It was a wild weekend of footy … and some bonkers finishes, which made for tough grading.

Nonetheless, we’ve given out four perfect scores and two fails in recapping the weekend that was.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 22 Report Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows blitzed the Dogs from the opening bounce and stayed in control all day in an upset at Adelaide Oval to close out the round. It was the type of performance that will have Adelaide fans questioning where such efforts have been all season.

In the votes

Darcy Fogarty bagged five goals in his 100th AFL game, while Ben Keays got Adelaide going early, finishing with three goals from 19 disposals. Jordan Dawson (27 touches, nine tackles, one goal) turned in a real captain’s performance and Matt Crouch (32 disposals, 18 contested, plus seven clearances) led from the midfield.

Room for improvement

The Crows actually lost inside 50s 59-43, but were much more efficient in their forward half — both with their attacking entries and shots at goal. Is 60 per cent inside 50 efficiency (26 shots from 43 entries) and 65 per cent shot at goal accuracy (17.9) sustainable?

Grade

A+

BRISBANE LIONS

Their fast start was something to behold in the first quarter, but it fell away very quickly thereafter for Chris Fagan’s side. The Lions have now relinquished their top two spot on the ladder, and they’re all of a sudden a chance to miss out on a double chance entirely. It’s by no means panic stations, but they’ll no doubt be looking back on Saturday as the one that got away.

In the votes

Will Ashcroft (29 disposals, 10 score involvements, eight marks) was best afield for the hosts, while Callum Ah Chee (13 disposals, two goals) was strong early for the Lions. But in truth, there weren’t many standout performances in the three-goal loss.

Room for improvement

It was accuracy in front of goal that absolutely cost Brisbane the match. Doubling your behinds count is never a good sign, and perhaps they were actually lucky the Giants were less effective going inside forward 50 than them. GWS’ pressure around the ground beat that of Brisbane, but this might be more of a to look pas than into for Fagan’s side.

Grade

C-

CARLTON

If a week is a long time in football, six weeks is an eternity. For the Blues have slid from second to outside the top eight including a horror show 74-point loss to Hawthorn where they copped wholesale injuries including to Charlie Curnow (ankle). There was a bit of Murphy’s Law about the grim scenes at the MCG for Michael Voss’ side, which has dropped five of its last six games, with its destiny technically out of its hands amid the need for teams ahead of it to falter to play finals.

In the votes

Matt Kennedy battled hard in the Blues’ midfield with a game-high 33 disposals, 10 contested. Blake Acres ran hard all day on the wing, finishing with 28 touches, 11 contested, eight marks and a goal.

Room for improvement

The Blues were pretty well dominated in all facets of the game. Above anything, they didn’t have the same intensity as Hawthorn around the contest – nor were they able to absorb the Hawks pressure. And when the Blues had their chances they simply couldn’t capitalise including getting just 13 shots at goal from 43 inside 50s (30 per cent efficiency).

Grade

F

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies’ premiership defence is all but over after a late fade-out against Sydney on Friday night. Collingwood conceded the last five goals at the SCG in deja vu to its narrow win over Carlton the week prior. Only this time, Craig McRae’s side couldn’t hang on at the death as the Pies faint hopes of making a late-season charge back into the top eight were dashed.

In the votes

Darcy Cameron had a strong performance against his old side, and if the Pies were travelling better this year, would be earning greater plaudits. Steele Sidebottom shut down Errol Gulden and picked up 21 disposals himself to show he’s more than capable of playing on in 2025.

Room for improvement

Two weeks in a row the Pies have faded in the fourth quarter in an uncharacteristic trait from McRae’s side, which has long preached ‘playing the minutes.’ Are other teams emulating the Collingwood/Damien Hardwick-led Tigers kamikaze style of all out attack? Or have the Pies, usually so good at going into ‘save the game mode,’ simply regressed defensively?

