The AFL season is heating up, and Round 11 delivered some thrilling moments, surprising results, and a potential new premiership favorite. Let's dive into the action and explore the key takeaways from each team's performance.
Adelaide Crows: A Missed Opportunity
The Crows showed promise but ultimately fell short against the Hawks. Jordan Dawson's all-round performance and Lachlan McAndrew's impressive first half were highlights. However, their inefficiency inside 50 and a lack of dominance around the ground cost them dearly. Personally, I think the Crows need to address their stoppage work and find a way to convert their possession into scores.
Brisbane Lions: A Troubling Trend
Ouch, that was brutal! Brisbane's defensive concerns are now a major issue, and their performance against GWS was shocking. The Lions conceded 14 straight goals in a quarter, which is a huge red flag. From my perspective, this raises a deeper question about their mentality and attitude. A reigning premier should not look so vulnerable. They need to find their fighting spirit and quickly!
Carlton Blues: Impressive Victory
Carlton is on a roll! Their win over Port Adelaide was a statement, and it's clear that Josh Fraser is doing something right as interim coach. The Blues showcased a multi-dimensional game, relying less on clearance dominance. Patrick Cripps led from the front, and Jagga Smith's score involvements were impressive. If they can maintain this form, they could be a real threat.
Collingwood Pies: Celebrating Pendlebury, Mourning Injuries
What a day for Scott Pendlebury, but the win came at a cost with injuries to key players. Nick Daicos stole the limelight with another masterclass, and his Brownlow chances are looking strong. However, Collingwood's inside 50 count and clearance issues are a concern. They need to find a way to maintain their intensity and avoid those lapses.
Essendon Bombers: A Grim Night
Essendon's season hit rock bottom with a devastating loss to Richmond. The injuries piled up, and the Bombers' lack of workrate at stoppage was evident. Brad Johnson's comment about their fight and vigour is telling. This team needs a serious shake-up, and quickly, to avoid a complete collapse.
Fremantle Dockers: A Record-Breaking Win
The Dockers showed their resilience and found a way to win, despite a slow start. Their final-term spark was impressive, and they dominated the contested ball count. Murphy Reid and Josh Treacy stood out, and their accuracy in front of goal was crucial. This team is a real contender, and their record-breaking win is a statement.
Geelong Cats: A Premiership Favorite Emerges
Geelong made a huge statement with their win over Sydney, and I think we can safely say they are now the premiership favorite. Bailey Smith and Max Holmes were dominant, and Lawson Humphries had his best game in Cats colors. Their second-term accuracy could have been better, but overall, it was an impressive performance.
Gold Coast Suns: A Late Collapse
The Suns had control for most of the game against North Melbourne but, as Damien Hardwick put it, they 'stopped playing'. Their inability to close out games is a worrying trend. The Suns need to find a way to maintain their focus and intensity for the full four quarters.
GWS Giants: An Astonishing Performance
The Orange Tsunami was in full flow against Brisbane, and their third-quarter dominance was astonishing. Phoenix Gothard, Clayton Oliver, and Jake Stringer were on fire. This performance could be a turning point for the Giants, and they'll need to maintain this level of intensity to make a real impact.
Hawthorn Hawks: A Much-Needed Win
Hawthorn finally got a win, but it was a close call against Adelaide. Their first quarter was poor, but Sam Mitchell's rev-up worked wonders. The Hawks dominated the clearances, and Blake Hardwick's four goals in a new role were a pleasant surprise. They need to find consistency, but this win could be a turning point.
Melbourne Demons: A Close Call
Melbourne just couldn't quite get over the line against the Western Bulldogs. Kysaiah Pickett was back to his best, but the Dees struggled to contain the Bulldogs' midfield. This game highlights the fine line between victory and defeat. They need to execute better in those crucial moments.
North Melbourne Kangaroos: An Epic Comeback
What a comeback story! North Melbourne pulled off an incredible feat, reversing a 43-point deficit against Gold Coast. Alastair Clarkson's halftime adjustments worked a charm, and the Roos showed great character. Luke Davies-Uniacke and Jack Darling were standouts. This win will give the Roos a massive confidence boost.
Port Adelaide Power: A Disappointing Performance
Port Adelaide's loss to Carlton was a shocker, and their ball use was poor. Jason Horne-Francis played a lone hand, but the rest of the team seemed to lack aggression and confidence. This performance will be a wake-up call for Josh Carr and his side.
Richmond Tigers: A Much-Needed Win
Richmond's win over Essendon was a boost for their young players. Patrick Retschko and Tim Taranto stood out, and the Tigers' ability to beat the Bombers at stoppage was key. This win gives them some much-needed confidence in their rebuild.
St Kilda Saints: A Brave Effort
St Kilda put up a brave fight against Fremantle but couldn't match the Dockers' intensity in the final term. Max Hall and Mattaes Phillipou were impressive, but the Saints' turnover count and contested ball deficit were costly. They need to find a way to maintain their energy levels for the full game.
Sydney Swans: A Reality Check
Sydney's seven-game winning streak came to an end against Geelong, and it was a reality check for the Swans. Their inefficiency in front of goal and inability to match the Cats' pressure were telling. This game highlights the importance of converting possession into scores.
West Coast Eagles: A Gallant Effort
West Coast put up a gallant effort against Collingwood, and it was a valuable experience for their young side. Bailey Williams and Tom McCarthy were standouts. However, their forward half efficiency needs improvement. This game shows that they're a team on the rise.
Western Bulldogs: A Thrilling Victory
The Bulldogs survived a thriller against Melbourne, and Rhylee West's chase-down tackle was a game-changer. Ed Richards' return to form was crucial, and Marcus Bontempelli was, well, Bontempelli! They still need to find their rhythm, but this win will give them a boost heading into their next clash.
In conclusion, Round 11 delivered some thrilling moments and important takeaways. The AFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one, and I can't wait to see how these teams respond and evolve.
