AFL Round 5 is in the books, and after a long week of footy here is a look at every result.

Crows Shock Swans at the SCG

Despite a significant injury list the Adelaide Crows prevailed by 10 against Sydney at the SCG 85-75. The Crows led almost the entire contest and avoided a Swans fight back as Rory Laird, Paul Seedsman, and Tom Doedee smothered the Sydney attack, and Buddy Franklin ended the game with an injury. The Swans had a significant advantage in inside 50’s but captain Tex Walker, Josh Jenkins, and Rory Atkins were efficient, combining for 10 goals. Hugh Greenwood added 11 tackles, and Laird, Seedsman, and Doedee were top 3 in disposals.

By contrast the Sydney midfield was poor with Luke Parker and Dan Hannebery kept in check. Only Gary Rohan had a multi-goal game, he was solid on return after family tragedy, but the Swans as a whole were lacking in the attack. With concerns heaped on the Crows ahead of this battle, Adelaide proved their quality with a pivotal win.

AFL Round 5

It’s A Draw Between St. Kilda and GWS Giants

Neither team got the 4 points, but the result looks better for a troubled St. Kilda Saints side. In a low scoring contest that ended at 73-73, the Saints had more chances but fewer shots on goal, going 10.13. GWS went an awful 9.19 and didn’t play like they deserved a win in Melbourne. Seb Ross and Jack Steven led the Saints while maligned forward Paddy McCartin kicked 3 goals. The Giants best on ground included Brett Deledio (29 disposals and 2 goals), and Jeremy Cameron who also had a pair of goals. Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio were also solid but the Giants need to play much better in Melbourne if they expect to win in finals.

The Saints earned a big confidence boost from their stand up performance.

Richmond and Collingwood Dominate ANZAC Clashes

The celebrations were special, but the games weren’t close as Richmond thumped Melbourne 102-56, and Collingwood raced past a hapless Essendon 101-52 in both ANZAC games at the MCG. Kane Lambert, Dustin Martin, and rookie Jack Higgins (3 goals) were among best on ground for the Tigers, who continue to look formidable after winning a flag last season. Jake Melksham (4 goals), Max Gawn, and Clayton Oliver were solid for the Dees, but the Tigers finished the round top of the ladder with a fantastic final term that saw them pull away.

Collingwood steadily built their lead against Essendon thanks to a significant edge in inside 50’s and contested ball. In a freeflowing contest the Magpies leaders again stood up with Steele Sidebottom and Adam Treloar combining for 5 goals, Jaidyn Stephenson adding 2 more, and Treloar, Scott Pendlebury, and Steele Sidebottom leading disposals. The Essendon midfield led by Zach Merrett, and backline star Michael Hurley weren’t bad, but Essendon’s forwards needed better than 7.10 on the day.

North Melbourne Surprises Hawthorn

Low expectations have dogged North Melbourne this year, but they are now top 4 on the ladder after a 98-70 win against Hawthorn where they beat the Hawks in the forward line, and took advantage of some key outs for Hawthorn. North had a big edge in the tackle count and fought off a Hawthorn comeback effort thanks to a combined 7 goals from Ben Brown and Jarrad Waite, plus a great game from captain Jack Ziebell with 18 disposals, and 2 goals. Ben Cunnington led them in the midfield with 30 disposals, and Robbie Tarrant was a lockdown defender, while Ben Jacobs tagged key Hawk Tom Mitchell out of the contest. Mitchell was held to just 19 disposals (compared to 28 for James Sicily), and other than 5 goals from Luke Breust, the Hawks were kept in check. It’s still a long road for either side, but this is a big win for North no matter how you look at it.

Q Clash Favors the Suns

Rookie Cam Rayner had a chance to win the game for Brisbane at the last, but it was the Suns who emerged in the best shape from the Q Clash in an even 76-71 win that was decided by just a goal. Brayden Fiorini led the Suns with 27 disposals and 2 goals. Tom Lynch also had a multi-goal game, and Touk Miller was strong defensively to keep the Lions in check. Brisbane’s leaders included Alex Witherden and Dayne Beams, while Eric Hipwood kicked 3 goals, and Charlie Cameron kicked 2. Despite another spirited effort, the Lions remain winless.

West Coast and Fremantle Post Solid Showings Ahead of Derby

The other winless side in the AFL, Carlton, almost changed that and led in the third term, but West Coast won 79-69 in the end. Andrew Gaff, Chris Masten, and Elliot Yeo were all over 25 disposals, while Mark LeCras and Gaff combined for 5 goals. Carlton’s leaders were their core group of Patrick Cripps and Kade Simpson, while young Harry McKay kicked 4 goals, and Levi Casboult added 2 more. It was a better showing from Carlton, but West Coast has to be happy their strong start has continued.

Fremantle dominated the Western Bulldogs with a 108-54 victory. Nat Fyfe was special with 43 disposals, Lachie Neale had 29, and Michael Walters kicked 5 goals. Tom Boyd kicked a pair of goals and was decent on return from the Dogs, but without Lachie Hunter they went missing. Marcus Bontempelli among those turning in disappointing performances.

Geelong Exposes Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide remain flag contenders but an 84-50 loss to Geelong will sting badly given the Cats are not at full strength. Chris Scott rallied his troops to a tough win with Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield, and Sam Menegola all playing well, and George Horlin-Smith and Brandan Parfitt again turning in solid games. GHS and Parsons were the only multi-goal kickers as they combined for 4 goals.

For Port, Robbie Gray and Ollie Wines were best on ground, but they couldn’t get an attack going and their backline looked disorganized.

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