It was a big round of footy and there were important storylines across the weekend.
We have selected one positive and one negative from the Round 22 performance of each of the 18 clubs.
See our thoughts below:
Positive: Career-best Seedsman
Paul Seedsman has had some sort of season.
The 29-year-old was dropped for the final five matches of last year, but has made himself a certain starter in 2021.
Playing primarily on the wing, Seedsman has enjoyed a career-best season and was at it again in Sunday’s loss to Melbourne.
He racked up 15 touches in the first quarter on his way to a game-high 36 disposals with a huge 749 metres gained, plus 10 score involvements and 10 inside 50s.
Seedsman has had 25 or more touches in 14 matches this season and could be the key challenger to Rory Laird in the club’s best and fairest. Could he sneak into the All-Australian side on a wing?
“There’s not much competition for that spot,” said Kane Cornes on SEN SA Breakfast.
“If they’re going to pick a team in positions, Paul Seedsman has been as good as any other wingman in the competition.”
Despite losing by 41 points in the end, the Crows did hang around and make life difficult for the top-of-the-table Dees for much of the encounter.
Negative: Early inaccuracy
It may have been somewhat of a different story had they kicked straight early.
Granted it was blustery at the MCG, a first-quarter return of 1.6 against a quality side is never going to end well.
Adelaide was strong early in the game but the Demons were able to wrestle back ascendancy later in the first term.
The Crows also allowed Bayley Fritsch too much room late in the game with the Demons forward kicking five of the last six goals of the game for a total of seven.
His late purple patch dented any hopes of an upset win.
Andrew Slevison
Positive: Top four chance revived
After effectively ruling them out just two weeks ago, somehow the Lions look a genuine chance to claim a top four spot.
Granted, they’ll need to win and have results go their way, but it’s looming as a real possibility.
Strong four-quarter efforts in the past fortnight against Fremantle and Collingwood have given Brisbane the platform to earn the double chance if they beat West Coast this week and if the Bulldogs lose to the Power.
On current form, that looks a real possibility, and the Lions may just earn a second life in September as one of the form teams in the competition.
When they went through their mini form slump we said it was about timing their run into finals, and if things fall their way, they could just be peaking at the right time to launch a premiership assault.
Negative: Horror month could come back to haunt them
Obviously, it’s pretty hard to pick out a negative after winning by near triple figures.
But, if there is one that’ll bother Chris Fagan, it’s the fact that missing a top four spot could come down to that poor four-week patch.
It’d be a shame if their premiership hopes were significantly impacted by just a few weeks of poor football, but clearly consistency is the key if you want to be one of the best sides in it.
Unfortunately for the Lions, they’ll have no one else to blame if this time next week they’re sitting fifth and getting set for a do or die final thereafter.
Lachlan Geleit
Positive: Josh Honey and Corey Durdin
If anything, Carlton can be confident they have two young small forwards worth persisting with in 2022.
Honey, who is on the club’s rookie list, had been consistently strong at VFL level across the season and earned his shot in the senior side.
He’s kicked six goals in three games and proven he knows how to get to the right spots inside 50.
Corey Durdin meanwhile made his debut against the Power and impressed early with his speed and pressure.
With Eddie Betts reportedly set to call time on his career, the Blues will be hoping Honey, Durdin and Matt Owies can grow into his position inside 50.
Negative: Conceding 19 goals in a row
Say what you want about David Teague, his Carlton side had not been blown out once in 18 months … until Saturday.
After a promising start and leading by 23 points, the momentum shifted in the game and the Blues fell off a cliff.
Carlton seems certain to sack Teague at this point and given the turmoil the saga has caused on the field, the end of the season can’t come soon enough.
Adam Saad breaking down in tears on the bench in the fourth quarter will be the lasting image summing up 2021 for the Blues.
What more can you say?
Nic Negrepontis
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Positive: Jack Ginnivan looks a player
Collingwood small forward Jack Ginnivan looks like he has a bright future at AFL level.
After slipping through last year’s National Draft, the 18-year-old looks like a steal as a rookie for the Magpies.
