Full marks for underdog’s shock upset; new AFL kings surge... and one ugly fail: Report Card
There was plenty of statement wins over the weekend as teams stamped their premiership credentials.
On the other side of the coin, while several sides disappointed, only one earned a fail.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in Foxfooty.com.au’s Round 2 Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
In their second straight loss to start the 2024 season, questions are starting to be asked of a frustrating Crows outfit. A side filled with so much talent has failed to make the most of their opportunities two weeks in a row now, and have paid the price. The Crows never came back from the Cats’ six-goal first term, as the visitors put the Crows to the sword at the start of each half.
In the votes
Matt Crouch was best afield for the home side, accumulating a game-high 37 disposals at an efficiency of 89.2 per cent. His nine clearances were also as high as anyone, with only ruckman Reilly O’Brien (18 disposals, 47 hit-outs) matching him. Midfielders Jordan Dawson (26 disposals, 12 tackles) and Rory Laird (29 disposals, eight clearances) were around the ball all night, but weren’t clean in their distribution.
Room for improvement
Adelaide’s sub-par disposal efficiency was again on display Friday night, while their midfield has been labelled ‘vanilla’ by Fox Footy’s David King. Some spark in the engine room with the addition of an Izak Rankine or Josh Rachele could be called upon, however who they would take out remains a mystery. Clamping down on intercept defenders is also a must for the Crows going forward, who let Tom Stewart run circles around their forward line contrary to their plans pre-game.
Grade
D
BRISBANE LIONS
Had the bye.
CARLTON
Had the bye.
COLLINGWOOD
The Magpies were outworked by St Kilda on Thursday night, losing at the contest and allowing the Saints to transition dangerously. Aside from a couple of short bursts in the second quarter and last term, the Pies were largely dominated at the MCG.
In the votes
Josh Daicos was one of Collingwood’s best with ball in hand, registering a team-high 29 disposals and equal-best six inside-50s. Darcy Cameron (13 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency, a second-best 10 contested possessions, 26 hit-outs — 10 to advantage — and six marks) was another who could hold his head high after continuing his solid start to the new campaign.
Room for improvement
Again, the Pies were exposed defensively, with Craig McRae’s aggressive approach at contests continuing to work against his troops to start the season. Blunders deep in their own territory cost Collingwood on the scoreboard. They looked unsure at times in attack, losing the inside-50 count by 13. The Pies also weren’t able to consistently pressure the Saints, allowing 34 more uncontested marks and 45 more uncontested possessions.
Grade
D
ESSENDON
The Bombers were brave against Sydney and stayed in touch for most of the SCG clash, but were ultimately outclassed by John Longmire’s star-studded, red-hot side. Essendon’s defensive issues reared its ugly head again, while Peter Wright’s hit on Harry Cunningham mere minutes after the first bounce marred the game as part of a more physical approach from Essendon.
In the votes
Zach Merrett (32 touches, two goals) was again enormous for the Bombers to continue the star skipper’s hot start to 2024. Merrett was well supported by Will Setterfield (29 disposals, seven tackles) in the midfield, while Jade Gresham and Jake Stringer booted three goals apiece.
Room for improvement
As mentioned, Essendon’s leaky defence – which has been an issue dating back to Ben Rutten’s tenure – as again an issue by conceding a score of 131 to Sydney including 36 scoring shots. Granted, the Swans are in great form and were on their home deck, but it’s an area the Bombers simply have to improve in to challenge for finals, and ultimately, premierships.
Grade
B
FREMANTLE
A North Melbourne blitz in the first half of their clash at Marvel Stadium sent shockwaves through the spines of Dockers fans, but a resurgence after the main break squashed any chance of a major upset on the road. A seven-goal third quarter swung all momentum Fremantle’s way, overcoming the fast start from the Kangaroos youngsters and giving them a 2-0 start to 2024.
In the votes
Ruckman Luke Jackson (24 disposals, two goals, 21 hit-outs) was outstanding again in his role as solo ruck, and may cause structural headaches for Justin Longmuir once Sean Darcy returns from injury. Caleb Serong (35 disposals, 11 score involvements, eight clearances) was once again dominant in the midfield, and should also see himself polling in this match. Bailey Banfield (18 disposals, two goals) was impactful, and could well sneak a single vote for his efforts.
Room for improvement
One of the biggest questions to come out of Saturday’s match is the structure of their forward line going forward. In an attacking 50 with Matt Taberner (10 disposals, two goals), Josh Treacy (10 disposals, one goal) and Jye Amiss (seven disposals, one goal), it looked uncomfortable at times for the trio working in tandem together. While Amiss was quiet, he has been the best of the bunch in recent times and won’t be the first moved should there be changes.
