The Dockers and Blues stamped their presence on the competition with authoritative wins across the weekend against opponents of varying difficulty.
Conversely, the Bombers and Eagles bombed out in spectacular fashion with performances that will severely dent their confidence.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 16 Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
The Crows snapped a three-game losing streak with a comprehensive 16-point victory over the Giants at the Adelaide Oval. Matthew Nicks’ side booted seven consecutive goals in the second term to break the game open which ultimately led to their fifth victory of the 2024 season.
In the votes
Livewire forward Izak Rankine was the star of the show for the Crows, racking up 21 first half touches and two majors to set the Adelaide Oval alight. Defender Mitch Hinge continued his development in 2024 with 31 disposals, while captain Jordan Dawson worked through a Toby Bedford tag to finish with 24 disposals.
Room for improvement
The Crows put an inaccurate first term behind them to reign victorious on their home deck. Either way, Matthew Nicks would have loved his side to be a bit more accurate in front of the big sticks, finishing the night with 13.16. Their dominance around the ball and at the coal face was really pleasing, however.
Grade
A
BRISBANE LIONS
Coming back from four goals down in the second half, the Lions snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on Friday night with a five-point win over the Demons. Having lost only once since April, Brisbane are well and truly back in not just the hunt for a top eight spot, but absolutely a top four spot given their current patch of form.
In the votes
Josh Dunkley (32 disposals, 12 marks, 10 tackles) was the clear best-on-ground for the Brisbane in one of the more lion-hearted efforts this season. Alongside Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage (28 disposals, six inside 50’s, one goal) and Lachie Neale (29 disposals, six clearances) also pulled their weight in the midfield. While they only kicked three goals between them, Joe Daniher (15 disposals, eight marks, two goals) and Eric Hipwood (15 disposals, 11 score involvements, seven inside 50’s one goal) were potent up forward and continued their great form.
Room for improvement
The Lions were beaten 7-14 at centre clearances which was a slight concern given Melbourne’s underdone midfield; although Viney and Oliver played out of their skin. They also had several awful errors in prime scoring areas which made the match arguably closer than it should have been – evident with their whopping 20 behinds on the night. But in the end, they were the better team and found a way to make the four points theirs after a slow start.
Grade
C
Dees give up LATE deliberate to Lions | 00:33
CARLTON
One word: Brutal. When these Blues are on, they’re scary good, to be fast developing a reputation as not only the biggest challenger to Sydney in the premiership race, but arguably the No. 1 seed in their own right. Carlton put the Tigers away in the blink of an eye after piling on seven unanswered goals in the third quarter before running away 61-point victors. It impressively came despite Tom De Koning being managed, with Michael Voss’ side consolidating second place on the ladder to now sit a game and a half clear.
In the votes
Patrick Cripps was “unstoppable,” according to Demons legend Garry Lyon, racking up 40 disposals, 17 contested, 14 clearances, eight score involvements and one goal to rip Richmond hearts out. Midfield running partner Sam Walsh (26 touches, 10 tackles, two goals) also ran riot, while the returning Adam Cerra (23 touches) was influential prior to being subbed out early in the fourth term for precautionary reasons.
Room for improvement
It took the Blues two quarters to break the plucky Tigers before doing so in a major way. And while Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay (two goals each) were below their best, what would most please Blues fans was the spread of contributions across the board.
Grade
A+
COLLINGWOOD
Not this time. The Suns stopped another Pies miracle comeback, with Craig McRae’s side kicking five-straight goals to open the fourth quarter and momentarily lead Gold Coast before getting overran in the dying minutes. McRae post-match, while praising his side’s ability to pull off the most unlikely of in-game revivals, lamented it constantly getting in such positions. And while Collingwood welcomed back a host of stars to injury, the lost a couple of soldiers, with setbacks to Beau McCreery (calf strain) and John Noble (concussion) further souring the loss, which cost the Pies their top four spot.
