What are the key takeaways and observations relating to your club in Round 11?
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 can be knocking on top four door in a month’s time
An upset win over Brisbane has the Adelaide Crows primed to be right amongst it in the weeks coming out of the club’s bye.
Matthew Nicks’ side takes on Gold Coast and West Coast before the bye, both games they’ll start favourites in. A clash with Collingwood then comes after the bye, while the Crows will pencil in a win against North Melbourne in Round 16.
Win three of those four games, and Adelaide is suddenly staring at a spot in the top four late in the season.
What no one is talking about: Izak Rankine trade gets better and better for the Crows
When Rankine was traded to Adelaide for a deal that revolved around pick 5, it was a big price to pay a small forward three years into his career.
But 11 rounds into his first season as a Crow, Rankine is well on his way to justifying that price tag and more.
The 23-year-old put together another starring performance in Round 11, finishing with 23 disposals and 2.3.
But it was his final quarter that played a large hand in getting the win. Seven possessions (three contested) at 85 per cent efficiency alongside a goal played a massive part in holding off the Lions.
He’s already won multiple games off his own boot and at this rate, the Suns will look foolish for not pushing Adelaide for even more.
Seb Mottram
The Negative: The Lions poked the bear
If there’s one player in the competition you don’t want to egg on, it’s Izak Rankine.
And that’s certainly what Conor McKenna did.
It felt like every time the cameras were on McKenna, he was niggling the Adelaide star.
Rankine finished with 23 disposals, 13 score involvements, two goals and three goal assists.
He is a match-winner that thrives off the type of dribble that was coming his way from Brisbane defenders.
Fair to say McKenna will approach Rankine differently next time they meet.
The kid's a star.
The Overreaction: The Lions copped a mini reality check
SEN’s Nic Negrepontis said it perfectly on Sunday night, the Crows at the Adelaide Oval are a top four team.
Adelaide at home are a top 4 level team. #AFLCrowsLions
— Nic Negrepontis (@NicNegrepontis) May 28, 2023
Prior to Sunday, the Lions had won seven in a row with their brand stacking up against some of the best teams in the competition.
The Crows are a seriously tough match-up at home, you can’t question that, but the visitors were left to rue after kicking 1.9 from 19 inside 50s in the third term.
Chris Fagan’s side will learn a lot from that loss but they head to the bye in a great spot.
Not jumping off.
The Positive: Cameron does his thing on the Adelaide Oval, again
Charlie Cameron returned to his old stomping ground against his former side and didn’t he turn it on!
The electric forward did all he good to get the win for the Lions, he kicked four goals, had five score involvements and laid four tackles.
It was a joy to watch Cameron light up Adelaide Oval in a match that saw some of the game’s best small forwards turn it on.
Young Crow Max Michalanney will learn a lot from that.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
The Key Takeaway: Here come the injuries… again
Carlton has had a few weeks with essentially their best 23 available and has not been able to turn it into a win.
Now, they will be without George Hewett (concussion), Nic Newman (hamstring), Adam Cerra (suspension) and Ollie Hollands (shoulder) while a cloud hangs over Patrick Cripps (ankle) as well.
The Blues kicked themselves out of the game, even winning on expected score against the Swans, but ultimately they left without a vital four points and now have to deal with depth issues once again.
The Positive: Opportunities are available
However, the above opens the door to reward well performing VFL players. Is this finally how Paddy Dow gets his opportunity?
Dow has been relegated in the VFL despite impressive stats on paper, given Carlton’s on-ball depth. But with half the midfield unavailable, this should prove once and for all whether a line has truly been put through him.
Zac Fisher likely returns after a strong VFL performance, while first-year midfielder Jaxon Binns is a like-for-like swap for Hollands on the wing.
What they need to tweak for next week: Get Adam Saad the ball more
David King summed up what Carlton must tweak here.
Nic Negrepontis
The Positive: De Goey’s performance
In a game Collingwood were all but certain to win, the positive was always going to surround individual performance.
Clearly the one individual that stood above the rest was Jordan De Goey as the star midfielder had a near career-best midfield game against North Melbourne.