Grade

C+

ESSENDON

After revitalising their season against the Dockers in Round 21, the Bombers simply had to capitalise on Saturday night at home — particularly against the competition’s one team that hadn’t yet managed a win away from home this season. A catastrophic final term proved costly when it mattered most, not only surrendering their advantage but kicking 1.9 in the process. Brad Scott’s side registered 11 more inside-50s and four more scoring shots than the Suns, but it wasn’t disruptive enough defending the visitors’ transition, particularly late in the piece. With the Bombers’ finals hopes surely down the drain, there’s no other grade they could plausibly receive.

In the votes

Nic Martin (36 disposals, seven marks, four clearances) was busier than anyone else around the ball, but it was the skipper Zach Merrett (32 disposals, 13 contested possessions, four clearances, 10 inside-50s) who played the biggest hand in creating scoring opportunities for the Bombers — as is typically the case. Sam Draper (3.2, five marks, five tackles) was influential when he went forward — including a hugely impressive running goal — while first-year forward Nate Caddy added three majors of his own from 15 disposals and six marks.

Room for improvement

Capitalising on scoring opportunities when the game hangs in the balance. To register 10 scores in the final quarter but only salute with one of them is simply unacceptable, especially with so much riding on this particular result. Essendon’s contested game was also concerning at various stages, allowing the Suns 14 more contested possessions. The Bombers did all the hard work to beat Fremantle in a result nobody expected, and then they dished up that against a side nobody thought would win. You have to feel for their supporters.

Grade

D+

FREMANTLE

The Dockers’ equation was simple – win and top four beckons. Lose and struggle to make the eight. And like they have multiple times this season, Fremantle couldn’t hang on when the heat was applied. For the fifth time in 2024 Fremantle coughed up a three quarter time lead. It’s also their fifth loss in six matches were the game has been decided by 10 points or less. The Dockers were jumped from the opening bounce as they started four goals behind. The very late out of Sean Darcy, combined with the earlier loss of big man Josh Treacy, certainly hurt Fremantle’s balance in attack. They went at less than 40% efficiency inside 50 in skills coach Justin Longmuir described mid-match as “sloppy”.

In the votes

There is nothing Caleb Serong can’t do. The star midfielder was in everything against the Cats, but it was his brilliance as a forward that really stunned. His “Dunstall-like” lead out from full forward showed his versatility as Serong finished with 22 touches, six clearances and three goals. Hayden Young was also impressive as his tidy footwork helped Fremantle break the line and avoid the spare man back. Young had an equal game-high 14 contested touches, seven clearances and a goal from his 22 disposals. Luke Ryan was the general down back in skipper Alex Pearce’s injury enforced absence. He racked up the most possessions of any player on ground with 36 and more than 950 metres gained.

Room for improvement

Fremantle’s forward line had long been an issue, but this season they found an answer in big man Josh Treacy. Without Treacy and Michael Walters on Saturday, the Dockers lacked potency and struggled to hit targets inside. The two replacements Pat Voss and Matt Taberner struggled for impact, and both finished goalless from six touches. Bailey Banfield only managed one behind and instead lost his cool and lashed out at Cat Zach Guthrie in a “brain-fade”.

Grade

D

GEELONG

The Cats are now primed for a big finish after travelling to Perth and getting the win over fellow finals contender Fremantle. Geelong were on from the opening bounce as they piled on four straight goals to “shellshock” the Dockers. That perfect start set the visitors up for the 11-point victory. The Cats looked like they wanted it more, laying +22 more tackles – including 14 inside 50. With games to come against St Kilda and West Coast, and talent to come back into the line up, the Cats loom a scary opposition come September.

In the votes

Patrick Dangerfield continues to defy his age as he lifted the Cats with a stunning fourth quarter performance. Down at three quarter time, ‘Danger’ was back to his best in attack. He finished with 20 disposals (14 of those contested) and 11 clearances – more than double his next best teammate. Gryan Miers gets votes for his goal of the year contender. He also finished the Cats’ highest possession getter with 23. Jack Bowes topped the tackle count for both sides with eight while Rhys Stanley was admirable against the much younger Luke Jackson in the ruck.

