Round two of the 2022 AFL season didn’t throw up too many surprise results. That fine, though. This week it was all about the legendary Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin and the chase for his 1000th career goal.
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: Sydney Swans vs Geelong Cats
Two squads at the opposite end of the age spectrum, though both sporting serious premiership aspirations, took the field in Sydney on Friday night. As potentially tantalising as the match was it was almost secondary with much of the spotlight falling on Swans veteran Lance Franklin and his march towards the 1000 goal milestone. Almost 23 years after the league’s all time leading goal kicker Tony Lockett kicked his record breaking 1300th goal at the same venue, the sense of anticipation was palpable, Franklin needing just four goals to reach the grand.
The Swans would surely look to get Franklin the ball early and often, with the star studded Cats looking to play the spoiler.
It was the Cats who started the brighter, defender Jake Kolodjashnij marching forward to kick just his 2nd career goal before mustachioed maestro Zach Tuohy capitalised on a Swans error to kick the Cats second.
Sydney steadied through Will Hayward and the impressive Isaac Heeney, before Errol Gulden snatched the lead. His goal stemmed from a smart interception by former first overall pick Paddy McCartin, impressing in an unfamiliar defensive role in his long awaited return to the AFL.
Franklin got the Sydney crowd on it’s feet with goal 997 as he found space to mark deep in the pocket, his trusty left boot steering the ball through from a tight angle. His goal saw the Swans take a 27-16 lead at the first break.
Mitch Duncan opened the 2nd term with a goal for the Cats but that was quickly met with a flurry of Swans majors. Heeney kicked his 2nd with Hayden McLean, Callum Mills and Will Hayward all opening their accounts in quick succession. That run of four goals in seven minutes saw Sydney extend the lead to 28 points as the Cats looked to be losing a grip on proceedings.
To make matter worse for Geelong utility big man Mark Blicavs injured his shoulder in a collision with Swan Tom Hickey, spending the rest of the half getting treatment.
Brandon Parfitt stopped the bleeding with a goal that was quickly answered by young Swan James Rowbottam.
After a throwback performance in round one, veteran superstar Patrick Dangerfield was held to just two possession late into the 2nd term. His first significant contribution came when driving the ball forward. Jeremy Cameron attempted to soccer the ball through before Brad Close ran on to toe-poke it home. Another from Close…uh…closed the margin to 14 points.
That man Heeney responded for Sydney with two more goals of his own to close the half, the Swans leading by 26 at the main change.
It has to be said that Heeney was far and away the best player on the ground in this match. For all the attention that quite rightfully went to Franklin, it was Heeney that drove the Swans forward, kicking five for the game to go with 21 possession. He is a man on the cusp of genuine super stardom.
After such a hectic 1st half, the 2nd opened in a far more subdued manner as ball movement slowed with opportunities at goal squandered by both team. The Swans broke the ice through Hayward who converted after a lovely pass from Dylan Stephens.
Close kicked his 3rd for Geelong before Franklin received a free kick for a push in the back, calmly slotting goal number 998. A goal by Cat Tom Adkins was almost forgotten amidst Franklin’s 999th career goal. The big man again drifting into space to mark and confidently convert from range.
With a quarter to go, Buddy was just one straight kick away from his milestone. Oh, the Swans led Geelong by 33 points, by the way. It was sometimes difficult to remember that there were premiership points to play for!
The final quarter started in a tight and tense manner as the Cats looked to try and create momentum to launch a comeback and the Swans became perhaps overly aware of Franklin’s imminent milestone. It would have been difficult for the Swans to put Franklin out of their mind and just play good football, given his every move – even standing up after getting a massage on the interchange bench – drew rousing ovations.
A key moment in the game came when Cat forward Jeremy Cameron tried to dribble home a goal, only to hit the foot of the post. Sydney took the ball coast-to-coast as Gulden almost casually drilled the ball home from all of 65 metres, turning what should have been a 28 point margin into a almost insurmountable 39point difference.
Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins – suffering through a very quiet night – got on the scoreboard before the big moment arrived.
