Three perfect scores in a busy weekend including two massive statements from contenders. And while there were several down performances, there were two teams that were a level below the rest.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in Foxfooty.com.au’s Round 19 edition of Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
That’s another win over a top eight contender for the Crows as they put a hapless Sun to the word by 61 points on Sunday. The Crows were dominant from the outset, with their forward line firing and their backmen intercepting at will. Adelaide held Gold Coast goalless in the opening half and went on to cement their spot in the AFL’s top four – while giving their percentage another healthy boost. Adelaide kicked 16 goals to just six -despite having -6 inside 50s and only +1 mark inside 50, and had 11 different goal kickers.
In the votes
Nobody could stop Alex Neal-Bullen. He finished with 31 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and three goals. Izak Rankine was important with his 15 touches and two goals. Jake Soligo got among it with 24 disposals and a goal. Wayne Milera, Josh Worrell and Rory Laird all hit double digits for marks while Sam Berry and James Peatling had 13 tackles between them.
Room for improvement
The Crows stepped off the pedal in the third term to allow five Suns goals – but they pushed on once more in the final quarter. Not much to pick apart from an Adelaide perspective.
Grade
A+
Kingy & Joey clash over May bump | 05:59
BRISBANE LIONS
Make it four-straight wins for Brisbane as the reigning premiers topped the Western Bulldogs to stay in touch with ladder-leading Collingwood. The Lions led at every change in the Thursday night clash — and outside of a late charge from the Dogs that got them within a kick in the dying minutes — never looked vulnerable as they saluted Hugh McCluggage’s 200th game in style. It comes ahead of a defining QClash — and arguably the biggest ever — against a Suns team that will be desperate to bounce back.
In the votes
Will Ashcroft had a big say on Thursday’s game, racking up 26 disposals (10 contested) and kicking three goals. Josh Dunkley also had a big night in the midfield with 28 touches (15 contested) and 15 tackles.
Room for improvement
If not for inaccurate kicking in front of the big sticks, (12.14) the Lions would’ve won by more and probably shouldn’t have let the Dogs get as close as they did late, with Chris Fagan noting it “would’ve been a travesty” if his side lost.
Grade
A
CARLTON
The Blues finally got back in the winner’s list, overcoming Melbourne at the MCG for their first victory since Round 14. Carlton led at every change and only conceded the lead once on the night as it improved to 7-11. What would be really pleasing for Carlton fans is the emergence of some of their lesser lights — including a career-best four goals from Ashton Moir. Sometimes you just need to rediscover that winning feeling to get things back on track as the Blues will hope this can build some momentum into the back-half of their season. They’ll be without Francis Evans for at least one week after he got knocked out by Steven May, while Tom De Koning was subbed out with a shoulder complaint.
In the votes
Patrick Cripps did what Patrick Cripps does best, putting the Blues on his back at times with 29 touches (14 contested) from the midfield. Charlie Curnow returned to form with three goals after being held goalless in the four weeks prior, while Moir’s four goals were also key.
Room for improvement
The Blues only laid two tackles inside 50 as question marks on their small forward brigade lingers in an area they should address this off-season. In fact, only Francis Evans, whose night ended prematurely following that hit from Steven May, of Carlton’s small forwards kicked a goal.
Grade
B+
COLLINGWOOD
The Pies did just about everything right but get the four points … but ultimately let another one slip. Collingwood controlled Sunday’s game against Fremantle at the MCG throughout key stages, even dominating the inside 50s count +23 (63-40). But Craig McRae’s side uncharacteristically fell away at the death, conceding the last four goals as the Dockers claimed a massive victory on the road against the ladder leaders. It’s probably not yet time to panic for the Pies, who are still half a game clear on top of the ladder despite not playing at a high level even if they’re not firing on all cylinders. But a second-straight loss suddenly has Collingwood’s top two spot vulnerable, particularly with Adelaide coming with a rush.