While his stat sheet was impressive with an equal-career-high 35 disposals, 10 inside 50s, five clearances and a goal, it was the way De Goey went about it that caught the eye the most.
It was near bullying from the 27-year-old, he was running in straight lines at North Melbourne players and consistently found himself in acres of space with the footy in hand immediately after stoppages.
An All-Australian blazer awaits and he could potentially even make a run at the Brownlow if his form continues to stack up.
Dustin Martin, Christian Petracca and Patrick Dangerfield have done it in recent years, is De Goey the next dynamic midfielder that leads his club to a premiership?
The Undroppables: Jack Ginnivan
After starting in the sub in Round 10, Jack Ginnivan impressed after being promoted to the starting 22 against North Melbourne.
The small forward has season highs in disposals (15) and score involvements (9) while also kicking two goals and notching a goal assist.
While it wasn’t the best game of his career, more performances like that from the 20-year-old will help secure his spot in Collingwood’s side in the back half of the year.
It’s good to see him perform at his 2022 levels after a difficult start to the 2023 campaign.
The Negative: Sidebottom’s injury
In what was meant to be a celebration of his career, it was so disappointing to see Steele Sidebottom get injured early into his 300th game.
A player that’s been so durable throughout his career, Collingwood will now be without Sidebottom for at least the next month after he was diagnosed with an MCL injury.
While he’ll be back towards the back end of the season for the run into finals, Collingwood will need to put in stop-gap measures in the meantime.
They probably have the players to do it though with Will Hoskin-Elliott in form and Patrick Lipinski set to return in the coming weeks but there’s no doubt the Pies will be hurt by the veteran’s absence.
Here’s hoping the fan favourite has a speedy recovery.
Lachlan Geleit
The Key Takeaway: Winning the games they should
Essendon’s rough fixture to start the year is opening up, and they continue to make the most of their softer run with back to back wins now.
Following a weekend where teams around them such as Geelong, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Carlton all lost, the Bombers did what they had to do over in the west on Saturday night.
The back end of the year will present more opportunities considering their favourable draw.
The positive: Essendon’s mindset
The most interesting aspect of the Bombers’ 50-point win over West Coast wasn’t the win itself, it came in the post match during Brad Scott’s press conference.
Essendon lost the corresponding game last year and Scott was quick to point out that the playing group openly admitted they took the Eagles lightly, something which they were determined not to do this week.
The overall mindset driving the Bombers has now parachuted them into the top eight, with North Melbourne and Carlton to come before their bye.
Both those opponents will test Essendon’s method under Brad Scott, so their finals prospects still remain a watch.
Laurence Rosen
The Negative: Hamstring injury takes down ruckman
A Saturday afternoon statement over Melbourne did not come without injury concerns for Fremantle, as Sean Darcy was subbed out in the opening half with a hamstring injury.
A hot start had him showing early dominance however he later found himself on ice during the second quarter, with Sam Sturt coming into the game as the starting sub.
Darcy is now set to be sidelined for the next few weeks as Fremantle goes into the bye this weekend off four consecutive wins.
The Positive: Jackson steps up in Darcy’s absence
In arguably his best game of the season, Luke Jackson reminded the competition of how bullish he can be when at his brilliant best.
He was called to mantle the role of ruckman for the Dockers as Darcy sat injured, however held his own against Melbourne’s Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.
With 19 disposals at 68 per cent efficiency, 15 hitouts, six tackles, three marks, eight clearances and a goal, Jackson put on a masterclass against the threatening Demon’s ruck combo and was crucial in the Dockers’ seven-point triumph.
The Undroppable: Matthew Johnson
He only has seven AFL games to his name, but Matthew Johnson is fortifying himself as a stable member of the Dockers starting side.
After starting as the sub of their round 10 matchup against Geelong, Johnson had something to prove against Melbourne, ending with 20 disposals (15 effective), four tackles and six inside 50s.
If his form is to continue to be on an upwards trajectory, he will remain a consistent player in the senior squad for Fremantle.
What no one is talking about: The impressive form of Jye Amiss
It’s been four consecutive wins for the Dockers going into the bye round on the back of some outstanding goal kicking, with 19-year-old Jye Amiss leading the way.