Grade
B-
GEELONG
Despite the late outs of Mitch Duncan and Tom Atkins, the Cats were back to their classy best on Friday night in Adelaide, winning by 19 points. Geelong were far cleaner with the ball and heading inside 50 than the Crows, which ultimately won them the game. Back-to-back wins has the Cats looking at a 3-0 start, should they beat Hawthorn at the MCG on Eater Monday next week.
In the votes
Tom Stewart (28 disposals, 15 intercept possessions) was sensational in defence, taking 10 intercept marks in a night to forget for Crows forwards. Gryan Miers (26 disposals, 12 score involvements, three goals) was also exceptional, and proved unstoppable in the attacking half. Veteran Tom Hawkins (11 disposals, four goals) kicked away in the key moments of the third term, with three goals in a ten-minute period to be up for consideration.
Room for improvement
It’s an understandable room for improvement given the late outs of Duncan and Atkins, but the Cats were beaten around the stoppage comfortably. Losing the overall clearance count 47-38, the Cats didn’t get first hands on the ball and were somewhat lucky the Crows weren’t clean themselves when they distributed from stoppages.
Grade
A
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns’ hot streak ended on Sunday, losing to a Bulldogs outfit by eight goals in a windy Ballarat. Gold Coast were beaten to the ball all day, finishing with 49 less disposals than the home team and 11 less clearances – two stat lines that had previously been dominated by their midfielders in the first two rounds of 2024. A bye in Round 3 will give the Suns time to regroup and continue their pursuit for their first ever finals appearance.
In the votes
Touk Miller (30 disposals, 10 tackles, seven inside 50s) was admirable all day, while usual suspects Matt Rowell (25 disposals, eight tackles) and Noah Anderson (25 disposals, eight inside 50s) were there or there abouts in a tough matchup. While his stat line may not sound vote worthy, Ned Moyle (14 disposals, 25 hit-outs, one goal) matched it with opposition ruckman Tim English all day in a very promising performance.
Room for improvement
Gold Coast’s disposal efficiency was far off what was required to win in Ballarat, disposing of the Sherrin at 67.9%. Furthermore, their efficiency inside 50 was even worse at just 34.6%. The kicking efficiency of Anderson (50%) and Sam Flanders (45.5%) is worth noting as two players who often find space to run forward and gain territory. In tough conditions the week before against Adelaide and now a tough time in Round 2, the Suns will be hoping to come back after the bye with greater usage by foot.
Grade
D+
GWS GIANTS
GWS had never travelled to Perth and returned with the four points against West Coast - until Sunday. And the Giants showed why they are considered one of the most dangerous sides in the competition in their 65-point demolition of the Eagles. Optus Stadium had been an unhappy hunting ground for GWS with just one win from nine contests heading into Sunday’s match - but a third quarter blitz saw the Giants cruise home. The Giants held the Eagles goalless for two quarters and played the type of slingshot footy that pleased coach Adam Kingsley.
In the votes
Sam Taylor was a rock in defence as he racked up six intercept marks to half time. Keiren Briggs dominated against West Coast’s young ruck combo to give his midfielders first look. The Giants’ orange tsunami play was on display for the rest of the competition to see - and fear. Young forward Aaron Cadman shone in the battle of the prized draft picks, as he finished with three goals in arguably his best AFL outing. Lachie Whitfield was another standout off half back as he racked up 36 touches.
Room for improvement
The Giants took their foot off the throat in the final term as they coughed up three quick goals - but the match was already beyond doubt. When you’re sitting top of the table and heading into an early bye, there’s not a lot of room for improvement.
Grade
A
HAWTHORN
It was tough viewing for Hawthorn fans in Saturday’s 55-point loss to Melbourne as its season fell to 0-2. Not that the Hawks had big expectations on them this year, but even this was a disappointing game as Sam Mitchell’s side was too conservative with the ball in a “rubbish” game plan – as put by Roos legend David King. The Hawks played a high-possession, controlled game in its defensive half – taking a whopping 112 uncontested marks with 265 uncontested possessions – to rarely put pressure on Melbourne or look like threatening at any stage of the game.
In the votes
James Worpel battled hard in the midfield with 27 disposals – 11 contested – in many ways a lone hand in the contest as his fellow on-ballers struggled. Massimo D’Ambrosio (23 touches, eight marks) continues to impress in his new colours, while Nick Watson had an almost game – kicking 1.3.
