Pies stun the Crows in Adelaide

In the biggest win for Collingwood in recent years, the Pies stunned the Adelaide Crows on a wet night at the Adelaide Oval 106-58 in a game they dominated in every aspect. The Adelaide midfield was especially poor as Rory Sloane didn’t fire and the absence of the Crouch brothers left the Crows exposed. Steele Sidebottom, Adam Treloar, Tom Phillips, and Scott Pendlebury went over 30 disposals each, Brodie Grundy posted 33 as he dominated Sam Jacobs in the ruck. Rookie Jaidyn Stephenson broke out with 5 goals while Josh Thomas and Will Hoskin-Elliot combined for 4.

Rory Laird, Paul Seedsman, and Bryce Gibbs were best on ground for the Crows, but forwards Tex Walker, Eddie Betts, and Josh Jenkins failed to make an impact.

Collingwood and Essendon With Statement Wins in AFL Round 4

Giants and Swans Survive Tests

The GWS Giants and Sydney Swans won their final terms to defeat Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs respectively. The Giants generated a lot more chances than Freo, and despite wild winds won 82-51 while kicking 11.16. Callan Ward, Nick Hayes, and Brett Deledio were among best on ground, while Stephen Coniglio had another great game. Ryan Griffen, Jeremy Cameron, and Toby Greene combined for six goals, while only Brandon Matera had a multi-goal game for Freo. David Mundy and Lachie Neale were among their best, but Nat Fyfe again dipped in form away from home.

Young Oliver Florent and Coleman favorite Lance Franklin were heroes for Sydney in a narrow win over the Dogs 86-79. Florent sealed the win in the final minute in a game Sydney narrowly led after halftime, while Franklin and midfielder Luke Parker combined for six critical goals. Callum Sinclair also edged Tim English in the ruck. The Dogs midfielders were solid with Jack Macrae and Mitch Wallis playing well, but their forwards failed to fire. That said, given where they were just a couple of rounds ago they clearly have life again.

Richmond and North Melbourne Win by Massive Margins

Richmond and North Melbourne could have invoked the mercy rule in their drubbing of struggling sides Brisbane and Carlton on the weekend. The Tigers won 110-17 as Brisbane did not kick a goal until the third term. Dustin Martin kicked 6 goals, Jason Castagna and Jacob Townsend combined for 6, while Trent Cotchin led the disposal count and Dion Prestia was solid in return from injury The only bright spots for the Lions were rookie Cam Rayner, Alex Witherden, and perhaps Harris Andrews and Dayne Zorko as the Lions looked lost at the MCG.

North Melbourne defended Hobart with a 116-30 win over a Carlton side that has looked hapless after round 1. Ben Brown and Shaun Atley combined for 8 goals, while Shaun Higgins was great in the midfield. Other than Ed Curnow, Carlton has little to be happy about, as Marc Murphy was a late out and the likes of Patrick Cripps and Levi Casboult looked soft.

Eagles Continue Good Form

The Gold Coast Suns were left winless on their Perth trip as West Coast won as expected 139-59 thanks to another strong effort throughout the ground. The Eagles Chris Masten, Andrew Gaff, and Dom Sheed were great in the midfield, while Elliot Yeo ruled the roost off halfback. Josh Kennedy and Jamie Cripps combined for 9 goals while Nic Nat and Scott Lycett were again quality.

Tom Lynch, Aaron Young, and David Swallow for stand outs for the Suns, but their young side looked gassed as the game went on.

Geelong Ups the Pressure on St. Kilda

St. Kilda’s forward line struggles continued as they fell 103-56 against the Geelong Cats. The Saints lost both Dylan Roberton (collapsed due to an irregular heartbeat), and Rowan Marshall (concussion) during the contest, and only midfielder Luke Dunstan had a multi-goal game. Dunstan led both disposals and tackles as he was best on ground for the Saints but the game belonged to Brandan Parfitt and Geelong. Daniel Menzel and Parfitt combined for 8 goals, Sam Menegola and Zach Tuohy were also good as the Saints look closer to a wooden spoon than finals this year.

Essendon and Hawthorn Score Big Sunday Wins 

Melbourne managed just one second half goal as Hawthorn prevailed 115-48 on a wet day at the MCG. The Hawks star Tom Mitchell had his worst game of the year and Cyril Rioli came down hurt, but it was the backline for Hawthorn that stood up and helped them win. David Mirra was good on debut, as was Ben Stratton while Liam Shiels and Jaeger O’Meara stepped up in the midfield and Luke Breust added 3 goals, while Tim O’Brien and Jarryd Roughead combined for 6. Besides Dean Kent (3 goals), and Clayton Oliver Melbourne were poor, even though Max Gawn won in the ruck against Ben McEvoy.

Essendon came away the home winners 106-84, defeating the AFL’s final undefeated side in Port Adelaide, and responding to the pressure of two straight losses. The Essendon attack fired and their midfield was much better as Zach Merrett finally looked fit, Dyson Heppell also turning in a good game, and Michael Hurley 2nd in disposals. Jake Stringer added 4 goals and Joe Daniher posted 2 more. Matt Guelfi was great on debut.

Robbie Gray, Jared Polec, and Jack Watts were best for Port, but they missed Sam Powell-Pepper and this time couldn’t stave off a side looking for an upset win.

Main Photo: