{"id":792912,"date":"2026-07-11T05:46:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T05:46:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/792912\/"},"modified":"2026-07-11T05:46:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T05:46:38","slug":"afl-rd-18-live-updates-saints-vs-power-giants-vs-cats-blues-vs-hawks-crows-vs-suns-blog-scores-and-stats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/792912\/","title":{"rendered":"AFL Rd 18 live updates: Saints vs Power, Giants vs Cats, Blues vs Hawks, Crows vs Suns \u2014 blog, scores and stats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr has said the club is prepared for captain Zak Butters to either stay or leave<\/a> at the end of the season.<\/p>\n

The Power is trying to come from behind in the first match on AFL Saturday against St Kilda at Docklands Stadium.<\/p>\n

Later on Saturday, GWS hosts Geelong at Sydney Showgrounds, with the Cats needing a win to maintain striking distance of the automatic finals places and the Giants looking to follow up on their victory over Fremantle.<\/p>\n

In Saturday’s night matches, 10th-placed Carlton hosts the high-flying Hawks at the MCG, while the Suns travel to Adelaide to face the Crows, needing to end a five-game losing streak if they want a chance to make it to the wild card round.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched by WorkSafe Victoria over alleged concussion failings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Follow all the action in our live blog.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 1:00pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 1:00pm<\/p>\n

AFL Saturday Scoreboard\"AndrewSat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:45pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:45pm<\/p>\n

Mason Wood kicks a vital goal for St Kilda\"Andrew<\/p>\n

It’s been frenetic stuff at Docklands, with bodies on the line, big tackles and no time on the ball for anyone.<\/p>\n

Finally the Saints win it at a forward 50 stoppage and a high kick lands in the arms of Mason Wood.<\/p>\n

He converts the kick from 30, and the Saints lead by 14 points with eight minutes on the clock.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:41pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:41pm<\/p>\n

Zak Butters’s day is over\"Andrew\"ZakPort Adelaide will have to do without star Zak Butters for the rest of the game (Getty Images\/AFL Photos)Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:36pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:36pm<\/p>\n

Mitch Owens gives the Saints breathing space\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Saints are not going to let this slip if they can avoid it!<\/p>\n

This game is coming down to moments, and that one was a snap from Mitch Owens through for St Kilda’s 12th of the day.<\/p>\n

They are back to nine points. Plenty of time remaining.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:34pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:34pm<\/p>\n

Amazing goal from Joe Berry for the Power!\"Andrew<\/p>\n

In case we hadn’t made it clear, this game has now had EVERYTHING.<\/p>\n

The Power are somehow staying in this one, and they have just made a push inside 50 with Xavier Bamert marking in the pocket.<\/p>\n

His kick was off-line, but somehow Jack Lukosius (on one good leg) leaped high for a basketball\/Gaelic football style tap on the behind line.<\/p>\n

The ball went inbound, and Joe Berry was there to poach a World Cup-style volley from the square for a goal.<\/p>\n

There are three points in it, and I’m not sure how!<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:29pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:29pm<\/p>\n

Another injury blow for Port Adelaide with Zak Butters and Lachie Jones out\"Andrew<\/p>\n

It appears that Zak Butters is out of the game.<\/p>\n

His ankle bent at a really bad angle under him when he came down from that aerial contest with Max Hall.<\/p>\n

He couldn’t put weight on it, so it’s not a surprise that he is on the bench with his boot and sock off, according to Fox Footy.<\/p>\n

To make matters worse, Lachie Jones is out with a rib issue.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:26pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:26pm<\/p>\n

Teams are in for Giants vs Cats\"Andrew\"\"(AFL.com.au)<\/p>\n

There is one late change for Geelong, but nothing for GWS.<\/p>\n

The Giants are fired up after their win over Fremantle at Manuka Oval, but they have room for three changes from the side that took care of the Dockers.<\/p>\n

Lachie Whitfield’s concussion means GWS has to do without him in the backline, while Josaia Delana and Conor Stone have been omitted. In come three decent additions \u2014 Jayden Laverde down back, Xavier O’Halloran and dynamic forward Phoenix Gothard.<\/p>\n

