There were plenty of heated battles in round eight, as some of the competition’s biggest rivals went head-to-head.
From big winners to massive fails, there were plenty of talking points to come out of all the footy action.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 8 Report Card!
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ADELAIDE CROWS
That’s now three wins in four weeks for the Crows, who are now remarkably working their way ever so slightly back into top eight calculations. Matthew Nicks’ men looked much more like their 2023 selves, even if they did give up 23 scoring shots to Port Adelaide in the cross-town rivalry.
In the votes
Jake Soligo (28 disposals, 10 tackles) won his first-ever Showdown Medal in a dominant display at Adelaide Oval, and should get three votes come Brownlow night for his efforts. Matt Crouch (28 disposals, eight score involvements) was yet again one of the Crows best, and was well-assisted by skipper Jordan Dawson (24 disposals, eight inside 50’s). Josh Worrell (22 disposals, seven marks) and Mark Keane (17 disposals, 10 intercept possessions) were solid as a rock in defence, with the latter performing exceptionally on Charlie Dixon.
Room for improvement
Despite leaving Showdown LV as comfortable winners, the Crows were certainly somewhat lucky the Power couldn’t kick straight. Their midfield, while playing a very good game on the outside, were beaten at the contested ball and comfortably in the clearances. While no doubt a facet of their game they won’t want to lapse in too much again, they managed to beat one of the competition’s best engine rooms despite losing in the contest, which is impressive in itself.
Grade
B+
BRISBANE LIONS
It was a win over fellow Queensland team Gold Coast that might just have propelled their season – at a great cost though. Four crucial injuries to their starting 22 will give Brisbane a far less experienced side going forward in the short-term, but if their ferocity under adversity on Sunday night is anything to go by, they’ve levelled up the form they started with in 2024.
In the votes
The statistical line of the Lions players was enormous on Sunday night, with Dayne Zorko (39 disposals, 16 marks, 858 metres gained) winning the Marcus Ashcroft medal. Josh Dunkley (27 disposals, 11 marks, 10 score involvements, one goal) and Lachie Neale (34 disposals, nine marks, eight inside 50’s, eight tackles) were dominant in the midfield to sink the Suns. Hugh McCluggage (31 disposals, 10 inside 50’s, eight clearances) and Joe Daniher (19 disposals, 11 inside 50’s, two goals) were very good, but will struggle to poll given the performance of other teammates.
Room for improvement
Inaccuracy in front of goal is undoubtedly their number one thing they need to improve on, but you can understand some tired legs in front of goal given their lack of rotations available. Surprisingly, the Suns won seven more stoppage clearances – the only generic stat they were beaten in all night.
Grade
A+
CARLTON
The Blues fell to arch rival Collingwood on Friday night to mark consecutive losses for Michael Voss’ side for the first time this season. Carlton kicked five first quarter goals, but when the Pies took it up a notch in the second quarter, the Blued struggled to regain control thereafter despite the contest going down to the last minute as Nick Daicos broke Blues fans hearts with the match winner. Back-to-back losses to top four contenders Collingwood and Geelong served as a reality check for the Blues as Voss conceded post-match his side needed to “execute for longer and be more disciplined for longer.”
In the votes
Harry McKay was the most dominant forward on the night with four goals. Meanwhile Sam Walsh (33 touches, 14 contested) was the Blues’ most dangerous midfielder and Nic Newman (32 disposals, 10 marks) racked up across half back.
Room for improvement
Despite the Pies missing Tom Mitchell and Jordan De Goey, Carlton was outworked by Collingwood’s midfield and beaten in clearances (-4) – usually such a strength area. After strong recent history against the Pies, Charlie Curnow was below his best form, while the Blues’ team defence as a whole lacked the same intensity as Collingwood’s.
Grade
C
COLLINGWOOD
The Pies ousted Carlton in the late stages of Friday night’s blockbuster in a big night for the reigning premiers to continue their resurgence – now sitting with four wins, three losses and a draw. Nick Daicos was the clutch hero with the match winner in the last minute, but it was a team-wide ferocity, composure under pressure and consistency across four quarters that drove them to the win – including dominating the tackle count (+34, +13 inside 50) and inside 50s (+26).
In the votes
He’s had some good games over his brilliant 55-game career, but this was arguably Nick Daicos’ most well-rounded, impactful performance yet including having a big defensive presence. Daicos finished with 32 disposals, 15 contested, seven tackles and two goals including that match winner. Scott Pendlebury (22 touches, eight tackles, one goal) and Jack Crisp (23 possessions, 17 contested, 10 clearances) were also big in the midfield, while John Noble and Darcy Moore stood up time and time again down back.