Not only does he look a great value pick, but he fills the need for a Collingwood side that hasn’t really had a genuine small forward since the likes of Alan Didak and Leon Davis wore the black and white stripes (considering Jamie Elliott plays as a genuine marking target inside 50).
In a season that hasn’t offered much in terms of winning for the Magpies, at least they know there’s some bright spots for what looks like a promising future.
Negative: Worst loss since 2015
Where to start.
Collingwood were utterly dominated by a powerful Brisbane side and ultimately went down by 85 points at the Gabba.
Having beaten West Coast just a fortnight ago, Robert Harvey would be disappointed by his side’s effort over the last two weeks as it looks like they’ve taken a step backwards.
Granted, it is a young side that you wouldn’t expect to be consistent, but the gap between their best and worst is alarming.
In fact, the 85-point margin was the worst Collingwood has had since late in 2015, and 55 points greater than their second biggest loss this season.
With one more game to go, Collingwood’s fans and players will be glad to see the back of 2021.
Lachlan Geleit
Positive: Jake Stringer has found his place in Essendon’s side
The hallmark of Essendon’s first season under Ben Rutten has been the natural improvement of so many players, who have come on in leaps and bounds to collectively put a developing side on the precipice of a surprise finals spot.
Stringer’s hybrid forward/midfield role that he’s currently playing is bringing the best out of him, as well as changing the way the Bombers operate.
His five goals against Gold Coast on Sunday, as well as his work in the middle of ground stood out and was a real highlight in the Bombers’ thumping win.
Negative: N/A
While Essendon’s accuracy in front of goal cost them a much bigger win than 68 points, it would be splitting hairs to find a negative in yet another impressive display.
Laurence Rosen
Positive: Caleb Serong stands up in a big game
We knew Caleb Serong was a star on the rise, but in the biggest game of his career, he stood up.
Playing in the Derby in front of 50,000 fans and with their season on the line, Fremantle as a team came out breathing fire despite the absences of Nathan Fyfe and Andrew Brayshaw in the middle.
Serong in particular stood up, finishing with 32 disposals and kicking two goals – including the match-winner.
Under maximum pressure and with minimal help around him, Serong showed why he is a superstar of the future.
Negative: Connor Blakely goes down
The only downside for the Dockers in their drought-breaking Derby win was a hamstring injury suffered by Connor Blakely.
He was substituted out of the game after starting on the wing and replaced by Brett Bewley in the second half.
The Dockers have been cruelled by midfield injuries this year and now have to dig deeper into their reserves.
Nic Negrepontis
Positive: Jeremy Cameron’s impressive return
Cameron’s absence through injury has been felt in Geelong’s forward line in recent weeks, with the Cats at their best when both him and Tom Hawkins are fit and firing.
In his first game back since Round 16, the 28-year-old star recruit booted four majors and was a large part of the reason why Geelong were able to keep pace with the Saints in the early exchanges.
It’s not a stretch to say that the club’s fortunes in September largely rest on Cameron’s fitness, with a huge opportunity knocking for the Cats to win the premiership this year.
Negative: What happens with Esava?
We were singing the praises of Esava Ratugolea a few weeks ago, but with Cameron back he went goalless on Saturday and only had three touches.
The Cats are unlikely to carry all three key forwards in a final, meaning that Ratugolea is likely the most at risk of losing his spot after a quiet performance.
Where to from here? Whether the Cats big man keeps his spot in the side for their much-anticipated clash against Melbourne on the weekend remains to be seen.
Laurence Rosen
Positive: Miller continues disposal streak
Touk Miller has put together an incredible season.
Gold Coast’s star man worked tirelessly in Sunday’s 68-point loss to Essendon, finishing with 30 disposals and five clearances.
It’s the 15th straight game that Miller has amassed 30 or more disposals, underlining just how consistent he has been this year.
The 25-year-old is deserving of a maiden All-Australian blazer.
Negative: Poor after quarter time
Gold Coast were competitive early and went into quarter time on level terms.
Over the next three quarters, the Bombers outscored the Suns 12 goals to two in a performance coach Stuart Dew described as “immature”.
