Jordan Dawson kicked a dramatic winner, after the siren, as Adelaide defeated arch rivals Port Adelaide in the ‘Showdown 51’ derby, under the lights, at a packed Oval.
The midfielder, who chose the Crows over the Power in the summer, held his nerve with a 45-metre effort that snuck just inside the post. He won his first Showdown Medal, for his best on ground display, as well as making himself an instant hero.
Speaking to Fox Footy, moments later, he said “It was not really how I wanted to kick it. I was lucky it swung back late. I don’t know what to say.”
He continued “I think we’ve copped a little bit the first few weeks but we know our game plan stacks up against the best teams. It’s the first win for a few of us boys in a showdown and it’s very special.”
Sam Weideman marked his re-call to the team and 50th appearance by booting four majors for Melbourne as they finished strongly to see off the challenge of Essendon.
The 24-year-old forward (pictured below) was given his first start since June 2021, as a replacement for Ben Brown (late withdrawal due to health and safety protocols), and he certainly made the most of his opportunity as well as a case for selection in the future.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite kicking inaccurately (17 behinds), the Western Bulldogs finally got their season off the ground by coming out on top against Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
Their inability to convert, though, meant that the Swans were always in the contest and it wasn’t until Marcus Bontempelli put the ball through the big sticks, with just 30 seconds remaining, that Doggies fans could breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate.
Geelong captain Joel Selwood (pictured below) became the longest-serving skipper in the history of the sport as he led his players to an amazing comeback in the defeat of Collingwood.
He wore the armband for the 227th time to surpass Stephen Kernahan’s long- standing record as the Cats produced a sensational last quarter to overturn a 30-point deficit, led by forward Jeremy Cameron (six majors), and get over the line.
Speaking to Channel 7, the 33-year-old said “It’s unbelievable. This group, seriously; there is just something special about it. We had confidence at three quarter time even though the third quarter just wasn’t ours. We got outplayed big time but outstanding by the boys. Big efforts and big moments in that final quarter.”
On his achievement, he added “It’s very special. I am not really sure how to put it into words. I am lucky that I am at a great club. They have really built it up for me this week; I have heard from so many of my past team mates, staff members and even the footy world. Just so thankful to everyone who has reached out.”
A rampant Brisbane scored both their biggest win and kicked their highest score since 2007 as they belted a woeful North Melbourne by 108 points at the Gabba.
In what proved to be an incredibly one-sided and easy affair, the Lions could have secured an even bigger margin but still gave their percentage a significant boost.
The club, working with AFL Queensland, will use the proceeds from this fixture along with a variety of fundraisers, auctions and competitions to generate money for the community who have been severely affected by the recent floods that hit the state.
A crowd of 66,317 at the ‘G’ were given a thrilling afternoon of footy as Carlton went three-zip, for the first time in a decade, in beating Hawthorn by just a single point.
The Blues kicked seven goals in the first quarter, something not achieved in the last eight years, as they dominated. However, it was a different story after half-time and they needed to show a lot of resilience and defend well, highlighted by Sam Docherty winning his second David Parkin Medal, in order to get the job done.
Speaking in the post-match presser, coach Michael Voss (pictured above) said “You’ve only got to listen to that noise out there and realise how much passion is in there. I said to the boys to celebrate the wins: this game is really hard. Wins are really hard. We shouldn’t treat it as anything other than that and be able to enjoy it.”
He went on “But, at the same time, once we get back to work on Tuesday, we put our heads down and review it and move on. You need everyone playing well and pushing one another. Behind the scenes, we’re doing that.”
Up in New South Wales, Greater Western Sydney picked up their first success of the campaign as they jumped Gold Coast with a strong opening and never looked back.
Harry Himmelberg, Tom Green and Jesse Hogan were amongst the goals for the Giants while ruckman Braydon Preuss impressed in making his long-awaited debut.
In the seventh annual ‘Maddie’s Match’, St.Kilda forward Max King continued his current scoring form, with four snags in the final-term (part of ten in a row), with the Saints coming from behind to chalk up an excellent 33-point triumph over Richmond.
The game served as part of a number of different initiatives to help raise money to support gene therapy clinical trials for Australian patients, research to find new treatments and ultimately a cure for Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes (BMFS).
Website: https://www.mrv.org.au/ #FightlikeMaddie
Fremantle supporters will have the bragging rights around WA after watching their team dominate a Covid-affected Western Derby and thrash West Coast by 55 points.
It proved to be yet another difficult afternoon for the Eagles, ravaged by the pandemic, with coach Adam Simpson having to make 13 changes for the encounter.
Round 3 Results
Western Bulldogs 9.17 (71)
Sydney 9.6 (60)
Melbourne 14.15 (99)
Essendon 10.10 (70)
Adelaide 15.6 (96)
Port Adelaide 13.14 (92)
GWS 12.11 (83)
Gold Coast 8.9 (57)
Brisbane 23.18 (156)
North Melbourne 7.6 (48)
Collingwood 13.13 (91)
Geelong 16.8 (104)
Carlton 11.8 (74)
Hawthorn 11.7 (73)
St.Kilda 18.9 (117)
Richmond 13.6 (84)
West Coast 7.5 (47)
Fremantle 15.12 (102)
Related links
- Stay up to date with all the latest news via the official afl.com.au website.
- AFL Exchange Podcast
- AFL Daily Podcast
- AFL 2022 Round 2: Buddy 1000, Hawks stun Port, MCG false alarm, Saints win in the west
- AFL 2022 Round 1: GF re-run, Battle of the Bridge, Daicos debut, Docherty returns
- AFL 2022 Season Preview