This week’s AFL round contained a little bit of everything. Round four had some big margins, a number of tight contests, upsets, a defensive masterclass, a team that may be proving their bona fides as another that cast doubt upon theirs.
Here at Vendetta Sports Media we’ll be covering the entire AFL season for you. In case you missed it, all our team previews, and this writers ladder predictions, are located here.
Match of the Week: Geelong vs Brisbane
The last time these two teams met at Geelong’s Kardinia Park, they produced an instant classic that was decided by a highly contentious umpiring decision. As an encore, they produced another fantastic contest that, whilst not quite reaching the heights of their 2021 clash, was nonetheless a gripping match. A bonus: this game was also decided by a disputed officiating call.
The night didn’t start as planned for Geelong as they were forced to make a pair of late changes, big men Tom Stewart (gastro) and Esava Ratugolea (ankle) replaced by smalls Gryan Miers and Quentin Narkle.
Neither the Cats or Lions were prepared to give an inch in the early stages of the match, the game being played between the forward 50’s as defense dominated. Brisbane were being rather deliberate with their ball movement, allowing the Cats to get their defense organised. When they had the ball the undersized Cats were looking to break quickly, which they were able to do only to crash upon the walls that are Harris Andrews and Marcus Adams.
Geelong eventually broke through, Luke Dahlhaus steering through a set shot from deep in the right forward pocket. Brisbane were able to respond through Daniel McStay who drifted in from the side of the pack to mark strongly, Stewart’s absence telling early.
Geelong’s speedy ball movement again caught the Lions out, Tom Hawkins judging the flight of Jeremy Cameron’s long ball best, marking and bending the ball home from a 45 degree angle.
Geelong perhaps had the better of the opening term and would have been a touch disappointed when Tom Fullarton kicked truly for the Lions to leave the teams tied at 14 apiece as the 1st quarter came to a close.
The 2nd period was a tit-for-tat goal fest.
Hawkins dived low to mark a Mitch Duncan pass, converting the set shot. Brisbane immediately went up the other end to find Cam Rayner, who marked well deep in the pocket. His left foot snap just sneaking through.
Isaac Smith was prominent early, with 15 disposals to half time, including a gem of a long distance bomb on the run. Big Lions forward Joe Daniher responded with a classy snap around his body. The goal-for-goal run continued when the rejuvenated Tyson Stengle hot stepped his way through Brisbane’s defense to snap a beautiful goal before Daniher found McStay with a long, penetrating ball, the Lion converting his 2nd of the evening.
Cats defender Jed Bews created a turnover with a brave smother and was rewarded just seconds later with a long range goal. Daniher and Hawkins traded similar goals to end the half: both players marking strongly on the lead before flushing long range shots.
The teams traded 13 first half majors, the goal-for-goal run the longest such stretch in an AFL game since 1993, as the Cats lead by nine points at the main break.
Narkle finally broke that run with the opening goal of the 3rd quarter from a Smith pass. That only sparked the Lions, who kicked three of their own on the bounce.
McStay marked over the top of the pack directly in front of goal before Daniel Rich, playing in his 250th game, used his penetrating left boot to find Daniher at the top of the goal square. Finally Brandon Starcevich intercepted a loose Mitch Duncan pass, running through the centre square unabated. With an open forward line in front of him, Starcevich delivered the ball to the top of the goal square hoping for either a friendly roll or for the footy to sit up for the onrushing Charlie Cameron. He got the former, giving Brisbane their first lead since the opening stages of the match.
Hawkins restored Geelong’s lead after a questionable free kick before Cameron drilled a long goal to put the Lions up by a point as the teams headed to three quarter time.
Geelong reclaimed the lead early in the last as Mark O’Connor found himself on the end of a chain of handballs. His long pass found Jeremy Cameron, who used his strength to hold of Lion Darcy Gardner to mark and goal.
