A contender’s worrying plight continues — and it has been marked accordingly. Meantime, there were Cs galore for subpar performances.
Elsewhere, six contenders earned commendable grades after strong efforts at the weekend.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 18 Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
The Crows grabbed their sixth win of 2024 in wet and wild conditions at the Adelaide Oval, beating St Kilda comfortably in the end by 32 points. They trailed at quarter time and held slim leads at the next two breaks, but were able to pull through in the final term – not something they’ve always been able to do in recent times. The victory makes next Friday night’s match against the Bombers more winnable; especially given Essendon’s loss to Melbourne.
In the votes
Midfielder Rory Laird (31 disposals, 13 tackles, seven clearances) was in and around the contest all night; a usual high-performer in wet weather conditions. Ben Keays (24 disposals, eight tackles, eight inside 50s, one goal) was on the cusp of a huge game, finishing with three behinds from his four shots on goal. Young gun Jake Soligo (25 disposals, six intercept possessions) was a bull around the contest all night, and is a slight chance to sneak a vote on Brownlow night.
Room for improvement
The Crows were less effective going inside 50 than the Saints but given the conditions it probably isn’t something to read into too much. Their 33 marks was incredibly low and is the least by any side since 2020 – a year where quarters were four minutes shorter! Again though, conditions you would hope played a big part in their lack of controlled possessions.
Grade
A
BRISBANE LIONS
The Lions have jumped into the top four off the back of a hard-fought win over a galvanised West Coast in Perth. Brisbane withstood every Eagles charge to come away victors and avoid finishing the round outside the top eight. The visitors were brutal through the middle for three quarters – with a massive +10 clearance discrepancy until the final term. Coach Chris Fagan said he knew his side would face a tough test against an Eagles outfit hurting from the sacking of coach Adam Simpson. But they’ve come away with the win – their eighth in their past 10 games.
In the votes
Lachie Neale was unstoppable as he tore the Eagles apart. The two-time Brownlow Medallist finished with 34 disposals, 13 clearances, nine tackles and two goals in a three-vote performance. Oscar McInerney dominated in the ruck to finish with 16 disposals, 43 hit-outs and nine clearances. Down back, Harris Andrews was a rock in defence while Cam Rayner did his best to lock the ball inside the Lions’ front half with four tackles inside 50.
Room for improvement
Charlie Cameron had a dirty day and will now await the Match Review after his brutal tackle left Eagle Liam Duggan concussed. The forward finished the night with just four touches. Conor McKenna didn’t have any influence with his eight touches.
Grade
A
CARLTON
In a slight concern, the Blues have dropped consecutive games to suddenly be in some danger of succumbing their top-four spot following Saturday’s loss to the Western Bulldogs. They still sit in second but are tied on 44 premiership points with Geelong and just half a game clear of Brisbane, Fremantle and Essendon. Michael Voss’ men couldn’t lift in captain Patrick Cripps’ 200th game as the Blues again struggled to limit the opposition’s scoring potency.
In the votes
Cripps was admirable in his milestone game despite the loss, notching a team-high 28 disposals to go along with eight tackles, 11 clearances, 550 metres gained and two goals. As usual, he gave his all to the cause. While Charlie Curnow wasn’t as accurate as he would’ve planned to be with his three goals, he still recorded a whopping 10 scoring shots and provided a typically dangerous target. Forward-50 compatriot Harry McKay added three majors of his own from five scores. Sam Walsh and Blake Acres (27 possessions each) also won plenty of the Sherrin under the roof.
Room for improvement
Defensively, the Blues are still too leaky. Even with Aaron Naughton sidelined Carlton’s defence had a torrid time trying to contain the Dogs’ attackers. Statistically, the Blues recorded nine fewer inside-50s but other than that were either neck-and-neck or ahead of the Dogs in most other key categories. They benefitted from their opponent’s early inaccuracy but after that were beaten by a side more hungry and more desperate for four points.
