The race for a finals berth is heating up after another round of intriguing results across the AFL world.
One Victorian powerhouse announced themselves as credible top four chances, while two finals aspirants flopped miserably.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 17 Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
As so often is for the Crows, they were more than capable of mixing it with one of the league’s better sides, but not good enough to walk away with the four points. Like the Lions, they didn’t play their best football – but they shouldn’t leave Brisbane disheartened by any means. Another week, another chance to learn for the young outfit.
In the votes
Defender Mark Keane (20 disposals, 10 intercept possessions, seven marks) was a rock down back for Matthew Nicks’ side, and one of the better players on ground. Ben Keays (14 disposals, four goals) singlehandedly kept the Crows in the game early doors, while Taylor Walker (13 disposals, six contested marks, two goals) and Elliott Himmelberg (12 disposals, eight marks, two goals) were crucial with both their positioning and aerial prowess up forward.
Room for improvement
The Crows weren’t comprehensively beaten in any stat line, but their efficiency going inside forward 50 made it real hard to gain an upper hand all evening. They lost the clearance battle and controlled ball (through marks) by just enough to sway the momentum in Brisbane’s favour enough to make things that touch too hard.
Grade
C
BRISBANE LIONS
The Lions held off the Crows on their home turf to make it five wins on the trot, continuing their solid build towards a hopeful finals appearance. While they weren’t playing their absolute best football, Chris Fagan will see the win in hindsight as a tick box exercise, and not a whole lot more.
In the votes
Midfield duo Lachie Neale (36 disposals, 10 clearances, three goals) and Josh Dunkley (35 disposals, seven clearances, one goal) were ultra-dominant around the Gabba on Sunday evening, and will almost certainly poll five votes between them. Beyond the duo, it was quite an even performance across the board, with Charlie Cameron (14 disposals, two goals) stepping up in the big moments.
Room for improvement
The Lions defence allowed the Crows key forwards too many contested marks, and subsequently didn’t bring the ball to ground enough – which is interesting considering Jack Payne and Harris Andrew had 17 spoils between them. Otherwise, Brisbane were solid, without being exceptional.
Grade
B+
Lions get season back on track | 02:13
CARLTON
The Blues capitulated in the second term after a strong start against the Giants, eventually falling to a 12-point defeat which sees their win-loss record for 2024 move to 11-5. A massive clash against the Western Bulldogs awaits in round 18 which has huge ramifications for their top four hopes this season.
In the votes
Captain Patrick Cripps tried valiantly with 33 disposals, 21 contested possessions and two goals, while spearhead Harry McKay booted five majors. Matthew Kennedy had 21 disposals and two goals, while Zac Williams kicked three goals in the first term before struggling to impact the contest thereafter.
Room for improvement
When the Giants put the foot down, the Blues struggled to respond. The Blues lost the disposal count (-86), inside 50s (-10), contested possession (-9) and uncontested possession (-82) count as they wore the full effect of the ‘Orange Tsunami’ in full flight. Star forward Charlie Curnow struggled to influence the contest, having just eight disposals and a goal. The Blues need a lift from him next week.
Grade
D+
COLLINGWOOD
That was pretty bad. The Pies, like various other top eight hopefuls in recent weeks, are in a mini free-fall. Their start was very promising, but after quarter time they looked a completely different team. Next Friday night against Geelong looms as a massive game.
In the votes
It was Jack Crisp (24 disposals, three goals) that got Collingwood off to their flyer, but he may miss the votes. Steele Sidebottom (34 disposals, 11 marks) looked like he was everywhere, while Nick Daicos (31 disposals, 12 clearances) had plenty of it but was seriously ineffective by foot.
Room for improvement
The Pies were beaten evenly in most stat lines, with no obvious main issue – a concern in itself? They allowed Essendon to take way too many uncontested marks, and lost their momentum by allowing them to play at their own pace. Another performance like that, and they’ll be in serious strife.
Grade
D+
Magpies exposed for lack of pressure? | 02:16
ESSENDON
Beyond their first quarter on Friday night, you can’t question their effort. And rightly so, with a win over the reigning premiers, the Bombers can now be given their flowers. Bravo to Brad Scott and co, but the job’s not done yet. Nonetheless, the red and black will stay in the top four for at least another week and stay one step ahead of most of the competition.
In the votes
Where to begin? Jye Caldwell (30 disposals, eight clearances, one goal), captain Zach Merrett (30 disposals, 15 score involvements, one goal) and Dylan Shiel (26 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances) were monumental in the midfield to smoke the Pies. Jordan Ridley (25 disposals, 15 marks, 525 metres gained) and Ben McKay (19 disposals, six intercept marks, six spoils) held down the fort in defence, and while they won’t get recognition on Brownlow night, deserve a word of praise.