Room for improvement
As mentioned, the Hawks over-possessive game style meant they never threw a punch – or looked like they were going to. It was an over correction from Sam Mitchell and his coaching staff – likely in a bid to limit Melbourne’s star defenders getting involved. But as put by David King, it was a “waste of development minutes” for the rebuilding side and “disrespectful” to fans, with very little for supporters to get excited about in a stark contrast to last year’s exciting brand. Several Hawks are also horribly out of form including Jai Newcombe and Mitch Lewis, while James Sicily was called out by Saints great Leigh Montgana for “putting himself ahead of the team” – highlighting examples where the Hawks skipper appeared to prioritise trying to win the footy over defending.
Grade
F
MELBOURNE
The Demons started their first winning streak of 2024 on Saturday, defeating the Hawks by 55 points at a glistening MCG on Saturday evening. Looking pristine in the forward half of the ground, Melbourne were back to their best against an underwhelming Hawthorn with star performances across all lines. Unfortunately, their win came at a slight cost though with Steven May (broken ribs) and Jake Lever (knee soreness) unable to play out the match with their respective injuries.
In the votes
Bayley Fritsch (13 disposals, five goals) had his second haul of four or more goals for the season in a standout performance up forward for the Demons. Christian Petracca (29 disposals, 11 score involvements, one goal) was elite in both his ball usage and overall presence, while Kysaiah Pickett (13 disposals, three goals) was great to watch both on the ball and up forward.
Room for improvement
Saturday’s hit out against Hawthorn was largely concern-free for Melbourne. While the Hawks had more of the ball and more marks than them, their uncontested chipping – especially in the first quarter – failed to make a dent in the Demons and their ability to hit the scoreboard. It was a quiet game for some defenders in red and blue, however that was mainly to do with the superb job their midfield did in keeping the ball out of defensive 50.
Grade
A
NORTH MELBOURNE
After a blitzing first half from the Kangaroos, the men at Arden Street were on track to cause their first big upset of 2024. Unfortunately, inexperience got the better of them in the third and fourth quarter to see them go down by 26 points to the Dockers. The run and carry on offer from their youngsters early on was something to behold, but Alistair Clarkson will be fully aware that his side still has plenty to improve on moving forward.
In the votes
Young bull Tom Powell (28 disposals, eight clearances, two goals) was best on ground for North, in what was his best performance to date on the AFL stage. Harry Sheezel (35 disposals, six score involvements) was unsurprisingly everywhere again, while Luke Davies-Uniacke (30 disposals, nine clearances) and Bailey Scott (23 disposals, one goal, 522 metres gained) were impressive also.
Room for improvement
While North’s disposal efficiency around the ground was very good (77.6 per cent), their usage inside forward 50 hurt them dearly at 42.1 per cent - nearly 18 per cent worse than Fremantle. It’s a tough ask for such a young team, but their ability to run out games on the back of a fast start is also an area for improvement. North Melbourne’s three goals in the second half (compared to Fremantle’s 10) was a testament to their unrecognisable efforts in the first two quarters. Nonetheless, their gap in performances shows big upside in a developing list.
Grade
C+
PORT ADELAIDE
The Power were pushed but eventually showed their forward firepower in the 30-point win over Richmond. Port Adelaide had a whopping 17 marks inside 50 compared to Richmond’s 7. But again inaccuracy proved an issue. The Power could have put the Tigers away in the opening term, but left the door ajar with their wayward shots on goal. Like the win over West Coast last week, the inefficiency in front of goal didn’t cost them - but it’s something the side will have to tidy up against the better sides in the competition.
In the votes
The Power’s big trio fired them home with nine goals between them - four for Todd Marshall and three for Jeremy Finlayson while Charlie Dixon threw his weight around and finished with two goals. But it was Zak Butters who should walk away with the 3 votes for his 34-disposal effort. Butters was everywhere and provided the spark on the stroke of half time to get the Power firing heading into the third term. Ollie Wines gets a mention for his 10 clearances.
Room for improvement
Goal kicking. Ken Hinkley has his work cut out for him for a second consecutive week after the first-up win over West Coast. Against Richmond, the side blew multiple opportunities and could have had the game sewn up well before their final quarter blitz.
Grade
A-
RICHMOND
Sure, the Tigers didn’t get the four points but they showed plenty of heart and fight to continue to come at Port Adelaide on Sunday. Richmond were undermanned across the ground but didn’t concede until the final term. Not even the Power’s seven-goal third term could break Richmond’s back as Liam Baker led the fight to close within just seven points at the final change. The Tigers had more contested ball (+7) and more hitouts, but just didn’t make the most of their possession - finishing -11 in inside 50s. The Tigers just didn’t have enough defenders to halt Port’s forward charge.
