eight inside 50s and four intercepts. Ash Johnson provided a spark for his side with his pure athleticism on display in his 10 score involvements.

Room for improvement

The Magpies will have to get creative in the ruck in Round 4 after losing Mason Cox pre-game and Darcy Cameron suffering a knee injury in the third term. With Aiden Begg already sidelined and Brody Grundy shipped off to Melbourne, we might see Dan McStay and Ash Johnson have to share duties. Even Scott Pendlebury pitched in against the Tigers against Toby Nankervis. But it was an area Collingwood were well beaten at on Friday night.

Grade

A

ESSENDON

Chris Scott and company finally suffered their first loss of the season in falling to the Saints, although the Bombers went down swinging in a gutsy effort. It included Essendon erasing a 34-point deficit to draw scores level during the fourth quarter before St Kilda kicked away late. The 2-1 Bombers will now hope to bounce back against the Giants this week.

In the votes

The midfield continues to be a bright spot for Scott’s side, with Darcy Parish (35 touches, one goal) and Dylan Shiel (22 disposals, eight tackles, two goals) particularly enjoying big performances. Nic Martin played his best game of 2023, racking up 27 possessions and kicking a goal.

Room for improvement

Essendon would’ve loved to have started better against a Saints outfit that came out with energy in its 150th anniversary match — and to simmer down its fans. The Bombers then essentially used up all their tickets getting back into the contest, and when the game was there to be one in the fourth quarter, just couldn’t match St Kilda’s efforts.

Grade

C

FREMANTLE

That’s more like it! The Dockers registered their first win of 2023 after taking down cross-town rival West Coast — albeit a severely injury-cruelled West Coast — by 41 points in Sunday’s Derby. But sometimes a team just needs to win to get that confidence back as Justin Longmuir’s side will hope it kicks starts its season ahead of a tough trip to Adelaide Oval to face a Crows side that’ll also be full of confidence coming off their own win against a cross-state rival.

In the votes

Caleb Serong was central to Freo’s dominance in the engine room with 35 touches, 13 of those contested, 697 metres gained and eight tackles, receiving maximum votes to claim Glendinning-Allan Medal honours. Sean Darcy took full advantage of West Coast’s inexperienced and undersized ruck stocks, tallying 20 disposals and 52 hit-outs to go with a goal. Meanwhile Luke Jackson responded to critics with 12 possessions, seven tackles, 17 hit-outs and two goals.

Room for improvement

It’s hard to fault Fremantle’s performance, and it deserves credit for kicking away late. But it’s also tricky to work out exactly how much we learned about the Dockers given West Coast’s horror injury toll sustained on the night in a slight caveat to the win.

Grade

B+

GEELONG CATS

Geelong have sunk to a 47-year low, as the first reigning premiers to start a season 0-3 since 1976. The Cats just couldn’t contain the Suns ball movement in worrying signs for coach Chris Scott. Geelong were simply too wasteful with the footy, as they finished +31 marks, +4 marks inside 50 and +3 inside 50s. But it was in tight were the Cats were skinned by the Suns as they finished -17 for clearance and -23 contested ball. Fox Footy’s Dermott Brereton was scathing of the Cats’ backline. “They are depleted the Cats, you can see the holes in their defence,” he said.

In the votes

Jeremy Cameron’s last minute flight north to Queensland was well worth it for the Cats as the superstar forward’s hot form rolled on. Not even the birth of his child midweek could halt Cameron’s run as arguably the most exciting player in the competition. He finished with 3.3 from 15 disposals. “Their forward line, without Jeremy Cameron they are nowhere in this competition,” Dermott Brereton said. Tom Stewart made an early return from his knee injury, and didn’t miss a beat with a team-high 30 touches and 11 intercepts.

Room for improvement

Tom Hawkins raced back from off-season foot surgery to be ready for Round 1. And it shows in the first three rounds as Hawkins has been well below his best. He finished goalless from his five touches, and coughed up two free kicks. Tyson Stengle also failed to have any influence on the contest as he racked up just nine disposals and failed to hit the scoreboard.

Grade

F

GOLD COAST SUNS

While all the post-game talk will centre on the Cats and whether they’ve genuinely hit the wall, take nothing away from the Sus, for they were mighty. The Suns smashed the reigning premiers – one of the best contested ball and clearance teams of 2022 – at the coalface, finishing +24 for contested possessions, +16 for clearances and, most importantly, +19 on the scoreboard. Gold Coast kicked five of the last seven goals of the game and held off the Cats to record a famous win.