As the Swans carried the ball through midfield, Franklin stood in the pocket about 20 metres from goal, pointing for the ball to go long to the square. It was a classic Franklin ruse. The moment his marker in Jack Henry turned his head Franklin executed a perfect hook lead, marking Chad Warner’s delicate pass in acres of space.
Even as Buddy lined up for goal, the crowd was perched on the fence, ready to storm the field to celebrate with their hero. The moment the ball struck Franklin’s left boot, it was destined to sail through for his 1000th career goal. The vast majority of the 36,578 that were in attendance crowding the legendary forward as Franklin lapped up the historic moment.
After a 36 minute delay, in which the team eventually made their way back to the change rooms – a few Swans were stranded on the opposite side of the stadium – to allow security to clear the playing surface, the teams emerged for what was, given the margin and the euphoric celebrations, an anticlimactic finish. The only notable action being Close’s fourth goal for Geelong as the Swans ran out comfortable 30 point victors.
Any and all post match analysis must start with Franklin. The 35 year old becoming just the 6th man in the 127 year history of the competition to reach quadruple figures. Whilst the top three of Lockett (1,360 career goals), Gordon Coventry (1,299) and Jason Dunstall (1,254) are surely out of reach Franklin is a chance to to pass Gary Ablett Sr (1,031) and Doug Wade (1,057) and move into 4th all time this season – he’ll surely pass both should he play into 2023.
Putting Franklin’s historic achievement aside, Heeney was the games dominant player with 21 possessions and five goals. Both teams received balanced efforts in the midfield with a total of 14 players gathering at least 20 possessions.
Spare a moment for Paddy McCartin, too. Playing his first AFL game since 2019 after a string of concussions forced his premature retirement, the 25 year old has neutered with a new club, in a new position and formed a solid partnership with younger brother Tom in defense, the pair holding the dangerous Cameron and Hawkins to just a goal between them.
The Swans will look to continue their perfect start to the season against the winless Bulldogs next week, whilst the Cats take on the Magpies on Saturday night.
Sydney Swans: 17 Goals, 5 Behinds (107)
Geelong Cats: 10 Goals, 17 Behinds (77)
Goals
Sydney: Heeney 5, Franklin 4, Hayward 3, Gulden 2, McLean, Mills, Rowbottom
Geelong: Close 4, Atkins, Duncan, Hawkins, Parfitt, Tuohy, Kolodjashnij
Best
West Coast: Sheed, Kelly, Kennedy, Cripps, Yeo, Darling, Naitanui, Hurn
St Kilda: King, Jones, Butler, Ross, Sinclair, Ryder, Hill
Onto the other games of round two of the AFL season.
Western Bulldogs 13 goals, 12 behinds (90) lost to Carlton Blues 16 goals, 6 behinds (102)
Goals
Western Bulldogs: Liberatore 2, Scott 2, Hannan 2, English, Ugle-Hagan, Treloar, Naughton, Dale, Weightman, Bontompelli
Carlton: Curnow 5, McKay 4, Cripps 2, Silvagni 2, Kennedy, Owies, Fisher
Best
Western Bulldogs: English, Treloar, Macrae, Dunkley, Liberatore, Bontompelli
Carlton: Curnow, Cripps, Hewett, Walsh, Kennedy, Fisher, McKay
When in 2009 Carlton said ‘They Know We’re Coming’ they didn’t tell us when, exactly, they would arrive. Could 2022 be when the Blues finally get here? The Blues secured their first 2-0 start for a decade with a solid win over the Bulldogs despite coach Michael Voss being absent due to COVID. The Blues were led by their big names. Patrick Cripps was immense with 35 possessions and a pair of goals alongside Sam Walsh – playing a mere 38 days after his syndesmosis injury – who had 34 of his own. Up front, Charlie Curnow’s return from long term injury has allowed the Blues to breakout the twin towers lineup they’ve long dreamed of. On this night, they dominated: Charlie Curnow kicked the first of his five majors inside 20 seconds as the reigning Coleman Medallist Harry McKay had four. It wasn’t all bad for the Dogs, who peppered the Carlton goal in the second half, inaccuracy costing them. Jack Macrae had 34 disposals and Tim English played a fantastic game in the ruck. The Dogs 0-2 start isn’t ideal, but given their losses are to a resurgent Blues and the dominant Demons, they can take heart in that their getting a tough part of their draw out of the way early. The Bulldogs did get a halftime scare when Hayden Crozier collapsed in the locker room. He continues to be monitored by club doctors.
