In Round 14 there was only Hawthorn versus Gold Coast was one-sided. Essendon were the only outsiders to collect the four points in the six games for the round, while Brisbane, Western Bulldogs and Carlton were surprisingly competitive.
Byes: Geelong, Adelaide, Fremantle, St Kilda, Sydney, Richmond
West Coast Eagles versus Essendon Bombers
Injuries change everything. Injuries meant that the Eagles were without key forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling, and they lost the game despite having two more shots on goal. The game was effectively over at quarter-time with the Bombers having a scintillating start to the game.
Eagles team lifter: Andrew Gaff
Bombers team lifter: Zach Merrett
(Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Port Adelaide Power versus Melbourne Demons
The Demons missed a golden opportunity. They led at half-time and had the chance to collect a valuable four points that would have put them one step closer to making sure they are in contention to be a part of September action. The Power Adelaide have had a good run of late and are knocking on the door for finishing in the top four and obtaining a double chance.
Power team lifter: Ollie Wines
Demons team lifter: Angus Brayshaw
Hawthorn Hawks versus Gold Coast Suns
The Suns need to be more competitive. Despite a good performance in the first quarter, Gold Coast were not good enough. They are languishing near the bottom of the ladder, and their effort in the fourth quarter of games unacceptable. The Hawks may be in the mix for a top-eight finish, but I don’t see them as being a contender at this stage.
Hawks team lifter: Liam Shiels
Suns team lifter: David Swallow
Brisbane Lions versus Greater Western Sydney Giants
One player can make a big difference. The Giants are a much better team with Josh Kelly in it, while the Lions having Luke Hodge in the team is like having a coach on the field.
Lions team lifter: Luke Hodge
Giants team lifter: Josh Kelly
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Western Bulldogs versus North Melbourne Kangaroos
It’s great to see a close game, and this match was exciting because it went down to the wire. The Bulldogs managed to play some good footy despite being without a lot of players due to injury, whereas the Kangaroos overcame the injury to key forward Jarrod Waite and were also without their tagger in Ben Jacobs.
Bulldogs team lifter: Hayden Crozier
Kangaroos team lifter: Shaun Higgins
Collingwood Magpies versus Carlton Blues
The Blues were up for the fight. Despite not collecting the four points on offer, Carlton were clearly playing for the coach and, more importantly, were executing the game plan implemented by the coaching staff. Collingwood had too much polish for the Blues in what proved to be a tough and tight encounter.
Magpies team lifter: Will Hoskin-Elliott
Blues team lifter: Patrick Cripps
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