WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 15 OF THE AFL
THEY SAID IT: “That’s almost a Rancey dive,” Hawthorn defender Ben Stratton sledged both the umpire and Richmond defender Alex Rance while complaining about a contentious free kick awarded to GWS forward Harry Himmelberg.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Geelong’s midyear slump is becoming a worrying trend. The Cats’ record in games played immediately after the bye has blown out to seven-straight losses after Friday night’s agonising two-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Hard to go past Jack Riewoldt. The Richmond spearhead was at his commanding best on Thursday night, finishing with three goals and 16 marks as the Tigers ran out 26-point winners over fellow premiership contenders Sydney.
KEY MOMENT: Geelong coach Chris Scott couldn’t bear to watch as veteran Harry Taylor lined up for goal after the siren at Etihad Stadium on Friday night. The crowd’s roar told the story as Taylor’s shot went wide and the Western Bulldogs prevailed to snap a five-game losing streak.
TALKING POINTS: Are West Coast’s top-four ambitions shot? The Eagles have now lost three straight games. The absence of injured stars Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras hurts but West Coast’s misfiring midfield – and their apparent inability to stop opposition momentum – is a real concern. So too is Nic Naitanui’s lack of form and fitness.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Match review officer Michael Christian will look at Hawthorn skipper Jarryd Roughead’s rough tackle on Jacob Hopper. Lance Franklin escaped with a fine for jabbing Alex Rance in the throat, while Nick Vlastuin copped a one-game ban for a high elbow on Luke Parker.
KEY INJURIES: Lin Jong (WB, collarbone), Matt Suckling (WB, Achilles), Isaac Heeney (Syd, concussion), Reece Conca (Rich, ankle), Jasper Pittard (PA, hamstring), Will Langford (Haw, finger), David Mackay (Adel, ribs), Lynden Dunn (Coll, knee), Nathan Brown (StK, hamstring), Ben Jacobs (NM, concussion).
WHAT’S NEXT: Sydney host Geelong on Thursday night in a big start to round 16. Friday night’s grand final rematch is even bigger – the Tigers are gunning for a 17th-straight win at the MCG but Adelaide have found some much-needed form and will be out for redemption. Sunday’s Essendon-Collingwood clash should draw a big crowd to the MCG and there’s plenty at stake for West Coast and GWS at Optus Stadium in the final game of the round.