Round 9 Report Card, highlights, grades, analysis, every club reviewed, best and worst, video, stats

It wasn’t the most thrilling round of footy, with the average margin of 46 points the biggest in exactly five years.

But that just meant there were some big winners – some painful losers.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 9 Report Card.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows had lost their last two matches heading into Round 9, but those losses were less a reflection of them and more the quality of their opposition. Adelaide’s demolition of St Kilda on Sunday was a reminder of how much this side has improved in 2023 compared to last year and yet another warning to rival clubs they are a genuine finals threat and no longer a walkover. They’re now back in the top eight as a result and are every chance of staying there if they continue to play the way they do.

In the votes

Taylor Walker kicked five goals and moved up the all-time goalkicking ladder and is in rare form. Jordan Dawson was fantastic once again, while Brodie Smith starred. Patrick Parnell deserves a big shoutout for his 25-disposal game, with the highlight a brilliant mark in the first quarter. There were standouts everywhere.

Room for improvement

St Kilda levelled the numbers up around the contest in the second quarter and stopped the momentum of the Crows, but it was a fantastic, consistent performance for Matthew Nicks’ side.

Grade

A+

BRISBANE LIONS

Brisbane did what they had to – put away an undermanned Bombers side in front of their home fans at the Gabba. But the Lions didn’t have the match on their terms until the third term, as accuracy and Essendon’s makeshift backline proved a problem in the opening half. Joe Daniher kicked Brisbane’s first four goals – two of those coming in the third term. A final quarter press is what got the Lions the 40-plus margin many were expecting, but they did it the hard way.

In the votes

Joe Daniher was the difference between the two sides. He had the Lions’ only two goals of the first half, and kicked the first two in the third term. His fifth goal was from some ruck brilliance while his six, coming from a snap, was simply icing on the cake against his former side. Only Zac Bailey (two goals) also kicked multiple goals for the Lions – despite Essendon’s lack of key defenders. Oscar McInerney took the ruck points with his 23 hitouts, 12 disposals and a goal. Lachie Neale was up to his usual best, with 34 disposals, five clearances and eight inside 50s. Young Will Ashcroft is continuing to impress in his debut season as he finished with 28 touches.

Room for improvement

Jack Gunston didn’t get near it, finishing scoreless from his seven touches. Charlie Cameron was also kept goalless for just the second time this season. Cameron was also one of three Lions to go at less than 50% disposal efficiency – alongside Eric Hipwood and Lincoln McCarthy. Goalkicking practice is sure to be on the cards for the Lions this week after a horror second term where they managed just 0.5. The Lions had just two goals to their name at half time and only seven by three quarter time. It took until the final quarter for the side to finally break free from the Bombers.

Grade

B+

CARLTON

Well that was a rollercoaster night at the office for Blues fans against the Western Bulldogs. Asked by president Luke Sayers to channel their passion and bring it to Marvel Stadium at half-time, Carlton supporters booed their team when the half-time siren sounded with their team sitting on 1.4 (10). A couple of shrewd moves from coach Michael Voss helped the Blues quickly slam on six goals and hit the front late in the last term in a dramatic script flip. Ultimately the Blues ran out of puff and the efficient Bulldogs rallied late to win by 20 points. Despite the coach’s positive vibes in his press conference, his side’s torrid start to the game suggested Carlton’s on-field problems are not going away any time soon.

In the votes

An important performance by Matt Owies, whose polish forward of centre was crucial as he kicked 3.0 from eight disposals. Nic Newman was also excellent in defence, finishing with 23 disposals, four intercept marks and 421m gained while also going at 79 per cent by foot. Sam Walsh (29 disposals) ran hard all night, while Matt Kennedy and Sam Docherty were good back in their natural habitats of the midfield and backline respectively.