The Lions Charlie Cameron then kicked a beauty, running at full speed onto a Fullarton handball to snap a long goal on his non-preferred left boot, levelling the game.
Geelong went on a period where they frankly dominated play, but misses by Hawkins, Stengle and Hawkins again – all very getable shots at goal, kept the Lions in the contest.
It was then that the controversy arose.
Max Holmes looked long, kicking to a one-on-one between Hawkins and Andrews. The Lions defender found front position and looked odds on to kill the play before a clear push in the back from Hawkins saw him mark untouched. The veteran forward, perhaps fearing a late whistle, turned immediately and bent through the match clinching goal.
Lions players remonstrated with the officials but to no avail; the goal would stand.
To be clear, it was certainly a free kick and the umpire erred in not blowing his whistle. It was, however, consistent with how the match had been called all night, with numerous clear push in the back free kicks – both for the Cats and Lions – going uncalled. It’s unfortunate that such a decision (or non-decision) effectively decided the game, but it was not a one off in what was a relatively poorly umpired contest.
The match, though, still had time to run and though the Lions huffed and puffed, they couldn’t blow Geelong’s house down, falling by 10 points.
With Geelong’s defensive structure compromised by Stewart’s late withdrawal, Smith (29 possessions) and Duncan both moved into halfback roles with considerable success, their precise delivery the launching pad for the Cats lightning fast ball movement. Miers repaid the faith put in him as a late call up with 25 disposals.
Last season, 2020 Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale was smothered by Cats tagger O’Connor. From the moment he was named in the team for this match, it was obvious he would go to Neale. This time, though, the Lions champ was ready. He led O’Connor on a merry dance picking up a game high 30 possessions. It was easy to imagine him collecting even more on a ground other than the tight confines of Kardinia Park.
The big forwards on show didn’t disappoint. Hawkins kicking five for the Cats, a pair of those coming directly from Jeremy Cameron passes. At the other end of the park, Daniher and McStay had three apiece, each assisting the other on one of their goals.
Both sides have gilt edged opportunities for wins next week as they each take on struggling sides: the Cats face Hawthorn; the Lions host Collingwood.
Geelong Cats: 11 Goals, 14 Behinds (80)
Brisbane Lions: 11 Goals, 4 Behinds (70)
Goals
Geelong: Hawkins 5, Bews, Cameron, Dahlhaus, Narkel, Stengle, Smith
Brisbane: Daniher 3, McStay 3, Cameron 2, Fullarton, Rayner, Starcevich
Best
Geelong: Hawkins, Smith, Blicavs, Tuohy, Duncan, Dangerfield
Brisbane: McStay, Neale, Adams, Daniher, Rich, Andrews
Onto the other games of round four of the AFL season.
Port Adelaide Power 4 goals, 12 behinds (36) lost to Melbourne Demons 10 goals, 8 behinds (68)
Goals
Port Adelaide: Motlop 2, Houston, Georgiades
Melbourne: Fritsch 3, Harmes 2, McDonald, Viney, Langdon, Gawn, Jackson
Best
Port Adelaide: Houston, Bonner, Burton, Clurey, Jonas, Bergman
Melbourne: Harmes, Gawn, Langdon, Jackson, Brayshaw, Petracca, Jordon
A most dispiriting loss for the Power, who slipped to 0-4 in a game where the final margin proved incredibly flattering. Port Adelaide, desperate to get their season on track, dug their heels in through the first quarter or so, limiting Melbourne to just Bayley Fritsch’s early goal, until the Demons inevitably broke the shackles, kicking five quick goals to open up a 42 to five halftime lead, the Power held goalless in a half for the first time in their AFL existence. Matter only got worse for the Power as James Harmes and Max Gawn goaled before Dan Houston finally put one through for Port. Early in the final term, leading 67 to 14, Melbourne for all intent and purpose packed up and went home, Port Adelaide scoring 22 of the games final 23 points. That served only to apply a lovely shade of lipstick to a pig of a performance. The Dees dominated in the ruck, the combination of Gawn and Luke Jackson overwhelming Scott Lycett who played through a shoulder injured early in the match. That was the least of Port’s concerns as reigning Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines was taken to hospital after half time suffering from nausea. Worryingly for the competition, Melbourne stands at 4-0 without really hitting their stride so far in 2022.
