Round 4 Report Card, highlights, every club reviewed and graded, best and worst players, stats, latest news

While three clubs received perfect marks, one team copped a fail grade … and four other teams were mightily lucky to pass.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 4 Report Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows suffered a third-straight loss by less than 10 points on Friday night against Fremantle, in a manner that coach Matthew Nicks described as “deja vu”. After at one stage trailing by 34 points in the third term, Adelaide flicked the switch to instigate a 44-point turnaround — only to eventually go down by two points in a Good Friday thriller. They’ll rue the fact that they sit 1-3 after their first month of football, but it’s been against strong opposition without some key personnel. Half-glass-full still at West Lakes, or danger signs?

In the votes

There’s a world where only Dockers players poll votes come Brownlow night, but captain Jordan Dawson (23 disposals — 12 contested, two goals) was strong all night. He was more than aptly supported by 210cm giant Lachlan McAndrew (13 tackles, 31 hit-outs, eight disposals) in just his sixth AFL game, while James Peatling (26 disposals — 15 contested, eight clearances, one goal) had a monster third quarter to drag the Crows back in. Wayne Milera (27 disposals — 92.6% efficiency, 547 metres gained) and Josh Worrell (23 disposals — 11 intercepts, eight spoils, eight rebound 50s, five intercept marks) were stoic in defence once more.

Room for improvement

Nicks’ side was smacked at clearance and in the contest throughout the first half — and never really got going in the latter. Promisingly though, their forward 50 pressure was through the roof after half time, which saw them lay 17 tackles inside the attacking arc — nearly double that of the Dockers. In the end, they conceded a few too many inside 50s with an undermanned defence.

Grade

C

BRISBANE LIONS

The Lions were at their ruthless best as they took on a Collingwood outfit missing star trio Darcy Moore, Scott Pendlebury and the late withdrawal Nick Daicos. The home side won all but the third quarter, as they piled on a seven-goal final stanza to ensure the margin blew out to 54 points. Brisbane finished with +19 inside 50s, +18 clearances and impressively almost +40 contested possessions in a dominant display.

In the votes

Kai Lohmann was the showman for the Lions with an eye-catching four goals. Oscar Allen had his best outing for his new club with three goals – and provided plenty of contests. Will Ashcroft had a career best night with 36 touches -15 contested, 11 score involvements, six clearances and a goal. Zac Bailey had 25 disposals and two goals to only increase his contract value while Keidean Coleman was impressive in his return with an equal team-high nine intercepts.

Room for improvement

Sam Draper is making his presence felt at his new club, but gave up four free kicks in the process. Otherwise, a cracking night for the reigning premiers.

Grade

A+

CARLTON

Incredibly, it happened again. Another second-half collapse for the Blues, and it leaves Michael Voss’ future hanging by a thread. Carlton played its brand impressively for the majority of the first three quarters, taking a 22-point lead into the final change. But it didn’t matter as Voss’ side failed to stay composed in the big fourth-quarter moments, conceding the game’s last five goals to go down 10-point losers on Good Friday. Voss said he didn’t think it was a mental demon for his playing group, but as North’s Harry Sheezel confirmed post-game, the Roos had all the belief in the world that they could down a Carlton team that consistently falters in second halves.

In the votes

Marc Pittonet was arguably Carlton’s most influential player, taking full advantage of the Roos’ Tristan Xerri absence, with Callum Coleman-Jones bested on the day. Pittonet kept up his goalkicking form, booting two goals and notching seven score involvements with 11 disposals and four clearances. Skipper Patrick Cripps typically helped give the Blues their best chance at a win, winning seven clearances from 21 disposals and seven score involvements. Brodie Kemp bobbed up with three goals.

Room for improvement

Well, here’s a shocker: Closing out games. Still. After Kemp kicked his third major at the 12-minute mark, Carlton conceded five-straight goals to lose again in devastating fashion. The Blues also finished with eight fewer inside-50 entries and fewer contested possessions than the Roos. And while they upped their tackling game in the second half, their pressure rating was questioned early in the game as North looked to ignite its uncontested game.

Grade

D+

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies were already arriving at the Gabba undermanned – and it only got worse moments before the bounce when Nick Daicos was a late withdrawal. And without him, Collingwood struggled to win the ball. They finished below their season average in inside 50s, disposals and efficiency inside 50 – at just 33% against the Lions. The Pies were -39 for contested ball, which is the third-worst differential under coach Craig McRae. Their -18 clearance count is McRae’s second worst as coach.