Collingwood Magpies 15 goals, 10 behinds (100) defeated Adelaide Crows 8 goals, 10 behinds (58)
Goals
Collingwood: McCreery 2, Henry 2, Kreuger 2, Hoskin-Elliott, Grundy, Sidebottom, Elliott, Mihocek, Ginnivan, Lipinski, De Goey, Cameron
Adelaide: Rachele, Hinge, Dawson, Smith, Pedlar, Gollant, Sholl, Rowe
Best
Collingwood: Pendlebury, Crisp, McCreery, J.Daicos, De Goey
Adelaide: Crouch, Sloane, Smith, O’Brien, Keays
An almost wire-to-wire win for the Magpies, who used a late 1st quarter burst to open up a fair lead. Whilst the Crows occasionally looked threatening, they never seriously bothered the Magpies. Perhaps the most drama in this contest came when a fire alarm – originating from an in-stadium food outlet – caused the mass evacuation of the near 37,000 strong MCG crowd (fortunately it turned out to be a false alarm). Collingwood’s quick ball movement led to numerous quality chances as their balanced attack answered every Adelaide challenge, highlighted by a four goal in six minute burst to halt a Crows run midway though the 3rd term. Adelaide, on the other hand, chose to dominate the ball as the games top four possession getters were Crows, led by Ben Keays 37 touches. The Crows remained resolute throughout thought the difference in class – the Magpies young forwards linked up beautifully – was too much to bridge.
Essendon Bombers 10 goals, 15 behinds (75) lost to Brisbane Lions 15 goals, 7 behinds (97)
Goals
Essendon: Perkins 3, Wright 3, Cutler, Merrett, Smith, Stringer
Brisbane: McCluggage 3, Bailey 2, Cameron 2, Daniher 2, Neale 2, Cockatoo, McCarthy, McInerney, Rayner
Best
Essendon: Merrett, Wright, Ridley, Perkins, Parish
Brisbane: McCluggage, Neale, Rich, Adams, Lyons, Bailey
The Bombers opened this match strongly, kicking five goals to one in the opening term, Peter Wright with a brace. It was, effectively, the last shot the Bombers would fire on the day. Brisbane slammed on six goals – to six different players – to swing the game their way before Wright stemmed the bleeding before halftime with his 3rd major; the Lions leading by five points at the half. The teams traded goals to open the 3rd quarter before a run of four in five to the Lions eased the margin out to 22 points as the final quarter began, a gap that would hold until the final siren. Lachie Neale was magnificent with 41 disposals (22 contested). Dayne Zorko had 33 possessions whilst nursing a calf niggle. He played in Daniel Rich’s half back role as a result of the injury, with Rich pushing into midfield to gather 29 possessions of his own. Darcy Parish had 35 touched for the Bombers and Zach Merrett – since ruled out for six weeks with injury – had 31. A much improved performance from the Bombers, but they still start the season 0-2. The Lions remain perfect so far in season 2022.
