AFL Round 13: Upsets, Irish Impact, and Forward Concerns
Key Performances and Strategic Shifts Define Latest Round
A weekend of Australian Football League action delivered surprising results and highlighted emerging trends, from coaching masterstrokes to the growing influence of international talent. Several teams are facing critical questions as the season progresses.
Hawthorn’s Ginnivan Reborn Through VFL Reset
A strategic decision to sideline Jack Ginnivan proved pivotal for Hawthorn, as the young forward rediscovered his confidence in the Victorian Football League. After being dropped for a key match in April, Ginnivan has since become a potent force, scoring 13 goals in seven games. He recently delivered a strong performance against the Western Bulldogs, contributing 23 disposals and two goals. His current average of 20.8 disposals and 7.0 score involvements since round seven demonstrates a significant resurgence. – Josh Gabelich
Carlton’s De Koning Fuels Contract Speculation
The future of Tom De Koning remains a hot topic, with his recent performances only intensifying interest from rival clubs. In a dominant display against Essendon, the Carlton ruckman amassed 23 disposals, seven clearances, and 10 score involvements. His ability to impact the game across multiple facets is attracting attention, particularly from St Kilda, who are keen to secure his signature. – Phoebe McWilliams
Geelong’s Irish Duo Shut Down Opposition Stars
Geelong is leveraging the defensive prowess of its Irish players, Mark O’Connor and Oisin Mullin, to stifle key opposition players. Against Gold Coast, both were instrumental in limiting the impact of Noah Anderson and Touk Miller. O’Connor successfully restricted Anderson’s usual influence, while Mullin limited Miller to just one score involvement, a significant drop from his season average. This strategic deployment highlights Geelong’s adaptability. – Michael Whiting
West Coast’s Pressure Intensifies, Scoring Remains a Challenge
Despite a rebuild, West Coast is demonstrating a commitment to defensive pressure. In their match against North Melbourne, the Eagles recorded 23 tackles inside 50, a stark contrast to the six managed by their opponents. This increased intensity, however, didn’t translate into scoring efficiency, with a conversion rate of just 24 percent. Coach Andrew McQualter is focused on improving execution and accuracy. – Nathan Schmook
Adelaide’s Confidence Soars with Victory Over Collingwood
Adelaide secured a crucial win against reigning premier Collingwood, bolstering their top-four aspirations. While the victory wasn’t flawless, it provided a significant confidence boost, proving they can compete with the league’s elite. The Crows face another challenging test against Hawthorn in Launceston. – Phoebe McWilliams
Sydney’s Reliance on Star Power Continues
Sydney’s success remains heavily dependent on the performances of its star players, particularly Nick Blakey and Isaac Heeney. In their win over Richmond, Blakey (34 disposals, 886 metres gained) and Heeney (25 disposals, six clearances) dominated the game. The team needs to develop greater contribution from its supporting cast. According to AFL statistics, teams with a more even spread of contributors have a 15% higher win rate than those reliant on a few key players (AFL.com.au, May 2024).
Giants’ Forward Line Needs a New Spark
Greater Western Sydney is struggling to generate consistent scoring opportunities, particularly with a decline in Jesse Hogan’s output. Hogan, who was prolific in the latter half of 2024, has experienced a drop in form, averaging 1.7 goals per game in his last seven matches. This issue extends beyond a single player, as the Giants were held scoreless in a quarter against Port Adelaide, highlighting a broader need for forward line innovation. Coach Adam Kingsley must find solutions to revitalize the attack. – Howard Kimber
As the season progresses, these developments will be crucial to watch, shaping the premiership race and defining the trajectories of several AFL teams.