For Geelong,\u00a0Jack Bowes returns for the omitted Mitch Edwards. There is also a late change with Mitch Knevitt replacing Mark O’Connor.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:23pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:23pm<\/p>\n

3QT: St Kilda 11.7 (73) leads Port Adelaide 9.11 (65)\"Andrew<\/p>\n

The siren goes and there is an eight-point lead for St Kilda, after a late goal from Rowan Marshall and a miss from Joe Berry.<\/p>\n

But the headline here is another aerial contest leading to injury carnage. Max Hall and Zak Butters went up for a ball on the left wing, and both players were affected.<\/p>\n

It was Butters who was the big problem, as his ankle was twisted badly under him. He couldn’t put weight on it, and was eventually helped from the ground in the final minutes of the term.<\/p>\n

He is on the bench grimacing as medical staff look at him, and that doesn’t bode well for him returning.<\/p>\n

Port Adelaide are hanging in here after a six goal to two quarter. But they are surely running out of cattle and if Butters joins Mitch Georgiades on the sidelines, the Saints must surely be favourites.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:17pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:17pm<\/p>\n

Aliir Aliir kicks a rare goal for the Power!\"Andrew<\/p>\n

There is lots of life left in this game!<\/p>\n

There might be a talking point there, with Aliir Aliir given a 50m penalty for the Saints infringing on the stand rule.<\/p>\n

Aliir missed a kick from the pocket earlier, but this time he nails it!<\/p>\n

The lead is back to three points, deep in time on.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:11pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:11pm<\/p>\n

Horne-Francis the latest to go off in a physical encounter\"Andrew<\/p>\n

This game has been physical to say the least, between big hits and wear and tear.<\/p>\n

Now Jason Horne-Francis has headed to the interchange bench after pulling up short chasing Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.<\/p>\n

He’s getting work done on his back and hamstring right now.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:09pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:09pm<\/p>\n

Saints hit back through Jack Higgins\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Port Adelaide are going full-bore here, but they paid for it there.<\/p>\n

They went for the corridor, and the Saints jolted the ball free and just spread it at A-1 speed.<\/p>\n

The ball landed quickly with Jack Higgins over the back, and he thumped it into the stands to get it back to nine points.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:06pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:06pm<\/p>\n

Dante Visintini makes it five goals to none for Port in second half\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Do you hear the sound of drums?<\/p>\n

It’s sending a message … “The Power are coming!”<\/p>\n

Out of nowhere they have put together a brilliant half a quarter, without their main full-forward, mind.<\/p>\n

But they don’t care, they are hitting targets and this time it’s Dante Visintini who marks on 50.<\/p>\n

And his kick goes through!<\/p>\n

The lead is back to three points.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:04pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:04pm<\/p>\n

The Hornet stings, and Port Adelaide are inside 10 points\"Andrew<\/p>\n

The Saints are starting to turn over the ball, but can Port Adelaide take advantage?<\/p>\n

One move saw Joe Richards snap from the left forward pocket but it went wide for a point.<\/p>\n

But then Jase Burgoyne took an intercept mark 60m out and he chipped to Jason Horne-Francis in the right forward pocket.<\/p>\n

A very difficult angle … but he kicks it!!! Port Adelaide are within 10 points!<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:01pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 3:01pm<\/p>\n

Power surge at Docklands\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Port Adelaide’s intensity has visibly lifted, and the Saints are trying to even things out here.<\/p>\n

Since half-time, the Power has kicked 3.2 to 0.0.<\/p>\n

Not sure if they can keep the momentum going, but right now they have dragged themselves right back in the game.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:58pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:58pm<\/p>\n

Port Adelaide closing the gap\"Andrew<\/p>\n

They’re still not looking brilliant, but Port Adelaide are closing the gap here.<\/p>\n

Jason Horne-Francis delivered a brilliant kick from the left forward pocket to get Port Adelaide’s fifth.<\/p>\n

Now Logan Evans has kicked a goal from 45, although it seemed as if the player himself thought it had been touched.<\/p>\n

