Three sets of perfect grades and two fails were assessed from the weekend’s action, as top contenders made statements across the competition.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 22 edition of Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
It was hardly a performance to write home about on Saturday night. Irrespective of the wet weather, the Crows looked uninspiring for large parts of the contest and were forced to lean on their two biggest stars to scrape over the line against lowly Richmond. Granted, the Tigers were difficult to play against on Saturday, applying plenty of pressure and getting pace on the ball in transition, but the Crows just had to take the opportunity to boost their percentage. Their failure to do so could be the difference between top-six and the wildcard. Still, good teams have to win ugly sometimes — and Saturday night was a bit gross.
In the votes
Without Izak Rankine, the Crows don’t beat the Tigers. The livewire amassed 37 touches, 12 clearances and a goal for the game, capping the highest ranking points game of any player in Adelaide history. Meanwhile, Jordan Dawson once again had to be one of Adelaide’s biggest proponents, recording 34 disposals and a goal to lift his side.
Room for improvement
Richmond, which built its game from contest and clearance, finished with the territory edge and one more scoring shot for the match. And for the Crows, it was their inability on several occasions to create going forward. Again, the conditions played a big part in them going more straight-line, but as a fan, you would’ve wanted to see much more with September on the doorstep. Adelaide went into Saturday night ranking 13th for forward-50 conversion. Club icon Mark Ricciuto said that wasn’t good enough. “Against 17th-ranked Richmond, their ball use going forward is not good enough. They’ve hack-kicked … that’s not going to win you a game in the home-and-away season, let alone in the finals. They’d be really concerned about their ball use,” he said on Fox Footy. “They’ve been disappointing,” he added at full-time. “They’ll take the win, but they’ve been far from impressive.”
Grade
B-
Nicks: “We still got the job done” | 08:20
BRISBANE LIONS
Just when you thought Brisbane’s three-peat hopes were shaky, hey? The Lions reminded the rest of the competition of their premiership credentials on Friday night with a 67-point demolition of Hawthorn at the Gabba. Perhaps playing with a point to prove after a 76-point loss to Carlton, the Lions hit back hard on home soil, applying relentless defensive pressure and capitalising on the scoreboard. It means the Lions are well placed to finish inside the top four.
In the votes
Kai Lohmann had a night to remember, booting 5.2 from 24 disposals. Lions coach Chris Fagan described Lohmann’s performance as “one of the most special games I’ve ever seen a small forward play”. He was well supported by Logan Morris, who kicked 4.1. Captain Harris Andrews was immense down back with 14 disposals and 10 marks, while star midfielder Will Ashcroft was also superb with a game-high 39 disposals and 13 score involvements. Lachie Neale was busy, finishing with 35 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, nine tackles, eight inside 50s and six clearances.
Room for improvement
Nothing to see here. Even though Oscar Allen was goalless from five touches, he still competed well, neutralised Hawthorn’s interceptors and contributed to Lions scores. The wins over Geelong and Adelaide were brilliant, but you could make an argument this performance over Hawthorn – where the Lions were brilliant in all three phases of the game – was Brisbane’s best of the season.
Grade
A+
“You’re gonna get a straight bat!” | 11:51
CARLTON
That makes 10 wins from 12 games under interim coach Josh Fraser, and with each passing week, he’s becoming harder to refute as the frontrunner for Carlton’s coaching job. And that reality was no more obviously laid bare than post-match on Sunday night when Blues fans cheered Fraser and fanatically chanted his name as he made his way onto the Marvel Stadium field. He’s the man they want, and it’s only a matter of time, it would seem, before he officially enters the club’s hiring process. Against St Kilda, the Blues again played a holistic game, spreading dangerously from inside to out to create forward-half chances, counterpunching from the back half with purpose, and stoutly defending the ground. Despite losing the clearance count, the Blues still outscored St Kilda from stoppage.
In the votes
Sam Walsh was dynamic in the midfield on Sunday, and his improved kicking was on display, finishing with 26 disposals, eight score involvements and seven clearances. George Hewett and Patrick Cripps also had 26 possessions apiece. Marc Pittonet outperformed ex-teammate Tom De Koning in the ruck, booting two goals to go with 17 disposals and seven clearances to also win Browny’s Meat Tray. Up forward, Frankie Evans was likened to the Wizard Nick Watson on Sunday night, and as absurd as it might sound, the Blues livewire’s impact was befitting of the comparison, finishing with a team-high 10 score involvements from 22 disposals and a goal.
