Just when we didn’t think this season could get any better, AFL Round 19 blows us away like the gale force winds in Hobart on Saturday.
Whenever you’ve got games decided by 0, 2, 4 and 6 points, it’s obviously going to be a great round of footy. But what made this round truly special was the implications of these thrilling results.
Sydney have been the talk of the competition as they look set to become the first team to make finals after a 0-6 start. However after a shock win over the Swans, suddenly Hawthorn are a sneaky chance to make their eighth straight finals series. Everything would have to go right, but if anyone could pull it off, it’s Alastair Clarkson.
North Melbourne swept aside any accusations of tanking with a stunning four-point win over Melbourne and kept one the most unbelievable streak in footy alive. The Roos have now beaten the Demons 17 straight times. If they can’t beat this North team, Melbourne fans must be wondering if they’ll ever beat them again.
Port Adelaide kicked two goals in the last minute to keep in touch with the Top 4 whilst also narly ending St Kilda’s finals hopes. Power fans were streaming toward the exits with a couple of minutes to go before some magic from Robbie Gray saw Port home. Never leave until the final siren’s sounded!
How do we judge Collingwood’s performance on Sunday against top-placed Adelaide? They were good enough to lead by 50 points in the second quarter, but on the other hand they gave that lead up and were lucky to escape with a draw. It’s doubtful that Nathan Buckley’s future is any clearer after that one.
The Bulldogs showed they might have some fight left with a 30-point win over fellow finals aspirant Essendon and GWS discovered some form with a 12-point win over a plucky Fremantle side.
Finally, Geelong, West Coast and Richmond showed no mercy to Carlton, Brisbane and Gold Coast respectively, and in doing so earned themselves an all important percentage boost.
What did you like, learn and hate from AFL Round 19? Have your say here.
