The things we learnt: Port's Powerhouse is a game-changer

Round 14 has come and gone.

From a freezing Tassie clash to a North Melbourne home game in Perth, whether down to the wire or over before it started, here are the things we learnt in Round 14!

Carlton will be sweating on Curnow

Carlton star Charlie Curnow says he’s alright and will likely play next weekend against North Melbourne.

But until he’s actually out on the MCG next Saturday afternoon, the Blues will be sweating on the fitness of their dual Coleman Medallist.

Curnow was subbed out at half-time of his side’s eventual 34-point win over West Coast in Perth on Sunday night with a little bit of calf “awareness”.

His presence will be critical over the coming weeks as the 10th-placed Blues strive to force their way into the top eight.

They MUST beat the Kangaroos next weekend before a tricky trip to take on Port Adelaide in Round 16.

Then they’ve got Collingwood at the ‘G in Round 17.

If the Blues are to play finals, you’d think they’d need to win at least two of those three to keep in touch.

If Curnow does happen to be out for a few weeks, then their quest will become even more difficult.

Andrew Slevison

Port's Powerhouse is a game-changer

Port Adelaide look a different side with their star midfielder in the lineup.

Returning from injury in what may be a season-defining contest against Melbourne, Jason Horne-Francis was as good as any across Round 14.

Within just over three quarters, the former No.1 pick was a dominant force on the inside, finishing with a game-high seven clearances to go with 29 disposals, seven marks, a goal and eight score involvements.

His electric first step and ability to drive the legs was the source of a number of Port Adelaide's attacking prowess, playing a major role in permitting the side's combat against a plucky Demons side.

Of course, credit must go to Mitch Georgiades, a player with all the assets needed to be a true star of the AFL.

Seven goals from 11 shots, 13 score involvements including a goal assist, 10 marks (eight inside 50) and 18 disposals, Georgiades went nuclear against a strong Melbourne defence.

Performances like these are needed if Ken Hinkley/Josh Carr's men want to remain alive in 2025. Two games outside the top eight with Sydney and Carlton to come, these wins have become uber-important.

Jaiden Sciberras

You can't rule out the Giants

Whenever it seems as though they are out of the premiership mix, the Giants prove exactly why you can never truly rule them out.

Three straight losses? Beat the Cats in Geelong.

Fall poorly to Fremantle? Comfortably put away the Blues.

Barely beat the Tigers and fall to Port Adelaide? Beat the reigning premiers at the Gabba.

This side refuses to go away.

Highlighted by eight goals without a behind to start the contest, the Giants' forward half was simply too strong, with key stocks in Jesse Hogan, Aaron Cadman and Callum Brown combining for 14 of the side's 17 goals.

Aaron Cadman's career-high five was a scary indicator of the incredible potential the kid carries, while their trademark ball movement off the back flank was back to its best with 68 of their 107 points spawning from the defensive half.

All this in the absence of Toby Greene, Tom Green, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward, Jake Stringer, Kieren Briggs and Brent Daniels (for three quarters).

You just cannot rule them out.

Jaiden Sciberras

The Roos have the right mix

Yes, they fell short in a home game away from home, but Alastair Clarkson is starting to nail the Kangaroos' on-field mix.

There's been plenty of talk over where - and how - North Melbourne young stars should line up. With the likes of Harry Sheezel collecting rather average ball in the defensive half and Colby McKercher floating between roles, discussions have circulated surrounding where exactly these young guns belong.

After what has been an underwhelming start to the season, it looks as though they've got it right.

Sheezel has been far more influential since his shift to the forward half, having another major performance despite being relatively inefficient with his use.

On the other end, Colby McKercher has been the most improved player in the AFL over the last six weeks according to Champion Data, however his excellent performances exiting D-50 might be exactly where the former Pick 2 belongs.

With Finn O'Sullivan swinging back, George Wardlaw trusted with significant midfield time and further influence from their senior players, the Roos look to have a strong mix to take into the future.

Jaiden Sciberras

Tassie needs a roof, Hawks win tight one

At least it was close?

Six goals in the first half and just five in the second made for rather dull viewing on Friday night, the Hawks coming away eventual 47-44 victors.

You can't imagine the AFL would be thrilled with the quality of the game and the lack of scoring, but perhaps the reason they put it on a Friday night, for the first time ever in Launceston, was to showcase just how important this ever-mentioned roof will be for a new stadium.

Be that as it may, Hawthorn managed to secure their eighth win in a row at the venue, the equal second longest in their time in Tas, in a crucial win that sees them level on 36 points with Adelaide.

One goal the other way and the Crows would have been cemented in the top four with an eight-point buffer over Sam Mitchell's men.

Connor Macdonald stood up when required with two goals, including one to break a run of seven-straight behinds combined to start the fourth term.

For Adelaide, it was also the half-forward that stood out, Ben Keays collated two goals alongside 18 possessions and eight tackles. He is putting together a very good season.

Both sides now head into a bye before the Hawks return to Tassie to face North Melbourne and the Crows travel to the MCG for a date with Richmond. Both very winnable games.

Ethan Clark

Dogs best is good, St Kilda’s worst is awful

After a week off their tucker, the Western Bulldogs were back feasting again on Thursday night, demolishing St Kilda by 72 points (132-60) at Marvel Stadium.

Last weekend it was impossible to score freely as the wet weather hit grounds around the country (aside from Bunbury), but the comfortable conditions under the Marvel lid suited the hungry Dogs.

Sam Darcy’s return was welcomed with open arms and the big unicorn didn’t take long to hit his straps. His night overall was incredible, finishing with 3.2 from 19 touches and nine marks (four contested). What a joy he is to watch.

After being suffocated by Hawthorn’s immense pressure in Round 13, the Doggies were back in a destructive mood. Luke Beveridge’s side banged on 20 goals - 10 in each half - to destroy the Saints who managed just eight majors and only three after the main break.

That’s seven scores of 100 or more by the Dogs in 13 games in 2025. A nice return. Look out Richmond in Round 15.

When then Dogs are good, they’re very, very good. Their best footy is crisp and would challenge most teams in the comp. It’s just about unlocking the consistency required to truly contend. Now let’s see it against a top 8 team.

When Ross Lyon’s Saints are at their best, they’re good enough to knock off the Geelongs of this world. But when they’re bad, they’re very, very bad. Awful. Even with Marcus Windhager taking care of Marcus Bontempelli they were unable to gain ascendancy anywhere else on the ground.

The Saints were older than then Dogs by average age and more experienced by average games played. The Dogs had more players with less than 50 games of experience (9-5) as well.

If the Saints can’t bridge the gap between their best and worst, then expect a few more drubbings to come in 2025.

Collingwood off a bye next up. Let’s see which St Kilda rocks up.

Andrew Slevison