Port Adelaide Power 7 goals, 14 behinds (56) lost to Hawthorn Hawks 19 goals, 9 behinds (120)
Goals
Port Adelaide: Powell-Pepper 3, Houston, Lycett, Motlop, Rozee
Hawthorn: Lewis 5, Gunston 3, Breust 3, Moore 2, Wingard 2, Nash, MacDonald, Newcombe, Ward
Best
Port Adelaide: Boak, Powell-Pepper, Wines, Amon, Butters
Hawthorn: Sicily, Lewis, Mitchell, O’Meara, Ward, Gunston
The upset of the round came at Adelaide Oval where the highly fancied Power were systematically dismantled by the young, upstart Hawks. Right from the opening bounce, the Power looked listless, failing top register a goal in the opening period as the Hawks snared three. Even as the Power started to get moving, the Hawks had the answers. The 3rd quarter proved the nail in the coffin as the Hawks kicked four goals in a six minutes span and young forward Mitch Lewis kicked four of his five on the night in the term. Looking at the stat sheet, one might think this was a smash-and-grab by Hawthorn given how much of the ball the Power had (they had six of the seven biggest ball winners on the ground). Rather, Hawthorn employed a style resembling that of their new coach Sam Mitchell in his playing days. The Hawks played a physical, disciplined game, defending from the front and were surgical with the ball in hand. Lewis was well supported by veteran forwards Jack Gunston and Luke Breust who each kicked three goals. Tom Mitchell’s 28 possessions aside, no Hawk had more than 22 disposals in a remarkably even team effort. James Sicily deserves a mention for the way he marshalled the defense around him to help turn all that Power possession into some of the most sterile football you’ll see. The Hawks are ahead of schedule. For the Power, a team whose finals fade outs suggest a possible lack of mental fortitude, they have it all to do in order to get their season on track.
Gold Coast Suns 10 goals, 9 behinds (69) lost to Melbourne Demons 12 goals, 10 behinds (82)
Goals
Gold Coast: Anderson 2, Casboult 2, Lukosius 2, Chol, Davies, Fiorini, Sharp
Melbourne: Brown 2, Jackson 2, Pickett 2, Fritsch, Gawn, Harmes, McDonald, Oliver, Viney
Best
Gold Coast: Miller, Anderson, Collins, Rowell, Fiorini, Casboult
Melbourne: Petracca, Oliver, Bowey, Gawn, Neal-Bullen, Oliver
Backing up from their historic win over the Eagles in Perth, the Suns performed admirably in their home opener against the Demons. Coming off a six day break and a cross country flight (the Dees, by contract, had 10 days to prepare) Gold Coast will take away many positives from this performance. That said, they’re just nowhere near as good as these Demons. After a shaky start, Melbourne quickly reeled in the Suns to take a narrow first quarter lead. That set the tone tor the contest: Gold Coast would push hard, create chances, kick the odd goal; the Demons would ease onto the throttle and answer with a goal of their own. Make no mistake, the champions were made to work for this win, but once they found their rhythm the Demons were never truly troubled. For Melbourne Christian Petracca had a career high 41 disposals including 14 inside 50’s. Clayton Oliver had 34 touches and 21 year old Luke Jackson played perhaps the best game of his exciting young career with 21 possessions and a pair of goals in a performance that saw him dominate in all areas of the park. His display had shades of West Coast superstar Nic Naitanui. For the Suns Touk Miller was predictably excellent with 38 possessions, Noah Anderson had 24 and two goals whilst Levi Casboult and Sam Collins bookened the team well from full forward and fullback, respectively.
North Melbourne Kangaroos 10 goals, 14 behinds (74) defeated West Coast Eagles 8 goals, 11 behinds (59)
Goals
North Melbourne: Larkey 6, Turner 2, Mahoney, Thomas
West Coast: Rioli 4, Black, Duggan, Mountford, Williams
Best
North Melbourne: Larkey, Greenwood, Turner, McDonald, Ziebell, Horne-Francis
West Coast: Rioli, Shuey, McGovern, Kelly, Ryan, Naish
The COVID decimated Eagles were forced to make an astonishing 14 changes (12 due to COVID) to the team that suffered a shock loss to the Suns as they came to Melbourne to face the rebuilding Kangaroos. The Eagles were able to reintroduce some big names (Jack Darling, Liam Ryan, Luke Shuey, Liam Duggan, Tim Kelley) but also introduced five players for their debut in Eagles colours. Despite their depleted stocks, the Eagles fought bravely though were never able to gain a solid footing in a contest that is not going to go down as an all time classic. There were some fireworks at either end of the ground as Nick Larkey kicked six goals for the Roos, whilst Willie Rioli – extremely lucky to be playing in this one – booted four for the Eagles. In addition to Larkey, Hugh Greenwood and veteran Jack Ziebell played well with 29 disposals apiece. Shuey had 23 possessions on his return and Alex Witherden was excellent in defense for the Eagle. North Melbourne will sweat on the fitness of Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tarryn Thomas who suffered head and rib injuries, respectively.