Slotting goals left, right and centre, Amiss has booted 11 majors in his last four games including a clutch goal on Saturday afternoon to help seal the win, and is currently positioned at 19th in the competition for total goals kicked.
He has been improving week in week out all season long and should be in the conversation for one of the best young forwards in the AFL.
Oliver Williamson
The Key Takeaway: Depth is an issue
It’s an issue we’ve known about for years, with an experienced list in the premiership window meaning kids rarely get a look in.
But injuries haven’t hit the Cats like this in years and Geelong is now paying the price of not getting as many games into younger players in previous seasons.
Against GWS, the midfield was again belted off the park. Tom Atkins was the Cats’ leading possession getter in the on-baller brigade, yet could register just three kicks with his 17 disposals.
Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring) and Cam Guthrie (toe) loom as the two big ins Geelong desperately needs in order to stay in the top eight because the current midfield mix isn’t doing enough, both in the contest and out of it.
The Negative: Esava Ratugolea’s hamstring injury
The Cats were desperately hoping against more injury concerns, meaning Ratugolea going down in the third term is a blow that genuinely stings.
Ratugolea – in the best form of his life in recent weeks – looks likely to have suffered a low-grade hamstring injury according to Chris Scott’s post-match comments.
The only positive was that Ratugolea’s misfortune came in the week Sam De Koning returned from injury.
Geelong also has the flexibility to send swingman Jack Henry back to defence should the need arise.
The Undroppable: Oisin Mullin
It’s hard to believe the Irishman was playing just his fourth official game of Australian Rules Football.
Mullin made his debut on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium and was one of a record three Irish players to run out for the Cats.
The 23-year-old didn’t look one bit out of place, gathering 15 touches and three marks in surely booking himself a spot for next week.
His upward trajectory could be huge.
Seb Mottram
The Key Takeaway: Finals aren’t off the table
To be a top eight team, you’ve got to beat a top eight team.
The honourable losses had to come to an end at some point for the Suns, and it feels like Saturday night’s game could be a turning point.
In the difficult conditions Gold Coast was the convincingly better team even after conceding the first three goals and showed plenty of maturity to see off a late push from the Western Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs are short odds to make finals, so it’s a performance that bodes well for the Suns. Beat Adelaide this week and finals become a legitimate 50/50 with games against Carlton and Hawthorn to follow.
The Positive: Matt Rowell is on his way to a maiden All-Australian blazer
Matt Rowell was flying under the radar to start the season, but not after his form in recent weeks.
One of the best contested midfielders in the competition, the 21-year-old has continued to develop his strengths while working harder on his outside game.
2023 is seeing him average career highs in disposals, marks, tackles, inside 50s and clearances. But amongst the game’s best, Rowell ranks third in 2023 for total contested possessions, first for tackles and second for clearances.
He was the best midfielder on the ground again in Round 11 and would at the very least be in contention for a bench spot of the All-Australian team almost halfway through the season.
Few players are having a bigger impact on their team, let alone a team that desperately needs to play finals in 2023.
What no one is talking about: Bailey Humphrey for Rising Star?
We talked about him last week, but Humphrey’s stocks have continued to rise with the game-winning goal against the Bulldogs in Darwin.
He missed the first three weeks of 2023 and was subbed either on or off in three of his first four games.
But since then he’s demonstrated genuine game-winning ability which was on display in Round 11. If Humphrey keeps up this form and continues to impact results – a factor he has in his favour over the likes of Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel – he’ll be fresh in the mind of selectors come the time to vote.
Either way, it wouldn’t be a massive statement to suggest Humphrey will prove the best of what shapes as an extraordinarily talented 2022 draft crop.
Seb Mottram
The Key Takeaway: The Giants don’t fear GMHBA Stadium
Many teams haven’t won three games at Kardinia Park in the last decade let alone win three games in a row.
The Giants had injuries to Harry Himmelberg, Josh Kelly and Nick Haynes yet never looked like losing against the reigning premiers.
GWS also didn’t rely on Toby Greene after half-time and the team had several contributors to yet another famous win in Geelong.