Room for improvement
The Blues lost the clearance count by seven, but it’s not as if they paid a price for it, still scoring more from stoppage than the Saints. It’ll be something they’ll look to improve, but Carlton has been stellar all year with capitalising on the scoreboard from stoppage. There’s not much to complain about for the Blues right now.
Grade
A
Magpies make finals after beating Eagles | 02:42
COLLINGWOOD
The Pies flew west without more than 1250 AFL games of experience – while bringing in players with just a combined 58 games. But the big changes did little to upset Craig McRae’s men as they survived a late West Coast momentum wave to get the win and seal themselves a spot in the top 10. The Pies were led by their little master in Nick Daicos as they hit some big highs in a promising display of what’s to come in September. The Pies nailed their highest-scoring first quarter in 18 months, and brought up triple figures on the scoreboard in the third term – hitting the 100-point mark for just the fifth time this season.
In the votes
Nick Daicos is all but sealing his Brownlow Medal win. The midfielder was inspirational with his 39 disposals – 17 contested, 12 score involvements, 10 clearances and a running goal. Dan McStay’s incredible form rolled on with three goals in Perth, while still making five tackles and having 15 score involvements. Forward Lachie Schultz laid an equal game-high seven tackles as he led an attack end that fired in Perth. Had Schultz kicked straighter than his 3.4, the match would have been out of West Coast’s reach. Darcy Cameron shook off a rib knock to finish with 24 touches, 30 hitouts and six clearances.
Room for improvement
Veteran Steele Sidebottom was quiet with his 12 touches and had a couple of run-ins with Eagle Harley Reid. Will Hayes’ lack of awareness proved costly when he was caught cold by Tom McCarthy in the goal square.
Grade
A
ESSENDON
The end of the season can’t come quick enough for the Bombers, who suffered a 67-point loss to Geelong in Geelong. They conceded the first 10 goals of the game before hitting the scoreboard just before half-time. The Bombers upped their pressure and intensity, leading to a run of six of the next seven goals across the second and third terms to keep Geelong accountable. But Essendon fell away late – and, ultimately, was lucky the end margin was significantly greater.
In the votes
Dyson Sharp thrived in inside midfielder-friendly conditions to produce his best AFL game yet. The first-round draftee finished with 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven tackles and seven intercepts. Zach Merrett (29 disposals, 8 clearances) was again valiant for his side, while Archie Perkins was serviceable with two goals. Ruck Vigo Visentini can hold his head high too, finishing with 17 disposals and four marks, while eight of his 33 hit-outs went to a teammate’s advantage.
Room for improvement
The first half left interim coach Dean Solomon so flat. Solomon post-game lamented his players’ attitude early in the contest, declaring: “I didn’t like the way our boys were carrying themselves, the demeanour; it needs to hurt when the opposition are scoring heavily against us, we can’t accept it.” Conditions were tough, but the Bombers consistently turned the ball over in vulnerable spots – especially in their defensive half – with poor kicking efficiency. Individually, Sam Durham was well below his best, while Andrew McGrath struggled to impact the game.
Grade
D-
FREMANTLE
A rare blip on an outstanding Dockers campaign so far, with Fremantle falling to a fast-finishing Melbourne in its final home and away chance to play at the MCG before a potential Grand Final. Freo led by more than two goals with just over half of the final quarter remaining, but three timely Demons goals propelled the hosts to a memorable four-point win. The Dockers are still all but mathematically locked in to this season’s minor premiership, but an MCG loss against a quality opponent leaves a question mark.
In the votes
Despite the loss, Freo’s forward trio was at its imposing best throughout the game. Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy and Patrick Voss combined for 11 goals, with Amiss kicking five and Voss booting four (all in the first half). Luke Jackson (17 disposals, 9 score involvements, 8 clearances) asked some big questions of opposing ruck Max Gawn during the game. Matthew Johnson stood up when other Dockers players in the middle-third were below their best.
Room for improvement
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said his side “didn’t show the composure needed” late in a close contest, pointing to the Dockers’ lack of close-game experiences in the past 12 weeks. The Dockers won the clearance count +9, but struggled big time in the overall contested possession count (-24). Longmuir also conceded Alex Pearce’s omission from the side “probably” cost them the game, but he maintained it was the right call. In Pearce’s absence, Luke Ryan didn’t record an intercept or contested possession for the game. Murphy Reid had a season-low 19 disposals as he copped strong defensive attention.
