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: Beaten by a hungrier team
For a team that prides itself on proving a tough, gritty outfit, Saturday’s performance was disappointing.
Adelaide was smashed at the contest as the Western Bulldogs also dominated possession. Despite having 101 fewer disposals, the Crows still lost the tackle count.
Rory Laird was the only Crow to gather more than seven contested possessions and the only one to lay more than six tackles.
The Crows don’t yet have the talent to be the flashy team they’re trying to become and out-and-out effort is required week in and week out to contend.
They’ll get found out if similar performances follow.
The Positive: Izak Rankine is free to play
Rankine was reported for a big bump on Taylor Duryea in the third quarter of Saturday’s loss, but the 23-year-old avoided MRO sanction.
Nonetheless, it was his worst game as a Crow. Adelaide would be little chance without him against Brisbane so it’s crucial that Rankine was let off, particularly with the game at Adelaide Oval.
Following his only other poor game this season, against Richmond in Round 2, Rankine responded with 17 touches and four goals in the Showdown win. Adelaide fans will hope for a similar bounce back in Round 11.
The Negative: Hanging onto 8th spot by a fingernail
The Crows have been flying this year, so to only be 8th feels a little underwhelming on first glance. Lose to Brisbane this week and they’ll all but certainly fall out, and with the form of Fremantle and Gold Coast improving in recent weeks, there’s plenty of pressure on for spots up the ladder.
A Round 12 clash against the Suns looms as a desperate one for both contenders to prove who wants finals more.
Seb Mottram
The Key Takeaway: The Lions are the clear No. 2 seed in the competition
After winning their seventh game in a row against Gold Coast on Saturday, it's become abundantly clear that Chris Fagan’s Lions are the second-best team in the league.
One of their biggest test this year comes against the Crows at Adelaide Oval next week, followed by a date with the Hawks at the MCG and based off form, the Lions will stretch their winning streak to nine.
You just get the feeling that 2023 is the year the Lions have a genuine premiership side and locking in a top-two spot is crucial.
It shouldn’t have to be said, but Collingwood is the clear No. 1 seed.
The Positive: Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage & Will Ashcroft fill the stats sheet
Brisbane’s midfield quartet combined for 124 disposals in what was a complete midfield masterclass.
The addition of Dunkley and Ashcroft to this midfield has been crucial, the duo take some much-needed pressure off Neale whilst also cutting up their opposition.
It makes sense that the Lions put so much time into making sure they played for their football club this year.
Is it the best midfield in the competition?
What no one is talking about (enough): Daniher’s All-Australian season
Brisbane’s spearhead had yet another terrific game, slotting four goals following on from his six goals against the Bombers last week.
His four goals see him jump up to fourth on the Coleman Medal ladder, eight behind Charlie Curnow, five behind Jeremy Cameron and one behind Tom Hawkins, he’s having one hell of a year!
If you were to pick the All-Australian forward line right now, surely Daniher would slot into a forward pocket and claim his second All-Aus blazer.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
The Key Takeaway: Carlton is nowhere near the top eight sides right now
Putting the Geelong result aside – which feels like an outlier – the Blues have beaten West Coast, North Melbourne and GWS this year and lost to Collingwood, Brisbane, St Kilda, Bulldogs and Adelaide. And a draw with Richmond.
What does that say? They’re better than the bottom four teams, but off the pace of the top eight. And it’s honestly as simple as that.
Carlton entered this stretch of the season playing numerous teams inside the top eight and unfortunately they have not been up to the task.
The Positive: The sky isn’t falling
Having said all of that, the Blues remain two points outside the top eight in a year where the gap between teams isn’t particularly large.
They have four games before the bye: Sydney (SCG), Melbourne, Essendon and Gold Coast (MCG). They will go in underdogs against the Demons but are at worst 50-50 shots in the other three games.
Hitting the bye at 7-6-1 or even 6-7-1 would keep Carlton around the mark heading into the back-half of the season.
What no one is talking about: Carlton’s best 23 is basically available
At the end of 2022, Carlton fans were devastated to miss the eight, but knew the club gave their all and fought hard in spite of crippling injury issues and players playing hurt.
