Round 5 Report Card, highlights, Gather Round, every club reviewed and graded, best and worst players, stats, latest news

The Swans surged to the top of the ladder with another eye-catching performance, while there were reality checks for two in-form sides.

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

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ADELAIDE CROWS

They’re finally back on the winners list at Adelaide Oval! A barnstorming first half against Carlton was enough to get the job done, with a dozen goals coming before the main break. The back half of the main was marred by a torrential downpour which made it very, very hard for them to lose their four-goal lead.

In the votes

Not for the first time this season, Josh Rachele (26 disposals — 13 contested, 567 metres gained, four goals) was electric. His three majors before quarter time provided a huge spark for the home side, and should earn him best-on-ground honours come Brownlow night. Fellow livewire Izak Rankine (22 disposals, seven tackles — three inside 50, two goals) took another step in getting back to his best after a quiet start to the year, while captain Jordan Dawson (26 disposals, 525 metres gained, one goal) and Ben Keays (16 disposals, three goals, one goal assist) led from the front. He won’t poll votes, but James Borlase (16 spoils, seven disposals) was excellent in quelling the influence of Harry McKay.

Room for improvement

It’s pretty tough to judge Adelaide on much beyond half-time given the drastic change in conditions, but coach Matthew Nicks still would’ve liked to leak less on the scoreboard before the main break. The Crows were able to challenge Carlton at contest and clearance; an important note given the visiting team’s well-documented strength in the area.

Grade

A-

BRISBANE LIONS

The Kangaroos mounted a respectable challenge, but Chris Fagan’s men did what they had to do in the Barossa. Premiership teams have an innate ability to bury the opposition in short spurts, and the Lions are arguably the best in the competition at it. They did it against St Kilda and Collingwood in their other two wins this year, and while the Roos weren’t finished off until the final minutes of the game, Brisbane’s dominant five-goal third quarter paved the way to victory. The Lions did it by shutting down North’s half of the ground, setting up stoutly behind the ball and forcing repeat forward-half opportunities, while they were typically threatening in transition once the ball was turned over. “Certainly it was a flex by the Brisbane Lions, there’s no doubt about that,” Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy.

In the votes

Zac Bailey had an impact basically every time he touched the footy, finishing as the game’s highest-rated player with 21 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency, two goals and five score involvements. Lachie Neale led all Lions ball-getters with 30 disposals to go with 10 clearances and seven inside-50s. Six of Kai Lohmann’s 11 disposals were score involvements, while Oscar Allen booted three goals as he continues to familiarise himself with Brisbane’s attacking structure. Sam Draper kicked two goals himself to be the Lions’ third-highest rated player.

Room for improvement

Brisbane won the territory battle, generating 14 more inside-50s than North Melbourne, but it was -41 for disposals and -48 for uncontested possessions. Fagan’s side couldn’t get its outside game going, managing just 166 uncontested possessions for the match despite averaging 231 for the season. Otherwise, the Lions were -5 for marks inside 50, with Cooper Trembath proving a nuisance.

Grade

A-

CARLTON

It’s a shame that weather was what this week prevented Carlton from showing a traditional level of fight after half time, but even amid the heavy rain, they were still able to hold their own against a finals-ready team in Adelaide. Michael Voss’ side were able to kick seven first-term goals, but were blown away in the second stanza by the Crows in a five-minute burst that ultimately decided the game.

In the votes

The duo of Patrick Cripps (29 disposals — 16 contested, 10 score involvements, nine tackles, one goal assist) and Sam Walsh (29 disposals — 14 contested, 11 score involvements, nine tackles) were absolutely unstoppable during the first quarter when the Blues were playing their best football. The former had six of his seven clearances before the first break, while the latter had 15 disposals and a ludicrous nine of his 11 score involvements in the same timeframe. Both were extremely well-held by Adelaide’s midfield from that point forward, but it’s proved their on-ball ceiling is still there. New recruit Ollie Florent (25 disposals, 580 metres gained, one goal) played arguably his best game yet in the navy blue.

Room for improvement

The Blues would feel a little frustrated they couldn’t maintain their utter dominance at stoppage beyond quarter time, but truth be told, their match really wasn’t bad. It would have been wishful thinking to suggest they’d come back from a four-goal deficit in the conditions that were, and they were able to lay 87 tackles to apply a solid amount of pressure. Far from perfect, but far from a poor performance.

