Round 6 Report Card, every club reviewed and graded, highlights, best and worst players, stats

A young Melbourne outfit claimed another Sunday afternoon scalp, while the Bulldogs’ flag hopes took a major hit — and the Tigers lost again.

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

Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows wanted to get the win for absent skipper Jordan Dawson — and they fought it out until the very end in emotional scenes. Shellshocked by the Saints’ five-goal burst before half-time, Adelaide then mounted a brave comeback with its own inspirational nine-goal run to completely flip the script, before the Crows’ efficiency helped withstand St Kilda’s late push. Adelaide racked up 18 centre clearances to just 10 — including a run of 14-3 after quarter time — and took 15 marks inside 50. But it was their tackles inside 50 that was their most impressive stat as they finished with 18.

In the votes

Taylor Walker wound back the clock in a vintage display to kick five goals – 5.0 too. James Peatling threw himself into the contest to rack up 24 disposals, a team-high eight tackles and a goal. Rookie ruck Lachlan McAndrew continues to impress with 29 hit-outs and an equal team-high six clearances. Josh Rachele had a team-high nine score involvements to continue his outstanding season.

Room for improvement

That first-half lapse almost cost the Crows dearly, with the Saints pouncing on Adelaide’s inability to transition the ball as they shot out to a 26-point lead early in the second term. Adelaide trailed at quarter-time for the fifth time in six matches before mounting a fightback, with coach Matthew Nicks conceding the sluggish openings had become an issue. Riley Thilthorpe could’ve had a big day out, but finished with 3.3.

Grade

B+

BRISBANE LIONS

Few saw this coming! The Lions have recently had a brilliant run of results at the MCG, but they were beaten by an exciting young Melbourne outfit by two points. They were up on their average disposals and efficiency inside 50 (at almost 60%) and had +5 clearances, but couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard. In positives, the Lions still kicked 15 goals. But it wasn’t enough for the four points.

In the votes

Lachie Neale shrugged off some friendly-fire on the stroke of half-time to finish with a team-high 31 touches, 16 contested possessions and 10 clearances. Charlie Cameron was at his best with a Lions-best six inside 50s to go with his three goals. Logan Morris stood tall in attack with 3.1, while Harris Andrews was a rock in defence with 12 marks and 22 touches.

Room for improvement

Just 24 tackles to three quarter-time is a worrying stat for coach Chris Fagan — the club’s equal second worst return since 2006. And alarmingly, their worst was recorded against the Pies only weeks ago, showing it’s a growing trend. Recruits Sam Draper and Oscar Allen contributed 14 touches and two goals between them, Ty Gallop didn’t trouble scorers and Hugh McCluggage was uncharacteristically quiet. The coach was ultimately proud of his team’s effort post-match, but this was a game many though they should’ve won.

Grade

D+

CARLTON

Not again … History has repeated for Carlton and coach Michael Voss as the Blues coughed up another final quarter lead to sink to a five-point loss to Collingwood on Thursday night. Young Blue Talor Byrne had the chance to level scores after the final siren – but his set shot sailed left and Collingwood hung on to a thrilling victory. Frustratingly, Carlton looked promising for three quarters, staving off the Pies’ early tactical challenge to hold the ascendancy for a large portion of the contest. The Blues led for almost 72 minutes of the contest compared to Collingwood’s 45 minutes – but weren’t in front at the final siren when it counts.

In the votes

Sam Walsh was on from the opening bounce with a brilliant opening quarter. While he did drop off, the midfielder still finished with a team-high 28 disposals, seven tackles and seven score involvements. Mitch McGovern continues to be a shining light in attack this year with another three-goal bag. Recruits Will Hayward and Ollie Florent had significant impacts on the game, while Zac Williams had 26 touches off half-back.

Room for improvement

We’re sounding a bit repetitive here, but final quarters are proving a disaster for Michael Voss’ side. This time they took an 18-point lead in … but couldn’t hold on – albeit almost snatching the draw from Byrne’s post-siren shot on goal that sailed wide. Carlton is now -119 for points in the final term compared to their opponents in 2026 in a worrying trend that shows no signs of slowing. The Blues managed just 44 inside 50s (-14 on the Pies and -5 on their season average). But, of course, the Blues’ big punishment could be from the AFL for their handling of Elijah Hollands during the match.