Room for improvement

The Blues were booed by their own fans for the second week in a row after a diabolical first half which yielded only one goal. They were left to rue dismal ball use and poor goalkicking, with star forwards Harry McKay (0.2) and Charlie Curnow (2.3) unable to hurt their opponents on the scoreboard. It is well established that McKay is completely bereft of confidence in his set-shot routine, but he was not the only culprit as Jesse Motlop and Patrick Cripps missed regulation chances in the first half. Blake Acres had a poor night. He finished with 17 disposals, but just one score involvement and two tackles while he went at just 13 per cent by foot. Carlton’s season looks consigned to the scrap heap.

Grade

C-

COLLINGWOOD

We imagine Magpies fans were a bit confused; but yes, you are allowed to win a game by more than a few goals. Craig McRae’s men were never really troubled by the Giants and surged away with a nine goal to four second half, ensuring they remain a game clear at the top of the ladder. They’re also four wins clear inside the eight; no team is locked into the finals with nine rounds gone, but with the Blues, Kangaroos and Eagles to come, Collingwood should be aiming at a 11-1 start and a firming up of its flag favouritism.

In the votes

In terms of pure damage, the 2018 preliminary final will always be Mason Cox’s high-water mark – it basically stopped Richmond from winning four flags in a row – but in terms of a full four-quarter performance he wouldn’t have had many better than Sunday. The American stood tall with two goals and a goal assist from 19 disposals, nine marks (four contested) and four clearances. Meanwhile Nick Daicos had a lazy 41 disposals (poor bloke might not get the three votes for once), Tom Mitchell chipped in with 36, Jordan De Goey had 31 plus seven clearances while Bobby Hill was exciting early against his old side with two majors.

Room for improvement

Other than the subbed-on Reef McInnes, the Magpies’ five lowest disposal getters – Jack Ginnivan, Brody Mihocek, Beau McCreery, Bobby Hill and Will Hoskin-Elliott – each kicked two goals. How on earth can we complain about this one? It’s only an A and not an A+ because of the level of opposition.

Grade

A

ESSENDON

Essendon may have lost a fourth straight game, but the trip north to face Brisbane was always going to be a tough task for the Bombers given their injury woes. Their backline was decimated and coach Brad Scott was forced to pull together a “makeshift” defence to take on the likes of Joe Daniher and Charlie Cameron. And ultimately it proved too much to ask. The backline held firm in the opening half, but the floodgates opened in the second as the Lions piled on 10 goals to two. Essendon had just 38 inside 50s for the match – well down on their season average of 52 per game. They took just eight marks from those entries – while coughing up 17 down the other end.

In the votes

The stats will say Andy McGrath had just 18 touches and one tackle, but he was given the biggest task of all – shutting down Lions dangerman Charlie Cameron. And he achieved that task, keeping Cameron goalless for just the seventh time since 2020 while bravely attempting to take the game on where he could. Mason Redman was important rebounding from the backhalf, racking up 30 disposals. Zach Merrett had a team-high seven clearances to go with his 23 disposals.

Room for improvement

The two-ruck set up just didn’t work against the Lions as Oscar McInerney did the damage at both ends, while Andrew Phillips didn’t have an impact. He was used a little in defence, given the Bombers’ lack of height down back but only managed one mark for the game. Sam Weideman only managed two behinds from his five touches. The late call to bring Massimo D’Ambrosio into the line up didn’t pay off as he had just nine disposals, while sub Alwyn Davey Jnr had just three once he came on.

Grade

C

FREMANTLE

Fremantle recorded their first win at the SCG since 2011 and continued to breathe life back into their season. The Dockers claimed their best win of the season against an undermanned and bruised Sydney side to stay in touch with the top eight, courtesy of some more proactive ball movement which started at the source.

In the votes

Ruckman Sean Darcy was brilliant with 18 disposals including 14 contested possessions and nine clearances with 44 hit outs, fuelling the visitors 49-36 clearance dominance. His ruck partner Luke Jackson kicked three goals and was a constant threat with his size and mobility. Lachie Schultz kicked another 4.1. Caleb Serong was at his prolific best again with 33 disposals.