In the votes

Even without his brother Nick, Josh Daicos still delivered for the Pies with 25 touches and more than 720m gained. Dan McStay played a lone hand in attack with four goals against his former club, finishing as Collingwood’s only multiple goal scorer. But even he had moments he’d like back. Dan Houston was the Pies’ best contest winner with four clearances.

Room for improvement

Dan McStay made an absolute meal of his snap on goal when he elected to play on and somehow barely got boot to ball with his snap that went just 10m before being swooped on by Lions defenders. Collingwood didn’t have winners of the ball through the middle as their backline was under constant pressure. The Pies’ backline coughed up 20 marks inside 50 in worrying signs.

Grade

D-

ESSENDON

Bombers coach Brad Scott summed it up well post-game: “I think significant improvement (has occurred), but significant improvement to go.” After a slow start against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday night at Marvel Stadium, Essendon upped its pressure and fought back to outscore the premiership fancies by 20 points in the second half on the way to a 34-point defeat. So it was an improvement on previous, demoralising weeks. But the reality is the Bombers have now suffered a club record-equalling losing streak of 17 matches – and their 0-4 start is their worst start to a campaign in 59 years when they began 1967 with five straight defeats.

In the votes

Former captain Zach Merrett played a crucial role in turning his side’s fortunes around, leading the way with increased pressure around the ball. He finished with 30 touches and seven tackles, while emerging star Archie Roberts had 37 touches while going at 86 per cent efficiency by foot. Jade Gresham (3 goals) found some form, while Tom Edwards kicked 2.2 upon return from injury.

Room for improvement

The start of the game was horrendous, with the Bombers giving up 10 of the first 11 goals of the match. The Dons were overwhelmed by the Bulldogs’ workrate and dominance at the source as they struggled to move the ball with much flow. Individually, Archie Perkins had eight touches and went at 20 per cent efficiency by foot from just 69 per cent game time and Matt Guelfi kicked 0.1 from five disposals and one tackle.

Grade

C+

FREMANTLE

It wasn’t easy in the second half, but Fremantle’s heart-stopping two-point win over Adelaide is the sort of victory you see from genuine premiership contenders… if we can say that without getting too carried away! It goes without saying Justin Longmuir and his side would be relieved to get the four points however they could, but the Crows’ late surge proved there’s still some areas for improvement. They’ll head into Gather Round sitting pretty at 3-1, and in a not-too-distant world, they’d be 4-0!

In the votes

In the engine room, Caleb Serong (32 disposals — 13 contested, eight tackles, 630 metres gained) was ultra-consistent all night, as he has been to start the 2026 season. Second-year young gun Murphy Reid (26 disposals — 80.8% efficiency, two goal assists) was very effective for someone in his role, while key forward Jye Amiss (10 disposals, eight score involvements, four goals) kicked his first bag of four in a year to be the Dockers’ best target for the night. And while he may not get Brownlow votes, captain Alex Pearce (nine disposals — seven intercepts, nine spoils, four intercept marks) was excellent all night in defence.

Room for improvement

The Dockers’ contested and clearance game set a very high bar all night, and in the end may have been the difference across the four quarters despite their slow fade out. Their efficiency going inside 50 was slightly lower than it has been in recent weeks, but at 47.3%, is still nothing to sneeze at. A huge game against Collingwood on Friday night, but all the signs are positive for the prime-time fixture.

Grade

A

GEELONG

The Cats led with 90 seconds to play, but couldn’t hold on against the Hawks in their Easter Monday thriller. In their one-point loss, Geelong were down on their season averages in disposals (-40), inside 50s (-5) and clearance (-9), along with -26 in contested ball. Yet they still found a way to stay in the game against the Hawks. Their accurate 14.7 ensured the scoreboard pressure remained on Hawthorn. But when the match went on the line, the Cats couldn’t stop the Hawks run game that had hurt them early in the contest.

In the votes

Bailey Smith was everywhere in the first half with 20 disposals, and went on to finish with 33 touches, 14 contested possessions, six score involvements, an equal team-high six clearances and five tackles. Young ruck Mitchell Edwards showed remarkable growth to be among the Cats best. He was the only other Cat with six clearances, to go with his 10 disposals and 18 hit-outs. Lawson Humphries was important with more than 450m gained from his 20 disposals. Shannon Neale was deadly in front of goal with four majors from his four set-shots. He also laid four tackles in an impressive defensive effort.