Grade

C-

COLLINGWOOD

That was close. Craig McRae’s side escaped with a win over Carlton on Thursday night, squared the ledger at 3-3 to start 2026. But it was all thanks to a brilliant final quarter burst where the Pies piled on seven goals to steal victory.

In the votes

Nick Daicos was the difference. The 100-gamer surely banked another three Brownlow votes after his match-winning final quarter heroics. Daicos had a team-high nine score involvements, 39 touches, eight clearances and the goal that sparked Collingwood’s final quarter fightback. Basically, he was unstoppable. Dan Houston finished with 25 disposals and 12 marks, Jamie Elliott found form with three goals while Oscar Steene (eight touches, 15 hit-outs and two goals) showed plenty of promise in just his fourth AFL game.

Room for improvement

The Pies were not in that contest in the first half. The Blues had all the momentum as they piled on five straight goals from late in the first term. They also finished -19 for contested possessions. But Daicos dragged his side back.

Grade

B

ESSENDON

That’s now three promising performances by Brad Scott’s side in a row. Yes it’s only resulted in one win, but you sense Essendon has turned the corner. The Bombers claimed a breakthrough win against Melbourne at Gather Round — which was their first victory since Round 11 last year — and were right in the fight against the Suns, going down by just nine points. The Bombers’ much-improved showing came after their forgettable, injury-riddled 2025 campaign, which finished with a 95-point loss to the Suns on the Gold Coast. Against the same team at the same venue on Saturday, the improvement was blatant to see.

In the votes

Archie Roberts’ strong start to 2026 continued, amassing 33 disposals and six intercepts. Kyle Langford was also strong behind the ball with 21 touches, nine intercepts and seven score involvements. Andrew McGrath was excellent with 19 touches, five tackles and going at 100 per cent efficiency by foot, while Jye Caldwell, Darcy Parish, Elijah Tsatas and Zach Merrett were all busy.

Room for improvement

We’re nitpicking here, but the Bombers weren’t able to quite capitalise on their stoppage dominance. Why they were +8 for clearances, the Suns outscored them by 22 points from the source. And, ultimately, it’s hard to win a game when you concede 17.17 (119) to an opposition. But the fact the Bombers laid a season-high 72 tackles would be so pleasing to their coaching staff and fans.

Grade

B+

FREMANTLE

The Dockers did what they needed to, but even their coach Justin Longmuir admits they’ve got work ahead of them. The Dockers sit equal top of the table on 20 points, but were beaten at the contest by West Coast in their derby clash on Sunday. They finished down on centre clearance (-2), contested ball (-5) and inside 50s (-1) – yet still managed a 56-point victory through their efficiency in attack. A whopping 19 marks inside 50 against an undermanned and undersized Eagles defence certainly helped keep the scoreboard ticking over.

In the votes

Jye Amiss was unlucky to miss out on the prestigious Glendinning-Allan Medal. The Freo forward claimed a club record nine marks inside 50 – but inaccuracy proved costly as he finished with a career-best 5.4. Incredibly, Amiss took more marks inside 50 than the entire West Coast team. Jordan Clark was the player named best on ground for his team-high 27 touches, 11 marks and a goal – which came directly from a Harley Reid 50m penalty. Murphy Reid was influential with his 26 disposals. Caleb Serong finished strongly with 24 disposals, a team-high six clearances, four tackles and a goal.

Room for improvement

We know Fremantle like to play two rucks for their forward structure – but does it work? Mason Cox finished his Dockers debut with just four touches, but did have plenty of almost moments in attack. Isaiah Dudley struggled to get near it with five touches while Andy Brayshaw battled a leg issue sustained in the opening term to finish just five kicks for the day.

Grade

A

GEELONG

A statement of premiership intent from the Cats, who thumped fellow contender Western Bulldogs by 75 points on Friday night. Geelong produced one of the most dominant first-half performances of the season so far, kicking 12 goals across the first two quarters then booting six goals to one in a final-term blitz. It was a significant win for the Cats, who now sit inside the top six after six rounds.