Room for improvement

It was the Dockers best performance of the season, both on the eye and on the stat sheet. They won all the key indicators on the day in an impressive display which saw the Dockers full ground connection come together. Where Justin Longmuir will be looking to see the improvement will be getting the connection together from the get go. The Dockers entered attacking 50 on 16 occasions but only scored twice (1.1) A time when the Swans capitalised, kicking the opening three goals of the game. With their game starting to come together, the focus will be on increasing the direction of the ball movement from the get go ahead of a big three week stretch of games before the bye.

Grade

A

GEELONG CATS

The Cats’ five-game winning streak came to an end on Friday night thanks to an upset loss to Richmond. They went into the game without eight premiership players and Jack Bowes due to injury – and it proved too much for them to deal with. But coach Chris Scott was upbeat after the game, for his side picked a younger side than the Tigers – the first time in 77 games the Cats were younger than their opposition.

In the votes

Tom Atkins tried his heart out in the middle. He finished with 24 disposals, 15 contested possessions, eight score involvements, seven intercepts, six clearances and six tackles. Gryan Miers threatened all night, with 11 of his 21 disposals leading to Geelong scores, while Tanner Bruhn and Jon Ceglar might’ve played their best games in the hoops yet.

Room for improvement

The Cats led the clearances 26-10 at one stage and ended up winning that category convincingly (+17), but they were uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball going forward. And without injured All-Australian duo Patrick Dangerfield and Cam Guthrie, their midfield lacked direction and polish. Geelong also finished with more disposals (357-343), contested possessions (148-130), inside 50s (57-56) and scoring shots (23-22), but their frequent skill errors and woeful accuracy early (4.11) brought them undone. Individually, Brandan Parfitt struggled with 10 touches and one score involvement, while Zach Tuohy uncharacteristically went at 33 per cent by foot. Superstar Jeremy Cameron (21) who found the ball, but gathered most of those disposals high up the ground and didn’t have his usual impact.

Grade

C-

GOLD COAST SUNS

The Suns travelled to a venue where they’ve won just once in their club history and put on an absolute clinic. The Gold Coast posted the club’s highest ever score and biggest winning margin against the Eagles in Perth on Friday night. They racked up a whopping 63 inside 50s – 13 more than their season average and +32 on their opponents. The Suns finished +11 in clearances, +34 in contested ball, a stunning -21 on their season average turnovers and took 15 marks inside 50. Coach Stuart Dew was happy with what he saw from his side as they now sit just half a win outside the top eight.

In the votes

Charlie Ballard was an absolute beast in defence. With Sam Collins locking down on Oscar Allen, it was Ballard who got the job on Jack Darling – and he delivered. Regularly beating the Eagle on one-on-ones, Ballard was also the intercept king – racking up an equal AFL record 10 intercept marks. His night finished with 15 disposals and 11 marks. Matt Rowell reminded the competition of just how damaging he can be, as he collected a team-high 29 disposals, a whopping 17 tackles, six clearances and more than 600m gained. Jarrod Witts was also dominant with 48 hitouts. Ben King kicked four in more good signs for his return to his best.

Room for improvement

While Rowell proved his toughness with his remarkable tackle count, he also coughed up four free kicks in an area he needs to address. Tom Berry (40%) was one of three Suns who went at less than 50% disposal efficiency, alongside Sean Lemmens (43%) and Malcolm Rosas (46%).

Grade

A

GWS GIANTS

The one thing you could trust about this year’s Giants is they’d be competitive; they hadn’t lost a game by more than 21 points all season coming into Sunday. And against a Collingwood side we know loves a close game, why couldn’t their Mother’s Day clash be a tight one? Well mostly because GWS played poorly, with their youth and inexperience exposed all over the MCG. This was one of those “oh yeah, the Giants are here in their development and their opponents are HERE” days.