Room for improvement
Their lethargic start was somewhat concerning, but that’s truly about it – everywhere else, the Dons were magnificent. If we’re really clutching at straws, accuracy in front of goal?
Grade
A
FREMANTLE
The ‘Flagmantle’ dreams are well and truly alive as the Dockers lifted themselves to just half a win outside of the top two. While coach Justin Longmuir believed his side played “one of their worst quarters” of the year and rated their performance only a 7/10, there was plenty to like from a Fremantle side who ran away with the 51-point win over Richmond. A six-goal third quarter set up the victory. The Dockers scored a whopping 10 goals from intercepts in a strong showing in the wet weather.
In the votes
Andrew Brayshaw was unstoppable with a game-high 35 touches – 11 of those contested, eight tackles, six clearances, 10 score involvements and a goal. Josh Treacy had a career-best five goals – and was the difference in the first quarter with seven touches and three goals at a time when Richmond were on top early. Luke Jackson stepped up when Sean Darcy was ruled out with concussion to finish with 21 disposals, nine tackles and four clearances. Caleb Serong was busy with 27 disposals and a team-high seven clearances.
Room for improvement
Jye Amiss’ goal scoring woes have rolled on with the young gun finishing 1.2. The youngster has struggled with accuracy this season and appeared off the mark once more in front of home fans. Turnovers proved costly for Fremantle, while the Tigers’ first three goals all came from defensive chains in worrying signs for coach Justin Longmuir.
Grade
B+
Scott on Bombers blockbuster win | 05:50
GEELONG
The Cats backed up last week’s impressive victory over the Bombers with an emphatic 51-point win over the Hawks. Geelong have steadied over the past fortnight, recapturing their early season form that showed they could challenge deep into September. A juicy clash against Collingwood next week looms as another big test as they look to push their top four claims.
In the votes
Tom Stewart continued to thrive in his newfound midfield role with 26 disposals, eleven marks and ten score involvements, while star forward Jeremy Cameron looked back to his best with four goals from 19 disposals. Sam De Koning continued his development in the ruck with two goals from 20 touches, while Mitch Duncan wound back the clock with a 25-disposal outing across half-back.
Room for improvement
Hard to find much wrong with such a dominant display, especially against one of the most in-form teams of the competition. If we’re nitpicking, they might have liked to take more of their opportunities in the first ten minutes of the game, where they kicked five straight behinds.
Grade
A+
GOLD COAST SUNS
Dimma said it best in his post-match presser! The Suns were woeful, and while the Kangaroos showed some patches of good football, Gold Coast should have always been the side that took home the four points. Like so many years gone by, just as you think you can take them seriously – you can’t.
In the votes
Midfielder Noah Anderson (30 disposals, seven inside 50’s, one goal) was solid all day, but even still, probably didn’t have the desired impact at stoppages he would have hoped. While he won’t poll votes, Sam Day (11 disposals, seven score involvements, six contested marks, two goals) was monumental early before his day ended through injury. Ned Moyle (18 disposals, 26 hitouts, six clearances) also showed he is up to AFL standard once again.
Room for improvement
With the exception of their inside 50 count and even number of contested possessions, the Suns were either not good enough, or smashed around the ground. To concede 19 more stoppage clearances than the then-bottom ranked side is beyond alarming – especially when you have Matt Rowell and Anderson as your key on-ballers. Winning matches on the road would go a long way to improving their finals chances too!
Grade
F
Dimma goes BANG with ALL-TIME statement! | 07:56
GWS GIANTS
The Giants’ season is back on track, putting a slow start behind them to defeat the in-form Blues by two goals at ENGIE Stadium. It looked as though their season was going to continue to spiral, but whatever Adam Kingsley said at quarter time worked a treat, as the Giants piled on 14 goals throughout the second and third quarters to set up the win.
In the votes
Jesse Hogan was immense forward of centre with five goals and nine marks, while Tom Green looks back to his best as a midfield bull. The Canberran racked up 33 disposals and a goal, while veteran Callan Ward wound back the clock with 30 touches and two goals. Ruck Kieren Briggs threw his weight around in a monster display, amassing 22 disposals, nine tackles and 40 hitouts.
Room for improvement
The Giants started terribly, conceding eight of the first ten goals. They also let the Blues back in the contest late, but throughout the middle of the game, they were absolutely superb. They’ll bank the four points and turn their attention to their trip to the MCG to take on Richmond in round 18.
Grade
A
HAWTHORN
The Hawks were dealt a brutal reality check against the Cats, falling to a disappointing 51-point defeat. After winning five games on the trot and seven from their past eight, the Hawks were starting to look as though they could make an unlikely play for a finals berth, but they were unable to compete with a battle-hardened Geelong outfit at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.
