AFL: North Melbourne great David King has called out Kangaroos captain Nick Larkey, imploring him to stand up against the best teams in the comp.
One perfect performance — and one fail — from a weekend with close results across the board. Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo?
WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. It took a half for the Crows to break the shackles against Richmond.
But when they did, they hit full speed. The Crows caught fire with five unanswered goals in the third quarter to really separate the game, before holding off Richmond's late charge at the MCG. Matthew Nicks revealed post-game that, while he gave a big spray to the group at half-time, it was the players that largely drove the club’s ability to identity its issues ahead of an epic second-half turnaround.
Izak Rankine was gliding across the MCG to do maximum damage in a pure midfield role. Star skipper Jordan Dawson tallied 29 touches and 12 marks across half back in his return and Wayne Milera racked up a game-high 34 disposals. We’re still yet to see the Crows consistently put together four quarters in 2026 and they’ve become a hard team to trust.
Their ability to handle Richmond’s pressure in the first half was a concern and there’s still question marks on the potency of Nicks’ midfield. Phew. That was unexpectedly close. The Lions almost coughed up a 49-point advantage on Friday night, holding off a fast-finishing Carlton by 11 points.
In a genuine game of two halves, the Lions set up their win with a brilliant clearance display — especially from centre ball-ups — across the first two quarters while they were slightly more efficient than the Blues inside forward 50. But they almost got overrun late. Coach Chris Fagan said what most Lions fans were thinking post-game: “I was just really happy to get away with the points tonight.
”Lachie Neale won the Robert Walls Medal for his excellent display, kicking one goal from 33 disposals, 16 contested possessions, nine clearances, eight marks and seven score involvements. But coach Fagan said Ryan Lester could’ve easily won the medal after his commanding defensive performance, finishing with 20 disposals, 11 marks and 11 intercepts.
Logan Morris booted four goals from six kicks, Sam Draper was crucial to the Lions’ early centre bounce dominance and Hugh McCluggage was back to his best with 25 touches, 10 clearances, seven score involvements and one goal. Fagan wasn’t pleased with his side’s third quarter, which saw the Lions concede six goals while being beaten at the contest and in clearance. Morris told Fox Footy post-game Fagan told his players at three-quarter time they’d just played a “sh**house quarter”.
While Fagan emphasised both pre-game and post-game how highly he rated Carlton and that its win-loss ratio isn’t a true indication of the team’s quality, a team like Brisbane shouldn’t be letting a 49-point lead be cut to 10 on its home deck. There were several players well down on their usual high output, including Zac Bailey and Darcy Wilmot, while Lincoln McCarthy and Jaspa Fletcher couldn’t get their games going. A tricky game to assess the Lions.
Brisbane might’ve walked away with the win, but a rejuvenated Carlton walked away with more admirers after a season-best Blues blitz gave the reigning premiers an almighty scare. The Blues produced a cracking second-half performance, reducing a 49-point Lions lead early in the third term to just 10 points late in the dying stages before eventually going down by 11.
While the ultimately fruitless fightback will be little consolation after an eighth straight loss, it at least gives besieged coach Michael Voss hope there are better times ahead. It was no surprise that Carlton’s comeback was led by two of their best senior players. Patrick Cripps was enormous, finishing with one goal from 32 disposals and nine clearances, with 12 of those disposals coming during the third term.
All three of Harry McKay’s goals came in the fourth term as the Blues mounted the most unlikely surge, too. McKay, Will Hayward and Mitch McGovern all booted three goals, while Ben Ainsworth added two from 21 disposals. Of Sam Walsh’s 29 touches, 13 led to Blues scores, while George Hewett made a strong impact upon return from a shock VFL stint.
While Blues fans probably walk away from the game glass half-full, the team’s poor first-half display can’t be ignored. Carlton looked dispirited and deflated at times across the first two quarters, with an alarming lack of pressure and an inept showing at clearance. The Blues were lucky to only be down by 38 points at the major break.
Individually, Adam Cerra had 23 touches but has come under fire for a lack of defensive accountability, while Adam Saad looked vulnerable at times in defence. A 54-point loss to Geelong was a tough watch for Pies fans, where it just never looked like their night after a promising few weeks. Not only did Collingwood’s forward half woes come back to haunt it, Craig McRae’s defence was uncharacteristically leaky.
A bad night was made worse by Darcy Moore getting struck down with concussion to continue a rough season for the Pies skipper. It means they’ll be without both Moore and Scott Pendlebury for trip to the SCG to face the red-hot Swans this Friday night.
Jordan De Goey looks back to his explosive best in a win for the black and white after the midfielder-forward has been so banged up over the last couple of years. If they can get De Goey and Nick Daicos up and running at their best in the midfield together, it’d make a world of difference.
