AFL

Snapshot of round 12 in the 2023 AFL season

By AAP Newswire

Jun 4, 2023

Richmond players celebrate their six-point win over GWS. — Richmond posted their first win under new coach coach Andrew McQualter in an AFL thriller over GWS. -AAP Image

THEY SAID IT: "He's a great kid Jordy. I don't know how he is personally, emotionally, after the game, but he's a fair player and I think history will show that" - Collingwood coach Craig McRae talked up Jordan De Goey's character after the star Magpie's high bump on West Coast's Elijah Hewett. See also: Tribunal Watch.

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PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Melbourne star Christian Petracca shone in the absence of injured midfield partner Clayton Oliver, tallying 32 disposals, 18 contested possessions, eight clearances and a goal in the Demons' win over Carlton.

THE MOMENTS: With 24 seconds left at Giants Stadium, Marlion Pickett snapped an outstanding goal and the Tigers beat GWS by six points. It was their first win under new coach Andrew McQualter. Since round 11 last season, they had been 1-8, plus two draws, in games decided by two goals or less. Meanwhile, McQualter's predecessor Damien Hardwick tweeted from a Denver bar that he'd signed 40 new club members. Sunday's late game was also a thriller, with Jake Stringer's tackle and smother setting up Massimo D'Ambrosio for the match-winning goal as the Bombers beat plucky North Melbourne by six points.

TALKING POINT: The Hawthorn racism saga is destined for many months of emotional claim and counter-claim before there's anything resembling a resolution. As usual, the only winners will be lawyers.

STATS THAT MATTER: Port Adelaide won nine straight for the first time in their AFL history and the half-time score of 16.9 (105) against Hawthorn is also a club record. Conversely, hapless West Coast have lost 10 in a row for the first time

TRIBUNAL WATCH: De Goey was referred to the tribunal after his bump concussed Hewett. Melbourne midfielder James Harmes is also set to miss their King's Birthday clash against Collingwood for his high bump on Carlton's Matthew Cottrell. Eagles defender Liam Duggan was handed a one-game ban for his dangerous tackle on Taylor Adams.

INJURIES: T Doedee (Adel, knee), E Richards (WB, hamstring), S Hurn (WC, hamstring), E Hewett (WC, concussion), C West (WC, knee), W Hoskin-Elliott (Coll, ankle), Beau McCreery (Coll, ankle), J Bowey (Melb, concussion), J Silvagni (Carl, hip), J Simpkin (NM, concussion), H Greenwood (NM, concussion).

WHAT'S NEXT: The last time Carlton lost six in a row, the run was completed against Essendon in round 11, 2019. That cost Brendon Bolton his job. Conversely, an upset win over their fierce rivals next Sunday could be just the tonic the Blues need to kick-start their floundering season of great expectation. Collingwood, most likely minus De Goey, facing Melbourne will be an enormous edition of their annual King's Birthday clash, as will the Western Bulldogs hosting Port Adelaide in a Friday night special.