Trio of fails, two perfect scores and high mark for loser in weird round of grades: AFL Report Card

A topsy-turvy round that included a draw and a post-siren match-winner has led to an array of left-field grades for several teams.

But there’s no doubts over the scores for the two Queensland clubs.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 16 AFL Report Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows dominated the Roos with seven unanswered goals either side of half-time to break the game open in a percentage-boosting win. Although it wasn’t exactly against strong opposition, Adelaide’s array of weapons and killer instinct was on full display – and it again highlighted how tough it is for other sides to play at Adelaide Oval. Matthew Nicks’ side will now return to Melbourne this week to face the Bombers at Marvel Stadium.

In the votes

Izak Rankine exploded with a career-high five goals in one of his best ever performances at AFL level. Meanwhile Ben Keays was busy with 29 disposals, seven tackles and two goals and skipper Jordan Dawson continued his brilliant form with 28 touches and eight tackles – helped by Reilly O‘Brien (52 hit-outs), two goals) consistently giving his midfielders first use.

Room for improvement

Although not room for improvement as such, the Crows‘ defence was dealt another blow after Jordon Butts was subbed out of the game with concussion, joining Tom Doedee on the sidelines. Butts has been a key part of the Crows’ stout new-look defence alongside Nick Murray and Max Michalanney and Adelaide will now need to retool against Essendon’s high-octane forward line.

Grade

A

BRISBANE LIONS

Another game, another win for the Lions at the Gabba. But this wasn’t an ordinary victory. This was their biggest – and arguably most brutal – win of the season to date, thumping Richmond by 81 points on Thursday night. That’s now 46 wins from their past 54 games at the Gabba since 2019 for the Lions, which is quickly becoming the AFL’s toughest road trip. It was a percentage-boosting win for the Lions — they went from 121.1 per cent to 127.2 — that could help them in their quest to finish inside the top two.

In the votes

Lachie Neale has a serious love affair with Richmond. The Brownlow Medallist produced one of his best games for the season, booting 2.1 from 34 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 clearances and eight marks. It was the sixth time from his past 11 games against the Tigers that Neale had finished with 30-plus disposals. Joe Daniher was dangerous with 5.1 from 19 disposals, while Hugh McCluggage (34 disposals) and Will Ashcroft (27) were excellent at the coalface. Harris Andrews and the emerging Darcy Wilmot were excellent in defence and efficient when rebounding.

Room for improvement

Outside of Lincoln McCarthy’s jumper punch — which cost him a one-week ban — nothing to see here. Brisbane’s best win of the season so far.

Grade

A+

CARLTON

The Blues were imposing in the first half for the second time in as many matches, putting the result to rest before slowing down slightly in the second half. There are positive signs for the back half of the season given the improving cohesion and form of the Blues’ senior core. Whether it’s enough to salvage their season is unlikely, but things are finally trending upward for Michael Voss’ side after a horror stretch.

In the votes

Harry McKay had his usual moments of bizarre decision-making, but he played a terrific game, getting up the ground and tallying 19 disposals and eight marks to go with his two goals and three behinds. Adam Cerra would be leading the side’s best and fairest count and put together another great performance for his side. Blake Acres worked tirelessly once again, while Sam Docherty was one of many who had a good day out.

Room for improvement

They slowed down in the second half, but it’s hard to make too much of it given the win was virtually guaranteed after the opening two quarters. Still, percentage could prove very important come the end of the season. They were smashed in hitouts but Tom De Koning was a late out and it had little impact on their clearances.

Grade

A

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies turned their match against the Suns into a “training drill” as players ramped up the risk-factor and it paid off in spades. Ten of their first 12 goals came through the corridor as Gold Coast simply had no answer for Collingwood’s determination to run the ball out of their back half. They finished with +17 inside 50s as a result of the ball-winning dominance as the Suns essentially “waved the white flag” before half time. Despite a third quarter dip, coach Craig McRae would be pleased with how his side ran out the win away from home.

In the votes

Nick Daicos is edging closer to a Brownlow Medal in just his second AFL season with arguably another best on ground performance. He finished with 36 touches, 10 tackles, 8 clearances and a goal on Saturday night. Oleg Markov went at almost 95% efficiency by foot to try and lockdown his position in the Pies’ best 23 – and managed a goal against the side who delisted him last year. Billy Frampton’s stats may not set the world on fire, but his versatility was on display as he started forward, rucked in parts and then went into defence to cover a tactically subbed Jeremy Howe – and still finished with two goals.