Room for improvement

Despite a forward line boasting the likes of Tyson Stengle, Jeremy Cameron and Ollie Henry, the Cats only had two multiple goal scorers in Perth – Shannon Neale and Shaun Mannagh. The spare man in defence tactic was cut apart in the second and third quarters by Fremantle – and is something the Cats will want to sharpen up come post-season.

Grade

A+

GOLD COAST SUNS

At long last, the spirited Suns — led by match-winner Mac Andrew — have managed a win away from familiar surroundings. It was a tight tussle at Docklands — neither side led by more than 13 points all evening — but Gold Coast made the most of its opportunities when the game was on the line. The Suns might count themselves fortunate after Essendon kicked 1.9 in the last period, but for a team that had been on the wrong side of every away game this year to date — and fell contentiously to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium in Round 13 — they probably deserved the rub of the green.

In the votes

Matt Rowell (team-high 32 disposals, game-high 20 contested possessions, nine clearances, seven tackles and five inside-50s) was a force to be reckoned with on Saturday night, consistently winning possession at the source and distributing to the Suns’ runners. He was a marvel at Marvel. Andrew again showed his scary capability as a key forward, dobbing four majors — including his after-the-siren silencer — to go with 13 disposals and five marks. Ben King (three goals) proved his accuracy after a torrid recent stretch.

Room for improvement

Damien Hardwick’s troops allowed the Bombers to play their desired uncontested game for a lot of the evening — recording 50 fewer uncontested possessions on Saturday — and they registered 11 fewer inside-50s and four fewer scoring shots. Allowing Sam Draper three goals from five scoring shots probably wasn’t part of the plan, either.

Grade

A

GWS GIANTS

Wow, they are so back. Despite winning five on the trot heading into last Saturday’s game, there were still pundits sceptical of their form. But beating Brisbane in Brisbane has dispelled all of those questions, and now sees them entrenched in the top four. They’ll turn their attention to the Dockers on their home turf next week in another blockbuster game.

In the votes

Finn Callaghan (24 disposals, one goal) and Tom Green (28 disposals, eight inside 50s) led the engine room after quarter time, while three goals each for Jesse Hogan and Aaron Cadman was invaluable in the forward line. Darcy Jones (18 disposals, five inside 50s, two goals) was also electric in the last quarter to help the orange tsunami get over the line.

Room for improvement

After their first quarter, the Giants well and truly matched it with the Lions. The Lions played their uncontested mark game throughout, but it went in vain. Efficiency going inside 50 could certainly improve, but in such a high-pressure game they were still able to get it done.

Grade

A+

HAWTHORN

The Hawks are in the top eight in a wild turnaround from their 0-5 start. It was hard to see Hawthorn having a better win than its 66-point domination of Collingwood in Round 19, but 74-point win over Carton was just that in a proper party at the MCG for Sam Mitchell’s side in a onslaught not many could’ve saw coming. Indeed, so heavy was the defeat that the Hawks jumped the Blues to claim a finals spot in a memorable showing from the brown and gold.

In the votes

So many to choose from. Dylan Moore (29 disposals, 15 marks) was at his best across half forward including setting the tone in the early parts of the game. Massimo D’Ambrosio racked up a career-best 31 disposals to continue his brilliant first season at the Hawks and James Sicily (30 touches, 10 marks) patrolled the defence with aplomb.

Room for improvement

Hard to be critical of that performance. Sam Mitchell hinted that he would’ve liked to see his side really put his foot on the throat in the second half – and after all, every point counts. But you sense the Hawks coach and fans alike will be extremely pleased with what their team served up.

Grade

A+

MELBOURNE

The Dees were brave in a hard-fought slog at the MCG against Port Adelaide, falling by just two points. It looked like a Melbourne game for the most part and the home side had every chance to win, but couldn’t come up with the answers late as the 13th-placed Dees fell to 10-11 on the season.

In the votes

Kysaiah Pickett sure was feeling it, kicking a game-high four goals from 21 touches, while it felt like everything the livewire touched turned to gold. Max Gawn had a big night in the ruck with 22 touches, 15 contested, and 30 hit-outs.

