defensive game

Carlton’s season goes from bad to worse, while a pair of contenders flexed their muscles as flag favourites.

Plus, why the Bombers and Roos get a pass after final quarter fadeouts.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 17 edition of Report Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows on Sunday were able to successfully turn around a 28-point deficit against Melbourne to retain a place in the top four on the ladder for the seventh week straight. In years gone by, this would have been a game where Matthew Nicks’ side may recover, but not necessarily end up walking away with the four points. Subsequently, while they were far from a perfect product in Round 17, it shows how far they’ve come this season.

In the votes

Undeniably the best player of the match was Izak Rankine (16 disposals — 10 contested, five goals, two contested marks, one goal assist), who tore the game apart in the first three quarters to register his second-ever bag of five at AFL level. All-Australian contender Ben Keays (24 disposals, 11 score involvements, two goals, one goal assist) was outstanding again as per, while Mark Keane (17 disposals — 12 intercepts, eight spoils, four intercept marks) continues to stand out in the defensive half. While they didn’t pepper the scoreboard, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker were also both very important at various stages throughout the match to kick two goals apiece.

Room for improvement

Adelaide were absolutely walloped across the mainstream stat lines in the second stanza, making some key areas look worse for the match than they perhaps were outside of a select period. That being said, their kicking inside forward 50 in the first half was borderline woeful, and allowed Melbourne’s key defenders to feast on intercepts. Had Melbourne kicked truly in the first term, perhaps we would have a much more pessimistic outlook…

Grade

A-

BRISBANE LIONS

In a year where no one really thinks the Lions have hit their straps yet, they’re still doing remarkably well given they’re second on the AFL ladder with a record of 11-4-1. A seven-goal blitz after a slow start laid the platform for Chris Fagan’s side who have now given themselves a fantastic opportunity for a top four finish and double chance come September. They’re starting to build at just the right time.

In the votes

Zac Bailey put together an incredible performance, booting five goals from 26 disposals. Midfield maestros Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage both amassed 29 disposals and a goal respectively, while Cam Rayner had 22 touches and worked hard. Small forward Charlie Cameron snagged three majors.

Room for improvement

The reigning premiers were somewhat sluggish out of the blocks, but after conceding the first two goals of the game, straightened things up quick smart. A tackle count of just 35 might raise a few eyebrows, but a win is a win. Does Fagan persist with Darcy Fort as the sole ruck, or will Oscar McInerney finally return to the AFL fold? He was managed out of the VFL on the weekend and with a short turnaround, perhaps now is the time the Big O returns. Sam Day was also very quiet before being subbed out of the game for Darcy Gardiner.

Grade

A

CARLTON

The Blues suffered their second-biggest loss of the season at the hands of their arch rivals in a game where it was apparent just how below the elite sides of the competition Michael Voss’ side is. Carlton struggled to get any sort of momentum in the game and their stars struggled to fire a shot. The Blues are a team that simply looks – and probably is – low on confidence. It marked a third-straight loss for the club as pressure builds at Ikon Park.

In the votes

Adam Cerra was the Blues leading disposal getter with 28, which was the second-most of any player. Zac Williams booted a team-high three goals – two in the first quarter – and Ollie Hollands (24 disposals) provided drive across half back.

Room for improvement

The Blues just weren’t efficient enough with the ball, particularly forward of centre. They connected on just 39 per cent of their inside 50s (19 shots from 49 entries) and were inaccurate when they got their chances (8 goals, 11 behinds). Their stars aren’t performing on their usual heights and it’s painfully obvious how much they rely on the likes of Harry McKay and Sam Walsh when they’re not out there.

Grade

F

COLLINGWOOD

Considering the Pies were missing several players from their best 23 but didn’t look like they’d missed a beat, this was one of their most impressive performances of 2025 yet. It included an eight-goal burst in the third quarter and they probably left a few out there too, with 13 tackles inside 50 despite missing the likes of Bobby Hill, Beau McCreery and Lachie Schultz. Collingwood continues to give exposure to players further down its list without it impacting performance in a showing of a great system. It included the return of Tom Mitchell (26 disposals, 11 contested possessions) in a solid showing from the veteran midfielder to create healthy selection headaches for Craig McRae.

In the votes

Nick Daicos continues to do Nick Daicos things, racking up a game-high 36 disposals (13 contested) with a goal and 13 score involvements to be in the box seat for the three votes. He might be challenged by Darcy Cameron (20 touches, eight marks, 31 hit-outs) as the ruckman continued his great season. Jamie Elliott bagged four goals but missed several chances to halt him having a huge night, while Darcy Moore (game-high 10 intercepts) stood tall in defence.

