Powerhouse’s biggest fail yet; Eagles shock Reid statement as underdogs stun: Report Card

The once-flag favourites have delivered a massive fail amid a damning form patch, as their opponents score the round’s sole perfect score.

Elsewhere, a number of struggling sides put forward some of their best performances for the year — but still couldn’t take home the four points.

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

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows simply had to travel to Perth and claim the four points to put one hand on the minor premiership - and while that’s exactly what they did, Adelaide did it the hard way. They ALMOST became the first ladder leaders since 2005 to lose to last place as the Eagles came ridiculously close to the upset of the decade. Late goals to stars Izak Rankine and Riley Thilthorpe ensured Adelaide claimed the win. The Crows, who at times proved their own worst enemy exiting their back half, finished +14 for inside 50s, +35 for hit outs and +10 for centre clearance. Both sides spent 54 minutes in front - but ultimately it was Adelaide who were in front the minute it mattered.

In the votes

Riley Thilthorpe shrugged off a Liam Duggan bump that’s sure to be scrutinised to finish with three goals — two of those coming as his side’s final quarter hero. Jordan Dawson was at his polished best with 26 disposals, 14 tackles and a goal. Reilly O’Brien dominated in the ruck to record a whopping 51 hitouts, while Zac Taylor had arguably his best game with 20 touches and a goal.

Room for improvement

The stingy Crows defence was off their game as turnovers and an inability to find an exit; particularly in the second and third quarters nearly proved costly. Rising Star contender Dan Curtin struggled in his return home to WA, Chris Burgess struggled in his opportunity replacing the rested Taylor Walker, finishing with just two behinds.

Grade

C+

Nicks concedes Eagles "were better" | 08:33

BRISBANE LIONS

Just as we thought the reigning premiers were beginning their major charge towards another flag tilt, they’ve experienced a hiccup. Getting undone by Sydney wasn’t a total surprise, but the Lions’ win over Collingwood at the MCG only a week prior suggested they were in the box seat to bank another four points. A tough trip west now looms against Fremantle, in a clash that could have serious repercussions on not just their top four hopes, but finals as a whole.

In the votes

Star midfielder Josh Dunkley (31 disposals — 17 contested, seven tackles, one goal) was everywhere on Saturday evening, and was the best of the Brisbane midfielders. Darcy Wilmot (27 disposals, two goals) was seriously good too, while Logan Morris (six disposals, three goals) was impactful despite limited time with ball in hand.

Room for improvement

The Lions absolutely mauled Sydney at stoppage, so the loss didn’t come about there Instead, it was their defence, who allowed way too many marks inside 50 to the Swans forwards. Brisbane’s own efficiency going inside the attacking arc was sound, but they were simply outclassed by their opposition in the key stat.

Grade

D

Fagan filthy: "Want me to keep going?" | 09:36

CARLTON

An honourable performance from the Blues, but unfortunately it still wasn’t enough to end their run of poor form. It would take something special to see them finish any lower than 14th, which means it now truly is about pride and building confidence heading into 2026. They matched the Suns in most key areas, suggesting structurally they were as sound as they have been for a little while.

In the votes

It may not jag him Brownlow votes, but Cooper Lord (24 disposals, 12 tackles, seven clearances) was Carlton’s best on ground not only for his output, but the nullification of Suns skipper Noah Anderson. Alongside him at the top of the best players was Francis Evans (16 disposals, four goals, two goal assists), who played his best-ever game at AFL level in 42 matches. Harry McKay and Oli Hollands were also honourable with their performances.

Room for improvement

Michael Voss’ side allowed just a few too many inside 50s on the night, and in reality, probably should’ve lost by a couple more goals, but were spared due to Gold Coast’s inaccuracy. Their -31 deficit for marks and -6 for marks inside 50 may have also played a role in the Suns’ eventual control over the contest.

Grade

C-

Voss hails Blues' never give up attitude | 12:35

COLLINGWOOD

The Pies’ slide went from bad to worse in a brutal 64-point loss to Hawthorn — their biggest loss for the season — in Steele Sidebottom’s 350th game. And suddenly a Collingwood side that sat on top of the ladder for majority of this season is scrapping to make the top four. There’s problems in multiple areas for Craig McRae’s side right now, but it simply looks flat and is lacking the energy that made it such a powerhouse all season. The club’s injury woes continued too, with Jeremy Howe getting knocked out in the first minute in a brutal blow after he just returned from a hamstring issue. The tests keep coming for the Pies, with a huge showdown with Adelaide next on the road this Saturday night.

