What are the key takeaways and observations relating to your club in Round 9?
We have dissected each of the matches and offered a number of talking points for all 18 clubs.
The following will not apply to each club every week but form the basis of our views.
The Key Takeaway
The Undroppables
The Overreaction
The Positive
The Negative
What no one is talking about
What they need to tweak for next week
The Key Takeaway: Adelaide’s defence is hitting its straps
The Crows have been renowned offensively this year, but it’s time to stand up and take note of the defence Matthew Nicks has built.
In five of the last six weeks, the Crows have conceded 76 points or less while simultaneously putting forward three scores of 100+. The only outlier was conceding 98 points to Geelong, who’d enjoyed four consecutive weeks of scores over 126 points in the leadup.
On the weekend, St Kilda never booted more than two goals in a row on their way to just 10 majors and their third-lowest score of the season.
If the Crows can continue to get it done at both ends of the ground it’ll carry Matthew Nicks’ side a long way to reaching finals.
The Undroppable: Patrick Parnell
It was a concussion sustained in Round 2 that forced Parnell out of the Crows’ side earlier this year and it took until Round 9 for him to return.
Despite having to earn his spot, Parnell looked like an established member of Adelaide’s best side on Sunday and finished with 25 disposals and nine marks across half-back.
One of those marks, taken over St Kilda’s Jack Higgins, will surely feature high up in the Mark of the Year.
He’s only played 13 AFL games, but the 21-year-old is looking likely to develop into a handy type for the Crows.
Seb Mottram
What no one is talking about: Joe Daniher for the Coleman?
Daniher cops his fair share of criticism but those naysayers are only lying to themselves if they don’t think Daniher is one of the best forwards in the competition.
Daniher starred against his former side on the weekend. With the Lions trailing by 10 points at the main break, the former Bomber took control in the second half, booting four of his six goals in a clear best-on-ground performance.
He’s now kicked 24 goals this year, sitting 10 goals behind Geelong star Jeremy Cameron in the Coleman medal title race, and going off form, the $26 price for him on Sportsbet looks value!
The Lions have kicked over 100 points on five occasions this year, they are a team that kicks plenty of goals and a player Daniher looks ready to take home his first Coleman for his career.
The Undroppables: Ryan Lester
Lester referred to himself as the most dropped player for the Lions of his era a few weeks ago, but the way he’s playing at the moment you wouldn’t pick it.
Lester is relishing the opportunity presented to him by coach Chris Fagan, locking down the third tall defender’s role in front of former Saint Darragh Joyce.
Lester gathered 19 disposals at 95 per cent efficiency, a game-high 10 intercept possessions and seven marks. He was a brick wall down back.
He has to play next week against the Gold Coast Suns.
The Positive: The Lions can still fire even if Charlie Cameron goes missing
Charlie Cameron was completely shut down by Andrew McGrath.
The dynamic forward is having his best season to date, proving a constant headache for coaches given his ability to beat you in the air and on the ground.
Sitting fourth in the Coleman medal race, Cameron was kept goalless and managed just nine disposals.
Chris Fagan will be rapt that his side was still able to have 27 shots on goal and run away the victors by 42 points against a tricky side.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
The Key Takeaway: Second half style shift worked
Carlton continued on with their attempts to play a carefully managed chip-mark style in the first half and they got absolutely nowhere.
They clearly moved away from it in the second half, taking the game on through the corridor and keeping the ball in chaos with handball chains and it turned the momentum of the game.
Suddenly the Blues were getting it inside 50 quicker while utilising their many runners in transition.
The style suited the playing group far more and should be something they persist with going forward.
The Negative: Failing to take their chances
You can say whatever you want about Carlton’s loss, the first half was ultimately defined by squandered shots at goal.
Patrick Cripps electing to snap a set shot on his left foot was criminal, while Harry McKay and Jesse Motlop also shanked easy ones.