Room for improvement

Jeremy Cameron’s lean run of form continued, going at just 25% efficiency with his 16 touches. And of those 16 disposals, 38 per cent of them were won in the defensive half. Shaun Mannagh (6 disposals) had little influence on the game while Brad Close (9 touches and goalless) struggled to have an impact. Tom Stewart may have finished with a team-high nine marks, but the Hawks’ run game almost nullified Stewart’s off the ball work.

Grade

B-

GOLD COAST SUNS

Melbourne was brilliant on Sunday afternoon, but this is one that got away from the Suns at the MCG. Gold Coast is no longer undefeated, and its midfield didn’t stand up when the game was there to be won; allowing Kysaiah Pickett and company to run rampant in the 20-point loss. The Suns were able to play their uncontested game, but when things got tight around the contest, they were inferior against the team in red and blue.

In the votes

The Uwland brothers were Gold Coast’s top-two rated players on the day, with Zeke dobbing his first AFL major to go with 16 touches and five intercepts, while Bodhi totalled 24 disposals with six intercepts. Jed Walter showed some good signs in his first senior match for the year, looking potent up forward and serviceable around the ground, kicking two goals. Ethan Read slotted three in a nice performance.

Room for improvement

The Suns lost the territory battle in convincing fashion, conceding 59 inside-50s and generating just 45 of their own. It speaks to the beating, as their average this year is 59.3 per game. In his press conference, Damien Hardwick said his engine room was “absolutely spanked” — an apt description considering Melbourne won double the number of centre clearances than the Suns, and 11 more around the ground in total. The Demons also recorded 22 more contested possessions in a decent indicator of which team had a greater desire for the footy.

Grade

D

GWS GIANTS

Had the bye

HAWTHORN

Hawthorn kicked its Easter Monday curse with Jack Gunston’s dying seconds poster securing a one-point win. The Hawks had beaten Geelong just once since 2019 heading into their MCG blockbuster, but took the four points on offer through their relentless running game and refusal to give in. Staring down a 14-point deficit midway through the final term, Hawthorn got themselves back into the contest with quick goals – and then won the all-important final centre clearance that led to Gunston’s quick snap for the match-winning point. The Hawks finished +5 for clearances and +17 for contested ball, while they took 18 marks inside 50 – their second highest of the season to the 23 recorded against Essendon.

In the votes

Jack Gunston would not be denied. The veteran shrugged off a hamstring complaint in the third term to deliver the match-winning score. He finished his night with 14 touches and 3.4. The stats may read just 19 touches for Jack Ginnivan, but his work in defence in the first half to deny what would have been two Geelong shots on goal, and then to finish with two goals himself shows he can do it at both ends. Jarman Impey stood tall in the absence of Karl Amon to rack up a team-high 554m gained. Ned Reeves’ final ruck tap in the centre bounce ensured it was Hawthorn who had one final chance to score – and they took it.

Room for improvement

Lloyd Meek didn’t have his usual influence on the contest, with Reeves doing the damage for the Hawks. Mabior Chol had late attempts on goal that could have given the Hawks the lead in the final term – and blew both set shots. Jai Newcombe had some moments he’d like back in a fumbly final quarter – but still finished with 25 disposals.

Grade

B+

MELBOURNE

The Demons had already had some bloody good wins this year to start the Steven King era, but Sunday afternoon was a banner victory. Pitted against a flag fancy in Gold Coast — and its star-studded midfield conglomerate — the Demons ran rampant between the arcs and were hungrier at the contest in a 20-point win where their stars shone. Gawn, Pickett and Steele were at the forefront as the exhilarating Dees claimed their third win from four games to kickstart real conversations about how far this mob could go in 2026.

In the votes

Jack Steele continues to show how good a recruit he’s been for the Demons thus far. He’s always been a reliable ball-winner, but his tackling pressure is really something to marvel at – more than once physically getting the better of reigning Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell. He should poll three votes, finishing as the highest-rated player on the ground with 26 disposals, 11 clearances, seven score involvements and eight tackles. Max Gawn got the better of Jarrod Witts in another old-school ruck battle, with the Dees’ skipper totalling eight score involvements from 22 disposals. And Kozzy Pickett remains in scintillating form, exploding away from stoppage on several occasions en route to 25 possessions, six clearances and a goal. Jake Melksham was also outstanding in his senior return, booting four majors from seven score involvements, including a candidate for Mark of the Year.