In the votes

While his opposing number Mason Cox was excellent, Matt Flynn was solid too – actually landing as the second-highest rated player on the ground by the AFL Player Ratings, behind only Jordan De Goey. Flynn had 16 disposals, seven clearances and four score involvements in a solid outing, with Josh Kelly (27 disposals at 88.9% efficiency, 11 contested possessions, four clearances) his best midfield mate.

Room for improvement

Aaron Cadman has the quality to produce some big performances on the MCG but this wasn’t one of them, with just the 0.1 from his seven disposals, while Xavier O’Halloran’s 50 per cent efficiency from his 16 disposals didn’t help the Giants much. And, really, this was a whole team just looking outclassed more than any specific players letting them down. They’re just not at the Pies’ level, which is what you’d expect, but with all of the valiant losses this year we were getting accustomed to seeing more.

Grade

D-

HAWTHORN

The Hawks almost got the passing grade purely for their competitive efforts in the second half against a tough Melbourne side. But their first half was just too poor and the match was essentially over at half time. The Hawks scored just one behind in the opening term, and had just one goal by the main change in a dismal effort. Their efficiency by foot was woeful as they simply invited Melbourne to find avenues back to goal. While it was a spirited third term fightback, and a better effort in the fourth, teams can’t go at just 36.6% efficiency by foot inside 50 and expect to be in games.

In the votes

Jai Newcombe put his body on the line for his side and was a key contributor. He ended up with 26 disposals – 12 of those contested, five clearances, four tackles and six score involvements. He was one of just nine Hawks to go at more than 80% disposal efficiency. Lloyd Meek did his best against what is widely considered the best ruck duo in the competition and ended up with 14 disposals, 20 hitouts, six tackles and a goal in arguably his best game in the brown and gold.

Room for improvement

Jacob Koschitzke was the late inclusion, but he failed to have an impact for the Hawks. Just eight touches, no goals and only three hitouts to his name. The efficiency coming out of their backline needs work, as they just couldn’t clear Melbourne’s zone. Fox Footy’s Ben Dixon said the Hawks appeared to be “rushing” their play, which was resulting in the turnovers. A slowdown could help the young side.

Grade

D

MELBOURNE

The Demons were dominant from the opening bounce, and aside from a third quarter burst from the Hawks, had the match well and truly on their terms. They won all the key stats (+25 inside 50s, +3 clearances, +14 contested ball, +16 marks inside 50) and really could have added more than the 15 goals they did. It was a real workmanlike display from a side pushing their premiership credentials. Every player stepped up to fill a role against the side sitting 18th on the ladder. The only thing holding the Dees back from an A+ grade is the fact they didn’t punish the Hawks for their one-goal opening term, as they took home a 54-point win – instead of what could have been a triple figure margin.

In the votes

The usual suspects are here once again for the Dees – Clayton Oliver (34 disposals, five clearances, a goal and nine score involvements), Jack Viney (31 touches, six tackle and a goal) and Christian Petracca (30 disposals, six tackles, a team-high more than 580m gained and nine inside 50s) were all outstanding. Trent Rivers also had one of his best games for the club, with a club-high nine intercepts and a booming goal off three steps from outside 50m.

Room for improvement

It seems cliche to say it was a real team effort, but against the Hawks Melbourne had no passengers. Every player contributed and got to work at the MCG. If we’re being really critical, Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy didn’t dominate in the ways we are growing accustomed to in 2023 – but that’s really nitpicking at this point.

Grade

A

NORTH MELBOURNE

How exactly have they fallen this far, from the heights of a 2-0 start – which, yes, was about the opposition playing poorly but was still impressive – to the dour darkness of seven straight losses? These Kangaroos look nothing like an Alastair Clarkson side right now, proving incredibly easy to score against in Saturday’s thumping loss to Port Adelaide. Admittedly injuries struck throughout the game and made things much harder but a 45-point halftime deficit is a 45-point halftime deficit. Too often they looked simply disorganised down back and turned the ball over constantly. Not good enough.