In the votes
Stand-in skipper Dylan Moore was probably the Hawks’ best with 26 touches, two goals and six tackles, while on-baller James Worpel continued his consistent season with 26 disposals, seven tackles and a goal. Jarman Impey (22 disposals) tried to generate some energy off half-back.
Room for improvement
After such a positive two-month period, there will be a bit to work on at Waverley this week for Sam Mitchell’s side. The Cats belted the Hawks in disposals (+54), inside 50s (+24), contested possession (+18) and uncontested possession (+32). Mitchell said on Fox Footy’s coverage: “Our contest needs to be better; you can’t win if you don’t win contest,” so expect the boys in brown and gold to go to work ahead of a must-win clash against Fremantle in Tasmania next week.
Grade
D
Mitchell brutally honest following loss | 08:33
MELBOURNE
The Demons blew West Coast out of the water of the first quarter on Sunday afternoon, before taking the foot off the pedal for the rest of the match. It was a win they so desperately needed to alter their record of three losses in four games; even if it was against the Eagles. A win against Essendon next weekend will go a long way to amending their finals charge.
In the votes
Kept again in the midfield, Trent Rivers (29 disposals, nine marks, seven clearances) took the best on ground honours for the Demons. Rising Star nominee Caleb Windsor (25 disposals, seven marks, one goal) played one of his best games yet at the top level, while Jacob van Rooyen (14 disposals, nine marks, four goals, four behinds) missed out on what could have been a monster day in front of the big sticks.
Room for improvement
Surprisingly, the Eagles won the centre clearance count 18-8, in a stat that coach Simon Goodwin will no doubt highlight this week. Clayton Oliver looked out of touch once again, with serious questions being asked of his output given the absence of Christian Petracca.
Grade
A
NORTH MELBOURNE
It wasn’t pretty in patches, but it didn’t need to be – the Kangaroos have doubled their wins tally! Despite Gold Coast’s horrific record away from home (and Hardwick’s Marvel Stadium curse), Alastair Clarkson’s men weren’t expected to win – but they found a way. And with it, they’re off the bottom of the table and ahead of Richmond!
In the votes
There are plenty of Roos who could poll come Brownlow night here. Luke Davies-Uniacke (30 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) was probably best on ground, but he was so well supported by Harry Sheezel (35 disposals, 10 clearances, one goal) and Tristan Xerri (17 disposals, 35 hitouts, six clearances, one goal) in the midfield. Young gun Colby McKercher (37 disposals, 666 metres gained) had plenty of the ball too moving from the defensive half.
Room for improvement
While North kicked enough for a winning score, their key forwards didn’t have much of the ball, and to a certain extent were lucky they kicked straight. Kicking six goals straight between them, Nick Larkey, Brynn Teakle and Toby Pink had just 14 disposals collectively. Moving forward, you would think at least one, if not two, of them, would need to be more impactful with ball in hand to hold their opponents more accountable.
Grade
A
Humble Clarkson all praise for Suns | 09:37
PORT ADELAIDE
In a welcome surprise to many, the Power pulled out one of their best performances against 2024 to bring the Western Bulldogs’ pursuit for a top eight spot to a sudden halt. Not once was Ken Hinkley’s side ever truly tested, as they once again pop up when the pressure if truly on them. Much like Essendon though, the job is still so far from over. Beat Gold Coast at home, and then we’ll consider them as ‘back’.
In the votes
It was a day out for Port’s midfielders, as skipper Connor Rozee (36 disposals, eight tackles, one goal) dominated – as did Zak Butters (33 disposals, 10 marks, one goal), who only played 65 per cent game time. Jason Horne-Francis (20 disposals, nine score involvements, three goal) was oh so impactful, as was Ollie Wines (30 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) to round out the midfield quartet. Promising forward Mitch Georgiades (11 disposals, nine marks, five goals) was the best up forward, and could snag a sneaky vote in September for his efforts.
Room for improvement
A slightly better clearance game would have made for the perfect performance, but it wasn’t to be. They shone bright however in every single other department, full marks.
Grade
A+
RICHMOND
The Tigers were given a tough task – head to Perth off a short break and win without superstar Dustin Martin. But Richmond gave it a real shake – and were only really let down by their finishing in attack. The Tigers dominated the second term but couldn’t put it on the scoreboard; instead recording 1.5 and several attempts that didn’t register a score. In the end, they beat Fremantle in clearances despite the Dockers being the number one ranked team in the competition. And they won contested ball in promising signs for Adem Yze’s men. But the result still ensures Richmond finish the round at the bottom of the ladder for the first time since the competition grew to 18 teams.