In the votes

Scott Pendlebury led the Pies in disposals with 27 disposals (11 contested). Nick Daicos was down on his best but still fought hard, while Brody Mihocek was Collingwood’s only multiple goalkicker with two.

Room for improvement

Clearly a lot, with several stars out of form. It starts in the midfield with the Pies getting belted in contested possessions (-18) and losing clearances (-5). Their usual stingy defence has looked less settled — partly due to constant reshuffling of personnel — while forward 50 connection has also been an issue. A lot for McRae and company to ponder in a week of soul searching.

Grade

F

McRae brutally honest about Pies | 10:46

ESSENDON

The undermanned Bombers would be overall pleased with how their performance against Geelong at the Cattery, despite falling by 44 points. You couldn’t question Brad Scott’s side’s effort or approach to the contest, it simply didn’t have the same class or polish in the forward half as the Cats. The Bombers got hot in the third quarter with a run of four-straight goals to get within 20 points and send a slight scare through the Geelong camp, but the Cats instantly responded to put the game out of reach.

In the votes

Zach Merrett was magnificent on both sides of the ball, racking up 27 touches (12 contested) with 10 tackles and a goal with 586 metres gained. Fourth-gamer Liam McMahon provided a spark up forward with a career-best four goals, while Archer Roberts’ 33 touches led all players on the night.

Room for improvement

The numbers would suggest the Bombers were in the game, only losing inside 50s by five and generally creating enough chances. Still, Brad Scott’s side was convincingly beaten in contested possessions (-15) and clearances (-9) as Geelong’s midfield depth at times overwhelmed Essendon’s undermanned on-ball group.

Grade

C+

'Not sure you can get suspended...' | 09:24

FREMANTLE

Breathe a sigh of relief Freo fans... for now! That heart-stopping win over Port Adelaide now makes a finals spot theirs to lose, with a won over one of Brisbane or Hawthorn in the next fortnight enough to lock them in. Fittingly, it was captain Alex Pearce in his comeback game from a leg complaint who put the icing on the Dockers’ cake, kicking a goal in the dying stages to ensure a one-goal victory. Crucially, this is a game they would have lost in previous years, but their strong streak in close games continues.

In the votes

Caleb Serong (28 disposals, seven clearances, 617 metres gained, one goal) was excellent in the nucleus for the Dockers, bouncing right back into form. Livewire recruit Shai Bolton (19 disposals, two goals) lit up the Adelaide Oval early on, while Patrick Voss (10 disposals, three goals) was critical to sealing the game in the final quarter.

Room for improvement

Justin Longmuir’s side were matched for contested ball, but comfortably beat Port Adelaide for inside 50s and at clearance. Inaccuracy prevented the Dockers from kicking a larger score and building percentage, but the Power gave them a good run for their money away from Optus Stadium.

Grade

B+

Longmuir slams Q2 but praises fight-back | 09:43

GEELONG

The Cats weren’t at their absolute best, but still registered a 44-point win over Essendon as Chris Scott’s side charges towards finals. All eyes were on Jeremy Cameron in his quest to 100 goals in a fascinating side plot, but the Coleman Medal leader only added four majors to his tally — to bring it to a career-best 79 — which wasn’t quite kick the massive bag we were expecting. Cameron’s performance in many ways personified Geelong’s as a whole on the night — good but not great. Still, the Cats did enough to jump Collingwood on the ladder.

In the votes

Bailey Smith ran amok with 31 disposals (11 contested) including 738 metres gained. Cameron kicked four goals and could’ve been an even bigger bag if not for his inaccurate 4.6 conversion. Shaun Mannagh added three goals from 20 disposals and Gryan Miers tallied 22 touches and kicked a goal in his 150th game.

Room for improvement

Chris Scott post-match bemoaned his side’s execution being “a bit off,” with Geelong having 19 extra scoring shots in a game it could’ve put even bigger damage on the scoreboard.

Grade

A-

Scott talks his star man Jeremy Cameron | 09:07

GOLD COAST SUNS

Finals is so close that they can almost taste it. Heck, even top four is now a very real possibility given the slip ups of Collingwood and Brisbane. Their win over the Blues was measured, without being authoritative. Next challenge, GWS at home.

In the votes

While captain Noah Anderson copped a hard tag from Carlton, Matt Rowell (30 disposals, 13 score involvements, nine clearances, eight tackles, two goal assists) was absolutely on fire under the roof at Marvel Stadium, producing one of his best games yet this season. His main competition for three Brownlow votes out of the match will be Ben King (nine disposals, seven marks — six inside 50, six goals), who kicked his second-ever bag of half a dozen majors. Jarrod Witts, Touk Miller and Brayden Fiorini will all be a live chance to jag a single vote from the match in a well-rounded team performance.

