WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 14 OF THE AFL:
* THEY SAID IT: “The young fella is still learning his craft, but he’s kicked six goals in his first two games – two and four – that’s pretty god damn good.” – GWS coach Leon Cameron was full of praise for two-game forward Jake Riccardi after the team’s win over Fremantle.
* STATS THAT MATTER: St Kilda now have a disappointing 1-4 record in games decided by one goal or less this season, having gone down in a thriller against Melbourne. It followed other narrow defeats to North Melbourne, Fremantle and Brisbane. The close losses could end up being the difference between the Saints hanging onto their finals spot or not.
* MAN OF THE ROUND: It’s hard to go past Joe Daniher. The injury-ravaged key forward made his long-awaited return on Thursday evening and kicked 3.3 from 14 disposals to spearhead a famous Essendon win over old rivals Hawthorn. The performance left Bombers fans both excited and nervous as Daniher weighs up his playing future beyond this season.
* KEY MOMENT: Melbourne star Christian Petracca’s match-winning fourth goal against St Kilda was touched by Dougal Howard, but replays were unable to clarify whether contact was made before or after the ball crossed the goal line. The Demons’ three-point victory in Alice Springs put them back in the top eight with four matches left to play.
* TALKING POINT: Goal-line technology. The AFL was forced to move quickly on Sunday after the Petracca controversy, confirming goal-line cameras will be in place at all venues that host matches for the rest of the 2020 season. They were not available at TIO Traeger Park.
* TRIBUNAL WATCH: A familiar face was in the Match Review Officer’s sights after Giants star Toby Greene was caught on camera delivering an elbow to Docker Reece Conca’s chest behind play. He was charged with striking and offered a $1000 fine. Essendon star Devon Smith was charged with tripping and fined $500 over a bizarre incident involving Hawthorn’s Jack Gunston.
* KEY INJURIES: Jonathon Patton (Haw, plantaris tendon), Josh Kennedy (WCE, concussion), Dylan Grimes (Rich, hamstring), Michael Hibberd (Melb, ankle), Brad Ebert (Port, cheekbone), Josh Kelly (GWS, concussion), Luke Ryan (Frem, hip).
* WHAT’S NEXT: One day off on Monday and we’re back into the action as Adelaide get a huge chance to score their first win of the season against Hawthorn. The West Coast-Essendon, GWS-Carlton and Brisbane-Collingwood clashes all have direct consequences for both teams’ finals chances, while Richmond and Melbourne will be tipped to continue their winning ways against Fremantle and Sydney respectively. Six teams have the bye in round 15, including ladder leaders Port Adelaide.