WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 13 OF THE AFL SEASON:
THEY SAID IT: “It doesn’t mean anything. Three weeks ago, nothing was said, and it won’t matter what is said now.” – Swans coach John Longmire is desperate to keep the lid on, even if some pundits regard his club as premiership favourites after they beat ladder leaders West Coast on Friday night.
STAT THAT MATTERS: 2 – the total number of points that Gold Coast have scored across their past four final terms. Their opponents have scored a combined 101 points.
MEN OF THE ROUND: Ollie Wines starred with 35 possessions, seven tackles and a goal in Port’s 57-point thumping of the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Friday night. And Shaun Burgoyne … because he played his 350th AFL game and shows no sign of slowing down. And Dustin Martin … because he kicked a brilliant sealer against Geelong to send the Tigers back to the top of the AFL ladder.
KEY MOMENT: Jade Gresham was the hero for St Kilda when he swooped on a loose ball and sealed a stunning comeback victory against the Suns with his brilliant last-minute winner to the great relief of embattled coach Alan Richardson.
TALKING POINTS: Are the Crows cooked? Last year’s losing grand finalists looked a team completely bereft of confidence in the second half of a 56-point belting by Hawthorn. Don Pyke’s men are 11th with a 6-7 record and have a tough run home.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Sydney superstar Buddy Franklin had unfavourable diving comparisons with Richmond’s Alex Rance when he drew a free with a hint of mayo on Friday night. But match review panel Michael Christian found he had no case to answer.
KEY INJURIES: Easton Wood (WB, hamstring), Jack Macrae (WB, hamstring), Tom Boyd (WB, finger), Marcus Bontempelli (WB, knee), Brandon Matera (Fre, knee), Jimmy Webster (St K, adductor), Paul Seedsman (Adel, hip), Sam Gibson (Adel, hamstring), Lincoln McCarthy (Geel, hamstring).
WHAT’S NEXT: Thursday night football continues with West Coast hosting Essendon at Optus Stadium. Friday night’s clash between Port Adelaide and Melbourne at Adelaide Oval should be a beauty. Collingwood and Carlton renew their fierce rivalry at the MCG on Sunday.