Grade
C-
GEELONG CATS
A cruisy, comprehensive Cats victory over Essendon on Saturday that kept their top-four hopes alive on a weekend where results went against them. The Cats crushed Essendon’s spirit in the first half, booting the first 10 goals of the game, with the Bombers only able to find the major for the first time just before half-time. The Bombers showed some fight in the second half before the Cats kicked away again late to record a 67-point victory. It was the Cats’ 10th straight victory over Essendon.
In the votes
Geelong’s pair of Ollies ran riot early to set the tone for the game. Ollie Dempsey and Ollie Henry were unstoppable, slamming through four goals each. Dempsey finished with 19 disposals and seven score involvements, while 10 of Henry’s 13 disposals led to Cats scores. Shaun Mannagh had a similarly efficient impact forward of centre, while Shannon Neale cashed in late to finish with three majors. Bailey Smith was everywhere, finishing with 38 disposals, 15 contested possessions, eight clearances, eight inside 50s, seven score involvements, six tackles and 751m gained. Tom Stewart took five intercept marks to go with 20 disposals.
Room for improvement
Not much here, outside of a third-quarter patch where the Bombers had control of the game and punished the Cats off turnover. While the margin was significant (67 points), it did feel like Geelong should’ve won by a touch more. But we’re being picky.
Grade
A
GOLD COAST SUNS
It was cold and wet in Canberra, but the Gold Coast Suns were led by a red-hot Matt Rowell to victory to end their 10-match losing streak. Despite finals now out of reach, the Suns still put their best foot forward to survive the Giants’ final quarter fightback. A five-goal third term was the difference in the end as the Suns put a gap in the game that GWS couldn’t run down. The Suns’ efficiency in attack was the key as they had 24 scoring shots from just 48 inside 50s. 53 clearances – up on their season average of 33.8 gave their forwards first opportunity time and time again, and eventually the territory battle went on the scoreboard. Despite the conditions, the Suns still managed eight marks inside 50.
In the votes
Lock in ‘three votes, M.Rowell’ on Brownlow night for this one. The Suns midfielder was clearly head and shoulders above as the best player on the ground to finish with an incredible 40 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 17 clearances, 16 tackles and more than 880m gained in a devastating display. Mac Andrew was the star of the first half as he racked up seven intercepts by early in the second term to repel the Giants’ attack repeatedly. Touk Miller nailed three goals with his 23 touches and nine tackles, Bailey Humphrey showed a return to form with 19 disposals and two goals while young Leo Lombard had one of his best games with 23 disposals and a goal. Ned Moyle added 60 hitouts to his tally, seven clearances and two tackles.
Room for improvement
Ben Long had just nine touches and failed to snag a goal, while caught up in a couple of controversial free kicks. Big name recruit Christian Petracca managed just 14 disposals playing the majority of his time forward and failed to hit the scoreboard.
Grade
A-
GWS GIANTS
The Giants just had to get the win over a Gold Coast outfit on a 10-match losing streak – but on a cold, wet Canberra day, they failed to pass the test. It would be easy to blame the two-point loss on a controversial goal awarded to Sun Bailey Humphrey or the first-half match-ending injuries to Jayden Laverde and Toby Bedford, but the reality is the Giants were wasteful in attack – and paid the price by full time. They finished +10 for inside 50s but had two fewer scoring opportunities to sit with a 41% efficiency. The inability to stop Suns star Matt Rowell, or turn around a clearance count that finished at -8, hurt Adam Kingsley’s side. Just 36 marks for the match — a whopping -50 on their season average — didn’t help the Giants’ game in the wet, but it’s worth noting the Suns still managed 60 of their own so the conditions weren’t solely to blame.
In the votes
Toby Greene toiled hard in the wet to finish equal-best for clearances for the Giants with eight, to go with his 18 touches – 17 of those contested, seven tackles and two goals. But it’s worth noting he went at just 22% efficiency, Lachie Whitfield finished with 26 disposals at 81% efficiency, with 655m gained. Joey Delana had a team-high seven score involvements and 14 contested possessions.