In the votes

Hello and welcome to the 2026 season, Jeremy Cameron. The star forward ran riot, kicking 10 goals for the second time in his career as the Dogs had no answers. Impressively, he kicked an accurate 10.1. Bailey Smith continued his stellar start to the season with a dominant display against his former club, amassing 31 disposals, 11 clearances and booting a late goal, while Max Holmes (28 disposals and 10 score involvements) and Lawson Humphries (24 disposals) were damaging off half-back. Mitch Edwards starred in the ruck, while Jack Martin was damaging in the forward half with 12 score involvements. And a big shout-out to Oisin Mullin, who restricted Marcus Bontempelli to just 14 touches.

Room for improvement

Outside of a brief third-quarter lapse, nothing to see here. The Cats dominated on the outside, clearly won the territory battle and made the most of their opportunities.

Grade

A+

GOLD COAST SUNS

Despite a mighty scare, Gold Coast returned to the winners list with a win on their home turf, defeating a valiant Essendon by nine points on Saturday afternoon. Suns coach Damien Hardwick admitted post-game his side is “not playing our best footy now” — but also stressed “we don’t need to be”. After a rocky patch of form, the Suns will simply take the four points.

In the votes

Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell was back to his best, recording 35 disposals, 17 contested possessions and a game-high 11 score involvements to lift his side. Christian Petracca was also brilliant with three goals from 25 touches and six clearances. Veteran duo Lachie Weller and Touk Miller combined for 47 touches and thee goals, while Ethan Read gave us a glimpse of his enormous potential with 2.2 from 16 touches. Sam Collins was big in defence with five intercept marks and didn’t lose any of his five one-on-one contests.

Room for improvement

The Suns midfield was largely outplayed by Essendon in the absence of Noah Anderson. The Suns were -8 for clearances and -20 for tackles. Hardwick said post-game: “It’s not quite clicking at the moment but we think we’re not too far away.”

Grade

B-

GWS GIANTS

This loss felt like it summed up the Giants’ 2026 campaign to date. A wasteful and ultimately frustrating night at the office for the Giants, who went down to Sydney by 41 points in a lightning-affected derby. The Giants stayed within striking distance of the Swans for most of the match and were within 12 points in the final term, before a Swans blitz took the game away from them. While there was lots to like about the Giants’ game, their lack of polish cost them.

In the votes

Recruit Clayton Oliver was mighty in his derby debut, finishing with 37 disposals, 18 contested possessions, nine clearances and nine score involvements. Phoenix Gothard also showed why the Giants were so keen to secure him with a first-round draft pick, booting 2.1 from 20 disposals, eight score involvements, seven tackles and six inside 50s. Harry Himmelberg and Leek Aleer were solid in defence, Jake Riccardi kicked 3.1 and Lachie Whitfield went at 94 per cent kicking efficiency in his 29-disposal game.

Room for improvement

As good as the Giants were, the derby was decided by polar opposite goalkicking displays. The Giants had 26 scoring shots to 22, yet booted 8.18 to Sydney’s 17.5 — and that was the game. Captain Toby Greene was the most wasteful of his side’s livewires, kicking 0.5 while Jake Stringer kicked 0.2. A 2.8 third term was what hurt Adam Kingsley’s undermanned side the most in the clash, as the Swans kicked a simple 3.0 in the same stanza to maintain a handy buffer. But there were some concerns outside of accuracy, with the Giants -11 for inside 50s and -21 for clearances.

Grade

C-

HAWTHORN

Emerging star Nick Watson said it best post-game, telling Fox Footy: “Bit of relief that one’s over.” Hawthorn survived a thrilling game of extreme momentum swings, holding on for a three-point win against Port Adelaide. The win saw Hawthorn improve to 5-1 — its best start to a season since 2014 — and climb into second place on the ladder. But the win might’ve come at a cost, with star duo Dylan Moore and James Sicily both copping one-game striking bans from the MRO, with the Hawks weighing up whether to challenge at the tribunal.

