Round 23 Report Card, highlights, every club reviewed and graded, best and worst players, stats, latest news

Six A-grades and two fails have been assessed from the penultimate weekend of the home-and-away season.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in Foxfooty.com.au’s Round 23 edition of Report Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

They were gallant, but still fell short against Freo – and it’s a loss that puts a huge dent in the Crows’ premiership aspirations. Adelaide on Friday night suffered a 24-point defeat at the hands of Fremantle. It means Adelaide – a team that’d been in the top-four mix in recent times – slipped to seventh by the end of the penultimate round. It’s fraught with danger to predict how Round 24 will unfold, but if all the favourites get up, the Crows would finish outside the top six, meaning they’d have to play a wildcard game and, therefore, win five games to claim the premiership.

In the votes

It felt like Izak Rankine and Jordan Dawson largely kept the Crows in the game. Rankine was at his ridiculous best, booting 1.3 from 39 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 13 score involvements, 10 clearances, nine marks and six tackles, while Dawson collected 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 10 clearances, eight tackles and seven inside 50s. Lachlan McAndrews had a great battle with Luke Jackson and Mason Cox, holding his own to finish with 14 disposals, eight score involvements and five clearances, while 10 of his 36 hit-outs went to a teammate’s advantage. Zac Taylor also stood up in some crucial moments.

Room for improvement

Coach Matthew Nicks said his side showed it can match it with the AFL’s best, but rued a handful of costly errors that denied the Crows a statement win. A Riley Thilthorpe goal levelled the scores three minutes into the fourth quarter before the Dockers pulled away, with Nicks lamenting Adelaide’s inability to execute in crucial moments. Adelaide was particularly punished at centre clearance in the final term, losing the count 7-1 as Fremantle’s on-ball brigade took control. Nicks also said the Crows’ desperation to win after falling two goals behind contributed to them moving away from their normal approach. Individually, too much was left to too few. Toby Murray had just two touches from 51 per cent game time, while Sam Berry, James Peatling and Max Michalanney were down on their usual outputs.

Grade

C+

BRISBANE LIONS

The Lions tightened their grip on a crucial top-four spot with a win over the Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba. While it was a largely scrappy contest on Saturday, Brisbane did what was required in the QClash to secure a 42-point victory. It was the Lions’ ninth win from their past 10 games. Another victory in the final round of the regular season on Friday night against Collingwood will secure the back-to-back premiers a top-four berth heading into the finals series.

In the votes

Pretty cool to win a medal named in your father’s honour! Brisbane midfielder Will Ashcroft kicked one goal from 31 disposals to earn his second Marcus Ashcroft Medal for the best player on the ground. Ashcroft was well supported by Josh Dunkley, who had 24 touches and eight tackles, while Logan Morris booted four goals. Dayne Zorko sliced through the Suns with 25 disposals and 578m gained, while Darcy Wilmot was back to his best in defence, finishing with 23 disposals and eight intercepts while going at 94 per cent kicking efficiency.

Room for improvement

Not much here. The Lions did narrowly lose the inside 50, contested ball and clearance counts, but smashed the Suns on transition. Sam Draper looked like he was managed through the game, hence his low disposal numbers, while Harris Andrews was restricted to five intercepts.

Grade

A

CARLTON

And breathe, Blues fans. After years of late-season calamities, many would have been fearing the worst when the Bulldogs moved seven points clear deep into the final quarter. But Josh Fraser’s team rallied, with Wade Derksen and Frankie Evans combining on the goal line for the match-tying major, before deciding in the dying minutes to play for the draw rather than risk a loss in order to win. The two points guarantee the Blues September action – an extraordinary turnaround given the 1-8 start to the season that cost Michael Voss his job. But with minor premiers Fremantle to come, did the Blues miss the chance to avoid a trip to Adelaide in wildcard round … and set up the ultimate blockbuster against Collingwood?

In the votes

With the game on the line in the last quarter, Sam Walsh stepped up, with his nine disposals at 100 per cent efficiency. He finished with 33 in another superb performance, while captain Patrick Cripps was immense at stoppages, gathering 12 clearances to go with 34 disposals. Until injuring his ankle taking a Mark of the Year contender in the third quarter, Will Hayward (three goals, seven marks) was arguably best afield.

