Three glaring fails as contenders flop spectacularly; rare Eagles joy amid Giant statement: Report Card

Three clubs fell out of finals contention with costly horror performances.

And amid some scratchy wins, there was a flag statement and rare Eagles joy.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 23 Report Card.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

Adelaide’s season ended in the cruellest possible way, with an incorrect goal umpire’s call seemingly robbing the Crows of victory in the dying seconds. But Adelaide wasn’t without chances in the final term — and the fact it had to come from 44 points down late in the second term to almost steal victory over the Swans wasn’t ideal. The Crows also had more inside 50s (+4) and scoring shots (+4) but couldn’t get the win.

In the votes

Rory Laird finished with 31 disposals, 15 contested possessions, nine clearances and eight tackles in the wet. Brodie Smith had almost 670m gained from his 25 touches. Josh Rachele provided a spark with two goals and Reilly O’Brien had a whopping 49 hit-outs.

Room for improvement

While all the post-game discussion centred on that behind call, coach Matthew Nicks instead said his side lost the game in the first and second quarters when Sydney kicked nine goals to four. The Crows were always playing catch-up from there. Accuracy in front of goal was also an issue and it ultimately cost them the game. In the final quarter, where the Crows surged from 32 points down, they managed just 4.8 and two shots that didn’t trouble the scorers.

Grade

B-

BRISBANE LIONS

Are we looking at the new deserving flag favourites? The Lions outclassed Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Friday night in a premiership statement from Chris Fagan’s side. With it, Brisbane has virtually locked up a top-two spot — and thus a home qualifying final — while the Lions extended their winning streak to six against the Pies. Brisbane will close out its home and away season against St Kilda at the Gabba, with top spot on the ladder still potentially up for grabs.

In the votes

Charlie Cameron was the difference up forward, kicking four of his team’s 19 goals to lead its high-octane forward line. Lachie Neale meanwhile had a monster night in the midfield with 31 touches, 13 contested possessions and 10 clearances, while Oscar McInerney accumulated 16 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five tackles and 41 hit-outs.

Room for improvement

Though most of the heat has come on Collingwood’s defence, Brisbane also gave up 100 points, including allowing the Pies to score at 53 per cent from inside 50 efficiency. It clearly mattered little, but remains an area Fagan’s troops will look to tidy up.

Grade

A+

CARLTON

They made it very hard, but the Blues won a ninth straight match with a scintillating, come-from-behind victory over Gold Coast. The shift in mindset has been incredible to witness, going from a side that didn’t know how to win earlier in the year to one now that has forgotten how to lose. It sets the stage for a tantalising clash with the Giants in Round 24 and, more importantly for Blues fans, finally locks in their first finals berth since 2013.

In the votes

Nic Newman was enormous with 31 disposals while the likes of George Hewett, Zac Fisher and Paddy Dow stepped up to lead the midfield in the absence of Sam Walsh and a quieter game from Patrick Cripps. Jack Martin’s form surge continued with a couple of goals and Charlie Curnow willed his side back into the match with five majors before taking the game-saving mark in defence/

Room for improvement

Allowing the Suns a 40-point head start early in the second quarter was far from ideal — and it took everything they had to reel their opponents back in. Harry McKay made his return from injury but didn’t do much to convince the doubters of his spot in the side. They were beaten at clearance, albeit not by much.

Grade

B+

COLLINGWOOD

Despite having a top-two spot locked up, should alarm bells be ringing for the once seemingly unbeatable Pies? Collingwood dropped its third game from its past four in reasonably comprehensive fashion against Brisbane to continue Craig McRae’s side’s underwhelming form. In a significant cause for concern, the Pies’ usually rock-solid defence, which remains without Darcy Moore, leaked goals, conceding over 100 points for a third-straight week, while Beau McCreery will miss next week’s clash with Essendon through suspension. The out-of-form and undermanned Collingwood will now need to make history to win the flag, with no premier over the last 10 years having dropped two of its past four home and away games.

In the votes

The evergreen Scott Pendlebury continues to defy father time, racking up 31 touches, six tackles and kicking a goal from the midfield to help will his side back into the game at stages. Though he wasn’t necessarily in the votes per se, Mason Cox had great impact upon getting subbed into the game, helping the Pies gain ascendancy in the midfield with his dominance in the ruck.