Room for improvement

Clayton Oliver had limited influence against Port’s star-studded midfield, recording 16 disposals and even thrown to half back, where some of his defensive efforts were criticised by pundits. And outside of Pickett, Melbourne’s only multiple goalkicker, no other Demons forwards looked like taking over the game, while Jacob van Rooyen was seven subbed out in the fourth quarter.

Grade

C+

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Kangaroos had the match all but sealed when Liam Duggan coughed up a soft 50m penalty and Paul Curtis converted with less than 10 minutes to play in the final term. But North Melbourne couldn’t hold on as they let through three goals in just over three minutes to fall five-point losers. The Roos won the stats that mattered – +22 in contested ball and +11 in centre clearance but couldn’t find themselves in front when the siren sounded. North led for almost 100 minutes against a fellow battler and still didn’t find their fourth win of the season.

In the votes

Colby McKercher was coming up against prized number one pick Harley Reid for the first time since he was drafted pick two – and showed up his highly fancied rival. McKercher was the difference between the two sides in the opening half with 24 touches and more than 400m gained. He finished with a whopping 37 touches – compared to Reid’s 12 to take the points from their first meeting. Harry Sheezel tried to play through the pain after copping a nasty blow to the shin, to collect 31 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances and two goals. Tristan Xerri showed why he is considered the form ruckman of the competition with a stunning 30 touches, 33 hit-outs, 12 tackles and 13 clearances.

Room for improvement

It’s no easy feat coming up against Eagles star Jeremy McGovern as Roo Nick Larkey found on Saturday. The big forward managed just the one goal from his 12 touches. Toby Pink didn’t have an influence with his eight disposals while Cam Zurhaar finished goalless – despite all his pre-game talk of “never liking” West Coast.

Grade

C

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power have climbed into the top two to be in reach of a home qualifying final ahead of clashes against Adelaide and Fremantle (Optus Stadium) to finish their home and away season. Some turnaround from when Ken Hinkley was under the pump a few short weeks ago. Port was able to hold Melbourne from scoring for virtually five-straight minutes to hang onto its two-point lead in a gritty win at the MCG.

In the votes

Jason Horne-Francis (28 disposals, 11 contested, 13 marks, two goals) took two crucial intercept marks and won a free kick for high contact in the fourth quarter to cap off a big night out. Connor Rozee (28 touches) and Zak Butters (30 disposals) were both instrumental in the fourth quarter and Travis Boak (29 touches) turned in a vintage performance.

Room for improvement

Kysaiah Pickett proved to be a disaster matchup Port had no answers for. Do they have anyone to play on the likes of Tom Papley, Toby Greene, Tyson Stengle, Charlie Cameron and Cody Weightman in finals?

Grade

C+

RICHMOND

Richmond’s torrid Marvel Stadium form persisted on Sunday afternoon — since the start of the 2020 season, the Tigers have gone 2-10-1 at Docklands. Adem Yze’s Tigers were too often picked apart in transition, and when the ball got inside their defensive 50, they were continually punished by the likes of forwards Tim Membrey and Cooper Sharman, as well as All-Australian-contending ruckman Rowan Marshall. The defensive match-ups didn’t work in their favour and they weren’t able to capitalise often enough when they did own patches of play.

In the votes

Daniel Rioli staged another terrific performance on Sunday, notching a whopping 36 disposals, 10 marks and three inside-50s. Jacob Hopper (28 disposals, 12 contested possessions and five clearances) was frequently around the ball for the Tigers, while Nick Vlastuin (21 disposals, six marks) was typically reliable in the defensive half — minus one poor turnover inside defensive 50.

Room for improvement

Organisation in defensive 50 was a sore point, as was their defence in transition. They couldn’t play a forward-half game for enough time to stage a winning effort.

Grade

D+

ST KILDA

The Saints made amends for their demoralising defeat to the Lions last Sunday, taming the cagey Tigers at Docklands to claim their ninth win of the season in Ross Lyon’s 350th coaching outing. It was a back-and-forth, largely uncontested affair at Docklands, and Lyon’s men were ultimately able to transition more effectively off the back of Richmond’s turnovers.