In the votes
Nick Daicos was everywhere, collecting a career-high 43 disposals with 778 metres gained and a goal, switching his time between the midfield and half back. Darcy Cameron was also influential, gathering 20 touches with eight marks and 32 hit-outs.
Room for improvement
Collingwood didn’t get enough bang for buck with its forward entries. It included a run in the third term where they got repeated looks in attacking areas but couldn’t even bring the ball to ground as Dockers players consistently took intercept marks. That was largely a by-product of Collingwood’s safe disposal and too often going for down the line kicks instead of trying to change angles.
Grade
C+
ESSENDON
It was always going to be mission impossible for a decimated Bombers to take on the red-hot Giants who are fighting for a spot in the eight. But Essendon did show glimpses on what was a tough night at Marvel. The Bombers were “slaughtered” at the contest and couldn’t buy a goal in a woeful first half in front of the big sticks. It took debutant Liam McMahon to kick the side’s first two goals. Coach Brad Scott can take plenty of heart from a fighting final term where his side didn’t let the margin blow out. Essendon ended up finishing +4 for inside 50s, and only -1 in centre clearance and -2 for marks inside 50 – yet suffered an almost 50-point loss.
In the votes
No Bomber will be getting votes from this game. But if we’re looking for positives, the debut of Liam McMahon gave fans something to cheer about. AFL great Jason Dunstall believes the Mid-Season recruit has done enough to hold onto his spot, asking “what more do you want?”. Peter Wright had an almost night, finishing with 2.3 and a handful of missed opportunities.
Room for improvement
It’s tough for the Bombers right now given the injury crisis but there were still passages of play that Brad Scott will need to correct. The first being accuracy in front of goal. Sam Durham allowed a red-hot Tom Green ball side at a forward 50 stoppage and paid dearly on the scoreboard. Vigo Visentini was monstered by a bigger, more experienced Kieren Briggs. Matt Guelfi looked involved early but fell away.
Grade
D+
Scott praises ex-Don Stringer after loss | 12:54
FREMANTLE
A massive statement win over Collingwood at the MCG. Don’t underestimate what that could do for this rising Fremantle side’s confidence as the club consolidated its spot in the top eight. The Dockers stayed with the Magpies all game and never let the scoreboard out of hand, before coming up with the big moments late and charging home to secure the win. It leaves Freo two games clear inside the top eight ahead of a very winnable Derby clash with West Coast.
In the votes
Patrick Voss stepped up in a big way, bagging a game-high and career-high six goals — three in the first quarter alone — to give Darcy Moore hell. Caleb Serong had a big game in the midfield, racking up 37 touches (16 contested) and kicking a goal.
Room for improvement
The numbers were all in Collingwood’s favour, yet the Dockers found a way to win. That’s the sign of a good sign that’s building confidence in its system and ability to compete when the chips are down. Clearly, it wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was some sort of monumental win in terms of what it can do for this group.
Grade
A+
GEELONG
Chris Scott’s side took care of a business in a comfortable win over St Kilda down at the Cattery to remain in the top four. Jeremy Cameron booted five goals — five in the second half — to extend his lead at the top of the Coleman leaderboard as Geelong improved to 12-6. The only sour note was a knee concern to Tom Stewart that caused the star defender to get subbed out of the game. While Scott played down the setback post-match as more and said he was removed from the largely out of precaution, Stewart’s status will be one to monitor.
In the votes
Cameron was the hero for the Cats with a game-high five goals as he taught promising Saint Alix Tauru a lesson. Shaun Mannagh (3.3 from 24 disposals, 11 tackles) also had a big day up forward, while Max Holmes (32 touches, 809 metres gained) and Ollie Dempsey (25 disposals, one goal) were busy.
Room for improvement
A convincing performance the Cats where not much went wrong aside from Stewart’s setback. Bailey Smith hasn’t quite been able to get back to his enormous heights from earlier this season since missing time. Geelong would love its star recruit back up to full speed for September.