The Blues had no one to blame but themselves in the end.
Undroppable: Matt Cottrell
Matt Cottrell returned to the Carlton line-up and looked immediately like a best 22 player.
Carlton played the three wingmen, allowing Cottrell to just cover the ground.
Ollie Hollands may be in need of a rest after playing every game this season and Cottrell is ready to carry a heavy load.
Nic Negrepontis
The Key Takeaway: Game back to firing on all cylinders
After a reasonably tough run of fixtures, Collingwood would have been thrilled to recapture their best at home against GWS.
While the Magpies have gone 5-1 in the last six weeks, they haven’t dominated a game in such a fashion since thrashing Port Adelaide in Round 2.
The Magpies won every quarter of footy on Sunday to run out 65-point winners, with their percentage now the league’s second-best at 129.7.
Up forward, in the middle and down back, every Collingwood group outperformed their GWS counterparts and at times their performance was clinic-like.
With no players having poor outings, it’ll be incredibly hard for the match committee to make changes with the likes of Darcy Cameron, Patrick Lipinski and Dan McStay set to return in the coming weeks.
The Positive: The even spread up forward
In what’s been a hallmark of the best sides so far this season, Collingwood again proved they can kick big scores without a single forward dominating.
While Jamie Elliott booted three majors, Jack Ginnivan, Bobby Hill, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Beau McCreery, Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox – who starred in a best-afield performance – all chimed in with two apiece.
With 10 individual goalkickers and Taylor Adams and Nick Daicos narrowly missing their own chances on the big sticks, Collingwood genuinely have a raft of options to look to inside 50.
Their unpredictability with who they target inside 50 must be a nightmare for opposition defences, and everyone getting their lick of the ice cream can only be good for their confidence and morale.
The Magpies will be hoping for more of the same against Carlton.
What no one is talking about: John Noble’s season
Collingwood defender John Noble has been superb in 2023.
While he’s averaging 22 disposals, Noble stands out much more than just his ability to rack up the footy.
A running defender that helps the Magpies launch scores with his dash and go-forward mindset, Noble seemingly never fumbles, continually keeps his feet and is a smart, neat user by hand and foot.
While defensive counterparts Nick Daicos, Darcy Moore and Brayden Maynard attract more attention, there’s no doubt Noble’s efforts would be incredibly appreciated inside Collingwood’s four walls.
The 26-year-old is such a reliable, consistent performer for coach Craig McRae.
Lachlan Geleit
The Key Takeaway: Another week losing the same way
We’re here again.
In the midst of their hardest part of the draw in 2023, Essendon were again competitive in the first half against Brisbane but were outclassed in the same way they were against Port Adelaide and Geelong.
The very best sides in the competition have shown up Essendon’s deficiencies, primarily their lack of ability to be able to turn the tide in contest when oppositions are on top, while they also give up repeat forward 50 entries too easily.
Their undermanned defence continues to battle and perform admirably, but they simply need to win more ball against the tide to be able to beat the best teams in the competition.
The Overreaction: Essendon’s finals hopes are over
While expectations heading into season 2023 at the Bombers weren’t particularly high, there’s no escaping just how difficult their last month has been fixture wise.
They may be on a four game losing streak, but brighter days are ahead with their fixture list.
Games like Dreamtime at the ‘G against Richmond are the type of matches they’ll need to win if they hold finals ambitions.
We wait and watch to see how they go.
Laurence Rosen
The Key Takeaway: There’s some optimism around the Dockers
They’re not back in contention for the top eight or not even back to their best. But the Dockers are back somewhere near the form expected of them at the start of the season.
Justin Longmuir’s men were seriously challenged by the Swans on Saturday afternoon, but responded with a desperation and grit that suggests they’re still all in on making this season a success.
It’s only one game, granted. But it’s Fremantle’s first scalp of the season and after two consecutive wins for the first time this season, there’s a bit of optimism around the Dockers.