Their defensive system was dismantled in a manner we aren’t used to seeing but an area you’d expect can be corrected for one of the stingiest sides in the league. You wonder if an added focus on trying to score more has hurt them the other way. The Pies’ forward half efficiency was a major issue, losing by 54 points despite having seven extra inside 50s.
Brad Scott’s side were gallant in their 14-point loss to the Giants at Engie Stadium but will be ruing a final quarter fade out. The Bombers led by 15 points at half time. Their lead was reduced to just two points at the final break despite extending the margin to 26 points midway through the third term.
Then the Giants flexed their muscles with a five-goal to two last quarter. Essendon squandered a shot at a second win for the season, but it was a much-improved display on the 77-point and 64-point beltings by Collingwood and Brisbane in their previous two outings. Peter Wright is relishing his run in the ruck, kicking three goals to go with ten score involvements and 21 hit-outs.
Archie Roberts had a whopping 42 disposals, including 31 kicks, while Zach Merrett collected 31 disposals. Sam Durham was arguably the most influential Bomber in the middle of the ground, however, with a team-high eight clearances and seven score involvements. Essendon clearly need greater consistency across the four quarters and a key driver of that is efficiency. They led the Inside 50 count 61-46 and also had more one more scoring shot, kicking 13.11 compared to 16.7.
Being able to hit the scoreboard from their opportunities going forward is a clear improvement area. As is repelling opposition attacks at the other end of the ground. The Giants hit the scoreboard half the time they went Inside 50 and it was the fourth game in a row that Essendon’s opponents have scored more than 100 points.
It was Wharfie time at Optus Stadium as the Dockers stormed home, kicking the last five goals of the game to overcome the Hawks in a tense top three battle. Fremantle temporarily went to the top of the ladder with their eighth straight victory. The Swans took top spot back with their win over North Melbourne, but out West they are once again daring to dream of Flagmantle a Justin Longmuir’s side show all the hallmarks of being a contender.
Luke Jackson was on fire in the final term with nine disposals to cap off another impressive display. The mobile ruck was in the thick of everything around the ground. He finished with 22 disposals, 22 hit-outs, 18 contested possessions, ten tackles, nine score involvements, seven clearances and five intercepts in a monster display. Caleb Serong enjoyed a return to form with a team-high 28 disposals and equal game-high eight clearances.
Michael Frederick kicked an equal team-high three goals to go with 19 disposals, while Murphy Reid kicked a goal, had ten score involvements and nine inside 50s from his 20 disposals. There are not too many faults in Fremantle’s game right now. Their final quarter surge came off the back of overpowering Hawthorn in the middle of the ground, but if they were more efficient earlier in the game, it might not have been so close.
The Dockers finished the night kicking 12.16 from 56 Inside 50s. Josh Treacy was the biggest culprit, kicking 2.4. On other night their inaccuracy may have been costly. Something clicked for Geelong from late in the third quarter against North Melbourne a fortnight ago.
The Cats carried that momentum into a 54-point domination of Collingwood on Saturday night as the Cats’ forward half efficiency was far superior in the key difference between the two sides on the night. There was a lot to like from a Geelong perspective including a greater emphasis on utilising handball with their freewheeling ball movement that cut the Pies open.
That’s now four of their last five games where Chris Scott’s men have put over 120 points on the board as Geelong builds into form. Bailey Smith , ran amok through the midfield and recorded a game-high 612 metres gained. Oisin Mullin nullified Nick Daicos and picked up 21 touches himself as the second-highest rated player on the ground.
Meanwhile former Magpie Ollie Henry lit up his former side. The Suns’ TIO Stadium win streak has now hit nine as their Darwin dominance continued on Saturday night. But Gold Coast were challenged in an opening term where the side was accused of playing “match sim” amid a clearance “belting”.
Those contest numbers didn’t improve by full time either , yet the Suns found a way to kick 12 of the 15 goals scored after quarter time. In 27-degree heat with 65 per cent humidity, Gold Coast were able to outlast the Saints. Dan Rioli and John Noble were the sparks for the Suns.
Their confidence to run and carry in the warm conditions split the Saints defence. Ben King kicked four goals to continue his good form. Sam Collins was a brick wall in defence while Bailey Humphrey had flashes of brilliance to finish with a game-high 11 score involvements. Without his injured partner in crime Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson isn’t having his same impact.
He still finished with 31 touches but had three frees against. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan couldn’t finish his work with two posters before ending the game with a knee injury scare and a disposal efficiency of 25 per cent. A much-needed win for the Giants to keep themselves in touch with the wildcard places. Their fourth victory of the season was not the most convincing effort.
