A typically eventful weekend of football provided three major upsets to further shape finals seedings, with just four mouth-watering weeks remaining.
Three clubs copped fails — including the fading flag favourites and a finals aspirant— while three earned top marks.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 20 Report Card!
Watch every game of every round this Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.
‘The furthest we have been from our best | 08:41
ADELAIDE CROWS
The good vibes at West Lakes after last Friday’s win over Essendon have meekly dissipated after Adelaide fell by 66 points to Hawthorn on Sunday night. The Crows more than doubled the Hawks’ first-quarter scoring shots before an inexcusable drop-off in the second half. Hawthorn slammed home 14 of the game’s last 17 goals after the first change, with a pair of very late goals saved the Crows from the complete embarrassment of slumping to their first-ever goalless second half in club history.
In the votes
Taylor Walker was Adelaide’s likeliest scoring option all afternoon, registering three goals from his six scoring shots to go along with six marks. Jake Soligo (30 disposals), Rory Laird and Lachie Sholl (29 each) were the Crows’ major ball-winners on Sunday.
Room for improvement
The Crows recorded 17 fewer inside-50s and 11 fewer scoring shots than the Hawks despite winning the clearance count by five at Adelaide Oval. Adelaide was also outpossessed by 56 and was -57 for uncontested possessions.
Grade
F
Fagan lauds undermanned Lions | 07:05
BRISBANE
The Lions have been described as the “nightmare” match up in the run home as Brisbane secured a stunning eighth-straight win. Amid predictions the Lions could emulate the remarkable 16-game winning streak of the Cats’ 2022 premiership glory, the side certainly looks to be a top contender in 2024. Brisbane were challenged but never seriously – despite taking only nine marks inside 50 when their season average is more than 13 a game. Nine players hit the scoreboard in a sign of the Lions’ forward depth – and it’s a worry for the rest of the competition.
In the votes
Eric Hipwood was given the tough job of replacing skipper Harris Andrews down back – and he performed admirably to even hit the scoreboard. Dayne Zorko was named Ashcroft Medallist for best on field thanks to his 32 touches and nine score involvements. Lachie Neale was everywhere to collect 35 touches, 10 clearances and a goal. Jarrod Berry racked up a whopping 737m gained for his side with his 24 disposals.
Room for improvement
The radar wasn’t on for young Logan Morris who finished with three behinds on the day. The Lions were also down on their average tackles inside 50 as they laid just four – well down from their average of 11 per game.
Grade
A
Ump blunder gives Port huge late scare! | 00:37
CARLTON
After a dominant second quarter against Port Adelaide, Carlton fell into a heap in the second half and never recovered in a costly home loss for Michael Voss’ men. Already missing Tom De Koning and Blake Acres due to injury, Harry McKay was a late out due to illness to leave the Blues undermanned, while Charlie Curnow was largely a one-man show up forward. Carlton has now dropped three of its four games to slide down from second place on the ladder ahead of a huge showdown with arch-rival Collingwood next week.
In the votes
Curnow was enormous in the first half including booting three goals for his highest-rated first half of the season, though Port Adelaide’s intercepting defenders got on top of the two-time Coleman medallist in the second half. Sam Walsh (23 disposals, 11 tackles) was also particularly influential in the first half before fading.
Room for improvement
The Blues were uncharacteristically beaten around the ball including losing clearances -10. Typically a key hallmark of Carlton’s game that sets everything into motion, Voss’ side just doesn’t have the same potency when the midfield isn’t up and firing or putting on immense pressure.
Grade
C
Collingwood still in finals hunt! | 00:50
COLLINGWOOD
The Pies kept their finals hopes alive with a 26-point win over Richmond at the MCG as Nick Daicos starred with an equal career-best 42 disposals. Collingwood wasn’t exactly back to its best – at least what we’ve seen in the past – but it was certainly a step in the right direction as the reigning premiers snapped a four-game losing streak. The Pies’ healthy lead allowed them to put Scott Pendlebury in cotton wool early, subbing the champ out at three-quarter time to ensure he’s well rested for next week’s 400th match against Carlton.