Knock off Geelong this weekend and then we’ll talk about where they sit in the finals conversation.
The Positive: the Darcy/Jackson combination can work
It’s copped (more than) its fair share of flak, but there’s undoubtable proof that the Sean Darcy/Luke Jackson combination can work now.
Darcy had 18 disposals, an equal game-high nine clearances and 44 hitouts, while Jackson chipped in with 11 hitouts but more importantly three goals.
It’s even more timely that it came in Fremantle’s best win of the season. It won’t be this seamless every week, but there’s proof in the pudding and the Dockers will no longer field criticism that recruiting Jackson was a mistake.
Seb Mottram
The Key Takeaway: The Cats are running out of cattle
For so long, the Cats have relied on their experience and built a winning culture off it. But on Friday night, Chris Scott wheeled out a team that was younger and less experienced than Richmond’s with a number of key players unavailable.
Jack Bowes, Brad Close, Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Henry, Rhys Standley, Tyson Stengle, Gary Rohan and more were missing on Friday night. In their place were Mitch Knevitt (six games), Ollie Dempsey (four games) Jhye Clark (on debut) and others who’d found themselves more on the outer this year.
As a result, Geelong was a touch of the pace. Richmond – who was also dealing with several key outs - deserves plenty of credit for the win and rediscovering their brand but Chris Scott would be quietly confident his side can get the job done with more of his playing list available.
The Negative: Brandan Parfitt is a shell of the player he once was
Round 1, 2022. Parfitt gathers 32 touches, 11 clearances and eight inside 50s, prompting Cats fans to pencil the then 23-year-old into their best midfield.
Over the rest of that season, he got close to replicating those highs but never did. Now in 2023, his form has gone off a cliff.
The medical substitute twice, Round 9 was Parfitt’s first full AFL game of the year and he failed to deliver. He attended 35 per cent of centre bounces but was only trusted to play 56 per cent of the clash.
In that 56 per cent he only finished with 10 touches and looked a player devoid of confidence. It’d be astonishing if Parfitt played next week and the midfielder looks like a player in dire need of some confidence.
How the rest of this year plays out could be crucial in defining what Parfitt does for the rest of his career.
The Positive: Jhye Clark’s debut
Stephen Wells seems to have done it again. The Cats have always managed to find players through the draft and with pick 7 last year, the recruiting guru had a better chance than most years.
Clark was activated in the third quarter and played pure midfield for most of his tie on the ground. He gathered several possessions in his first minute on the ground and perhaps more impressively laid five tackles, the second most for Geelong.
His disposal needs work, but Clark has got the one thing that can’t be taught – a will to win the football.
The 18-year-old would be extremely stiff to miss out on selection this week against Fremantle.
Seb Mottram
The Positive: A Matt Rowell Masterclass
After one of the best games of his career, it’s safe to say that Matt Rowell is back to playing brilliant footy.
It was an outstanding performance for the 21-year-old in a dominant win over the injury-riddled Eagles, collecting 29 disposals and a career-high 17 tackles paired with the game’s opening goal.
A finals appearance is well within reach for the Suns, sitting a game out of the eight after nine rounds. If Rowell can maintain this form alongside Noah Anderson’s formidable start to the year, the midfield will continue its reputation as one of the league's best.
The Undroppable: Young gun Bailey Humphrey proving himself
Only six games into his AFL career and Bailey Humphrey is cementing himself as a walkup starter in this Gold Coast side.
Spending more time further up the field in the middle, Humphrey was able to find more of the footy, gathering 20 disposals while creating opportunities for the taller forwards with five inside 50s.
Also snagging a goal for himself in their standout victory, Humphrey’s strong performance will almost certainly put him in the starting squad for Gold Coast next weekend against Brisbane.
What they need to tweak for next week: Accuracy in front of goal
Despite leaving Optus Stadium with a comfortable 70-point victory, the Suns presented some inaccuracy that could cause problems going forward.