Sydney Swans 13 goals, 8 behinds (86) defeated North Melbourne Kangaroos 12 goals, 3 behinds (75)
Goals
Sydney: Franklin 2, Bell 2, McLean 2, Heeney 2, Reid, Warner, Ronke, Hayward, McInerney
North Melbourne: Ziebell 5, Goldstein 2, Zurhaar, Xerri, Simpkin, Mahoney, Turner
Best
Sydney: McInerney, Mills, Heeney, Florent, Warner
North Melbourne: Ziebell, Simpkin, Stephenson, Horne-Francis, McDonald
Rebounding from their pasting at the hands of Brisbane, the young Kangaroos put an almighty scare into the Swans at the SCG. A twisting, winding match that saw the lead change hands on seven occasions, the Roos would have felt they had control of the contest on more than one occasion, including the final term when an early Kayne Turner goal extended their lead to 14 points. A quick Will Hayward answer kept the Swans in touch before Isaac Heeney reduced the margin to a point. Justin McInerney – who had 14 final quarter disposals – put Sydney ahead before Heeney kicked a gem of a goal from the boundary in the final seconds to bury the gallant Roos. In a surprise move, Roos veteran defender Jack Ziebell started forward, the move working a treat as he kicked a career high five goals. Jye Simpkin was a driving force for North Melbourne with 32 touches. Jaidyn Stephenson played easily his best game of the young season for the Roos. McInerney’s huge final term led to a 30 possession game. Heeney (17 touches, two goals) and Callum Mills (28 possessions) dangerous with ball in hand.
Collingwood Magpies 10 goals, 14 behinds (74) lost to West Coast Eagles 14 goals, 3 behinds (87)
Goals
Collingwood: Ginnivan 2, Mihocek 2, Cameron, J. Daicos, Henry, Hoskin-Elliott, Maynard, Wilson
West Coast: Kennedy 3, Rioli 3, Ryan 2, Darling 2, Edwards, Langdon, Naish, Waterman
Best
Collingwood: J. Daicos, N. Daicos, Pendlebury, Grundy, Maynard
West Coast: O’Neill, McGovern, Duggan, West, Naish, Rioli
Three quarters into last week’s match against Geelong, the young Magpies were the toast of the AFL. Now, after a shocking late collapse in that game and another in a devastating loss to the undermanned Eagles, there are suddenly red light flashing around this side. In a tight match the Eagles had the early lead through exciting tandem Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli. Collingwood didn’t get their noses in front until a Josh Daicos major midway through the 2nd term. Holding a 13 point lead half way through the 3rd stanza, a goal to veteran Eagle Josh Kennedy and a 2nd to Rioli brought the Eagles back into the contest, though Brayden Maynard steadied for Collingwood. Kennedy and Jack Darling scored early in the final term put the Eagles ahead. Brody Mihocek answered for Collingwood before a run of three quick goals saw the Eagles snatch the game, Darling kicking the sealer. Collingwood’s play around the ground was far superior to their opponent (they led the inside 50 count 61-42), only their goal kicking – contrasted with West Coast’s unerring accuracy – keeping the game close. That sniff was all a veteran team like the Eagles needed, their superior composure seeing them home. Many unheralded Eagles stood up in this one, but the team was led by it’s big names. Kennedy and Rioli were outstanding with Jeremy McGovern a wall in defense. Magpies fans will be buoyed by the performance of the Daicos brothers, though injury was added to the insult of the loss when popular utility Jamie Elliott was sidelined with an AC joint injury.