In the votes

Jack Lukosius had a genuine breakout game, kicking five goals from 13 disposals and nine marks. Just as important was Lukosius’ ability to find teammates in scoring opportunities. Of his 13 disposals, 12 of them ended up in Suns scores. Teammate Matt Rowell was colossal as he taught the Cats a lesson at stoppages, finishing with 24 disposals, 18 contested possessions and nine clearances to go with 30 pressure acts. Toul Miller also led by example with 20 disposals, Jarrod Witts worked tirelessly in the ruck and Nick Holman showed why he’s still so valuable to this team.

Room for improvement

Ben King dropped a lot of simple marks early and kicked just one goal from seven touches for the match. But ultimately Lukosius was the main man for the Suns, while King was able to hold onto a huge contested mark late in the game. And outside of a frustrating second quarter when they managed 1.6 from 14 inside 50s, that was an outstanding performance from the Suns that could genuinely kickstart their 2023 campaign.

Grade

A

GWS GIANTS

The Giants would be disappointed with their 10-point loss to Carlton after mounting a fightback in the fourth term. Only an umpiring controversy stalled their charge as the road trip to Perth in Round 2 certainly took a toll. There were flashes of brilliance for coach Adam Kingsley as GWS kicked two opening quarter goals coming out of full back, and took 11 marks inside 50. But there was also a few dismal efforts, as they went at just 37% efficiency inside 50.

In the votes

Josh Kelly showed why he is considered such a silky mover, with his 30 touches and six clearances capped off by a classy goal. Jesse Hogan provided the big target up forward that the Giants have been lacking in recent times and finished with two goals. Aside from an early cross-goal blunder in defence, Lachie Ash was a solid contributor with his 30 disposals and three intercepts. Sam Taylor proved a rock in defence as he ended up with a game high 10 intercepts.

Room for improvement

Skipper Toby Greene just didn’t have an impact for three and a half quarters. He had one moment of excellence, as he bravely backed into oncoming traffic and kicked a goal to bring his side within one point. But he managed only five touches for the day. It’s harsh to put a player in both the votes and room for improvement, but Jesse Hogan’s goal kicking needs attention. His no score snap – from just 25 metres out – is what’s holding the forward back from being one of the competition’s big guns. Matt Flynn was beaten all day, first by Marc Pittonet and then against Tom de Koning.

Grade

C

HAWTHORN

Sam Mitchell got first bragging rights over Alastair Clarkson in the coaching grudge match as Hawthorn held off a late flurry from the Kangaroos to win by 19 points. The Roos cut their deficit to within three points midway through the fourth term before clutch goals to Tyler Brockman and Dylan Moore sealed a big Hawks win. It marked Hawthorn‘s first win of the season and alleviated pressure on the club after a tough week of scrutiny.

In the votes

Several Hawks had big days at the office, perhaps none more so than Dylan Moore, racking up 26 disposals and kicking two goals. James Sicily was prolific in defence with 28 touches and a whopping 18 marks, while Will Day played perhaps the best game of his young career with 29 possessions and 11 marks.

Room for improvement

The 19-point margin didn‘t quite represent Hawthorn’s dominance on the day including dominating contested possessions (+19), clearances (+19) and inside 50s (+12). From that perspective, Mitchell’s side shouldn’t have allowed the Roos back into the game, while Hawthorn’s inaccuracy in front of goal (11.14) also hurt.

Grade

A

MELBOURNE

Barring a couple of periods of Swans momentum, it’s hard to be any more impressed with how good Melbourne was on Sunday. That seven-goal final term was the Dees at their devastating best and they carried the momentum from last week’s finish into Round 3. It may not be an undefeated start to the season, but the Dees look to have things in order and with room to improve.

In the votes

He wasn’t the best player on the ground, but it was a huge tick on debut for Jacob van Rooyen, with the 19-year-old’s scoreboard impact matched by his pressure and contest work. Clayton Oliver starred with two goals and 25 disposals in his 150th, while Steven May could probably claim a win over Lance Franklin. Brodie Grundy was fantastic in his first full game without Max Gawn.

Room for improvement

They let the Swans get a genuine sniff during the third quarter, when a five-goal lead was whittled down to just a kick. How they turned on the afterburners was very impressive, however. Ben Brown couldn’t get involved barring one major and was ultimately subbed out in favour of more speed and variety from Jake Melksham.