Room for improvement

That the Blues dominated the disposal count by 112 and took 70 more marks, yet mustered 10 fewer inside 50s, is a concern for Fraser to rectify on the eve of finals. Especially in the second half, they repeatedly fell into the trap of bombing long down the line, which played right into the Bulldogs’ hands. As a collective, the Blues were more fumbly and less sure with ball in hand than they have been throughout Fraser’s tenure – hopefully it’s a one-off and not a sign of what is to come in the intensity of finals.

Grade

B+

COLLINGWOOD

You only had to look as far as Craig McRae in the aftermath to realise how much Saturday night’s draw meant to this Collingwood side. Down key soldiers in the defensive half and around the ground, the Magpies pushed a contending Hawthorn side to the very edge in more evidence that on the biggest stage, these Pies can mix it with the best. And it’s not hard to see why they continue to see results, with their DNA — pressure and territory — conducive to winning finals footy. They tallied 92 tackles — 37 more than Hawthorn — and finished +13 for inside-50s. Collingwood threatens with its ball movement but also its dangerous forward-half pressure game, and both were on display in contributing to the draw with the Hawks. The Pies are all but locked into an eight-versus-nine wildcard MCG blockbuster.

In the votes

Beau McCreery hasn’t had the best season amid speculation about his future, but when he’s on, he’s capable of being an irrepressible force. He finished Saturday night as the highest-rated player on the ground with 28 disposals, 10 score involvements, a goal and three clearances. Ed Allan’s breakout season added another notch, tallying 28 possessions, seven score involvements and four intercepts. And the Pies have also found a gem in Sam Swadling, who was industrious with 29 touches and seven intercepts — including the game-saving spoil back into the field of play to ensure his Pies took home two premiership points. Charlie West is showing signs in Craig McRae’s forward line, kicking two goals with six score involvements to keep his spot locked.

Room for improvement

As impressive as Collingwood’s overall effort was on Saturday night, McRae will be disappointed that his side conceded 10 second-half goals and surrendered its 22-point half-time lead. The Magpies have plenty going for them in terms of their front-half pressure and transition ball movement, but as long as key players remain absent in the back half, their defence will continue to be a watch going into the finals. They allowed Hawthorn to score 8.10 from turnover and a chain-to-score rate of 25.7 per cent.

Grade

A

ESSENDON

A bloodbath seemed to be in store for the Bombers when Sydney piled on nine first-quarter goals. But to their credit, the wooden spoon favourites fought the game out spiritedly, even getting to within two goals midway through the third term before the class of the Swans told for a 36-point win. Firmly at ground zero of the rebuild ahead of the appointment of a new coach, encouraging signs from several youngsters, most obviously Dyson Sharp and ruckman Vigo Visentini, would have gladdened the hearts of Dons fans. Only one week to go – then it’s all eyes to the draft, and (surely) the No.1 pick.

In the votes

The Bombers have got a good one with Dyson Sharp. The first-year midfielder’s 22 disposals and seven tackles continued his excellent end to his debut season. Playing just his fourth AFL game and up against Brodie Grundy, Vigo Visentini’s mobility around the ground was eye-catching, finishing with 19 disposals, nine marks and his first AFL goal. At the other end of his career, Will Setterfield’s 32-disposal, eight-clearance effort might just be enough to earn him a one-year deal for 2027.

Room for improvement

A horror late moment where Jacob Farrow and Nate Caddy contrived to mess up a near walk-in goal in the square could hardly have summed up a challenging season any better. Execution was the Bombers’ worst enemy against the Swans, though a six-goal loss ensured, for the second straight week, they avoided a rout against an opponent several tiers above them. Out of contract at season’s end, and in front of potential 2027 coach and current Swans assistant Mark McVeigh, Archie Perkins’ nine-disposal outing wasn’t the performance he’d have wanted to show he belongs in the team long-term.

Grade

C

FREMANTLE

It’s official: The Dockers are minor premiers. And while the premiership cup is all they care about, the minor premiership gives the footy world a chance to reflect on what the Dockers have achieved so far in 2026. Fremantle’s 24-point win over Adelaide at Optus Stadium cemented top spot on the AFL ladder for just the second time in club history. It also completed a clean sweep of home games for Fremantle, claiming all 12 matches at Optus Stadium this season. The Dockers will finish the home and away season with at least 19 victories – already a club record, regardless of whether finals are included. They’re primed.