Grade

C

COLLINGWOOD

Friday night was a very tough pill to swallow at Adelaide Oval, going down by one goal against Fremantle in a match where neither side led by more than nine points the entire clash. Craig McRae’s side were particularly dominant in the first half, but ultimately it was two mini bursts from Fremantle that snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. A Thursday night date with Carlton now looms as one that is a little bit spicier sitting at 2-3.

In the votes

He won’t get the three votes, but on a night where there was no obvious best on ground for the Magpies, Billy Frampton (15 disposals — 93.3% efficiency, eight intercepts, eight spoils, eight marks — four intercepted) was very, very good on star Docker Josh Treacy. Further up the field, Nick Daicos (31 disposals, 531 metres gained, seven inside 50s) is more likely to poll Brownlow votes, but evidently still wasn’t fully fit with a corked calf. The likes of Jack Crisp, Darcy Cameron, Isaac Quaynor and Brayden Maynard were all very solid, while debutant Angus Anderson (16 disposals, six tackles, one goal) had a huge third term.

Room for improvement

It’s not often said as the only major room for improvement, but had the Magpies taken their chances in front of goal and at forward 50 stoppage, this result would have been very different. As hard as it may be to walk away from this one for Pies players, there were plenty of positives against a genuine premiership contender.

Grade

B-

ESSENDON

The Bombers are winners – finally! After 17 straight losses, Essendon on Saturday broke through for a drought-breaking win, beating in-form Melbourne by 45 points. The Demons had the early ascendancy and looked set to cruise to a comfortable lead in the second term. But the Bombers upped their pressure then produced an onslaught not seen by Essendon fans for over a year, kicking 11 of the last 13 majors of the game to seal a famous victory in front of a raucous travelling crowd. While coach Brad Scott post-game said it was “not like we’ve done anything miraculous” and that his troops “still have a hell of a lot of work to do”, this was still a significant moment for the club that deserves to be celebrated.

In the votes

Archie Roberts continues to enhance his reputation. The emerging star had a career-high 42 disposals, 15 marks, 11 intercepts and a goal off half-back. Zach Merrett was inspirational again, finishing with 31 disposals, nine score involvements, five clearances and a stunning final-quarter goal where he showed his poise and creativity in the forward pocket. Xavier Duursma had one of his better games for the Bombers with two goals from 21 touches, while Peter Wright was excellent in the ruck, Darcy Parish (34 disposals, 13 score involvements) showed glimpses of his best especially in the third term and Isaac Kako (2 goals, 19 disposals) had a terrific all-round game. Oh and that Nate Caddy goes OK.

Room for improvement

Nothing to see here, for there was barely a bad Essendon player on Saturday. Yes the Bombers conceded five goals in the second term, but their ability to not just fight back but surge past Melbourne completely usurps that. Brad Scott said post-game: “We’re incredibly pleased to get that result, pleased for the players and pleased for the supporters because they’ve been through a tough time … It was important for the fans for us to not hit the 18-loss marker because they’ve put up with a lot over the journey.”

Grade

A+

FREMANTLE

Justin Longmuir’s side completed one of the great heists of 2026 on Friday night, in some ways coming from nowhere to clinch a one-goal win over Collingwood in torrential rain. The Dockers coach would be justified in sitting back and saying his side did very well to stay in the contest — and they did — but the Magpies absolutely lost this game just as much as the purple haze won it. A Western Derby date now awaits with West Coast, with a win to put them to 5-1 for the first time in four years.

In the votes

It was tough work picking a best afield for the Magpies, but for the Dockers, it was one of two players. Luke Jackson (17 disposals, 38 hit-outs, nine tackles) had a monster third term after fellow ruck Sean Darcy was ruled out with concussion, while recently recalled defender Luke Ryan (25 disposals — 96% efficiency, 10 rebound 50s, 10 marks) was exceptional in the first half in controlling their defence. Jye Amiss (12 disposals, seven marks — four on a lead, two goals) continued his good form up forward, and captain Alex Pearce (14 disposals — 10 intercepts, five intercept marks) continued his love affair with Adelaide Oval with a whopping four of his five intercept marks also contested.

Room for improvement

Longmuir will see a lot of things to improve on from this clash, but make no mistake, more than anything he’ll be happy he could walk away with eight premiership points after two straight games in Adelaide. The Dockers were able to close their inside 50 gap in the second half of the game, but still finished with 16 less than Collingwood. Their contested ball and clearance work was solid, but their pressure was a bit off — registering 29 less tackles than their opponents in tackle-friendly weather.