Room for improvement
For all of Collingwood’s ascendancy on the night, it probably should’ve won by more and kept the Blues in it in the fourth term with wayward kicking in front of goal. Had you known the Pies would even just breakeven in the midfield before the game, you probably would’ve tipped them to win by more. Without Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell, it was the clear area the Pies were vulnerable going in, so to get the job done arguably the best on-ball brigade in the AFL – at full strength for the first time this year – was some effort.
Grade
B+
ESSENDON
Bombers coach Brad Scott refused to underestimate the Eagles heading into Saturday night’s contest – and for good reason as last year’s wooden spooners pushed Essendon all the way. Despite appearing in control at half time, the Bombers had to withstand a fightback in front of a 51,700-strong Eagles crowd – no mean feat given their thrilling draw last week against Collingwood. Both teams employed a spare man in defence, making the first half a real arm-wrestle. But that game suited Essendon as they jumped out to a four-goal lead.
In the votes
Zach Merrett just continues to shine this season. The Bombers skipper was best on ground with 29 disposals, three tackles, three clearances and three goals. Kyle Langford and Peter Wright combined for five goals between them. Todd Goldstein completely dominated Bailey Williams in the ruck while Nic Martin showed once again what West Coast missed out on with his 32 touches and 630 metres gained. Youngster Sam Durham taught Eagles rookie Harley Reid “a lesson”, according to Fox Footy’s Matthew Pavlich, in an impressive display.
Room for improvement
The Bombers didn’t make the most of their opportunities in attack – going at just 38% efficiency in attack. They finished with the same number of marks inside 50 and the same number of goals – despite having +16 inside 50s. Star Jake Stringer had little impact on the contest as he finished with nine disposals and a goal.
Grade
B+
FREMANTLE
After a blip which included a couple of unlucky losses, Fremantle have regained its confidence and were dominant against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday. The Dockers have a chance to send a message to the competition about their growth this season when they host the top of the ladder Swans on Friday night.
In the votes
When the Dockers move the ball swiftly, they are difficult to stop and have some promising your talent in attack surrounding veteran small forward Michael Walters. But the Dockers issued a ‘Room For Improvement’ request of their own when asking the umpires to keep an eye on the treatment being dealt to young forward Jye Amiss.
Room for improvement
The Dockers dominated possession at the MCG and had winners across every line. Luke Ryan gathered 39 disposals, Caleb Serong had 38 touches and Josh Treacy kicked four goals, but Hayden Young set the tone with a blistering first quarter and finished with a couple of goals.
Grade
A
GEELONG
Geelong’s unbeaten start to 2024 came to an end after suffering an eight-point defeat at the hands of Melbourne on Saturday night. It was a real arm-wrestle at the MCG, as both sides struggled to capitalise on opportunities in front of goal. The Cats slip to second on the AFL ladder with a record of 7-1.
In the votes
Max Holmes continued his hot start to 2024 with 31 touches and nine marks, while Zach Guthrie continues to quietly go about his business. Former Pie Oliver Henry booted three goals, while livewire Tyson Stengle kicked two.
Room for improvement
You can forgive the Cats for this one, such has been their start to the season. Pressure is starting to mount on key forward Tom Hawkins, who has now gone goalless in four straight games. Jeremy Cameron, who had been one of the most in-form players in the competition, could not exert any influence on the game at all and had a few uncharacteristic errors.
Grade
C-
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns’ season took a massive nose dive on Sunday night, after being comprehensively beaten by a depleted Lions outfit in Q-Clash 26. There really were no excuses for Damien Hardwick’s side, who despite the injuries to Brisbane, never looked a chance in defence, the midfield or attack.
In the votes
There won’t be any Suns players getting votes this round, but Sam Flanders (30 disposals, eight rebound 50’s, five stoppage clearances) was their best afield. Noah Anderson (23 disposals, 10 inside 50’s, eight clearances) was commendable, but not at his usual standards.
Room for improvement
In short, everywhere. The Suns were inaccurate in front of goal, ineffective going inside 50 and were smashed around the ground. They gave the Lions 86 more marks than them, which essentially made it impossible for them to gain control of the ball around the ground. It will be a long, long week for Damien Hardwick and co in the review room.
Grade
F
GWS GIANTS
The Giants were outclassed and outmatched by the Swans in the Battle of the Bridge – not helped by an ankle injury to Tom Green in the first quarter that ended the star midfielder’s day early. It was a big acid test for Adam Kingsley’s side where it was well down on form and its stars struggled to fire like usual. Kangaroos great David King sad on Fox Footy GWS was “outworked” and not “tough enough.” In addition to Green potentially missing time, Callum Brown is likely to be suspended for a hit on Tom McCartin.