In the votes
Nick Daicos is simply on another level, finishing with 32 disposals, 11 contested, 691 metres gained and two goals including an epic finish through traffic in the fourth quarter to spur Collingwood’s late charge. The returning Jordan De Goey was also prolific with 21 touches and two goals including his own brilliant clutch goal from a tight angle. Damien Hardwick even admitted post-match his team tried its best to quell the star duo late in the game but were at times at the mercy if their brilliance.
Room for improvement
While the Pies gave themselves a chance to win, the stats suggest they were a fair way off including losing contested possessions (-16) and inside 50s (-18). It meant their defence was made to defend for too big a chunks of the game, and really, they probably should’ve been further behind earlier in the night.
Grade
C
Rising Suns down clipped Magpies | 01:05
ESSENDON
The Bombers are now in the midst of a mini free-fall, and what was once the feel-good story of 2024 could now become the biggest talking point for all the wrong reasons. While umpiring certainly didn’t go their way, Geelong were evidently the better outfit on Saturday night.
In the votes
Jye Caldwell (32 disposals, 12 clearances, 12 tackles) was exceptional with his increased midfield minutes, and is absolutely a chance to snag maximum Brownlow votes for his efforts. Beyond him, Zach Merrett (22 disposals, one goal) and Peter Wright (15 disposals, six marks, two goals) were the only notable performers.
Room for improvement
Conditions were tough at the MCG, but their efficiency inside forward 50 was woeful – disposing at just 31.7 per cent and 15 per cent worse than the Cats. Their clearance work was strong, but expected given Geelong’s recent rucking record. A massive game at the sporting colosseum against Collingwood on Friday night.
Grade
D
FREMANTLE
Fremantle, without skipper Alex Pearce for the first time this season, claimed its ninth win of the season in improbable fashion to move into the top four to third spot. Despite entering Saturday with the league’s second-worst record against top-eight teams (0-1-3), the Dockers defiantly downed the ladder-leaders in an SCG boilover. Fremantle was able to consistently build offensive chains from their defensive half — something opposition clubs haven’t been able to do against the Swans in 2024.
In the votes
While Pearce had been playing at an All-Australian-calibre level prior to his injury, the Luke Ryan-led Dockers defence saluted at the SCG — Ryan notched a team-high 26 disposals at 89 per cent efficiency to go along with eight marks (two contested). Jeremy Sharp added 25 disposals, while Nat Fyfe (22 disposals, 12 contested possessions and eight clearances) played a critical role matched-up against Isaac Heeney.
Room for improvement
It’s incredibly difficult to fault a side that just downed the ladder-leading Swans, so we won’t (but they only just hung on after Sydney staged a threatening final-quarter surge).
Grade
A+
After siren disaster for Swans’ McDonald | 00:55
GEELONG
It was the win that many foresaw, despite their horrid form patch of late. Credit must go to the Cats, who in trying conditions managed to eventually smash the Bombers despite losing the midfield battle. Now back up to fifth on the ladder, a win this weekend over Hawthorn could see them enter the top four if Collingwood beat Essendon on Friday night.
In the votes
Ollie Dempsey (25 disposals, seven inside 50’s, two goals) made sure his name is thrown around in the Rising Star conversation with a huge performance and was ably supported by Jack Bowes (26 disposals, eight inside 50’s seven tackles, one goal). The inclusion of out-of-form star defender Tom Stewart (23 disposals, five tackles) into the midfield looked to work well, and might be one to watch in coming weeks.
Room for improvement
Absolutely their clearance game. It’s hard to see the Cats beating the best of the best with their current midfield dynamic, with Dangerfield the only recognised midfielder. De Koning was soundly beaten at stoppages despite his 21 disposals, which may force Chris Scott’s hand on bringing back Rhys Stanley.
Grade
A
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns claimed arguably their biggest scalp yet in 2024 in one of the club’s greatest ever wins over Collingwood to keep their season alive and remain in the thick of the finals race. Damien Hardwick’s side held off the fast finishing Magpies, with the Gold Coast coach proud of his team’s ability to absorb the comeback kings’ fierce rally then respond with its own late flurry in a very mature showing. The Suns improved to 8-7 as they now look to get the winning on the road monkey off their back ahead of a Marvel Stadium clash with North Melbourne.