While dominating the scoring shots 33 to 13 on Friday night, 17 of those went through for a minor score for Gold Coast and given the next couple of games they have lined up, this relatively poor goal-kicking could see the Suns slip.
Facing the in-form Lions and Bulldogs over the coming weeks, struggles to convert in front of goal for Gold Coast could see these current top 6 opponents run away with the contest.
Oliver Williamson
The Key Takeaway: Toby or bust for GWS
The Giants have performed above expectations to start the 2023 season but the injury to Toby Greene has exposed a deep hole in their scoring. Greene has slotted 20 majors from seven games whilst Jesse Hogan has scored 19 goals from nine matches. The next best is Brent Daniels with 11 goals. Without Toby, the Giants struggled to kick a score against Collingwood and were blown away by 65 points despite only having two less entries.
The positive: Jesse Hogan
Hogan has put together a solid few weeks as the Giants’ leading forward target. In the absence of Toby Greene, one of the Giants forwards had to step up and Hogan did so with three goals. He arguably got the better of Darcy Moore who many are tipping as the early All-Australian fullback favourite.
The negative: Worst defeat of the season
The Giants have been solid in 2023 without much success but Sunday’s defeat to Collingwood was uninspiring and deflating. The Giants led a majority of the key stats including contested possessions (130-124) and clearances (33-30) but were smashed in tackles (63-29) and conceded 30 scoring shots from just 51 inside 50’s.
What they need to tweak on: Re-work their backline
GWS’ backline of debutant Cam Fleeton, Connor Idun, Jack Buckley and Lachie Ash was always going to struggle against a Collingwood forward line who were firing on all cylinders. Sam Taylor remains a long-term out due to a hamstring injury. The Giants backline have punched above their weight in recent weeks but cracks are beginning to emerge and changes must be made.
Charles Goodsir
The Key Takeaway: Concede for Reid?
Along with North Melbourne and West Coast, the Hawks are well and truly in the race for the wooden spoon and the projected number 1 pick Harley Reid.
It will be interesting to see how the three teams approach the back half of the season. In the past few years, despite being entrenched in the bottom four for the majority of the year, the Hawks have managed to win games late in the season.
Will that happen again in 2023? I would say not.
Keep an eye out on #ConcedeForHarleyReid which will start to make an appearance later on in the season.
The Undroppable: Josh Weddle
In only his third game, Josh Weddle didn’t look out of place against a strong Melbourne side.
Playing down back, Weddle finished the game with 15 touches, four marks and kicked his first AFL goal in the third quarter. With Harry Morrison struggling, we may see Weddle get a run on the wing in the coming weeks, which is where he trained and played during pre-season.
The Positive: Seamus Mitchell
The Hawks have definitely found a player in Seamus Mitchell.
In defence, Mitchell finished with an impressive 27 touches, nine rebound 50s and eight marks in only his fifth game. He has cemented a spot in the Hawks' back six and has been one of their most consistent players in recent weeks.
The Negative: Lack of scoring power
On Saturday against the Demons the Hawks kicked under 50 points for the third time this season. They have kicked 80+ points once and it was against North Melbourne.
Even with their star forward Mitch Lewis back the past three weeks, the Hawks have averaged just over 55 points since his return.
What they need to tweak for next week
It’s time for Sam Mitchell to make a statement at selection this week. The likes of Chad Wingard and Harry Morrison could perhaps be dropped.
Brad Klibansky
The Key Takeaway: Big three dominate the midfield
While they were playing a struggling Hawthorn side, Melbourne would have been pleased that their star midfielders all had fill-ups on the MCG.
With an even spread between the trio, Clayton Oliver (one goal, 34 disposals), Jack Viney (one goal, 31 disposals) and Christian Petracca (30 disposals, 12 score involvements) were simply too good for their Hawks counterparts.