Room for improvement

The Darcy Moore-less defence is the biggest area of concern for the Pies. Over the last six weeks, Craig McRae’s side has conceded 45 per cent of scores per opposition inside 50s – ranked 16th in the AFL – while the Lions went at an extremely efficient 53 per cent against it. It was also the biggest score Collingwood ever conceded under McRae.

Grade

D+

ESSENDON

It was season on the line for the Bombers against the Giants, but only one side turned up — and it wasn’t Essendon. The Bombers were blown off the park in a horror first half where players were accused of not trying in damning criticism. And the 71-point half-time margin only got worse as the club went on to suffer a 126-point loss — their fifth biggest defeat in their history. They coughed up 70 inside 50s for the match, registered just 106 contested possessions for the game and managed just five goals while allowing 25 through down the other end for GWS.

In the votes

On such a dark day, there’s no votes for anyone playing for Essendon.

Room for improvement

You could add most players to this section in a damning insight into just how poor Essendon were. There was no defensive accountability, no efficiency inside 50 and no player able to stand up when the rout rolled on in the second term. Then there were no shots fired after the main break as Essendon coughed up GWS’ highest score and biggest ever win. Big fail.

Grade

F

FREMANTLE

The Dockers tried hard against a top four side, but let themselves down with basic errors and a lack of control when they did have momentum against Port Adelaide. At times the Dockers looked fierce and won back ball time and time again. But they blew their opportunities in front of goal – and good sides make you pay. They did win the final quarter while down a man on rotations due to injuries to Jaeger O’Meara and Bailey Banfield and held Port Adelaide to just 40 inside 50s in pleasing signs. But Freo couldn’t stop the Power’s efficiency once inside 50.

In the votes

Andy Brayshaw was everywhere for Freo and finished with 33 disposals, five tackles and five clearances – although his goalkicking let him down. Caleb Serong was a beast against a highly touted Port midfield, winning a whopping 12 clearances to go with his 27 touches. Sam Switkowski had one of his best pressure games, with two goals, 16 disposals and six tackles.

Room for improvement

The efficiency going forward just wasn’t there for Fremantle. And when they did get it inside, they wasted their opportunities with inaccuracy. Luke Jackson was solid, but didn’t punish Port’s rookie ruck in Sam Hayes as many predicted. Liam Henry got plenty of ball, but again his ability to use the ball cost him, with his kicking efficiency at 43 per cent.

Grade

C

GEELONG CATS

The Cats are officially cooked — well at least in 2023. But what happens from here will be a fascinating follow. Needing to win on Saturday night to keep their fading finals hopes alive, the Cats weren’t in the same weight division as St Kilda, which had all the answers and, probably, should’ve won the game by a bigger margin. Saturday’s upcoming match against the Western Bulldogs will be just the second game since Chris Scott took over as coach that Geelong will officially be out of a finals — a remarkable stat, yet one which has the Cats in unfamiliar territory.

In the votes

Tom Atkins worked mighty hard in the midfield, booting one goal from 23 disposals, 14 contested possessions, nine tackles and 14 clearances. Nine of Gryan Miers’ 21 touches ended up in Cats scores, while Zach Tuohy, Zach Guthrie and Tom Stewart were solid in defence.

Room for improvement

It was a 33-point loss that felt more like a nine-goal loss for the Cats. Put simply, they couldn’t win the ball, move the ball or defend the ball. They lost the contested possession (-24) and clearance (-12) counts convincingly then gave up 130 uncontested marks to the Saints, who had 28 scoring shots from 59 inside 50s compared to Geelong’s 15 scoring shots from 41 entries. Patrick Dangerfield (13 disposals) was quiet, while Ollie Henry was held to 0.1 from five touches and Sam De Koning looked off as Max King booted 3.3. Season over.

Grade

F

GOLD COAST SUNS

Gold Coast set this match up perfectly, but disappointingly let a 40-point lead go begging, becoming the latest side to fall by the wayside against a growing Carlton wave. There are still plenty of reasons to be hopeful about the future, with Damien Hardwick’s arrival the final push the Suns hope will lead them to the promised land in the years ahead.