In the votes

In the absence of Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol, the electric Nick Watson stepped up to boot a career-best five goals in a scintillating display, to go with 13 disposals and three clearances. Hawthorn kicked seven first-quarter goals, with three coming from Watson alone in an ominous early display. Reflecting on the nailbiting win with Fox Footy, milestone man Karl Amon labelled Watson a “genuine superstar”. Mitch Lewis also kicked 3.1 from 15 touches and seven marks, while Calsher Dear added two after getting an opportunity. Jack Ginnivan continued his strong start to 2026, booting 1.1 from 20 touches and eight score involvements. Jai Newcombe was also important with 24 disposals, 10 contested possessions and seven tackles.

Room for improvement

While Hawthorn notched its fifth consecutive win to sit second on the ladder, coach Sam Mitchell was clearly relieved — rather than overjoyed — post-game. After a breathtaking seven-goal first quarter by the Hawks, Port Adelaide shocked Mitchell’s side with six goals in the second quarter to lead by nine points at half-time, with the Power having +38 disposals for the term. It was a momentum swing you wouldn’t have expected against a side like Hawthorn.

Grade

B-

MELBOURNE

Melbourne 3:15 — hell yeah! Another stirring Demons win on a Sunday afternoon, this time a thrilling two-point victory over the Lions at the MCG. After trailing by 16 points at half-time, Steven King’s scintillating outfit piled on 11 second-half goals to Brisbane’s seven in a barnstorming finish on Sunday night. Their three goals in the space of five minutes in the final quarter gave King’s side the belief they needed, and importantly, they withstood the Lions’ charge. The Demons are building a fortress at the home of football, with all four of their wins thus far coming at their home venue – all four of them coming in the Sunday 3.15pm timeslot.

In the votes

Harvey Langford is a serious player. The young gun was inspirational with his 27 disposals, eight score involvements, three clearances and three goals. He also had a team-high 650m gained. Max Gawn showed why he’s one of the AFL’s best all-time big men with 21 disposals and a team-high seven clearances. Jacob van Rooyen and Kade Chandler both delivered in attack with six goals between them.

Room for improvement

The Dees had to crack down on Brisbane’s uncontested game at half time, after coughing up 72 uncontested marks in the opening half, but they adjusted. Outside of that, all smiles.

Grade

A+

NORTH MELBOURNE

A North Melbourne percentage-booster! Yep, no typo. The Kangaroos on Sunday recorded their fourth win in six games, thumping an injury-plagued Richmond by 75 points. Coach Alastair Clarkson was particularly rapt his team produced 11 goalkickers during the crushing win — and only two came from Nick Larkey. It was their biggest win in seven years and their largest against the Tigers since 1997. It also took the Kangaroos to fifth on the ladder and gave them their best start to a season since 2016 (when they went 9-0). North Melbourne entered 2026 off the back of six consecutive bottom-three ladder finishes. Six rounds into this season and the Kangaroos are fifth on the ladder with a 4-2 record and a percentage of 120.8.

In the votes

Paul Curtis booted a career-high six goals, with three of them coming in the first quarter when the game was up for grabs. Harry Sheezel had another big game against the Tigers, kicking one goal from 39 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight marks and seven clearances. And Cam Zurhaar thrived in a shock move to defence, finishing with 23 disposals, 11 marks, six intercepts and 645m gained. Colby McKercher was also eye-catching – highlighted by two dazzling third-quarter runs – with 26 possessions and a goal.

Room for improvement

Nothing to see here, with the Kangaroos producing their best four-quarter performance in recent memory.

Grade

A+

PORT ADELAIDE

As gallant a loss as you can get. But it still meant little for Power coach Josh Carr, whose side suffered a heartbreaking three-point loss to the more-fancied Hawthorn on Saturday night. In a game of big momentum swings, star forward Mitch Georgiades had the chance to put Port ahead with under a minute remaining but his long-range set shot went wide. A win would’ve seen the Power slip back into the top 10.

In the votes

Stand-in skipper Zak Butters must be applauded for how he played after a controversial week. Butters’ tribunal case for umpire abuse towards Nick Foot was one of the key talking points leading up to Hawthorn, but the star midfielder was the No.1 rated player on the ground, booting one goal from 35 disposals, 16 contested possessions, seven intercepts and five clearances. Down back, Todd Marshall was outstanding with 18 disposals, nine rebound 50s and five intercept marks as he worked well in tandem with Aliir Aliir. Jason Horne-Francis (2.2 from 28 disposals) and Ewan Mackinlay (2.0 from 12 disposals) had some big moments, while Willem Drew had a game-high nine clearances.

