Turn in the AFL: Round 21 Highlights
Daicos’ Injury Sends Shockwaves
The AFL world was left stunned as Nick Daicos, the young sensation and Brownlow Medal favorite, suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season. The Collingwood superstar’s absence has thrown the Brownlow race wide open, leaving fans and pundits alike speculating who might seize the opportunity.
AFL Scores Round 21 2023
| Home Team | Away Team | Ground | Date | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Bulldogs | 9.3 | 12.5 | 16.7 | 19.12 | [126] | dftd | Richmond | 2.1 | 5.5 | 7.8 | 10.11 | [71] | Marvel Stadium | Aug 4 (Fri 7:50pm) |
| Essendon | 1.6 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 10.13 | [73] | dftd | West Coast | 2.20 | 4.3 | 6.5 | 11.6 | [72] | Marvel Stadium | Aug 5 (Sat 1:45pm) |
| Adelaide | 5.2 | 8.4 | 8.11 | 13.11 | [89] | dftd | Gold Coast | 0.3 | 3.6 | 6.6 | 9.70 | [61] | Adelaide Oval | Aug 5 (Sat 2:10pm) |
| Hawthorn | 4.2 | 6.4 | 12.7 | 16.90 | [105] | dftd | Collingwood | 0.3 | 4.5 | 8.5 | 11.7 | [73] | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Aug 5 (Sat 4:35pm) |
| Geelong | 7.2 | 9.5 | 10.9 | 14.13 | [97] | dftd | Port Adelaide | 5.10 | 6.6 | 10.8 | 12.13 | [85] | Simonds Stadium | Aug 5 (Sat 7:25pm) |
| GWS Giants | 4.2 | 7.6 | 10.9 | 12.13 | [85] | lost to | Sydney | 5 | 11 | 13.2 | 15.6 | [96] | Sydney Showground Stadium | Aug 5 (Sat 7:30pm) |
| North Melbourne | 5.5 | 8.8 | 9.9 | 10.11 | [71] | lost to | Melbourne | 1.3 | 8.4 | 14.7 | 15.13 | [103] | Blundstone Arena | Aug 6 (Sun 1:10pm) |
| St Kilda | 3.1 | 7.2 | 8.3 | 8.6 | [54] | lost to | Carlton | 2.4 | 3.4 | 6.7 | 10.13 | [73] | Marvel Stadium | Aug 6 (Sun 3:20pm) |
| Fremantle | 2.2 | 5.4 | 8.8 | 11.8 | [74] | lost to | Brisbane Lions | 1.4 | 3.5 | 8.8 | 11.11 | [77] | Optus Stadium | Aug 6 (Sun 4:40pm) |
The Draft Lottery Debate
West Coast’s nail-biting loss to Essendon has reignited a fiery debate: Should the AFL introduce a draft lottery system? The current system, where a loss can lead to a better draft pick, has led to some fans paradoxically cheering for their team’s defeat. A lottery system, similar to the NBA’s, could eliminate this dilemma and add a new layer of excitement to the draft process.
Richmond’s Era Coming to an End?
Richmond’s significant loss to the Western Bulldogs has led to whispers of an “end of an era.” With veteran players like Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin nearing retirement and rumors swirling about Dustin Martin’s future, the Tigers find themselves at a crossroads. The coming weeks could define the club’s direction for years to come.
Port Adelaide Eyes Ratugolea
Port Adelaide’s interest in Geelong defender Esava Ratugolea is no secret. The Power’s pursuit of the 25-year-old athletic marvel has intensified, and the club is reportedly “coming hard” for him. Ratugolea’s combination of size and agility makes him a tantalizing prospect, and his potential move could shake up the key defender merry-go-round.
Crouch’s Unlikely Resurgence
Matt Crouch’s late-career resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. Once seemingly finished as an AFL footballer, Crouch has found a new lease on life with Adelaide, impressing with his skill and determination. His performances have caught the eye of clubs in Victoria and New South Wales, and his future looks bright once again.
A Radical Solution to the Draft Dilemma
The AFL’s draft order has long been a topic of debate, and the idea of a draft lottery is gaining traction. A system that ensures the lowest-placed teams still have the best chance of getting the earliest picks, without guaranteeing them, could add intrigue and fairness to the draft process.
Coaching Carousel and Trade Priorities
The coaching landscape is shifting, with Richmond’s interim coach Andrew McQualter firmly in the running for the top job. Meanwhile, trade priorities are taking shape, with key defenders and athletic talents like Ratugolea at the center of attention.
Round 21 of the 2023 AFL season has been nothing short of thrilling, filled with unexpected twists and turns. From injuries that could change the course of the Brownlow race to debates that could reshape the draft process, the AFL continues to captivate and surprise. The coming weeks promise to be equally exciting as teams jostle for position, players fight for their futures, and fans await the next dramatic chapter in this unforgettable season.