In the votes

Sam Flanders continued his breakout back half of the season and is relishing the increased midfield minutes, finishing with 36 disposals, while Touk Miller had 29 and kicked a goal. David Swallow kicked four 4.3 in a strong performance in a different tole, while Ben Ainsworth had 27 disposals to go with a couple of majors.

Room for improvement

Credit to the Suns for rallying in the fourth quarter to create a thriller, but the reality is they should never have coughed up a 40-point lead, regardless of their opponents’ form. It’s hard to stop Charlie Curnow, but he was allowed to break free and help turn the tide for his side. They won at clearance but were beaten in contested possession.

Grade

C+

GWS GIANTS

When you need a win to keep your season alive, a 126-point belting of a fellow finals contender is beyond the kind of response coach Adam Kingsley would have hoped for. The Giants were a hungry, determined outfit from the opening bounce and showed no mercy to not only keep their finals hopes alive, but boost their percentage. The Giants were everywhere as they racked up 70 inside 50s — 14 more than their season average per game — and took 19 marks inside 50. They set a number of new records, including their highest ever score and biggest winning margin while holding Essendon to its lowest score against the Giants.

In the votes

You could put the whole 23 in here for this clash, but it was nine-goal hero Jesse Hogan who deserves the big shoutout. He almost had the magical 10 before being tackled in the goalsquare and then selflessly denied himself a shot at double figures when Jake Riccardi marked late in the contest and immediately looked to dish it off to his teammate, only for Hogan to send him back. There were plenty of other winners, including Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward, Harry Himmelberg, Tom Green, Lachie Whitfield and Brent Daniels.

Room for improvement

Zero. This GWS outfit is looking like a danger side come finals — if they can secure their spot, that is.

Grade

A+

HAWTHORN

Their streak of upset wins came to an end but it was still a very impressive performance from the Hawks, who pushed Melbourne until the more experienced Dees pulled away in the final quarter. The green shoots were on display and it is a very solid platform Sam Mitchell’s side has built heading into 2024. You’d give them a great chance against the Dockers next week to finish their season given their recent form.

In the votes

Karl Amon was everywhere, finishing with 27 disposals and offering plenty of run on the wing, gaining a game-high 602 metres. Connor Macdonald kicked two goals and had a hand in many more scores in one of the best games of his young career. Finn Maginness claimed another scalp, this time Clayton Oliver, before the tag was broken by Mitchell in the final quarter. The Hawks again showed admirable spirit when the Dees booted a few goals on the bounce in the second term.

Room for improvement

They wilted in the final quarter, running out of legs as the Dees came out on top. As Sam Mitchell has said, the Hawks aren’t consistent enough in games to be a top side and that reminder proved potent on Sunday. As they have all season, the Hawks coughed up some easy scores as a result of being so aggressive in their desire to take the game on. They conceded 21 more inside 50s, putting their defence under significant pressure.

Grade

C+

MELBOURNE

There would’ve been some nervous Dees fans when Dylan Moore kicked a goal in the opening 20 seconds of the fourth quarter, but Simon Goodwin’s side steadied to lock in a top-four spot and keep their hopes of a top two berth alive. How their forward mix works come September remains a question mark, but the fact the Dees got it done despite a lack of starring performances from most of their big names is a good sign heading into finals.

In the votes

Trent Rivers played so well that Finn Maginness was switched from Clayton Oliver to him in the final quarter. Jack Viney continued his brilliant season and Jake Melksham not only kicked three goals but had a chance at several more as he played a negating role on James Sicily to great effect. Jake Lever was significant intercepting in defence.

Room for improvement

They couldn’t put the Hawks away until the last quarter, but the fact they kicked clear at the end helps ease that. Christian Petracca was relatively quiet, while Clayton Oliver copped a hard tag from Finn Maginness and struggled to have an impact.

Grade

B+

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Roos were brave against Richmond and stayed with the Tigers all day, but ultimately didn’t have the answers late to fall by 29 points at the MCG for their 20th-straight loss. It wasn’t the ideal send off for the retiring Jack Ziebell, though the former skipper did take a highlight mark. Current co-captain Luke McDonald meanwhile suffered what appeared to be a serious hamstring that prematurely ended his day — and likely his season, albeit with one game remaining.