Richmond Tigers 16 goals, 13 behinds (1095) defeated GWS Giants 10 goals, 13 behinds (73)
Goals
Richmond: Balta 4, Lynch 3, Bolton2, Soldo 2, Baker, Castagna, Edwards, Nankervis, Ralphsmith
GWS: Coniglio 2, Himmelberg 2, Taranto 2, Kelly 2, Brander, Bruhn
Best
Richmond: Short, Cotchin, Nankervis, Pickett, Rioli, Broad, Balta
GWS: Taranto, Coniglio, Kelly, Perryman, Green
After a tepid opening quarter both team came to life in the 2nd term, kicking nine goals between them after just two in the opening stanza. The surge was sparked by exciting Tigers half forward Shai Bolton who kicked two goals in as many minutes. Tom Lynch quickly followed with another and when ruckman Toby Nankervis volleyed one in from a tight angle, the Tigers fashioned a 20 point lead in a tightly contested match. The inevitable Giants response came through Tanner Bruhn and a long Stephen Coniglio major, though accurate set shots by Ivan Soldo and converted defender Noah Balta saw Richmond retain that 20 point lead at half time. The second half was an evenly fought affair, though Richmond’s superior finishing saw them slowly ease the margin out to it’s final 36 points. With veteran Jack Riewoldt sidelined, Balta’s transformation into a key forward continued with four goals, Lynch supporting with three. Jayden Short had 33 possessions off half back for Richmond. Plenty of Giants got their hands on the footy with emerging star Tom Green leading all comers with 34 touches Behind him seven Giants all had between 23 and 28 possessions, though their ball use was not as polished as Richmond’s.
Fremantle Dockers 8 goals, 7 behinds (55) lost to St Kilda Saints 9 goals, 11 behinds (65)
Goals
Fremantle: Lobb 2, Colyer 2, Brayshaw, Meek, Walters, O’Driscoll
St Kilda: Higgins 4, King 4, Butler
Best
Fremantle: Ryan, Young, Brayshaw, Aish, Brodie
St Kilda: King, Steele, Higgins, Hill, Gresham, Crouch
A 3rd term awakening by the Saints turned what was looking like a deflating loss into a satisfying away victory. Fremantle had by far the better of the opening period with goals to Rory Lobb, Travis Colyer and veteran Michael Walters, whereas the Saints – who certainly had enough of the ball – could only muster four behinds. St Kilda finally got on the board in the 2nd term through Dan Butler and then Jack Higgins, though the Dockers found responses through the classy Andy Brayshaw and a 2nd goal to Lobb. In a match that, despite rarely getting pulses racing from a skill perspective, was physical and fiercely contested, it was the Fremantle’s superior conversion (five goals from six shots against two goals from nine) that saw them hold a 12 point lead at the half in a low scoring contest. Whatever changes were made by Saints coach Brett Ratten at half time worked a treat as St Kilda scored six of the quarter’s seven majors, shared evenly by Higgins and Max King as they turned that 12 point deficit into an 18 point lead at the final change. In football’s version of that movie Cocoon the game reverted to type in the final term: lots of tough, physical play and very little ability with the football. Fremantle enjoyed the bulk of territory and possession but were wasteful with ball in hand. They eventually did score through Colyer and Nathan O’Driscoll whilst King bagged his 4th on the day for the Saints, who ran out 10 point winners in a bruising encounter. Brayshaw was imperious for the Dockers with 40 disposals and at times seemed the only player on the ground capable in consistently deft disposal. Luke Ryan had 32 possessions out of the backline for Fremantle, whilst former Docker Brad Hill led the Saints with 30 touches.