Room for improvement

The only issue for Collingwood right now is who to pick. Who makes way for the returning Jordan de Goey? Steele Sidebottom looms close to a return from a knee injury too.

Grade

A+

ESSENDON

The Bombers are the first side since Sydney back in Round 4 to push Port Adelaide all the way past the final siren and still come away with a loss. Essendon were the better side for a lot of Saturday night’s clash at a wet MCG but they couldn’t put it on the scoreboard and in the end, it cost them as Port’s Dan Houston broke Bomber hearts with his matchwinner after the siren. Essendon finished +23 in hitouts, +2 clearances, +19 contested possessions and +4 tackles but couldn’t do enough for the four points.

In the votes

Ruckman Andrew Phillips stepped up in injured teammate Sam Draper’s absence and dominated as the Power were forced to put up a debutant in a late change. Phillips finished with 33 hitouts – 15 more than the next best from Port’s Charlie Dixon. Kyle Langford had three goals in the wet from his 16 disposals. Jake Stringer may have finished with 1.2 but he laid six tackles to ramp up the pressure on Port’s backline.

Room for improvement

Darcy Parish had a night to forget. He finished with 0.4 – including a miss with just 64 seconds remaining that handed Port possession – and they marched downfield to allow Dan Houston to mark and kick the matchwinner. Peter Wright was ineffective in the conditions with just six touches as he failed to hit the scoreboard.

Grade

B+

FREMANTLE

The Dockers were brave in a competitive hit-out with the Bulldogs until the fourth quarter, conceding seven of the last nine goals to ultimately go down in convincing fashion. It dealt a blow to Fremantle‘s finals hopes, now sitting a game and healthy percentage outside the top eight, while Nat Fyfe’s grim run with injury continued, getting subbed out due to a foot issue.

In the votes

Jye Amiss showed he‘s going to be a future star, booting an equal career-high four goals in a bright spot for Justin Longmuir’s side, while Michael Walters also finished with four majors – and the duo’s accurate kicking probably kept Freo in the game at stages. You can always count on Caleb Serong (38 touches, 18 contested) to have a crack as the lone hand winning clearances on the day (10, next best was Matt Johnson with five). Sean Darcy (18 disposals, one goal, 50 hit-outs) and Liam Henry (career-best 33 disposals) were also busy.

Room for improvement

It was close to being put in the honourable loss category until the Dockers were put away late in the game. Freo also started the game slow, having now dropped 21 of its last 24 first quarters. More consistency from Longmuir‘s men is key, and it still feels like there’s an unknown of which Freo is going to rock up week-to-week, let alone quarter-to-quarter. Their star-studded midfield also lost the clearance battle 48-34, albeit to the Dogs’ equally loaded on-ball brigade.

Grade

C-

GEELONG CATS

Cats coach Chris Scott summed the draw with Sydney up best post-match: “Two points is better than none and none is probably what we deserved for large parts of that”. Geelong were outplayed for the majority of Friday night’s contest but still managed to come away with something. Their backline was blitzed in the opening half as they coughed up 16 marks inside 50 as alarm bells rang. While they tidied that up in the second to concede just four more for the match, they still couldn’t win ball through the middle – and it cost them a potential win on the road.

In the votes

Zach Tuohy had arguably one of his best games in the hoops with a team-high 28 disposals, almost 740m gained, five marks and three tackles. Tom Atkins was important for his 18 touches as he was able to pressure the Swans into turnovers at crucial moments in the match. He also racked up a whopping 11 tackles – four more than the next best Cat in a game where 11 teammates went tackleless at half time.

Room for improvement

Patrick Dangerfield was hot early but faded in his first game back from injury. Tyson Stengle showed flashes of brilliance, but looked off the pace at other times when the Cats needed someone to chase and put pressure on the rebounding Swans backline. Esava Ratugolea had a first half shocker as he was caught “guarding space” too often in the first half before he was subbed out at three quarter time with just four disposals to his name.