Going into this Collingwood clash, the Blues essentially had their best 23 available – so much so they had George Hewett as the sub and the likes of Zac Fisher and Tom De Koning in the VFL.
And despite that level of availability, they were a mile off the Magpies and struggled to move the ball. This does not bode well for the game style.
Nic Negrepontis
The Key Takeaway: Putting a margin on quality opposition shows breadth of improvement in 2023
Collingwood scraped across the line in many of their wins last year as they famously won nine games by less than 7 points from Round 11 to Round 23.
While they’ve proven that they’re still clutch in tight games, beating St Kilda by six and Adelaide by one in Round 5 and 7 respectively this season, this Collingwood side are without doubt a level above where they once were.
So far this season the Magpies have been comfortable in wins against Geelong, Port Adelaide, Richmond, Sydney and Carlton, with Sunday’s win emblematic of their dominance.
After bridging a 44-point lead in before time-on in the second term, the Magpies cruised to victory as they never let the Blues get closer than the final margin of 28 points.
It’s a strong sign of where this side is at that they’re dealing with their opposition in far easier fashion than last season.
The Positive: Darcy Moore is the AFL’s best key defender at the moment
He was already in the form of his life, but Collingwood captain Darcy Moore had a career-best performance in Sunday’s win against Carlton.
Up against Charlie Curnow for most of the match, Moore was huge in the win as he took 11 intercept marks (an AFL/VFL record), had 25 disposals (the second most of his career) and took six contested marks (the equal most of his career).
A player that has long been marvelled at for his attacking brilliance from defensive 50, Moore is starting to put together all aspects of his game including one-on-one defence.
While his direct opponent Curnow kicked three goals, all of those came from direct free kicks, proving Moore’s dominance.
He’s well on track to earning a second All-Australian blazer in 2023 and is framing up as the game’s best defender.
What no one is talking about: Will Hoskin-Elliott’s form
A player that’s been somewhat of a whipping boy for Collingwood fans in recent years, Will Hoskin-Elliott has quietly gone about becoming a critical member of Craig McRae’s side.
A flanker that plays on the wing at times, Hoskin-Elliott would be rated highly internally for his ability to cover the ground and work defensively in key moments.
Against the Blues on Sunday, Hoskin-Elliott was effective with one goal, 16 disposals, five inside 50s and six marks.
While those numbers don’t jump off the page, it’s a performance that checks the box of exactly what Collingwood need for a player filling his role.
The 29-year-old will hope to keep his form up as several key players return to fitness.
Lachlan Geleit
The Key Takeaway: So this is what reward for effort looks like
Brad Scott was at pains to continue to point out that despite playing against some of the best times in the competition, the club was still making progress in terms of game style and collective buy-in.
Despite being decimated with injury – Dylan Shiel the latest to miss against Richmond – the Bombers were able to effectively control much of the game against the Tigers and kick the last three goals to win their first Dreamtime game since 2014.
Scott’s measured dementor continues to permeate throughout the group, who now have the win to frank their form ahead of West Coast and North Melbourne in the next fortnight.
With the game on edge against Richmond until the dying stages, the Bombers were able to hold their nerve and haul in the Tigers for probably their most important victory of the season.
The positive: Essendon making coaching moves
Early in the final term when Dustin Martin put Richmond ahead by 18 points, the Bombers’ season was teetering.
As they battled their way back into the game, they were still five points down and needed a game-winning move.
Redman entered the field and pushed to the Warne stand wing, creating an outnumber which the Bombers planned to use if they were able to slingshot to try win the game.
As it turned out, Zach Merrett’s chase down tackle on Dustin Martin the ball eventually turned over and the rest is history, as Sam Durham kicked the winner with less than a minute left.
Scott opted to play Durham in the forward line for most of the final term, which turned out to be a masterstroke.
Laurence Rosen
What no one is talking about: Is an All-Australian blazer on the cards for Sean Darcy?
With five wins and five losses through ten rounds, Fremantle is being led by an awe-inspiring ruckman, as Sean Darcy presents his case for the All-Australian squad in 2023.