All in the primes of their career, Melbourne’s midfield mix might be the scariest in the competition and coach Simon Goodwin would be thrilled that they’re all clicking and in form at the same time.
A tough task away to Port Adelaide awaits but there’s no doubt a win is well within their grasp should the star trio perform like that again.
The Positive: Inside 50 dominance without a traditional key forward
Last week we spoke about Melbourne’s lack of a genuine key forward, but if the forward line operates as it did against Hawthorn it won’t be an issue going forward.
With Jacob Van Rooyen, Harrison Petty and one of Max Gawn or Brodie Grundy operating as key pillars up forward, the Demons, like Collingwood, have found an ideal spread up forward.
As well as taking 21 marks inside 50 to five, the Demons had an astonishing 12 individual goalkickers with only Bayley Fritsch, Petty and Charlie Spargo kicking multiple majors.
It’s a strong sign that Melbourne’s match committee are making the right calls at the selection table.
What no one is talking about: Are these easy kills not the best thing for Dees?
Melbourne sits second on the ladder with a league-best percentage of 143.6, but are they going as well as that record suggests?
Obviously, your record is your record, but the Demons have already played West Coast, Hawthorn and North Melbourne.
Looking closer at their record, the Demons’ last five weeks has seen them thrash the Roos and Hawks, but lose to the Bombers and only just get over the line against the Tigers and Suns – two sides that probably won’t play finals.
While they’re doing what they should be doing to these lowly teams, it’s still hard to get a read on just how strong this Melbourne side is.
With Port Adelaide (away), Fremantle, Carlton, Collingwood and Geelong awaiting them over the next five weeks, we’ll get a far better idea of where this side sits in the premiership race.
Lachlan Geleit
The Key Takeaway: Must go back to basics
The Kangaroos were their own worst enemy on Saturday.
Port Adelaide didn’t have to try particularly hard to get the victory in Tassie with how much difficulty North had with basic ball movement.
The Roos continually missed targets by hand and foot throughout the entire match, resulting in a constant stream of turnovers that basically gifted the Power a blowout victory.
It doesn’t matter how brilliant Alastair Clarkson’s game plan is if North aren’t capable of consistently performing the most essential acts in the game.
The Roos’ poor disposals took themselves out of the contest from the opening bounce, and is something that needs to be addressed with this young side.
The Positive: Todd Goldstein masterclass
Todd Goldstein’s performance stood out as the bright spot on a rough day for the Roos.
Goldy dominated in the ruck, taking advantage of the absence of Todd Marshall rack up a monstrous 56 hitouts, the most of any player in a single game this season.
Brynn Teakle and Jeremy Finlayson simply couldn’t handle the veteran ruck craft of Goldstein, and it resulted in plenty of opportunities from stoppage for the Kangaroos.
Even if they couldn’t capitalise on his work, Goldy’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the day.
What they need to tweak next week: Effort
Skill won’t come in a week, so it’s not rational to expect a dramatic improvement in disposal efficiency for the Roos next round.
What they can improve is their effort.
North’s tackling pressure was notably lacking for large stretches of the game, and it is something that should serve as the bread and butter for a young and lively side.
If the Roos aren’t going to be doing much winning, they should at least make themselves an annoying side to beat.
Jack Makeham
The Key Takeaway: Job done, on to next week
Port’s trip to Tasmania to take on North Melbourne was a pretty nothing affair.
The Power handled the struggling Roos about as easily as everyone expected, taking them down by 70 points without breaking much of a sweat.
Port’s defensive pressure was solid, however they didn’t even have to do too much to force turnovers, as North’s repeated skill errors did the job for them.
It was an expected win that extended the Power’s win streak to six and gave them a needed percentage boost after a string of close games.
With a tough matchup against a formidable Demons side next round, Ken Hinkley’s men would have been glad for Saturday’s easy four points.
The Positive: No JHF drama
This game initially drew plenty of eyes with it being expected that North Melbourne would give Jason Horne-Francis some special attention.
