The Western Bulldogs clipped Essendon 127-97 in a close contest that the Bulldogs led for three terms. The Dogs dominated clearances and put in a balanced effort across the field. Shane Biggs had 29 disposals, Jason Johannisen exploded with four goals, Tory Dickson adding three more, while Liam Picken led with five tackles. If the Bulldogs are going to make finals, they will need to continue to get peak performances out of everyone on their list. They currently sit at 9th in the ladder. Essendon fell from the top 8 despite six goals from Joe Daniher, and more than 30 disposals from David Zaharakis, and Michael Hurley. It’s an uphill climb for both teams in the remaining weeks of the season, regardless, but the Bulldogs took a huge step.
Hawthorn Stops Sydney’s Momentum
Hawthorn stopped Sydney’s winning streak 72-66, their advantage on the stat sheet slightly more than the scoreline. Hawthorn will need to win out to reach finals, but Liam Shiels, and three other Hawks who kicked a pair of goals helped their finals cause. Tom Mitchell was also influential, even though his performance was down a bit from previous games. Nic Newman and Tom Papley were best on ground for Sydney, but they needed more from Lance Franklin and Josh P. Kennedy. They also were missing Jake Lloyd who was a late withdrawal.
Melbourne Continues Their Jinx Against North Melbourne
North Melbourne clipped Melbourne 76-72, as the Demons lost a game they really needed against a side they continue to be snakebit against. North Melbourne did more with fewer chances on the day. Ben Brown kicked four goals, the young Jy Simpkin added two more, as Shaun Higgins and Andrew Swallow led the disposal count. Big performances from Clayton Oliver, Jordan Lewis, Dom Tyson, and Jeff Garlett (three goals), wasn’t enough. The Demons forward line coming up short when it mattered.
Port Adelaide Stuns St. Kilda In the Last Two Minutes
Their home fans had lost hope in a slopfest contest, but Port Adelaide beat the Saints 63-61 in the last gasps, making a final comeback after leading most of the contest. Late goals for Robbie Gray and Aaron Young helped Port get the win, joining seven other Power players with goals. Gray had 27 disposals, while Jared Polec led with 30. 31 disposals from Seb Ross, and three goals from Tim Membrey weren’t enough for the Saints. A third straight loss for St. Kilda has imperiled their finals hopes, while Port remains in striking distance of top 4.
GWS Wins Gut Check Game against Fremantle
GWS Giants beat Fremantle 98-86, the young Giants winning a gut check result that moves them closer to finishing in the top 2. The Giants did not play their best, but Stephen Coniglio, and Josh Kelly stepped up with the footy. Matthew Kennedy, Rory Lobb, and big Jon Patton combined for six goals. Lobb also had six tackles. Big games from Nat Fyfe and Luke Ryan, along with three goals from Shane Kersten weren’t enough for the Dockers to play the spoiler, although they deserve commendation for their fighting spirit.
Richmond, Geelong, and West Coast Dominate Weaker Sides
Richmond thumped Gold Coast 98-65, Geelong dominated Carlton 123-58, and the West Coast Eagles made a big step towards making finals 113-45 over Brisbane Lions. The Tigers beat a banged up Gold Coast side, pulling away in the final term with 34 disposals from Dustin Martin, and nine combined goals from Toby Nankervis, Jason Castagna, and Daniel Rioli. Aaron Hall had 40 disposals in the loss for Gold Coast.
It was complete domination from the Geelong Cats, but Patrick Dangerfield may mix the next game. Tom Hawkins kicked six goals, Jordan Murdoch, Nakia Cockatoo, and Andrew Mackie were all huge as well, as Geelong got some new faces in the best on ground conversation. Levi Casboult had three goals for Carlton, Sam Docherty led with 29 disposals.
Josh J. Kennedy led West Coast with six goals as they kept things in their forward half against the Lions. Andrew Gaff, Dom Sheed, and Sam Mitchell, who is retiring at the end of the year, led the Eagles midfield. 41 disposals for Dayne Beams went for naught for the Lions.
Adelaide Draws in Game of the Year against Collingwood
Collingwood had the edge most of the game, and in the state line against the Adelaide Crows, but the ladder leaders did manage a final siren draw in one of the most thrilling games of the season. The Magpies collapsed from a 50 point lead, despite huge performances from Taylor Adams, Daniel Wells, and Steele Sidebottom. Matt Crouch and Mitch McGovern led the Crows comeback.
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