The Fremantle big man is dominating around the contest, with averages of 42.1 hitouts and roughly 15 disposals a game while also hitting the scoreboard.
Darcy’s ability to control the ball down to his rovers is keeping the Dockers in contests and ultimately, in the conversation to play finals this season.
The Positive: The forward line is beginning to take some shape
After losing four of their first six games, doubts arose around the Dockers and their ability to convert up forward following the loss of Rory Lobb in the offseason.
The last few games for Fremantle though have shown that they are more than capable of scoring and maintaining accuracy.
With a total of 50 goals over their last three games, Fremantle have kicked more majors than any other team in the competition over the last three rounds.
With the pairing of this newfound accuracy with a midfield that is racking up centre clearances, the Dockers are beginning to look menacing this year.
The Key Takeaway: The Pairing of Brayshaw and Serong is truly dangerous
At the moment, it’s hard to find a better one-two midfield combo than Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.
As Brayshaw is beginning to lift after a slow start to his 2023 campaign, this dynamite duo is hitting its stride as the season rolls on.
Serong (30.4 disposals, 7.4 clearances and 5 inside 50s) and Brayshaw (28.3 disposals, 6.6 tackles and 6 score involvements) are posting extraordinary numbers week in week out, keeping the Dockers in the hunt for finals.
With both players being under 24 years old and only 178 combined games, the young guns are putting the competition on notice of how dominant they can truly be.
Oliver Williamson
The Key Takeaway: Cats miss a chance to make a statement
There were genuine and reasonable fears around Geelong heading into Round 10 after the loss to Richmond a week prior, and this loss only exacerbated them.
The Cats looked like a shell of a team they were 12 months ago. What’s more concerning, plenty of it is behind the ball where Geelong conceded 16 goals despite all but Sam De Koning available and playing.
Adelaide is the only top eight team the reigning premiers have beaten this year as Chris Scott’s side falls two games out of the top four. It would have been a great day to scrap their way to a win.
The Negative: Midfield smashes to pieces
On Saturday for the Cats, Mark Blicavs attended 81 per cent of centre bounces, Tom Atkins 74 per cent, Tanner Bruhn 65 per cent, Brandan Parfitt 68 per cent and Max Holmes 39 per cent. None managed more than 19 disposals, while Parfitt, Atkins and Holmes has 12, 12 and 13 touches respectively.
With the exception of Parfitt and possibly Bruhn, all are best 22 players. But under the weight of an Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong onslaught, none could stand up and have a tangible impact on the result.
The Geelong midfielders simply have to get more involved around the ground.
Seb Mottram
The Key Takeaway: Suns aren’t far off the pace
To be less than a goal down at the two-minute mark of the final term against a team widely considered to be the second-hottest in the competition isn’t a bad outcome.
The Suns weren’t flattered by conceding the last six goals to a rampaging Brisbane outfit but Stuart Dew and his players will take confidence from pushing the Lions.
The next month is a critical one. Gold Coast plays the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide, both at TIO Stadium in the Northern Territory before taking on Carlton and Hawthorn after the bye. On current form, all four are conceivable win, while three are also conceivable losses.
We could be near on locking the Suns into a maiden finals campaign in four week’s time, or we could be writing them off for yet another season.
The Positive: Bailey Humphrey can SERIOUSLY play
Fresh off David King’s comments suggesting Bailey Humphrey could be the best player out of the 2022 draft, the former Vic Metro product did those claims no harm with another starring role.
He was one of only two Suns to get coaches votes from the game and for good reason. Spending 31 per cent of the game in the midfield (more than he has before), Humphrey enjoyed a game-high 617 metres gained, team-high 26 disposals, equal team-high in 11 contested possessions and five clearances as well.
Make no mistake, if Humphrey had played the whole season on current form, he’d be leading what is already a very talented Rising Star race ahead of the likes of Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel.
It’s still too early to write him out of it as well.
Seb Mottram
The Key Takeaway: Another ‘honourable’ loss
The Giants continue to be a competitive side but lack the class to claim a big scalp. It was a genuine arm wrestle for the whole contest but succumbed to their sixth loss of the season by 21 points or less.