Room for improvement

Damien Hardwick’s side were beaten marginally at centre bounce and in contested ball, but all-in-all, they put together another strong performance. 15 behinds also prevented the final margin from being much greater!

Grade

A-

Dimma praises Noah but Suns MUST learn | 07:26

GWS GIANTS

The Giants headed to Canberra knowing they needed a win to remain in finals contention. And they won every quarter on the way to a 54-point victory over the Roos. Yet coach Adam Kingsley still looked frustrated at times as North mounted repeat fightbacks, just when the Giants appeared to be pulling away. GWS battered the young Roos through the middle to rack up 46 clearances — +10 on their season average, and 56 inside 50s — up +6 on their 2025 average. Their efficiency with ball in hand was impressive, and they continued to find avenues to goal — even without Jesse Hogan and later Jake Stringer who was tactically subbed in the second half.

In the votes

Finn Callaghan continues to rack up big numbers for fun — this time a 31-dispsoal, eight tackle tally to go with his one goal. Tom Green had 25 touches and a goal while Callum Brown kicked five goals - four of those coming in the first term. Aaron Cadman contributed four of his own as he continues to take steps towards becoming that big key target.

Room for improvement

Goal kicking practice is on the cards for Max Gruzewski at training this week after his three behinds. He could also be joined by the skipper in Toby Greene — but at least he finished with three goals to go with his three behinds. Jake Riccardi failed to trouble scorers and didn’t have an influence as back-up ruck.

Grade

A

Kingsley keeps things honest after win | 07:20

HAWTHORN

Don’t count out these Hawks just yet. Sam Mitchell’s men put Collingwood to the sword in a huge statement and showing that Hawthorn can still be a big player this finals series. The Hawks were dog hungry and firing on all cylinders at times, with Mitchell post-match saying his side can go “a long way” this year. It importantly consolidated Hawthorn’s spot in the top eight and keeps it in contention for the top four ahead of games against Melbourne (MCG) then Brisbane (Gabba) to finish its home and away season.

In the votes

Lloyd Meek (10 disposals, seven marks, 32 hit-outs, three goals) had a dominant presence all night in one of his best games yet. Jai Newcombe (28 touches, — 13 contested, one goal) was brilliant after returning from his head knock with Jeremy Howe, while James Sicily (26 disposals, nine marks) controlled the game from defence and Jack Gunston (four goals) continued his brilliant season.

Room for improvement

Thursday night couldn’t have panned out much better as Hawthorn even got a handy percentage booster. Full marks.

Grade

A+

"Is this the blueprint?!" | 09:31

MELBOURNE

If we could give higher for a middle-to-lower ranked team’s loss, we would. What a performance from the Demons, who bounced back the best they could after Simon Goodwin’s sacking last Tuesday. It was a stagnant first half from them and the opposing Western Bulldogs, but once they got going, they at times looked unstoppable. Full credit to Melbourne, who were only just outclassed by a side desperate to keep their finals hopes alive.

In the votes

Shock horror, Max Gawn (23 disposals — 14 contested, 42 hitouts, one goal) was Melbourne’s best on ground once more. It was superstar Kysaiah Pickett (22 disposals, seven inside 50s, one goal) who was probably second-best, but in reality it was a very well-rounded team performance that got them so close.

Room for improvement

Ultimately, it was the Bulldogs’ victory at clearance and inside 50 count that proved too much for the Demons, losing both stat lines comfortably. Additionally, the Dogs’ inaccuracy made the result closer than what it could’ve been, but this is the best we’ve seen the Dees play against notable opposition since King’s Birthday against Collingwood.

Grade

B+

Chaplin 'couldn't be prouder' of Dees | 10:31

NORTH MELBOURNE

It was an understrength taking on a Giants outfit needing to win to stay in the hunt for finals. So the 50+ point margin was to be expected. But there were patches of fight from Alastair Clarkson’s men - there just wasn’t enough of it to make it a contest. The Roos had less than 300 disposals for the match — despite winning the hitouts +10. They were belted at stoppage, finishing -11 to the Giants and -18 in contested ball. Defence was where it went wrong for the Roos as they coughed up 21 marks inside 50 to a side missing their reigning Coleman Medallist.