In the votes
James Peatling (24 touches, eight tackles, one goal) and Finn Callaghan (23 disposals, 11 tackles) worked hard in the Giants’ undermanned midfield but were unmatched by their Swans counterparts. Brent Daniels and Aaron Cadman kicked two goals apiece, with Cadman particularly busy in the first half.
Room for improvement
Lachie Whitfield was well nullified by James Jordon, but the Giants made no real efforts to get him involved in the game through a role change. Meanwhile dual All-Australian Leigh Montagna questioned the depth of the Giants midfield without Stephen Coniglio and Tom Green for most of the game.
Grade
D
HAWTHORN
After copping an equal-season-worst beating last week against Sydney, the Hawks claimed one of the biggest scalps of the season when they toppled the Bulldogs. It was a high-scoring, scintillating affair at the best of times — particularly in the final quarter — and Sam Mitchell’s men came out on top after navigating the game’s waning moments better than Bevo’s Bulldogs.
In the votes
James Sicily (20 disposals, nine marks and a goal) was particularly inspirational on Sunday, battling and pushing through multiple injuries — none more ailing than an apparent dislocated shoulder that was put back into place — to play a significant part in his side’s thrilling triumph. Connor Macdonald kicked three goals and applied solid defensive pressure, Jarman Impey had a team-high 27 disposals, and debutant Calsher Dear (two goals, five marks) looks a likely type.
Room for improvement
The Hawks lost the clearance count by 16, coming up against an obviously formidable unit comprising the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar. However, apart from conceding a few easy goals during their slow start, Hawthorn either beat or were neck-and-neck with the Bulldogs in the majority of important metrics.
Grade
A
MELBOURNE
The Dees put on a defensive masterclass against the previously undefeated Cats to record a gritty, eight-point victory at the MCG. The win further solidifies coach Simon Goodwin’s troops in the top-four having lost just two games in 2024.
In the votes
Steven May and Jake Lever were instrumental in defence, combining for 49 disposals and 21 marks. Tom McDonald blanketed Cats superstar Jeremy Cameron, while Clayton Oliver (31 disposals) looks like he’s getting back to his best.
Room for improvement
There wasn’t a lot wrong with the Dees performance, but they would likely have wanted to be more accurate in front of the big sticks. They missed numerous opportunities in front of goal and went goalless for long periods of time, but ultimately, defeating the Cats is no mean feat given their run of form.
Grade
A
NORTH MELBOURNE
North Melbourne’s winless start to 2024 continued as they suffered a 38-point defeat to St Kilda on Saturday afternoon. The Roos started well and never dropped their heads, but the Saints seemed to have more polish across the ground.
In the votes
Colby McKercher continues to show signs of improvement, racking up 30 disposals off half-back. Midfield bull George Wardlaw (22 disposals, one goal) tried all day to lift his side, while ruck Tristan Xerri (19 disposals, 11 tackles) could be leading the club’s best and fairest.
Room for improvement
When you lose the inside 50 count -25, it’s always going to be hard to apply scoreboard pressure. The Roos were beaten well around the footy, losing the contested possession (-14) and clearances (-8). Alastair Clarkson is desperately searching for ways in which the Roos can stop sides going on such momentous runs throughout a match.
Grade
D
PORT ADELAIDE
The critics are sounding louder and louder each week at Alberton, and a demoralising loss to the Crows in Showdown LV won’t help stem the flow. Their loss was amplified by another mystery hamstring injury to captain Connor Rozee, who despite being ruled fit all week by the club, was subbed out with the same issue. Next week will likely get harder for the club, playing Geelong on a Friday night at GMHBA Stadium.
In the votes
Zak Butters (33 disposals, nine inside 50’s, seven clearances) was far and away Port’s best on ground for the night, and led from the front in the midfield. Ollie Wines (22 disposals, 10 tackles) brought about good pressure, while recruit Jordan Sweet (13 disposals, 29 hitouts) was commendable in his first game solo rucking at his new club.
Room for improvement
Kicking for goal, and then daylight. While the Power may have lost to the Crows in most of the generic statistics, it was absolutely their goal kicking in the end that cost them a really good shot at a Showdown win. Their disposal efficiency around the ground was about eight per cent worse than the Crows, and it showed too. Precision counts in high-pressure games, and unfortunately for the Power, they were unable to bring it when it mattered.
Grade
D-
RICHMOND
The Tigers are badly undermanned and are not surprisingly struggling to cover the loss of stars including Tom Lynch, though it is difficult to question their resolve. The showed spirit in the third term against Fremantle but were largely outclassed.
In the votes
Accuracy when kicking for goal is just one area for the Tigers to focus on. Kicking 6.13 in a match against a finals contender meant they were never really in a position to challenge Fremantle. Tackling, too, is an issue. The Tigers were chasing Fremantle all day yet laid 20 tackles less than the Dockers.