In the votes
Noah Anderson was everywhere, racking up 39 disposals, 13 contested, in a true leadership performance from the midfield. Ben Ainsworth (28 disposals, two goals) and Sam Flanders (33 touches, 15 contested, one goal) were also influential and Ben King (four goals) caused Collingwood’s defence nightmares particularly early on.
Room for improvement
Making it count earlier. The Suns were the superior team for most of the night but couldn’t convert it on the scoreboard to invite the possibility of a Magpies comeback. Oh and being able to reproduce their unbeaten home form on the road would be handy.
Grade
A
GWS GIANTS
The Giants were left languishing in ninth spot on Saturday night after a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Adelaide Crows. Adam Kingsley’s side has won just three matches in their last ten outings as their 2024 season starts to slip away in front of their very eyes.
In the votes
Damaging half-back Lachie Whitfield had leather poisoning amassing 41 disposals and 12 marks, while midfield bull Tom Green found the ball 38 times. Captain Toby Greene kicked three goals from 16 touches.
Room for improvement
The Giants are in a serious form slump at the moment and need to find a way to arrest that pronto. The Giants were belted at the coalface, losing the clearance battle (-8), and contested possession count (-19).
Grade
D
Failing Giants savaged | 05:36
HAWTHORN
Hawthorn should have had their match against West Coast won by half time, such was their dominance. But inaccuracy and wastefulness in attack ensured the door was still ajar – and it’s cost Hawthorn the perfect grade. While still able to stroll away with the four points in their first away win this season, coach Sam Mitchell says there’s still a way to go for his side to compete with the best teams. The Hawks finished +27 in inside 50s, a whopping +148 in disposals and +19 in clearances in their belting.
In the votes
Enter the entire Hawthorn midfield. Jai Newcombe (33 disposals), Dylan Moore (29 touches, two goals), James Worpel (28 disposals and 11 clearances) and Will Day (26 touches) got to work and put West Coast to the sword. Jack Ginnivan popped up with his 21 touches and two goals – to go with his four tackles and three clearances. Lloyd Meek was unstoppable in the ruck with 16 disposals, 37 hitouts, six tackles and even hit the scoreboard. James Sicily and Changkuoth Jiath were solid down back before Sicily finished the final term on the bench with a shoulder injury.
Room for improvement
Goal kicking practice should be a focus this week after almost inviting West Coast back into the contest at half time due to butchering opportunities in attack.
Grade
A
MELBOURNE
Melbourne’s second loss for the season by less than a goal could be their most critical loss of the season, leaving them as vulnerable as they ever have been this year. Brisbane’s inaccurate kicking perhaps kept them in the game longer than they should’ve been, but they themselves also made crucial errors at just the wrong time. Absolute must-win against West Coast coming up.
In the votes
Kysaiah Pickett (12 disposals, 11 score involvements, six tackles, five goals) stole the show for the Demons, and nearly single-handedly won them the game with his four-goal first half. Jack Viney (26 disposals, 10 score involvements, nine clearances, eight tackles) tried his heart out all night, and epitomised the ‘red and the blue’ mantra. Clayton Oliver (29 disposals, one goal) returned to form well, but is very unlikely to poll come Brownlow night.
Room for improvement
Much like the Lions, inaccurate kicking grossly cost the Demons a chance to put the game away when it was in their hands. They either beat or matched Brisbane in all the important stat lines bar marks, where they allowed the hosts to play a more slow and controlled style of football that has worked too well for them since Round 7. It’s hard to not feel disheartened if you’re Simon Goodwin, but the Demons looked a world better than they have recently – and with still so much room for improvement.