Room for improvement

Hard to be too critical, but the Pies only really flexed in the second and third quarters, while Carlton outscored them in the final term. The work had already been done at that point, so you can understand why Collingwood pulled back, but it wasn’t a four-quarter domination per se despite the scoreboard ascendancy.

Grade

A+

ESSENDON

The Bombers have been “handcuffed” this season due to injury, but in some ways, it’s been a blessing in disguise given the opportunities they’ve been able to afford to some of their young talent. The Bombers really took it up to the Suns throughout the first three quarters on Saturday, playing with high intensity and a willingness to move the ball quickly. They ultimately couldn’t stick with the Suns all the way, but there were plenty of positive signs for the Dons faithful.

In the votes

Captain Zach Merrett excelled through the midfield with 40 disposals, while tough on-baller Sam Durham (27 disposals) also tried his heart out. Young key forwards Nate Caddy and Archer May both booted three goals and had moments of brilliance, giving Dons fans an exciting glimpse into the future. Isaac Kako had 17 disposals, five tackles and a goal in what was arguably his best game for the club so far.

Room for improvement

The fourth quarter fade out would no doubt have frustrated coach Brad Scott. They trailed by just three points at the final change, but the Suns piled on the last six goals of the game to run out 41-point victors. Given their inexperience, we can cut them some slack there. It’ll be an interesting watch on the selection front on the run home, with plenty of dilemmas for Brad Scott and his coaching staff to mull over, even with the injury crisis. Do they pick Goldstein again or give more time to Visentini? Do the likes of Perkins and Gresham continue to get games, or do they look elsewhere to the likes of Rhys Unwin and Elijah Tsatas?

Grade

C+

FREMANTLE

The Dockers had to win to stay in the eight, but they were “slaughtered” in an opening half horror show at the SCG. They coughed up 26 clearances in that first half alone — including a 10-2 count from centre bounce. And of those 10 centre clearances, they allowed Sydney 5.1, compared to their 0.0 from centre. A lift in the final quarter helped add a lot of respectability to the stats (like 32-41 clearances and 51-48 inside 50s), but it was a game where the Dockers were behind from the opening 18 seconds and never managed to hit the lead.

In the votes

Murphy Reid continues to press his claim for the Rising Star nod. The young gun was involved in several big goals, shrugged off a heavy second quarter hit and hit the scoreboard himself in a great first outing at the SCG. Corey Wagner did a great lockdown role on Errol Gulden initially, and ended up with 22 touches, 450m gained, six tackles and a goal.

Room for improvement

The Freo midfield was torched in the opening half. Shai Bolton didn’t touch the footy in the first term, Caleb Serong managed just four disposals to half time — his lowest output in four years — under the heavy James Jordon tag. The Sean Darcy-Luke Jackson combo was beaten by solo Swan Brodie Grundy. And players like Jordan Clark and Luke Ryan just didn’t have their usual influence on the contest. Jye Amiss had two shots on goal in the fourth term to give Freo the lead if he nailed both — but missed both.

Grade

C

GEELONG

The Cats were dominant against an undermanned Richmond side, putting together a big 72-point victory. They won basically every key statistical category and never looked like being challenged, to the point where it almost felt as though they were just going through the motions. With a fairly kind run home, another top four opportunity beckons for Chris Scott’s side come September.

In the votes

In the absence of Bailey Smith, Max Holmes starred with 36 disposals, seven marks and a goal. Key forward Jeremy Cameron booted 4.5 from 19 disposals and 11 marks, while Gryan Miers was also among the best, recording 29 disposals and 12 score involvements. Debutant George Stevens did his part, finishing with 21 touches and a goal.

Room for improvement

It’s tough to find too much to improve on after such a dominant display. If we’re being picky, the Cats probably could have executed better in front of goal at times and we would’ve loved to see them really put the foot down in the second half and make it even more of a blowout, especially given percentage is going to be crucial in the race for September.

Grade

A+

GOLD COAST SUNS

The Suns banked an important win over the Bombers as they continue to press towards an inaugural finals campaign. Gold Coast’s talent and firepower was on show in the final term, putting together a six-goal blitz to overcome a valiant Essendon outfit. It certainly wasn’t the most impressive win they’ve ever had, but it showed signs of maturity and growth which would no doubt have pleased coach Damien Hardwick.

