It was the most extreme round of highs and lows in recent memory — including five fails and five perfect grades.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 20 edition of Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
Another big statement to the competition in a 98-point Showdown domination over Port Adelaide — the biggest ever win in Showdown history. The Crows exploded with an eight-goal fourth term to really put their cross-town rival to the sword and claim their 14th win in 2025, with Tigers champion Jack Riewoldt labelling Matthew Nicks’ side the “complete package.” Adelaide will now be asking, ‘why not us?’ after the club has emerged as a bona fide flag threat.
In the votes
Riley Thilthorpe won his second Showdown Medal after another big performance, kicking three goals from 19 disposals. The award could’ve gone to several Crows though, with Jake Soligo (35 touches, two goals) and James Peatling (26 disposals, one goal) producing big performances in the midfield and Ben Keays kicking 3.4 from 21 touches.
Room for improvement
For the Crows to put up a massive score in the wet and hold Port Adelaide to five goals in Ken Hinkley’s final Showdown is some effort. Full marks.
Grade
A+
‘Cardinal sin!’ Where did Dees go wrong? | 02:58
BRISBANE LIONS
It was a QClash belting to rewrite the history books. Brisbane were on for the first five minutes and then fell in a heap as the Suns stormed home to seal a few new records. The Lions looked nothing like the top two side they’ve been this season as they were simply beaten up around the ball. The star-studded backline couldn’t hold up under an absolute onslaught from the Suns mids, coughing up a record 13.6 (84) from stoppage clearance alone. In the slippery, wet conditions their attack end couldn’t find any rhythm in a loss coach Chris Fagan will no doubt like to leave far behind.
In the votes
Despite the Lions midfield woes, Lachie Neale shrugged off an early low blow to rack up a team-best 36 disposals, five tackles and a goal. Hugh McCluggage contributed seven clearances from his 28 touches and added a goal. Cam Rayner finished as Brisbane’s only multiple goal scorer with three – but even he blew back to back opportunities in the second term at a time his side desperately needed scoreboard pressure.
Room for improvement
The Lions had no answers for Gold Coast’s scoring prowess from stoppage. And under that mountain of pressure, the backline folded. It’s the first time since 2018 that the Lions have coughed up 20 goals. Chris Fagan summed it up best: It was a game to forget.
Grade
F
CARLTON
In club great Sam Docherty’s final AFL game and the 200th milestone match for Jacob Weitering, the Blues simply didn’t turn up in a horror first term – and it cost them the match. A six-goal to one headstart for the Hawks proved a mountain too large to climb for Michael Voss’ men, who ended up coming away with a 24-point defeat. The Blues were wasteful with their opportunities – having +1 inside 50s and +12 clearances but four less scoring shots. Carlton claimed the second half, and held Hawthorn to just one goal at a time they were desperate for a blowout win – but that first quarter had already done the damage.
In the votes
Don’t expect to see any Blues called out on Brownlow night for this one – but there were still some positives. Young Will White has shown promise with his two goals after only arriving at the club in the SSP over pre-season. Zac Williams had a team-high seven clearances, teenager Harry O’Farrell had a game-high 13 marks and Sam Docherty literally bowed out a goal scorer in his final AFL game – and his team’s best contributor for score involvements.
Room for improvement
Many experts predicted a big game from Patrick Cripps to farewell his good mate in Docherty – but the Blues skipper just couldn’t get into the contest to finish with 18 touches. Harry McKay returned but failed to have an impact, Jesse Motlop managed just one goal as Carlton’s attack end failed to fire.
Grade
D
Voss “disappointed” in farewell loss | 11:30
COLLINGWOOD
Nick Daicos went into beast mode to ensure the Magpies got back on the winner’s list with a 36-point victory over a plucky Richmond at the MCG. The Tigers hung with Collingwood for the most of the day, bar a five-goal blitz from Craig McRae’s side in the third term to put separation on the scoreboard. It put the Pies back into first place on the ladder, after Adelaide momentarily took their spot, ahead of a defining top four clash with Brisbane at the MCG.
In the votes
It was a Daicos masterclass, with the Pies superstar racking up 42 touches, three goals, 910 metres gained and 14 score involvements to likely poll another three Brownlow votes. Isaac Quaynor was rock solid in defence with a team-high 10 intercept possessions, 17 touches and nine marks, while Tom Mitchell (29 touches, six tackles) and Josh Daicos (30 disposals, 697 metres gained) was also busy.