Grade

B+

GEELONG

The Cats maintained their perfect Gather Round record by palming off a spirited West Coast outfit that threatened across the first quarter and a half. The Cats’ stoppage dominance and near-flawless structure forward of the footy proved overwhelming in the second quarter onwards, putting their foot down in a stanza that saw a scary five-straight goals in an 11-minute span. “It’s their clearance work; that’s where they’re really getting to work on West Coast. They’re dominating through there,” Cats great Cameron Mooney said on Fox Footy. The Cats scored 3.4 (22) from stoppage in the first term alone.

In the votes

Bailey Smith was absolutely everywhere with 34 disposals, 13 score involvements and a whopping 15 inside-50s — one short of the AFL record. Meanwhile, Tanner Bruhn arguably had his best game as a Cat on Sunday afternoon, running rampant through the midfield as Chris Scott deployed Max Holmes on half-back and at times pushed Smith forward. Bruhn, who had 28 touches and 11 score involvements, was joined in earning plaudits by recruit James Worpel, who was a clearance beast, with the pair allowing Scott flexibility with his magnets. “That is the reason why you’re allowed to play Holmes on the half-backline, you can throw Bailey Smith onto a wing (and forward), because you’ve got a little bit more depth now — something that they didn’t have last year … Those two have been absolutely important today,” Cats great Cameron Mooney said on Fox Footy. Worpel and Bruhn combined for 17 clearances, with the former notching 11 on his own. Max Holmes had 34 disposals to be the game’s second-highest rated player. Up forward, Mark O’Connor booted three first-half goals in an eye-catching display, while Jeremy Cameron also kicked three.

Room for improvement

It’s hard to pick on a side much after it tallied 37 scoring shots and finished with 25 more inside-50s and double the number of centre clearances as the opposition. The Cats did spend 21 minutes trailing the Eagles on Sunday, but they never genuinely seemed in danger of succumbing to an upset loss.

Grade

A

GOLD COAST SUNS

That’s two consecutive disappointing losses for the 3-2 Suns, and suddenly, all the noise around Damien Hardwick’s men as a top premiership contender has gone quiet — and will stay quiet until they next topple a contender. The Swans had the Suns’ measure the whole way through, with an inability to cope with Sydney’s pressure a glaring flaw that remained throughout the match. Gold Coast conceded five of the game’s first seven goals and looked vulnerable when the Swans went forward. At quarter-time, Touk Miller conceded on Fox Footy: “We just didn’t absorb their pressure; their pressure was really high.”

In the votes

It’s a very small sample, but the Suns might have found the best position for maligned big-money Suns tall Mac Andrew. The 22-year-old was able to get himself involved in the contest as a part-time tapster, with Dunstall saying it gave the Suns a “different dynamic” and a “weapon” ruck alternative. Dunstall added: “I’d rather him in the ruck — I’d just ruck him as much as possible.” Andrew finished as the Suns’ fifth-highest rated player with 17 disposals, six marks and 11 hit-outs. Matt Rowell was far better in his second game back, tallying 32 disposals, eight clearances and eight inside-50s. Ben Long kicked three goals as Gold Coast’s main livewire.

Room for improvement

The midfield lifted somewhat after Damien Hardwick’s bake following the loss to Melbourne, but the Suns still lost clearances by four and contested possessions by 16 to a side still missing its best ball-winner. But most concerningly for Gold Coast, it egregiously lost the tackle count 97-52. Not only is it inexplicable for the reason that the Suns trailed the entire match and thus should have been hunting more, but the Swans average 65.6 tackles this year.

Grade

D+

GWS GIANTS

The Giants just needed to get back on the winners’ list, having not tasted victory since Opening Round. And that’s what they did against Richmond off the back of a blistering eight-goal opening term. The Giants belted the Tigers in that opener as the side finished with 37 points from stoppages — their most in a single quarter since 2022. Despite Richmond mounting a charge early in the third term, the Giants were able to close the contest out in style with a four-goal to one final term. GWS ended up with less inside 50s (-5), clearances (-4) and tackles (-2), but still managed to rack up 20 goals.

In the votes

Finn Callaghan was everywhere for GWS. He racked up 19 touches in the first half — just one shy of his career-best — and finished with 37 disposals, six clearances and eight score involvements. A career-high six intercept marks for Jayden Laverde puts him in the best category, while Aaron Cadman starred in his first match of 2026 — despite finishing in concussion protocols. The young forward had three first quarter goals but a late head knock ensures he’ll miss next week’s derby with the Swans. Nick Madden stepped up in the ruck with a team-high seven tackles to go with his 16 disposals and 43 hit-outs. The stat of the day belonged to Lachie Ash who had 932m gained from his 35 touches.

