Port Adelaide proved on Friday night that they have no problems winning at the MCG. The ladder leaders easily disposed of Collingwood by 37-points. Acting captain Warren Tredrea was outstanding in his team’s 16th win for the season and finished the match with three goals.
There was upsets a plenty on Saturday. Carlton knocked off top four prospect Melbourne at Optus Oval. A five goal to two third term set up the Blues 31-point win. Nick Stevens was in the thick of the action for Carlton and finished with a massive 35 possessions. Brendan Fevola was solid up forward and was the top goal scorer of the afternoon, finishing with four majors.
Adelaide was the next team to surprise a top eight side. At AAMI Stadium, the Crows turned on 12 goals to eight after quarter time to run out 21-point winners. It is the fifth loss out of five interstate games for Geelong this season. Despite the loss, Geelong retained their position in the top four.
The Western Bulldogs turned on their best performance for the season on Saturday night at The Dome. The team bid farewell to club veterans Simon Garlick and Matthew Croft in fine style when they defeated the Kangaroos by 30-points. Croft booted five goals in his final game for the Western Bulldogs.
The Sydney Swans cemented a spot in the top eight on Saturday night when they beat Essendon by 20-points at Stadium Australian. Essendon couldn’t match the run and speed of Sydney and had no answers for spearhead Barry Hall. In his 150th match, Hall didn’t disappoint. He finished with six goals in a best on ground performance. Essendon dropped out of the top eight on percentage after the loss.
West Coast stormed into the top eight yesterday after a convincing win against hometown rivals Fremantle. West Coast was in control all afternoon and won easily in the end by 48-points. As they have done all season, the West Coast midfield led by Daniel Kerr, Chad Fletcher and Chris Judd set up the win.
Hawthorn recorded its fourth victory for the season yesterday at the MCG. The 23-point victory against Richmond has seen Hawthorn move off the bottom of the ladder. With just one game to go in the home and away season, Richmond now looks likely to claim the wooden spoon.
The Brisbane Lions let out warning signs yesterday that they are on track to win their fourth successive premiership when they destroyed St Kilda. St Kilda started well in the heat at the Gabba, but couldn’t sustain the intensity against the reigning premiers. Jason Akermanis booted six goals in his team’s 45-point win.