Room for improvement

While this game came down to moments and Carr ultimately said he was pleased with how his team played over the final three quarters, he was frustrated it wasn’t enough. Ultimately, Port conceded seven goals to three in the opening quarter with Carr lamenting his side’s start to the game. The Power finished the game -15 for contested possessions and -11 for tackles, while Jordon Sweet and Dante Visentini lost the ruck battle against Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves.

Grade

B

RICHMOND

Another forgettable game to start a forgettable season for the Tigers, who remain the AFL’s sole winless team. In fact they’re now 0-6 for the first time since 2010. They’re now riding an 11-game losing streak – their longest since 2010 (13) – and have lost 46 of their past 53 matches. And to rub salt into the wounds, three key players were all ruled out with injury mid-match. Sam Banks suffered a nasty collarbone injury after being tackled, while Maurice Rioli picked up a hamstring injury and Tim Taranto was diagnosed with concussion. That’s on top of Tom Lynch (hamstring), Toby Nankervis (hamstring), Josh Smillie (quad), Harry Armstrong (foot) and Rhyan Mansell (foot)), who were all missing through injury on Sunday.

In the votes

Jack Ross couldn’t have done much more in a losing cause, finishing with two goals from 26 disposals, 18 contested possessions, eight clearances, eight tackles, seven score involvements and six inside 50s. Seth Campbell was at least a threat inside 50, booting 2.2 from 14 disposals and six marks. Sam Lalor (22 disposals) and Jayden Short (26) had their moments.

Room for improvement

The first half, in particular, was a tough watch. While the Tigers were competitive at the coalface and had a decent number of inside 50s, they were inconsistent with their ability to defend and allowed easy Kangaroos ball movement. Above all, their kicking at goal was atrocious. Just before the half-time siren, the Tigers had kicked 1.12 (18) to North’s 10.3 (63). As Fox Footy’s Dwayne Russell declared mid-call: “The honeymoon is over for Adem Yze.”

Grade

D

ST KILDA

Another one that got away from the Saints, who lost a thriller to Adelaide by one point — their fourth loss from six games. Ross Lyon’s men jumped the Crows at Adelaide Oval to lead by 26 points early in the second quarter, but conceded nine goals in a row to trail by as much as 29 points in the third quarter. A stirring late rally levelled the scores midway through the final term, but Adelaide dug deep to hold off the fast-finishing Saints. As expected in a one-point thriller, the stats were fairly even for most of the contest – but this match came down to moments and it was Adelaide with skipper Jordan Dawson in their thoughts that just scraped home.

In the votes

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera tried to lift his side in the final term with eight disposals, 215m gained and two score involvements. Rowan Marshall was the best ruck on ground with 25 touches, seven clearances and 22 hit-outs. Jack Higgins had a day out with four goals from his eight disposals. Darcy Wilson’s two goals was important to go with his 24 disposals. Jack Sinclair was the highest possession getter with 35 while Hugo Garcia had a team-high five tackles and seven clearances.

Room for improvement

Saints coach Ross Lyon would be left lamenting a 55-point swing – where his side went from sitting comfortably in the lead to trailing by six goals in the third term. In particular, Lyon was concerned over his side’s centre square work, dominating 5-1 in the first quarter before being soundly beaten in terms two and three. Aside from a brilliant early goal, Liam Ryan had a quiet night, while Cooper Sharman will be left to rue his inaccuracy in a tight contest as he finished with 1.3.

Grade

B

SYDNEY SWANS

Life’s peachy on top of the AFL ladder for the Swans, who moved to 5-1 after winning the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ by 41 points. The hosts won comfortably despite the incredible comparison between them with shots on goal (26 to the Giants and 22 to the Swans), with the Swans sharpshooters all night as new recruit Charlie Curnow kicked a match-high three goals from 10 disposals. Sydney has now won eight of its past 10 matches against GWS.