In the votes
Nick Daicos was everywhere including racking up 18 of his 42 disposals in the first quarter alone, also finishing with 12 clearances and 12 score involvements. He was well supported by brother Josh (32 touches), while Dan McStay booted a game-high three goals and Darcy Cameron (18 disposals, five marks, one goal, 33 hit-outs) had great presence.
Room for improvement
Collingwood was in control all day but couldn’t equate it to a big total on the scoreboard that could’ve really instilled greater confidence for the run home. It included the Pies conceding three of the last four goals of the match, while marginally losing the inside 50 count 52-51.
Grade
B
Dons fan throws scarf on to field! | 00:30
ESSENDON
Essendon’s once-solid finals hopes are suddenly in grave danger following another disenchanting loss at the weekend — and, unlike against the Crows in Round 19, the Bombers’ performance against St Kilda on Saturday was nowhere near up to scratch. The situation hasn’t reached do-or-die stakes just yet, but it was a win Essendon had to have, and they failed massively. With upcoming matchups against Fremantle, Sydney and Brisbane among their final four fixtures, it’s time for action from the Dons.
In the votes
Xavier Duursma led all Bombers ball-winners with 25 disposals on an afternoon where not many in red and black could hold their heads high. Dylan Shiel, somehow, was Essendon’s leading goalscorer with a pair of majors.
Room for improvement
Defending — and stemming opposition ball movement specifically — have been problematic for Brad Scott’s side this season, and it was an issue again against the Saints, with Essendon conceding 105-plus points in back-to-back weeks. The Saints were +57 in uncontested possession — an area the Bombers have typically dominated. The Dons won the inside-50 and clearance counts but allowed St Kilda to convert 17 of its 23 scoring shots.
Grade
F
Darcy downed after nasty head high bump | 00:38
FREMANTLE
The Dockers are daring to dream in 2024 as their top two contenders fall down around them. Now sitting just percentage off second spot thanks to their Western Derby win, coach Justin Longmuir has praised the maturity of his young side after they withstood a physical West Coast challenge. Down at half time, the Dockers pulled out a five-goal to nil third quarter blitz to set up their win. They finished +20 in contested ball, went at a high 60% efficiency in attack and took a whopping 17 marks inside 50.
In the votes
Glendinning-Allan Medallist for best on ground Caleb Serong has equalled the AFL record for 70 consecutive matches of 20+ disposals. He finished with 32 touches, 10 clearances and a goal. And his partner in crime Andy Brayshaw was just as dominant with 36 disposals, a goal and seven tackles. Josh Treacy and Michael Frederick nailed three goals apiece, while Hayden Young laid a whopping 12 tackles – five more than the next best.
Room for improvement
Fremantle were ambushed in the opening term by the Eagles. First quarters have been an issue this season under Justin Longmuir and will be something the side looks to address heading into their finals campaign. It’s the ninth time they’ve headed into the first change down on the scoreboard in 19 games.
Grade
B
GEELONG
They had to outmuscle a determined North Melbourne outfit, but the Cats have continued their top-four surge after downing the Roos in Tasmania. It didn’t come without a slight scare, and it came at a cost, with a concussed Gary Rohan to miss next weekend’s home clash with the Adelaide Crows.
In the votes
Tom Stewart (match-high 32 disposals, game-high 13 intercept possessions, nine marks, 18 contested possessions) was Geelong’s best afield, Tyson Stengle was at his scintillating best in Hobart, dobbing three goals — including a spectacular snap on the wrong side for a right-footer — as part of a stellar effort. Ollie Dempsey also showed flashes of brilliance and was opportunistic, snatching a goal from the grasp of North’s Aidan Corr in the opening term.
Room for improvement
Chris Scott’s men looked vulnerable when the Kangaroos got going via handball but were ultimately able to win momentum and establish an insurmountable advantage. The Cats lost the clearance count by two on Saturday, while they also fell in contested possession (-11) and uncontested possession (-45) — instead hurting the Roos on the rebound.