“I think we want to be a consistent footy club and today (Sunday) again show that we're not, it was a bit of an immature performance we feel,” Dew said post-match.
“Our leaders stood up once again, Touk (Miller), Dave (Swallow) gives everything, and Sam Collins was fantastic.
“So I guess that's the benchmark, last week we had weight of numbers and then this week we left it to too few and the leaders were obviously beacons in that area.”
Alex Zaia
Positive: That start
Wow!
The Giants were absolutely impeccable early against Richmond.
They played almost without error in the first half before shutting up shop with the points already in the bag.
Their seven-goal first term was made possible by some outstanding footy, even in the absence of their little master Toby Greene, and they added a further five goals in the second term to well and truly put the Tigers to the sword.
And it was a number of contributors who helped do the damage.
After committing to the club on a massive eight-year deal, Josh Kelly was arguably GWS’ best player with 32 disposals and 11 tackles while Tim Taranto filled the Greene role perfectly withy four goals and 18 touches. Jacob Hopper, Isaac Cumming, Nick Haynes and Xavier O’Halloran were also good, but the list doesn’t end there.
With some key players such as Stephen Coniglio, Phil Davis and Greene set to return, look out if your side plays the Giants in the finals (provided they beat Carlton this weekend).
Negative: Not much
There wasn’t much to be negative about after such a statement win.
Leon Cameron continues to get his side up even in the face of a lengthy injury list and must be applauded for their form across the last four weeks in particular.
Andrew Slevison
Positive: Is Hawthorn the form team of the competition?
The Hawks have arguably been the form team of the competition since they made the decision to part ways with four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson.
That was epitomised by their 27-point win over the top four Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.
Clarkson’s men played the UTAS Stadium conditions perfectly, defending and slowing the Bulldogs whenever they had the wind advantage.
In their last 10 games, the Hawks have won five, drawn one and lost four. The Clarkson era is ending with a bang.
Negative: None
They held the Western Bulldogs to 37 points and continued their recent run of strong form.
Hawks fans can enjoy this one.
Nic Negrepontis
Positive: Bayley Fritsch is in seventh heaven
Fritsch’s best game of his career came on Sunday, kicking seven goals against the Crows in a breakout performance for the underrated Dees forward.
The 24-year-old has kicked 46 goals this year and in the absence of Tom McDonald on the weekend, he took full control of the forward line, which included booting the last three majors of the game.
Fritsch’s importance to Melbourne’s side cannot be understated heading into the finals series, as he continues to go from strength to strength in his breakout season.
Negative: Angus Brayshaw’s quiet performance
While Melbourne notched up an important win on Sunday, Brayshaw’s role and just how quiet he was stood out.
At his best, Brayshaw’s foot skills and work as an inside midfielder compliments the likes of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.
On Sunday, he had just six touches and wasn’t a factor throughout the game, with Goodwin shifting his role somewhat late in the game.
While it may just be a once-off quieter performance, Brayshaw would be keen to perform better to lock in his spot in Melbourne’s finals side.
Laurence Rosen
Positive: Charlie Comben gets his chance
If you sit just outside Arden Street and listen closely, you can hear the hype for Charlie Comben coming out of the building.
The key forward has been exciting those inside the four walls, but injuries have derailed his first two seasons at AFL level.
He was quiet on debut against Sydney, but kicked a goal from six disposals and Roos fans will be happy that Comben simply got a taste of AFL level football.
These opportunities should hold him in good stead over summer.
Negative: Clearance game
Despite Todd Goldstein controlling the hit-outs North Melbourne was dominated out of the centre by the Hawks.
Overall, the Roos won the stoppage clearances around the ground but were smashes 17-8 in the middle.
Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy combined for eight centre clearances and 14 score involvements, while Luke Davies-Uniacke and Jy Simpkin led the way for the Roos with three apiece.
Obviously, the Roos are easier to expose in the midfield without Ben Cunnington and they will be hoping he is back to full strength in 2022.