Room for improvement
It was a sloppy game at times in wet conditions at the MCG, which made it hard to get fluent play and generally score. McRae’s side probably left a few goals out there too, converting 13.15 in front of the big sticks.
Grade
B+
ESSENDON
The hapless and undermanned Bombers were blown off Marvel Stadium by a red-hot, sharp Dogs outfit to continue a bleak second half of the season for Brad Scott’s injury-riddled side, which has now dropped eight in a row. A hamstring blow to Jordan Ridley added to those woes in another frustrating setback for the defender. You sense Bombers fans will be counting down the days until the end of the season at this rate amid a write-off season for the club.
In the votes
Zach Merrett fought hard with 30 disposals and seven tackles in an otherwise tough night. Sam Durham (27 touches [15 contested]) and Dylan Shiel (29 disposals) also had a crack in trying circumstances.
Room for improvement
Brad Scott challenged his players to focus on what they could control despite another heavy loss and growing list of casualties. After heavy losses two weeks in a row — including the Bombers suffering their third 90-point loss this year — fans would simply want to see their side be more competitive across four quarters in their remaining games.
Grade
F
FREMANTLE
The Dockers did what was required and racked up a bit of percentage with their 49-point win. But it could have been more for Justin Longmuir’s men who coughed up three goals in just over three minutes late in the final term. Freo were wasteful in front of goal, kicking 18.18 and four out of bounds on the full. But they still managed to score 10.8 (68) from stoppage which stats show is their best outing in the past five years. There was plenty to like from Freo – aside from their second quarter.
In the votes
Welcome back, Hayden Young! The silky mid was named Glendinning-Allan Medallist for best on ground – and he only played three quarters. That’s how dominant his 23 touches, seven clearances and three goals were. Andy Brayshaw led from the front to finish with a game-high 32 disposals and eight clearances. Forwards Pat Voss and Jye Amiss landed six goals and 12 marks between them. Murphy Reid cemented his standing as a Rising Star contender with 23 disposals and a goal. Michael Frederick had a career-best fur-goal haul while Luke Jackson nabbed 21 disposals, 12 hit-outs, six clearances, four tackles and a goal.
Room for improvement
That goal radar needs a little adjusting, but aside from that it was a pretty dominant Derby performance. Josh Treacy was quiet with just nine disposals as he failed to nab a goal against an undermanned Eagles defence, but he did the off-ball stuff that Justin Longmuir likes to see including chasedowns and front half pressure.
Grade
A-
GEELONG
It was the Jeremy Cameron show at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, with the superstar forward booting career-best 11 goals to lead the Cats to a mega 101-point win over North Melbourne. It resulted in a big percentage booster for Chris Scott’s team, who consolidated its spot in the top four, but it’ll need to keep winning to keep a hold of the double chance amid a friendly run home. It also extended Geelong’s winning streak over North to 14 in a run that dates back to 2015.
In the votes
Cameron looked unstoppable out there, bagging 11 goals to single-handedly outscore North Melbourne himself on the night. Heck, Jezza deserves an A+ alone! It takes his season goalkicking tally to 69 — some 21 ahead of Mitch Georgiades — as the Coleman Medal leader now eyes the century mark. Bailey Smith also ran hot through the midfield with a career-best 43 disposals, while Shannon Neale added four goals.
Room for improvement
It was as close to a flawless performance as you could get. But it could’ve been an even bigger win, with Geelong registering a remarkable 40 scores — including some shots that either fell short or went out on the full — with Scott’s troops completely dominating the inside 50 battle 77-36.
Grade
A+
Is Clarko the right man for the Roos? | 06:25
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns had headed into the QClash winning just ONE of their past 13 meets with the Lions – but they turned the tables on their big brother in the best way possible. Gold Coast were hungry from the outset and proved unstoppable in the slippery conditions. They shattered a number of records including their highest score against the Lions, their biggest QClash win and their most points scored (84 — from stoppage. It was a remarkable effort from Damien Hardwick’s men who are locked in the fight for their maiden finals appearance. Historically the run home hasn’t gone in the Suns’ favour but they took a massive leap towards nailing that post-season spot.