Room for improvement

The Demons finished +14 for inside-50s, +11 for clearances — and won 18 centre clearances to Gold Coast’s nine — and +22 for contested possessions. They committed fewer turnovers and still laid five more tackles than the visitors. This was an all-around tremendous win, and there isn’t anything to genuinely pick apart.

Grade

A+

NORTH MELBOURNE

What a way for the Kangaroos to move to 3-1 on the season. We’ve heard a lot about belief and the changed narrative with this playing group, but Alastair Clarkson’s men actioned those words in a fourth quarter for the memory bank. North Melbourne kicked the last five goals of the game at Marvel Stadium to send a raucous crowd home happy on Good Friday. While there’ll be parts of the game reviewed closely by Clarkson’s match committee, winning three of their first four games is a huge sign of improvement for a club that’s finished bottom four in each of the past six seasons.

In the votes

North Melbourne had five players finish with seven or more score involvements, led by former skipper Jy Simpkin and current skipper Nick Larkey, who both ended with nine. It was one of Simpkin’s more impressive performances in recent memory. Luke Davies-Uniacke, who had seven involvements, was the Roos’ highest-rated player on the day with 22 disposals and nine clearances.

Room for improvement

The Roos were out-pressured in a game-swinging third quarter, as the Blues gained the ascendancy in what should really have been the matchwinning period for Michael Voss’ team. They also got beaten in the clearance game – usually their bread and butter – on a day where they sorely missed Tristan Xerri’s presence. Callum Coleman-Jones was serviceable but clearly beaten by Marc Pittonet, whose influence was central to why Carlton was in a winning position.

Grade

A-

PORT ADELAIDE

It wasn’t perfect, but it was the bounce-back performance Josh Carr would have been asking for. Port Adelaide looked the more likely side from the outset, and it continued that way effectively the whole way through. The visitors’ win was built on dominant second and fourth quarters, snuffing out any fleeting chance Richmond had of coming back to make it a game.

In the votes

Whether or not he polls three votes on Brownlow night, Aliir Aliir was best afield on Saturday. He consistently had his opponent’s measure, recording a whopping 18 intercept possessions as a near-impenetrable force deep in defence – and without running mate Esava Ratugolea. Zak Butters unsurprisingly did whatever he pleased, collecting 30 disposals, eight score involvements and six clearances. Jason Horne-Francis was potent up forward, kicking two goals from 18 possessions, while Jack Whitlock continues to display good signs as an emerging key forward.

Room for improvement

Despite registering seven more scores than the Tigers, the hosts had four more inside-50s – and if they weren’t so wasteful with some of their entries, they might’ve made it a closer contest than it was. They also lost the total clearance count – though it seemed they were consistently first to the footy around the ground. Early inaccuracy would also have been frustrating for the coaching staff, but the Power got their scoreboard reward as the afternoon went on, and were clearly the better side on the day.

Grade

A

RICHMOND

A game the Tigers would’ve gone into thinking they were more than a small chance of winning, they left with just six goals to their name in what was a highly disappointing outing. Richmond, which didn’t kick its first goal until the 20-minute mark of the second quarter, was repeatedly wasteful with its forward-half chances; consistently unable to hit the final connecting kick going inside 50. Granted, it was a highly inexperienced side that was picked to tackle Port Adelaide, with key forwards Jonty Faull, Liam Fawcett and Mykelti Lefau combining for 35 total games, but it was a frustrating watch for the yellow and black faithful.

In the votes

Sam Lalor needed just 12 disposals to finish as Richmond’s highest-rated player for the day; a sign of his tantalising impact-per-possession potency. He really should’ve been deployed at more centre ball-ups. Liam Fawcett showed promising signs in just his second career AFL game, booting two goals from more than a few opportunities, while Sam Grlj provided impressive moments after being thrown on-ball in addition to his back-half duties. Steely Green had eight score involvements from 14 touches.

