WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 11 OF THE AFL SEASON:
THEY SAID IT: “Clarko would be happy with that. Well done. Did you have a coffee with him too?” – Sydney defender Dane Rampe to the umpire after he had a blocking free kick paid against him on Friday night. He later said it was just a bit of banter poking fun at Alastair Clarkson’s much-publicised meeting with AFL chief Gillon McLachlan.
STAT THAT MATTERS: 1230 – the number of games played by the six players that on Thursday night departed the Fremantle side that went on to suffer a big loss to Collingwood. Aaaron Sandilands (concussion) and Stephen Hill (quad) were injured but Brandon Matera, Hayden Ballantyne, Danyle Pearce and Michael Johnson were all dropped.
MEN OF THE ROUND: In his 193rd AFL match, North Melbourne star Shaun Higgins set a new career benchmark with his 38-possession performance against Brisbane.
KEY MOMENT: Port Adelaide and Hawthorn traded the lead, however Hawthorn skipper Jarryd Roughead settled the contest when he gave his side the lead for good with just over four minutes left.
TALKING POINTS: Has Nat Fyfe put his shot at a second Brownlow Medal in jeopardy with a late and high hit on Levi Greenwood?
TRIBUNAL WATCH: In addition to Fyfe, Shaun Burgoyne (Haw) was booked for rough conduct against Jared Polec (Port) during the first quarter in Launceston. Sydney’s Callum Sinclair copped a fine for staging for his Friday night flop and Richmond’s Alex Rance could have one coming his way after he put a ton of mayo on minimal contact from Shaun McKernan. Brisbane’s Mitch Robinson was reported for a high hit on Shaun Higgins and Allen Christensen was felled by Jy Simpkin.
KEY INJURIES: Jake Lever (Mel, knee), Jake Melksham (Mel, ankle), Tory Dickson (WB, hamstring), Jack Darling (WC, ankle), Jarryn Geary (St K, calf), David Zaharakis (Ess, collarbone), Jarrad Waite (NM, calf), Charlie Cameron (Bris, ankle), Allen Christensen (Bris, concussion).
WHAT’S NEXT: Port Adelaide kick round 12 off when they host Richmond at Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Geelong host North Melbourne at Kardinia Park in the match of the day on Saturday. The Queen’s Birthday Monday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood should be a ripper. The Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, West Coast and Carlton have byes.