Grade
A
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns headed to Adelaide without top four in sight. Now they’re on the top eight’s edge – admittedly with a game in hand – after their 61-point belting at the hands of the Crows. It was a disappointing night for Damien Hardwick who was left frustrated in the box at multiple occasions. Ill-discipline and inefficiency inside 50 proved costly. It’s the first time in Suns history that they’ve been goalless at half time. They’re now sitting at a 1 in 5 ratio for efficiency inside 50 in worrying signs.
In the votes
Matt Rowell is an absolute midfield beast. He’s now racked up almost 100 tackles in the past 8 weeks – which is the highest total in that time period of any player. He finished with 30 touches, 12 clearances and more than 560m gained. Joel Jeffrey impressed with his 22 touches, four marks and goal. Connor Budarick finished with a team-high 723m gained from his 24 touches.
Room for improvement
It wasn’t the day to be a defender. The Crows big men got up and about, making life tough. But Mac Andrew couldn’t keep his cool. The fiery Sun coughed up a double goal by lashing out. Down the other end, Ben King and Jed Walter struggled to get near it and finished with eight disposals and two goals between them.
Grade
F
GWS GIANTS
The Giants did what they needed to do – secure four points and boost their percentage against essentially a VFL Essendon side. And that’s what they did, but their victory lacked any real polish. With a 40+ point buffer at the final change, Adam Kingsley’s men should have cashed in and buried the Bombers – but they didn’t. Their contest work – which had been so dominant for three quarters – fell away as the Bombers only lost the final term by five points, and remarkably had been winning the quarter until a late Darcy Jones goal. The Giants still finished +10 in clearance for the match, +39 marks and +9 goals in a dominant display.
In the votes
Ex-Bomber Jake Stringer put a dagger into Essendon hearts as he craved up in a brilliant display. Described as the Giants “difference” in the run in to finals, Stringer took a brilliant hanger and nailed three goals – and passed off a fourth – in his 18-disposal game. He’ll have a fight on his hands for votes from Tom Green though, with the midfield bull completely destroying Essendon. He finished with 16 clearances – seven more than the next best player, 30 disposals – 17 contested, three tackles and a goal. Kieren Briggs had a busy day against two rookies while Harry Himmelberg took a game-high four contested marks.
Room for improvement
Punishing sides will be on the agenda when it comes to improvement. The Giants took their foot off the throat of the Bombers in that final term and it showed. But they’ve got some big names due back including Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan and Sam Taylor so a selection squeeze looms for coach Adam Kingsley.
Grade
B
Giants used Dons injuries as motivation | 11:02
HAWTHORN
Revenge is sweet. And Hawthorn achieved just that in a cruisy victory over modern rival Port Adelaide in wet conditions in Launceston to keep its top four hopes alive. It was a true winter slog at UTAS Stadium and not exactly one for the neutrals, but the Hawks did what they had to do to notch their 12th win of the season. Jack Ginnivan added some spice after the last goal of the game with a cheeky aeroplane taunt to Ken Hinkley, who couldn’t do anything but grin in amusement.
In the votes
Dylan Moore (two goals from 32 disposals) was at his best, with the tough forward/midfielder relishing the wet conditions. Meanwhile Jarman Impey controlled the game across half back with 26 touches including kicking three fourth quarters in a switch forward in the second half. Blake Hardwick (27 disposals, eight marks) and Jack Gunston (three goals) were also prolific.
Room for improvement
Jai Newcombe (11 touches) was well held by Willem Drew in the Hawks midfielder’s lowest disposal count for the season. And granted, the wet conditions didn’t suit key forwards, but Mitch Lewis had limited impact in his first game back from an ACL injury before being subbed out in the third quarter — though that was perhaps always part of his management plan.
Grade
A
MELBOURNE
Not even a five-goal, 23-disposal masterclass from Kysaiah Pickett could drag Melbourne over the line in a loss to Carlton on Saturday night. The Dees were around the mark for the majority of the game, but only led for just over two minutes in a period in the third term as they suffered a sixth loss from their last seven games. The result was somewhat overshadowed by Steven May’s hit on Francis Evans as Melbourne faces the possibility of being without its star defender for several weeks.
