Having already secured the minor premiership, the Cats predictably belted the lowly Eagles in Patrick Dangerfield‘s three hundredth sport for his or her thirteenth straight win. Cameron Guthrie despatched a scare by way of the Cats’ camp when he harm his shoulder however coach Chris Scott stated the hard-running midfielder solely went off as a precaution. However Cats defender Jake Kolodjashnij can be unsure to play in Geelong’s first last after getting into the 12-day concussion protocols. “I don’t assume we might have given ourselves a significantly better probability [at the premiership] with the playing cards that we’ve been dealt,” Scott stated. “We’re simply actually excited to be on this place the place we are able to have a crack at it.” For the Eagles, a club-worst season involves an finish after going 2-20 to complete seventeenth on the ladder, solely forward of North Melbourne on proportion. West Coast’s solely wood spoon got here in 2010 after they went 4-18 and the AFL had 16 groups. “We’ll lick our wounds, it’s been a troublesome 12 months however we’ve been taking part in higher footy for the reason that bye and at present we simply acquired overwhelmed,” coach Adam Simpson stated.
Essendon v Richmond, MCG
Jon Pierik
The TIgers are sweating on Tom Lynch’s health.Credit score:Getty Photographs
Overlook the Bombers for a minute; the Tigers are again within the finals, having missed the social gathering final 12 months. Nobody desires to fulfill the Tigers in September, for they’ll launch a premiership surge from seventh. Tom Lynch is a wildcard – and he strengthened that on Saturday evening. Goalless within the first half, he booted 5 after the principle break earlier than leaving with a sore adductor. He can be a detailed watch over the subsequent fortnight.Jack Riewoldt continues to be a menace, whereas the rising Noah Cumberland may very well be an X-factor. Dion Prestia has develop into the heartbeat of this facet, and three-time premiership skipper Trent Cotchin has discovered better run in latest weeks. If Dustin Martin returns from harm, and has an affect, the Tigers are primed to problem the flag-favourite Demons and Cats. Again to the Bombers. Ruckman Sam Draper had a giant evening and has continued to develop this season. That Darcy Parish began on the bench, and remained there for 13 minutes, was a press release, for he has averaged greater than 30 touches per sport this season. Does Dyson Heppell keep? The place does Dylan Shiel match into the larger image? Selecting a senior coach could be a useful begin.
Adelaide v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
It’s been an unsatisfying season for Ken Hinkley’s Port Adelaide however no less than they despatched off nice Robbie Grey in type. Grey kicked two objectives and had a hand in 4 others because the Energy trounced their arch rivals. Port’s midfield was dominant however after being crushed preliminary finalists up to now two seasons, they end eleventh on the ladder. The Crows missed the finals for the fifth consecutive 12 months.
GWS v Fremantle, Manuka Oval
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Fremantle took care of enterprise in opposition to GWS however it didn’t come simply in Canberra, trailing by 31 because the Giants dominated early with the Dockers displaying minimal starvation. To a lot aid for followers, nevertheless, Freo had the ultimate say, the final three objectives of the day capped by 200-gamer Michael Walters snapping his third main to place the match to mattress. The Dockers will face the Western Bulldogs in an elimination last. The match ended Mark McVeigh’s tenure as GWS interim coach with a 4-9 document, though the facet’s elevated efficiency degree within the back-half of the season has made him a real candidate for the everlasting place. The Giants finish their marketing campaign with a 6-16 document, and face an low season filled with motion as they search to nominate a brand new coach and cope with various gamers who’re rumoured to need out of the membership.
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, UTAS Stadium
Steve Barrett
Marcus Bontempelli will get a kick away.Credit score:Getty Photographs
The Western Bulldogs might want to summon one thing much more magical than the miracle of 2016 and spirit of 2021 if they’re to make any vital finals inroads this September. They’ve appeared additional off the tempo this season and it’s tough to envisage lightning putting a 3rd time. However they do have a pulse, simply. The Bulldogs simply had the Hawks’ measure within the territory battle and on the contest all through Sunday’s conflict however couldn’t capitalise due to wayward goalkicking and woeful inefficiency, the likes of which make them the least seemingly contender among the many final eight groups standing. The Bulldogs’ midfield engine, piloted by Josh Dunkley, Tim English, Adam Treloar, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore, was ascendant and is the one space the place they’ll bother the competitors’s heavyweights Geelong and Melbourne.
Carlton v Collingwood, MCG
Roy Ward
Collingwood have the double probability and one other emotional win over an outdated rival. Defensively they may should be higher within the contests in the event that they need to progress within the finals as groups like Geelong will punish them much more severely than Carlton did on Sunday. Jamie Elliott and Jack Ginnivan have the power to show video games as they confirmed within the last time period however maybe the Magpies and their leaders will should be prepared for a torrid conflict with Geelong to begin the finals and a few letdown if the Cats pay money for them. Carlton can have some demons from this last month of the season the place they didn’t get the win they wanted to make the finals. However you’d again the likes of Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty and Michael Voss to show it into inspiration for an much more profitable season in 2023. Jesse Motlop’s contribution shouldn’t be forgotten both, the Blues have a younger match-winner quietly growing of their ahead line, he’ll solely get higher with age and maturity.
St Kilda v Sydney, Marvel Stadium
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Sydney locked in a top-four spot however fell simply in need of securing a house AFL qualifying last. Victory assured the Swans a double probability however they have been unable to tug off a large enough win over St Kilda to leapfrog second-placed Melbourne. The third-placed Swans will as an alternative face the Demons in Melbourne. Livewire Tom Papley was concussed and substituted for Sam Wicks within the second quarter after colliding with teammate Lance Franklin and hitting his head on the Marvel Stadium turf. If Sydney’s qualifying last in opposition to Melbourne is performed on Thursday, September 1, Papley gained’t be out there as he wouldn’t have accomplished his 12-day concussion protocol. James Rowbottom was wonderful for the Swans, amassing 24 disposals, six clearances and a objective whereas Isaac Heeney (23 disposals, two objectives), Chad Warner (20 disposals, one objective) and Will Hayward (three objectives) have been influential.
