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The middle three games of Round 21 included five teams that, before the game, had prospects of making the finals. Only four teams remained in contention at the end of the day, with Adelaide’s slim chance almost gone.
The late afternoon game between Port Adelaide and West Coast Eagles had a feeling of deja vu about it, with the Eagles again winning a match against the Power with a goal after the siren. This time it was defender Mitch McGovern who delivered the knockout blow, making the Eagles a definite finalist and an extremely likely top-four proposition.
Jamie Cripps was the only multiple goal-scorer for the Eagles, kicking three goals from only 12 touches. Mark LeCras managed one, which did not alter his position on the Eagles or the AFL top-100 goal-scorers list.
As I predicted in an earlier article, Robbie Gray is drawing away from Justin Westoff as the Power’s number two all-time goal-scorer. His two goals on Saturday gives him a lead of seven over Westoff.
The other multiple goal scorer, Aidyn Johnson, scored three goals to climb over the (admittedly low) bar and join Port’s top 100, but a season-ending injury to Charlie Dixon and other casualties has put some pressure on Power to hold their finals spot with only two rounds to go.
(AAP Image/Ben Macmahon)
A bright and aggressive start by the much-improved Brisbane Lions caused some angst among Collingwood supporters, who had plenty to boo about with the outstanding form of former Magpie Dayne Beams, who, along with teammate Dayne Zorko, was the featured player in this week’s AFL Record.
Collingwood eventually settled down to outscore the Lions in the final three quarters and run out comfortable winners with Jordan de Goey, Brody Mihocek, Jaidyn Stephenson and Chris Mayne all scoring multiple goals. Chris Mayne’s first goal was his 200th in AFL football.
The Magpies’ injury woes continued, with Ben Reid sidelined for the year in the VFL.
Eric Hipwood continued his impressive season for the Lions with three goals. Daniel McStay, Mitch Robinson and Lewis Taylor all added two, while Tom Cutler and the irrepressible Dayne Beams added one each. Injury and the close attention of Levi Greenwood contributed to Dayne Zorko having an unusually quiet day.
(Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Greater Western Sydney spoiled the party for David Mackay, who celebrated his 200th game for the Crows with a goal on Saturday. Unfortunately the two main guns, Eddie Betts and Taylor Walker, failed to fire, and it was up to Josh Jenkins (three goals) and Lachlan Murphy, Tom Lynch and Bryce Gibbs (two goals each) to keep Adelaide in touch with the Giants and, hopefully, the final eight.
While it is still mathematically possible for the Crows to make the finals, I think an entry a Tattslotto win would be a more likely prospect.
For the Giants, the goals were shared around, with recruit Aiden Bonar, Harry Himmelberg, Jeremy Cameron and Jacob Hopper all scoring two goals and Rory Lobb, Lachie Whitfield, Ryan Griffen and Dylan Shiel each contributing one.
Greater Western Sydney was another club hit by injuries, and although they are also guaranteed a finals spot, the list limitation will take its toll.
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