Grade
B+
Hardwick laments untidy Suns | 07:18
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns’ season is on life support after falling to their first home loss of the season. Given Gold Coast’s away from home issues, their finals drought appears set to roll on after the loss to Brisbane. The Suns couldn’t cash in on their +22 hit-out advantage to lose the clearance count by -12 in worrying signs for a midfield talked up as the up and comers of the AFL. And they managed only nine from centre bounce – albeit against a form side of the competition. The Suns were beaten to the ball and finished -23 in contested possession.
In the votes
Sam Flanders enjoyed one of his best games with a team-high 33 disposals plus seven clearances and a goal. Matt Rowell put his body on the line time and time again as he and Flanders combined for more than half of the Suns’ clearances. The midfielder also hit the scoreboard with a big goal in the final term to give the Gold Coast a chance.
Room for improvement
Damien Hardwick took two ruckman into the contest with the Lions – but turned to Mac Andrew late in the match to get the job done against Oscar McInerney. While Jarrod Witts had a game-high 39 hitouts, he managed just seven disposals around the ground. Ned Moyle was ineffective with his 10 hitouts and four touches. Ben King was wayward in front of goal with 1.3 from his eight touches. Ill-discipline cost Malcolm Rosas as he coughed up four frees against.
Grade
C-
GWS GIANTS
It was a win with plenty of ebbs and flows, but the Giants hung on for a crucial win on the road at the MCG on Saturday night. Now only 1.3 per cent outside the top four, Adam Kingsley’s side have gone from a top eight roughie to a genuine top four contender. It’s a stupidly close season, but this win allows them to remove any season they once had on their season.
In the votes
James Peatling (28 disposals, 11 tackles, eight clearances) was exceptional all night for the Giants and looked the best of a strong group. Finn Callaghan (36 disposals), Lachie Whitfield (35 disposals) and Tom Green (33 disposals, one goal) had plenty of the ball, while star forward Jesse Hogan (11 disposals, four goals) and skipper Toby Greene (16 disposals, three goals) were electric in front of goal. Take your pick umpires, any of these players (and more) could secure a vote come Brownlow night.
Room for improvement
The Giants beat the Demons in genuinely every single generic state line except tackles inside 50, so on the surface there really isn’t a whole lot to improve on. Their start was slow, but they fought back hard and well against a side that really didn’t play bad at all.
Grade
A-
Mitchell backs hardened Hawks forwards | 08:08
HAWTHORN
A second-half surge has prolonged Hawthorn’s finals fight, trumping Adelaide by 66 points on Sunday night at Adelaide Oval. The Crows more than doubled the Hawks’ first-quarter scoring shots, but the Hawks were utterly dominant from that point on, as Sam Mitchell’s men slammed home 14 of the game’s last 17 goals after the first change. It’s now eight wins in the Hawks’ past nine matches as they move within two premiership points of eighth-placed Essendon.
In the votes
Connor Macdonald collected a team-high 28 disposals to go with four inside-50s and two goals in an impressive performance. Interestingly, no Hawthorn player kicked more than two goals, with eight players — Macdonald, Jai Newcombe, James Sicily, Mabior Chol, Jack Ginnivan, Calsher Dear, Luke Breust and Nick Watson — each kicking two goals. Will Day was typically prolific, notching 20 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency, seven inside-50s and a goal.
Room for improvement
Despite their dominance, Mitchell isn’t likely to be pleased with his side’s start to the match — conceding 11 scoring shots in the opening quarter as the Crows initially looked very potent offensively.
Grade
A
Dees desperate to turn form around | 04:10
MELBOURNE
This loss really hurts them. With a tough road to finish the home-and-away season, the Demons will need to win at least three, if not all four remaining matches to make September. It’s another loss gone begging, and it may well have ended their 2024 finals campaign.
In the votes
It’s highly unlikely the Demons will have any vote-getters for this one. Clayton Oliver (26 disposals, eight inside 50s, 558 metres gained) was solid, while Trent Rivers (25 disposals, seven clearances) started like a house on fire with half his disposal count in the first term.
Room for improvement
Contrary to the Giants, the Demons were beaten in just about every stat. Oliver stepped up in the midfield, but GWS beat them comfortably across the board – probably more than what the final scoreboard showed.
Grade
C-
NORTH MELBOURNE
Once again, the Kangaroos were gallant in defeat and continued to demonstrate their willingness to initiate scoring chains by hand. While the game got away from them in the second half, Alastair Clarkson’s men were able to pick the Cats apart early on via fruitful handballing sequences and finished their work by connecting inside forward-50. It was an effort, though, that wasn’t sustained for long enough as the Roos slumped to their 17th loss of the year.
In the votes
Harry Sheezel was positively instrumental to North Melbourne’s cause, accruing a staggering 25 contested possessions as part of his 36-disposal, nine-clearance, one-goal performance at Blundstone Arena. Tom Powell and Luke Davies-Uniacke both went for 30-plus possessions, while unheralded ruckman Tristan Xerri notched a whopping 25 disposals to go along with 14 contested possessions and eight tackles.
Room for improvement
The Roos registered nine fewer inside-50s and only recorded 16 scoring shots on Saturday as they largely faded out of the contest after half-time. They made Geelong sweat for a time but couldn’t sustain a four-quarter effort — they won the contested and uncontested possession counts but recorded nine fewer inside-50s than Geelong.
Grade
C+
Hinkley breaks down epic comeback | 03:31
PORT ADELAIDE
Resilience. Just about Port’s best win of the season saw it momentarily climb into the top four – such is how tight the flag race is – amid a wide-open season. The spirited Power withstood a slow first half against the Blues and trailed by as much as 31 points before running over the top in the fourth quarter with clutch goals to Jason Horne-Francis and Darcy Byrne-Jones. The challenges keep coming for Ken Hinkley’s side when it hosts Sydney at Adelaide Oval next week.
In the votes
Ollie Wines (26 touches, 10 tackles) was superb in leading Port Adelaide’s midfield, while Willem Drew held Patrick Cripps reasonably well and picked up 22 disposals himself with 12 tackles himself in his 100th game. Jason Horne-Francis shook off a quiet first half to rack up 23 of his 26 disposals in the second half including kicking a crucial fourth-quarter goal.
Room for improvement
While Zak Butters and Connor Rozee had some big moments, they weren’t at their absolute best – including Butters fighting through an Alex Cincotta tag – as the other Port midfielders stepped up. It’s more a reflection of the lofty heights the duo has set, and really, a big win considering good Port Adelaide was.
Grade
A+
Tiger disappointment in unfinished work | 06:08
RICHMOND
A game that had the makings of a blowout, the Tigers never stopped trying against the Pies including kicking three of the last four goals to bring it back to a respectable 26-point scoreline. Richmond’s experienced defence stood reasonably tall all day, but Adem Yze’s side was simply outmatched by the reigning premiers and Nick Daicos’ 42-disposal effort. It came in a game Tim Taranto was subbed out with back soreness.
In the votes
Nathan Broad was Richmond’s best with 27 disposals and 15 marks in defence, while fellow defender Nick Vlastuin had 23 touches and 12 marks. While not in the votes per se, Tom Brown bobbed up for a career-best three goal haul up forward in promising signs.
Room for improvement
Paying Nick Daicos more respect earlier would’ve been wise, with the superstar Magpie getting off the chain with 18 first-quarter disposals to kickstart the Pies before he was minded by Liam Baker and Seth Campbell at stages. The Tigers were also generally beaten around the ball and in the contest and overawed by Collingwood’s pressure.
Grade
C
Saints ‘validated’ by impressive win | 10:17
ST KILDA
Where was this earlier in the season? The Saints continued their strong form in the second half of the campaign with a 53-point mauling of Essendon. It came in St Kilda’s second biggest score of the year (106) as it was pretty well in control of the match from start to finish. Ross Lyon’s side took away Essendon’s uncontested marking game to great effect and used it against the Bombers – winning the count 133-95.
In the votes
Rowan Marshall was enormous in the ruck (26 disposals, 10 marks, 30 hitouts, one goal) to very much get the better of Sam Draper. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera tallied a game-high 31 disposals and kicked a goal, Jack Steele bopped up with a rare three-goal performance from his 21 disposals, while Cooper Sharman and Anthony Caminiti also chipped in three goals each.