The positive: Kieren Briggs
Kieren Briggs easily won the ruck battle against two experienced campaigners in Jonathon Ceglar and Mark Blicavs.
Briggs had 34 hitouts including 17 touches, eight clearances, five tackles, three inside-50’s, two score involvements and an excellent set shot goal in the third quarter. The most complete game of his career.
The overreaction: GWS have one of the best backlines in the AFL
It may lack the big names of some other backlines but GWS have quietly built a back six that kept a forward line consisting of Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins, Tyson Stengle and Brad Close to 10 goals.
Connor Idun had one of the best games of his 50-game career and Jack Buckley and Xavier O’Halloran have excelled this season under new coach Adam Kinglsey. The Giants now have a core group of defenders they can build their future around.
Charles Goodsir
The Key Takeaway: The Mitchell and O’Meara talk can now end
There has been a lot of commentary this season on how Hawthorn “cut too deep” and should have kept Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara.
The Hawks are currently building one of the AFL’s best midfield units. Will Day, Jai Newcombe, Connor Nash, James Worpel, Cam Mackenzie and Josh Ward is a great mix of size, skill and speed. The most exciting aspect for Hawks fans is they are all under 25.
Look out for the Hawks in 2025 and beyond.
The Undroppable: James Blanck
Whilst he doesn’t get a lot of the ball, James Blanck has been solid in defence since coming back into the team three weeks ago.
Having Blanck in the team playing alongside Sam Frost has allowed James Sicily to play more freely and has helped fix the Hawks' defensive issues from earlier on in the season.
The Positive: Last quarter run
Despite being such a young side, the Hawks were able to overrun the much more experienced Saints, kicking five goals to one in the last quarter.
Their second halves were worrying, but the Hawks have managed to perform well after half-time in recent weeks, including a total of 13 goals in their last two fourth quarters.
The Negative: Poor kicking for goal
Hawthorn returned 4.10 in the first half and 12.16 for the match and should have been up by five goals at half-time.
Whilst it was great to see them run out the game and win, against a lot of other teams their poor goal kicking would have been more costly.
What they need to tweak for next week: How to replace Sicily?
Having played one of the great individual games in recent times (42 touches and 16 marks), captain James Sicily will miss this week’s clash away to Port Adelaide through suspension.
They will need to reshuffle the defensive decks in order to replace Sicily against a Power side on an eight-game winning run.
The Hawks do have some decent depth at Box Hill with the likes of Jack Scrimshaw and Denver Grainger-Barras in line to replace him.
Brad Klibansky
The Key Takeaway: Melbourne aren’t good enough against sides of quality
As SEN’s Tom Morris revealed, Melbourne’s record since Round 1, 2022 simply doesn’t stack up with the best.
After their loss to Fremantle on Saturday, the Demons have a 1-4 record against top eight teams this year.
Looking further back to the start of last season, they have a 23-12 record, but only five of those wins have come against top eight sides, while they’ve also lost every game against top four sides in that period.
Put simply, Melbourne are flat track bullies at the moment that look a million bucks against poor sides but don’t stack up against teams with finals aspirations.
The talent is there to turn it around in the lead-in to September, but if things don’t change quickly they could be destined to a disappointing finish to the season again.
The Positive: Tom Sparrow is a capable starting on-baller
With Clayton Oliver out injured, Tom Sparrow spent more time on-ball.
While Christian Petracca still held up his end of the bargain with 30 disposals and eight clearances, Sparrow was without doubt the Demons’ second best midfielder.
The 22-year-old had a solid 18 disposals, five clearances, six tackles and four score involvements in a game that will give Simon Goodwin the confidence to run him through the middle whenever the Demons need.
While he’s never going to match the output of Oliver, there’s no doubt Sparrow has gone past the likes of James Harmes as the club’s number four on-baller, while he also spent time on the wing with Lachie Hunter out suspended.
The Demons probably need a fourth midfielder to step up and hopefully that can be Sparrow in the back half of the year.
What no one is talking about: Has the Grundy trade hurt Max Gawn?
Brodie Grundy was again solid for the Demons in Saturday’s loss with one goal, 19 disposals and 20 hitouts, but has his arrival taken away the influence of Max Gawn?
