How on earth do we grade the year’s wildest game to date?! Plus, another shocking Essendon performance that suggests they’re still yet to bottom out in 2026.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 17 edition of Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
The equation was simple for the Crows — bounce back from their Showdown horror show, and stay in touch with the top four. And they started with a bang in Perth in stunning scenes. The Crows had four goals in less than nine minutes, sending West Coast into an early “save the game mode”, such was Adelaide’s dominance. A three-goal run amid a 7-1 centre clearance burst helped the Crows get first use, with Eagles premiership winner Will Schofield telling Fox Footy Adelaide were simply “doing what they like”. But that changed from quarter time as the match became a grind. They would kick nine more goals for the match – compared to West Coast’s 10- to hold on for the much-needed win. The 41% efficiency inside 50 will need work if they are to compete against the top sides, managing just eight marks in the arc.
In the votes
Darcy Fogarty’s rich vein of form has rolled on with another goal bag – this time his four came before half time. Izak Rankine (27 disposals, seven clearances and a goal) was a threat while skipper Jordan Dawson led from the front as always with 27 disposals, 760m+ gained, eight tackles and a goal. Lachlan McAndrew responded to last week’s touch up with 38 hitouts, five clearances and seven tackles.
Room for improvement
Toby Murray blew a golden opportunity in the goal square when the ball didn’t sit up. Despite it being a three on one in that square, Murray couldn’t regather the footy before Tom McCarthy rushed it through. Taylor Walker went goalless – against a side where he’s averaging seven goals in the past three meetings.
Grade
B
Nicks hails Dawson’s influence | 07:36
BRISBANE LIONS
The reigning premiers were at their brutal best in an opening quarter blitz that silenced GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night. The Lions had seven goals to none inside the first 20 minutes of the clash – and it was a lead Geelong could never recover. Another eight goal haul – this time in the third quarter when the Cats were pressing, was enough to keep the home side at bay. Brisbane’s 19 goals came from just 52 inside 50s – a remarkable efficiency that had sat at seven entries for seven goals early in the contest. The Lions cashed in on every opportunity, with 36 of the 43 points in the opening term coming off turnover. Despite losing the centre clearance count (-9), Brisbane put Geelong’s backline to the sword by registering the highest score against the Cats (110 points) at the final change in 23 years.
In the votes
Will Ashcroft proved up to the task with 32 disposals, six clearances and more than 650m gained – but could have cashed in more with his 0.3. Lachie Neale shrugged off a second quarter head knock to finish with 28 touches – 13 of those contested. Kai Lohmann was every bit the showman with five goals from his eight kicks while Zac Bailey registered 20 disposals and three goals – including two before a number of Cats including Patrick Dangerfield and Jeremy Cameron had even touched it. Ty Gallop the backman is also growing in strength for the Lions.
Room for improvement
Charlie Cameron had two goals in the space of just over a minute of game time… but didn’t add to that tally. The Lions also racked up 82 turnovers – when their season average sits at 68, and gave up 14 marks inside 50.
Grade
A+
CARLTON
There was a late scare, but the Blues fended off Richmond’s charge to continue its perfect 7-0 run under Josh Fraser. It was far from Carlton’s best showing under the caretaker coach in a scrappy, winter clash at the MCG including the Tigers bursting out of the blocks with five goals in the first quarter. But Fraser’s men wrestled the game back on their terms, in large due to their midfield supremacy, to lead them to yet another victory to sit 10th on the ladder.
In the votes
Arguably no Carlton player has personified the club’s resurgence under Josh Fraser more than George Hewett, who was banished to the VFL by Michael Voss earlier this season. Hewett starred again with 26 disposals, nine tackles and two goals as the highest-rated player on the ground. He was well supported by Jagga Smith (29 disposals) in the midfield in one of the youngster’s best AFL games.
Room for improvement
The Blues started slow out of the gates and didn’t handle Richmond’s pressure. Carlton also got belted in clearances (-12) in an uncharacteristic return where the club is typically so strong.
Grade
B
Fraser reflects on a gritty 7th-straight | 10:13
COLLINGWOOD
All of the talk out of the match has surrounded the fiery scenes involving Brayden Maynard and Ben Long and umpire contact. But it was also the Magpies’ best win this season in a good old fashioned eight-point game against a fellow finals contender. They scored over 100 points for consecutive weeks and finally conquered the Suns after a couple of heartbreaking losses up north in their last two meetings. You could see how much it meant to Collingwood players afterwards in passionate celebrations and one of the stronger renditions of the song as consolidated a top 10 spot.