In the votes

Jye Amiss’ late-season charge up the Coleman Medal leaderboard continued. The sharpshooter booted five goals against Adelaide – his fourth haul of four goals or more in the past five weeks – to take his tally to 53 majors for this season. Caleb Serong had some huge moments, booting two goals from 29 disposals, 12 clearances and nine score involvements, while Shai Bolton was electric forward of centre, booting one goal from 27 disposals, a whopping 15 inside 50s and 929m gained. Andrew Brayshaw was brilliant on the ball, Jordan Clark provided great defensive drive, and Josh Treacy pulled in six contested marks to go with a goal.

Room for improvement

If we’re being picky, the Dockers could’ve beaten Adelaide by a lot more than four goals. They dominated territory, clearance – especially late – and took away Adelaide’s uncontested marking game to have an extra nine scoring shots. But their inability to bury the Crows kept the visitors in the game. Individually, you sense one of Brennan Cox or Oscar McDonald might have to make way, as the Dockers were too tall down back at stages.

Grade

A

GEELONG CATS

It was far from straightforward, and the first quarter in particular would have had fans sweating, but Geelong found a way to win a game it had to have to ensure its top-four bid remained intact. Chris Scott’s side went down by as many as 39 points early in the second term, before storming back in scary fashion in the second quarter. But they had to ward the Roos off in the closing stages in a contest dubbed “tennis match”-like. And the Cats leant on arguably their biggest strength this season: their front-half game. There are few teams more devastating in front-half transition counterpunch, and the Catters romped to 14.8 off turnovers alone. Twelve of their 19 goals came from the forward half, as they pounced on North’s vulnerable defence. “Their front-half game is what holds them in good stead; they’ve been doing this all year,” Adam Simpson said on Fox Footy. “They get the forward-half turnover, a deep entry, and they start to expose the (North Melbourne) lesser likes in the front half.”

In the votes

Ollie Dempsey continues to press his claim for another All-Australian gong, kicking a goal from 24 disposals, 10 score involvements and six intercepts to be Geelong’s highest-rated player. Mark Blicavs, meanwhile, continues to provide answers for Chris Scott, industriously collecting 18 possessions, five clearances and six score involvements. Up forward, Jay Polkinghorne continues to do the business in the absence of Jeremy Cameron, kicking three important goals on Saturday from just seven disposals. Asked during the broadcast whether the six-gamer should keep his spot if Cameron returned in the finals, Simpson said: “Absolutely; they have to find a way.”

Room for improvement

Getting jumped in the first quarter of a must-win game certainly wasn’t on Scott’s calling card, with North Melbourne rocketing to a seven-goal opening term. And it was at the coalface where the Cats were getting exposed, with the Roos piling on 9.5 from stoppage for the game and winning the contested possession count. The Cats scored only 4.3 from the stoppage source.

Grade

B+

GOLD COAST SUNS

An 11th loss from 12 games for the Suns, whose 2026 collapse continues to amaze. The Suns did their best to stifle Brisbane, with the Lions only leading by 12 points at half-time. But the hosts’ class would eventually tell at the Gabba, running away to record their 15th win of the season.

In the votes

A week after his bonkers game in Canberra, Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell produced another stellar game. Rowell finished with 28 disposals, 19 contested possessions, eight clearances and six score involvements. Fellow on-baller Noah Anderson also collected 24 touches and eight inside 50s. Ned Moyle was the dominant ruck on the ground.

Room for improvement

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick conceded post-game he was yet to work out how to get the best from his prized recruit Christian Petracca. Playing in the forward line, Petracca had no influence against the Lions, accumulating just 12 disposals after tallies of 14 and 16 in his previous two games. He also hasn’t kicked a goal in his past four matches. Hardwick said Petracca has “had a bit of a downturn in form”, but admitted he as coach had “to find how I can best use him” and “get better at utilising him to his absolute strength”. The Suns were also their own worst enemies at times, with Hardwick left to lament the Suns’ lack of “polish” after an 11th loss from their past 12 games.

Grade

C-

GWS GIANTS

What might have been for the Giants, who’d be just two points out of the eight going into the final home-and-away round if not for that shock loss to Essendon (to go with a stack of other defeats in winnable games). There was no second upset against West Coast in 2026, though, with the Giants blowing the game apart with a six-goals-to-none second quarter and cruising to a 54-point win. But in front of a paltry crowd and heading into a first September without finals under Adam Kingsley, no one in orange would be feeling overly thrilled about it.

