| Pos | Team | Pts | P | W | D | L | For | Against | % | Stk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney | 48 | 13 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 1353 | 903 | 149.83 | 9W |
| 2 | Carlton | 36 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 1228 | 1118 | 109.84 | 3W |
| 3 | Collingwood | 36 | 14 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 1238 | 1154 | 107.28 | 2W |
| 4 | Essendon | 34 | 13 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 1081 | 1079 | 100.19 | 2L |
| 5 | GWS Giants | 32 | 13 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 1155 | 1011 | 114.24 | 1W |
| 6 | Geelong | 32 | 13 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 1209 | 1110 | 108.92 | 1L |
| 7 | Port Adelaide | 32 | 13 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 1129 | 1038 | 108.77 | 2L |
| 8 | Fremantle | 30 | 13 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1065 | 959 | 111.05 | 1L |
| 9 | Western Bulldogs | 28 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 1340 | 1119 | 119.75 | 1W |
| 10 | Gold Coast | 28 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 1134 | 1051 | 107.9 | 1L |
| 11 | Melbourne | 28 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 1005 | 1004 | 100.1 | 2L |
| 12 | Hawthorn | 28 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 1098 | 1185 | 92.66 | 4W |
| 13 | Brisbane Lions | 26 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 1164 | 1005 | 115.82 | 2W |
| 14 | St Kilda | 20 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 1023 | 1109 | 92.25 | 1L |
| 15 | Adelaide | 18 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 1138 | 1109 | 102.61 | 3L |
| 16 | West Coast | 12 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 894 | 1231 | 72.62 | 3L |
| 17 | Richmond | 8 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 893 | 1397 | 63.92 | 1L |
| 18 | North Melbourne | 4 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 917 | 1482 | 61.88 | 1L |
Defence an issue, but Lions getting back to attacking best
The Lions definitively demonstrated on Friday night that the Saints can be heavily scored against, highlighting the Suns’ failure from the previous week. Chris Fagan noted that the game was in Brisbane’s control, and the team now has a favorable schedule that could see them win four consecutive matches if their scoring from Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood, and Charlie Cameron continues, along with contributions from young talents Logan Morris and Kai Lohmann. Lohmann is emerging as a star, showing excellent distribution and goal-kicking. However, Brisbane’s defence remains a concern. It’s not just the number of goals conceded but the manner in which they allow opposition chances that needs addressing.
Hawks show maturity by spoiling Dustin Martin’s 300th
After a strong month, Hawthorn passed another test by defeating Richmond at a packed MCG for Dustin Martin’s 300th match. The 92,311 fans were electrified when Martin kicked the first goal, but the young Hawks rose to the challenge. After a close first quarter, Hawthorn dominated the second and third quarters, securing a 48-point win. Jai Newcombe led with 26 disposals, while James Sicily was outstanding with 33 disposals, 15 marks, and 874 meters gained. Despite Richmond’s struggles, Martin’s goal brought back memories of his peak performances, and his post-game reflections on the milestone added a poignant note.
Kelly a class above as Giants prevail in clash marred by inaccuracy
At the Sydney Showgrounds, GWS Giants and Port Adelaide combined for a score of 15.34, reflecting a day of missed opportunities. Josh Kelly marked his return with a match-sealing goal, capping off a stellar performance with 27 disposals, nine score involvements, and 640 meters gained. The Giants’ ‘Orange Tsunami’ was in full effect, driven by Kelly and Lachie Whitfield’s exceptional foot skills. Whitfield contributed 28 disposals and nine tackles. Sitting fifth on the ladder, the Giants remain a formidable team as September approaches, with their key players in top form.
Clarkson’s own goal gives Magpies a famous comeback win
North Melbourne’s coach Alastair Clarkson initially orchestrated a near-perfect game against Collingwood, deploying Will Phillips to tag Nick Daicos effectively. However, Clarkson’s decision to substitute Phillips for Jaidyn Stephenson in the final quarter proved disastrous. Daicos dominated the last term, leading Collingwood to overturn a 31-point deficit. Daicos ended with 29 disposals, six clearances, and ten score involvements, many in the final quarter. The young Kangaroos learned valuable lessons, and Clarkson likely did too: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
Bontempelli reaffirms status as AFL’s best as Dogs resurgence continues
Marcus Bontempelli showcased his brilliance on Saturday afternoon, leading the Western Bulldogs to a 67-point victory over Fremantle. The Bulldogs, now back in the top eight with four wins from six games, were steadied and then propelled by Bontempelli’s performance, including a goal-of-the-year contender. He finished with 30 disposals, eight marks, seven clearances, and three goals. Tom Liberatore also excelled with 28 disposals. The Bulldogs, known for late-season surges, are once again a team that no one wants to face as finals approach.
Swans’ midfield dominates again
At Adelaide Oval, the Sydney Swans overcame a strong start from the Crows to secure a dominant victory. Sydney’s Joel Amartey kicked eight goals in two quarters, turning the game around. The Swans’ midfield, led by James Rowbottom and Brodie Grundy, overwhelmed Adelaide with 51 clearances to 31. Sydney, with a 12-1 record, appears unstoppable. Despite concerns about peaking too early, their current form and upcoming favorable fixtures suggest they are well on their way to securing a top-two spot.
The young Hawks continue taking major steps
Hawthorn has shown remarkable growth, overcoming previous issues with closing tight games. Last year, they lost three out of four single-digit margin games. This year, they have held their nerve, evidenced by their win against a premiership contender. Young players like Will Day, Connor MacDonald, and Josh Weddle have been instrumental. Hawthorn’s recent performance, with five wins in six games, indicates a promising future under Sam Mitchell’s guidance.
Suns go down as AFL admits to wrong call on free kick
The AFL acknowledged a controversial free kick against Gold Coast’s Mac Andrew, which allowed St Kilda’s Max King to score the winning goal. Suns coach Damien Hardwick criticized the decision, while Ross Lyon noted that the Saints should never have been in such a precarious position. The victory places St Kilda six points outside the top eight, highlighting their ongoing struggles to capitalize on opportunities.