However, other than a loose tag applied by Hugh Greenwood, there wasn’t much spice to the affair.
North fans would have taken some joy when Cam Zurhaar laid a fend off onto Horne-Francis, yet that stood out as the only moment to give any spark to the feud.
JHF received a smattering of boos throughout from the Tasmanian Roos faithful, yet was largely able to focus on his own game.
With plenty of pressure coming in the build-up to this clash, Port would be happy that their star recruit got through it unscathed.
What no one is talking about: Miles Bergman
Miles Bergman has put together a solid season so far, however Port fans would be clamouring for more of what he displayed on Saturday.
Bergman was everywhere coming off half back, taking advantage of North’s poor kicking to intercept and speed back the other way, looking like one of the game’s best rebounders in the process.
While Ken Hinkley certainly won’t be expecting 21 disposals, 11 intercepts and 588 metres gained from him every week, this kind of performance every so often can be game-breaking.
Jack Makeham
The Key Takeaway: The return of pressure, chaos and manic movement
Richmond’s famous game style looked to be back against Geelong on Friday night.
The blend of pressure, manic ball movement and chaotic attack, which was in vogue during their recent premiership years, seems to have returned.
It looked like a Richmond game and that’s exactly what Damien Hardwick would have wanted.
Of course, it wasn’t a dominant performance as the Cats had their chances, but it did look much better than in previous weeks.
Could that again be the blueprint going forward?
The Overreaction: The Tigers are back
There has been a little bit of a media overreaction from some key voices saying the ‘Tigers are back’.
While it was a good win and one the club badly needed, let’s not overstate it too much.
A few more wins over the likes of Essendon, Port Adelaide and GWS might suggest they’re back. But until then, the Tigers are still sitting 13th with a 3-5-1 record.
Footy can change quickly, especially over the course of a week, so best to be prudent with your reactions.
Nevertheless, it was a win which could potentially spark the season.
The Positive: Played the greatest hits
Richmond’s veterans played all the greatest hits.
It was nice to see the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt combine for nine of the side’s 16 goals against a quality opponent.
Martin (19 disposals, nine marks, four goals) was sharp and kicked big goals at crucial moments, Cotchin (12 touches three goals) was clever in attack and Riewoldt (12 touches, two goals) was serviceable.
While the Tigers don’t want to be constantly relying on their 30-pluses, it always helps when they stand up and perform in big games.
What no one is talking about: Broad’s importance
Nathan Broad’s job on Coleman leader Jeremy Cameron was so crucial to the win.
He kept him to just one goal and one mark inside 50, forcing Cameron to roam up the ground for his kicks.
Yes, Cameron did have 21 touches and took nine marks, but he was largely non-existent as an attacking threat.
Broad himself had 19 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, seven marks and six rebound 50s.
The backline has looked much sturdier since his return from suspension a few weeks ago.
Andrew Slevison
The Negative: The Saints aren’t learning from their poor forward 50 entries
We’ve spoken about it the last few weeks, the Saints are shooting themselves in the foot with their shallow entries to their forwards.
With Max King missing and Tim Membrey seriously out of form, the least the midfielders could do is kick it deep and make the opposition defenders feel nervous.
Too often you see the ball bombed on Jack Higgins’ head 45 metres out from goal, poor Higgins is only 178cms and is having to play like Charlie Curnow.
This has a significant impact on their team defence as shallow entries allow the opposition to transition into their forward line quickly and not allow the St Kilda backline to set up what’s been a fairly impenetrable defence.
King back this week will surely see this change!
The Positive: Max King is back
Yes, we said this last week, but King looks a moral to play his first game in 2023 against the Giants on Sunday evening.
And don’t they need him.
Football is better when our stars are putting on a show and jeez we’ve (footy fans) missed Max King this year.
And if we’ve missed him, God knows how much the Saints have missed him.