In the votes

Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield racked up a combined 69 disposals across half-back, while four and three goals apiece from Callum Brown and Aaron Cadman would have delighted Adam Kingsley. Was that Toby Greene’s final home game as a Giant? As trade rumours swirl, the captain proved how hard he’d be to replace if he did depart with seven inside 50s and two goals.

Room for improvement

With interest mounting from Richmond, Kieren Briggs looks to have ceded first-ruck responsibilities to Nick Madden, managing just 15 hitouts from 54 per cent game time. Jake Stringer’s inaccuracy spurned a chance to post his highest goals number in a season since 2015, with 1.3 leaving him stuck on 42 – equal with 2016 and 2024 – with a round to go. With 43 behinds to his name, he’s blown what could have been a serious play at the most unlikely of Coleman Medals.

Grade

A

HAWTHORN

The Hawks have to worry about percentage again, after Dylan Moore’s post-siren set shot was stopped short of a score on Saturday night. But given where they were at half-time, the Hawks would take a draw. But it’ll be a nervous Round 24 for their top-four hopes. Hawthorn trailed by 22 points at the main change before a 10-goal second half — built from turnover punishment — that looked more like the team we’ve come to admire this year. Still, there are worries over whether this side can stand up in the face of finals pressure against the best sides.

In the votes

Josh Ward continued his impressive season, finishing as Hawthorn’s highest-rated player with 20 disposals, two goals, nine score involvements and six clearances. Co-captain Jai Newcombe set the tone in the middle with 24 disposals, nine score involvements and four clearances, while Dylan Moore – putting aside his final shot – was in plenty, finishing with a game-high 13 score involvements and a goal from 19 disposals.

Room for improvement

The Hawks were beaten convincingly for territory, losing the inside-50 count by 13 on a night where the Magpies won the contested possession battle and clearances to create more forward opportunities. The Pies kicked 7.4 from the stoppage source. Collingwood tallied 92 tackles — 37 more than Hawthorn — in a stark tale of the pressure discrepancy. The forward line will remain a talking point, with another quiet night from Mabior Chol outside of a few good moments.

Grade

B

MELBOURNE

It’s unlikely that the Demons can force their way into the top four by percentage – but a 76-point win over Port Adelaide has given them the faintest of sniffs. The thumping win, set up by a seven-goals-to-one opening quarter, leaves them six per cent behind the fourth-placed Hawthorn. It’s all but impossible – more likely the Dees will need Brisbane to lose to Collingwood to crown Steven King’s stellar first season at the helm with the double chance. But wherever they end up, the Demons are playing slashing football, and any team to come up against them – especially at the MCG – will face a formidable challenge.

In the votes

One of King’s biggest success stories since taking over as coach, Kade Chandler’s 100th career game was his best yet. The nippy goalsneak kicked a career-best four majors, two of them spectacular ones from the boundary, and should earn some rare Brownlow votes for his trouble. With nine clearances and several telling intercept marks, Max Gawn was influential despite a staunch challenge from opposition ruckman Jordon Sweet, while Bailey Laurie (20 disposals and two goals) continued right on from his career-best game against Fremantle.

Room for improvement

Jacob van Rooyen, what have you done? On the eve of finals, the Dees could ill afford their spearhead, in the midst of a career-best season, to cop a three-match suspension for an accidental but heavy late hit that concussed Aliir Aliir. Replacing him for two finals, unless the Dees can get his ban downgraded at the Tribunal, promises to be an almighty headache for King, and sours an otherwise emphatic win. On the brink of retirement, is the answer to push veteran swingman Tom McDonald forward for one last hurrah?

Grade

A+

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Kangaroos’ faint finals hopes were officially dashed on Saturday afternoon, but certainly not for the first time this season, their performance gave rise to hopes of another bounce next season. Alastair Clarkson will be bitterly disappointed his side surrendered its 39-point second-quarter lead, but the way in which his charges played in the early going, and then again when challenged in the third term, should have left supporters walking away proud from Docklands. Stoppage continues to be this mob’s one-wood, particularly when Boy George is running around out there, while the Roos’ forward-half game was damaging on Saturday. Ultimately, the Kangas haven’t beaten enough good sides to sneak into the wildcard, but don’t let anyone tell you this club hasn’t improved considerably.