Grade
C+
Goodwin GUTTED after last-gasp loss | 05:48
NORTH MELBOURNE
A late, late charge from the Kangaroos gave fans the slimmest hope of an epic comeback, but ultimately Alastair Clarkson’s side was outdone by a gritty Western Bulldogs. While the scorecard reads prettier than most expected, there were still plenty of areas for improvement for the young team.
In the votes
In another lion-hearted performance, Tristan Xerri (20 disposals, 34 hitouts, one goal) fought hard all day to win his ruck battle with Tom English. Darcy Tucker (30 disposals, seven marks) had plenty of the ball, while Harry Sheezel (27 disposals, one goal) was again in North’s best players.
Room for improvement
The Roos were well beaten for entries inside 50 (42-57), making a win very tough from the get-go. In addition, they were more than nine per cent less effective going inside the arc than the Bulldogs. They were (unsurprisingly) beaten comprehensively in the clearance, but it will hopefully act as another learning experience.
Grade
C-
PORT ADELAIDE
The equation was simple for Port Adelaide – win and ease the pressure on coach Ken Hinkley. While the two-point victory wasn’t the most eye-catching display, it was enough for the Power to avoid sliding out of the top eight for the first time this season. Port finished +12 in inside 50s, +10 in clearances and +5 for marks inside 50 – in promising signs. But they were wayward in front of goal and didn’t put the Saints away when they had chances due to horror turnovers. The Power hung on to the win despite being goalless in the final term.
In the votes
Jason Horne-Francis was the pick of Port’s mids with 28 disposals, four clearances and a goal. Only teammate Zak Butters had more clearances for the match with five, as he also hit the scoreboard in his 22 touches. Aliir Aliir was dominant down back with 22 disposals and 10 marks – including nine intercepts. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher also had arguably his best game for the Power with nine intercepts, three contested grabs and three score involvements.
Room for improvement
Port didn’t have an answer for Saints big man Rowan Marshall – and it nearly cost them the win. Todd Marshall finished goalless before he was subbed out while Travis Boak didn’t have an impact with his 10 touches. Mitch Georgiades was another who failed to hit the scoreboard – but he did lay two important tackles late in the contest.
Grade
C+
Emotional Hinkley relieved by close win | 01:57
RICHMOND
The now 2-13 Tigers didn’t do a lot wrong against Carlton, competing hard for two and a half quarters before getting blown out in the space of 15 minutes after copping an avalanche they couldn’t handle. The bigger story to come out of it from a Richmond perspective was Dustin Martin getting subbed out in the third term due to a lower back issue after having little influential. It left Demons legend Garry Lyon to suggest there would be questions asked of the out-of-contract 33-year old’s future after he didn’t “look like the Dustin of old and that’s just father time.”
In the votes
Toby Nankervis (17 disposals, 11 contested, 43 hit-outs), one goal) competed hard as per usual in a spirited effort from the Tigers skipper in the ruck. Ben Miller held Charlie Curnow to just two goals in one of the best defensive performances on the Coleman leader in some time, while the returning Jacob Hopper (25 touches, nine contested) put his best foot forward.
Room for improvement
Being able to absorb the pressure that came their way in the third quarter. For take out that third term and the scoreboard wouldn’t have read nearly as grim for Adem Yze — a 61-point loss in the end — as his side will hope to take lessons away from that period when the chips were down.
Grade
D
ST KILDA
The Saints cost themselves four points due to their inability to capitalise on the scoreboard in the loss to Port Adelaide. When the side had momentum in the final term, St Kilda didn’t put Port Adelaide away in the last quarter as they managed just two goals for their efforts. The result means St Kilda has won just four of its past 12 games decided by 10 points or less – compared to Port who has won 10 of theirs. Despite being more efficient inside 50 than their season average, the Saints were wasteful in front of goal to finish with 8.12.
In the votes
Rowan Marshall was best on ground with his 3.2 from 18 disposals. The big man had nine marks, seven score involvements, four clearances and 10 hitouts from his time in the ruck as he pushed forward. Marshall was equal best in clearances for his side with only Jack Steele (25 disposals – 11 contested) alongside him.
