Round 21 Report Card, highlights, every club reviewed and graded, best and worst players, stats, latest news – MASHAHER

A new premiership favourite has emerged after the ladder-leaders capitulated in almighty fashion.

The race for a finals berth has never been more fierce as we enter the final three weeks of the season.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 21 Report Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

It was a similar story for Adelaide against one of the competition’s stronger campaigners – good enough to make them squirm late, but not enough to see them come out victors. There continues to be promising signs, but consistency is certainly not their strong suit in 2024.

In the votes

Lachie Sholl (25 disposals, one goal) and Josh Rachele (14 disposals, three goals) were among the best for the visitors. Ben Keays (18 disposals, nine tackles, one goal) continued his strong form, while Riley Thilthorpe (14 disposals, 10 score involvements, three goals) was a beacon of light in the front half.

Room for improvement

The Crows lost the inside 50 count by 16, which when working backwards from the stat, makes it very hard to win. But even more disappointingly, they conceded 20 more clearances than they had themselves for the match – despite having 26 more hitouts. They aren’t two stat lines you can lose in tandem and expect to win, so maybe they were lucky to get as close as they did at full time.

Grade

C-

BRISBANE LIONS

Thanks to both their own performance and that of Sydney, the Lions are officially the new premiership favourites – a simply astonishing thought given their start to 2024. We’ve known it for a little while now, but they are so back – and it’s exciting. Onto GWS next week, which will be a much tougher test than St Kilda on the weekend.

In the votes

Joe Daniher (18 disposals, 10 score involvements, four goals) stood up in the absence of his partner in crime Eric Hipwood, with the best on ground honours likely between him and Hugh McCluggage (28 disposals, nine clearances, one goal). Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale (33 disposals, 13 clearances) is every chance for a vote also in another huge performance. And Cam Rayner (22 disposals, three goals) can’t be forgotten either, in what was an ultra-strong showing that matched the likes of the aforementioned.

Room for improvement

The Lions allowed St Kilda to take 122 marks, but that evidently did sweet nothing in stopping their riot. You can’t ask for much more of a side after a 14-goal win on the road, so we won’t! Full marks.

Grade

A+

CARLTON

Michael Voss’ side is now in genuine danger of missing finals this season, despite sitting in standalone second just two weeks ago. They so nearly reversed a 32-point deficit in the final quarter, but instead they now sit on the edge of the top eight with a match with the in-form Hawks this upcoming weekend.

In the votes

Several Blues put up some stacked stat lines last night, with George Hewett (32 disposals, 12 clearances, 11 score involvements) and Nic Newman (34 disposals, 12 marks) at the forefront. Captain Patrick Cripps (30 disposals, nine inside 50s, one goal) was huge in the final quarter in particular, while Elijah Hollands (21 disposals, nine score involvements, two goals) was dangerous all over the ground.

Room for improvement

On face value, the Blues were pretty solid across the board, really only losing the ruck battle against Darcy Cameron. Their 15 behinds (six rushed) certainly didn’t help early when they could’ve gained the initial momentum, but overall, they were actually less inaccurate than Collingwood in front of the big sticks. Next week is now a must-win.

Grade

C-

COLLINGWOOD

When their backs were well and truly up against the wall, the Magpies were able to come away with four points – on an even bigger stage given Pendlebury’s 400th game at AFL level. They’re still well and truly up against it to play in September, but this win should do wonders for their confidence. A match against the grossly out-of-form ladder-leaders Sydney awaits them on Friday night.

In the votes

Forward Will Hoskin-Elliott (20 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 marks, two goals) was sensational for the black and white up forward, popping up at crucial points throughout the match. Nick Daicos (28 disposals, seven clearances, one goal) was strong around the ground, but would’ve liked to finish with a greater efficiency. Milestone man Scott Pendlebury (27 disposals, nine clearances) could even snag a vote in game 400!

Room for improvement

It wasn’t pretty on paper, but most importantly it feels, the Pies have somewhat got their mojo back. They haven’t always been a team to dominate the stat sheet under Craig McRae, but when you take the four points it generally doesn’t matter. If they can take advantage of the Swans, they’re back!

Grade

B+

ESSENDON

The finals dream is alive! Albeit barely, but the Bombers are still in the conversation for an unlikely September berth. It didn’t look possible at the start of the final quarter against Fremantle, but in the end, they were able to cause an upset. Their midfield was firing and the forward line looked strong enough… they couldn’t make it, could they?