Grade

A

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Kangaroos dropped their first game of 2023, leaving their run until too late against the Hawks in Tasmania as Alastair Clarkson lost his first coaching battle against Sam Mitchell. Facing a five-goal deficit at half-time, North showed great fight to will itself back into the contest, but Clarkson‘s men lacked composure late in the final term when the game was on the line.

In the votes

Harry Sheezel continued his brilliant first season, racking up 26 touches, seven marks and six tackles with great poise and class across half back. Cameron Zurhaar was also dangerous, kicking two goals from 20 disposals and looking like he was going to single-handedly rip the game away from Hawthorn in the final term.

Room for improvement

The Roos‘ midfield was severely undermanned after Luke Davies-Uniacke was a late out with calf tightness, joining the suspended Jy Simpkinon the sidelines.To no great surprise, North’s on-ball brigade got beaten up around the footy in a decisive part of the game, losing contested possessions (-19) and clearances (-19). Assuming Davies-Uniacke’s calf issue was just tightness, the Roos should get both of their midfield stars back next week.

Grade

B-

PORT ADELAIDE

The rollercoaster 2023 Power campaign continues. After a breathtaking Round 1 win over Brisbane then a paltry Round 2 loss to Collingwood, Port Adelaide had a chance to get back on track during the Showdown on Saturday night. At stages it looked like the Power would as they challenged the Crows. But they couldn’t handle the Adelaide blitz late in the last quarter, conceding the last six goals of the game to go down by 31 points.

In the votes

Connor Rozee was probably Port’s best four-quarter player, finishing with one goal from 28 disposals, 10 contested possessions, seven inside 50s and six clearances. But Sam Powell-Pepper wasn’t far behind, booting three goals from 15 disposals as he continues to thrive as a forward. Outside of those two, Willem Drew was solid, Charlie Dixon kicked three goals and Jason Horne-Francis had the off flash of brilliance – but that was about it.

Room for improvement

For a side that prides itself on the contest, the Power wouldn’t have been thrilled by losing the contested possession count by -22. The Crows also had an extra 24 uncontested marks than Port due to the lack of pressure applied. But coach Ken Hinkley post-game really lamented the fourth quarter fade-out by his team, which saw the Crows kick the last six goals of the game. Port has now conceded 117 and 135 points in its past two games. Individually, Tom Jonas was exposed down back, while Travis Boak is still clearly warming into his season. Todd Marshall and Xavier Duursma both kicked a goal each, but outside of that had very little influence on the contest. Alarm bells.

Grade

C

RICHMOND

The Tigers were fortunate not to be “absolutely belted” by the Pies in a “messy” MCG blockbuster. Losing Nathan Broad (suspension), Dustin Martin, Jacob Hopper and Jayden Short (all injured) didn’t help heading into the clash, but it was a meek first half performance. The Tigers hit a 68-year low against Collingwood when they registered just 1.3 (9) to half time. But Richmond did rally in the second to mount two comebacks against the in-form Pies. Richmond won both the hit out (+17) and clearance count (+5) but couldn’t use it to their advantage in the 14-point loss.

In the votes

Liam Baker threw himself at absolutely everything against Collingwood. The ball was camped out in the Magpies forward half but Baker showed his class in the early wet conditions to rack up 32 disposals, a game-high 12 intercepts and seven score involvements. Noah Balta had multiple goal saving moments in the under-siege Tigers backline. Skipper Toby Nankervis gave his all as he finished with 39 hitouts, 20 touches – 11 of them contested and seven tackles.

Room for improvement

The three talls forward line just didn’t work for Richmond in the conditions. Jack Riewoldt, Tom Lynch and Samson Ryan didn’t have an impact in the first half before Ryan was subbed out. Lynch found the footy in the second half but his wayward goal kicking really cost his side. He finished the match with a disposal efficiency of less than 29% from his seven touches. He kicked just the 1.3 against Collingwood. Dylan Grimes was showing his age in defence as he struggled to have an impact. His night ended with 11 touches and just one mark.

Grade

C-

ST KILDA

Not many could’ve predicted the Saints would be 3-0 under Ross Lyon to start the season — particularly given their horror injury toll — yet here we sit. St Kilda maintained its unbeaten run by celebrating its 150th anniversary in style with an 18-point win over the Bombers. Not to excite Saints fans too much, but the last time the team was 3-0, it made it all the way to a grand final.

In the votes

Mason Wood continued his hot form and great running power on the wing with 27 disposals, 11 marks and a goal as arguably the Saint who best exemplifies the club defying the odds this season with the way the ex-Kangaroo has revived his career. Lions legend Jonathan Brown even said he’d have Wood “in the All Australian team if it was getting picked after three rounds”. Brad Crouch was also brilliant in the midfield with 32 disposals, 14 of those contested, while Jack Higgins and Dan Butler booted four goals each.

Room for improvement

At this stage, the Saints would just love to get more of their troops back to try and reach an even higher level. Jack Steele’s broken collarbone added to the club’s injury woes, and the unfortunate reality is that not many wounded Saints are even cusp of returning. St Kilda’s late fade-out would’ve also caused some concern, although it still managed to find something late.

Grade

B+

SYDNEY SWANS

Gold Coast and Hawthorn to start the season meant we’d have to wait to see the Swans get truly tested and they failed at the MCG on Sunday. Their first match back at the ground since last year’s grand final thumping bore some resemblance in the first and final quarters, with their opposition piling on goals at will. It’s a wake up call for the Swans if they needed one.

In the votes

Callum Mills did what he could in the middle while Ollie Florent was serviceable. Buddy Franklin kicked two goals and had chances at others, but his opponent Steven May also had a big influence on the match. Tom Papley kicked three goals and was one of the only players that looked up for the fight late.

Room for improvement

The Swans just couldn’t cope with the pressure and tactical nous Melbourne brought. Up forward, they still target Buddy far too often at the expense of Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey, while down back they fell apart once Ben Brown was subbed out and Jake Melksham came in to add a more dynamic edge to the Dees’ forward half.

Grade

C+

WEST COAST EAGLES

That’s one of the bravest 41-point losses you’ll ever see. West Coast was restricted to just two fit players on the bench in the second quarter and only one for the entire final term. Even then Liam Ryan was clearly limping and, under different circumstances, probably wouldn’t have been on the field. Despite somehow managing to get to within two points early in the final term, the overwhelmed Eagles understandably fell away to lose. Still, the resilience they showed was admirable.

In the votes

Tim Kelly’s strong start to the year continued, finishing with 33 disposals, 13 contested possessions and nine score involvements. But recruit Jayden Hunt was just as influential, providing ample drive from defence on his way to 22 disposals, seven intercepts and 482m gained. Tom Barrass and Shannon Hurn were also solid down back amid Jeremy McGovern’s injury setback, while Reuben Ginbey had another cracking game with 20 touches, 13 contested possessions, eight tackles and six clearances.

Room for improvement

Dom Sheed and Andrew Gaff had a lot of the ball, but both had kicking efficiencies in the low 40s, low metres gained and just two and four score involvements respectively. But outside of that, hard to be critical of the Eagles considering the injury strife they had.

Grade

B

WESTERN BULLDOGS

It wasn’t a pretty and convincing Bulldogs win, but it undoubtedly lifted a significant pressure burden off the club, which went into Round 3 as the club arguably most under the pump. Outside of a brief patch in the second quarter, the Bulldogs led Brisbane all night, dominating at the coalface and showing more polish and accuracy once inside 50. The win was gutsy, but the post-game celebrations were classy and inspiring.

In the votes

An unforgettable night for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in many ways. The key forward had just five kicks for the night – but all of them were goals. Ugle-Hagan’s first goal prompted a significant celebration where he lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin in a recreation of Nicky Winmar’s iconic gesture from nearly 30 years ago. He then sealed the win with a goal after the siren, prompting teammates to swarm him from all over the ground. Elsewhere skipper Marcus Bontempelli set the tone for his side, finishing with 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight clearances, seven inside 50s and six tackles in an inspiring response to critics during the week. Tim English was the most dominant ruck on the ground, Tom Liberatore and Caleb Daniel impressed in the midfield and Oskar Baker provided terrific drive on the wing as he continued his excellent start to his Dogs stint.

Room for improvement

It wasn’t the most convincing win, with the Dogs managing 10 goals from over 50 inside 50s. But importantly, their entries were deep, so it made it tough for the Lions to rebound from their defensive arc. Individually, Riley Garcia had a game to forget, giving away two 50m penalties late and finishing with 10 disposals and a player ratings score of -2.7.

Grade

A