Round 15 Review – Bye Bye, Byes.

AFL Round 15 Review

All teams have now completed their byes, and the log jam on the ladder continues. The Hawks top the tree – but waiting for a slip up right behind them are 6 teams – just a game back, separated only by percentage. This shapes to be the most exciting finish to a season in many years – and there is still no clear premiership favourite. Incredibly – early season ladder leaders North Melbourne could be in 8th place next week if they lose to West Coast, and we look on course for the first ever September Battle of the Bridge.

To the weekend’s action:

Excellent Eagles 20.10.130 def
Broken Bombers 7.10.52
Good: The first half was a pretty good contest – and West Coast were pretty slick in the second half.
Bad: Essendon’s last quarter, the free kick paid against Courtney Dempsey for tackling too hard.
Two Sentence Summary: The Bombers battled bravely but couldn’t match the Eagles after half time. West Coast finished the game full of run, and they cruised to a 13 goal win thanks to strong performances from Gaff, Shuey, and McGinnity.

Still Mathematically Possible Power 14.10.94 def
Tanking Time Tigers 8.8.56
Good: Justin Westhoff’s goal, a quarter time fight night special, Port’s response to the scuffle.
Bad: Richmond’s response to the scuffle, Richmond’s contested ball and tackle count.
Two Sentence Summary: The Power cling desperately on to the hope of finals football after a strong win over the Tigers on Friday night. The Tigers lost their 5th Friday night game of the season, blown away in the second quarter by a rampant running and far more desperate Power side.

Stellar Suns 15.18.108 def
Stinky Saints 8.20.68
Good: Gold Coast’s weather. Jaeger O’Meara’s return in the reserves.
Bad: The goalkicking – Nick Riewoldt in particular. Paddy McCartin’s third concussion of the year.
Two Sentence Summary: The Suns’ best players were back to their best and gave the Saints a real touch up – particularly through the middle of the ground. The Saints fantastic win against the Cats last week now forgotten after a flat and uninspired effort against the Suns.

Brilliant Bulldogs 13.5.83 def
Super Swans 11.13.79
Good: This was one of the best games of the season. Jason Johanisen’s return from injury.
Bad: Nothing I can think of…
Two Sentence Summary: The Bulldogs jagged a goal in the dying seconds to snatch a thrilling win against the Swans and keep their top 4 hopes alive. Buddy kicked 5 for the Swans, Stringer kicked 3 for the Dogs, while Parker, Kennedy, Hanneberry, Hunter, and Bontempelli all had really impressive games.

Crappy Collingwood 8.9.57 def
Crappy Carlton 6.9.45
Good: Jack Silvagni debuting and wearing long sleeves. Pendlebury.
Bad: Pretty much the entire game.
Two Sentence Summary: This was a scrappy, pretty ordinary game that did nothing to impress either side’s supporters. The combined score between these teams was the lowest since 1966, and it’s hard to see either side seriously improving towards the end of the year, or being a challenger next year.

Calm Crows 18.12.120 def
Determined Demons 15.8.98
Good: Sloane, Tex, and The Crouches
Bad: Remembering the Phil Walsh tragedy.
Two Sentence Summary: Melbourne were determined and played some good footy in patches, particularly the second quarter but couldn’t get over the form team of the competition. The Crows have now won their sixth match in a row, and sit just outside the top 4.

Next Week:
Power v Hawks, Cats v Swans, Giants v Magpies, Suns v Lions, Bulldogs v Tigers, Demons v Dockers, Blues v Crows, Eagles v Kangaroos, Bombers v Saints

Summary
Article Name
AFL Round 15 Review - Bye Bye, Byes.
Description
All teams have now completed their byes, and the log jam on the ladder continues. The Hawks top the tree – but waiting for a slip up right behind them are 6 teams – just a game back, separated only by percentage.
Author
Publisher Name
Holding Steadfast

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