But if they can keep banking wins, they can keep their season alive as they try to get their list healthier. Having played at five different venues since their previous outing at Engie Stadium, it was also a welcome return home for Adam Kingsley’s side. Lachie Whitfield ran amok with 35 disposals at 86% efficiency with seven score involvements. Clayton Oliver was massive in the middle with a game-high 11 clearances, including six centre clearances, and seven tackles.
Finn Callaghan offered plenty of support with four centre clearances and 30 disposals. Toby Greene also had a big day with three goals, 18 disposals and seven clearances. The Giants will be determined to next give up so much field position against their next opponents. The Giants love to unleash the ‘Orange Tsunami’ from their back half, but giving up 15 more Inside 50s should be unsustainable in the long run.
Kingsley will be eager to make sure playing catch up does not become a trend. Sam Mitchell’s side were impressive for most of the night before being overrun late. They led for more than an hour and a half of playing time and will be disappointed they did not leave Perth with the four points. The Hawks still sit third on the ladder and alarm bells are not ringing.
But they will no doubt be demanding more of themselves. Jack Gunston bagged six goals in a vintage display that took footy fans back to a bygone era. The veteran forward played one-out, deep Inside 50 and was near unstoppable on the lead. Gunston kicked five goals in the first half alone and sits second in the Coleman Medal on 30 goals for the season as he continues to age like fine wine.
Jai Newcombe registered an equal game-high eight clearances, Karl Amon led all comers with 31 disposals, while Nick Watson was electric with three goals. It was a familiar problem for Hawthorn as they were beaten in the middle of the ground, particularly when the game was on the line in the final quarter. They lost the clearances for the night 41-29 and the centre clearances 13-9. Fremantle also led the tackle count 58-42.
Six Dockers had four or more clearances, while only Newcombe and Conor Nash had so many. They must get better at sharing the load. A five-goal haul to Jacob van Rooyen continued Melbourne’s strong start to 2026 in a 32-point win over West Coast at Marvel Stadium. Far from the Dees’ best performance of the season but they did enough to roll past an Eagles side that was clearly keen to bounce back.
It saw Steven King’s side improve to 6-3 — one less than the club had for the entirety of last season — ahead of a huge test against Hawthorn this Saturday. Van Rooyen’s five goals led the way for Melbourne as he stepped up in a big way in the absence of Brody Mihocek.
Kade Chandler continues to add dollars to his next contract as the highest-rated player on the ground and Max Gawn had great impact splitting his time in the ruck and forward. Kysaiah Pickett was well down on his normal influence and you wonder if the superstar got in his own head after a hit on Jake Waterman that’s set to come under MRO scrutiny.
Melbourne’s inside 50 efficiency wasn’t as effective as we’ve seen in just the third time this season the Dees have failed to score in triple figures. Another plucky performance by the Kangaroos, but ultimately a third straight loss. They pushed a genuine premiership contender for four quarters and were within striking distance for the entire match.
The Roos won inside 50s and led for the majority of the first half before the Swans lifted to escape with an eight-point win. Finn O’Sullivan continues to grow in confidence at AFL level. The No.2 pick kicked two goals from 22 disposals and nine score involvements in an impressive display.
Tristan Xerri had an engrossing ruck battle with Brodie Grundy and emerged as the higher rated player on the ground, booting one goal from 19 disposals, 15 contested possessions and nine clearances. Gusty midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke showed no signs of carrying a hamstring niggle, picking up a game-high 34 disposals and six inside 50s. Harry Sheezel fought hard with 31 touches and a goal, Colby McKercher inspired with his run and George Wardlaw had some brilliant moments.
In a game of inches against a top-quality side, red time goals cost the Roos dearly. They were 19 points ahead late in the first term before conceding two goals in a minute to have their advantage cut to seven points at quarter time. Again, in the second term, they copped a late goal after just scoring to have their lead trimmed to less than a goal.
And while pleased to keep the Swans to 51 inside 50s, the Roos were left lamenting missed opportunities after having 67 entries themselves. Individually, skipper Nick Larkey had 0.2 from eight touches and one tackle. Despite losing the territory battle comprehensively against the Bulldogs, the Power did enough right to draw the game level in the waning minutes.
Their defence, as it has all season, stood up, while Josh Carr’s side looked a threatening proposition in transition - far more efficient going forward than the Dogs. It wasn’t a spectacle to write home about, but Port continues to prove it can match it with the competition’s elite. Zak Butters was the Power’s best on Friday night, buzzing around for 30 disposals, seven score involvements and five clearances.
Mitch Georgiades came up big at some crucial junctures, kicking four goals from 12 disposals with nine score involvements. There aren’t going to be many times where Port Adelaide wins a game after losing the inside-50 count by 24. The Dogs were able to force repeat entries and suffocate the Power with their forward-half pressure, recording 17 more tackles inside their forward 50.