In the votes

Nick Larkey desperately needed to have a bounce-back game before the season was out, just to restore some confidence, and he got it on Saturday, booting five goals from 10 disposals with nine score involvements. Jy Simpkin had one of his better performances for the season, playing more up around the footy to amass 26 disposals, eight clearances and nine score involvements to be among his side’s top three highest-rated players. Ruckman Tristan Xerri tallied 11 clearances with 17 possessions.

Room for improvement

The defensive half remains where North Melbourne has to not only make additions in the offseason, but improve from an execution perspective. The Roos conceded 19.11 (125) for the match from 65 inside-50s, with an enormous 14.8 (92) of Geelong’s score coming from turnover alone. The Cats’ rampaging nine-goal took the wind out of the Roos’ sails, even despite their ability to hit back in the third term, with Geelong then looking the more professional outfit in the game’s waning moments.

Grade

B+

PORT ADELAIDE

Having fought admirably against mounting odds all season long, the Power appear to have been run dry. Their last two losses have been by a combined 173 points – to put that into perspective, the 14 previous had been by a combined 269. They barely gave a yelp against Melbourne, conceding seven goals to quarter time en route to a 76-point thrashing. The ‘ethical tank’ is nearly done – now a date with Essendon to finish Josh Carr’s first season is the last thing standing between Port and a formal introduction to father-son gun Dougie Cochrane at this year’s draft.

In the votes

On a tough night for the Power, Jordon Sweet stood tall – literally and metaphorically. The ruckman fought tooth and nail with the great Max Gawn, and with 25 hitouts to 22 to go with 18 disposals, seven marks and two goals, might have actually shaded the honours. Mitch Georgiades’ radar was on target after a wayward season with four goals straight, even if the bulk of his scoring came with the match well and truly over. With a game-high nine clearances to help the Power smash the Dees 44-30 in that stat, Joe Richards suggested his late-season move into the midfield might become permanent in 2027, if (or when) Zak Butters departs. Dante Visentini also deserves props after holding his own when moved into defence following Aliir’s concussion.

Room for improvement

The Power were simply no match for the Dees’ aggressive ball movement and sheer weight of scoring options, conceding 132 points – behind only the 97-point loss to Sydney last week for most under Josh Carr. Having given up a triple-figure score just once in the first 18 rounds, they’ve now done it four times in their last five. With a threadbare line-up caused by an ever-mounting injury list, it’s really a credit to Carr and his team that the Power have remained competitive in season 2026 for as long as they have.

Grade

F

RICHMOND

After a positive previous fortnight, the Tigers embarrassed themselves in their final home game — and on a day they also farewelled two premiership heroes from their dynasty era. Richmond fans went into Saturday afternoon’s clash thinking St Kilda was gettable without Nas Wanganeen-Milera and with its finals hopes in tatters, but the Tigers were never in the contest. There was nothing inspiring about what they did with ball in hand, and defensively, they were repeatedly beaten. Without sounding too morbid, the club’s fans will be glad to see the back of this season … but a trip down the highway is set to provide one more tough watch for the faithful Tiger Army.

In the votes

Jack Ross has been one of the Tigers’ shining lights this season, and he had another good outing against the Saints, finishing as Adem Yze’s highest-rated player with 16 disposals, three clearances, six intercepts and a goal. Tim Taranto also did all he could to try and counterbalance the contest situation, recording 21 possessions, six clearances, five score involvements and a goal.

Room for improvement

Richmond was absolutely smashed at the contest, losing the contested possession count 155-111, which led to a 47-60 inside-50 discrepancy. To put into context how egregiously bad that its contest loss was, the best contest team in the competition, Adelaide, averages 139.3 contested possessions per game. St Kilda scored 7.3 to Richmond’s 2.4 from the stoppage source. The Tigers were also a collective doormat in defensive transition, barely putting up a resistance to the Saints’ back-half ball movement, with Ross Lyon’s side piling on 9.3 from the defensive half.