Coleman Medal leader board
Nick Larkey (North Melbourne) – 8 (6 goals this week)
Mitch Lewis (Hawthorn) – 8 goals (5)
Isaac Heeney (Sydney) – 8 (5)
Josh Rachele (Adelaide) – 6 (1)
Brad Close (Geelong) – 6 (4)
Jack Gunston (Hawthorn) – 6 (3)
Joe Daniher (Brisbane) – 6 (2)
Noah Balta (Richmond) – 6 (4)
| # | Club | M | Pts | % | For | Agt | This Week | Projected | Next |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawthorn | 2 | 8 | 173.7 % | 198 | 114 | Won @ P.A. 120 – 56 | 5th: 48 pts, 107 % | Sunday @ Carl |
| 2 | Collingwood | 2 | 8 | 141.3 % | 202 | 143 | Won vs Adel 100 – 58 | 7th: 48– pts, 102 % | Saturday vs Geel |
| 3 | Sydney | 2 | 8 | 129.6 % | 219 | 169 | Won vs Geel 107 – 77 | 4th: 52 pts, 110 % | Thursday @ W.B. |
| 4 | Melbourne | 2 | 8 | 127.9 % | 179 | 140 | Won @ G.C. 82 – 69 | 1st: 64 pts, 128 % | Friday vs Ess |
| 5 | Brisbane | 2 | 8 | 122.9 % | 177 | 144 | Won @ Ess 97 – 75 | 2nd: 56 pts, 114 % | Saturday vs N.M. |
| 6 | Carlton | 2 | 8 | 122.3 % | 203 | 166 | Won @ W.B. 102 – 90 | 8th: 48– pts, 100 % | Sunday vs Haw |
| 7 | Geelong | 2 | 4 | 120.1 % | 215 | 179 | Lost @ Syd 77 – 107 | 3rd: 52 pts, 113 % | Saturday @ Coll |
| 8 | Gold Coast | 2 | 4 | 108.6 % | 176 | 162 | Lost vs Melb 69 – 82 | 10th: 44 pts, 102 % | Saturday @ GWS |
| 9 | Richmond | 2 | 4 | 106.3 % | 185 | 174 | Won vs GWS 109 – 73 | 6th: 48 pts, 105 % | Sunday @ St.K |
| 10 | North Melb | 2 | 4 | 96.4 % | 132 | 137 | Won vs WCE 74 – 59 | 17th: 28 pts, 83 % | Saturday @ B.L. |
| 11 | St Kilda | 2 | 4 | 95.5 % | 150 | 157 | Won @ Freo 65 – 55 | 11th: 44 pts, 99 % | Sunday vs Rich |
| 12 | Fremantle | 2 | 4 | 93.9 % | 138 | 147 | Lost vs St.K 55 – 65 | 15th: 36 pts, 90 % | Sunday @ WCE |
| 13 | W Bulldogs | 2 | 0 | 80.9 % | 161 | 199 | Lost vs Carl 90 – 102 | 9th: 44 pts, 104 % | Thursday vs Syd |
| 14 | WC Eagles | 2 | 0 | 76.8 % | 139 | 181 | Lost @ N.M. 59 – 74 | 18th: 24 pts, 79 % | Sunday vs Freo |
| 15 | Adelaide | 2 | 0 | 76.5 % | 140 | 183 | Lost @ Coll 58 – 100 | 16th: 32– pts, 87 % | Friday vs P.A. |
| 16 | GWS Giants | 2 | 0 | 74.7 % | 165 | 221 | Lost @ Rich 73 – 109 | 14th: 40 pts, 96 % | Saturday vs G.C. |
| 17 | Essendon | 2 | 0 | 62.6 % | 147 | 235 | Lost vs B.L. 75 – 97 | 13th: 40 pts, 97 % | Friday @ Melb |
| 18 | Port Adel | 2 | 0 | 62.5 % | 125 | 200 | Lost vs Haw 56 – 120 | 12th: 44– pts, 98 % | Friday @ Adel |