Fremantle Dockers 13 goals, 10 behinds (88) defeated GWS Giants 8 goals, 6 behinds (54)
Goals
Fremantle: O’Driscoll 2, Colyer 2, Frederick 2, Acres, Schultz, Lobb, Brayshaw, Switkowski, Taberner, Darcy
GWS: Hogan 2, Himmelberg 2, Green 2, Kelly, de Boer
Best
Fremantle: Brodie, Chapman, Mundy, Brayshaw, Frederick, Logue
GWS: Taranto, Green, Cumming, Taylor, Coniglio, Keefe
A tight and tense affair was blown open by a devastating Fremantle final quarter that saw the Dockers move into the top four. Coming into the final quarter, the largest lead to either team was an 11 point Fremantle advantage early in the 2nd term. With the margin sitting at just a point halfway through the 4th Travis Colyer broke through to goal, quickly followed by the otherwise well held Andy Brayshaw. Another four followed to see Fremantle run out victors by a margin that was far more comfortable than the game itself suggested. The match wasn’t without controversy, the home side benefiting from a lopsided 42-16 free kick count, though there didn’t appear to be an unusual amount of egregious errors. Former Sun Will Brodie, with a career high 36 possessions, is proving to be the bargain recruit of the season not just for Fremantle but in the entire AFL. David Mundy collected 30 touches on his return from health and safety protocols. For the Giants, Tim Taranto had 32 disposals and Tom Green was dangerous whenever he was near the football.
Richmond Tigers 15 goals, 9 behinds (99) defeated Western Bulldogs 7 goals, 19 behinds (61)
Goals
Richmond: Lynch 4, Bolton 2, Riewoldt 2, Castagna, Dow, Nankervis, Parker, Pickett, Prestia, Short
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 2, Bontompelli, English, Macrae, Treloar, Vandemeer
Best
Richmond: Short, Prestia, Lynch, Rioli, Bolton, Pickett
Western Bulldogs: Smith, Dale, Macrae, Dunkley, Bontompelli, Naughton
A seven goal run in the 2nd half saw Richmond keep themselves in touch with the top eight, simultaneously raising serious concerns about the Bulldogs, last years beaten Grand Finalists. It was the Dogs who shaded the first half in general play, though horrid kicking for goal saw them trail at the half. Th game remained tight from the opening bounce through to Tim English’s 3rd term goal for the Bulldogs. From that point, Richmond scored an unbelievable goal through Shai Bolton to begin a run of seven unanswered majors against just five Bulldogs behind, blowing the game open. Tom Lynch was strong in the Tigers forward line, kicking four goals. Bolton was a constant threat with two of his own. Dion Prestia was almost flawless with his 30 disposals, whilst Jayden Short had a career high 35. Josh Dunkley’s 37 possessions and Bailey Smith with 36 led the way for the wasteful Bulldogs.
Essendon Bombers 15 goals, 13 behinds (103) defeated Adelaide Crows 15 goals, 9 behinds (99)
Goals
Essendon: Wright 3, Perkins 2, Waterman 2, Caldwell, Draper, Durham, Guelfi, Martin, Phillips, Redman, Smith
Adelaide: Walker 4, Rachele 3, Himmelberg 2, Rowe 2, Gollant, Keays, McHenry, Scholl
Best
Essendon: Parish, Wright, McGrath, Hind, Shiel, Caldwell
Adelaide: Keays, Crouch, Walker, Laird, Rachele, Himmelberg
Facing a 0-4 start to what was supposed to be a breakthrough season, the Bombers just about got over the line against a resilient Crows outfit. In a tight game where the margin never went beyond 16 points – the Crows biggest lead was just six points – the Bombers led for the majority of the game, though never felt in control. A tense final term saw Essendon lead by five points, Wright and Sam Durham failing to convert chances before Elliott Himmelberg goaled for Adelaide. Devon Smith ran into an open goal after a lovely shimmy as it became Adelaide’s turn to waste opportunities. Archie Perkins extended the Bombers lead to 10 points as the teams began to trade goals. Walker’s 4th major was answered by Sam Draper, grabbing the ball from a ruck contest and snapping truly. A late Lachlan Gollant goal kept the tension high as the Bombers hung on to open their 2022 account. In the absence of prime ball mover Zach Merrett and the occasionally brilliant Jake Stringer, it was Darcy Parish (38 disposals) and Peter Wright (three goals) who led the way in a balanced effort. They were well supported by Andrew McGrath and Jye Caldwell. For Adelaide, the returning Taylor Walker kicked four goals in a powerful display, youngster Josh Rachele kicking three.