In the votes

Captain Noah Anderson exploded in the second half to power his side over the line, finishing the match with 30 disposals and two goals. Joel Jeffrey continued his resurgence as a defender with 32 touches and a goal, while John Noble (29 disposals) also provided some dash out of defence. Matt Rowell had a whopping 17 tackles and broke the record for most in a half with 14, while Ben King kicked another four goals.

Room for improvement

They were neck-and-neck with the Bombers through the first three terms before powering away, so there’s clearly some room for improvement. It’s fair to say, the Suns would like to be getting more out of star defender Mac Andrew as well. They’ve invested heavily in their star asset on a long term deal worth millions of dollars, but right now, he’s “become a problem” given some of his defensive efforts, according to Fox Footy expert David King. And what to make of Matt Rowell and umpire contact? Despite the league crackdown, he says he won’t change a thing…

Grade

B+

GWS GIANTS

The undermanned Giants simply had to get the win in Perth against the last-placed West Coast. And thanks to a brilliant first quarter, GWS got the jump and were never challenged. That five goal to one “slaughter” start ensured GWS played out the contest from the front as the visitors found their famed Orange Tsunami run. Fox Footy’s Matthew Pavlich praised how “threatening” the Giants looked from half back. They finished the match +21 for inside 50s, +8 for clearance, +34 for contested ball and +6 for marks inside 50 – despite missing star Jesse Hogan.

In the votes

Finn Callaghan showed once again why he’s a star of the competition as he single-handedly dismantled the Eagles. Callaghan had 20 touches and more than 450m gained by the main break – he’d finish with 37 disposals, eight inside 50s, 850m gained and six clearances. “He has been the number one dominant player on the ground,” Dermott Brereton praised. “We saw him in Round 1 obliterate Collingwood … he’s back to his best form.”

Room for improvement

Harry Himmelberg will need to go back to the AFL rule book after coughing up a free kick shot on goal. The big Giant wasn’t under the required pressure when he rushed the behind – luckily Tim Kelly couldn’t convert. Star skipper Toby Greene had a disappointing night after angering the locals with his high fend on young gun Harley Reid and then finished with a disposal efficiency of less than 45%.

Grade

A+

HAWTHORN

It was nothing remarkable, but the Hawks simply did what they needed to do to bank a win against the Saints this week. The Hawks got their uncontested mark game going (103) and were clinically efficient inside 50, scoring 14 goals from 42 entries, which ultimately proved the difference in the end. It felt as though they never really clicked out of first gear, the Saints tried hard all night but didn’t really ever get to the stage where there was significant scoreboard pressure.

In the votes

A very even spread across the board for the Hawks, which is undoubtedly a big positive. Ruck Lloyd Meek was probably their best with 20 disposals, 59 hitouts and six tackles, while defenders Josh Battle (23 disposals, seven marks) and Jarman Impey (22 disposals) were important. Jai Newcombe did the grunt work in the middle with 22 disposals, seven marks and a goal.

Room for improvement

Tagging is back in vogue across the competition right now, but Hawthorn’s go-to shutdown man Finn Maginness is currently plying his trade in the VFL. While it ultimately didn’t matter given they secured the win, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said his side struggled to find answers for young Saint Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who racked up a whopping 43 disposals, 1004 metres gained and 11 score involvements. The Hawks won’t want the likes of Caleb Serong or Jordan Clark getting off the chain this week.

Grade

B

MELBOURNE

That’s now five games in a row the Demons have lost, and perhaps none more frustrating than this one against Adelaide. The visitors at Adelaide Oval were up by 28 points a dozen minutes into the second term, only to lose that lead less than a minute into the third quarter. From there, they never truly got within striking distance for the rest of the match as Simon Goodwin’s side continues to flirt with the bottom four on the ladder. A win over North Melbourne this Sunday afternoon is now paramount to making sure they’re actually on track, given how due they are for a victory.

In the votes

Down in defence, Steven May (23 disposals — seven intercepts, 12 marks, seven spoils) wound back the clock as the Crows midfielders continued to kick it down his throat inside his defensive 50 during the first half. Utility Daniel Turner (20 disposals — 10 intercepts, seven intercept marks, five spoils) continues to show his flexibility and intercepted very well, while veteran Jake Melksham (eight disposals, seven score involvements, four goals) continued his red-hot form up the other end of the ground. In the midfield, Jack Viney (30 disposals — 13 contested, nine tackles) had plenty of the ball, while Kysaiah Pickett (24 disposals, nine score involvements, eight inside 50s, 557 metres gained, two goals) was electric as always.