In the votes
Nick Daicos did the Nick Daicos thing again. The Pies superstar had 31 disposals, 12 score involvements and a goal to be the highest-rated player on the ground; playing with an added level of skill and composure to anyone else. Tim Membrey bagged three goals in one of his best games in black and white to lead their makeshift forward line, while Ed Allan nullified Noah Anderson and picked up 21 disposals of his own to go with seven tackles as one of several Pies youngsters that impressed.
Room for improvement
The Pies have a Darcy Cameron problem on their hands. The 30-year old ruckman that once looked All-Australian calibre has dropped off in 2026 and struggling to adapt to the new ruck rules, with Cameron well beaten by Ned Moyle. It comes after Cameron, the club’s 2025 best and fairest winner, penned a three-year contract extension last year.
Grade
A-
McRae praises ‘intense’ Magpies victory | 06:44
ESSENDON
Another horrific performance for the Bombers since Brad Scott’s departure from Tullamarine. Sadly, it’s impossible to say they’ve hit rock bottom yet either. Their conceding of a 10-goal streak showed them close to their worst, before a stagnant second half at least prevented Sunday afternoon’s defeat from entering triple figures. If you’re glass-half-empty and wanted proof they haven’t hit rock bottom… just look at this weekend’s fixture — they travel to the Gabba to face the back-to-back reigning premiers, Brisbane.
In the votes
There absolutely won’t be any Essendon players polling come Brownlow night, but Nate Caddy (12 disposals, three goals) managed to have six shots on goal from limited opportunity. Xavier Duursma (19 disposals, nine marks — two contested) was notable in the first three quarters, and while his placement at half-back still doesn’t quite look natural, Zach Merrett’s (28 disposals, seven tackles) pressure couldn’t be questioned — highlighted by multiple chase-down efforts.
Room for improvement
Nothing new here: defensive efforts. They conceded 18 more inside 50s across the afternoon, and despite having 125 less disposals than the Saints, still had 13 more turnovers. Their clearance game improved in the second half, but there really isn’t much to add on what has been a treacherous 2026 to date.
Grade
F
Solomon: ‘A tough period of time’ | 07:48
FREMANTLE
It’s much easier to say retrospectively, but Saturday afternoon’s loss was probably the one the Dockers needed. It put an end to their extraordinary 14-game winning streak, and even though they would have left Canberra very disappointed, it was far from a horror show. GWS, spearheaded by a seven-goal, career-best haul from Jake Stringer, played their hearts out with their season on the line. A huge Thursday night clash with Sydney back on their home deck awaits them off a five-day break.
In the votes
It will be all about the Giants’ star players in the nation’s capital come Brownlow night, but in a promising takeaway, Karl Worner (29 disposals, 10 marks — five intercepts, eight rebound 50s, 691 metres gained) played arguably the best match of his 47-game career. Superstar Luke Jackson (12 disposals, 31 hitouts, three tackles inside 50, two goals) was monstrous early and was Fremantle’s highest-rated player, while Caleb Serong (31 disposals — 14 contested, six clearances, one goal assist) was busy through the middle of the ground.
Room for improvement
Justin Longmuir’s side conceded 15 more inside 50s and 14 more clearances in an un-Docker-like performance, and were also soundly beaten in contested ball. Their record this year has been so good that we’re happy to put this loss to the side, but if they lose again this week… we’ll read into this far more.
Grade
D
GEELONG
If we were grading on the first term alone, Geelong would be getting a F. The Cats looked more like roadkill in that opening quarter as the Lions went on an eight goal blitz. Only a Patrick Dangerfield goal with the last kick of the quarter gave the side some hope. And while they mounted a “Mt Everest sized” comeback to close within just one point early in the third, they then leaked 10 of the next 16 goals. A +9 centre clearance count helped the Cats to 69 inside 50s – but with an efficiency inside of just 45%, the home side were wasteful. Their backline leaked badly in scenes not seen for 23 years, as the Lions brought up 110 points by three quarter time. Overall, a tough night for the Cats despite their gallant fightback.