In the votes
Tim Taranto defied an early knock to finish the pick of Richmond’s midfield crop with 26 touches, four clearances and a goal. Toby Nankervis did everything he could in the middle with 24 hit-outs, six tackles and 17 touches against his former ruck partner Ivan Soldo. Liam Baker proved his usual inspiring best as he tried to lift the Tigers with 23 disposals and three goals.
Room for improvement
Richmond needed their experience to stand tall but Tom Lynch couldn’t get near it after kicking the opening goal. He went the rest of the match without another major and finished with just the seven touches. Lynch was the man to cough up a 50m penalty that resulted in a Zak Butters goal, and was involved in several scuffles throughout the match.
Grade
B-
ST KILDA
The Saints came to the MCG equipped with a plan to battle the reigning premiers, as they comprehensively outduelled the Pies on Thursday night. Defensively, they restricted the Pies’ movement and frequently caused a stagnant attacking approach from Collingwood, while, offensively, they strung together impressive offensive chains and exploited an overly aggressive Pies defensive unit.
In the votes
Simply put, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (32 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency, 11 marks — all uncontested — and a whopping 25 uncontested possessions) did as he pleased on Thursday night, joining Rowan Marshall (24 disposals, 16 contested possessions and a match-high 11 clearances) as arguably Ross Lyon’s most impressive performers.
Room for improvement
It’s tough to pinpoint an area where the Saints truly struggled against Collingwood, having won the vast majority of pertinent metrics on Thursday. St Kilda lost the hitout count 47-13, but it didn’t seem to have a curtailing influence on Marshall, who was stellar at the contest and essentially won his own ball.
Grade
A+
SYDNEY SWANS
Now one of the big flag favourites – and rightfully so. The Swans continued their unbeaten start to 2024 with a resounding 30-point win over Essendon. Playing with a ton of confidence and superbly drilled by John Longmire, Sydney has added a harder edge, greater efficiency with the ball and general killer indistinct this year. Plus its stars are all firing together – and there’s still a host of big guns still to come back in. A lot to like.
In the votes
Brownlow Heeney? The star’s permanent on-ball switch continues to pay massive dividends, with Heeney racking up 32 touches and kicking a goal. Tom Papley (24 disposals, four goals) probably pips him for the three votes though in a huge outing. Errol Gulden (24 disposals, two goals) and Chad Warner (28 possessions, two goals) were also huge.
Room for improvement
Tough to fault the Swans too much other than conceding 100 points – albeit against an Essendon that side that battled hard all night – the biggest total Longmire’s side has given up in 2024.
Grade
A
WEST COAST EAGLES
The Eagles started the game with such promise but cost themselves dearly with sloppy skills and horror turnovers that would be enough to leave coach Adam Simpson pulling out his hair. And against a side like GWS, they were made to pay. West Coast went goalless for an entire half - failing to capitalise on their dominance in the second term and getting blown away in the third. The only reason they didn’t cop an F is because it clearly could’ve been a lot worse.
In the votes
Elliot Yeo was back to his best with a first half blitz against GWS. The midfield bull was everywhere as he racked up 19 touches. Young gun Harley Reid showed plenty of promise with his early touches, dazzling the Eagles crowd with his ability to break tackles and clean hands.
Room for improvement
The Eagles ruck dilemma rolls on with young Harry Barnett left bruised by opponent Keiren Briggs. But with no Oscar Allen in attack, fellow big man Bailey Williams was needed up forward - but he couldn’t hit the scoreboard before being shifted back into the ruck. Jack Darling had a tough day with just ONE kick to his name late in the third term.
Grade
D-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
After a 45-point loss to Melbourne last round, the Bulldogs fought back as we suspected they would with an eight-goal win over Gold Coast in Ballarat. With a good record at Mars Stadium, the hosts made the most of an early strong wind to kick nine goals in the opening term, and make it a task too tough for Gold Coast to make a comeback. Injuries to Nick Coffield (shoulder) and Ed Richards (concussion) have soured the win slightly, but it was all good news for those who stayed on the park.
In the votes
Small forward Cody Weightman (14 disposals) kicked a venue best of six goals, including the first two of the match and four before quarter time in a performance that should see him recognised as best on ground. Marcus Bontempelli (32 disposals, 11 clearances, two goals) was brutal in the midfield, while super sub Oskar Baker (19 disposals, three goals) was excellent throughout the three and a half quarters he played.
Room for improvement
There wasn’t a whole lot for Dogs fans to be disappointed with on the weekend, winning almost all stat lines for the match. Tim English was surprisingly sounded by young Suns ruck Ned Moyle, with the Dogs losing the hit out count 37-44. English was by no means quiet, matching Moyle’s hit out count of 25 – however probably missed an opportunity to make the most of his inexperienced opponent.
Grade
A