Major Highlights and Pivotal Moments from Round 7
Rising Stars Shine for the Suns
Gold Coast’s victory over West Coast at Carrara was marked by solid performances from expected stars like Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell. However, the standout was Jake Rogers from the Suns Academy, who likely secured a Rising Star nomination with his breakout game. Rogers demonstrated exceptional anticipation and skill, contributing four goal assists and eight score involvements, showcasing the depth of talent the Suns are developing.
Gold Coast Suns have consistently emphasized youth in their strategy, and it seems to be paying dividends. Rogers, along with other young talents like Jed Walter and Will Graham, are not just filling roles but are becoming central figures in the team’s tactics. This match underlined the Suns’ capacity to nurture and integrate young players into high-level AFL competition effectively.
| Pos | Team | Pts | P | W | D | L | For | Against | % | Stk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geelong Cats | 28 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 693 | 512 | 135.4 | W7 |
| 2 | Sydney Swans | 24 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 728 | 493 | 147.7 | W3 |
| 3 | GWS Giants | 24 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 751 | 551 | 136.3 | W1 |
| 4 | Melbourne | 20 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 585 | 464 | 126.1 | W1 |
| 5 | Port Adelaide | 20 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 671 | 558 | 120.3 | W1 |
| 6 | Carlton | 20 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 702 | 626 | 112.1 | L1 |
| 7 | Essendon | 18 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 580 | 619 | 93.7 | - |
| 8 | Fremantle | 16 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 553 | 495 | 111.7 | W1 |
| 9 | Gold Coast | 16 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 593 | 587 | 101 | W1 |
| 10 | Collingwood | 14 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 607 | 620 | 97.9 | - |
| 11 | Western Bulldogs | 12 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 638 | 556 | 114.7 | L1 |
| 12 | Adelaide Crows | 8 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 541 | 560 | 96.6 | W1 |
| 13 | Brisbane Lions | 8 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 517 | 549 | 94.2 | L2 |
| 14 | St Kilda | 8 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 511 | 572 | 89.3 | L3 |
| 15 | West Coast | 8 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 510 | 688 | 74.1 | L1 |
| 16 | Richmond | 4 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 487 | 645 | 75.5 | L3 |
| 17 | Hawthorn | 4 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 474 | 678 | 69.9 | L1 |
| 18 | North Melbourne | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 494 | 862 | 57.3 | L7 |
Crows Rally for a Convincing Victory
Adelaide responded to their controversial loss to Essendon with a decisive 57-point win over North Melbourne in Hobart. While the Kangaroos remained winless, Adelaide’s performance was a collective effort, highlighted by Izak Rankine’s unselfish play to assist Ben Keays. This victory provides the Crows with a momentum boost as they prepare for their upcoming showdown against Port Adelaide.
The game was a necessary win for the Crows, showing their ability to overcome adversity and execute under pressure. The focus on teamwork and strategic play was evident as Adelaide dominated across the board, providing a textbook example of how to regroup and respond after a setback. As they head into the showdown with Port Adelaide, the Crows carry not just a win but a reaffirmation of their team dynamics and resilience.
Geelong’s Winning Formula Continues
Geelong continued their unbeaten streak with a professional 13-point victory over Carlton at the MCG. Despite Carlton’s early dominance, Geelong’s efficiency in front of goal and Jeremy Cameron’s milestone of 600 career goals were crucial. The Cats’ ability to maintain composure and capitalize on opportunities underscored why they are formidable contenders this season.
Jeremy Cameron’s performance was a highlight, demonstrating why he is one of the premier forwards in the league. Geelong’s strategy, focusing on precision and pressure, proved effective against Carlton’s aggressive play. This victory not only maintains Geelong’s perfect start to the season but also reinforces their reputation as a team that performs under pressure and in crucial moments.
Bombers Display Newfound Resilience
Essendon’s Anzac Day clash with Collingwood highlighted their growth, despite not securing a win. The Bombers showed resilience, contesting vigorously against the reigning premiers and nearly clinching the game. Coach Brad Scott praised his team’s effort and intent, reflecting a significant improvement from previous seasons.
The match was a testament to Essendon’s development, particularly in their midfield battles, which saw them outperform Collingwood’s renowned midfielders. The Bombers’ ability to maintain intensity and focus, even as the game reached its climax, illustrates a maturing team poised to make significant strides in the AFL landscape.
Swans’ Dominance Previews Derby Drama
Sydney Swans delivered a commanding performance against Hawthorn, sending a strong message ahead of their next game. Their dynamic play and intense pressure set the stage for a highly anticipated ‘Battle of the Bridge’ against GWS, promising an exciting showdown.
The Swans’ approach was multi-faceted, combining fierce tackling, rapid transitions, and a balanced attack that saw contributions across the board. Logan McDonald’s emergence alongside veteran Isaac Heeney provided the Swans with a potent forward line duo that the Hawks struggled to contain. This win was not just about the points; it was a strategic show of force that perfectly timed the peak of their form as they prepared for a significant local derby.
Port Adelaide Overcomes Adversity
Port Adelaide secured a critical 10-point victory over St Kilda, overcoming significant injuries. This win was crucial for maintaining a positive trajectory despite the challenges, setting up an important phase with upcoming matches against strong opponents.
Port Adelaide’s performance was defined by resilience and strategic adaptation. Despite losing key players like Aliir Aliir and Sam Powell-Pepper to injuries during the game, the team rallied to secure a win that was less about style and more about substance. This gritty victory exemplifies the team’s depth and coaching strategy, positioning them for critical upcoming matches that could define their season.
Giants’ Resounding Response
GWS Giants responded strongly to criticisms with a convincing win over the Brisbane Lions, demonstrating their readiness to contend for the premiership. Key players stepped up in the absence of stars, and newcomer Darcy Jones made an impressive debut, signaling strong prospects for the team.
GWS’s performance was a comprehensive display of their capabilities, with players like Tom Green and Josh Kelly stepping up to lead the charge. The team’s ability to perform without key figures such as Toby Greene showcases their depth and adaptability. This victory was a significant statement in the context of their season, setting the tone for their upcoming clash with Sydney, which is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in their campaign.
Petracca’s Powerhouse Performance
Christian Petracca of Melbourne overcame a targeted defensive strategy by Richmond to lead his team to a 43-point victory. His performance underscored his importance to the Demons and his ability to adapt to intense competition, proving crucial for his team’s aspirations.
Richmond’s strategy to contain Petracca with a hard tag initially disrupted Melbourne’s flow, but Petracca’s resilience and skill eventually prevailed. His ability to navigate through pressure and contribute significantly across the board was a testament to his development as a player and his critical role in Melbourne’s strategy. This game not only boosted his confidence but also provided a blueprint for dealing with similar challenges in future high-stakes matches.
Fremantle’s Forward Line Finds Its Feet
Fremantle’s win over the Western Bulldogs highlighted Josh Treacy’s crucial role. While midfielders like Nat Fyfe and Caleb Serong were instrumental, Treacy’s efforts in the forward line were vital for Fremantle’s success, showing the importance of having versatile players who can influence the game across the field.
Treacy’s ability to take crucial marks and contribute timely goals demonstrated his value as a forward target. His performance was a key factor in Fremantle’s strategy, allowing the midfielders to play with confidence knowing they had a reliable target forward. This not only helped Fremantle secure the win but also added a new dimension to their attack, proving that they have multiple threats capable of impacting the scoreboard.
This round of the AFL showcased a variety of strategic victories and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the season. Each team displayed elements of their evolving strategies and key player impacts, providing a rich tapestry of competition and entertainment for fans of the sport.
