A late surge by Fremantle saw them come from the clouds to take the honours over fellow flag contenders Hawthorn, in front of a packed house at Optus Stadium.
It had looked like it might be the Hawks’ night, with forward Jack Gunston continuing his outstanding form with five first-half goals, before finishing with six for the night.
In a shrewd move, though, Dockers coach Justin Longmuir decided to move Brennan Cox (pictured above) on him, after the break, with the defender rising well to the challenge.
Some of his other players also stepped up when it mattered; none more so than ruckman Luke Jackson (pictured below), who racked up nine disposals, eight contested possessions, seven ground ball gets, five score involvements and 155m gained in the final term.
Although Longmuir played down this match and they had “nothing to prove”, he was delighted with his side’s showing and stretching their red-hot run to eight in a row.
LIONS SEE OFF THE BLUES
Reigning Premiers Brisbane might have led for the whole evening, but were asked a few questions in the second half before getting up over a plucky Carlton outfit.
It proved to be a contrasting game by the Lions that started so brightly, got themselves into a commanding position, and seemingly coasted towards the ‘W’.
However, the Blues, who have been guilty of some real fade-outs, flipped the script after the interval. With momentum behind them, which included a run of six consecutive goals, they came hard, but credit to the hosts that steadied the ship.
Two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale (pictured below), who kicked what proved to be the sealer, won the first Robert Walls Medal of his career, adding to his lengthy list of accolades, with a best on ground that included 33 disposals and nine clearances.
Pendles equals AFL/VFL appearance record
Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury equalled the all-time AFL/VFL games record, 432, but it proved to be a bad evening as they were thrashed by Geelong.
The 38-year-old, six-time All-Australian, who joined the Magpies as pick 5 in the 2005 national draft, will break it by playing his 433rd match in a fortnight’s time.
Before a crowd of 83,166 at the ‘G’, they dropped off badly in the second half, and a dirty night was compounded by losing their captain, Darcy Moore, to a concussion.
Cats had a milestone man of their own in Tom Stewart, regarded as one of the very best intercept defenders, making his 200th start during ten seasons with the club.
Speaking to Kayo Sports, he commented “I don’t think people realise just how much I mean it when I say that I really am “living my dream”. I am so grateful to be at this footy club and every day is so special for me. Great night!”
SWANS PUSHED ALL THE WAY
Ladder leaders Sydney remain in pole position but were certainly pushed all the way by a much-improved North Melbourne that actually led going into the main break.
In the end, though, their fast transition style proved decisive and highlighted exactly why their transition game has been such a major weapon this season.
Hayden McLean (pictured above) made the most of a call-up from the twos, coming in for the injured Charlie Curnow, who has been keeping him out of the side, by kicking three goals.
Whilst down back, key defender Will Edwards was a bit of an unsung hero after being given the tagging job on Nick Larkey; he came through with flying colours.
SUNS MAINTAIN PERFECT DARWIN RECORD
Up in Darwin, the Gold Coast had to overcome a shocking first quarter before managing to turn things around and run over the top of St Kilda, in hot and humid conditions.
The club is making its annual week-long trip up to the Northern Territory, where it hosts a couple of matches and takes part in a number of community activities; all part of an agreement with the state government to promote AFL.
The result ensures they keep their perfect record at TIO Stadium, now nine-zip over four years, and they will have the chance to make it 10 next Friday evening.
Ben King (pictured below) continued his impressive run in front of the big sticks with another four-goal haul, which keeps him in first place on the Coleman Medal leaderboard.
Giants grind out the win
Greater Western Sydney produced a big last term as they managed to wear down and come out on top against Essendon in what proved to be a real arm wrestle.
Having trailed at every change, the Orange Tsunami were able to go up another gear, with their pressure rating hitting 218 – the competition average for fourth quarters is 173 – and this was a big factor in them getting the job done.
There was a bit of added spice in the pre-game build-up with the Giants unveiling their banner that made reference to the whole ‘Whiteboard Gate’ saga, as well as highlighting the Bombers’ unwanted 7,916-day drought between finals wins.
This fixture was promoted by the club as ‘Super Helpful Game’, an initiative to celebrate the community heroes like teachers, nurses, care workers, and first responders, who all quietly serve the community and “always do what’s best for the team”.
BIG FREEZE 12 EVENT LAUNCH
Jacob Van Rooyen enjoyed an afternoon out by booting five majors as Melbourne chalked up their sixth success of the campaign in besting lowly West Coast.
It was also a big afternoon for defender Andy Moniz-Wakefield (pictured below left with Kade Chandler), who was a late inclusion into the side for Daniel Turner, who had to be withdrawn due to illness.
The 22-year-old is making his first AFL appearance for the Demons in 646 days after shattering his ACL and then having to undertake a lengthy recovery programme.
Earlier in the week, in conjunction with Collingwood, the club officially launched the ‘Big Freeze 12’ event with the help of a stunning, branded hot air balloon.
It supports the official FightMND Big Freeze 12 campaign, co-founded by Dees legend Neale Daniher, who suffers with the disease himself, with this year’s slogan being “I chose to fight”.
FightMND’s campaign page also links to the latest Big Freeze 12 news and fundraising details.
The public can help raise important funds by buying the new beanie, whilst on Monday, 8 June, twelve Australian personalities will brave the ice bath at the MCG.
BULLDOGS WIN A THRILLER AT THE OVAL
Harvey Gallagher scored the most important behind of his short career, to date, as it saw the Western Bulldogs take the choccies over Port Adelaide in a thriller.
With the scores tied and just two minutes left on the clock, the 22-year-old forward struck with a close-range banana kick, and from there they were able to see it out.
There were a couple of Doggies players celebrating milestones – Matt Kennedy bringing up 150 appearances, whilst Buku Khamis, a refugee from South Sudan, 50.
The Power certainly weren’t at their best but put themselves in with a big chance and will be desperately disappointed to lose a fourth match this year by less than a kick.
RANKINE STARS IN CROWS VICTORY
A very strong third quarter laid the foundations for Adelaide to come from behind, then go on and claim an interstate triumph by defeating bottom-side Richmond.
Jordan Dawson returned following the death of his brother and produced a captain’s performance, finishing with 29 disposals, four tackles, three clearances, 573 metres gained and a goal.
Crows livewire Izak Rankine also played a key role, producing one of his most influential performances of the season. He finished with a career-high 33 disposals, 10 marks, eight score involvements and 684 metres gained, proving a constant menace in the forward half.
The poor Tigers, who started really well, aren’t having any luck with injuries at present – already with 17 players out on the sidelines, they lost another one with youngster Tom Brown forced off, in the early stages, with a suspected broken arm.
Round 9 Results
Fremantle 12.16 (88)
Hawthorn 11.7 (73)
Brisbane 14.16 (100)
Carlton 13.11 (89)
Port Adelaide 10.12 (72)
Western Bulldogs 10.14 (74)
North Melbourne 14.13 (97)
Sydney 16.9 (105)
GWS 16.7 (103)
Essendon 13.11 (89)
Gold Coast 13.11 (89)
St.Kilda 8.12 (60)
Geelong 18.14 (122)
Collingwood 9.14 (68)
Melbourne 15.9 (99)
West Coast 9.13 (67)
Richmond 9.7 (61)
Adelaide 14.14 (98)
For the full fixture list, match centre and updated scores, visit the official AFL fixtures and results page. The AFL page lists Round 9 results including Fremantle’s 88-73 win over Hawthorn and Brisbane’s 100-89 victory over Carlton.
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