In the votes
Take your pick of any Sun. Matt Rowell claimed the Ashcroft Medal as best on ground for his 37 disposals, 15 clearances and 12 tackles. His partner in crime Noah Anderson had 33 touches, five clearances and a goal. Alex Davies laid 10 tackles. Ben Long nailed four goals, Bailey Humphrey claimed 19 disposals, three clearances, eight tackles and three goals. Ben Ainsworth nailed his own three goals from 27 touches. Jarrod Witts continued his dominant season with 48 hit-outs, 13 touches and five clearances. It was an all-round dominant performance from the Suns.
Room for improvement
If we’ve being pedantic, the opening five minutes the Suns were slow to start – but they certainly made up for it from there.
Grade
A+
GWS GIANTS
An extraordinary nine-goal third quarter blitz saw the Giants overrun the Swans, holding their cross-town rival to just one goal in the second half in an epic 79-point turnaround from Adam Kingsley’s side. It continued GWS’ hot form, having won its past six games — and some big wins over contenders within that. But the Giants are left counting the cost from their Derby win after soft tissue injury setbacks to Jack Buckley and Josh Kelly, just as they were getting healthy, while Toby Greene will miss next week’s defining clash with the Western Bulldogs through suspension.
In the votes
Finn Callaghan is blossoming into a superstar before our eyes, tallying 21 disposals at 95 per cent efficiency, six marks, five tackles, one goal and 5667 metres gained to claim the Brett Kirk Medal. Lachie Whitfield starred across halfback with 27 touches, while Harry Himmelberg (23 disposals, 11 marks) stood tall in defence.
Room for improvement
Outside of the Giants taking a half to get going, hard to fault the Giants’ performance. The main downside of the night was the club suffering more casualties just when Kingsley’s team was effectively at full strength again.
Grade
A+
HAWTHORN
Yes, the Hawks got the four points they needed in against a Blues outfit who were farewelling a fan favourite. But Sam Mitchell’s men did little to inspire and wasted an opportunity to really boost their percentage in the run to finals. A six-goal to one opening term was enough to set up the win, but a big scoreline went begging after posting a 30-point three quarter time lead. Hawthorn were beaten in the middle to finish -12 in clearances – including a 15-7 count from the centre and -8 in contested ball. A dour end to a dour game but enough to bank a win.
In the votes
James Sicily had one of his best matches for the year, even joking he got rid of his boots before borrowing from teammate Jarman Impey to fix his disposal woes. He finished with 25 disposals, 11 marks and three tackles. Jack Gunston continues to wind back the clock with three goals, Mitch Lewis made a triumphant return from his long-knee knee injury to kick two goals and take some big contested grabs while Calsher Dear was impressive, catching the eye with his aerial and ground efforts to end up with two goals from his 11 disposals.
Room for improvement
The Hawks should have put the foot down in the final term and didn’t. In a run home to finals where percentage looms large, it was an opportunity gone begging for Sam Mitchell’s men. The form of Jai Newcombe is another worry, with the star subbed out after only eight touches.
Grade
B
Mitchell on ’embracing the villain role’ | 09:37
MELBOURNE
It takes a fair effort to blow a 46-point lead in just one quarter — but somehow the Dees managed to do it. To go from 46 points up at three-quarter time to a fail is particularly brutal. Melbourne’s veterans have been called out for their bizarre dying seconds play where they didn’t know the rules of a 6-6-6 infringement and were made to look foolish running into the defensive half twice as a result – and still not being able to stop the mark inside and resulting match-winner. The Dees didn’t put St Kilda away when they had the chance in the second term with the margin out to 43 points. Instead, the Saints closed to 30 at half time and never really appeared out of the contest. Melbourne then conceded the last nine goals of the match in a horror quarter that will now go down in history.
In the votes
Bayley Fritsch had looked to be back to his “grand final best” as he wound back the clock to nail three first quarter goals – but he wouldn’t trouble scorers again once Callum Wilkie was shifted over as his opponent. Jack Viney was at his physical best with 23 disposals, eight clearances and a goal. Max Gawn was a beast as he recorded 17 disposals, eight marks, 45 hit-outs and six clearances.
Room for improvement
When the match went on the line, Melbourne didn’t have anyone to stand up. Christian Petracca (21 disposals and a goal) had a quiet day by his standards. Clayton Oliver (23 disposals, nine tackles) had the chance to put Melbourne more than a single kick in front late in the final term – but absolutely butchered his shot to spray it out on the full. Their game management is the biggest concern as players didn’t know the 6-6-6 rules and paid for it dearly.