At some point, the Giants need to replicate their match in the Sydney Derby where they outlasted the Swans at the death to record a famous victory. Until then, every honourable loss is still a loss.
The positive: Much improved tackling effort.
After recording just 29 tackles the week prior against Collingwood, GWS lifted their intensity and won the tackle count 67-61. It was the Giants’ third highest tackle count for the season and is an encouraging sign for Adam Kingsley’s men.
The negative: Umpiring blunder eradicates any chance of a comeback
The Giants trailed by 11 points with under two minutes remaining and had a slim chance of claiming a late win.
However, Xavier O’Halloran conceded a 50 metre penalty in controversial circumstances when the umpire mis-identified O’Halloran with teammate Brent Daniels and insisted ‘Brent’ move back on the mark.
The decision led to the Saints kicking a crucial point and soaking up time on the clock to claim the win.
Charles Goodsir
The Key Takeaway: So much for “The tanking Hawks”
Hawthorn’s 116-point win was the largest in VFL/AFL history by a team sitting in 18th place prior to a match being played.
It was also the biggest winning margin by a team this season. Their 142 points was their highest score since Round 12, 2016 (151 against Essendon).
Tanking? Don’t think so.
The Undroppable: Sam Butler
Sam Butler had an excellent game against the Eagles, finishing with 16 touches, 6 tackles and a goal. He also had five tackles inside 50, three goal assists and nine score involvements.
He needs to play every week and is a big part of the club’s future.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Chad Wingard. If Sam Mitchell wants Wingard in the team, Butler would be the player to make way.
Fingers crossed that doesn’t happen.
The Positive: The future
The future was on show for the Hawks in their massive win.
Some of the numbers - Josh Weddle (28 touches, 7 marks and two goals), Cam Mackenzie (22 touches, 5 tackles and 2 goals), Jai Newcombe (24 touches, 9 tackles, 1 goal), Will Day (24 touches, 5 marks and 4 tackles), Seamus Mitchell (19 touches, 6 marks and 4 tackles), Sam Butler (16 touches, 6 tackles, 1 goal), Connor MacDonald (14 touches and 9 tackles as the sub).
Over the past three seasons, the Hawks have drafted brilliantly and are building an excellent core of young talent. The more this group plays together, the better they will be placed for future success.
The list of players above need to play every single week unless injured.
The Negative: Ned Reeves’ ankle injury
Ned Reeves was looking great before he went off injured. Hopefully it’s not the dreaded syndesmosis.
Lloyd Meek has shown he can perform as the sole ruck but with Max Lynch on the long term injury list and Max Ramsden still a few years away from playing consistent senior football, Reeves’ injury is not ideal for the Hawks.
Brad Klibansky
The Key Takeaway: Ladder position doesn’t tell the full story
Melbourne sit fourth on the ladder, but they’re not going as well as their position suggests following their tight loss to Port Adelaide on Friday.
While they still have a league-best percentage of 138.4, there’s no doubt that their 7-3 record is probably flattering them.
Looking at the ladder, the Demons have beaten 18th (West Coast), 17th (North Melbourne), 16th (Hawthorn), 14th (Richmond), 13th (Gold Coast) and 12th (Sydney), with their only win against a fellow top eight team coming against the 6th placed Bulldogs in Round 1.
Their loss against the Power means they’ve now lost to them in 3rd, Brisbane in 2nd and Essendon in 9th.
With games against 10th (Fremantle), 11th (Carlton), 1st (Collingwood) and 7th (Geelong) in their next four, we’ll get a better idea of where this side is at.
There’s no doubt they have the talent to match it with the best, but right now they position themselves as somewhat of a flat track bully that’s failing to match it with any side that has finals credentials.
The Negative: Clayton Oliver’s injury
Adding insult to injury from Friday’s loss, early reports suggest superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver could miss a month of football with a hamstring injury.
A player that’s barely missed a game since 2017, the Demons will have to find out what life is like without their bull at the contest.
While their midfield on paper without Oliver is still more than solid, he’s certainly been the heartbeat of this team as they’ve built their way up to contention and premiership success.