Grade
C
COLLINGWOOD
That’s now three losses in a row for the Pies, who are officially in free-fall and in genuine danger of missing finals less than 12 months after their 2023 premiership. While injuries have certainly depleted their club, you still feel like they aren’t playing to the best of their ability.
In the votes
While the Cats didn’t have a genuine ruck, Darcy Cameron (18 disposals, 58 hit-outs, one goal) got first hands on the ball all night for his midfielders. John Noble (28 disposals, seven score involvements, 798 metres gained) gave his side plenty of run off half-back – as did Josh Daicos (23 disposals, six marks) on a wing.
Room for improvement
The Pies were absolutely walloped at the centre bounce, and in addition, allowed the Cats to gather a monster 70 more marks than them; allowing Chris Scott’s side far too much control with ball in hand when the game was on the line. It’s now certainly do-or-die for Craig McRae, who face Hawthorn next weekend.
Grade
D
ESSENDON
The Bombers squandered an opportunity to entrench themselves in the top four, falling disappointingly to the Demons to regress to sixth spot on the ladder at the end of Round 18. Despite seemingly coming in with a rucking advantage on Saturday night, Melbourne stifled Essendon around the ball in what was a relatively concerning loss for the Bombers. On a wet night, it was evident the Demons had a greater hunger for the ball around the contest, while the red and black couldn’t stop their opponent in attack, either. Essendon was +15 in hitouts but -12 in clearances, with Sam Draper less dominant once Melbourne forward Jacob van Rooyen was thrown into the mix.
In the votes
Nic Martin kicked four goals from 26 disposals but might be disappointed with a few of his defensive efforts on Saturday, while Jordan Ridley (29 disposals, 10 marks and 498 metres gained) was busy in defence and captain Zach Merrett (25 disposals and four tackles) was typically influential both ways.
Room for improvement
There appeared a discrepancy between the sides in hardness around the contest, and that was validated by Essendon’s stoppage struggles. The Bombers had seven more inside-50s but were less efficient than the Demons with their entries. In the end, the scoreboard flattered Brad Scott’s men.
Grade
C-
FREMANTLE
The Dockers were denied an opportunity to momentarily climb into the top two, becoming the latest victim to fall to Hawthorn at its UTAS Stadium fortress in Tassie. Justin Longmuir’s side led by nine points at the last change but had no answers late after James Sicily stepped up with two crucial clutch goals. It snapped a three-game winning streak for the Dockers as their top four spot is suddenly vulnerable.
In the votes
Luke Jackson (20 disposals, six tackles, 31 hit-outs, one goal) had some big moments and was particularly influential in the third term. Jordan Clark (20 touches, five tackles) provided plenty of bounce across half back and Jeremy Sharp (18 disposals, nine marks, one goal) continued his great first season for the club.
Room for improvement
The Dockers faded late including kicking just one goal to Hawthorn’s five in the fourth quarter. You would’ve loved to see a bit more urgency from the visiting team and a greater effort to continue scoring instead of going into their shell with a narrow lead.
Grade
C
GEELONG
In a complete contrast to their opponent Collingwood, the Cats have hit their straps in the last three weeks in a much-needed turnaround in form. Stars Jeremy Cameron and Tom Stewart found their stride at crucial times on Friday night to lead from the front, while the younger guns stood up consistently during the 20-point win.
In the votes
Having moved back to defence, Max Holmes (27 disposals, nine marks) was strong in linking up the defensive half with the attacking. On the parallel side of the ground, Gryan Miers (27 disposals, nine score involvements, seven marks, one goal) was at his elite best all night. Young defender Lawson Humphries (23 disposals, 13 marks, 95.7% efficiency) also caught the eye of Cats fans, in what looks to be a steal from last year’s draft.
Room for improvement
Their prior issues with not playing a genuine ruck didn’t harm them on Friday night – they were outstanding. It wasn’t perfect, but as Chris Scott said post-game, their last three weeks have been as good as any in 2024. Now a genuine chance to round out the top four if all goes well.