Grade
F
NORTH MELBOURNE
An ugly loss for the Kangaroos at the hands of a polished Cats outfit. It marked the biggest loss of any side so far in 2025 and the first defeat by triple figures or more. Sure, they’ve missed Tristan Xerri and Nick Larkey, but the Roos simply had no answers for Geelong in all facets of the game including getting opened up defensively and well beaten in contested possessions (-16), clearances (-10) and inside 50s (-41) in a bloodbath at Marvel Stadium. If it wasn’t Jeremy Cameron lighting up in attack with a personal-best 11 goals — and single-handedly outscoring North on the night — it was Bailey Smith torching them in the midfield with a career-best 43 disposals.
In the votes
Luke Parker dug in for the Roos with 15 of his 31 disposals contested. Meanwhile Harry Sheezel notched 27 touches and Tom Powell gathered 24 touches with eight tackles.
Room for improvement
The Roos’ leaky defence remains the main area of concern. On too many occasions Jeremy Cameron got easy goals out the back as North’s defence got exposed time and time again. It prompted criticism from Fox Footy’s The First Crack team on North’s defensive system and whether it needs to be simplified, while Caleb Daniel also came under scrutiny.
Grade
F
‘Turnover machine!’ Kingy slams Daniel | 02:39
PORT ADELAIDE
It wasn’t the Showdown send-off Ken Hinkley would’ve pictured, with his side getting dismantled by Adelaide by 98 points in the heaviest Showdown loss ever and the biggest ever defeat for Port’s outgoing senior coach. Hinkley denied that his side waved the white flag, but it was as uncompetitive as Port has been this season as it dropped to 8-11. The Power now have four games left under Hinkley and a potential worsening injury toll after setbacks to Lachie Jones (corked leg) and Jack Lukosius (calf), while Connor Rozee is nursing a broken hand.
In the votes
You can never question Zak Butters effort, with the star midfielder racking up 34 disposals (19 contested) with 667 metres gained. Meanwhile Rozee battled through a hand injury to register 22 touches with seven tackles.
Room for improvement
Port simply couldn’t match Adelaide in the contest, getting smashed in contested possessions (-23) and clearances (-17) as the game was consistently played in the Crows’ attacking half. The Power’s injury woes didn’t help either in a toll of casualties stacking up.
Grade
F
RICHMOND
Another promising performance from the Tigers, even though their two-game winning streak came to a halt at the hands of Collingwood. But there was plenty for Richmond fans to cheer about including a couple of exciting run-down tackles from Maurice Rioli, plus some big highlights from Steely Green including an epic goal. You couldn’t question the Tigers’ effort, hanging with the ladder leaders for the majority of the MCG clash and holding up well defensively.
In the votes
Nick Vlasutin was enormous in defence, tallying a game-high 17 intercept possessions with seven marks and 25 touches to consistently thwart Collingwood’s pathway to goal. Vlaustin deserves to be firmly in the All-Australian mix. Meanwhile Tyler Sonsie registered career-high 28 touches and 1o marks in one of his best games .
Room for improvement
It was really just the third quarter that let the Tigers down in the only period of the match they fell away. Take that out and there was only a 20-point difference between the sides, which you’d take every day as a rebuilding side against the flag favourite. Adem Yze backed in his system instead of tagging Nick Daicos, but the Tigers coach might be questioning that after the Pies superstar ran riot with 42 disposals and three goals. It came after Daicos registered 42 touches against Richmond last time these sides met in Round 20 last year.
Grade
B-
ST KILDA
If we’re just grading their final quarter, the Saints would be getting an A+ and a golden sticker. But for three quarters before their historic comeback win they were “stodgy” and “slow” according to Fox Footy’s Dermott Brereton. The Saints just couldn’t get any momentum in their game – until that final quarter burst where they kicked 9.2 to Melbourne’s 0.4 to record the biggest ever AFL/VFL three-quarter time comeback (46 points) as Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera nailed the post-siren matchwinner. Saints fans stand united after that win over the Dees – just pay the man whatever he wants.
In the votes
If we don’t hear 3 Votes – N. Wanganeen-Milera there’s something seriously wrong here. Nas was keeping the Saints in the contest at half time, but as Ben Dixon stated, “he can’t do it all”. Turns out, he can after being moved to half back to try and create some run and then into full forward where he nailed the last two goals of the match – including one from a speccy grab. He finished with 34 touches, six clearances, four tackles, almost 750m gained and four goals. Throw votes Rowan Marshall’s way for being smart enough to come up with a dying seconds play with Wanganeen-Milera that he pulled off with perfection. Jack Higgins produced some moments of brilliance in his four-goal performance.
