AFL Snapshot Round 16

SNAPSHOT FROM ROUND 16 OF THE AFL:

THEY SAID IT: “This means a lot to the playing group in terms of being able to move forward. The four points are critical for us … but I think getting through what we have got through, and to get a win, has really galvanised the group.” Caretaker coach Scott Camporeale after the Crows won their first match since the death of coach Phil Walsh, edging out Port Adelaide in a Showdown thriller.

STATS THAT MATTER: Sydney’s 89-point loss to Hawthorn was the heaviest of John Lonngmire’s coaching career. The only happy number on a sorry night for the Swans came when Buddy Franklin reached the 700-goal milestone.

MAN OF THE ROUND: Nick Riewoldt. He couldn’t quite get the Saints over the line against the Tigers in Maddie’s Match, but the courage he showed in the leadup – and in overcoming a calf injury – did the memory of his beloved late sister proud.

TALKING POINT: The feeling that ANZ Stadium’s future as an AFL venue is on borrowed time grows stronger by the week, with Sydney considering whether to host all their home games at the SCG from 2016 onwards. On a related matter, Jarryd Roughead cutting his back after sliding into exposed bolts on the playing arena at ANZ was a real concern.

TRIBUNAL WATCH: Sydney defender Ted Richards was booked for a high shot on Hawk Sam Mitchell. Collingwood ruckman Jarrod Witts was cited for tripping Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis. Also expect plenty of fines to be handed out as a result of the halftime melee in the game between North Melbourne and Essendon.

KEY INJURIES: Aaron Mullett (NM) hamstring, Jamie Macmillan (NM) hamstring, Matt Buntine (GWS) concussion, Tom Nicholls (GC) quad, Josh Hill (WC) shoulder, Jeremy McGovern (WC) hamstring, Scott Selwood (WC) knee, Xavier Ellis (WC) elbow, Travis Cloke (Coll) calf, Bradley Hill (Haw) calf, Craig Bird (Syd) calf, Kurt Tippett (Syd) hand, Hayden Ballantyne (Fre) shoulder, Troy Menzel (Carl) corked quad, Pearce Hanley (BL) hamstring, Daniel Talia (Adel) concussion).

UNDER PRESSURE: Four losses in a row for fading Collingwood have seen them slip out of the top eight.

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