Nic Negrepontis
Positive: Ruthless in Blues belting
Port Adelaide trailed Carlton by 23 points in the early stages of Saturday’s match at Adelaide Oval as a possible upset brew.
It was all one-way traffic from about midway through the second quarter.
The Power piled on 19 unanswered goals as they belted the Blues by 95 points in ruthless fashion to secure a top four finish.
It’s now five wins in a row for Ken Hinkley’s side with the 140-45 demolition the most convincing of the lot in terms of the performance.
Negative: Lycett injury concern
Scott Lycett’s knee injury was the only worry to come out of Port Adelaide's win over Carlton.
The Power ruckman tweaked his left knee in the second quarter and came off the ground for medical attention.
Lycett did manage to return and lasted to three-quarter time before he was subbed out and replaced by Sam Mayes for the final term.
It’s unknown whether he will be available for this weekend's clash against the Western Bulldogs.
Alex Zaia
Positive: Time for a rest
The season is now basically done for the three-time premiers.
Missing finals is certainly not what any team yearns for, but if looking at positives that situation will now provide the club with a much needed break.
After going deep in each of the last four seasons and dealing with shorter pre-seasons, the core of the Richmond group looks fatigued.
The playing list will now get the chance to revitalise and Damien Hardwick now has a big task in tinkering with the game plan that was picked apart throughout 2021.
From an individual perspective, captain Trent Cotchin was immense in the loss to the Giants.
Just one month after he was written off by many, Cotchin has shown in the past three weeks that he still has plenty to offer.
He attempted to get his side back into proceedings with 31 touches and eight clearances, but had too few helpers.
He copped a PCL injury as a result of his hardness at the contest and will now miss the final game of Richmond's season.
Negative: The dynasty is over
It had been coming for a few weeks, but Richmond’s finals hopes are now shot.
They would need a miracle to make it and even then, there’d be little point as they’re simply not playing well enough.
With the season on the line in the first quarter the Tigers just had no answers for a rampant Giants outfit who played some crisp footy.
It didn’t get much better in the second term as the reigning back-to-back premiers were sent packing.
The loss essentially brings to an end a dominant era. But how long will they be down for?
Andrew Slevison
Positive: King’s continued emergence
Emerging St Kilda forward Max King threatened to rip Saturday’s game apart.
The young Saint was marking everything that came his way early as Geelong’s defence struggled to cope with his 202cm frame.
King took five marks and kicked two goals in the first quarter and was in for a big afternoon, before re-injuring his groin that limited his movement for the remaining three quarters.
King’s marking and goalkicking has improved out of sight as the year has gone on.
He’s now kicked 38 goals for the year – a very good return for a 21-year-old in just their second full season.
Negative: Finals hopes ended after bright start
It looked like St Kilda would finally break a 22-year winless drought in Geelong.
With their season on the line, the Saints kicked the first five goals of the game to lead by 31 points, but were well and truly outplayed after quarter time.
The Saints were eventually overpowered and were second best in clearances (41-30), stoppage clearances (30-14), contested possessions (143-108) and uncontested possessions (263-184), as the Cats star-studded midfield asserted their dominance.
The 14-point loss officially ended St Kilda’s finals hopes after another patchy performance which summed up the club’s Jekyll and Hyde season.
Alex Zaia
Positive: Job done
It wasn’t pretty, but the Swans will be happy to bank the four points and move on.
While the Kangaroos have now claimed the wooden spoon, they’ve been playing like a mid-table outfit and Sydney would be glad to know they’re a class above non-finals sides.
While a poor percentage won’t see them crack the top four, they’ve booked a home elimination final and just need to keep winning from here if they’re a chance of making a dent in September.
They face the Suns next week, and a big confidence boosting win could see them roll into finals in some strong form and ready to cause an upset or two along the way.
Negative: Blakey’s injury
Just as Sydney youngster Nick Blakey looked to be finding a home off half back, he’s been cruelled by an injury at the worst possible time.
Scans on Monday morning confirmed the utility has a crack in his right fibula, ruling him out for at least the remainder of the 2021 season.
While Sydney have enough talent to just about cover Blakey’s loss in the back half, it’s unfortunate that he’ll miss his first shot at a finals campaign.