Grade

C

GOLD COAST SUNS

The Suns were embarrassed on their home deck by a Collingwood outfit who showed no mercy. They were labelled “well-below AFL standard” by Fox Footy’s David King in a first half that saw them kick just one goal. While they managed three straight goals in the third term, the match was well and truly over with coach Stuart Dew left searching for answers. The Suns were beaten at their own game – contested ball as they finished -27 for the match.

In the votes

Noah Anderson did everything he could to try and lift his inside, including going hard physically in a third term that saw tempers threaten to spill over. He had 35 disposals, seven clearances, more than 600m gained and six score involvements. Charlie Ballard had a game-high 11 intercepts but given the volume of ball that was down his end, it’s less impressive than Anderson’s haul.

Room for improvement

Where to begin for a side that managed just one goal to half time? The front half was simply ineffective as too often the ball was bombed in, giving the Suns forwards no chance. Ben King couldn’t get into the contest, as both he and Levi Casboult finished with six touches but no goals. The “spark” was missing in team defence as the Magpies tore through the corridor, scoring 10 of their first 12 goals through the middle.

Grade

F

GWS GIANTS

The Giants’ finals hopes are no longer slim, thanks to a stirring upset win over Melbourne in Alice Springs. Amid Melbourne’s inaccuracy, the Giants kept pace with the premiership fancies all game and kicked ahead in the third term. In wet and cold conditions, the Demons led by three points with just under two minutes to go before Giants superstar Josh Kelly launched a ridiculous long-range kick that, ultimately, sealed a famous win. The Giants are now in 10th spot on the ladder and just one game outside the top eight with a superior percentage over fellow 7-8 sides Fremantle and Gold Coast.

In the votes

Another colossal game from midfield beast Tom Green, who’s leading the Giants’ on-ball brigade with aplomb. He finished with 38 disposals, 16 contested possessions and 10 intercepts. Josh Kelly was the match-winner but had a terrific overall game, kicking two goals from 26 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six inside 50s, five clearances and 446m gained. Sam Taylor proved why he’s one of the best defenders in the AFL with a terrific all-round game, with strong support from Jack Buckley and Nick Haynes. Xavier O’Halloran had some crucial moments in the last quarter, while Stephen Coniglio showed terrific workrate all game and Toby Greene set the tone early with two goals.

Room for improvement

The numbers suggest the Demons should’ve won the game convincingly, considering they had way more contested possessions, clearances, inside 50s and scoring shots. If the Demons had kicked straight (5.15), the Giants’ finals hopes might’ve been dashed. But ultimately their defence held strong under enormous pressure. Lachie Keeffe didn’t have a big impact on the game (2 disposals), while Jesse Hogan and Jake Riccardi were held goalless — but it was a bloody tough day for key-position players.

Grade

A

HAWTHORN

The Hawks’ win over the Brisbane Lions seems like a long time ago now. Sam Mitchell’s side has regressed to the mean in its last two matches and was torched in the opening half by Carlton. They’ve already done enough this season to show they’re on the right track, but they’d want to avoid too many more halves like the one they dished up against the Blues to open the match.

In the votes

There weren’t too many who could hold their head high, but Josh Ward and Harry Morrison did their best along with James Worpel in the middle. It was a pretty ordinary day, otherwise.

Room for improvement

There’ll be a lot of reviews shown from the first half. Kicking a goal is a start! They had a chance to capitalise on the lack of a genuine Carlton ruckman but they failed. Efficiency going inside 50 was well down on even their season average. Their backline looks lost without James Sicily.

Grade

D

MELBOURNE

What is going on with the Demons? That’s four losses from their past six games. And yes they still sit fourth on the ladder, but the narrative after their shock tw0-point loss to the Giants is that Melbourne isn’t in the same class as top-three sides Collingwood, Port Adelaide and Brisbane. Frustratingly for Dees fans, it was a case of deja vu as their team’s inefficient forward of centre proved costly.

In the votes

Jack Viney almost single-handedly won the game for his side. The in-form midfielder thrived in conditions that suited him, finishing with 41 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 10 inside 50s, seven tackles, seven clearances and 602m gained. Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn were serviceable in the ruck, while Angus Brayshaw was tough and clean.