Hawthorn Hawks 10 goals, 13 behinds (73) lost to St Kilda Saints 22 goals, 10 behinds (142)
Goals
Hawthorn: Lewis 3, Breust 3, Moore 2, O’Meara, Reeves
St Kilda: Gresham 4, Membrey 4, King 4, Hill 4, Butler 2, Ryder 2, Long, Steele
Best
Hawthorn: Newcombe, Jiath, Mitchell, Lewis, Hardwick
St Kilda: Steele, Gresham, Sinclair, Crouch, Hill, Ross, Webster, Membrey
A narrow loss to Collingwood; a tight win over Fremantle; a monstrous last quarter to overrun Richmond. Which one is emblematic of the Real Saints? Perhaps Sunday’s game against Hawthorn gave us an answer. A pair of Dylan Moore goals inside two minutes gave the Hawks the perfect start – from there it was all St Kilda. The Saints had winners all over the ground and dominated up forward. Max King kicked another four goals to move to the top of the Coleman Medal leader board. He was joined by Tim Membrey, Brad Hill (against his former side) and the returning Jade Gresham (20 possessions) who each had four goals of their own. The Saints did their damage with a six goal 2nd term and a seven goal final quarter. The eventual 69 point margin could have been larger but for the Hawks kicking the last two goals of the game through Mitch Lewis and Luke Breust. Despite strong performances from Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara, Hawthorn’s midfield was overran by Jack Steele, Jack Sinclair, Seb Ross and Brad Crouch all prolific. The Saints, making their best start to a season since 2010, look like the team that many – this writer included – thought they would be last season.
Gold Coast Suns 13 goals, 14 behinds (92) defeated Carlton Blues 8 goals, 14 behinds (62)
Goals
Gold Coast: Chol 3, Rosas 3, Corbett 2, Ainsworth, Anderson, Casboult, Rankine, Weller
Carlton: McKay 2, Cripps, Curnow, De Koning, Fisher, Hewett, Owies
Best
Gold Coast: Witts, Weller, Anderson, Rosas, Miller, Powell, Collins
Carlton: Williams, Docherty, Hewett, Saad
Carlton’s unbeaten beginning to the season came to an end at unlikely hands, the Suns continuing their solid start to the campaign. Carlton opened the game the stronger with goals to Charlie Curnow and Patrick Cripps before the Suns relentless pressure told. The Suns forced numerous turnovers and ran the ball down the throats of the Blues backline. Gold Coast’s 15 point quarter time should have been greater but for poor deliver inside the forward line. Former Blue Levi Casboult kicked an emotional goal to open the 2nd term as the Suns took control of the game. They’re five goals to one 3rd term broke the match open as the dominant Suns ran out 30 point winners. The Suns ascendancy began in the middle. Jarrod Witts (16 disposals, 42 hitouts) provided silver service to his midfield, Noah Anderson (35 possessions), Lachie Weller (31) and Touk Miller (32) capitalising. The Suns won the clearance count 45-27, dominating field position. Zac Williams led the Blues with 36 touches but aside from George Hewett and Sam Docherty received precious little support. Carlton had further bad news when Cripps went down with a hamstring strain.