In the votes
Pickett was enormous and on another level to any other player on the field to likely claim the three votes. Christian Salem picked up 25 touches and 10 marks, while Max Gawn ended with 19 disposals and 38 hit-outs.
Room for improvement
Outside of Pickett, the Dees lacked a spark and reliable avenues to goal. Jake Melksham was held to one goal by Jacob Weitering after such strong form in recent weeks.
Grade
D+
Is this the best version of Freo? | 02:34
NORTH MELBOURNE
Roos fans would’ve been happy enough with how their side played for the majority of the game, but they faded away in the fourth quarter as the margin blew out to over 30 points. The absence of star ruckman Tristan Xerri was sorely missed, particularly with Callum Coleman-Jones going down with a calf injury before quarter time. It marked a fourth-straight loss for the Roos as they dropped down to 17th on the ladder.
In the votes
Jy Simpkin (28 disposals), Luke Davies-Uniacke (26 touches) and Harry Sheezel (27 disposals, one goal) battled hard in the midfield throughout the afternoon in a tough slog for the Kangas in enemy territory.
Room for improvement
Fundamental errors proved costly for Alastair Clarkson’s side. And it’s ultimately the biggest shortcoming for any young side. It included wasted shots at goal, wasteful kicks and errant handballs would’ve been frustrating for the Roos coaches bos.
Grade
D
PORT ADELAIDE
The Power’s faint hopes of playing finals are officially done after a loss to Hawthorn saw the club fall to 8-10 overall. It was tough conditions in Launceston as rain belted down at UTAS Stadium and made for a low-scoring affair. While the 38-point doesn’t read well, the damage was largely done in the fourth quarter, when Hawthorn stacked on five goals to Port’s one to put the Power away.
In the votes
Jordon Sweet (22 touches, seven tackles, 42 hit-outs, one goal) had a day out in the ruck, getting the points over Lloyd Meek in what would just about be the Port ruckman’s best performance of 2025. Kane Farrell was busy across halfback with 25 touches and over 800 metres gained.
Room for improvement
A week after terrorising West Coast with a 38-disposal masterclass, Zak Butters curtailed by Finn Maginness for just 18 touches. Butters was far from Port’s worst player, but it felt all the more consequential with the likes of Jason Horne-Francis and Connor Rozee sidelined. The Power also simply didn’t generate enough scoring opportunities or play the conditions effectively.
Grade
D
RICHMOND
The Tigers have recorded back to back wins for the first time in more than two years – and impressively the young outfit did it away from home without the likes of veterans Tom Lynch and Noah Balta. Adem Yze’s side were determined, controlled and dominant against a woeful West Coast outfit. The Tigers finished with the same number of chances inside 50 as the Eagles – yet with 62.5% efficiency once inside (up 16% on their season average), they made the most of their chances with 16 goals to eight.
In the votes
Maurice Rioli Jnr was the spark for his side in the first half. His brilliant 100m chase down tackle on Brady Hough in the middle of the ground turned the tide in Richmond’s favour. He then backed that up with an inspirational smother on Harry Edwards – both acts resulting in Richmond goals. Tim Taranto (30 disposals, seven clearances and three goals), Jacob Hopper (33 disp, eight clearances and two goals) and Jack Ross (25 disp, nine tackles and five clearances while tagging Harley Reid out of the contest in the second half) were some of Richmond’s best.
Room for improvement
The Tigers were slow to start away from home. But once Maurice Rioli Jnr got into the action, they switched on and took the game away from the Eagles.
Grade
A+
Gaz flames 50m penalty as a ‘disgrace’ | 00:41
ST KILDA
Credit to St Kilda for sticking with Geelong throughout a key stretch of Sunday’s clash at GMHBA Stadium and never letting the scoreboard get out of hand despite a clear glass gap between the two clubs. But the Cats were nearly truly threatened for the four points as St Kilda’s losing streak extended to 13 this century, having not won at the venue since 1999. It saw the Saints fall to 5-13 ahead of a showdown with Melbourne at Marvel Stadium this week.