Room for improvement

The Giants switched off in patches against the Tigers and were made to pay the price. In the third term, Richmond closed to within 20 points before Aaron Cadman was able to land his fourth goal — despite GWS having just one inside 50 up until the 11-minute mark.

Grade

B

HAWTHORN

Four on the trot for the Hawks, who are living up to the pre-season hype of being a genuine flag contender. The much-anticipated clash largely didn’t live up to its blockbuster billing with the slick Hawks leading from start to finish at Adelaide Oval. They dominated at the coalface — +21 for contested possessions and + 18 stoppage cleatrances — but importantly made the most of their opportunities, kicking 15 goals from 54 inside 50s compared to the Dogs; eight goals from 53 entries. The Hawks now find themselves as one of four teams with a 4-1 record.

In the votes

Jai Newcombe and Jack Ginnivan were excellent for the Hawks. Newcombe was a key reason behind the Hawks’ stoppage dominance, finishing with a career-best 14 clearances to go with 28 disposals, 19 contested possessions and a goal. Ginnivan had a game-high 10 score involvements to go with 28 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six inside 50s and 1.1. Mitch Lewis was at his ominous best inside 50 with 3.2 from 18 disposals and 10 marks, Nick Watson was electric with 1.2 from 12 touches, Dylan Moore booted two goals in an impressive half-forward game and duo Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves had their way in the ruck while also kicking one goal each.

Room for improvement

A 10-minute lapse in the third quarter — which saw the Dogs cut Hawthorn’s lead from 44 to 21 points — prompted a vociferous Sam Mitchell spray at three quarter-time. But the Hawks responded to run away with the match. Outside of that, a strong performance from the Hawks.

Grade

A

MELBOURNE

Well, that was a step backward. Melbourne had made a scintillating start to first-year senior coach Steven King’s tenure, headlined by early scalps of Gold Coast and St Kilda and a remarkable comeback win over Carlton. But a disappointing 45-point defeat at the hands of lowly Essendon saw the Demons come crashing back to earth in a big way. A massive mettle test coming in the form of Brisbane next week, but with Richmond and West Coast also in their next four fixtures, the Dees have a chance to resolidify themselves as a tough out in 2026.

In the votes

Skipper Max Gawn again couldn’t have done much more for his side individually. He kicked one goal 22 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 11 clearances, while 10 of his 34 hit-outs were to a teammate’s advantage. Kysaiah Pickett was great too, booting 2.1 from 28 disposals, eight tackles and six inside 50s. Harry Sharp, Harvey Langford and Jack Steele were also serviceable for the team.

Room for improvement

The Demons were outworked and out-toughed in the contest when the game was up for grabs. In the second half, Melbourne was outscored by 51 points and was -20 for contested possessions and -13 for clearances. Individually, Caleb Windsor had a quiet day with just seven touches from 82 per cent game time. Forwards Jake Melksham, Jacob van Rooyen and Harry Petty didn’t kick a goal between them, while Brody Mihocek and Bayley Fritsch kicked one goal each. The lack of goals from Melbourne forwards was especially concerning because the Demons only had two less inside 50s than Essendon yet had 10 less scoring shots.

Grade

F

NORTH MELBOURNE

It was a gallant effort by the Kangaroos, who certainly gave Brisbane something to think about up until the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but ultimately, the back-to-back reigning premiers’ class shone through in the Barossa. As we’ve come to expect, the Roos built their early momentum off the back of stoppage dominance — it was +18 for scores from clearance in the first half. “This is an absolute strength; they’re the best team in the competition in this area,” Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy. But a few too many all-at-sea moments in defensive transition cost them in the third term in particular, as Brisbane exploited the Roos’ poor retreating shape after forcing turnovers. “This has been an issue; there’s been so much time and space in the middle of the ground for Brisbane to be able to transition,” Lewis said late in the third quarter.

In the votes

Luke Davies-Uniacke was Alastair Clarkson’s highest-rated player with 27 disposals, seven clearances, six score involvements and a goal. Key forward Cooper Trembath continues to develop at a rapid rate, taking a Mark of the Year contender to go along with two goals and eight marks. Luke Parker was involved in everything in the back half, proving crucial to helping the Roos stand up defensively as they kept Brisbane under 100 points for just the second time this season. Parker took a game-high nine marks with 25 disposals at 88 per cent efficiency, 10 intercept possessions and five score involvements. Harry Sheezel had a team-high 30 possessions.