In the votes

Nick Blakey won the newly renamed Kirk-Ward Medal as best afield — and he was a deserving winner, kicking 1.1 from 34 disposals, nine score involvements, eight rebound 50s, six intercepts and 882m gained. Justin McInerney was at his damaging best for a sixth-straight game on Friday night, collecting 26 disposals and two goal assists to go with his two majors. Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney had 26 and 28 touches respectively, while Tom McCartin was a wall in defence with 25 touches and four intercept marks

Room for improvement

The Swans did look a touch vulnerable at times during the game. They were -13 for contested possessions and of the 59 inside 50s they conceded, the Giants managed 26 scoring shots. Ultimately, the Swans’ accuracy in front of goal was big a deciding factor.

Grade

A

WEST COAST EAGLES

Aside from a two-goal burst early in the second term to claim the lead, West Coast never challenged Freo in Western Derby 62. Skill errors and a woeful inefficiency going inside 50 cruelled any hope of Andrew McQualter’s side to cause an upset against their cross-town rivals. The Eagles managed just 18 hit-outs against the Dockers 1-2 ruck combo of Luke Jackson and Mason Cox, had 71 turnovers (+5 on their season average) and managed just seven marks inside 50 – compared to Freo’s 19 down the other end. A goalless start – their second in just three games – didn’t help, and they only finished with five goals for their efforts.

In the votes

There won’t be any votes handed out to Eagles players come Brownlow night in this one – but Elliot Yeo did impress in his return from injury. The veteran kicked West Coast’s opening goal to provide a short-term spark. He finished with 20 disposals, four clearances and seven tackles. Reuben Ginbey did an outstanding job against a bigger Josh Treacy. He had seven intercepts and went at almost 93% efficiency coming out of defence. Milan Murdock is another who made a welcome return, to finish with a team-high eight tackles. Jake Waterman could have had a day out – but was the chief instigator of the Eagles’ goal woes to finish with 1.4.

Room for improvement

Inaccuracy cruelled West Coast from the opening bounce. Going into quarter time with 0.6 did little for the confidence. Turnovers proved costly – none more so than those from leader Liam Duggan. In one instance, he had Eagles players out inside forward 50, but couldn’t hit one of them as he kicked it straight to opponent Brennan Cox. The moment was described as “deflating” by three-time premiership Tiger Jack Riewoldt. Elijah Hewett managed just three touches despite playing 68 per cent of game time. Forwards Archer Reid, Jobe Shanahan, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Jamie Cripps couldn’t manage a goal.

Grade

C-

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Oh boy. As Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson declared during the third quarter, this was “a Dog of a night” for Luke Beveridge’s side, which lost to Geelong by 75 points. A Friday night blockbuster quickly became a bloodbath, with the Cats piling on 12 first-half goals – seven of them to Cameron – to take a 57-point lead into halftime. The Bulldogs showed some fight in the third term to kick four goals to one and cut the margin to within six goals, before the Cats caught fire in the final quarter to kick six goals to one. After winning their first four games, the Dogs have now lost their past two matches. But Friday night’s loss to Geelong came at a monumental cost, with four players — Sam Darcy (ACL), Tom Liberatore (concussion), James O’Donnell (hamstring) and Rory Lobb (hamstring) — finishing the game on the bench.

In the votes

All-Australian Ed Richards can hold his head high, finishing with 30 disposals and 13 tackles in a strong two-way game, while Matt Kennedy had 27 disposals, nine clearances and seven tackles. Despite a lack of opportunities, Aaron Naughton and Oskar Baker still managed five goals between them. Bailey Dale (29 disposals) provided ample drive from defence.

Room for improvement

You sense this was a night that has left the Dogs with a few mental scars. Beveridge even admitted as such post-game, telling reporters: “Coming to terms is probably something for tomorrow I think. We’re trying to process it on two fronts. The carnage, it’s pretty traumatic.” While Beveridge was happy with patches of the match, they committed some ghastly forward-half turnovers, which the Cats pounced on. The Dogs couldn’t handle the Cats’ pressure, especially early in the game. Individually, Buku Khamis looked vulnerable down back, while Marcus Bontempelli (14 disposals) and Joel Freijah (16) were both well held. The Bulldogs’ run doesn’t get any easier next week, as they host ladder-leaders Sydney at Marvel Stadium.

Grade

F