With Membrey entering concussion protocols, King will slot in alongside Anthony Caminiti as they look to stretch the Giants’ backline.
What they need to tweak for next week: Play Sinclair as a permanent midfielder
St Kilda’s midfield lacks class and speed, skills Jack Sinclair has!
Albeit an All-Australian defender last year, is it time Ross Lyon pulls the trigger and plays Sinclair as a full-time midfielder?
You can’t question the efforts from Jack Steele, Brad Crouch and Seb Ross, but unfortunately, it’s a bit one-dimensional when those three are in the guts.
Sinclair is a star of the competition and the Saints need him to impact the game in the forward half more.
Start him in there on Sunday.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
The Overreaction: The Swans will miss the top eight
Now sitting at 3-6 on the ladder, it may be time to put a line through their season. The Swans rode their luck hard to reach a Grand Final in 2022 but injuries to key personnel have resulted in young players being unable to carry the heavy burden. They will no doubt make a late charge for finals but given their best players including Nick Blakey, Justin McInerney and Chad Warner are not at their best form, time is running out for John Longmire’s men.
The Negative: Ill-discipline
50 metre penalties are unforgivable and even more so when they directly result in goals. Nick Blakey’s brain-fade in the second quarter when scores were tied was an important moment but James Rowbottom entering the protected area two minutes later was a turning point.
The Positive: Errol Gulden
Errol Gulden backed up his terrific performance against Collingwood with an equally impressive match against Fremantle at home. Gulden was best on ground across both sides with 39 touches, eight clearances, six marks, five tackles, eight score involvements and two goals. The only Swans player to have enhanced their reputation this season.
Charles Goodsir
The Positive: Liam Duggan stands up
West Coast’s leaders are battered and unavailable and in their absence, Liam Duggan is truly leading the way.
Many raised eyebrows when Duggan was sent to the AFL Captains Day before the season, but he has well and truly proven his leadership credentials.
He finished with 32 disposals, eight rebound 50s and four score involvements.
The Negative: Jack Darling joins the injury list
Scans have confirmed Jack Darling has suffered a fractured arm in yet another injury blow to Adam Simpson and the Eagles.
What they need to tweak for next week: The Harley Reid Cup
The Eagles don’t really have the ability to rest players for the Harley Reid Cup against Hawthorn given they don’t have any players left to call upon, but this is an important game to lose in the race to maintain control of pick 1.
They lose Jack Darling and the majority of their personnel remain at the very least a few weeks away.
Given the game is in Tassie, Hawthorn will go in favourites and it’s hard to see how the Eagles win.
Nic Negrepontis
The Key Takeaway: Star players rise when it matters most
The Bulldogs had almost no right to hang onto that game given the momentum Carlton had in the second half.
In the end however, they had a touch of class through the middle with Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli and Bailey Smith winning key contests late.
Up forward, Aaron Naughton made a nice play that set up a Jamarra Ugle-Hagan goal, while Smith and Arthur Jones also had tough finishes.
The Positive: Jason Johannisen’s best game of the year
Jason Johannisen was the best player on the ground in the first half, a great sign for Bulldogs fans.
The Norm Smith Medallist has been thrown around a bit positionally, but when given the chance to simply use his skills across half back and from kick outs, he had a real impact.
Johannisen finished with 26 disposals, seven marks and a goal with the damage done early.
What they need to tweak for next week: On-ball mix
While the core on-ball unit looks great for the Dogs, with Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli and Bailey Smith (in Adam Treloar’s absence) leading the way, the curiosity comes below that.
Jack Macrae has been pushed out of the centre this year, only attending two on Saturday night – both of which in the final term when Liberatore was on the bench.
Caleb Daniel attended 10 centre bounces and while he finished with eight clearances, only one was at a centre bounce and he was regularly pushed around by the likes of Patrick Cripps and George Hewett.
Nic Negrepontis