In the votes

Harry Sheezel is finishing the season in style, racking up 37 disposals to lead all-comers on the field. Tarryn Thomas had some good moments and Nick Larkey kicked six goals in yet another mightily impressive display from the young forward. They handled themselves well at centre clearance despite losing Luke Davies-Uniacke before the opening bounce.

Room for improvement

While centre clearance was good, stoppages around the ground saw the Roos smashed. They ran out of gas in the final quarter and were lucky not to lose by more given the Tigers’ inaccuracy in front of goal, finishing with 14.17.

Grade

B

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power had to travel to a ground where they’ve never beaten their opponent Fremantle to keep their top two hopes alive. And that’s what they did on Sunday. But the Power didn’t have it all their way as they coughed up a quarter-time lead – joining only Hawthorn, Essendon, Brisbane and West Coast to lose a first quarter to the Dockers this season. Freo’s chip-kick game sliced through Port’s defence, but the Power’s midfield rallied and a remarkable 62.5 per cent efficiency rate inside 50 kept them in the contest.

In the votes

Jason Horne-Francis proved exactly why the Power were so keen to have him come home, with one brilliant burst of speed showing exactly what the kid can do. He was damaging with ball in hand when going forward — and while he only finished with the 14 touches and a goal, it’s his impact that hurt Fremantle most. Zak Butters was brilliant for his 32 disposals and a goal while Sam Powell-Pepper threw himself at everything in attack, with his pressure helping Port lock the ball in their half. He had two goals from his 13 disposals.

Room for improvement

Young Ollie Lord won’t have locked his spot in for finals after struggling to have an impact with just his seven disposals. With the likes of big men Scott Lycett and Charlie Dixon due to return come finals, Lord’s spot could be up for grabs.

Grade

B+

RICHMOND

The Tigers sent off Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt in style, defeating a spirited North Melbourne side by kicking away in the final quarter. Finals are no longer on the agenda for Richmond but the side still put on a good show, with a seven-goal surge in the second quarter setting the stage for the win. There’s more interest now in what will come next rather than what will happen next week, but it was the perfect day for the club’s retiring champions.

In the votes

Dustin Martin turned it on for his premiership teammates’ farewell, finishing with a team-high 31 disposals to go with three goals. Shai Bolton also hit the scoreboard with four majors, while Toby Nankervis was huge in the ruck. Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto had some good moments.

Room for improvement

They were beaten at centre clearance despite the Roos losing Luke Davies-Uniacke before the opening bounce. Accuracy in front of goal was also lacking, with the side finishing on 14.17. Ultimately though, it was a win for the Tigers in Cotchin and Riewoldt’s final game, which is all that matters.

Grade

A

ST KILDA

Ross Lyon has led the Saints back to finals! But as brilliant as his coaching has been, the player buy-in and relentless attitude to win has inspired the club’s fanbase. With their season on the line against Geelong on Saturday night, St Kilda was at its ruthless best, with only inaccuracy in front of goal denying it a greater and more convincing win. A tough task awaits in Round 24 against Brisbane at the Gabba, but bring the same intent they showed against the Cats and they’d be every chance to sneak a win.

In the votes

Rowan Marshall and Jack Sinclair were mighty and worked themselves into the ground. Sinclair’s burst away from contest and class on the outside was crucial, finishing with 38 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 marks and six inside 50s. Marshall booted 1.1 from 24 disposals and 10 marks (3 contested), while 10 of his 28 hit-outs went to a teammate’s advantage. Callum Wilkie was also excellent in defence.

Room for improvement

The Saints comprehensively beat the Cats on the inside and on the outside. The only thing that stopped St Kilda from a perfect score was its kicking at goal, finishing with 12.16 from 59 inside 50s. Eleven of those behinds came across the second and third terms, with Saints fans livid their team couldn’t put the Cats away. But the volume of dominance, ultimately, paid off for the Saints, who are officially September-bound.

