WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 20 OF THE AFL
THEY SAID IT: “The AFL, in a billion-dollar industry, can wreck seasons for football clubs who work too hard. If I was the AFL I would be embarrassed and disappointed.” – Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley on the contentious score review late in the Power’s heart-stopping loss to Adelaide.
STATS THAT MATTER: For the first time in VFL/AFL history, five games were decided by less than a goal in the same round. Richmond, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney won thrillers.
MAN OF THE ROUND: With his team floundering through form and injury, Sydney superstar Lance Franklin stepped up. Buddy lifted the Swans back into the eight with a sublime six-goal effort in an upset win over Collingwood at the SCG.
KEY MOMENTS: Hawthorn’s James Worpel, big Crow Josh Jenkins and Sydney’s Tom McCartin took the opportunity to kick match-sealing goals. Geelong champion Gary Ablett and young Lion Cam Rayner had the same chances but missed.
TALKING POINTS: Was it a goal or wasn’t it? Josh Jenkins certainly thought his late winner for Adelaide shaved the woodwork. Debate raged but the AFL gave the score review the seal of approval because there was no clear evidence to overrule the decision. Should the league spend the money on expensive technology to remove that doubt?
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Geelong’s Brandan Parfitt was slapped with a fine for a tackle on Jayden Short despite being awarded a free kick on the night. North’s Ben Cunnington landed a body blow on Dayne Beams that will get looked at, as did Essendon’s Cale Hooker on Hawthorn’s Ryan Schoenmakers.
KEY INJURIES: Rhys Stanley (Geel, calf), Jed Bews (Geel, shoulder), Matt Dea (Ess, concussion), Daniel Talia (Adel, calf), Tom Hickey (StK, hamstring), Darcy Moore (Coll, hamstring), Brett Deledio (GWS, calf), Sam Taylor (GWS, hamstring), Dawson Simpson (GWS, ankle), Toby Greene (GWS, hamstring), Peter Wright (GC, knee), Will Schofield (WC, hamstring).
WHAT’S NEXT: Essendon need a win over St Kilda on Friday night to stay in the finals hunt. The Hawks’ encounter with Geelong on Saturday shapes as the match of the day, while Port’s home clash with West Coast will have a large bearing on the top-four hopes of both sides. Melbourne’s clash with Sydney at the MCG is the pick of Sunday’s matches.