Now the lead is back to 16 points! St Kilda need to wake up here!<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:51pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:51pm<\/p>\n

Jase Burgoyne gets a vital goal for the Power\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Jason Horne-Francis missed a shot a few minutes ago, but Jase Burgoyne has stepped up, with a little help from the umpires.<\/p>\n

He marked on the wing, and then Jack Higgins gave away a 50 for running in the protected area.<\/p>\n

Burgoyne was left with a relatively simple kick and he nailed it.<\/p>\n

It’s back to 29 points.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:47pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:47pm<\/p>\n

Bad news for the Power as Georgiades ruled out\"Andrew<\/p>\n

The news is not good for Port Adelaide, with confirmation that Mitch Georgiades has failed his HIA and will play no further part in the game.<\/p>\n

As you can see from the footage, it was a huge collision for both players, and it’s lucky for St Kilda that Rowan Marshall is ok.<\/p>\n

But Georgiades’ absence will put more pressure on Jason Horne-Francis to produce up forward.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:39pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:39pm<\/p>\n

‘We’re ok with that’: Power coach Josh Carr says no Butters talks until end of season\"Andrew<\/p>\n

As speculation continues to run rampant about where Zak Butters will play his football next season, Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr is maintaining his calm.<\/p>\n

Speaking to ABC Sport before the game, Carr said if Butters told him he was intending to leave at the end of the season, it wouldn’t change the way they play or use the acting skipper.<\/p>\n

“We don’t need an answer right now. And we’ve had a number of conversations and I guess navigated our way through the year the right way.<\/p>\n

“From our point of view, we’ve had the discussions that nothing’s going to take place until the end of the year. And we’re okay with that,” Carr said on ABC Sport.<\/p>\n

“It doesn’t change our planning at all with the conversations. So is it best how it is? Yeah, probably. We’re having great, honest conversations on where it’s at. So I’d like to think we’re in a good spot.”<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:31pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:31pm<\/p>\n

HT stats\"AndrewInside 50s: 32-24 St KildaClearances: 20-17 St KildaCentre clearances: 7-6 Port AdelaideContested possessions: 70-57 St KildaUncontested possessions: 172-96 St KildaMarks inside 50: 9-2 St Kilda<\/p>\n

The stats are pretty one-sided as you might expect. The fact that the Saints are out-tackling Port Adelaide as well could be just put down to Ross Lyon footy, but the uncontested possession and marks inside 50 dominance shows why the Power just can’t get or keep hold of the ball.<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:26pm<\/p>\n

Sat 11 Jul 2026 at 2:26pm<\/p>\n

HT: St Kilda 9.7 (61) leads Port Adelaide 3.6 (24)\"Andrew<\/p>\n

The Saints have finished the half as they started – on top.<\/p>\n

A late move in the final minute found Mattaes Philippou 55-60m out, and the small forward absolutely unloaded a shot that went through to draw a huge roar from the Docklands crowd.<\/p>\n

However a late surge from Port Adelaide landed in Jack Whitlock’s arms, but his kicked sprayed wide after the siren.<\/p>\n

The Saints lead by 36 points, a fair reflection of their dominance in that two quarters of footy. Brad Hill already has 21 touches and a goal, and the rest of his team are going all right too.<\/p>\n

The Power are banged up and struggling, and if Mitch Georgiades doesn’t pass his HIA, you wonder how big the margin could get.<\/p>\n

Show more posts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Port Adelaide coach Josh Carr has said the club is prepared for captain Zak Butters to either stay…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":792913,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[560],"tags":[638,64,63,55,639,3925,2475,6092,5126,16118,4125,6091,19545,588,85,9391,4126],"class_list":["post-792912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-afl","tag-afl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-australian-football-league","tag-australianfootballleague","tag-blues","tag-cats","tag-crows","tag-giants","tag-hawks","tag-live","tag-power","tag-saints","tag-sport","tag-sports","tag-suns","tag-updates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/792912","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=792912"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/792912\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/792913"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=792912"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=792912"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=792912"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}