Room for improvement

North Melbourne recorded 41 more disposals than Brisbane, including 48 more uncontested possessions, yet it was a comprehensive -14 for inside-50s, in an indication that the Roos struggled to turn their time with the footy into territory dominance. They also missed a handful of chances in front of goal, particularly in the final term. The Roos made their run early in the last quarter, but in a crucial momentum swing, Harry Sheezel missed a crucial set shot from almost directly in front — which would have made it a four-point game — before Sam Draper kicked truly two minutes later to make it a 15-point margin, with the Lions able to close it out from there.

Grade

B+

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power would get an A for effort in their third term, but a slow start and late blemishes ensured they coughed up the four points to St Kilda to close out Gather Round. In the miserable conditions, Port Adelaide gave St Kilda a four-goal start that they couldn’t claw back in time. Remarkably, the Power had 60 inside 50s — compared to the Saints’ 39 — and 13 marks inside 50 but didn’t put it on the scoreboard in the rain. The 50m penalty against Jason Horne-Francis and then the horror Aliir Aliir turnover in his back half led directly to St Kilda’s only two goals of the final term – and it was enough to get them home.

In the votes

Zak Butters racked up a team-high 31 touches, 16 contested possessions, 10 inside 50s, seven intercepts, six tackles, five clearances, more than 630m gained and kicked a goal. Mitch Georgiades was a huge presence in attackwith 2.2 from his 15 disposals and six marks in an ‘almost’ night. Jason Horne-Francis had a dominant second half to lift him to 26 touches, a team-high seven clearances and 2.2.

Room for improvement

Discipline hurt the Power repeatedly. They gave up free kick goals, Butters’ alleged umpire abuse ensuring Mitch Owens was handed a crucial third quarter goal, and skill execution was off on a tough night for footy. Jack Whitlock couldn’t get into the contest with just six touches and 0.1. Ruck Jordon Sweet was another tall who struggled, finishing with zero marks and three free kicks against.

Grade

C

RICHMOND

Coach Adem Yze summed it up best: His side “just weren’t up to standard for the first quarter”. In the end, it cost them any hope of the four points. The Tigers conceded seven of the first eight goals of the match and never recovered. But they did show fight, bringing the margin back to just 20 points early in the third term. However, conceding the seven of the next nine goals ensured a percentage-boosting win for GWS.

In the votes

Mykelti Lefau had his best outing with four goals, five tackles and two big marks. Liam Fawcett also showed promise in attack to finish with an equal team-high six score involvements. Jacob Hopper had 18 contested possessions and Tim Taranto delivered 10 clearances to go with his 25 disposals and a goal.

Room for improvement

Coach Adem Yze was fuming at his side’s start, which saw them give up six goals from stoppage in the first quarter alone. Yze said: “To start that way we were just a little bit scattered around stoppage and giving up that type of start, the alarm bells were ringing.” Jonty Faull finished with just two touches in a miserable day for the young player, who’s “wearing a lot of that (forward) responsibility” according to Yze. Luke Trainor had six turnovers for the match.

Grade

D-

ST KILDA

The Saints were sensational to start the Gather Round finale for 2026 as they piled on the pain for Port Adelaide. They scored three times from their first four inside 50s and by half times had racked up a whopping +39 points from stoppage compared to the Power. But it was a different tale in the second half as St Kilda struggled to win ball and transition. Their 32-point lead evaporated to just nine points by the final change. Costly Port mistakes helped ensure Ross Lyon’s men took home the four points – despite finishing with just 39 inside 50s (-21 on Port and -13 on their season average).

In the votes

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was St Kilda’s steadier with 28 disposals, six clearances, nine tackles, 524 metres gained and two goals in the driving rain. Callum Wilkie was a rock in defence and became the only Saint with double figures for marks (15). Ten clearances for Hugo Garcia were important, alongside his 26 touches and a goal. Jack Silvagni had a team-high 12 intercepts — and it was his first goal as a Saint which sealed the win for the club in the final term.

Room for improvement

The Saints recorded a big win despite a seemingly unsustainable territory differential. They lost the inside 50 count -21 — their lowest inside 50 differential in a win since 1999. It was tough conditions at Adelaide Oval, but Liam Ryan had a tough night. His only goal came from a controversial free kick that could well reignite the ducking debate.