In the votes

The Essendon midfielders had plenty of it, but Jake Stringer (four goals, 10 tackles, eight disposals) takes the cake as best on ground, despite his small possession count – given his first half performance kept Essendon within striking distance. Nic Martin (25 disposals, two goals) started very slow, but his big second half built on Stringer’s foundation when the game needed to be won. Jye Caldwell (32 disposals, seven inside 50s, six tackles) was awesome in the engine room, and should claim a vote or two for his efforts.

Room for improvement

Apart from a small blip around clearance, the Bombers were pretty strong all game – and were able to overcome a strong Dockers outfit that were by no means weak. Where’s this been the last two months, Essendon?! Beat Gold Coast at home (as they should) this weekend and the finals conversation will continue.

Grade

A-

FREMANTLE

Oh so close in a game they would’ve had down as an expected win on the flight to Melbourne. Instead, they’ve flown back thinking of what could’ve been; third spot. Credit where it’s due, the Bombers played very well – but Justin Longmuir will know his side needs to close out games just like that if they’re to be any chance of a maiden club premiership in 2024.

In the votes

Defender-turned-midfielder Hayden Young (27 disposals, seven clearances, seven inside 5s, two goals) started like a house on fire for the Dockers, and kept them above water for most of the match. Forwards Jye Amiss (four goals) and Josh Treacy (three goals) played with high impact up forward, while Andrew Brayshaw (33 disposals, eight clearances) was a bull through the middle of the ground.

Room for improvement

Only in the inside 50 count were the Dockers beaten comprehensively by the Bombers on Sunday afternoon, in what was otherwise a fairly even contest. The loss puts a hole in their top four chances for sure, but maybe it was the reminder they needed to keep them on their toes heading into September?

Grade

C-

GEELONG

The Cats have now all but locked themselves in for September action with their 13th win of 2024. It wasn’t overly pretty with the exception of superstar Jeremy Cameron, but it was enough to get it done – and sometimes in finals, you need to win ugly. With Gary Rohan hopefully back next week, they’ll only get stronger.

In the votes

Jeremy Cameron (17 disposals, six goals, five inside 50s) was outstanding for the Cats, kicking three goals in each half to steer his side home. Tanner Bruhn (23 disposals, eight clearances, one goal) and Tom Stewart (28 disposals) were impactful, while Shaun Mannagh (17 disposals, five clearances, two goals) and Tyson Stengle (20 disposals, nine score involvements, one goal) gave Cameron great support in the forward half.

Room for improvement

Their lack of ruckman hasn’t seemed to be anywhere near as much of an issue as people first suspected, and yesterday was another testament to that theory. They allowed the Crows to rack up 101 marks and gain control throughout patches of the match, but ultimately it worked in their favour enough.

Grade

B

GOLD COAST SUNS

Gold Coast’s season is all but over after yet another disappointing defeat, this time at the hands of West Coast. It was the Suns’ 17th consecutive loss on the road, a damning stat for Damien Hardwick’s side. Their inability to win away from home is something that they must address over the off-season because until they become a more consistent side, finals will not be on the cards.

In the votes

Contested beast Matt Rowell fought hard all night for the Suns racking up 30 touches, 21 contested possessions and ten tackles, while partner in crime Noah Anderson had 30 and a goal himself. Ruck Jarrod Witts controlled that battle, recording a whopping 52 hitouts, 21 disposals and a goal. Mac Andrew booted three goals as a forward.

Room for improvement

There’s a recurring theme of immaturity at the Suns right now. Damien Hardwick’s side continue to be plagued by inexperience and it seems the mental factor of having faltered so often away from home is taking its toll. The Suns also struggled to move the ball at times, going slow in transition. They also lost both the clearance (-9) and centre clearance (-6) battles.

Grade

D-

GWS GIANTS

The Giants came from the clouds to overrun the red-hot Hawks at Manuka Oval, pushing themselves into the top four. Their fourth quarter comeback made it five consecutive wins for Adam Kingsley’s side, who have gone from being touch and go for the eight, to a big shot at the double chance. A tough few weeks remain against Brisbane, Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, but we know when the Orange Tsunami is rolling, they can match it with anyone.

In the votes

Spearhead Jesse Hogan starred with five goals and is now leading the Coleman Medal race, while captain Toby Greene stood up when his side needed him with 3.2 from 17 touches. Lachie Whitfield did whatever he pleased amassing a huge 37 disposals, while midfield bull Tom Green was the hero with a clutch goal late.

Room for improvement

The Giants only kicked five goals in the first three quarters, but a seven-goal blitz in the final stanza saw them get over the line. Kingsley’s men were inaccurate in front of goal early, so that is definitely something they’d want to fix for next week. The Giants also heavily lost the centre clearance count (-8).