Room for improvement

The Demons smoked Adelaide in the second quarter across nearly every facet of the game, and it meant a number of the final stat lines went in their favour. Unfortunately though, they were beaten comfortably at clearance — which for a team who values contested ball and clearance as much as they do, is a problem. Inaccuracy, particularly in the first half, also looks to have cost them big time in a match that could have very easily fallen their way if things went differently.

Grade

C-

NORTH MELBOURNE

No one gave these Kangaroos a chance of winning amid their centenary celebrations, but until a minute before half time, they were absolutely right in with a shot. In the words of coach Alastair Clarkson post-game, his side “battled manfully” after over 1,000 games of AFL experience exited their side from Round 16. This is the most number of wins (and by extension, premiership points) North have had at this point in the season this decade, so they’re clearly improving — but their defensive game is still far from one that will hold up consistently against the better sides.

In the votes

There won’t be any North players polling on Brownlow night, but there are certainly a couple of honourable mentions. Colby McKercher (32 disposals, nine marks, one goal) had plenty of the ball, while Nick Larkey (five goals, nine disposals, four contested marks) was unstoppable in the first half before a knee niggle slowed him down. Tom Powell (25 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances) was also notable on-ball, while Wil Dawson (eight disposals — six intercepts, eight spoils) was excellent for the vast majority of the game on Sam Darcy in just his fifth AFL game.

Room for improvement

North were great at clearance and in contested ball, but they allowed the Bulldogs to score from attacking midfield at a scary rate. Their ball movement was, generally speaking, far more aggressive than their opponents which paid off at times — but also led to more turnovers which they paid dearly for. Some positive signs, but also another reality check in other areas.

Grade

C+

PORT ADELAIDE

Just as the injury curse at Alberton looked to have lifted, Saturday night’s trip up to Brisbane well and truly put it back in place. Most heartbreakingly, a suspected ACL tear to Sam Powell-Pepper — on the opposite leg to where he did it last year — will sideline him long-term, while Esava Ratugolea (hamstring) and Dante Visentini (ankle) were down and out before quarter time. When you factor in the Power were a man down after the first break and two for a quarter and a half, their 28-point loss actually looks quite impressive against the reigning premiers. Ken Hinkley’s side got within 16 points with half a term to play, but it wasn’t to be at the Gabba.

In the votes

Like he is so often, Zak Butters (31 disposals, 12 score involvements, 584 metres gained, one goal assist) was a bull all night. Up forward, it was the duo of Mitch Georgiades (10 disposals, seven marks — four inside 50, four goals) and Jack Lukosius (14 disposals, nine marks, three goals) who looked most threatening — the former now sitting equal-second in the Coleman Medal alongside Gold Coast’s Ben King. Skipper Connor Rozee (31 disposals, 680 metres gained, one goal assist) was also busy, as was veteran Travis Boak (27 disposals, eight score involvements, two goal assists) who played one of his best games for 2025.

Room for improvement

Outside of injuries, efficiency inside 50 was the main stat that determined Port Adelaide’s fate this round. The Lions played a slightly more uncontested marking game than they did, but Port held their own — although never looked like winning after the 25-minute mark of the first term.

Grade

B-

RICHMOND

It always loomed as a tough task, but the Tigers simply didn’t have the firepower to challenge the Cats this week. That was only compounded further, when young gun Sam Lalor left the field with what appears to be a serious hamstring injury only minutes into the contest. Adem Yze’s side were only 13 points down at the first change, so that’s a positive.

In the votes

Small forward Rhyan Mansell had a great game, recording three goals from 22 disposals and eight marks. Youngster Sam Banks (26 disposals) continues to improve off half-back, while former Giants Jacob Hopper (27) and Tim Taranto (25) tried all night.

Room for improvement

It was a pretty tough night for the Tigers. They were smashed in some key metrics including inside 50s (-21), clearances (-9) and contested possessions (-17) and the Cats really taught them a football lesson. With Tom Lynch on the sidelines due to suspension, it was left to youngsters Tom Sims and Jonty Faull to provide a target inside 50 and Geelong’s veterans kept them well held. Noah Balta was also swung into attack in Lynch’s absence, but struggled to impact the game and looked lost at times.

Grade

D-

ST KILDA

The Saints stuck with the Hawks all night and were super competitive, but couldn’t string together enough dominance for a sustained period of time to really amp up the scoreboard pressure on the Hawks. There’s definitely some really positive signs and takeaways though for Ross Lyon’s side, who continue to get valuable experience into some of their young talent.

In the votes

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera had a career-best night, racking up 43 disposals, 11 score involvements and 1004 metres gained. Securing his signature has become an absolute must for the Saints. Elsewhere, mature-aged recruit Max Hall continued his rich vein of form with 27 disposals and three goals. Youngster Marcus Windhager (27 disposals, one goal) and captain Jack Steele (26 disposals, 15 tackles) were solid.