Room for improvement

There wasn’t a statistic the Dees didn’t win … except on the scoreboard. The Dees convincingly won the disposal (+70), contested possession (+42), clearance (+19) and inside 50 (+27) counts, while they also had 20 scoring shots to the Giants’ 12. Yet they still lost. After booting 8.18 against Geelong, 8.18 against Collingwood and 8.13 against Carlton, the Dees conjured 5.15 against the Giants. Coach Simon Goodwin post-game said his team was “filthy with the result” but added he “can‘t question the players’ effort, their want, their desire”. The issue is the Demons’ effort, want and desire have never been their issue. Their forward line and goalkicking efficiency, though, are major flaws that must be fixed — otherwise they can forget about winning a second flag in three years.

Grade

C+

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Roos put up a fight at stages but were ultimately overpowered and outmatched by the Crows as their losing streak extended to 13 games. As tough as the Adelaide road trip is, it marked North‘s biggest loss under caretaker coach Brett Ratten and worst performance in general in some time, getting well beaten in the midfield and consistently scored against when the ball went into defence.The good news though is that Alastair Clarkson will begin to transition back into the role of senior coach this week with an eye on resuming full duties by season’s end.

In the votes

Harry Sheezel (31 touches) continues to shine in an otherwise tough year for the Roos, while fellow 2022 draftee George Wardlaw (22 disposals, seven tackles) has also shown great signs for the future. Bailey Scott is also going under the radar in a solid campaign on the wing, with another strong showing with 24 disposals, seven marks and a goal.

Room for improvement

Too many Roos stars were down in form on the day including Luke Davies-Uniacke, who‘s somewhat of a spiritual leader for the club and its best player, and co-captain Jy Simpkin. Fox Footy pundits were also critical of the Roos’ experienced backline, saying the senior players’ poor skill and ill-discipline let down the younger players and showing worrying vision of poor positioning.

Grade

F

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power have hit 12 straight wins – but it wasn’t without a scare as it took a Dan Houston goal after the siren to secure the victory. Port were forced into a reshuffle just minutes out from the first bounce when ruckman Scott Lycett went down. Debutant Dante Visentini was already up in the box when the call came to go and get re-strapped in hectic scenes. But the good sides find a way and that’s what Port did in the wet to keep their remarkable winning run rolling on.

In the votes

Dan Houston was outstanding at the MCG. He finished with a time-high 32 touches, and the matchwinning goal from outside 50. Connor Rozee stepped up every time the Bombers looked to pull away. After kicking the first goal of the match, his second reclaimed the lead for the Power and it was Rozee who provided a spark in the final term as Port Adelaide pushed ahead. He finished with 23 disposals and a team-high nine tackles.

Room for improvement

The ruck situation didn’t help Port’s forward set up as first Jeremy Finlayson and then Charlie Dixon had to spent more time around the ball. The conditions didn’t help the likes of Todd Marshall either as he finished goalless from his eight touches.

Grade

A

RICHMOND

This was a jarring and uncharacteristic performance from Richmond. The Tigers came into Thursday night’s match against Brisbane with renewed hope under interim coach Andrew McQualter after three wins from their past four games. But McQualter was handed his first hefty loss in charge, going down by 81 points as Richmond’s hopes of a late push for the finals took a hit. The Tigers went into half-time with just 1.7 (13) – their lowest half-time score against Brisbane since their final meeting against them as the Bears in Round 18, 1996.

In the votes

The Tigers’ defence was put under enormous pressure by Brisbane, which conjured 68 inside 50s to Richmond’s 38. Noah Balta, Nathan Broad and Nick Vlastuin all had at least 20 disposals and eight intercepts each as they tried admirably to stop the onslaught. Jacob Hopper was his side’s best midfielder and could hold his head high, booting 2.1 from 22 disposalssals and six tackles.

Room for improvement

Dual premiership Kangaroo David King summed up Richmond’s performance bluntly yet aptly at half-time on Fox Footy: “Richmond can’t win it, they can’t move it and they can’t stop it. It’s a classic night where everything is going wrong.” The Tigers simply weren’t tough enough at the contest, while their slow reaction time at stoppage meant they were exposed in defence. Individually, Liam Baker wasn‘t at his effiecient best while Shai Bolton didn’t hit the scoreboard and struggled to have an impact. It was the Tigers’ biggest loss since Round 23, 2016.

