WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 22 OF THE AFL
THEY SAID IT: “We looked a little bit like a team that’s taken a big couple of hits in the last couple of weeks and when the last hit came today it didn’t take much to knock us over.” – Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley after his side conceded seven goals to one in the final quarter of a 51-point drubbing from Collingwood.
STATS THAT MATTER: Geelong kicked a record 23 goals in a 133-point smashing of Fremantle. It was the heaviest defeat in Dockers’ history.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Lance Franklin starred with five goals in Sydney’s come-from-behind win over GWS. Buddy’s big day saw him move past AFL legend Leigh Matthews into eighth spot on the all-time goalkickers’ list.
KEY MOMENT: Melbourne will play AFL finals for the first time since 2006 after Jake Melksham sealed a 17-point win over West Coast with his fourth goal at Optus Stadium. It was the first time the Demons have beaten a team inside the top eight this year.
TALKING POINT: Will injuries ultimately dash the Giants’ premiership hopes? Phil Davis and Ryan Griffen entered a crowded casualty ward during their loss to Sydney. They join the likes of Tom Scully, Toby Greene, Brett Deledio, Heath Shaw and Dawson Simpson on the sidelines.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Melbourne’s Aaron Vandenberg is in hot water for his swinging elbow to Willie Rioli’s face at Optus Stadium. Four players were fined for incidents during Friday night’s Richmond-Essendon clash, including Devon Smith after he lashed out at Kamdyn McIntosh. Swan Luke Parker’s high hit on Matt Buntine is likely to be scrutinised by the match review officer.
KEY INJURIES: Jason Castagna (Rich, thigh), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Ess, ankle), Jordan De Goey (Coll, leg), Phil Davis (GWS, hip/ribs), Ryan Griffen (GWS, hamstring), Jarryn Geary (StK, concussion), James Frawley (Haw, jarred back), Marcus Bontempelli (WB, back), Jack Darling (WC, concussion).
WHAT’S NEXT: Port Adelaide will try to climb back into the eight when they host Essendon at Adelaide Oval on Friday. Sydney’s clash with Hawthorn at the SCG on Saturday is the match of the round. GWS will play Melbourne at the MCG in Sunday’s most-anticipated match-up.