While it may end up extending Gawn’s career, he just hasn’t looked anywhere near the player he has for much of the last decade in 2023.
On Saturday Gawn was decent with 15 disposals and 35 hitouts, but he’s just not having the impact on games that we are so used to.
Usually the top dog, Gawn is ranked behind the likes of Tim English, Jarrod Witts, Todd Goldstein, Rowan Marshall, Matt Flynn, Sean Darcy, Toby Nankervis, Grundy and Oscar McInerney this season in terms of average player ratings.
While it would be expected for his overall statistical output to dip as he shares more of the ruck duties than ever, no one would have expected this much of a slide.
It might be that he’s coming back from his MCL injury, but right now the question has to be asked about the trade.
If there’s one player that can turn it around it is big Max, but the Demons would want him to get going sooner rather than later.
Lachlan Geleit
The Positive: The Bailey Scott breakout is here
Bailey Scott has had a breakout fortnight for the Kangaroos and starred playing predominantly across the wing.
He found 30 disposals, eight inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 6 marks and a goal against Collingwood, following up a career-best effort against Sydney the week before.
Back to back games over 30 touches followed a previous season-high of 22 touches in Round 4.
The Undroppables: Eddie Ford
Eddie Ford has made an immediate impact at AFL level, finding 21 and then 16 disposals in his first two games.
Ford has found himself playing up the ground, through the wing and even across half back.
His seven score involvements against Collingwood also stood out. Expect Ford to keep his spot in this North Melbourne side going forward.
The Overreaction: The Roos are every chance to beat Essendon
The Roos haven’t tweaked much under Brett Ratten, but the energy and intensity has lifted in the last fortnight.
They ran into the best team in the competition on Sunday and fought right to the end and if they bring a similar level against Essendon, they could absolutely catch them off guard.
Nick Larkey will have a good matchup against a Bombers team that has struggled with key forwards, while the North midfield has been in strong form.
Could an upset be brewing?
Nic Negrepontis
The Key Takeaway: Win streak extended
The win over Richmond extends Port’s win-streak to eight games, tying the existing club record.
Other than that, there was nothing particularly new to take out of the victory.
The Power were impressive in the early stages with the opening flurry of goals, and then held firm when the Tigers upped their intensity through the rest of the game.
Port’s close-game expertise was on display once more in the final term, with Ken Hinkley’s men gritting their teeth to secure the 10-point win.
Notably, the Power were able to cover the absence of Charlie Dixon, Todd Marshall and Travis Boak by organising their attack by committee, with all 10 of their goals coming from 10 different players.
Overall, Port Adelaide did exactly what they needed to on Saturday afternoon, and now look to extend the streak to nine games this week.
What no one is talking about: Scott Lycett
This was quietly a fantastic ruck battle to watch unfold.
Lycett hasn’t exactly been in stellar form this season, contributing solidly but consistently unable to truly impact a match in the way he would like.
Yet matched up against a dominant force in Richmond co-captain Toby Nankervis, the Port ruckman more than held his own.
Lycett put together his best game for the season, collecting 18 disposals, 24 hitouts and six clearances.
He may not have neutralised Nankervis, but Lycett was very potent in his own right.
What they need to tweak next week: Up the intensity through all four quarters
Port was taken out of their usual high work-rate brand of football in the middle two terms, and it almost swung the game in the Tigers’ favour.
The Tigers’ intensity far exceeded the Power’s through the second and third quarters, something which Port should make an effort to ensure doesn’t happen again.
Something like this is getting close to nit-picking, however if Port want to make a true run at a premiership, keeping those intensity levels high for the entire game is a pivotal component.
Jack Makeham
The Key Takeaway: Tigers not far off, just lacking class
Richmond made life difficult for an in-form Port Adelaide for most of Sunday afternoon.
In Andrew McQualter’s first game as interim coach, the Tigers were competitive aside from a period in the first quarter where the Power kicked five goals in a row.
The club’s ladder position of 15th doesn’t read very well, but the Tigers have been competitive in almost every game this season.