Room for improvement

The Tigers notched 50 inside 50s to Port’s 46, yet managed seven fewer scoring shots – with more than a few ending up out on the full. And despite winning more clearances, they appeared to consistently be beaten to the ball post-clearance. Meanwhile, the ruck situation remains alarming for Richmond, with Samson Ryan thoroughly beaten by counterpart Jordon Sweet on what was a dirty day for the 26-gamer. Ryan, whose most notable contribution on the day was his one-match suspension for striking Sweet off the ball, played his first senior game since Round 11 last year. He was a somewhat surprising selection given the untried Ollie Hayes-Brown had built strong VFL form and seemingly earned an opportunity.

Grade

D-

ST KILDA

Had the bye

SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans delivered a 128-point statement to the rest of the competition as they showed no mercy to a young West Coast side. Sydney opened with the first 11 goals of the game as their run and gun game cut the Eagles apart. Despite finishing just +16 for inside 50s, the Swans were damaging with ball in hand as they racked up 43 scoring shots from 61 entries. The Swans had 24 marks inside 50 and 16 contested marks by full-time in their complete aerial dominance. Their 128-point win is the club’s biggest on the road in their history.

In the votes

Where do we begin? Isaac Heeney stamped himself arguably the best player in the competition as he led the Swans both through the middle and in attack in his return from a hamstring complaint. Heeney finished with 26 touches, eight marks, four clearances, almost 520m gained and four goals. Brodie Grundy put West Coast to the sword with his 28 disposals, 33 hit-outs, nine clearances – which is equal to all but six Eagles combined – and a goal. Charlie Curnow finished with four goals, Chad Warner had two to go with his 24 disposals – ditto Tom Papley in his milestone match. Nick Blakey had 20 disposals and a goal along with centre bounce minutes while Justin McInerney was damaging from his 24 touches and a goal.

Room for improvement

Nothing to see here.

Grade

A+

WEST COAST EAGLES

After consecutive wins, the Eagles were brought crashing back to reality in a 128-point thumping at the hands of Sydney. West Coast was “uncompetitive” according to premiership Eagle Will Schofield during the Easter drubbing, as accountability was raised given the manner in which the club coughed up scores. Compared to “witches hats” in defence, West Coast had no answer for the Swans rampage. They finished with just 34 tackles (-24 on their season average), only four goals and conceded 24 marks inside 50 in the bloodbath. West Coast was also -43 in contested ball as the Swans were hungrier in perfect Perth conditions.

In the votes

There was little to celebrate for West Coast. Willem Duursma finished with two goals as he continues to impress in his debut year. But outside of that, there wasn’t much joy to be found for the blue and gold.

Room for improvement

Eight players finished without a single tackle – including Liam Duggan and Reuben Ginbey. Ruckman Matt Flynn failed to take a single mark at a time his opponent was arguably best on ground. Harley Reid couldn’t shake the James Jordon tag and let his ill-discipline get the better of him. Reid’s work rate was questioned at times through the contest in worrying signs for the number one draft pick. The two inclusions Malakai Champion and Matt Owies had 10 disposals between them. Eleven players failed to reach double digits for disposals. A dirty day.

Grade

F

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The sense is Dogs fans walked away from Sunday night’s game with a glass half-empty attitude. The Dogs have made their best start to a season (4-0) since 2021 – the season when they last made a Grand Final. But their 34-point win over Essendon on Sunday night was one where the margin should’ve been greater, considering their early-game dominance where they overwhelmed Essendon with hard running and superior workrate. The win also came at a cost, with Tim English (knee), Ed Richards (knee) and Arty Jones (hamstring) all set to spend time on the sidelines.

In the votes

Superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli starred again for the Bulldogs with 35 disposals, eight score involvements, seven clearances and a goal, while Arty Jones had a big say on the result with 10 touches, four grabs and a career-high three majors from just 55 per cent game time before exiting the match. Matthew Kennedy (36 disposals, 11 clearances), Ryley Sanders (34 disposals) and Joel Freijah (26 touches) also stood out.

Room for improvement

After kicking 10 of the first 11 goals and leading by 54 points at half-time, the Bulldogs were surprisingly outplayed in the second half by the winless Bombers. Coach Luke Beveridge post-game lamented his side’s fumbling and inability to handle pressure in the second half, as well as some poor disposal efficiency. While the Bulldogs remain the only undefeated team in the league, Beveridge and his staff know it’s a long season and they must “keep pushing the button on how aspirational we are and just keep reminding ourselves it’s got to be a week-to-week thing”.

Grade

B