3 minute read
A snapshot of round-17 of the AFL season, as reigning premiers Richmond stumbled to a fourth straight loss to sit at 7-9 and in danger of missing finals.
SNAPSHOT OF ROUND 17 OF THE AFL SEASON
THEY SAID IT: "Clearly there was people that were starting to doubt us. There was people starting to question whether we were going to continue to perform. In games like that, really important, we were able to step up and I'm really proud of our players" - Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin was thrilled with the Demons' response to down Port Adelaide on Thursday night and consolidate their top-two spot.
STATS THAT MATTER: James Rowe's shot at goal in the dying seconds hit the post and left Adelaide with 2.9 (21) against Essendon - the lowest score in the club's 30-year history. It was also the lowest score by any team in 971 matches at Marvel Stadium, which opened in 2000.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Collingwood's Jack Crisp rarely earns plaudits but his 33-possession game was critical in helping the Magpies stun Richmond at the MCG on Sunday. Crisp helped keep his team in the game early, before spearheading an irresistible final-quarter resurgence.
KEY MOMENT: With less than three minutes remaining, Suns veteran David Swallow dribbled a kick from 10m out into the post. The umpire deemed he had been pushed in the back as he kicked it, and the subsequent free kick and goal gave the Suns a one-point lead that they were able to hold onto for a thrilling win.
TALKING POINT: St Kilda's season looked shot before the bye when they coughed up a 36-point lead against lowly Adelaide, seeing them slump to 5-8. But after three-straight victories, highlighted by a convincing 32-point triumph over premiership contenders Brisbane on Saturday, the Saints are right back in contention for a second-straight finals appearance.
INJURIES: Eric Hipwood (Lions, knee), Brandon Starcevich (Lions, neck), Hugh Greenwood (Suns, knee), Tom Doedee (Adel, concussion), Kyle Langford (Ess, hamstring), Zak Butters (Port, knee), Lachie Whitfield (GWS, concussion), Changkuoth Jiath (Haw, knee), Jack Scrimshaw (Haw, concussion)
WHAT'S NEXT: West Coast host North Melbourne on Monday night to complete this weekend, before Fremantle kick off round-18 on Thursday night against Geelong at Optus Stadium. Wounded Brisbane travel to the MCG for the first time this season to battle Richmond on Friday night.
