3 minute read
A snapshot of round 11 of the AFL season as pacesetters Collingwood and second-placed Port Adelaide gain a handy edge at the top of the ladder.
THEY SAID IT: "If I do it for too long I won't keep this thick, luscious hair that I've currently got." - Richmond caretaker Andrew McQualter joked there might be a toll if he stays in the hot seat, after a 10-point loss to Port Adelaide in his first match in charge.
PLAYER(S) OF THE ROUND: Hawthorn captain James Sicily racked up a career-best 43 disposals and 22 intercept possessions, including eight intercept marks, to lead from the front in his side's upset of St Kilda. Fremantle's Luke Jackson had his critics after a high-profile move home from Melbourne but the athletic ruckman silenced them by inspiring the Dockers to a thrilling win over his former club. Jackson had a career-best eight clearances, turning the game in Fremantle's favour during a brilliant third quarter burst.
THE MOMENT: With Gold Coast up by just two points and the Western Bulldogs coming home strong, Suns youngster Bailey Humphrey stood up. Jack Lukosius almost marked, and should have been awarded a free kick close to goal, but Humphrey made the major a certainty with a slick pick-up in slippery conditions before coolly slicing the ball through from a tough angle deep in the forward pocket to effectively ice the game.
TALKING POINT: Two clubs - Collingwood (1st, 40 points) and Port Adelaide (2nd, 36 points) - make a break at the head of the table. But an almighty scrap looms below them with just two wins separating fourth and 12th spot on a clogged ladder.
STATS THAT MATTER: West Coast's defeat to Essendon extended their losing streak to a club record-equalling nine straight games. It's the third time within the space of two years the Eagles have endured a losing run that long. Adam Simpson's side will set a new mark for consecutive losses if - as expected - they lose to ladder-leaders Collingwood in round 12.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Carlton's Adam Cerra and Sydney's Luke Parker both received one-match suspensions for rough conduct, as did Silicy and Fremantle's Jaeger O'Meara. And Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko faces scrutiny for making contact near the eye of Adelaide's Luke Pedlar.
INJURIES: G Hewett (Carl, concussion), N Newman (Carl, hamstring) O Hollands (Carl, shoulder), H Clark (StK, knee), S Darcy (Frem, hamstring), E Ratugolea (Geel, hamstring), L Edwards (WC, concussion), D Sheed (WC, leg), S Sidebottom (Cwd, knee).
WHAT'S NEXT: Melbourne and Carlton will both be searching for a rebound win when they open the first of this season's bye rounds at the MCG on Friday night. High-flying Port Adelaide host Hawthorn on Saturday, finals hopefuls Gold Coast and Adelaide do battle in Darwin and the Western Bulldogs take on Geelong in a crucial match. GWS coach Adam Kingsley, fresh from Saturday's important win at Geelong, faces former club Richmond on Sunday, while Essendon meet North Melbourne.