In the votes

Debutant Cooper Trembath gave North fans something to cheer about. He toiled hard all match and finished with three goals - much to the delight of his diehard Bulldogs fan nan who rocked the Roos scarf, while still in her Doggies gloves. George Wardlaw tried to get involved with a team-high 11 tackles to go with 18 disposals. Luke Parker was important with 29 touches and a goal.

Room for improvement

The Roos backline struggled to stop the Giants run. The likes of Griffin Logue and Toby Pink were beaten, but they tried to help young Zane Duursma where they could as he found himself one-out a number of times. Brynn Teakle had little influence from his four touches, failing to trouble scorers in attack and only managing 8 hitouts.

Grade

D-

Roos 'punished' by Giants in Canberra | 09:44

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power’s losing streak extended to four games on Saturday night, however their loss to Fremantle was far more valiant than recent weeks gone by. Ken Hinkley’s side were in front for the vast majority of the second half thanks to a six-goal blitz, but ultimately it was Alex Pearce who stole victory from the jaws of defeat for the Dockers. It was a chance gone begging to give Hinkley at least one more win before his departure, with just two games left this season.

In the votes

It was down in defence where Aliir Aliir (22 disposals, 17 marks, 12 intercept possessions) stood tall — recording the equal-most number of marks in a game by a Power player. Zak Butters and Connor Rozee are each a sniff of a vote come Brownlow night, while Mitch Georgiades and Jed McEntee were both very good up forward for two goals apiece.

Room for improvement

Port’s clearance game was below-par, but all in all, they actually did quite well to only lose by a goal given the number of shots on goal they conceded. Clearly, it’s now all about 2026 at Alberton as they slowly say goodbye to two club legends in Hinkley and the retiring Travis Boak.

Grade

B-

Hinkley 'proud' & 'optimistic' in defeat | 10:11

RICHMOND

This was a game that got away from the Tigers; one that they’ll review thinking they should have sealed the deal. After doing all the hard work to overturn St Kilda’s early momentum and leading by eight points at the final change in what was a low-scoring affair, a lack of composure going forward undid Adem Yze’s side when it mattered most. Richmond ultimately won the contest and clearance battle in a testament to the way they stemmed St Kilda’s outside game, but an inability to generate enough quality entries, especially late, hurt. Fox Footy’s Jordan Lewis said of Richmond’s missed opportunities: “They had their chances going inside forward 50 on a couple of occasions but just couldn’t connect.”

In the votes

Jack Ross’ fruitful run in the engine room continued last Saturday, finishing as his side’s highest-rated player with 26 disposals and seven score involvements. Swingman Noah Balta was also impressive in the forward half with his competitiveness and consistent ability to bring the ball to ground from marking contests to provide his crumbing teammates opportunities in attack. Tom Lynch kicked just one goal on return but notched an equal-team-high seven score involvements, while Rhyan Mansell booted a team-high two goals on a low-scoring afternoon, was involved in six scores and typically applied plenty of defensive pressure.

Room for improvement

As has been a theme this season, the Tigers’ inability to tackle efficiently contributed to a losing effort. Richmond managed 41 tackles to St Kilda’s 80. In what was a poor start to the match, the Tigers allowed the Saints to play the uncontested game they thrive on, and while Adem Yze’s side was able to arrest most of their opponent’s momentum after quarter-time, St Kilda still finished with 67 more uncontested possessions and 55 more uncontested marks. But most importantly, Yze allowed Wanganeen-Milera to effectively do as he pleased when he moved to half-back after quarter-time. The call not to hard-tag the prolific star proved costly, with ‘Nas’ finishing as the game’s highest-rated player amid eight final-quarter possessions as the Saints overturned an eight-point three-quarter-time deficit.

Grade

C-

Yze on Tigers NOT being a step ahead | 06:17

ST KILDA

The Saints started fast on Saturday, but after Richmond overwhelmed them for most of the match after quarter-time, it was labour-intensive for the visitors to claim the four points. Ross Lyon’s call to shift Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera from centre-bounce to the half-backline after quarter-time proved a match-winning move — with the prolific star finishing as the highest-rated player on the ground — as the Tigers opted to let him roam without a tag. Their ability to play an uncontested outside game was crucial to their winning cause.