Given how much tougher their next four games look than their first 10 rounds, missing Oliver could come back to hurt them more than it would have a month ago.
What they need to tweak for next week: Pressure inside 50
For a team with the likes of Kysaiah Pickett, Bayley Fritsch, Kade Chandler, Alex Neal-Bullen and Charlie Spargo, the Demons would have been disappointed to only make six tackles inside 50 in wet conditions in the loss to the Power.
With Port Adelaide having 18 at their end of the ground, that hunger and desire to tackle near goal may have just been the difference in the four-point result.
Against a Fremantle side that’s found some form in recent weeks, the Demons simply must bring that effort and intensity if they’re to get back to anywhere near their best.
Lachlan Geleit
The Key Takeaway: The benchmark for effort levels has been set
If you’re a North Melbourne fan, you’d have to be asking why it took another tumultuous week, ending with a change of head coach to bring that kind of effort?
The Kangaroos would have beaten Sydney if not for the interchange infringement and put together their best performance since the first fortnight of the season.
Can they now repeat that level of effort, pressure and engagement against Collingwood next week? We’ll find out.
The Positive: George Wardlaw is going to be a serious player
16 disposals, six clearances, nine tackles and six score involvements on debut – George Wardlaw looks ready to impact at AFL level.
The Roos have taken their time with Wardlaw off an interrupted pre-season to get him ready and have timed his run beautifully.
With Luke Davies-Uniacke out of the team and Ben Cunnington in the VFL, the no.2 draft pick should get a strong run at AFL level in the midfield to learn the trade.
The Overreaction: Harry Sheezel must stay in the midfield
What is the ceiling on Harry Sheezel? The draftee has already played at an All-Australian level across half back, had 25 and kicked two goals as an on-baller on the weekend and was drafted as a goal kicking medium forward. Imagine when he gets a few pre-seasons under his belt.
The Kangaroos are in a position to give him time on-ball and build chemistry between him and George Wardlaw in particular.
North could play him anywhere, but Sheezel will have the most impact across his career as an attacking midfielder and the Roos should capitalise while key players are out of the side to give him reps.
Nic Negrepontis
The Key Takeaway: Port has what it takes
Port Adelaide’s recent stretch had been incredibly impressive, however it came with the caveat that they had a few soft kills in there.
Yet after taking down a genuine contender in the Demons, this can be put to bed.
The Power’s newfound close-game brilliance was on display once more on a wet Friday night, booting three goals to Melbourne’s one to wrench a gritty win away from the 2021 premiers.
Despite a few key outs, Port was firing on all cylinders against a formidable outfit, managing to outplay the lauded Melbourne midfield, primarily due to a monster game from Zak Butters.
With this win, the Power sit comfortably in third place, and hold wins over two of the other three top four members.
This club is a force to be reckoned with in 2023.
The Overreaction: Port have the best midfield in the competition
If the Power beat arguably the premier engine room in the competition at their own game, does that make them the best?
Probably not, but they certainly look unstoppable when they play like they did on Friday night.
Led by a stellar 41-disposal, two-goal effort from Zak Butters, Port Adelaide’s midfield looked completely unbothered by the slippery conditions.
Connor Rozee and Dan Houston each broke the 30-possession mark, while Willem Drew, Ollie Wines and Jason Horne-Francis were all in the healthy 20s.
Obviously this kind of complete performance cannot be expect every week, but if they can somehow keep it up, the overreaction in this title will start to look much more realistic.
The Negative: Tom Jonas’ suspension
Port skipper Tom Jonas will miss next week’s clash against Richmond after being cited for a dangerous tackle.
The incident occurred in the final term, with Jonas laying an improper tackle on Demons forward Tom McDonald.
McDonald escaped without injury, however the incident was graded careless conduct, high contact and high impact.
Jonas will be available for return in Port’s Round 12 clash against Hawthorn.
Jack Makeham
The Key Takeaway: Yet another loss by under a goal
Sounds like a broken record, doesn’t it?
The Tigers again found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
That’s now nine losses and three draws from their last 12 matches decided by a goal or less.
Somehow they managed to drop this one despite looking seemingly in control when three goals up early in the final term.