In the votes
Toby Nankervis was a beast for the visitors with a whopping 26 disposals – 21 of them contested, 11 clearances, 36 hitouts, seven tackles and a goal. Add in the fact he spent the first half rucking against noted duo Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson. Shai Bolton played a lone hand in attack for Richmond and was the reason they were even in the contest at half time. Bolton ended his night with 4.3 – and a mark of the year contender – from his 16 touches. Noah Balta finished with a game-high four goal assists.
Room for improvement
Richmond didn’t have a winner in attack outside of Shai Bolton. Liam Baker had little impact in his home state. Mid-season recruit Jacob Blight was given a monster of a task taking on Josh Treacy, and will only learn from the experience in just his second AFL game. The Tigers were simply wasteful with their opportunities failing to hit targets in attack and struggling to put any scoreboard pressure on the Dockers.
Grade
C-
Ken blasts Butters for in-game behaviour | 02:07
ST KILDA
A crazy game and massive win. The Max King-less Saints pulled off their most impressive win of 2024 yet, upsetting the first-placed Swans in a Marvel Stadium thriller. Ross Lyon’s men stuck to the task all game, and despite some moments where it appeared Sydney would pull away, kicked four unanswered goals in the fourth term and competed hard until the final siren to ultimately get rewarded with the four points in a memorable performance.
In the votes
The Saints had match winners all over the ground, led by human wall in defence Callum Wilkie (26 touches, 14 marks). Mattaes Phillipou (26 disposals, one goal) was excellent in his return to the senior side and Jack Steele (28 possessions, 14 contested, seven tackles) and Rowan Marshall (16 disposals, 20 hit-outs, two goals) led from the the front too.
Room for improvement
It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the Saints relied on extreme efficiency – both with inside 50 connection and and goalkicking accuracy. Lyon’s side actually lost the inside 50 battle -13 (54-41), so winning under such circumstances mightn’t be sustainable.
Grade
A
SYDNEY SWANS
The Swans dropped consecutive games for the first time in 2024 in a loss to St Kilda further soured by Isaac Heeney potentially having his Brownlow hopes dashed for striking Jimmy Webster. Aside from a 10-minute blitz just before half-time, which, admittedly, at the time felt like it’d be enough to separate the game, Sydney never really got going for a sustained period. Logan McDonald found himself in another position to win the game in the dying stages before history repeated itself, with the young forward’s kick missing to the left as St Kilda held on in the final minute. No matter, the Swans remain two games and healthy percentage clear at the top of the table.
In the votes
Funny old game for the Swans with no absolute standouts. Errol Gulden was arguably the best player on the ground to half-time, but faded in the second half, finishing with 28 disposals. Conversely, Isaac Heeney (24 disposals, 11 contested, two goals), after a quiet first half, stood up in the second half to try and will his side to victory, though it wasn’t enough in the end.
Room for improvement
John Longmire post-match lamented his side’s inefficiency in the forward half – it had an extra eight scoring shots 13 inside 50s – but couldn’t make the Saints pay when it needed to and allowed the home side back in. The Swans just generally looked below their best for most of the day, but in fairness, it’s hard to maintain the levels they reached for the majority of this season.
Grade
D
Is Heeney out of the Brownlow race? | 02:33
WEST COAST EAGLES
Another dismal day for West Coast who suffered a 54-point defeat to Melbourne at the MCG. The Eagles have now lost six matches in a row as pressure begins to mount on head coach Adam Simpson. The Eagles host Brisbane on Sunday in round 18 in a game where they absolutely need to show some fight.
In the votes
Co-captain Oscar Allen did his part up forward, booting four goals from his ten touches and six marks. Midfielders Elliot Yeo (21 disposals) and Tim Kelly (23 disposals) were amongst the Eagles best, while intercepting beast Jeremy McGovern fought tooth and nail all day in defence too.
Room for improvement
The slow start was clearly a major factor in their loss against the Dees, conceding eight of the first nine goals of the game. From there they were on the back foot and struggled to really gather any momentum. They need to get their hands on the ball more often but on a brighter note, they won the centre clearances convincingly (18-8).
Grade
D-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Wow – that changes things. It’s never easy travelling to Adelaide Oval, but most felt the Bulldogs were a real sniff of knocking over Port while they were vulnerable. Carlton next week will be just as big a test, although they might count themselves lucky the Blues themselves lost.
In the votes
Ruck Tim English (17 disposals, 22 hitouts, two goals) was impactful around the ground in his duel against former teammate Jordan Sweet. Adam Treloar (38 disposals, seven clearances) had plenty of it, while Marcus Bontempelli (21 disposals, two goals) had his moments.
Room for improvement
Efficiency heading inside 50 was quite poor on the Bulldogs’ behalf, and will need drastic improvement to take it up from just under 36 per cent. Ideally English can get his hands on the ball first more at ball ups and throw ins too to give his midfielders first look at stoppage.
Grade
F