The home side was also beaten at the contest, going -8 at stoppages around the ground as Marcus Bontempelli put his team on his back. It’s back-to-back agonising losses for the Power, who continue not to reap the rewards commensurate to their performance. From some saying Richmond wouldn’t win a game this season, to the Tigers looking capable of a second-straight victory. Fans would’ve left Sunday’s loss to Sunday proud of their side’s effort in promising overall signs.
Adem Yze’s side brought great heat and fought until the final siren. Take away the one-sided third quarter and Adelaide only wins by four points. Tom Lynch was particularly influential in the first half and Jack Ross continued his strong form.
Richmond’s lapse in the third quarter was ultimately what decided the game. When Adelaide went up a level, the Tigers just couldn’t match them. While that’s to be expected from a young side, Richmond coach Adem Yze said he was “really frustrated” to drop a game his side was firmly in at half-time. The Saints were brave but beaten in the humid Darwin conditions on Saturday night.
Despite winning hitouts , clearance , contested possession and marks inside 50 , the Saints were blown away after quarter time on the scoreboard. Time in the Darwin cool room did little to rejuvenate the side. And without their star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera who was a late withdrawal and defender Callum Wilkie who played no further part after a knock in the second term, the Saints lacked the polish.
Darcy Wilson excelled in the slippery conditions with 22 touches, four marks, three tackles and four goals to finish St Kilda’s only multiple goal scorer. Sam Flanders threw everything at his former side with 28 disposals, more than 770 metres gained and an equal team-high five tackles. Despite St Kilda’s clearance dominance, neither Rowan Marshall or Tom De Koning controlled the match. They finished with a combined 29 hit-outs and 30 disposals — neither managing to kick a goal.
They were made to earn that one! An accurate Sydney powered to a gutsy eight-point win over an admirable North Melbourne to regain top spot on the ladder. The Swans kicked 9.1 in the first half to stay in the game, slammed on six goals in the third term then held on late to win a classic. Isaac Heeney’s latest masterclass was a jaw-dropping one.
The superstar Swan showed why he’s now widely regarded as a top-five AFL player, booting three goals from 24 disposals, 15 contested possessions, eight score involvements, seven clearances and six tackles. Nick Blakey was electric in defence, collecting a team-high 26 disposals to go with 11 rebound 50s and eight intercepts. And without star forward Charlie Curnow, tall forwards Hayden McLean and Logan McDonald kicked three each and Tom Papley was lively with 18 disposals and 2.3.
Swans coach Dean Cox post-game said his side wouldn’t have beaten North Melbourne if it wasn’t for accurate kicking in front of goal. The Roos at half-time had an extra 12 inside 50s and six more scoring shots, yet the Swans only trailed by one point before finding their rhythm in the third term. Individually, Malcolm Rosas couldn’t fire after his seven-goal outing the previous week against Melbourne, held goalless from seven touches against the Kangaroos.
After kicking the first goal in Sunday’s clash with Melbourne, West Coast conceded eight-straight majors to really set the tone for the day, Andrew McQualter’s side showed some better fight in the second half, but it never really felt like it got back in the game as the 2-7 Eagles suffered a sixth-straight loss. Further souring the result was Harry Edwards exiting the game with another concussion to continue the defender’s cruel run.
Jake Waterman had an almost game with 3.5 and provided great presence in front of the ball. Harley Reid looked like he was gong to rip the game to shreds in some big moments as the second-highest rated player on the ground and Tom McCarthy racked up 30 disposals with 692 metres gained.
The Eagles struggled to match Melbourne’s ground-level pressure and Demons won each of the disposal , tackle , and mark count to suggest Andrew McQualter’s side was pretty well beaten across the board. The Dogs would have been disappointed with a draw, given their territory dominance and ability to play a forward-half game, and they were able to secure the winning behind through Harvey Gallagher with 30 seconds left.
Luke Beveridge’s side notched 24 more inside-50s than the Power and won at the contest - in large part because of their captain - en route to the desperately-needed win to snap a four-game losing streak. Marcus Bontempelli, playing through heel and knee pain, was in everything for the Bulldogs, finishing as easily the highest-rated player on the ground with 30 disposals, seven score involvements, seven clearances and a goal.
Ryley Sanders played one of his better games as a Bulldog, totalling 31 possessions, seven clearances and seven score involvements. Attacking efficiency will be a point of emphasis for the Dogs, who, despite tallying 59 inside-50s for the night and forcing repeat entries with good structure, kicked 10.14 to only just survive Port. On the other side, the Power were probably able to score a bit too easily at times, considering they only managed 35 inside-50s for the match.
But in a game the Dogs never trailed in, they rightfully took home the four points.
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