Room for improvement
Kieren Briggs had a tough outing against a red-hot Ned Moyle in the ruck and finished with just 12 touches – at just 33% efficiency too. Clayton Oliver was well beaten in his head to head with Matt Rowell – and finished with a disposal efficiency of just 39% in the wet. Jake Stringer had a quiet outing (eight touches) while Nick Madden had little impact in the Canberra conditions.
Grade
D
HAWTHORN
Ouch. That was the definition of a reality check. Coming up against a Lions side that was beaten by Carlton by 76 points last week, the third-placed Hawks blew a big chance to strengthen their premiership credentials, going down by 67 points. Brisbane’s pressure was too much for the visitors, who rarely threatened at the Gabba. It was a performance to forget for the third-placed Hawks, who came crashing back to earth after four successive wins.
In the votes
Jack Gunston tried hard for the losers, kicking three of his side’s eight goals. Jai Newcombe (25 disposals, 11 clearances) and Josh Ward (28 disposals, 8 clearances) were also serviceable for the Hawks.
Room for improvement
Where do you start? The Hawks were outclassed in all phases of the game: With the ball, without the ball and in contest. While they won the clearance count (+9), they had no answer for the Lions’ slick ball movement after quarter-time and were beaten at the contest from the second term onwards. Individually, Tom Barrass was held to just one intercept. And it was a bad night for Hawthorn’s forward line, with Nick Watson, Mabior Chol and Mitch Lewis managing 0.1 between them. Coach Sam Mitchell said post-game: “We’re a better side than tonight and we’ll have to prove that next week.”
Grade
F
Steven King backs Dees for finals run | 10:56
MELBOURNE
Steven King pre-game coined the term ‘Demon Time’ as a cheeky nod to the Dockers team he was about to face. It was a true sign of things to come as Melbourne produced a stunning four-point victory over ladder-leading Fremantle in a genuine game-of-the-year contender. While the Demons’ slicker ball movement and irrepressible offensive flair, have been well documented it was their toughness, resilience and ability to withstand pressure before finding a way to win that stood out against Fremantle. Now Melbourne has surged to the brink of the top four. Asked post-game if he thought his team could challenge for the 2026 premiership, King told Fox Footy: “I feel like we can beat anyone on our day … I just know they’ll take a lot of belief out of that and we should fear no one.”
In the votes
Yes, Kozzy Pickett (2 goals, 27 disposals, 13 score involvements) and Max Gawn (16 disposals, 8 clearances, 9 score involvements) were both prominent. But this was one of the great team-oriented wins of the season with contributions from many. Harry Sharp had some huge moments, finishing with three goals from 14 disposals and five inside 50s. Tom Sparrow kicked two goals from 24 touches as he continues to rise. Bailey Laurie bobbed up with a career-high three goals, Trent Rivers (24 disposals) provided good drive from the backline and Harvey Langford showed great offensive-defensive balance.
Room for improvement
Knock off the premiership contenders in that manner? Nothing to see here then. Steven King’s most significant win of his short yet impressive coaching stint.
Grade
A+
King’s classy tribute to Simon Goodwin | 01:44
NORTH MELBOURNE
The equation was simple for North on Thursday night – win and break a seven-year hoodoo to keep their finals hopes alive, or lose and it’s officially season over. And what we got was plenty of the “Shinboner” spirit. A 10-goal first half – for just the second time this season for the Roos – put the club in a commanding position. But they then had to survive a big Bulldogs rally to see out the 23-point victory. North’s +30 points from clearance was a record high for 2026, while their +9 clearances was their third best of this year. Alastair Clarkson’s side was also able to transition the ball effectively from the back half, finishing +16 points from defensive half. They were efficient in attack – aside from the 2.5 (17) third term, and managed 25 scoring shots from just 49 inside 50s.
In the votes
Welcome back, George Wardlaw! Despite being on managed minutes, the midfielder still finished ranked as the sixth best player on the ground – playing just 57% game time. His tackle to bring down Jordan Croft in the final term to deny the Dogs a shot on goal with the margin just 12 points was inspirational. Paul Curtis proved the firestarter in attack with three first-half goals and a mark of the year contender. His fourth goal on the stroke of three-quarter-time gave the Roos the breathing space they needed. Luke Davies-Uniacke was everywhere for his 31 touches – 17 contested, 10 clearances, 10 tackles and two goals.