Grade
A
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns’ perfect home streak remains intact after recording just their second-ever win over Port Adelaide in club history. Gold Coast proved to be clearance kings over the highly vaunted Power midfield – finishing +10 without their star Touk Miller. But pleasingly for coach Damien Hardwick, he got the response he was after, following last week’s expletive-laden spray as the Suns refused to wilt under Port Adelaide’s pressure.
In the votes
Noah Anderson was elite in the midfield as he racked up 29 touches, 11 clearances and a goal. Alex Davies was a bull laying 12 tackles – but his collision that left Lachie Jones concussed is set to come under scrutiny. Wil Powell is continuing his impressive run of form with 21 disposals, a whopping 610m+ gained and a goal for his efforts.
Room for improvement
Malcolm Rosas had what can only be described as a brain snap after he elected to go at Port’s Logan Evans with a raised elbow. Rosas’ contact dropped Evans and left commentator Jack Riewoldt labelling the act “no good”. Prized draft pick Jed Walter didn’t have any impact in his minutes while Matt Rowell was ill disciplined, giving away three free kicks.
Grade
A-
GWS GIANTS
Despite losing the territory battle by some margin, GWS beat Richmond to claim its second consecutive win to ascend to seventh spot on the ladder with six crucial games remaining in the home-and-away season. As many would have expected, the Tigers pressed the Giants at home, but Adam Kingsley’s men were able to progressively wear the hosts down en route to their first-ever MCG triumph over the Tigers after seven-straight losses.
In the votes
Tom Green was arguably the best player afield on Sunday, recording 37 disposals to go along with seven tackles and almost 400 metres gained. Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan (four goals each) were extremely dangerous inside forward 50 for the Giants, who just seemed to be able to extract the ball from congestion no matter Richmond’s persistent ball pressure.
Room for improvement
The Giants lost the inside-50 count 53-36 and clearance tally 39-31 but were a whopping 16 per cent more efficient with their forward entries. And while they could lean on that efficiency against 18th-placed Richmond, they’re not going to get away with those measly numbers against formidable opposition in the run home.
Grade
B
HAWTHORN
Hawthorn just wins in Tasmania. Sam Mitchell’s side continued its strong form in the Apple Isle, charging past Fremantle with a five-goal fourth term to keep its fairytale finals hopes alive. Returning skipper James Sicily was the hero, kicking two clutch goals in the fourth term after swinging forward in a switch labelled the “in game move of the year” by Kangaroos great David King. It sets up a huge do-or-die showdown with Collingwood next week.
In the votes
Sicily embodied the expression that even if it’s not your day, it can be your moment, with the Hawks skipper kicking two important fourth-quarter goals as the match winner for his side. Lloyd Meek (15 touches, 51 hit-outs) took it right up to ex-teammate Luke Jackson and Jai Newcombe (16 possessions, eight tackles, one goal) was busy as usual as the coalface.
Room for improvement
Hard to scrutinise the Hawks’ performance in a scrappy game where they just needed to find a way to bank the four points despite not playing at their best. To be really critical, there’s a slight question mark on what Hawthorn’s optimal forward mix looks like moving forward without Mitch Lewis. Do they persist with Sicily forward or heap trust on Mabior Chol and Calsher Dear?
Grade
B+
MELBOURNE
The Demons claimed a terrific victory on Saturday to keep their finals hopes very much alive with six games remaining. Despite losing Max Gawn against a side boasting Sam Draper, forward Jacob van Rooyen stepped up admirably to assist Herry Petty in the middle of the ground, with the Dees simply outmuscling Essendon around the ball and looking more threatening in attack. The triumph took Simon Goodwin’s men inside the eight and tied on premiership points with seventh-placed GWS and ninth-placed Port Adelaide.