Room for improvement
Paddy Dow had a tough outing with just seven touches while Anthony Caminiti failed to hit the scoreboard with his nine disposals. Mitch Owens also failed to register a goal but most concerning is the form of big Max King – who struggled with his 0.2. The big three forward line didn’t fire a shot – leaving Marshall to play a lone hand in attack.
Grade
C-
Lyon discusses St Kilda’s biggest issues | 08:24
SYDNEY SWANS
Sydney’s deadly winning run has been snapped at 10 games, going down to the underdog Dockers at the SCG on Saturday. The loss is the Swans’ first since their Round 3 defeat to Richmond, and their first home defeat of the campaign. The Swans conceded seven of the game’s first nine goals as the Dockers’ back-half movement clicked from the get-go, and while the hosts surged threateningly in the final quarter, a post-siren miss by Logan McDonald cemented Sydney’s second loss of the ‘24 campaign.
In the votes
Nick Blakey notched a game-high 32 disposals, 10 marks, six inside-50s and a rousing fourth-quarter goal. James Rowbottom had a game-high 15 contested possessions, while Will Hayward led the way in attack with three goals and seven marks from 11 disposals.
Room for improvement
Despite being the hardest team to score against from the defensive half this season, the Swans allowed a seven-goal first-half onslaught from Fremantle’s back half. Saturday represented a small slip-up for the Swans.
Grade
C-
WEST COAST EAGLES
West Coast were smashed in all areas of the ground in their 61-point loss to Hawthorn in scenes reminiscent of their wooden spoon days. Despite the return of Harley Reid and Tim Kelly, the Eagles were belted in the middle as they recorded just four centre clearances for the entire match. They failed to take a mark inside 50 until the final quarter – despite having tall targets Oscar Allen, Jack Darling and Coleman Medal contender Jake Waterman. The Eagles were accused of lacking in intent and giving up during the Sunday slaughter in worrying signs for coach Adam Simpson.
In the votes
Only Jeremy McGovern (20 disposals, three contested marks and a goal) and Tom Barrass (14 disposals and nine marks) stood tall for West Coast, with Fox Footy’s Will Schofield adamant the Eagles would have lost by triple figures if not for the defensive duo. They had a whopping 20 intercepts between them – despite McGovern failing to play the final quarter after copping a heavy knock and suffering a hand injury.
Room for improvement
Eagles coach Adam Simpson didn’t hold back in his assessment that his side was “taught a lesson”. Labelling every area of the ground as “poor”, West Coast have a mountain of work if they want to secure another win this season. In attack, Oscar Allen managed just six disposals and didn’t manage a goal. Jack Darling didn’t kick a goal either, but Simpsons was adamant supply was the issue – with just 33 inside 50s for the match. The ruck continues to be an issue with Matt Flynn limping off. West Coast’s midfield was simply “spanked” by the Hawks, according to Matthew Pavlich.
Grade
F
Simpson incredibly critical of Eagles | 07:25
WESTERN BULLDOGS
It may not have been as pretty as other wins this season, but the Bulldogs pocketed another important four points on Saturday afternoon against North Melbourne. Now only half a game outside the top eight, Luke Beveridge’s side are touted by many as one of the few sides in the bottom 10 sides on the ladder that can still make an appearance in September.
In the votes
Continuing his red-hot run of form, Marcus Bontempelli (35 disposals, 11 clearances, seven inside 50’s) was monumental and likely takes the three votes. Partner in crime Tom Liberatore (25 disposals, one goal) was solid too, while Adam Treloar (22 disposals, six inside 50’s, two goals) shook a Will Phillips tag rather well, all things considered.
Room for improvement
Tim English was soundly beaten on Saturday by opposing ruck Tristan Xerri – and while it’s by no means a cause for great concern, the Bulldogs will need him to find his 2023 All-Australian form again if they’re to be the force many know they are capable of. Outside of the ruck department though, the Dogs beat North convincingly in most stat lines.
Grade
B