Round 19 kicked off on Friday night at Subiaco when Fremantle took on Collingwood. Collingwood was in control all night and recorded one of its best victories for the season winning by 33-points. Leon Davis kicked three goals in a best on ground performance. The loss was Fremantle’s fifth home defeat in seven matches and with three games remaining is no certainty of making the finals.
Carlton has put Essendon’s finals hopes in jeopardy with a 17-point win against the Bombers yesterday at the MCG. Essendon struggled to handle the wet and slippery conditions and despite having more possessions than Carlton, couldn’t covert on the scoreboard. Carlton moved the ball quickly and played a more direct brand of football to win by 17-points.
St Kilda returned to the top of the ladder with a 23-point win over Adelaide at York Park yesterday. A six goal to one first quarter set up the Saints 14th win for the season. Robert Harvey dominated in the middle and collected 37-possessions. Fraser Gehrig was the stand-out forward, finishing with five goals.
The Kangaroos turned on a spirited performance in honour of Glenn Archer’s 250 game milestone last night at the SCG. The Kangaroos trailed Sydney by 40-points at the final change and the final result looked beyond doubt. However, the Kangaroos turned on one of the best fight-backs of the season and booted nine goals to two in the final term to win by six points.
Hawthorn has finally put an end to its losing streak with an 11-point win against the Western Bulldogs last night at The Dome. Simon Beaumont and Mark Williams booted six goals between them in the team’s first win in 10 rounds. Despite the victory Hawthorn remains at the bottom of the AFL ladder.
The Brisbane Lions have uncharacteristically lost consecutive matches after West Coast defeated them today by 14-points. West Coast led at every change and dominated most areas of the ground. Andrew McDougall and Phil Matera were the stand-out forwards and finished with seven goals between them. The win has kept the Eagles finals’ aspirations alive.
Geelong is within striking distance of the top four after a comfortable win against Richmond today. After Brisbane’s loss today, Geelong shares the same amount of wins as the reigning premiers and only percentage keeps them out of fourth position. Geelong was in control all day against Richmond and ran out 31-point winners.
Port Adelaide returned to the winner’s list after smashing Melbourne today at AAMI Stadium. Warren Tredrea was outstanding in the 73-point victory and finished with six goals. The loss has seen Melbourne lose top spot on the ladder and move into third position.