Grade

B+

HAWTHORN

The Hawks missed a golden opportunity to press their finals claims after they were overrun by the GWS Giants on Sunday afternoon. The Hawks blew a 28-point lead at the final change as the Giants staged an almighty comeback. It means this week’s clash against Carlton is effectively an elimination final, because you’d expect the Hawks to bank wins against Richmond and North Melbourne in the last fortnight. Can they respond?

In the votes

Midfield bull Jai Newcombe was dominant at the coal face, with 30 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 11 clearances. Massimo D’Ambrosio has been a superb pickup this season and was brilliant with 22 touches and two majors. Veteran Jack Gunston booted four goals to vindicate his inclusion, while Karl Amon also had 30 disposals.

Room for improvement

You can’t play three quarters of good football and get away with it in a season as close as this one. Mitchell’s side will have to lick their wounds this week ahead of a must-win match against Carlton. They didn’t really have the answers for Jesse Hogan and couldn’t wrestle back momentum late.

Grade

C-

MELBOURNE

Melbourne’s season is on life support after a disappointing 51-point defeat at the hands of the Western Bulldogs on Friday night. Simon Goodwin’s troops were slow out of the blocks and were unable to wrestle momentum back after a sloppy start as their season record slumped to 10-10. With a tricky few fixtures remaining against Port Adelaide (home), Gold Coast (away) and Collingwood (home), it looks as though their season might be over.

In the votes

Captain Max Gawn battled on all night despite a heavily strapped ankle, amassing 23 disposals, nine marks and a goal in an intriguing battle with Dogs ruck Tim English. Young gun Trent Rivers (25 disposals, one goal) continues to grow in a new midfield role, while defender Jake Bowey (25) found plenty of the footy in defence.

Room for improvement

There’s plenty for Goodwin’s side to work on after that performance. The Dees were smashed in disposals (-55), inside 50s (-26) and uncontested possession (-59). Melbourne’s tackling also left a little to be desired, recording nine missed tackles in the first half alone – the competition average is eight for a game. There were plenty of players who had their colours lowered and will want to bounce back next week against the Power.

Grade

F

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Kangas held off a late charge from the Tigers to secure a 13-point victory and just their third win of the season. There was plenty of emotion post-match as players embraced and celebrated co-captain Luke McDonald’s 200th AFL match. The Roos host West Coast in Hobart next week as they aim to clinch back-to-back wins for the first time since the opening rounds of last season.

In the votes

Luke Davies-Uniacke was absolutely elite, booting a career-high three goals from 33 touches. Ruck Tristan Xerri is genuinely in the conversation for All-Australian honours after 20 disposals, ten tackles and 45 hitouts in another strong display. Spearhead Nick Larkey kicked a bag of five goals as the chief destroyer.

Room for improvement

The main thing was the Roos got the win, but it was far from convincing. They lost the inside 50s (-16) and clearances (-6) and let the Tigers back into it in the fourth quarter. Let’s be honest though, a win’s a win and it was a big step towards this football club finally shedding their easy beats tag.

Grade

B

PORT ADELAIDE

Wow. If there was ever a statement to send to the rest of the competition, it’s beating the ladder leaders by 112 points. And it’s a win they wouldn’t have pencilled in, which means they’ve now rocketed into genuine top four calculations despite their tough run home. Dare to dream…

In the votes

The underrated Willem Drew (32 disposals, 11 score involvements, eight inside 50s, eight clearances) probably edges out a plethora of teammates for the three votes with his performance, but it really could be anyone. Fellow midfielders Jason Horne-Francis (27 disposals, 12 score involvements, one goal), captain Connor Rozee (27 disposals, one goal) and Zak Butters (30 disposals, 10 score involvements, eight tackles) made sure of the best midfield this season. Mitch Georgiades (14 disposals, 11 score involvements, four goals) and Willie Rioli (10 disposals, four goals) led the way up forward, while Dan Houston (24 disposals, 12 marks, two goals) was electric in transition. Take your pick, umpires!

Room for improvement

Nil, nothing, naught, nada. Hands down the most well-rounded performance of any team in 2024 – this one’s full marks and flying colours.

Grade

A+

RICHMOND

The Tigers look destined to take pick 1 into the national draft this year after falling to a 13-point defeat against North Melbourne in the ‘Spoonbowl’. The Tigers staged a spirited fightback late, but ultimately fell short. Some tough fixtures against St Kilda, Hawthorn and the Gold Coast are to come, but it seems as though a wooden spoon awaits.