Room for improvement
The Saints went in with a clear game plan and executed it to a tee. Full marks.
Grade
A+
Bulldogs make light work of Swans! | 02:18
SYDNEY
Sydney’s opening quarters are becoming a genuine concern as it prepares for a finals campaign. Only North Melbourne has conceded more points on average (25.9) in first quarters than the Swans (22.9), who were unable to make any ground on the Bulldogs from quarter-time onwards. Sunday afternoon’s loss was Sydney’s biggest since its 93-point defeat at the hands of Geelong in Round 6, 2023. And, after a clean year to date, the Swans’ injury troubles are beginning to mount — in addition to the already-sidelined Justin McInerney (knee), James Rowbottom (cheekbone), Tom Papley (ankle) and Dane Rampe (calf), key defender Lewis Melican (hamstring) became the latest to succumb.
In the votes
Matt Roberts had a career-best day on Sunday, accumulating 36 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency, six inside-50s and a goal. Isaac Heeney racked up 32 of his own but went at just 56 per cent. Hayden McLean was Sydney’s only multiple goalkicker on the day. Errol Gulden led the way with seven inside-50s.
Room for improvement
The Dogs torched the Swans off turnover and limited the hosts’ ability to transition the ball through the middle of the ground. Corridor usage has been a frequent theme of Sydney’s ball use, but John Longmire’s men were forced wide too often by the Bulldogs. The Swans were also undone in the inside-50s (-14) and clearances (-12) categories.
Grade
F
Spot-fires erupt EVERYWHERE in Derby! | 00:36
WEST COAST
The Eagles were brave but beaten in a brutal Western Derby that had shades of old given the physical nature of the clash. West Coast showed they were up for the fight in the opening half with pressure ratings about 190 for both quarters. But they fell away badly in the third term and simply ran out of puff in the last against a side battling for top two. The Eagles can hold their heads high knowing they finished equal on centre clearances against a midfield outfit destined for finals. They also laid 10 tackles inside 50 – and that’s 10 more than they did in their dismal effort against St Kilda.
In the votes
Harley Reid was everywhere and found himself involved in the majority of scuffles. But it was his impact that really impressed interim coach Jarrad Schofield as he finished with 29 disposals, a career-high 10 clearances and led the metres gained for his side. Tim Kelly was dominant with 32 touches, six tackles and five clearances. Down back, Tom Barrass continues to hold down the fort and finished with nine marks and nine intercepts. Jake Waterman’s Coleman Medal push rolls on with three goals.
Room for improvement
The ruck situation continues to hurt West Coast – and we sound like a broken record. Bailey Williams was well beaten by the Sean Darcy-Luke Jackson combo – and it was his accidental collision with Zane Trew that saw the youngster exit the game after less than 10 seconds. Trew had been the man planned to go with Caleb Serong – and without him West Coast struggled to contain the Freo star. Oscar Allen is still struggling to find his feet after his injury lay off and managed just seven touches, two marks and a goal.
Grade
B-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The brilliant Bulldogs’ finals charge looks more threatening by the week after downing a subdued Sydney outfit in a statement performance. The Dogs’ dominance began from the outset as they shut down the Swans’ ability to utilise the corridor, forcing the hosts wide before capitalising off turnover. The visitors, incredibly, slammed home five unanswered goals in the opening quarter to establish an unanticipated 34-point lead at the first change — and they would proceed to maintain that domineering lead.
In the votes
Adam Treloar knocked up a whopping 40 disposals to go along with a game-high 19 contested possessions, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was outstanding up forward for the Dogs, kicking four goals and registering seven score involvements as he continued his fine form. Marcus Bontempelli (22 disposals, six clearances, five inside-50s and a goal) exerted his influence early in the contest when the game was up for grabs, and Tom Liberatore (15 contested possessions) was his usual physical self at the coalface.
Room for improvement
There is not a lot at all to nitpick at the Dogs — they lost the tackle count by 19, but that is to be expected when you’re possessing the ball more around the contest.
Grade
A+