In the votes

Jack Sinclair (29 disposals at 93 per cent efficiency, nine marks, 24 uncontested possessions) and Josh Battle (28 disposals, nine marks) were the Saints’ leading ball-winners. Veteran forward Tim Membrey made his presence felt, presenting as a threat and asserting himself aerially — he finished the afternoon with three goals and five marks.

Room for improvement

St Kilda allowed Richmond patches of momentum both in the first and second halves but largely owned the contest. The Tigers were able to match the Saints’ clearance work.

Grade

B+

SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans just needed to find a way to win. And they did … just. While Sydney was below its best form against Collingwood, it hit top speed when the whips were cracking in a fourth quarter avalanche the Pies couldn’t handle. It means the Swans have all but locked up top spot on the ladder, and more importantly, a top four spot that was looking under threat.

In the votes

Isaac Heeney was enormous in the fourth quarter with 14 of his 32 disposals and a goal to help the Swans pull off an epic comeback. Chad Warner also stepped up in the final term with 14 of his 33 touches to co-pilot Sydney to its 15th win.

Room for improvement

Errol Gulden was well down on his best form after getting nullified by Steele Sidebottom, though he did step up with the match-winning goal. And though the a step in the right direction, Sydney still didn’t quite have its absolute breakneck ball movement and speed, having scored over 100 just once since Round 15.

Grade

B-

WEST COAST EAGLES

Eagles fans may be celebrating just their second back-to-back win in three years but the reality is the victory was a “big steal”. West Coast were outgunned in the opening half but made the most of a North side that ran out of steam. The Eagles still managed just 42 inside 50s for the match – below their lowly 45.8 average for 2024. But in positive signs for caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield, it was West Coast’s deadly 73.8% efficiency inside 50 – up from their season average of just 48% – that saw the side come away with the four points. The result is the side’s first win at the venue in more than a decade to now move two wins clear of the bottom two.

In the votes

Oscar Allen may have had the yips early, but found his radar in a stunning second half that included kicking the match winner with seconds to play. He finished with five goals from his 14 disposals and 10 score involvements, and found excellent support from Jamie Cripps (three goals from 10 touches). Jeremy McGovern was a wall in defence as he blanketed Nick Larkey. He finished his team’s highest possession getter with 25 – including 13 intercepts which is more than double the next best Eagle.

Room for improvement

Jake Waterman couldn’t overcome his accuracy woes to finish with 1.4 – despite taking a team-high nine marks. Liam Ryan had a rough day and was singled out for a moment in the third term where he opted to let his opponent fly and mark uncontested. “He’s too good to just play like that,” AFL great Dermott Brereton said of Ryan. “You’ve got to dig in for your team.” Ryan was goalless from his 10 disposals.

Grade

C+

WESTERN BULLDOGS

After fellow finals hopefuls Collingwood, Essendon and Carlton fell over earlier in the weekend, the Bulldogs simply had to capitalise on the gilt-edged opportunity that landed at their feet — but they didn’t. Inaccuracy will again be the talking point for Bevo’s Bulldogs, who have ranked dead last in the competition in corridor shots at goal over the past five weeks. They managed one more score than the Crows but went down by 39 points. A massive missed opportunity for the side previously considered one of the form teams of the league heading into September.

In the votes

There weren’t many, but Adam Treloar (28 disposals, seven clearances, five inside-50s, one goal) continued his stellar campaign that is surely considered for an All-Australian blazer. Inspirational skipper Marcus Bontempelli (26 disposals, seven marks, five inside-50s, 2.2) typically did everything in his power to lift the Dogs, and while Sam Darcy (19 disposals, team-high 14 contested possessions, five marks, 1.5) was perhaps the most wayward kicker at goal on Sunday, he was also one of the Dogs’ most potent attacking threats.

Room for improvement

Accuracy in front of goals — and particularly from a straight-on angle — simply needs to be improved if this side is to contend strongly come September. Hopefully it is an anomaly.

Grade

F