| Home Team | Away Team | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essendon | 3.2 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.7 | (49) | Western Bulldogs | 1.3 | 7.5 | 9.7 | 13.12 | (90) |
| Richmond | 3.2 | 6.6 | 9.9 | 14.12 | (96) | Hawthorn | 4.2 | 10.3 | 15.3 | 15.5 | (95) |
| Carlton | 9.5 | 15.8 | 17.11 | 21.14 | (140) | West Coast | 0.2 | 2.4 | 5.8 | 10.9 | (69) |
| Brisbane Lions | 2.5 | 4.8 | 7.9 | 9.1 | (64) | Geelong | 0.3 | 1.5 | 3.8 | 7.11 | (53) |
| Fremantle | 2.1 | 5.1 | 9.2 | 12.4 | (76) | Sydney | 6.2 | 10.5 | 13.7 | 16.9 | (105) |
| Port Adelaide | 4 | 6.4 | 9.9 | 12.11 | (83) | Collingwood | 4.3 | 5.3 | 7.4 | 13.7 | (85) |
| GWS Giants | 3.2 | 6.7 | 12.8 | 15.13 | (103) | Gold Coast | 4.3 | 6.5 | 7.7 | 9.9 | (63) |
| Melbourne | 2.2 | 6.4 | 11.7 | 14.13 | (97) | Adelaide | 1.4 | 3.9 | 6.13 | 13.15 | (93) |
| St Kilda | 3.3 | 3.7 | 4.12 | 9.15 | (69) | North Melbourne | 2 | 6.1 | 8.4 | 9.7 | (61) |
In the action-packed 19th round of AFL 2023, fans witnessed a flailing Fremantle team, a resurgent Geelong Cats, and a consistently impressive St Kilda team. A sense of anticipation is building with two midweek blockbusters set to headline round six.
The Dockers’ performance this season has been disappointing, a stark contrast to the promise they showed mid-2022. Their tactical woes are apparent as they remain average on most metrics, a key one being 16th for marks inside 50. The Dockers seem distracted, and their lack of focus cost them against the Bulldogs. With a challenging month ahead before the bye, their season is at risk of being derailed.
Geelong Cats made a remarkable return in round six, showcasing their most complete version so far this season. Their victory over Sydney was a display of dominating contested ball control and precise hand and foot usage. Stellar performances from Max Holmes, Brad Close, Gryan Miers, Patrick Dangerfield, and Tom Stewart ignited the team. Particularly notable was Tom Hawkins’ performance, who dominated the Swans’ undermanned defense.
St Kilda continues to defy expectations with the results from their game again north Melbourne. Their win is a testament to their structure, tactics, and unrelenting effort, spearheaded by Ross Lyon. Even amid a growing injury list, the Saints’ defensive prowess keeps them in good stead, and their best attacking weapons are yet to return.
Looking around the grounds, Jeremy Finlayson’s form for Port Adelaide is worthy of admiration, and the Hawks are closer to being 3-3 despite the criticism. Brisbane Lions are holding a comfortable position at 4-2 even without hitting top gear. The Suns managed a convincing win over North, but a knee injury to Touk Miller could prove detrimental. Essendon’s domination of the Demons last week, particularly in the ruck, could be a decisive factor in their Anzac Day win.
In terms of individual achievements, St Kilda’s Mitch Owens is giving Harry Sheezel a run for his money in the Rising Star race, and Marcus Bontempelli takes the mark of the week honour. Charlie Cameron’s inventive goal against the Giants is also worth mentioning as a potential goal of the year contender.
Overall, the 19th round of AFL 2023 encapsulated the highs and lows of the sport, providing both moments of brilliance and occasions for critical reflection. The stage is now set for a thrilling round six, with much to play for all teams involved.