Room for improvement
Tristan Xerri let his mental battle with Tim English get the better of him at times. And that frustration did spill over. His off-the-ball free kick – which the umpire who made the call didn’t appear to even see – let the Dogs back into the contest. Cooper Trembath had little impact with his six touches, no goals and only one hitout – despite spending 84% of time on the ground.
Grade
A
‘I’m not going to give them a spray’ | 05:54
PORT ADELAIDE
The Power’s day started with promise but finished with a whimper on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Swans by 97 points in a rare uncompetitive performance, and their worst under Josh Carr. Port challenged Sydney early in the game with its short-kicking ball movement, but then completely fell apart in a second quarter that saw the Swans pile on nine goals to put the result beyond doubt. The visitors didn’t put up much resistance for the rest of the game as the hosts put up an historic score against the Power by doing as they pleased at stoppage and in transition. Port’s day went from bad to worse when Jason Horne-Francis went down with a knee hyperextension.
In the votes
Before going down, Horne-Francis was Port Adelaide’s best, still finishing as its highest-rated player with two goals from 18 disposals, six clearances and five score involvements. Jase Burgoyne was everywhere with 34 disposals, seven clearances and six score involvements to be the other shining light on a dark day.
Room for improvement
The Power were massacred at stoppage after quarter-time, as the Swans time and time again streamed out of the middle to kickstart scoring plays. They conceded a staggering 15 goals from stoppage, and nine from centre bounce alone. They also failed to stop the Swans’ scintillating transition game, with the hosts kicking eight goals from their defensive half. Sydney also kicked 9.5 from its forward half.
Grade
F
Yze disappointed in ‘missed opportunity’ | 06:27
RICHMOND
Despite a win over West Coast the week previous, there wouldn’t have been many Richmond fans giving their side a chance against Adelaide on Saturday night. Yet, Adem Yze’s side almost made it back-to-back wins. And if we’re being fairdinkum, they should have won. The Tigers had the edge in territory and scoring shots, and if not for a few costly missed opportunities in front of goal and ill-discipline in the third and fourth quarters, we’re talking about a different result. Brave losses ultimately count for nothing, especially for Yze, who needs to stack wins, but after a high-pressure effort where his team got pace on the ball and looked threatening in transition, there were plenty of positives at Adelaide Oval. Contest and territory — was it a hint of Richmond DNA we saw on Saturday night?
In the votes
Jack Ross was Richmond’s major ball-winner and highest-rated player, totalling 29 disposals, six clearances and five score involvements. Tim Taranto had seven clearances in playing conditions he probably would have loved, while Seth Campbell made his touches count in a big way, kicking three goals and tallying six score involvements from just 12 possessions. Mykelti Lefau brought a lot of balls to ground in the forward half while kicking two majors, and skipper Toby Nankervis keeps on keeping on in the ruck.
Room for improvement
It was a case of ill-discipline and missed chances in the final term that ultimately proved costly for the young Tigers. First, it was a mouthy Dion Prestia who cost his team 50 metres for verbally abusing an umpire after a decision went against his team. A short time later, seasoned midfielder Jack Ross prompted an umpire reversal call after initially earning a free kick, costing his team more precious territory. Those were compounded by costly inaccuracy, with Richmond kicking 7.12, and Tom Lynch contributing three of those misses. “Yze would be losing his mind … They’ve given up a few 50s and chances tonight,” Mark Ricciuto said on the Fox Footy broadcast.
Grade
B+
Ross Lyon speaks on Nasiah injury blow | 11:20
ST KILDA
In what was as close to a must-win game as you’ll get, it couldn’t have been a bigger disaster for Ross Lyon’s men at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera going down with a serious hamstring injury in the opening minutes absolutely sucked the life out of the stadium and the contest. And while the Blues didn’t take true advantage until a bit later, that moment was when the game was lost for St Kilda. And in a season cruelled by injuries to key players, it means the Saints will be eliminated from the finals race if Carlton gets up over the Western Bulldogs this weekend.
In the votes
Max Hall added to his tally of impressive performances this season, collecting 30 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 clearances and two goals to be St Kilda’s highest-rated player on the night. Brad Hill bravely overcame an initially-feared-serious knee issue to finish on 31 possessions and eight score involvements. Mitch Owens kicked two goals and totalled eight score involvements from 15 disposals.
