AFL Round 17 Recap

A not so serious AFL weekly round recap of Round 17

Essendon Bombers (92) vs Collingwood (80)

Wow, are we going to see the Bombers fly up at season's end? No. However, they were impressive. Zach Merrett has to be a lock for All-Australian Captain by now, showing so much fight that his midfield just wants to run with him. Durham, Shiel, Caldwell—definitely some good run in there, with Shiel showing good depth if they need it. Collingwood, who?

North Melbourne (87) vs Gold Coast Suns (83)

I went to this game, and geez, was it stark in the stadium on a cold Saturday afternoon. However, while being silent in the crowd, the North players gave their loyal fans something to cheer about. These lads are going somewhere as they start to build their premiership spine nicely. This is what happens when you give one team so many draft concessions. Watch out, competition. Suns... grow up.

Port Adelaide (102) vs Western Bulldogs (54)

You'd just say that's about the season done for the Dogs. This speaks to the 2024 season, but last week they were Michael Barlow's flag favorites, and now they "have a tough run" with Bevo's head back on the block. Meanwhile, Ken is on the other side of the pendulum. Can't get a bloody tip right.

Geelong Cats (110) vs Hawthorn Hawks (59)

The Hawks have finally fallen, getting blood all over their swagger-filled brown and gold cargo pants. The Cats, coached once again by the brilliant Chris Scott, unraveled the young Hawks down at GMHBA. If there’s a player that I hated seeing go badly, it was Tom Stewart, because he has to be in my top 5 players in the comp, and it's good to see him showing his versatility in the midfield. Chris Scott's masterclass is well and truly cementing himself among the great coaches in AFL history.

GWS Giants (116) vs Carlton (104)

This is the Giants that we all fell in love with last year. Supported by a good crop of new blood and fresh-faced debutants, the Giants managed to claw their way back to snatch victory and a top 8 spot. If Tom Green can play like this every week, then buy his stocks. He just needs to find consistency and become a goal kicker like the best mids in the comp. One of Kieran Briggs' best games, delivering the same grunt-filled ruck work that Xerri has so perfectly displayed this season.

Fremantle (105) vs Richmond (54)

This result speaks far more to Richmond than it does to Freo. Fremantle got the business done, while Richmond looks worse week by week. Wave the white flag, AFL, and put them out of their misery. Richmond is becoming hard to watch, as players take to the field who haven't even had their footy cards processed yet. Look towards the draft, Richmond fans.

Melbourne (112) vs West Coast Eagles (58)

Adam Simpson has got to go, blud... at least that's what the Eagles players' group chats are saying. Another tough game for the Eagles with a scoreline that probably flatters them. The footy world thought they had hit rock bottom and were rising again. It now looks like North Melbourne is creeping past them. It's okay—the talent isn't there yet for the Eagles. Unfortunately, it's a long process, and the club that dealt with COVID the worst is now reflected in the position they're in.

St Kilda Saints (94) vs Sydney Swans (92)

Game of the round. Heavily biased, but it's true. What a win. I remember posting before the game about shocking the footy world, and we did just that. A true St Kilda win that now exists in my mind as the best win I've seen live. A true culture win, fought with pure heart. While the season hasn't been good to any degree, this one will do wonders for the group and hopefully for players deciding on whether to leave or not. If it bleeds, you can kill it. The only thing I bleed is red, white, and black.

Brisbane Lions (97) vs Adelaide Crows (86)

Brisbane chugging along nicely, getting to work against the Crows. The Crows hung in there, trying to redeem some of their season; however, it wasn't enough. Lachie Neale's first half of footy is what most players strive for in just one game, or even just once in their season. Pure class. Lachie Neale winning a third Brownlow could be bi-product of needing to surge up the ladder so quickly after a floundering start.