In what has already been billed by many as “the match of the season”, Melbourne scored a huge victory as they beat ladder leaders Fremantle in an instant classic.
The 40,000+ crowd inside the ‘G ’ were treated to an enthralling, high-scoring shootout-style encounter full of momentum swings, big moments and a tense finish.
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Forward Bayley Fritsch (pictured above) didn’t have his most accurate day in front of the big sticks but nailed what proved to be the all-important sealer to the delight of the home fans.
A lot of the build-up for this one centred around the two best ruckmen in the sport with Max Gawn (Demons) and Luke Jackson (Dockers) going up against each other – they had their spells but the statistics, overall, suggested neither dominated.
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Although they finished on the losing side, both Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy surpassed 50 goals for the season. It is the first time since 2006 that two players from the club have surpassed the milestone in the same year (Pavlich and Farmer).
Swans Put up Biggest Score Ever Against Power
Second-placed Sydney closed the gap at the top, giving their percentage a huge boost in the process, as they hammered Port Adelaide by a 97-point margin.
The hosts put up their biggest ever score against the Power (167) and also scored nine times from centre clearances, which is the most by a team in the last decade.
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Coleman Medal leader Charlie Curnow, Chad Warner and Tom Papley were amongst the goals for the rampant Swans that have put the rest of the competition on notice.
With Brodie Grundy unavailable due to personal reasons, coach Dean Cox handed a debut to ruckman Will Green. The 20-year-old, pick 16 in the 2023 Draft from the Northcote Junior Football Club, earned a call-up after impressing in the VFL.
Fagan Sets New Record as Lions Coach
Brisbane responded to last week’s horror show in the perfect manner by producing a powerful display that saw them completely blow away high-flying Hawthorn.
The result saw coach Chris Fagan (pictured below) enjoy his 143rd victory, surpassing the great Leigh Matthews, who led the club to a three-peat in the early 2000s, to set a new record.
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The 65-year-old has done a marvellous job since taking over the reins of the Queensland outfit back in 2017. He really enjoyed what he saw from his players, who were relentless with their pressure and made very light work of a lacklustre Hawks.
Both two-time Premiership defender Ryan ‘Froggy’ Lester (250th) and midfielder Jarrod Berry (200th) marked their AFL milestones by playing important roles.
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Kolodjashnij’s Controversial Contract Waiver
Geelong didn’t let what has been a very difficult week, off the pitch, affect them on it by proving far too strong in sweeping aside cellar dwellers Essendon with ease.
On Wednesday, a story broke in the media that a player, later identified as Jake Kolodjashnij, signed a waiver, back in 2024, saying he would accept legal responsibility for future head injuries/concussion to allow him to keep playing.
This was something that wasn’t disclosed to/lodged with the AFL or AFL Players’ Association, and it has triggered significant backlash because it appeared to shift responsibility for potential long-term brain damage from the club to the player.
The Cats have now been issued with a formal “please explain” by the AFL, as part of its investigation into this revelation, and are likely to face a punishment for it.
Crows Keep up Top Four Pursuit
Adelaide kept up their push for a top four finish, which would mean a double chance, but were made to work for it against a plucky Richmond in wet and rainy conditions.
Izak Rankine was the star of the show as he broke the record for the most ranking points by a Crows player; it was also the ninth-highest tally by an AFL competitor.
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The 26-year-old (pictured above) racked up a career-high 37 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 12 clearances, seven inside 50s, six marks, six tackles and also snagged a goal.
A tough one to take for the Tigers that played well and were right in the match but paid a high price for some ill-discipline and a lack of execution on occasions.
Kangas Finally Beat a Side in the Top Eight
North Melbourne answered the critics in the media over their record against top-eight sides by seeing off the challenge of the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
It is the first time that they have done it under coach Alistair Clarkson, in his fourth season at the helm, who has come under scrutiny this week about his own position.
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George Wardlaw showed just what an asset he is, returning from a month out on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, with a very impressive best-on-ground showing.
It completes what has been a very good week for the Kangas, on the back of the news that the trio of Tom Blamires and Wil Dawson (both two years) and veteran Luke McDonald (one year) have all committed their futures to the Arden Street club.
Expansion Cup
Gold Coast ended a run of ten consecutive defeats, their worst spell under Damian Hardwick, by getting up in a real arm wrestle against Greater Western Sydney.
Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell (pictured below) showed off his credentials to the full with a brilliant performance that included a career-high 40 disposals, 17 clearances and 16 tackles.
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These fixtures between the two are dubbed ‘The Expansion Cup’ because it features the two newest clubs in the competition. It is the first time that the Suns have completed the ‘double’ over their adversary, who normally have the wood over them.
The result also ended any slight hopes that the Giants had of making the wildcard places – it would be fair to say it has been a disappointing campaign for both outfits.
Magpies Book Their Places in Finals
Collingwood ensured that they will be in the mix, come the pointy end, after travelling interstate and knocking over an improved West Coast on their home deck.
With a number of injuries to experienced players, coach Craig McRae named his youngest line-up in almost three years and was delighted with his youthful troops.
The Magpies recorded 63 inside 50s, their highest in any game this season, and if they had kicked a bit straighter could have won by an even bigger margin.
Nick Daicos, red-hot favourite for this year’s Brownlow Medal, was instrumental once more and even earned the praises of Eagles Coach Andrew McQualter in his presser.
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Spud’s Game 6
In what was effectively an elimination final for that last wildcard spot, Carlton continued their recent good form by getting the chocolates against St.Kilda.
They put the foot down after half-time and were able to kick away en route to a fairly comfortable triumph; forward Harry McKay booted a season-high three majors.
Prior to the bounce, all the players, coaches and staff of both sides along with the umpires formed a circle, coming together in a moving tribute for Spud’s Game 6.
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The funds raised through this initiative help power various mental fitness programmes, research. And prevention by the Danny Frawley Community (part of the Black Dog Institute) to support grassroots clubs, schools, and communities.
Round 22 Results
Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77)
North Melbourne 15.10 (100)
Brisbane 18.17 (125)
Hawthorn 8.10 (58)
Melbourne 17.11 (113)
Fremantle 17.7 (109)
Sydney 26.11 (167)
Port Adelaide 10.10 (70)
Geelong 17.15 (117)
Essendon 7.8 (50)
Adelaide 9.9 (63)
Richmond 7.12 (54)
GWS 11.11 (77)
Gold Coast 11.13 (79)
West Coast 15.8 (98)
Collingwood 17.15 (117)
St.Kilda 8.14 (62)
Carlton 16.10 (106)