In the votes

Todd Goldstein (24 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 clearances) did what he could, Nick Larkey kicked four goals and Luke Davies-Uniacke (29 disposals, 18 contested possessions, eight clearances) was handy. But it’s hard to give this performance too much praise.

Room for improvement

Everything? The Kangaroos need time more than anything but they also Sneed to show at least some fight before they plummet back to last year’s levels, where they were one of the worst teams the AFL had seen in years. And that came with a bunch of off-field turmoil. Admittedly the Alastair Clarkson situation isn’t a great one right now with the Hawthorn saga dragging on but that doesn’t explain why they’re struggling to take on his coaching so badly.

Grade

F

PORT ADELAIDE

It helps when your opponents are deciding to cosplay as witches’ hats but the Power were excellent on Saturday, with a second-quarter blitz inspiring them to a comfortable lead they’d never come close to relinquishing. After all the talk the Jason Horne-Francis Cup was simply him continuing a strong second season and Ken Hinkley’s young midfield showing why it’s good enough to power Port back into the finals mix. They’ve 7-2, in the top four and heading into a huge Friday night clash with Melbourne with plenty of momentum. And we’re worried about Ken why exactly?

In the votes

These Zak Butters and Connor Rozee fellas seem pretty talented, not sure if you’ve heard? Butters (32 disposals, 495 metres gained, 14 contested possessions, 3 contested marks, 12 score involvements) was the pick of the pair against the Roos but Rozee (25 disposals, six clearances, eight score involvements) certainly had his moments. The breakout campaign of Miles Bergman (21 disposals, 10 marks, eight score involvements) continued while the ever-underrated Jeremy Finlayson could’ve had a huge day, finishing kicking 3.5 with 11 score involvements.

Room for improvement

Look, when Tom Jonas is kicking goals, it’s hard to find a complaint. But the step up in opposition quality for this coming week, against Melbourne, is severe. The Power must lift to meet the challenge.

Grade

A+

RICHMOND

As triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown declared on Fox Footy, the Tigers looked like “Richmond of old” in their win on Friday night. To be fair, there had been ample signs in recent weeks the Tigers were on the verge of clicking, only for their poor forward-half efficiency bringing them undone. But against Geelong, Richmond produced its slickest performance of the season to date – against one of the best teams in the competition – as the Tigers rank out 24-point winners. The win was set up by an outstanding first quarter, with the Tigers booting 6.0 to Geelong’s 2.6. There’s life in Richmond’s 2023 campaign again.

In the votes

Two players in particular who played their roles magnificently were key backs Nathan Broad and Noah Balta who got the better of Geelong superstars Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins respectively. Daniel Rioli was the firestarter for the Tigers, sparking them in the first half and finishing with 23 disposals and a goal, while champion duo Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin produced their best games of the year, booting four and three goals respectively to cause havoc up forward.

Room for improvement

Nothing to see here. Richmond’s best performance of the season to date.

Grade

A+

ST KILDA

It’s been a win followed by a loss in the last six rounds, as the Saints come back down to earth somewhat after a staggering start to the season. The Crows took the fight to the Saints and broke through their usually impeccable defence, so there will be some work to be done in the postscript for Ross Lyon and his coaching staff along with the players. Matches against the Giants, Hawks and injury-depleted Swans in the next three weeks should allow them to build some momentum back up again ahead of the second half of the season.

In the votes

Rowan Marshall was impressive in the ruck all day, as was Mason Wood on a wing, who continues to reinvent himself as a player. Jack Higgins managed three goals and Brad Crouch had 30 disposals against his former side.

Room for improvement

They were nowhere near as efficient as their opponents despite having only four fewer inside 50s. The back six had a rare off day, with Taylor Walker kicking five goals and Dougal Howard having some moments he’d like to forget. They were picked apart and simply couldn’t go with the Crows for most of the day, despite rallying for a period in the second quarter.