Room for improvement
St Kilda had 74 fewer disposals, 12 fewer inside-50s, 65 fewer uncontested possessions and 47 fewer marks than the Blues, who thoroughly controlled the game after quarter-time. And in a tale of the way the game was played, Carlton finished with 18 more tackles than the Saints despite their stronghold over the contest. The Saints couldn’t quell the Blues’ back-half transition, nor get their own ball movement going, finishing -36 points from defensive half. And while they won the clearance battle, Carlton still outscored them from stoppage.
Grade
D
Touching pre-game scenes for Spud’s game | 02:08
SYDNEY SWANS
It was a resounding flex from the Swans, as they put one foot in a home qualifying final. Winning and winning well is a strong sign of a contender, and Sydney put Port Adelaide to the sword, kicking a score of 26.11 — its biggest ever against the Alberton-based club. After quarter-time, the Swans did anything they wanted from stoppage and in transition. The Swans mercilessly piled on 15 goals from stoppage, and nine from centre bounce alone. They also kicked eight goals from their defensive half and 9.5 from their forward half. It was one of Dean Cox’s side’s most complete performances of the year.
In the votes
Chad Warner had a day out at the SCG, romping to three goals and 13 score involvements from 24 possessions and five clearances. He was the game’s highest-rated player, but Errol Gulden (game-high 39 disposals, 11 score involvements, five clearances and a goal) will challenge him for the three votes. Jake Lloyd continues to prove his value, kicking three goals from 19 disposals and 10 score involvements. Logan McDonald and Tom Papley also booted three goals apiece.
Room for improvement
Room for improvement
Nothing to report here for the Swans, who have Essendon and the Kangaroos to come to lock in a top-two spot that’s as good as theirs.
Grade
A+
“We feel like were close” | 09:36
WEST COAST EAGLES
The Eagles were brave but beaten by an inexperienced Collingwood outfit who left more than 1250 AFL games of experience back in Melbourne. A horror third term, where West Coast coughed up five goals, proved costly by full time. But a positive for Andrew McQualter and his side was the accurate 15.8 (98) they finished with – after last week’s horror inaccuracy woes that cost them victory against Richmond. They also brought up their highest half-time score in more than two years in more good signs. But 71 turnovers, which is +7 on their season average, were costly – with a couple leading directly to Collingwood goals. And when the margin is only 19 points, that becomes the difference. The first half had some dazzling chains from defensive 50 while some of the young guns continued to show improvement.
In the votes
Harley Reid was everywhere for the Eagles, despite battling a nasty cork suffered in the opening minutes of the match. He battled through the pain, remaining down in the rooms for the start of the third, before returning to finish with 30 touches, six clearances and a goal. Elliot Yeo wound back the clock with his 28 disposals, a game-high 11 clearances, six tackles and a goal. Tom McCarthy laid a goal-saving tackle in the goal square to lift the Eagles late while Rhett Bazzo had a match-best 12 intercepts – although he was behind one of the horror turnovers that directly led to a Pies goal.
Room for improvement
Turnovers. And they came from players of all experience. Brandon Starcevich started it off in the first term, and they carried on from there, eventually costing West Coast the upset win. Big man Bailey Williams went at less than 30% efficiency with his disposals, while the inability as a team to shut down Nick Daicos hurt by full-time.
Grade
B-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Dogs are now staring down the possibility of not winning another game this season as they sit precariously placed in the race for a wildcard final. The Dogs never led in their Thursday night loss to the Roos – ending the club’s incredible win streak that dates back to 2019. The Dogs were inefficient in attack – at just 33.9% inside 50, -18 in hitouts, and allowed a whopping 19 North Melbourne marks inside 50. They conceded +30 points from clearance in another worrying sign for the Dogs.
In the votes
The Dogs’ two big midfield weapons in Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards tried to lift their side – but even they were quiet in patches. Richards had a team-high 28 disposals and six clearances, plus 550m gained, five tackles and a goal. Bontempelli racked up 25 touches, four tackles and 1.2.
Room for improvement
In the first half, the Dogs were beaten at the ground ball as the Roos pounced on every opportunity. The Dogs couldn’t find a target inside 50, and then used both Rory Lobb and Buku Khamis as swingmen at either end of the ground. Defensively, coughing up 19 marks inside 50 is another worry for a backline that conceded triple figures for the seventh time this season.
Grade
D
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