Room for improvement

The Saints just couldn’t turn their dominance through the middle of the ground into score. They won the inside 50 count (53-42) and clearances (41-37), but their ability to turn inside 50 entries into goals operated at just 18 per cent. In contrast, Hawthorn were at 33 per cent. With Max King still sidelined with a knee injury, Cooper Sharman and Mitch Owens struggled to impact the game and the Hawks defenders feasted in the airways. Young tall Isaac Keeler also struggled. Do the Saints look to change things up next week?

Grade

C

SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans are still alive in season 2025 off the back of a hard-fought 11-point win over the Dockers. With it now do-or-die for Dean Cox’s men, Sydney were the better side from the opening whistle and aside from a final quarter test, kept Freo at arm’s length for the entire match. Stats show it was an even contest by full time, but that was due to Sydney’s fatigue in the final term after an impressive pressure game. The Swans finished with 81 tackles (which is +19 on their average per game in 2025) and laid 23 of those inside 50 (compared to Freo’s 8). Sydney were able to overcome the loss of Tom Papley (hamstring), Will Hayward (temporarily for a dislocated finger) and Joel Amartey (late in the contest due to a knee issue) to claim the win.

In the votes

Surely come Brownlow night we hear 3 votes B. Grundy. The Swans big man was the most dominant player on the ground and finished with 20 disposals — 14 of those contested, 33 hitouts (just two shy of Freo pair Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson combined), a whopping 12 clearances, five tackles and a goal. James Jordon not only locked down Docker Caleb Serong, but he managed to hit the scoreboard twice with two big goals. Chad Warner (24 disposals, one goal) and Errol Gulden (25 disposals, one goal) were also important.

Room for improvement

Defender Tom McCartin got “sucked in” by big Docker Luke Jackson in a push and shove that cost the Swans a goal. The efficiency when going inside 50 is still letting Sydney down — they went at less than 46% in the win, which is 2% down on their season average.

Grade

A+

WEST COAST EAGLES

The Eagles were “slaughtered” by the Giants in an opening term blitz and never recovered. Despite their promising signs the week prior against Collingwood, West Coast couldn’t replicate that form in their Friday night clash. They dropped marks, missed targets and “looked off” in that first term, and by then the damage was done. A fighting last quarter ensured the Eagles only fell to a 59-point loss – which had sat at 55 points at the final change. Thirteen tackles inside 50 will please coach Andrew McQualter.

In the votes

Second gamer Jobe Shanahan continues to show promise – both down back and in attack and finished his side’s number one for tackles inside 50 (three). Harley Reid had one of his best outings — despite a number of scuffles throughout the contest. Reid racked up 26 touches — 12 of those contested in a team-high, seven clearances and a team-high seven tackles.

Room for improvement

The Eagles will need to find some sort of consistency. They were “all at sea” with GWS’ ball movement in the first half, according to Fox Footy’s Matthew Pavlich and struggled to hit a target in worrying signs. Despite the Giants missing a host of stars including Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan, the Eagles defenders still conceded 12 marks inside 50. 93 turnovers on a dry night proved an issue — well above their season average of 65.

Grade

D

WESTERN BULLDOGS

They were tested in the first half last Thursday night, but the Bulldogs came away with their 10th win of season 2025 — and even though it was against the 16th team on the ladder, it was still more or less a must-win match. It was a lot of the usual suspects in Luke Beveridge’s side that set the tone throughout the Round 17 opener, however their six multiple goalkickers shared the load well in front of the big sticks.

In the votes

Fittingly in his 250th AFL game, veteran Tom Liberatore (27 disposals — 16 contested, 11 score involvements, 10 tackles, two goals) registered quite literally the best game of his career with a match rating of 31.8. For context, only four players in the league have registered a higher rating this season. He’ll be battling for three Brownlow votes with Marcus Bontempelli (25 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 tackles, two goals) given their very similar stat lines, while up forward, Aaron Naughton (14 disposals, 10 score involvements, nine marks — six inside 50, five goals) was exceptional for the second week straight. Expect that trio to poll the votes between them.

Room for improvement

The Dogs were beaten in contested ball and at clearance for the vast majority of the night, with some favourable figures in the last quarter putting some paint over the cracks. Defensively, they definitely had their flaws also — but their pressure and efficiency going inside forward 50 was very good. Adelaide next week under the roof will really show where they’re at defensively.

Grade

B+