In the votes
Trent Rivers (29 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles, eight clearances and 460 metres gained) and Ed Langdon (game-high 31 possessions, eight marks and a goal) were prolific for the Demons both in and around the contest, extracting the ball and playing considerable roles in offensive linking chains. Clayton Oliver (25 disposals) also played his part, while Daniel Turner and Bayley Fritsch equal-top-scored for the Dees with three goals apiece.
Room for improvement
Melbourne was -7 for inside-50s and -57 for uncontested possessions — if not for the wet weather, that uncontested dominance might have fed a better effort from the Bombers. But otherwise, this was a fairly comprehensive performance by a side that played the conditions better and knew what they were coming up against.
Grade
A
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Kangaroos were given a reality check of sorts on Saturday afternoon with a 79-point loss to the top-of-the-table Swans. It was probably expected, but North will still walk away from the match feeling like they could’ve hit the scoreboard more than they did after quarter time.
In the votes
In the end, it was a grim day out for the Kangaroos, but co-captain Jy Simpkin (26 disposals, seven score involvements, one goal) held his head high against the competition’s best midfield. Cameron Zurhaar (21 disposals, seven marks, two goals) was also strong for his performance, as was star Luke Davies-Uniacke (24 disposals, seven tackles, two goal assists).
Room for improvement
Alastair Clarkson’s side had 25 less inside 50s than the Swans, and unfortunately, they couldn’t maintain their output with the Swans who are notoriously slow starters. In a rare outcome, ruck Tristan Xerri was beaten by his opponent; but given Grundy is in the frame as an All-Australian pick, there’s no shame there.
Grade
D-
PORT ADELAIDE
The Power’s equation was simple – win and jump into the top four. But against a Suns outfit buoyed by their home crowd, they couldn’t get the job done and are now sitting outside the eight. And the loss has been compounded by injuries to Todd Marshall and Lachie Jones. With their makeshift forward line, Port went at less than 39% efficiency inside 50 in worrying signs that ultimately cost them victory.
In the votes
Zak Butters did everything he could to lift the Power with a team-high 35 disposals and a goal. Connor Rozee finished with a whopping eight clearances in his 29 touches – almost triple his next best teammate. Aliir Aliir did his best down back – aside from some friendly fire to Miles Bergman – to rack up nine intercepts.
Room for improvement
Jason Horne-Francis had a dirty day. Stat-less in the opening term, the Hornet coughed up a costly 50m penalty and was again guilty of giving up a free kick – that luckily Nick Holman couldn’t convert. Charlie Dixon struggled to have an impact, aside from accidentally injuring teammate Todd Marshall in one of the more bizarre incidents on a football field.
Grade
C-
RICHMOND
Another in a growing line of valiant Richmond losses this season, as it remains chained to the base of the ladder. While it was bolstered by the return of some experience in form of Dion Prestia, it was once again an experienced side trotted out by Adem Yze on Sunday — and it would appear Tim Taranto is destined for the league’s concussion protocols after a hard fall in a Toby Bedford tackle. In what would be a pleasing result for Yze and his coaching staff, the Tigers owned territory against the Giants — for little reward — as they claimed the inside-50 count 53-36 and clearance tally 39-31 but were a whopping 16 per cent less efficient with their forward entries.
In the votes
Unsurprisingly, Prestia (27 disposals, four tackles, four clearances) was one of Richmond’s best in his return outing, orchestrating the side’s midfield operation and — as he’s best known for — damaging at stoppage. Taranto led the Tigers with 15 contested possessions to go along with his 27 disposals, while Daniel Rioli (26 disposals and a goal) was influential in their fast transition chains.
Room for improvement
Capitalising on their time-in-forward-half dominance and exit from stoppage. The Giants managed 23 scoring shots from their 36 entries, with the likes of Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan (four goals each) getting off the chain far too frequently, while the Tigers generally looked horribly out of place in defensive transition as they scrambled to keep up with GWS’ over-the-back tsunami.