While there’s plenty of football ahead of the speedy Swan, this one will hurt as his form looked to be coming together at just the right time.
Here’s hoping that he makes a speedy recover to be right for the 2022 pre-season and beyond.
Lachlan Geleit
Positive: They can refresh from here
In front of 51,692 fans with a primarily purple disposition, the Eagles were headed for an evisceration at the hands of the Dockers.
Having let their tackles slip and their opponents recover, West Coast’s onballers watched as Sean Darcy, Matt Taberner and Lachie Schultz were able to pull down favourable forward entries.
After the quarter time break, the Eagles weren’t so easy to step around, registering a pressure figure of 1.85 for the second term, and an astronomical 2.68 for the final term.
In the moments after Josh Kennedy roved a spilled mark and snapped his side into a single-digit deficit, it seemed like West Coast would run away with the match.
Fremantle appeared anxious, the ball carrier often urging their comrades to slow the game down, despite the Dockers having earned their lead on the back of their dash and dare.
“This has been a theme this year… when there’s a run-on and momentum is lost, we’re conceding too many goals,” coach Adam Simpson lamented.
“After quarter time I felt they were pretty brave, but the damage was done.”
This is a skilful, fit, mature West Coast team. How are they so consistently jumped?
A refresh similar to the Eagles’ restumping at the end of 2017 may be the way to shake their complacency while maximising the experienced talent on the list, and taste the success on which they have mortgaged their long-term list profile.
Negative: They let it get away
Justin Longmuir has long been instructing Fremantle to take chances with the ball, and more recently to move swiftly and disrupt opposition defences.
Early on Sunday afternoon, it was as if the Dockers had turned up to training and got the footies out, with Longmuir shouting instructions.
West Coast’s midfielders put the bare minimum of pressure on the ball carrier, with barely a second effort to be sighted. After 22 minutes, just 38% of the Eagles’ tackles were sticking.
The handbrake was off for Fremantle.
Longmuir’s charges found seven marks inside 50 from their first 12 forward entries, and went into the quarter time break with eight goals on the board.
West Coast won the first five clearances, but too comfortable with the early running, they didn’t run the other way, and allowed the margin out to a point where they had to be perfect to reel it in.
After six seasons and 2310 days, the Eagles’ psychological grip on the Western Derby has evaporated.
Nathan John
Positive: N/A
On a wet and windy Saturday afternoon in the Apple Isle, the Dogs would scrape together just five goals, three of which came in a burst in the third term.
They were hustled hard by Hawthorn, who maintained a pressure rating of 1.93 over the match, but as against Essendon, the Dogs pondered their way into trouble.
Some solace for the Dogs can be found in the fact the pieces are all there.
Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore won plenty of the ball, as did the distributors in Caleb Daniel and Bailey Dale.
Josh Dunkley and Adam Treloar will continue to settle, and tweaks with the tall timber will assist Aaron Naughton in leading the line, and close the gap in the ruck.
Can Beveridge make it sing again? There isn’t much time.
Negative: The season is careening out of their control
The post-mortem for their season is already underway; they are clinging to a top four spot by just four points and 1.8 per cent.
In the final round the Dogs host Port Adelaide, coming off five consecutive wins and a 95-point obliteration of Carlton, in which they booted the final 19 goals of the game.
Their nearest rivals Brisbane, who have thrashed Fremantle by 64 points and Collingwood by 85 points to close the percentage gap, host a shaky West Coast at the Gabba.
The numbers are not good reading for Beveridge’s boys.
Differentials of -6 at the centre clearances, -17 for contested possession, -17 for uncontested possession, -36 for marks and -16 for inside 50s reflect a comprehensive Hawthorn victory.
They look lost with ball in hand, and when the ball is thrown up in the middle.
In the other phase of the game, they barely know when to come forward or peel back even in low-risk situations down the line; the Hawks chained in the air from end-to-end with ease.
If the Dogs can’t tap into their early season magic next time out a third consecutive elimination final exit looms just weeks after they were a game clear on top.
Nathan John