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Geelong have sent a warning to the rest of the competition about their premiership credentials after a crushing victory over Essendon, in which the Cats kicked seven goals before the Bombers got their first.
While the Cats have thrashed Hawthorn, Sydney and North Melbourne this season, not since last year’s grand final have they punished a top-eight side like they did the Bombers on Saturday night, winning 18.14 (122) to 7.3 (45).
Essendon travelled down the highway full of promise after last week’s impressive win over Adelaide saw them jump from eighth to fifth on the ladder.
But Geelong coach Chris Scott inflicted his 10th win from 14 matches in the coaches’ box against his brother Brad, whose side had no answers for the Cats in the first 30 minutes, and few more after that.
A red-hot GWS have overrun Adelaide for the second time this season to secure their fifth victory on the trot with a 14-point triumph at Adelaide Oval.
The Giants booted all five goals of a gripping final term to snatch a 10.11 (71) to 8.9 (57) stirring win on the road and climb over the Crows to the brink of the top eight.
Skipper Toby Greene sparked the Giants’ comeback with the first major or the final term but it was veteran Daniel Lloyd that booted the sealer in a fiery clash on Saturday night.
The Crows led by 17 points at the last change but were then held goalless as the Giants again surged past them after overcoming an early 31-point deficit against the same team in round one.
Collingwood warned Port Adelaide to bring their A game in a blockbuster clash of this season’s titans next Saturday, after Nick Daicos took another bold step towards claiming what would be a stunning Brownlow Medal win.
The star second-year Magpie had 36 disposals, including seven clearances and a clever late goal, in the Magpies’ 46-point dismantling of Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday, to ensure his team – now with 12 wins from its past 13 matches – remained on top of the ladder heading into a potential grand final preview next Saturday against the Power at the Adelaide Oval.
“We love every challenge that comes our way, and we are sitting on top for a reason,” Magpies defender Brayden Maynard told Fox Footy.
“Port better bring their A game because we are coming over there, and we are going to give it our best.”
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has declared his club does not deserve to play finals, and on the basis of Saturday’s loss to the Gold Coast Suns, will struggle to beat second-last placed North Melbourne next week.
The Saints entered the round in sixth position, but could be left clinging to eighth by Monday, depending on other results. They have games against the Kangaroos, Hawthorn and Carlton to come, while Gold Coast kept its slim finals hopes alive, even after sacking coach Stuart Dew during the week.
Finals were the last thing on Lyon’s mind after his team lost by 26 points, 11.11 (77) to 8.3 (51).
“To our fans and members, listen, I hear that narrative, and, to be honest, how we’ve been playing – particularly today – we don’t deserve to play [finals’]; and we won’t earn the right,” he said.
Carlton are on the rampage and making an audacious run for the finals after pricking Port Adelaide’s bubble - but they may have to make their charge to September without Harry McKay.
The Blues do not believe McKay has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament but the star forward is staring at a stint in the stands after injuring his knee in the opening minutes of the Blues’ short-circuiting of the Power, whose 13-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt with a 50-point thrashing at Marvel Stadium.
Subbed out of the game shortly after, the 2021 Coleman Medallist hobbled out to join his teammates at the three-quarter time huddle sporting bandage around his right knee.
McKay sustained the injury at a marking contest, his knee appearing to buckle as he landed. The Blues are hopeful scans over the weekend will not reveal significant damage and that he can play a part in their bid to play finals for the first time since 2013.
Giants forward Daniel Lloyd has marked in front of goal and nailed his shot with just seconds remaining to seal a brilliant comeback from his side.
The Giants will win and are right back in the finals hunt after coming back from 17 points down to take victory.
They have commanded this last term on the road, against a Crows side who are good and only getting better.
Rory Sloane played his 250th, sadly he won’t leave with a win.
Josh Fahey has snapped a clutch goal in the left forward pocket to give the Giants a nine-point lead with five minutes to go.
The Giants are winning the major contests in this game so far, the Crows have a heap of work to do to give themselves any chance to win.
The Crows haven’t kicked a goal this quarter, the Giants have kicked the last four goals.
Giants 65, Crows 57 with five mins to go.
The Cats did their work early in taking a 45-point lead in the first term and holding it through to thrash Essendon at GMHBA Stadium tonight.
Tom Hawkins kicked five goals for the Cats.
“I tell you what, it’s good to finish out the game in the end,” Cats forward Jeremy Cameron told Channel Seven.
“Coming off every five minutes with the blood rule, another hit to the head. All is well and good at the end of the day. The boys played really well throughout the whole game.
The Crows have had the lead for a good part of their home game against GWS Giants but the men in orange don’t give up easily and they have battled back.
Now Harry Himmelberg has booted a goal to put the Giants in front.
Giants 59, Crows 56 with 10 mins to go.