Grade

A

SYDNEY SWANS

For three quarters, Sydney was the better side. But the Swans had to survive a final quarter blitz from Adelaide to get the four points and lock in their spot for finals. Despite managing only 29 hit-outs for the match, the Swans only lost the clearance count by one as their midfield went to work. They had less shots at goal, but their higher accuracy rate ensured they held onto the win.

In the votes

Nick Blakey was the difference across half-back. Despite appearing to be hampered by a leg issue at times, he provided the run Sydney needed to break through Adelaide’s defence. James Rowbottom laid a team-high eight tackles while Isaac Heeney was playing like he was in dry weather conditions in the wet, such was his slick handling. Heeney finished with 18 disposals and 3.1.

Room for improvement

When the pressure came from Adelaide, Sydney had no answers. They couldn’t clear with the panicked kick from defence time and time again. And if not for the Crows’ inaccuracy in front of goal – and a very controversial post call on what was a Ben Keays goal – the Swans would have been overrun in the last quarter.

Grade

B+

WEST COAST EAGLES

Well that was unexpected – but also mightily inspiring (unless, of course, you’re a Bulldogs fan). Amid one of the worst seasons by an AFL team we’ve seen in recent memory, the Eagles caused one of the boilovers of the year on Sunday, upsetting finals contender the Western Bulldogs by seven points. The Eagles set the tone with five of the game’s first six goals then kicked five goals to two in the last quarter to seal a memorable victory. The win has, remarkably, seen the Eagles jump off the bottom of the ladder. Whether Adam Simpson remains on as coach, though, remains doubtful.

In the votes

The leaders were superb – none more superb than Tim Kelly. The star midfielder was phenomenal, finishing with 32 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 12 score involvements, eight clearances and six inside 50s. Elsewhere Jamie Cripps was clutch with five goals, Jeremy McGovern wound back the clock in defence with 22 disposals and five intercept marks Oscar Allen stood tall up forward with 3.3 from 18 disposals and nine marks. Bailey Williams also took it up to All-Australia ruck favourite Tim English, while some of Elliot Yeo’s clearance work was breathtaking.

Room for improvement

Not a day to focus on the focus on negatives – and there weren’t that many – for the Eagles. One of their most memorable wins and one of Simpson’s finest coaching performances.

Grade

A+

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Adam Simpson travelled to Melbourne under the most pressure of any AFL coach, but it’s his Western Bulldogs counterpart Luke Beveridge now in the gun after his side sensationally capitulated to the bottom team to flip the finals race on its head. The Bulldogs failed to muster any energy in a game most took as a given would go their way, slumping to a second consecutive loss. Their listless performance means St Kilda and Sydney are now guaranteed a finals spot, while the Bulldogs will need to beat Geelong and hope Carlton can hold off GWS in the final game of the season to feature in September.

In the votes

If it wasn’t for Marcus Bontempelli, Sunday’s loss could’ve been even worse. The Bulldogs skipper almost single-handedly willed his team back into the contest in the third term, showing incredible power and presence at stoppages. Bontempelli finished the game with one goal from 32 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 12 clearances, 10 tackles and 10 score involvements. He genuinely couldn‘t have done any more for his side. Elsewhere, Rory Lobb played with much-needed presence inside 50 to kick 3.2, while Ed Richards could hold his head high with 23 touches, 11 intercepts and eight rebound 50s. James O’Donnell probably played his best game too.

Room for improvement

Where to start on such a dark day? The Bulldogs were punished for their lethargic start as the Eagles took only 19 minutes to equal the 33 points they scored in last week’s Western Derby. The Dogs flicked a switch late in the term, but the surprising lack of an immediate response to last week’s loss invited the Eagles to wreak havoc on their season. Questioned over his side‘s fitness levels, Beveridge blamed a lack of “positional winners” for the final quarter capitulation in which the injury-riddled Eagles ran over the top with five goals after the Bulldogs had worked their way in front during the third term. Senior midfielder Jack Macrae was tactically subbed out of the game with just three kicks to his name during the final quarter. Yes it was only a seven-point loss, but considering the opposition’s 2023 campaign and their own significant stakes – and the fact this game was at their beloved home ground – this was a big fail for the Bulldogs.

Grade

F