Coleman Medal leader board
Max King (St Kilda) – 13 (4 goals this week)
Tom Hawkins (Geelong) – 13 (5)
Joe Daniher (Brisbane) – 12 (3)
Peter Wright (Essendon) – 12 (3)
Mitch Lewis (Hawthorn) – 12 goals (3)
Isaac Heeney (Sydney) – 11 (2)
Insert
| # | Club | M | Pts | % | For | Agt | This Week | Projected | Next |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melbourne | 4 | 16 | 140.7 % | 346 | 246 | Won @ P.A. 68 – 36 | 1st: 68 pts, 133 % | Saturday vs GWS |
| 2 | Brisbane | 4 | 12 | 148.2 % | 403 | 272 | Lost @ Geel 70 – 80 | 2nd: 60 pts, 124 % | Thursday vs Coll |
| 3 | Fremantle | 4 | 12 | 132.3 % | 328 | 248 | Won vs GWS 88 – 54 | 9th: 44 pts, 101 % | Sunday @ Ess |
| 4 | St Kilda | 4 | 12 | 130.3 % | 409 | 314 | Won @ Haw 142 – 73 | 4th: 52 pts, 112 % | Saturday vs G.C. |
| 5 | Geelong | 4 | 12 | 117.4 % | 399 | 340 | Won vs B.L. 80 – 70 | 3rd: 56 pts, 115 % | Monday @ Haw |
| 6 | Sydney | 4 | 12 | 115.9 % | 365 | 315 | Won vs N.M. 86 – 75 | 6th: 48 pts, 102 % | Friday @ WCE |
| 7 | Carlton | 4 | 12 | 102.4 % | 339 | 331 | Lost @ G.C. 62 – 92 | 7th: 48– pts, 98 % | Sunday vs P.A. |
| 8 | Collingwood | 4 | 8 | 109.9 % | 367 | 334 | Lost vs WCE 74 – 87 | 11th: 44 pts, 100 % | Thursday @ B.L. |
| 9 | Gold Coast | 4 | 8 | 105.9 % | 325 | 307 | Won vs Carl 92 – 62 | 8th: 44 pts, 101 % | Saturday @ St.K |
| 10 | Richmond | 4 | 8 | 104.5 % | 368 | 352 | Won vs W.B. 99 – 61 | 5th: 48 pts, 107 % | Saturday @ Adel |
| 11 | Hawthorn | 4 | 8 | 104.2 % | 344 | 330 | Lost vs St.K 73 – 142 | 12th: 40+ pts, 99 % | Monday vs Geel |
| 12 | Adelaide | 4 | 4 | 88.6 % | 335 | 378 | Lost @ Ess 99 – 103 | 16th: 36– pts, 91 % | Saturday vs Rich |
| 13 | GWS Giants | 4 | 4 | 82.5 % | 302 | 366 | Lost @ Freo 54 – 88 | 14th: 36 pts, 92 % | Saturday @ Melb |
| 14 | W Bulldogs | 4 | 4 | 81.8 % | 293 | 358 | Lost @ Rich 61 – 99 | 10th: 44 pts, 101 % | Friday @ N.M. |
| 15 | WC Eagles | 4 | 4 | 76.5 % | 273 | 357 | Won @ Coll 87 – 74 | 18th: 24 pts, 75 % | Friday vs Syd |
| 16 | Essendon | 4 | 4 | 73.9 % | 320 | 433 | Won vs Adel 103 – 99 | 15th: 36+ pts, 91 % | Sunday vs Freo |
| 17 | North Melb | 4 | 4 | 67.3 % | 255 | 379 | Lost @ Syd 75 – 86 | 17th: 28– pts, 78 % | Friday vs W.B. |
| 18 | Port Adel | 4 | 0 | 69.5 % | 253 | 364 | Lost vs Melb 36 – 68 | 13th: 36+ pts, 96 % | Sunday @ Carl |
