The last of the bye Rounds is in the books as nearly 15 teams look to make a finals charge in the second half of the season.
Sydney claimed a famous nine-point, come-from-behind victory over Richmond on Saturday afternoon at the MCG in front of 58, 721 fans.
The Swans are looking to do the unthinkable, after sitting 0-5, they are now just one win outside of the top eight. They boast the best record of any side over the past month.
You can’t help but feel for Richmond, losing another close game they could have rightly won. Fans will be hoping these narrow losses don’t come back to bite them.
Melbourne has shot up into fifth position after their 57-point demolition of the Bulldogs. The Demons could challenge for the top four with the form they’re in, set to be boosted by the returns of Max Gawn and Jesse Hogan.
West Coast rejuvenated their season, holding off a fast finishing Geelong outfit to win by 13 points. The win sees the Eagles reclaim their position in the top eight.
THE GOOD
Jones, the marking defender?
Since crossing over to Carlton in 2015 from the Western Bulldogs, Jones seemed like a failed project and a waste of uncharted talent. Until now.
Jones has reinvented himself as a high-marking, disciplined defender. Building solid form in the VFL in his new defensive role, Jones has impressed in his two senior games of the season, averaging 13 disposals and 7 marks.
He soundly outdueled Tom Lynch on the weekend, while Carton are undefeated with Jones in their lineup. Brendan Bolton really is getting the best out of all his players.
Bugg the pest
After uploading a contentious Instagram photo pre-game, baiting Jason Johannisen, Tomas Bugg and the Demons were physical with the Bulldogs all day.
One particular moment epitomized Bugg’s performance. He bumped Easton Wood after a Melbourne goal, who retaliated, handing Bugg an easy set shot from point blank range, stretching the Demons lead to 40 points.
Love him or hate him, you have to give credit where it’s due, Bugg backed up his social media slur and was inside the Western Bulldogs players’ heads.
Champs collide
Fans were treated as two of the competitions’ heavyweights were matched up on Saturday afternoon. Arguably the best modern forward, Buddy Franklin, faced off against arguably the greatest contemporary defender, Alex Rance.
It was one of the most entertaining duels we’ve seen all season. Rance kept Franklin to one goal, however Buddy did take a big mark with a minute remaining to ice the game. Ultimately, Sydney walked away with the four points.
Franklin’s lone goal sees him claim first place in the season goalicking tally, just one major clear from cross-town rival, Jeremy Cameron.
THE BAD
Barlow’s bad break
Gold Coast recruit Michael Barlow’s season is over after fracturing his leg during his side’s 10-point loss to Carlton.
It is the same leg Barlow graphically broke during his outstanding debut season with Fremantle in 2010. The 29 year-old underwent surgery on Sunday morning.
Double dismissal
Jack Billings’ had not one, but two goals denied from him via the score review system during his side’s 17-point win over North Melbourne on Friday night.
Billings’ would-be first goal in the opening term was deemed touch. Bizarrely, in the second quarter, his potential third goal was called touched again. He finished with a score of 2.4 for the night.
Domain pain
It was on for young and old at Domain Stadium. Luke Shuey collected Patrick Dangerfield with a bump behind the play that left the reigning Brownlow Medalist dazed.
Next, Sam Mitchell and Joel Selwood were going at it. Selwood landed onto Mitchell’s back after he’d disposed of the ball, his forearm chopping Mitchell’s head. Mitchell reacted by wrestling Selwood onto the ground afterward.
All three players will have cases to answer for from the Match Review Panel.
THE UGLY
Jong’s horror run
Lin Jong has suffered a suspected torn ACL in the first quarter during his side’s 57-point loss to Melbourne that will end his season.
Nathan Jones’ smothered Jong’s kick and their knees collided which caused the injury. The Bulldogs have endured a host of ACL tears over the last two years, most notably Robert Murphy’s.
Jong tragically missed the majority of the Bulldogs’ triumphant 2016 finals campaign after breaking his collarbone against West Coast in the Elimination Final, forcing him to tears.
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