Grade

B+

SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans were the superior side from start to finish on Saturday afternoon at Norwood, leading wire to wire against a Gold Coast side that couldn’t quite overcome the class of Dean Cox’s men. Trouncing the Eagles was one thing, but taking care of a fellow force in the Suns has only consolidated Sydney as fierce premiership contenders, as it flexed its run-and-gun game and suffocated Gold Coast defensively with its ball pressure. The Swans finished with almost 60 more disposals, six more inside-50s, four more clearances, 16 more contested possessions, 46 more uncontested possessions, 12 more marks inside 50 and a staggering 45 more tackles — all without Errol Gulden once again, which makes it even more scary. “That’s the work rate. That’s the intensity, the desperation that has set these two sides apart,” AFL legend Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.

In the votes

Isaac Heeney is in irresistible form, totalling 33 disposals – 18 contested – 11 clearances, 12 score involvements, 11 tackles and two goals to clearly walk away as best afield. Brodie Grundy was a force in the ruck around the ground, winning the duel against Jarrod Witts en route to 20 disposals, 12 tackles, 10 score involvements and 36 hit-outs. The only man to match Heeney’s 12 score involvements was Justin McInerney, who also put up 27 disposals and six inside-50s, while Malcolm Rosas was influential against his old side, notching five score involvements and two goals from 12 touches. Tom Papley booted three goals and had nine score involvements from 17 possessions as the embodiment of ‘livewire’.

Room for improvement

For the second consecutive week, there really isn’t much to say for this category.

Grade

A+

WEST COAST EAGLES

Make no mistake, the Eagles mounted an early challenge against Geelong on Sunday, igniting their back-half ball movement in a promising response to their 128-point defeat at the hands of Sydney last week. But they were thoroughly beaten at the contest and in the territory game, as a five-goal Geelong run late in the first half proved West Coast’s undoing. The Eagles entered Sunday’s clash eighth in the competition and above AFL average for defensive-half scoring, and it was an early strength for Andrew McQualter’s side as it made Geelong work early. “They’re scoring from their back half. This is something that we haven’t seen from them for a long, long time, the way that they’re moving the ball. I really think it’s fantastic, you can just see they’re really growing in confidence … the way they’re moving the ball,” Cats great Cameron Mooney said on Fox Footy.

In the votes

Jobe Shanahan booted a match-high four goals, while seven of his nine touches were score involvements, in another promising display of his talents. Jake Waterman was also involved in the forward half, totalling a team-high eight score involvements. Harley Reid was the Eagles’ third-highest rated player with 22 disposals, six clearances and six score involvements.

Room for improvement

While Andrew McQualter’s side showed good glimpses throughout the first half, it wound up losing almost every statistical category convincingly. The Eagles tallied 21 scoring shots to the Cats’ 37, lost the inside-50 count by 25, had eight fewer clearances, 25 fewer contested possessions, 23 fewer marks and 20 fewer tackles.

Grade

C+

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Every team so far this AFL season has suffered a loss after the Bulldogs went down to Hawthorn on Saturday night. The Dogs offered some resilience to slice a game-high 44-point margin to 21 at three-quarter time, but ultimately slipped to a 4-1 record. The contest was further soured for the Dogs with Ed Richards, Connor Budarick and Aaron Naughton all picking up injuries throughout the night.

In the votes

Ryley Sanders continued his gradual rise, racking up 25 disposals, 13 contested possessions, seven clearances and seven tackles. Matthew Kennedy and Cooper Hynes had some good moments, while Marcus Bontempelli threatened throughout the night but never took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Room for improvement

Tim English’s absence was heavily felt, with first-gamer Louis Emmett and tall defender Rory Lobb no match in the ruck for Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek as the Dogs lost the hit-out-to-advantage (-18), stoppage clearance (-18) and contested possession (-21) counts convincingly. Coach Luke Beveridge lamented the fact his side gave up six goals from defensive 50 stoppages. He added his side “didn’t play with the pride that we’d like to play with”. And in front of goal? It wasn’t a pretty picture for the Dogs, who conjured 8.16, with Rhylee West (0.4), Aaron Naughton (1.3) and Sam Davidson (0.2) all struggling. The Dogs had just one less inside 50 than Hawthorn yet still lost by 40 points. Their sole blip of the season so far, but there were decent concerns.

Grade

D