In the votes
Patrick Dangerfield was the spark. He kicked the Cats’ first goal with the final kick of the first quarter and looked the man who could potentially carry the side to victory. Danger finished with 17 disposals, seven marks, six tackles and five goals. Max Holmes racked up more than 850m gained from his 30 touches – 16 of those contested for a team-high total. Connor O’Sullivan continued to be a shining light in moments – despite the Cats backline being under siege.
Room for improvement
Jeremy Cameron had a night to forget. Despite 90% game time, the star could only manage four touches and looked clearly hampered by that broke arm issue suffered in last year’s decider. Shannon Neale may have had eight score involvements, but went at just 54% efficiency with his disposals. Ollie Henry went goalless from his 10 touches, Zach Guthrie was quiet and Jack Henry was one of four Cats not to lay a tackle – including Cameron, Sam De Koning and Mark O’Connor.
Grade
D+
Chris Scott talks Jezza form slump | 10:17
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns’ free fall continued with a sixth-straight loss at the hands of Collingwood in a fiery grudge match, with Ben Long given a two-match ban for his hit on Brayden Maynard. The tempered scenes appeared to wake the Suns up in some ways as they played with more energy and passion than we’ve seen in some time, but they couldn’t finish the job. The fixture doesn’t get any easier for Damien Hardwick’s side ahead of a daunting trip to Adelaide Oval to face the Crows.
In the votes
Ned Moyle was Gold Coast’s highest-rated player and clearly had the better of Darcy Cameron on the night. Touk Miller registered 28 touches and a game-high 10 tackles. Zeke Uwland racked up 32 disposals with 16 marks and a goal — though the youngster’s disposal let him down at times.
Room for improvement
The Suns didn’t make enough use of their inside 50s nor were they efficient enough in general play. They also didn’t match Collingwood’s relentless defensive intensity without the ball.
Grade
C+
“That’s the difference in big games” | 05:28
GWS GIANTS
Knock knock, the ‘Orange Tsunami’ is back in town. Despite being injury-ravaged, like they have been all season, Adam Kingsley’s side were defiant in their 21-point win over Fremantle to end their 14-game winning streak. The victory snaps a three-game losing streak, and crucially, puts them back within a game outside the top 10.
In the votes
Three votes, Jake Stringer. The 32-year-old kicked a carer high seven goals from 14 disposals, and spearheaded the hosts’ win all afternoon long. He was aptly supported by captain Toby Greene (26 disposals — 13 contested, 12 score involvements, seven inside 50s, three goals), while Connor Idun (26 disposals — nine intercepts, 12 marks) was a brick wall down back. Clayton Oliver and Finn Callaghan (62 disposals, 15 clearances combined) were stellar all day through the middle of the ground.
Room for improvement
It’s almost impossible to criticise their performance. Full marks!
Grade
A+
‘This groups good enough, we proved it’ | 14:30
HAWTHORN
Surged home with a wet sail against Melbourne in Tasmania after a diabolical first half in one of the most bizarre games of footy you’ll ever see. The Hawks were down by as much as 96 points, before kicking 12 of the last 14 goals – including 12 in a row – to make the final scoreline much more respectable. Launceston is usually such a happy hunting ground for the Hawks, but they played as poorly as we’ve ever seen – at least for the majority of the game.
In the votes
Mabior Chol bagged five goals – all in the second half – to help pull back that final margin. Josh Ward cracked in hard as Hawthorn’s best midfielder, while Blake Hardwick had 19 kicks from his 25 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency. It’d be remiss to not give a shout out to Noah Mraz, who impressed on debut with 16 touches and 12 marks — six (!) of which were contested.
Room for improvement
If Hawthorn could just erase that first half horror show, that’d be ideal! Max Gawn was largely the root of those problems in a dominant showing in the ruck to give his midfield first use.
Grade
D
‘Only one team came ready to play’ | 04:46
MELBOURNE
Sure, the Demons took their foot off the pedal after leading Hawthorn by as much as 96 points in a bizarre late fade-out. But they were immense in a dominant first half rampage and beat the Hawks up as badly as we’ve in recent memory. Melbourne’s last two goals makes you feel slightly better about Hawthorn’s 12-goal run, too. And zooming out, Steven King would take a 35-point win over Hawthorn every day of the week as his side climbed back into the top six.