Dimma might need to do some extra work on game management at training this week.
The Undroppable: Jack Ross
He’s been back in the team for four weeks, but it’s time for Jack Ross to get an extended run.
The 22-year-old was one of Richmond’s best with 26 disposals, 10 marks, six inside 50s and two goal assists from the wing.
Ross has been in and out of the team constantly over the last few seasons, however, he must be given opportunities for the remainder of the campaign to show what he is capable of.
The Positive: Shai Bolton is back
Shai Bolton has rediscovered his All-Australian form over the past few weeks.
Against the Bombers he had 28 touches, seven inside 50s, seven tackles, five clearances, kicked two goals, and had some massive moments.
He spent a bit more time in the middle and was one of the side’s top contributors in the disappointing defeat.
It’s good to see him back firing after some indifferent form earlier in the season.
The Negative: Nightmare final quarter
After Dustin Martin’s big set shot early in the final term, almost everything that could have gone wrong for the Tigers did go wrong.
Damien Hardwick described different parts of his team’s performance as “diabolical”, “frustrating” and “horrendous”, and the fans would probably agree.
The constant mistakes in the final term, which saw the Dons kick four of the last five goals of the game, was just not good enough and has all but ended their finals hopes.
What they need to tweak for next week
See the first point if it becomes a tight affair.
If the Tigers are in with a hope against Port Adelaide, they’re going to have to take their chances, especially late in the game.
Hopefully Hardwick gets them to work this week just in case they find themselves in another arm wrestle.
Andrew Slevison
The Positive: Max King gets through unscathed
St Kilda’s star spearhead played his first game for the year and didn’t he look good out there!
King didn’t take long to get into his work. He took a vintage King mark at the top of the goal square and finished accordingly, and the Saints looked like a five-goal better team with King running around in their forward half.
But most importantly, the 22-year-old ran out the entire of the match as he continues his recovery from a shoulder reconstruction and a hamstring injury.
He looked fit, he looked lean, but strong and it was just great to see him back out there doing his thing.
The Key Takeaway: Jack Sinclair is a genuine star of the competition
The reigning Trevor Barker Medallist and All-Australian defender has gone to another level in 2023.
We knew Sinclair was a good player, but this year he has made that jump to the “elite” category and it’s a credit to him.
He collected 37 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency, two goals, 12 contested possessions, seven score involvements, 733 metres gained and four clearances. If that’s not “stuffing” the stat sheet, what is!
Was going to say that he’s now one of the best players in the competition, but unlike Carlton supporters on a Monday morning after a loss, I’m going to put that call on the back burner, but if he keeps playing like he is…
He has overtaken Steele as St Kilda’s best player.
What no one is talking about: How well Jack Higgins is playing this year
Jack Higgins’ year deserves some more love from the media, so Jack, here's some.
Sitting equal 11th in the Coleman medal with 22 goals, Higgins has had a terrific year playing a role he hasn’t been asked of him for most of his career.
With the Saints missing Max King, Tim Membrey and Anthony Caminiti for the majority of the year, a big season was required from the lively small forward, closing in on 100 games, the former Tiger has been unreal for the Saints.
Higgins has been asked/made to play as their main forward target, a role that isn’t asked of many 24-year-olds who are only 178cm.
He looks confident in front of goal and is one of the main reasons the Saints sit fifth on the AFL ladder.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
The Negative: Scraped over the line against a bottom-four side
The Swans have plenty of injuries to key personnel including their ruckman and three starting defenders in Dane Rampe and the McCartin brothers.
However, last year’s Grand Finalists still boast the likes of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Tom Papley, Jake Lloyd, Luke Parker and several other stars who were well below their best.
A miraculous interchange gaff spared the Swans from an embarrassing defeat.
The Positive: Buddy winds back the clock
Lance Franklin impacted on the scoreboard with 3.1 but what was most impressive was his defensive pressure.
Buddy had five tackles including the one that sealed the win for the Swans.
Franklin also threw his body around with four contested marks and involved himself far more in general play with six score involvements.
