| Home Team | Away Team | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 2.3 | 6.7 | 8.9 | 11.12 | (78) | Western Bulldogs | 5.4 | 6.4 | 9.6 | 11.1 | (76) | |
| Melbourne | 6.2 | 8.3 | 12.4 | 16.9 | (105) | Brisbane Lions | 3.3 | 8.4 | 15.7 | 16.8 | (104) | |
| Collingwood | 4.1 | 14.2 | 16.4 | 18.5 | (113) | Fremantle | 3.2 | 5.3 | 7.4 | 10.7 | (67) | |
| Gold Coast | 3.2 | 5.6 | 9.7 | 11.11 | (77) | St Kilda | 0.1 | 2.2 | 5.3 | 8.3 | (51) | |
| Carlton | 3.6 | 9.8 | 14.1 | 18.14 | (122) | Port Adelaide | 2.2 | 4.7 | 9.9 | 10.12 | (72) | |
| Geelong | 7.5 | 9.1 | 14.11 | 18.14 | (122) | Essendon | 0.1 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 7.3 | (45) | |
| Adelaide | 4.3 | 6.5 | 8.8 | 8.9 | (57) | GWS Giants | 3.4 | 3.6 | 5.9 | 10.11 | (71) | |
| North Melbourne | 1.1 | 4.1 | 5.2 | 6.4 | (40) | Hawthorn | 3.8 | 3.13 | 8.14 | 12.16 | (88) | |
| West Coast | 1.1 | 2.5 | 6.8 | 8.12 | (60) | Richmond | 2.6 | 5.9 | 10.13 | 14.14 | (98) |
It was a weekend of momentous encounters in the AFL, with each game bringing its own set of shocks and triumphs. Let’s begin with a thrilling contest in the city of Melbourne. Against all odds, the Demons snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Brisbane. Melbourne’s captain, Max Gawn, was truly the star of the show, displaying his prowess as a sole ruckman. His performance was so spectacular that it brought into question the need for high-profile recruit Brodie Grundy, who is currently honing his forward craft in the VFL .
Turning our gaze to the harbour city, Errol Gulden is making waves as Sydney’s best player. In a nail-biting showdown with the Dogs, it was Gulden’s exceptional field kicking that really turned the tide for the Swans. Gulden’s performance is shaping up to be one of the best of the season, and the 20-year-old is already garnering All-Australian buzz .
The Cats, last year’s Grand Finalists, are also making a comeback at the perfect time. After overcoming early season challenges, Geelong is now unbeaten in the past four games, with their injury list clearing up just in time for their upcoming encounters against top-four teams Brisbane, Port Adelaide, and Collingwood .
Meanwhile, the Tigers have seen a significant surge in their form, largely due to the performance of Dustin Martin. The triple Norm Smith medallist has been instrumental in the Tigers’ recent 5-1 run, displaying his best ball-winning form since late 2019. With the finals within sight, all eyes are on Martin to replicate his big-stage performances .
St Kilda, however, is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Their dreams of reaching the finals are fading fast, as they continue to struggle to score. The Saints’ performance against the Gold Coast Suns was particularly disheartening, as they could only muster eight goals. Coach Ross Lyon will need to rally his team and find quick solutions to their stagnation if they are to have any hope of reaching the top eight .
Collingwood is setting the standard for the 2023 season. Their ability to dominate a single quarter is second to none, as demonstrated by their 10-goal second quarter against Fremantle. Their explosive style of play has led to decisive victories against numerous teams, firmly establishing them as the team to beat this year .
In other news, Carlton’s season could be decided by the fitness of Harry McKay. Despite an impressive win against Port Adelaide, the Blues might have their season hanging in the balance if McKay’s injury proves serious. The young forward’s presence on the field has been crucial to the Blues’ recent successes, and his possible absence could mean the end of Carlton’s finals hopes .
At Greater Western Sydney, coach Adam Kingsley is slowly building a legacy. The team’s five-win streak and their recent victory over Adelaide speaks volumes about Kingsley’s ability to not just build a team, but a club with a proud history. The coach’s focus on creating a culture, rather than just honing skills, has clearly paid off .
Finally, James Worpel of Hawthorn is making a compelling case for a new contract. The 24-year-old midfielder has been in stellar form this season, mirroring his Peter Crimmins Medal-winning performance in 2019. The club has opened contract talks, but Worpel’s recent performances may just drive up his value if he remains unsigned .