In the votes

Captain Toby Nankervis had a fascinating duel with Roos ruck Tristan Xerri, while hard-nut Liam Baker created five shots on goal from 21 disposals. Ball magnet Tim Taranto had 27 touches and eight tackles and veteran Dion Prestia had a team-high 29 disposals.

Room for improvement

On paper the Tigers put up some reasonable numbers, winning the inside 50 differential and giving themselves plenty of opportunities in front of the big sticks. They allowed the Roos to pile on five goals late in the third quarter which blew the margin out and was ultimately the turning point of the game.

Grade

D

ST KILDA

Is it bad to say we expected this? They had convincing wins over the Eagles and Bombers across the last fortnight, but unfortunately the Saints came crashing back down to Earth in their 85-point hammering at the hands of Brisbane. Blooding the youth and working out what their list will look like in 2025 is certainly the priority now, as Ross the Boss and co look set to make some big calls in the off-season.

In the votes

Plenty of Saints had their hands on the ball on Sunday evening, but evidently it didn’t do much for the end result. Youngster Mattaes Phillipou (24 disposals, five clearances, one goal) mad another good game in the middle of the ground, while usual suspects Jack Sinclair (30 disposals, eight tackles), Jack Steele (23 disposals, seven tackles) and Rowan Marshall (17 disposals, 18 hitouts, two goals) tried hard. He didn’t get many looks at it, but Tim Membrey (13 disposals, eight score involvements, eight marks, one goal) looked threatening up forward.

Room for improvement

St Kilda loss the game in the clearance battle, allowing the Lions to more than double their own count. Just one goal in the first two and a half quarters makes for abysmal reading, regardless of how good the opposition are. Richmond next week is a must-win – not for anything other than their own wellbeing and identity.

Grade

F

SYDNEY SWANS

Sometimes, the less words better describe a performance like this. The worst loss in John Longmire’s run as coach couldn’t have come at a worse time for a club who was only six weeks ago seen as unbeatable. And with that, they’re no longer premiership favourites.

In the votes

It goes without saying, but there won’t be any Swans polling this round come Brownlow night. The performances of Errol Gulden (25 disposals, six inside 50s, 568 metres gained) and Brodie Grundy (15 disposals, 32 hitouts, eight clearances) are worth noting, but the latter was still far off his destructive best.

Room for improvement

The only two stat lines the Swans beat the Power in were hitouts and tackles – and the latter only came about because you’re only tackling when your team doesn’t have the ball (which was a lot on Saturday night). It remains to be seen in what capacity, but clearly some big changes need to be made if the Swans are to save themselves from totally de-railing in 2024. A win on Friday night over Collingwood would do them the world of good, given they are now no longer an absolute lock for a home qualifying final.

Grade

F

WEST COAST

West Coast secured their first win since round 10 and first under interim coach Jarrod Schofield in thrilling scenes against the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium. The Eagles were able to overcome a 23-point deficit in the third term with the home crowd behind them as co-captain Liam Duggan and veteran Jamie Cripps came up clutch with a pair of late goals to win the game.

In the votes

Star on-ballers Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly were superb, racking up 29 and 26 disposals respectively. Key forward Jake Waterman continued his push for a Coleman Medal with four goals, while veteran Jack Darling wound back the clock with 22 disposals, six tackles and a goal.

Room for improvement

A win’s a win for an Eagles side who has struggled for several years and who have had a super challenging month with the exit of former coach Adam Simpson. They struggled early contending with a Mac Andrew-led Suns forward line, but cleaned that up promptly at half time.

Grade

A

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Western Bulldogs continued to press their top four claims with an emphatic 51-point victory over Melbourne. The Dogs did the damage early, putting together a blistering opening ten minutes where they completely controlled the game. With matches against Adelaide (away), North Melbourne (home) and the GWS Giants (home) to come, Luke Beveridge’s side are well placed to make a serious statement in September.

In the votes

Captain Marcus Bontempelli led from the front racking up 33 disposals, two goals and a whopping 16 score involvements in what was surely a three-vote performance come Brownlow Medal night. Star midfielder Adam Treloar was instrumental in the victory, racking up 30 touches and two goals, while half-back Bailey Dale provided plenty of drive with 34 disposals and 647 metres gained.

Room for improvement

It was a dominant night for the Doggies, who set the tone early for an emphatic victory. They did miss some opportunities in front of goal though which Luke Beveridge would no doubt like them to tidy up ahead of a trip to Adelaide next week. A 51-point victory was terrific, but it could have been even more if they converted better in front of the big sticks.

Grade

A