In the votes
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is adding dollars to his contract with each passing game. Her racked up 36 touches (13 contested) with 642 metres gained, eight marks and 10 clearances in a dominant performance through the midfield. Jack Steele dug in from the midfield with 21 touches and 14 tackles, while Rowan Marshall had 17 disposals, 22 hit-outs and a goal.
Room for improvement
The Saints were actually outackled by Geelong 76-61 and laid only five tackles to the Cats 23 inside 50. Ross Lyon would be hoping to see his side bring more heat moving forward.
Grade
C
SYDNEY SWANS
So you’re saying there’s (still) a chance? The Isaac Heeney-led Swans kept their highly improbable finals hopes alive — at least for another week — with a cruisy 31-point win over North Melbourne at the MCG. Dean Cox’s men took a little while to get going including North taking the lead early in the second term. But Sydney didn’t look back from that point including finishing with a flurry of five goals in the fourth term to chalk up the four points and continue its winning ways, with five wins from its last six games.
In the votes
Isaac Heeney was incredibly good in a strong contender for best individual game this season. The superstar Swan racked up 34 touches (16 contested) and kicked five goals in a juggernaut display. Brodie Grundy (22 disposals, 62 hit-outs in 74 per cent game time) had his way with Brynn Teakle in the ruck after Callum Coleman-Jones went down, with North’s original plan likely to double team Grundy with Coleman Jones and Teakle.
Room for improvement
It ultimately wasn’t the most convincing performance from Sydney across the board against a lowly ranked opponent. As good as Heeney was, only Jack Buller was Sydney’s other multiple goalkicker.
Grade
A
Carlton face their Demons to secure win | 02:34
WEST COAST EAGLES
The Eagles went into Saturday night’s match as favourites – despite winning only match all year, and were then embarrassed by a side sitting in 17th. West Coast were woeful with their skills in the 49-point loss to the Tigers and were made to pay dearly for a lack of defensive pressure. By midway through the third term, the Eagles had already coughed up seven goals from their back half, while in their attack end they conceded at least 10 intercept marks to that point in the match. Worryingly, it’s the 10th time this season West Coast have conceded a triple figure score – and there’s still five games to go.
In the votes
Harley Reid single-handedly kept the Eagles in it in the first half with a blistering display. He racked up 20 disposals to be the best player on the ground before the Jack Ross tag was applied from the third. He still finished with 27 disposals, six clearances, six tackles, and two goals playing as a forward in the final term.
Room for improvement
It was a tough night for forward Jack Williams. The youngster was subbed off in the third term with donuts to his name – zero disposals, zero tackles – literally no stats to his name. Tyler Brockman and Ryan Maric had absolute moments of madness resulted in Tiger goals – and they weren’t alone in the turnover stats.
Grade
F
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Another failed test from the Dogs against a bona fide opponent — this time against Brisbane on the road — as Luke Beveridge’s side fell to 1-8 against top eight teams this year. Not only does it cast serious doubt on the Dogs’ overall prospects, they’re suddenly up against to feature in finals at all, sitting a game behind the eighth-placed Suns, who have a game in hand against Essendon at home. The scoreboard probably flattered the Dogs, but a 10-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba that went down to the wire is at least an honourable loss.
In the votes
Bailey Dale racked up a stack of ball across half back 933 touches, eight marks, 745 metres gained), while Rhylee West provided a real spark up forward with four goals — including a clutch finish inside the last minute and a half to keep the Dogs alive.
Room for improvement
The Dogs simply didn’t generate enough scoring opportunities, getting dominated in inside 50s 64-44. It included a rare quiet showing from Sam Darcy (one goal), while West was the club’s only multiple goalkicker.
Grade
C