The effort and intent is there for the most part, they’re just lacking a bit of class, particularly forward of centre.
The Positive: Tim Taranto
Take a bow, Tim Taranto.
He was far and away Richmond’s best player against Port.
Taranto finished with 33 disposals and seven clearances, which were both game-highs, plus seven tackles and an equal career-best four goals.
The former Giants would most likely be well clear in the best and fairest count at this stage of the campaign.
The Negative: Forward setup
The forward line setup is not really working at the moment.
The Tigers are crying out for Tom Lynch to return, but in the meantime, McQualter needs to find a way to improve the connection between the midfield group and the forwards.
Veteran Jack Riewoldt is having to play on the best defender each week and is looking a bit sore. He’s doing his best to provide a contest, but isn’t getting much assistance from the ball use going forward.
Dustin Martin was dangerous at times, however, he kicked 2.3 when he probably should have kicked four or five.
The Tigers have produced the sixth most inside 50s this season, yet they have kicked the fifth least points for the campaign.
Maybe it is time to unleash Kaelan Bradtke or Jacob Bauer up forward, or just leave Noah Cumberland in the team.
What no one is talking about: Graham down on form
Jack Graham’s form has been well below his best in recent weeks.
The usually hard-tackling Tiger played 83 per cent of game time against the Power to finish with just three kicks, 11 touches total, one contested possession and one tackle.
He was quiet in his return from injury against West Coast in Round 8 (12 touches, three tackles), was so-so in the win against Geelong in Round 9 (17 disposals, three tackles) and was ok against Essendon last weekend (17 disposals and two tackles).
Graham is playing a tricky role as a high half-forward where you can get caught between play often, but the Tigers need much more from players like him if they are to pick off some wins this season.
His average of 14.5 disposals is his lowest since 2018 and his tackle average of 3.2 is far inferior to any other season.
Andrew Slevison
The Key Takeaway: The Saints still have plenty of work to do
We’re not saying the Saints were expected to finish top four at the start of the year, but after a 7-3 start to the season, many had pencilled the Saints in for finals footy this year.
But leaving Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon, that’s the furthest from the truth.
Ross Lyon’s side were beaten by a side many have said to be tanking in 2023. Yes you read that right, tanking.
The final margin saw the Hawks win by ten points, a margin that didn’t tell the full story. Sam Mitchell’s lads were brilliant, they should’ve won by five goals.
As for the Saints, it’s the same old story, not enough quality around the ball, chaotic mistakes along with being out-coached.
It was a day to forget.
The bye couldn’t come fast enough for St Kilda and the fight for a top eight spot is seriously firing up.
They’d want to find some form, and quickly.
The Positive: Max King
The only positive to come out of the weekend for the Saints was the performance from Max King.
In just his second match for the year, King completely manhandled James Black, kicking four majors.
The Saints have something bloody special in King, they just need to find a midfielder that can feed the 22-year-old.
What they need to tweak for next week: They need some class around the Sherrin
Too often the Saints are off and running but shoot themselves in the foot with basic skill errors.
This has been an issue since the Nick Dal Santo, Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes era.
Jack Billings has been dominating in the reserves since returning from injury, it’s time Ross Lyon picks him and puts him on a wing. He has some flaws, but you can’t deny his ability to kick the pill.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
The Key takeaway: Nick Blakey’s career night
The Swans were without their best three defenders and Blakey certainly delivered in their absence.
Blakey had 26 possessions at 73 per cent efficiency, 10 intercept possessions, four score involvements, three inside 50’s and 626 metres gained.
The most impressive aspect to Blakey’s game was his run off half back through the middle of the ground in the second half.
The 23-year-old broke the game open in the last quarter and was unlucky not to have won the Goodes-O’Loughlin medal.
The Positive: Ground out a result
It was an ugly game for most of the match but the Swans desperately needed a win. Despite being heavily beaten in stoppages and clearances, Sydney’s backline held up and only allowed six goals from Carlton’s 59 entries inside 50s.
The Swans also won the tackle count 73-65 and when the game was in the balance in the final quarter, Sydney suffocated the Blues and held their opponents to three behinds in the fourth term.