Room for improvement
The Saints needed a Callum Wilkie double. When Demon Bayley Fritsch got off the chain in the opening term, it was Wilkie sent to silence – but it meant he left his man Jake Melksham, and it was Melksham who kicked the first goal of the second term. The Saints couldn’t move the footy and racked up just four intercept marks to half time (compared to Melbourne’s 13). Ross Lyon’s men couldn’t guard space or the ball movement from Melbourne in those first three quarters.
Grade
A-
Saints produce MIRACLE final qtr to win | 02:38
SYDNEY SWANS
Well, it was fun while it lasted. But Sydney’s faint hopes of playing finals are officially over after fading baldly in the second half of Friday night’s Sydney Derby. When the Giants kicked things up a gear in the third quarter, Sydney couldn’t go with them as Dean Cox’s side managed just one goal after the main break. Sydney was dealt two injury blows on the night, with Joel Hamling (hamstring) and Hayden McLean (concussion) getting struck down.
In the votes
Brodie Grundy fought admirably in the ruck, racking up 24 disposals (13 contested), 29 hit-outs and kicking a goal to continue the ruckman’s All-Australian push. Errol Gulden tallied a game-high 32 disposals, while Will Hayward got back to some of his best form with three goals.
Room for improvement
The Swans were unable to go to another mode or stop the bleeding when GWS’ offence got going in the third quarter and it was able score at will in a decisive period that separated the game.
Grade
D
WEST COAST EAGLES
It was tipped as a Western Derby blowout, but the Eagles were right in the contest at half-time – admittedly off the back of Freo’s woeful 1.6 to 3.0 second quarter. But footy is about making the most of your chances and that’s exactly what West Coast did in that first half. Despite it being 17 scoring shots to just five at half time…. the Eagles were only 22 points adrift. And when Liam Baker nailed the first goal of the third term, West Coast were on the verge of an almighty upset. But they coughed up seven of the next eight goals in one of those lapses coach Andrew McQualter has been critical of. They finished with just 42 inside 50s, -19 clearance stats and -23 contested ball. But in a positive, their 12 goals scored is their second highest tally for 2025 – behind only their 16-goal haul in the win over St Kilda.
In the votes
Tim Kelly finally found some much-needed form for West Coast to finish with 26 touches, eight clearances and two goals. Harley Reid brought the fire to the contest along with his 15 disposals, three clearances and two goals before finishing the game in the rooms due to an ankle injury that could spell the end of his season. Liam Baker laid a game-high 10 tackles to go with 24 touches and two goals. Reuben Ginbey continues to impress, and held Josh Treacy goalless despite giving away plenty of size in that match up.
Room for improvement
Skills. Time and time again the Eagles shot themselves in the foot exiting their defensive half with Ryan Maric, Tom McCarthy and even Liam Duggan all guilty of coughing up ball. The VERY late call up of Sandy Brock to replace the injured Harry Edwards didn’t help West Coast’s defensive stability. Matt Owies was subbed out with just three touches to his name and didn’t trouble scorers. Archer Reid contributed just two disposals despite playing 72% of game time. Jobe Shanahan was also goalless from his five touches.
Grade
D
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Dogs dominated Essendon on Friday night in a comprehensive 93-point victory to stay in touch with the top eight. This one was over by half-time after Luke Beveridge’s side stacked on 10 goals, before really putting the decimated Bombers to the sword with a seven-major third quarter. It sets up an epic clash with GWS at Marvel Stadium next Thursday night, which the Dogs effectively have to win to stay in the finals race.
In the votes
Every now and then Marcus Bontempelli puts up video-game like numbers to remind the footy world what he does best. Fresh off signing a four-year extension with the Dogs, Bontempelli racked up 35 disposals (14 contested) with two goals and 649 metres gained in a huge night out for the superstar skipper. Meanwhile twin tower forwards Sam Darcy (six goals) and Aaron Naughton both monstered the Bombers’ defence.
Room for improvement
The Dogs were ruthless on Friday night as yet another side that put together as strong a performance as you could hope for. The key is now reproducing that against a legitimate finals side, with a key opportunity to do just that against GWS this Thursday night.
Grade
A+