In the votes

Renowned run-with expert Marcus Windhager was unleashed in a pure ball-winning midfield role and thrived against the Tigers, finishing with 32 disposals, nine marks, four score involvements and six tackles. “He’s been known to shut some players down and some big, big scalps across the year, but his offensive game today, he’s got no run-with … he’s been pivotal,” Fox Footy’s Ben Dixon noted during Saturday’s broadcast. After Wanganeen-Milera was swung behind the ball, he did as he pleased in the second half with the game in the balance, accruing an equal-game-high seven score involvements with 33 disposals, 656 metres gained and six intercepts. Jack Sinclair was also everywhere for the Saints, accruing 30 disposals, 11 marks and five score involvements, while Jack Steele’s steady head was crucial in the final term in game 200.

Room for improvement

Lyon’s Saints were seriously challenged offensively after quarter-time; kicking just two combined goals in the second and third quarters. They weren’t able to have the same success with their uncontested marking game from quarter-time onwards. Forced to go long down the line and deal in congestion, St Kilda repeatedly gave the ball back to the Tigers, who were then able to slingshot the other way. St Kilda wound up losing contest and clearance and ultimately banked on Richmond’s inability to finish its work late in the game to secure the win.

Grade

C+

Lyon full of praise for resilient Tigers | 05:46

SYDNEY SWANS

A much-deserved win for Dean Cox’s side, who are now playing a style of football that we expected them to bring once their list got back to full fitness. Their two-point win was much more decisive than the final scoreline suggests, even if the three goals they conceded in the last 52 seconds will concern the first-year head coach. Could they play the ‘grinch’ role again this Sunday against Geelong?

In the votes

Isaac Heeney, Isaac Heeney, Isaac Heeney. The superstar midfielder-forward kicked his third bag of five this season to absolutely tear the Round 22 clash apart, and is surely a lock for three votes come Brownlow night. He was aptly supported by Chad Warner (26 disposals — 13 contested, two goals) on-ball, as well as young gun Angus Sheldrick (26 disposals, three goal assists, one goal) who had a breakout game of sorts.

Room for improvement

On face value, the Swans were lucky to walk away from the Gabba with four points. They were pummelled 21-40 at clearance, and conceded 13 more inside 50 entries. Thankfully, they were extremely effective going inside their own forward line... and have a guy named Isaac Heeney.

Grade

A

Cox: Swans 'Establishing' as 26' threat | 06:12

WEST COAST EAGLES

It’s not often the losing team gets the chocolates,. but the Eagles did everything but win against the first-placed Crows. Despite being without young gun Harley Reid, West Coast bolstered their backline in a bid to shore up their scores against — and it paid off with a brilliant fighting loss. Not since 2005 has first beat last — but the Eagles went all so close. They recorded 10 marks inside 50 from just 37 entries in a great return for coach Andrew McQualter. West Coast led for 54 minutes - equal to the Crows - but couldn’t finish off in the tribute game for retiring club greats Jeremy McGovern and Dom Sheed.

In the votes

Reuben Ginbey is not only unlucky to miss out on the 22 under 22, but he’s been overlooked entirely for the squad despite another impressive display. Undersized and understrength against Riley Thilthorpe, Ginbey kept the Crows star quiet until the closing stages. Jobe Shanahan showed he’s a player for the future with three goals, while Tim Kelly (25 disposals and a goal) once again found form in a welcome return for the Eagles. Mid-season recruit Tom McCarthy showed promise in his midfield shift, racking up a team high 29 touches.

Room for improvement

It may have been Liam Duggan’s milestone match, but he’s set to sweat on the AFL’s Match Review after opting to bump Riley Thilthorpe in the third term. While the big Crow was able to play out the match and produce match-wining heroics, there was clear high contact from a bump — the exact action the AFL is trying to stamp out. s

Grade

A-

'I got a bit excited at times!' | 08:07

WESTERN BULLDOGS

You survive another week, Bulldogs fans! They were subject to one of the games of the year in the process, and came out on top to defeat a valiant Melbourne by one goal on Sunday afternoon at the MCG. It was a heat check of sorts in a game that was ultra-free flowing in the second half, and ultimately, they passed it!

In the votes

The white-hot form of Aaron Naughton (17 disposals, five goals, two goal assists) cannot be underestimated, kicking his FOURTH handful of majors in a game across a six-week period. Wild. He was matched for output further up the ground by usual suspects Ed Richards (31 disposals, 14 clearances, two goals, two goal assists) and Marcus Bontempelli (33 disposals, seven clearances, seven inside 50s, 685 metres gained).

Room for improvement

The Bulldogs’ biggest issue was their accuracy in front of goal, kicking 15 goals to match their 15 goals. They won comfortably at clearances and with inside 50s, but were still tested until the final siren to keep them as honest as ever heading towards a hopeful September campaign.

Grade

B+

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