Grade

F

ST KILDA

It’s not often a team facing last only scrapes by with a pass grade, but the Saints were outplayed in the first half and only just got across the line against an Eagles outfit that came in off the back of a 171-point belting. A half-time bake from coach Ross Lyon inspired a second half fightback as they coughed up more Eagles goals in the first half than eight other teams conceded in an entire game. Efficiency inside 50 saved the Saints, as they finished at 62% for the match – almost 16% higher than their season average.

In the votes

Mitch Owens continues to put his name up for Rising Star with another outstanding display – this time four goals from his 14 disposals. Ruckman Rowan Marshall made his presence felt around the ground with 26 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles and 34 hit-outs. Brad Crouch laid a whopping 17 tackles to go with his seven clearances and 26 touches.

Room for improvement

The ability to stop West Coast’s chip-kick was lacking in the first half as the Eagles simply “walked it out” from defence. Smalls Jack Higgins and Dan Butler went at 44.4% and 50% disposals efficiency respectively in an area they’ll want to tidy up.

Grade

C

SYDNEY SWANS

Securing a draw against the reigning premier who had beaten you by an average 87 points the past two meetings should be considered a success. But the Swans cost themselves the four points on Friday night with some “putrid” accuracy in front of goal. Players including Tom Hickey, Logan McDonald and Robbie Fox all sprayed easy chances as the match simply slipped from their grasp – despite taking a whopping 16 first half marks inside 50. Sydney were no doubt the better side on the night, but walk away with only two points – and leave their finals hopes still hanging in the balance.

In the votes

Nick Blakey shrugged off two massive hits to be his team’s leading possession getter on the night with 29 touches, seven intercepts and five score involvements. Luke Parker stood tall for the Swans in the midfield with 27 disposals, four tackles, four clearances and a goal.

Room for improvement

Where to begin with the accuracy woes? Even star Lance Franklin was left with his head in his hands watching on from the box as gettable opportunities were wasted time and time again. Robbie Fox finished with 0.3 including his final quarter heartbreaking poster which would have secured the win for the Swans.

Grade

B

WEST COAST EAGLES

Luke Shuey promised a response, and that’s what we got from the Eagles on Sunday – albeit in an eight-point loss. For the first time in their 13-game losing streak, West Coast were within 40 points of their opposition in positive signs, but it’s still not a win. And disappointingly, they had their opportunities and led by as much as 31 points in the second term but fell away. The Eagles managed just three second half goals – and none in the final term.

In the votes

Luke Shuey delivered in a big way for his side, putting his body on the line tie and time again. He had four clearances to half time, with three of contributing to goals. He finished with 28 disposals, nine tackles, eight clearances and six score involvements. Tom Barrass and Shannon Hurn were rock solid in defence, with 20 and 30 disposals respectively. Barrass had three contested marks as he won the battle against Saints big man Max King. Elijah Hewett showed why he is a first round pick with two goals – and a big crowd amp up in heartwarming scenes.

Room for improvement

Several Eagles were underdone out on Optus Stadium on Sunday, but with an injury crisis that now sees 20 players on that list, there was no other option than to play them. And when St Kilda got the run on in the final term, West Coast lacked the experience and durability to mount another fightback, and ultimately it cost them victory.

Grade

C+

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Dogs flexed their muscles in a strong win over Fremantle to consolidate a top-eight spot and make a push for the top four, improving to 9-6 on the season. After an arm wrestle for three quarters, the Dogs pulled away late to make it two wins in a row, with their backline standing strong despite Liam Jones‘ absence. It comes ahead of a huge showdown against the top-of-the-ladder Pies at Marvel Stadium on Friday night where we’ll get a better sense if Luke Beveridge’s side is indeed the real deal.

In the votes

Jamarra-Ugle Hagan stole the show, bagging four goals – and probably leaving a few out there – to lead his side up forward. Star midfielders Marcus Bontempelli (27 touches, one goal), Adam Treloar (22 disposals, 12 tackles), Jack Macrae (24 possessions, eight tackles, one goal) and Tom Liberatore (21 touches, nine tackles, 10 clearances) were all crucial in getting the ball into attacking areas for Luke Beveridge‘s side.

Room for improvement

The Dogs curiously targeted Jamarra Ugle-Hagan much more than Aaron Naughton, and although it worked on this occasion, you sense there‘s still another gear Naughton can go to to really take his side to another level. Similarly, Rory Lobb is still having limited influence at the Dogs with 14 goals from as many games.

Grade

B+