The negative: Suspension to Luke Parker
The Swans have been decimated by injuries to key personnel and could ill-afford senior players missing time.
Unfortunately, Swans co-captain Luke Parker copped a one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Carlton’s Sam Walsh. Parker will miss the Swans’ crucial match with St Kilda in Round 13 if he fails at the tribunal.
What no one is talking about: Lewis Melican’s successful return
The 26-year-old was quickly becoming the forgotten man as he hadn’t played for the Swans since their elimination final loss against GWS in 2021.
Melican was recalled to the lineup given the extent of Sydney’s backline injuries and thrived against two of the most dominant forwards in the competition in Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow.
Melican ended his night with 15 touches, eight intercept possessions, two score involvements and two tackles. Hopefully this is the start of a solid run of game time.
Charles Goodsir
The Key Takeaway: Better than last week
It would have taken a monumental effort for the Eagles to put together a worse showing than they did last week.
Thankfully, they avoided that path.
Despite being dealt a 50-point loss, West Coast looked significantly better than they have in recent games, showing some fight against an Essendon squad that is on track for a finals appearance.
The 46 points they scored was their highest score since their Round 8 clash against Richmond, a small step back on track.
There were strong individual performances up and down the ground, with Liam Duggan, Jayden Hunt, Tim Kelly and Oscar Allen all standing out as bright spots.
While West Coast obviously would have liked a win, this is much better than the showing against Hawthorn.
The Positive: Oscar Allen
This was a stellar showing for West Coast’s forward for the future.
Allen booted four of the Eagles’ six goals, keeping his club within a competitive margin throughout the day.
It was exactly the kind of performance that will lift the team to a win once West Coast rebuilds their list in the future, rather than one that fends off another drubbing.
What they need to tweak for next week: Continue the small steps
West Coast should build off of this performance.
It won’t be an easy task, as they welcome the top of the table Magpies to Optus Stadium on Saturday.
However, in front of their home fans, the Eagles should try and do exactly what they did against the Bombers.
Adam Simpson must urge his men to stay competitive and give a much stronger side a bit to worry about.
Jack Makeham
The Key Takeaway: Suns in Darwin are tough
The Bulldogs should give full credit to the opposition, Gold Coast were fantastic on Saturday.
The Dogs took a big lead early, however once the Suns got rolling, they were hard to stop.
Stuart Dew’s men put together one of their best performances for the season, and it shouldn’t worry Bulldogs fans that they couldn’t claim the victory.
Even with the Suns on fire, the Bulldogs still nearly snatched this victory up in the tough Darwin conditions, closing the margin to just one point in the game’s dying stages.
Unfortunately, Luke Beveridge’s squad couldn’t pull off the comeback victory, as Gold Coast claimed their latest win in their home away from home.
While it was a game that the Dogs wish they would have won, they still sit comfortably in the top eight, and only outside of the top four on percentage.
The Bulldogs may have lost, but they looked solid in defeat.
The Positive: Liam Jones
Liam Jones has been a revelation for the Bulldogs this year.
He may have started the season slow, however he was truly found his feet with some more games under his belt and is currently the most important piece of the backline.
Jones has been excellent as an intercept defender as of late, and the clash against the Suns was one of his best performances this season.
The Dogs’ backline still leaves a bit to be desired, but the veteran defender has been doing everything in his power to tighten things up.
What they need to tweak for next week: Aaron Naughton experimentation
Could Aaron Naughton be moved to the backline? It is an idea that has been floated by David King on multiple occasions and could go a long way in shoring up the Bulldogs’ defence.
David King is adamant that the Bulldogs should try playing Aaron Naughton down back 👀 pic.twitter.com/rurajPBwc4
— Whateley (@WhateleySEN) May 29, 2023
Having another strong aerial threat would pair well with Liam Jones’ intercept abilities and could transform the Dog’s defence into one of their greatest strengths.
Considering Naughton hasn’t been setting the world on fire as a key forward this year, the Dogs’ attack doesn’t look like it would be crippled in his absence.
There is a strong chance this idea doesn’t work, yet it has the potential to completely revolutionise the Bulldogs.
It’s worth a shot.
Jack Makeham