The Undroppable: Lachlan McAndrew
McAndrew had a solid debut in place of injured ruckman Tom Hickey.
The 22-year-old lined up against Todd Goldstein and more than held his own. McAndrew ended the afternoon with nine touches, 20 hitouts, five tackles, three clearances and should’ve kicked a goal on debut.
What no one is talking about: Comeback win
North Melbourne’s interchange blunder overshadowed Sydney’s terrific display of resilience in the last quarter to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
When Harry Sheezel kicked his second goal and the Kangaroos’ fifth in a row, the Swans were trailing by 16 points with none of the momentum.
An opportune goal to Errol Gulden reignited the Swans and from that moment, Sydney were the better team in the final moments.
They got lucky but they deserved their good fortune.
Charles Goodsir
The Key Takeaway: Can’t blame the injuries
Simply put, that was a dreadful performance.
Much of West Coast’s struggle over the last two seasons has been considered the result of injuries, however that can’t excuse the display the Eagles put forth on Sunday.
Facing off against the only other team that was yet to win more than a second game, West Coast should have been able to be competitive at the very least.
Instead, they looked completely lifeless, and provided no challenge to a Hawks squad that was more than happy to pile on the points.
Dom Sheed seemed like the only one to show up to the game, racking up 30 touches and two goals in his best performance for the season.
The Positive: Winners of the Harley Reid Cup!
With the massive loss, West Coast have firmly cemented themselves at the bottom of the ladder, being the only club yet to secure a second win.
This puts the Eagles in prime position for the first overall draft pick and therefore the potential to land lauded super-prospect Harley Reid.
With this season clearly over for West Coast, Eagles faithful can expect all discussion to focus on Reid, and whether they should look into trading the top pick.
The Negative: More injuries
It almost seems impossible for a team to have this extensive of an injury list, yet the Eagles are managing it.
The clash against Hawthorn resulted in two casualties, Liam Duggan and Jamaine Jones.
The extent of Duggan’s injury is yet to be seen, however he was pulled in the final few minutes of the game due to a neck concern.
On the other hand, Jones’ status is a more worrying, having exited the clash in the second quarter with a rough-looking ankle injury.
With most of West Coast’s injury list looking stuck on the sidelines for a while yet, there doesn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel for the Eagles.
Jack Makeham
The Key Takeaway: Bulldogs in the premiership conversation
After a string of hiccups to start the season, the Bulldogs are rolling right now.
Luke Beveridge’s man took down a talented Adelaide unit with ease, paying no attention to the reputation the Crows had gathered as tough beats.
Boasting 15 more scoring shots and nearly 100 more possession than Adelaide, the Bulldogs had no trouble travelling to Ballarat to secure their latest win.
The victory marked the Dogs’ fifth straight triumph, and they currently sit as the only team outside of the top three with a win streak over three games.
The only caveat in the Dogs’ credentials right now is that they’re yet to beat one of the competitions premier teams.
However, with matches against Geelong and Port Adelaide headlining their first two weeks of June, the Dogs won’t have to wait long to prove themselves.
The Positive: Everyone is firing
In a few of the Bulldogs wins (and losses) this season, Marcus Bontempelli has been the only one to truly impact the match.
This was not the case against the Crows.
Bailey Smith, Bailey Dale, Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli and Caleb Daniel were all shining with 30+ disposals, while Jack Macrae played his best game for the season with 26 touches and two goals.
It wasn’t just in the guts that saw the Bulldogs put together strong showings, with their backs and forwards also doing plenty.
This was a complete performance, and one that displays exactly why the Dogs could do something special in 2023.
The Negative: Jason Johannisen’s injury
Concerns were high when Jason Johannisen was forced to exit Saturday’s game, and unfortunately for Bulldogs fans, they have been realised.
Johannisen is set to miss multiple months with a high-grade hamstring strain, having headed into the rooms in the third quarter against the Crows.
The injury is a similar one to what he suffered in 2016, missing 10 weeks due to the strain causing him tendon damage.
Johannisen had become an important piece on the Bulldogs’ half-back flank in 2023 after a rocky few seasons, averaging 19 touches and two inside 50s a game.
Jack Makeham