Grade

F

ST KILDA

The Saints continued their theme for the season; look good beating bad teams. And for the second time this year, they easily cast Richmond aside, smashing the hosts at the contest and with their defensive-half ball movement. They ticked a box they had to tick, as at the time, they were still mathematically alive in the finals hunt. But their faint hopes of a wildcard miracle were dashed by Carlton on Sunday, meaning a dead-rubber Thursday night clash with Gold Coast is all that remains in their season.

In the votes

Max Hall is a serious player. He amassed 40 disposals, 12 score involvements, three clearances and a goal to finish as the best player on the ground. Hugo Garcia was right there with him with 30 disposals, eight score involvements and seven clearances. Mitch Owens saved his best performance of the season for late in the campaign, repeatedly winning one-on-one en route to five goals from 14 disposals with 10 score involvements. Jack Macrae was one of St Kilda’s biggest contest proponents, recording 32 disposals, 12 clearances and five score involvements. And Dan Butler, playing against some of his old Richmond premiership companions, kicked two goals from 21 touches.

Room for improvement

St Kilda thrashed Richmond in every major statistical category. They couldn’t have done much more in what was a comprehensive performance.

Grade

A

SYDNEY SWANS

It was already all but secure, but the Swans rubber-stamped second spot on the ladder with their comfortable victory over Essendon. Self-preservation largely kicked in after a nine-goal opening quarter put the result all but beyond doubt, with the Bombers’ challenge across the second and third quarters swiftly put to bed. The stars got a valuable run at MCG, which might prove handy should a grand final berth beckon, while the likes of Will Green, Billy Cootee and Jesse Dattoli got the chance to audition for a spot in the team come finals. All that’s left to do now is wait to see who they’ll be faced with in a qualifying final in three weeks’ time.

In the votes

In the votes

Barry Mitchell’s – father of 2018 Brownlow Medallist Tom – 36-year-old Sydney disposals record has been broken. Errol Gulden’s 47 disposals were one clear of the Swans great, continuing his wonderful return from a shoulder injury that wiped out the first half of his season. He’ll battle with Isaac Heeney for the three Brownlow votes, who dominated all over the ground with 29 disposals, seven clearances and three goals. Charlie Curnow all but wrapped up the Coleman Medal with three first-quarter goals and four for the match, while Chad Warner’s first-quarter hat-trick saw him lead the charge as the Swans ran riot.

Room for improvement

With only two kicks and no score, Tom Papley had his quietest match for some time, and will be keen to return to form against North Melbourne next week. While far too classy for the Bombers, being run close for contested possessions (141-134) and inside 50s (54-50) by the presumptive wooden spooners will be concerning for Dean Cox. Better sides will exact a greater toll with control like the Dons had for chunks of the second and third quarters in particular.

Grade

A-

WEST COAST EAGLES

A tenth consecutive loss for the Eagles, this one to the Giants by 54 points, as a once-promising season continues to fizzle out. After a five-goal opening quarter, Andrew McQualter’s team managed just two for the rest of the match, with dreadful inaccuracy leading to an ugly 7.15 scoreline. Aside from another excellent Harley Reid outing, a Mark of the Year contender from Jobe Shanahan and some more encouraging signs from Cooper Duff-Tytler, this was a tough watch.

In the votes

The Eagles shaded the Giants for clearances and matched them in inside 50s, so the effort was there. But after a terrific first quarter that saw them trouble the Giants with speed and dare, their ball use let them down again. With 25 disposals, eight clearances and 15 contested possessions, Harley Reid continues to do everything he can for his team, while Tim Kelly (28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight clearances) was at his dynamic best around the ball.

Room for improvement

He’d already fallen well behind Jagga Smith and Harry Dean in the Rising Star race, and another quiet afternoon for Willem Duursma has officially confirmed that this year’s winner will be wearing navy blue. The No.1 draft pick struggled playing deep in attack, finishing with only six disposals. Another wayward day in front of the big sticks saw Jake Waterman finish with 2.3, taking his behinds tally to 55 for the year. Yikes.

Grade

D

WESTERN BULLDOGS

With Marcus Bontempelli watching on, the Bulldogs fought admirably against a more highly fancied Carlton to defy their growing list of doubters. We’ll know in a week’s time whether a thrilling draw, which they had much the better of for large portions of the game, was completely meaningless or crucial to ensuring an MCG wildcard final. But while they were far from perfect, Dogs fans could leave Marvel Stadium confident that whoever they play in a fortnight’s time, their team has enough grit to swing a surprise.