Room for improvement
The only votes Richmond players will receive from this one are likely to be in their best-and-fairest. But rookie forward Mykelti Lefau again showed promise when kicking a couple of goals on star defender Alex Pearce, a feat that has proved too much for a couple of more established forwards this year.
Grade
D
ST KILDA
The Saints are back on the winners list after a 38-point victory over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. It snaps a three-match losing streak for St Kilda, as Ross Lyon’s side takes their win-loss ledger to 3-5 for season 2024 ahead of a match-up with the Hawks next weekend.
In the votes
Jack Sinclair (33 disposals, two goals) had one of his best games of the season, while the Saints look to have unearthed a gem in running machine Darcy Wilson (21 disposals, three goals). Jack Hayes booted two goals from 17 disposals in his long-awaited return from injury.
Room for improvement
It’s hard to find much to fault about St Kilda’s output in round eight, but they would have been hoping to turn a solid win into an even bigger one. The Saints got out to a 46-point lead early in the fourth quarter before the Roos staged a mini-fightback. While the Saint were able to steady, turning a 40-point win into a 70-point win is one of the next stages in their development.
Grade
B+
SYDNEY SWANS
The Swans made a big statement in a 29-point win over crosstown rival GWS in the Sydney derby. After a slow start to the game where it trailed by 15 points at quarter-time, John Longmire’s side came to life and never looked back, adapting better in the wet conditions than the Giants. It saw the Swans to improve to 7-1 and climb into first place on the ladder. The only downside of the day was Tom McCartin copping a big hit from Callum Brown to continue the defenders run with head knocks.
In the votes
Brodie Grundy (19 touches, 16 contested, 11 tackles, 34 hit-outs), set the tone in the ruck, wile midfield trio Errol Gulden (29 disposals, one goal), Chad Warner (28 possessions, one goal) and Isaac Heeney (26 touches, 18 contested, one goal) were all huge. Will Hayward was the match winner up forward with an equal career-best four goals.
Room for improvement
Outside of Sydney’s slow start, there was so much to like about what it’s doing. Forward trio Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean only kicked one goal each, but the conditions didn’t suit key forwards.
Grade
A+
WEST COAST
It was a case of what could have been for West Coast – after three big errors directly cost them three goals in their six-point loss to Essendon. The Eagles were well beaten at the contest in the first half, but managed to turn it around in the second – to finish with more contested possessions and equal for centre clearance. West Coast had 12 marks inside 50 – the same as Essendon despite their -16 inside 50s in promising efficiency signs for what’s to come from Adam Simpson’s men. But 71 turnovers ended up denying West Coast the four points.
In the votes
Jake Waterman’s red hot 2024 form has rolled on with the forward bagging three goals – to go with his four contested grabs and two tackles. And he had a young partner in crime in attack in Jack Williams in the rookie’s best career outing. Williams finished with three goals, four hitouts and two clearances. Tim Kelly had a game-high nine clearances from his 29 touches. Tom Barrass was a welcome inclusion down back as he had a game-high 11 intercepts.
Room for improvement
Turnovers cost the Eagles dearly. Jack Petruccelle and Bailey Williams had two nightmare efforts that’d love back – both coughing up goals with simple mistakes. While veteran Jamie Cripps will no doubt want his “dumb” moment back in the final term where he lashed out as teammate Jake Waterman lined up for goal – getting the kick reversed when a goal would have brought the Eagles to within four points. Liam Ryan couldn’t get near it with just seven disposals while failing to trouble the scorers.
Grade
C
WESTERN BULLDOGS
It’s implied, but this was a really bad loss for the Bulldogs and Luke Beveridge. They simply had to capitalise against a lesser opponent and didn’t. After seemingly turning a corner against St Kilda a few weeks ago, this Dogs campaign is again swiftly descending into disaster.
In the votes
Adam Treloar had a team-high 33 disposals and an equal-team-high nine clearances, while Tom Liberatore recorded 20 disposals at 95 per cent efficiency. The Dogs had six multiple goalkickers, one of them being skipper Marcus Bontempelli (26 disposals, 16 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven inside-50s and two goals).
Room for improvement
The Bulldogs won the clearance count by 16 but weren’t able to win the contested ball as much as the Hawks. For a team that was down two key-position scoring options (Mitch Lewis and Mabior Chol), they allowed a debutant in Calsher Dear to look like a seasoned veteran as he consistently impacted as a marking target inside forward 50. When it mattered most in the fourth quarter, the Dogs couldn’t contain Hawthorn’s transition movement and punish off turnover.
Grade
F