Grade
C
ST KILDA
On the back of a win against ladder-leaders Sydney last round, the Saints would have felt they were a genuine chance of stealing a win at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. But unfortunately, a mix of poor conditions and an honourable Crows outfit meant they have slipped back to 15th on the ladder and officially put a line through an already nigh on impossible finals run.
In the votes
Young guns Mattaes Phillipou (20 disposals, nine tackles, one goal) and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (29 disposals, seven marks, 649 metres gained) were both in the best for the Saints, while Rowan Marshall (20 disposals, 47 hit-outs) gave his midfielders first look at stoppages. Beyond them though, no other Saints are a chance of snagging a single vote.
Room for improvement
You would’ve been within your rights to think Ross Lyon could out-coach rival Matthew Nicks in the wet, but it wasn’t to be. The Saints lost nearly every stat line outside of the hit-outs and contested possessions and were notably outplayed. Next week’s clash with West Coast could make for an interesting chance to rectify their wrongs.
Grade
D
SYDNEY SWANS
The Swans had yet another slow start, but after quarter time passed, they were excellent. To win the last three quarters by 77 points is impressive regardless of the opposition, with the win ending their two-game losing streak. A PCL injury to Justin McInerney was the only sour takeaway in a match where Luke Parker and Callum Mills made successful returns.
In the votes
Errol Gulden was magnificent — recording 41 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five clearances and a staggering 15 inside-50s — joining Chad Warner, who staged another impressive outing with 31 disposals, six inside-50s and two goals from five scoring shots. Logan McDonald and Tom Papley combined for eight goals from 12 scores.
Room for improvement
Nothing we haven’t said before — their slow starts! Other than that, the Swans were back to what at least looked close to their best.
Grade
A
WEST COAST EAGLES
It’s been a tough week for West Coast – made more emotional by the scenes of sacked coach Adam Simpson tossing the coin pre-game. So, it was no surprise it was a fired-up Eagles outfit that took on the Lions in Perth. And despite the loss, the side showed plenty of fight – and didn’t succumb to the blowout losses we’ve attributed to the side over the past three seasons. Despite a midfield belting in the first three quarters, West Coast found their fight in the fourth. There are promising signs there for the club to see out 2024 under interim coach Jarrad Schofield.
In the votes
Tim Kelly (29 disposals, three tackles and a goal) and Elliot Yeo (24 touches, six clearances and a goal) tried to lift West Coast from the front. Youngster Harley Reid finished with a team-high seven clearances. Zane Trew impressed with his midfield minutes to tack up 21 disposals and a team-high eight tackles. Brady Hough silenced Lions star Charlie Cameron, keeping him to just four touches.
Room for improvement
West Coast’s efficiency inside 50 needs work as the side cost themselves opportunities in front of goal. Captain Oscar Allen was sent back as the spare man in defence multiple times to try and stop red time scores from Brisbane. Jamaine Jones had a tough day to finish with just six disposals. Bailey Williams struggled to have an impact.
Grade
B-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Despite the absences of Aaron Naughton and James O’Donnell — seemingly hurting the Dogs’ key stocks at either end — as well as starting incredibly inaccurately, Luke Beveridge’s Bulldogs toppled Carlton in a stirring win under the roof to legitimise their finals bid. They sit a win outside the top eight with a critical clash with the Cats in Geelong upcoming.
In the votes
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was instrumental on Saturday in Naughton’s absence, registering four goals from seven scoring shots, also adding 20 disposals, six marks and 457 metres gained. Rhylee West (four goals from 11 possessions with four tackles) and Bailey Dale (game-high 31 disposals, game-high 638 metres gained) were also impactful, while Cody Weightman seemed like he was everywhere all at once despite only ultimately recording 12 disposals and a goal.
Room for improvement
Other than possessing the ball less than the Blues as well as taking 14 fewer marks, there wasn’t much to critique from a Western Bulldogs standpoint. Losing the marks-inside-50 count 15-9 is another area they will look to rectify going forward, while allowing Charlie Curnow 10 scoring shots for the day probably wasn’t part of the plan going in.
Grade
A+