In the votes
Max Gawn was dominant with 22 disposals (14 contested), 10 clearances and 31 hit-outs. Jacob van Rooyen (five goals from 24 touches) played one of his best games at AFL level, while Changkuoth Jiath (23 disposals, 607 metres gained) produced arguably his best game for the Demons.
Room for improvement
This one’s obvious. The stretch between the third and fourth quarter when Hawthorn kicked 12-straight goals was unflattering for the Dees. Even if they’d put the cue in the rack, good teams find a way to quell that sort of momentum.
Grade
A
‘We want to play like that everywhere’ | 05:29
NORTH MELBOURNE
A loss to Port Adelaide dealt a blow to North Melbourne’s finals hopes as the Roos now sit outside the top 10. The game didn’t reach great heights in a low-scoring affair. Compounding the result was what appeared to be another cruel hamstring setback to George Wardlaw that saw the young midfielder exit the game late in the fourth term. It continued North’s horror winless run at Adelaide Oval that extended to 15 games.
In the votes
Harry Sheezel (40 disposals — 12 contested, nine tackles, one goal) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (31 disposals — 16 contested, one goal) led from the front in the midfield. Colby McKercher (28 disposals, one goal) did some nice things, too, but did commit a costly turnover in the fourth quarter to a pivotal Cordy Durdin goal.
Room for improvement
North’s offensive game was completely disarmed by Port Adelaide. The 52 points marked the Kangaroos’ second-lowest score his season only to that disastrous loss to Fremantle.
Grade
D
Clarko praises Port’s dour defence | 07:47
PORT ADELAIDE
So you’re saying there’s a chance? Port outlasted North Melbourne in a gritty win at Adelaide Oval to keep its season alive. The Power kicked the only three goals of the fourth quarter and effectively strangled the Kangaroos. The Power improved to 6-10 and sit a game behind the likes of Gold Coast, GWS and St Kilda to remain in touch with the top 10.
In the votes
Jason Horne-Francis (24 disposals, 13 contested, one goal) was at his beastly best in the contest against his old side as the highest-rated player from the game. Mitch Georgiades and Jack Whitlock combined for six goals – one shy of North’s entire tally – as largely the difference on the scoreboard.
Room for improvement
They probably left a few goals out there. Port had 15 extra inside 50s (57-42) and kicked 10.13.
Grade
B+
Carr proud of ‘business-like’ Power | 10:09
RICHMOND
Thew a fair old punch at Carlton, who the Tigers always seem to play well against, but couldn’t finish the job despite a late fightback for a fifth-straight loss. It was further soured by Jack Ross’ second concussion setback in a month. Richmond fans still would’ve liked seeing some of their younger players step up including Taj Hotton and Seth Campbell, while Rhyan Mansell kicked a highlight goal in the first term.
In the votes
Seth Campbell (17 disposals, six tackles, two goals) was the second-highest rated player on the ground and plays with a bit of pizzazz that should really excite the Tiger army. Toby Nankervis (19 disposals, 32 hit-outs) got back to some of his better form, while Noah Balta booted 2.2 in a ruck/forward role.
Room for improvement
Tom Lynch was held goalless with eight disposals in a tough night from the key forward. Granted, it was his first game since Round 11 and a tough night for key forwards. But the Tigers need better representation in front of the ball for more scoreboard nourishment, which starts with Lynch.
Grade
B-
Yze rues near comeback in thriller | 09:58
ST KILDA
You can only play what’s in front of you, and that’s exactly what St Kilda did against Essendon on Sunday afternoon. An explosive second stanza saw them steam ahead by 65 points at the main break, with a bloodbath well and truly on the cards. A dull and far scrappier second half saw them add just two more points to their overall lead come the final siren, but the game was well and truly over after the main break. A far more intriguing match comes this weekend off a six-day break against an in-form Port Adelaide.
In the votes
Take. Your. Pick. If we’re going purely off the numbers, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (46 disposals, 10 score involvements, 897 metres gained, one goal) stuffed his stat sheet more than anyone. Not far behind him was Brad Hill (42 disposals, 14 marks, 10 score involvements, two goal assists, one goal), who like Nas, recorded a career-best tally for possessions. The star of the show before the game was gone though, was Max Hall (33 disposals, 11 score involvements, nine tackles, nine marks, one goal). Ruck Rowan Marshall (20 disposals, 20 hitouts, eight clearances, two goals) was dominant early too, while the out-of-contract Darcy Wilson (25 disposals, two goals) did his market value no harm once more.
Room for improvement
After such a strong start at the nucleus, Ross Lyon may’ve liked a stronger finish at clearance from his side. That being said, it’s very hard to judge them too much beyond half time — so wrapped up was the game after the main break. Their second half does cost them full marks, but that shouldn’t take away from their efforts.
Grade
A
Ross tight-lipped on Neale dinner | 04:49
SYDNEY SWANS
After a large slip-up against Brisbane away from home the week before, Dean Cox’s side is back on the winners list. The hosts were never troubled beyond the first half of the opening term, and remain 10 points clear of third place as they edge closer to a home qualifying final.
In the votes
Ruck Brodie Grundy (17 disposals, 60 hitouts, six clearances) was absolutely monumental on Friday night, aided by Tim English’s bizarre move down to defence for patches. Up forward, it was the Charlie Curnow show once more against Luke Beveridge’s side, kicking six goals to move himself back into pole position for this year’s Coleman Medal race. Hayden McLean (14 disposals, four contested marks, three goals) was also impressive upon his return to the senior side, while usual suspects Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden — among other on-ballers — played well.
Room for improvement
The Swans swanned away as winners in every mainstream stat line, bar stoppage clearances. Their whopping 20-4 tackles inside 50 were a promising indicator that their pressure game is in great shape, despite their profile of being a fast-paced, uncontested team.
Grade
A
Cox ‘pleased’ by defensive excellence | 11:01
WEST COAST EAGLES
The Eagles get a pass – but only just after coughing up a horror start that they ultimately never recovered from. But West Coast didn’t let the result blow out as has been the case in previous years, fighting it out until the final siren to set up a thrilling finish for their fans. But that six-goal to one start was devastating – and it’s the 13th time in 16 games they’ve trailed at the first change. The Eagles managed just 44 inside 50s – 12 less than the Crows and ended up spanked in the middle of the ground with an 8-18 centre clearance count. Just six marks inside 50 is a worry when you take into account the skills of Jake Waterman and rising youngster Jobe Shanahan. But 71 tackles – when the season average is just 56 will please coach Andrew McQualter.
In the votes
Had Harley Reid been more accurate than his 0.4 in front of goal, this match would have gone right down to the wire. Reid was still the best of the Eagles with his 23 touches – 18 of those contested, six clearances and four tackles. But six frees against is never a good look. Debutant Oliver Francou showed plenty of spirit in his first AFL outing to finish with 18 disposals – 11 contested and nine tackles.
Room for improvement
Elliot Yeo (seven disposals) just couldn’t get into this match. He headed forward at times and couldn’t get a touch, but then struggled in that centre clearance bath dished out by the Crows. Yeo finished with an efficiency of just 43% — much the same as Jack Williams with his 11 possessions.
Grade
B-
McQualter on glaring Eagles issue | 08:51
WESTERN BULLDOGS
For the second time in ten weeks, the Bulldogs were on the end of a Charlie Curnow onslaught in their comfortable loss to Sydney on Friday night. The Swans spearhead’s six-goal haul nearly matched his seven from their Round 7 fixture as the Dogs’ much-maligned defence was again found wanting against quality opposition. The 35-point defeat leaves Luke Beveridge’s men precariously poised in the dead centre of the wildcard finals zone – and with the fourth-worst percentage in the competition to boot.
In the votes
With 32 disposals, 12 intercept possessions and 896 metres gained, Bailey Dale did his push to retain his All-Australian half- back spot no harm with an outstanding display, while Ryley Sanders was influential in the first half as a shining light in a well-beaten midfield brigade.
Room for improvement
Tim English will be a fascinating watch after being shifted to defence for the second half having been well beaten in the ruck by Brodie Grundy, just weeks on from Jordan Lewis’ On the Couch report that the star big man was considering his options for 2027 and beyond. Buku Khamis was well beaten by Curnow for the second time this season, conceding three first-quarter goals to take his 2026 tally to 34 majors against – third-worst in the competition.
Grade
D