Grade

D

SYDNEY SWANS

The undermanned Swans fought gallantly but ultimately succumbed to their fourth loss in a row and third in a row at home at the SCG. The injuries kept piling up for the Swans with skipper Callum Mills subbed out in the opening minutes with a calf injury while Logan McDonald didn’t feature in the final quarter after sustaining a lower left leg injury

In the votes

Errol Gulden continued his sparkling form with 39 disposals, eight clearances, five tackles and 2.1. Co-captain Luke Parker was at his typical busy best with 27 disposals and six clearances. Chad Warner was busy in midfield with 25 disposals but failed to impact the scoreboard. Despite having a quiet afternoon, Tom Papley hit the scoreboard for 2.1 in his 150th game.

Room for improvement

The Swans were beaten in all the key indicators on the day, including getting monstered in the ruck by the Dockers duo Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson. Tom Hickey did return for his first game of the season and while he did his bit with nine hit outs and 14 disposals. But at 32 years old, the ruck department will be a key area the Swans will look to bolster in the coming years.

Grade

D+

WEST COAST EAGLES

The 2023 season is only getting worse for West Coast who were belted by the Gold Coast Suns in Perth on Friday night. After the Suns’ second quarter blitz – where they slammed home 8.5 to West Coast’s 1.2, the Eagles just couldn’t recover the ground lost. Even star Tim Kelly said the performance “isn’t good enough” at half time. West Coast added Jamaine Jones to the ever growing injury list, and Jack Darling will join him due to a broken arm. Coach Adam Simpson hasn’t got anyone to turn to in a bid to rectify the side’s lowly ladder position.

In the votes

Liam Duggan led from the front for the Eagles, but he didn’t have much support. Handed the captaincy in the absence of the likes of Luke Shuey and Jeremy McGovern, he finished with 32 disposals, seven intercepts and four tackles. Oscar Allen continues to play a lone hand in attack, as he is now the only player in the competition to kick multiple games in every match this season. He finished with 2.0 from his eight disposals.

Room for improvement

We know the Eagles are struggling for troops this season, but their three inclusions for the clash with the Suns racked up just a combined 17 disposals between them. Jack Darling was easily outworked by Suns defender Charlie Ballard and was having a quiet night before he broke his arm and bravely opted to return. He finished with 0.1 from his seven touches. Tom Barrass was down on his high standards, with just 11 touches, eight marks and just the five intercepts.

Grade

F

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Phew – that was close! The Western Bulldogs overcame a serious late challenge from Carlton to claim an 20-point win at Marvel Stadium. Carlton piled on six unanswered goals to lead by four points midway through the final term, but the Dogs slammed on four of their own to storm to a sixth win of the season. The Dogs have been challenged several times so far this season and, at times, not responded well, especially earlier in the season. But to surge late so emphatically meant coach Luke Beveridge was thrilled post-game.

In the votes

Tom Liberatore was colossal. The star midfielder finished with 26 disposals, 14 contested possessions. 13 clearances. nine tackles and a telling late goal in a best-on-ground performance. Bailey Smith (30 disposals) got better as he game wore on, while Ed Richards, Bailey Dale and Jason Johannisen provided invaluable run from the back-half. Anthony Scott (3.1) was damaging at ground level and Arty Jones’ pressure and spark was enormous. Rory Lobb also spent significant portions of the first half lined up against his former Dockers teammate Blake Acres. As well as kicking two goals he pushed into defence for two intercepts during the first half.

Room for improvement

The fact the Bulldogs almost lost a game after being up by 31 points early in the third term is a bit concerning on paper. While they used the ball cleverly in their forward half to punish the Blues for easy missed chances, the Dogs were well beaten at contested possessions (-22), while the inside 50 count was even. Individually, Alex Keath didn’t have a great night in defence, while the radars of Aaron Naughton (1.3) and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (1.3) were slightly off.

Grade

B+