THEY SAID IT: “That was maybe the uppercut that we needed” – Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks did not pull any punches after the Crows’ heavy loss to the Bulldogs
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley lauded Zak Butters as a “tough, brave, little p***k” after the younger midfield star’s career-best evening out in opposition to Melbourne. Butters tallied 41 disposals, two targets, 12 rating involvements, eight inside-50s and 9 clearances in an excellent show, main the Power to an exhilarating four-point win.
THE MOMENT: Essendon kicked 4 of the final 5 targets to overrun the Tigers on Saturday evening and the match-winner got here from the boot of Sam Durham, who marked within the purpose sq. in entrance of Daniel Rioli on the top of Jake Stringer’s centred move. The win snapped the Bombers’ 13-match shedding streak in opposition to Richmond and despatched red-and-black followers right into a frenzy on the ultimate siren.
TALKING POINT: How may North Melbourne shoot themselves within the foot like that? Clinging to a three-point lead within the ultimate minute in opposition to Sydney, the Kangaroos blew their interchange rotation cap and value themselves the sport. A free-kick and 50-metre penalty have been accurately paid to the Swans’ Hayden McLean, who slotted the match-winning purpose from point-blank vary.
STATS THAT MATTER: Hawthorn’s 116-point demolition of West Coast is barely the third time in VFL-AFL historical past that the underside aspect has gained a match by greater than 100 factors.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Melbourne wingman Lachie Hunter copped a one-match ban for his excessive bump on Connor Rozee and Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas acquired the identical penalty for tough conduct on Tom McDonald. From the identical recreation, Demons midfielder Jack Viney escaped with a high-quality for his uncommon soccer-style slide deal with on Dan Houston. Hawthorn defender Jack Frost was charged with putting Connor West. Adelaide star Izak Rankine was cleared of a match-day report for top contact in opposition to Taylor Duryea and Sydney’s Will Hayward can even not face a cost after heavy contact with North Melbourne newcomer George Wardlaw. Collingwood younger gun Nick Daicos might be fined for a intestine punch on Blake Acres
INJURIES: T Boak (PA, ribs), T McKenzie (PA, corked hamstring), C Oliver (Melb, hamstring), P Ladhams (Syd, ankle), S Lemmens (GC, hamstring), D Shiel (Ess, corked calf), J Jones (WC, ankle), L Duggan (WC, neck), O Allen (WC, knee), N Reeves (Haw, ankle), J Johannisen (WB, hamstring), M Hinge (Adel, concussion), N Haynes (GWS, concussion), M Owens (StK, concussion).
WHAT’S NEXT: Carlton have a five-day break main into the Friday evening conflict with Sydney on the SCG and Melbourne host Fremantle in a crunch conflict for either side. Gold Coast and the Bulldogs hit the Top End for a battle in Darwin, whereas Sunday throws up intriguing Richmond-Port Adelaide and Adelaide-Brisbane clashes.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
