Jonathan Horn

Two AFL draws in 24 hours demonstrated the contrasting emotional value of stalemates. Hawthorn and Collingwood produced a chaotic but ultimately fitting draw in a tightly contested match, becoming the first teams in VFL/AFL history to draw both meetings in the same season. Collingwood coach Craig McRae treated the result as a victory, while Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was less enthusiastic. The following day, the Western Bulldogs delivered an unexpectedly intense performance against Carlton despite missing several key players, with Ed Richards and Tom Liberatore standing out. That match’s frantic conclusion created unusual mass hysteria around a draw, reinforcing the argument that AFL stalemates provide distinctive drama and should not automatically be replaced by extra time.

Max Gawn is argued to have legitimate claims as the greatest ruckman in Australian football history. The Melbourne captain has dominated his position for a decade despite evolving rules, changing tactical demands and repeated challenges from opponents. The column compares him with Simon Madden, Polly Farmer and John Nicholls, highlighting Gawn’s athleticism, longevity, tactical intelligence, versatility, ball use and defensive work. While comparisons across eras are inherently difficult, the assessment is that Gawn has surpassed Madden as the premier ruck of the past 50 years and stands among the sport’s all-time greats.

Josh Fraser has emerged as Carlton's strongest candidate for the permanent coaching role after guiding the Blues to a 76-point win over reigning premiers Brisbane. Carlton's rapid, precise ball movement and contributions from six players aged 21 or under suggest Fraser has rebuilt confidence and unlocked the club's young talent, including Jagga Smith and Harry Dean. Brisbane's defensive frailties and poor discipline were exposed, though the Lions remain too strong to dismiss and face a significant test against Hawthorn.

A section of Adelaide supporters booed Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor, apparently in lingering anger over his role in the fallout from Izak Rankine’s homophobic slur. Quaynor responded by playing well, while Collingwood coach Craig McRae directly condemned the behavior. Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks, the club and the AFL offered more equivocal responses, which the commentary argues failed to address the risks faced by players who challenge racism or homophobia and the alienation of LGBTQ+ fans. The episode is contrasted with the AFL’s mishandling of the Adam Goodes saga and criticized as another instance of institutions prioritizing appeasing fans over clearly rejecting discrimination.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera produced a dominant performance for St Kilda against North Melbourne, recording 46 disposals and four goals after taking control of the contest from the third quarter onward. The victory was overshadowed by another injury to Max King in his return after more than 750 days. The column also praises Jack Gunston’s seven-goal display for Hawthorn against Essendon, highlighting his efficiency, movement and remarkable longevity. Hawthorn’s increasingly cohesive forward line and adaptable team structure are identified as major strengths ahead of tests against Brisbane and Collingwood.

Former Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty reflects on a 13-year AFL career shaped by two bouts of cancer, three knee reconstructions, bereavement, chronic pain and a gambling problem. He describes returning from chemotherapy to score a goal in front of 72,000 people in 2022 as a defining moment, believing he represented cancer patients and survivors beyond himself. Although he achieved a career-best finish of second in Carlton’s best and fairest, Docherty says illness changed his understanding of success from awards and appearances to the positive impact he had on others. After retiring in 2025, he misses the structure and purpose of elite sport but not the pain, politics and pressure surrounding his final season.

Ken Hinkley’s appointment as the Tasmania Devils’ inaugural coach is presented as a strong fit for a role requiring far more than tactical coaching. Although his Port Adelaide tenure was criticized for rigidity and repeated failures in major finals, he revived the club, won nearly 60% of his games and is regarded as an exceptional communicator and father figure. Tasmania needed someone able to sell its vision to players, families, managers and the wider state, build an island-versus-mainland identity and develop young talent. The role nevertheless faces major logistical and political uncertainties, including delays to facilities, stadium questions and doubts about funding, making Hinkley’s relationship-building skills especially important.

Collingwood defeated Carlton 14.6 (90) to 10.9 (69), ending the Blues' hopes of building momentum toward an AFL wildcard spot. Despite Carlton's progress under interim coach Josh Fraser, Collingwood's relentless pressure, defensive discipline and experience again exposed Carlton's weaknesses. The Magpies remain short of their best and face a difficult run of fixtures, but their organisation and intensity make them a formidable opponent for any team that is not at its best.

Fremantle are positioned as strong contenders for the AFL premiership, with recent performances demonstrating their ability to shift momentum quickly despite early inconsistencies. Comparisons to past seasons highlight how rare their current standing is, while reflections on the 2015 preliminary final underscore the club’s historical missed opportunities. The team’s attacking surges, improved resilience and Justin Longmuir’s steady leadership balance the rising hype around their premiership prospects.

GWS rallied from a 39‑point deficit to defeat an injury‑hit Geelong side, reinforcing their ability to challenge top AFL teams despite an inconsistent season. Adam Kingsley’s high‑endurance squad overpowered the Cats as key Geelong players left the field injured. Recent GWS wins over Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and now Geelong position them as potential finals threats. The article also highlights Fremantle’s emphatic response to their loss to GWS with a dominant victory over Sydney, strengthening their premiership credentials.

A suburban Australian rules footballer, Nathan Fitzgerald, died from severe head injuries sustained during a match after hitting a covered concrete cricket pitch, renewing debate about safety standards outside the AFL. Experts and advocates argue that inconsistent ground conditions and limited resources put community players at heightened risk compared with professionals. The piece contrasts these dangers with other sporting tragedies, highlighting the unavoidable risks of contact sport while emphasizing the large community of players who face hazards absent from the elite level.

Brayden Maynard’s physical and combative style epitomizes Collingwood’s relentless approach, contrasting sharply with the Gold Coast Suns’ inconsistent intensity during their recent match. Despite Collingwood’s roster limitations, their commitment and defensive pressure drove a significant tackle differential and key moments such as Jeremy Howe’s desperate smother. Maynard endured heavy hits, including one from Ben Long, yet continued to impose himself, later expressing how deeply the contest and team effort mattered. The Suns again showed flashes of talent but failed to sustain effort, contributing to another loss in their ongoing streak.

Evidence of CTE in young footballers has intensified scrutiny of the AFL’s handling of concussion risks, with families, coroners and experts highlighting long-term dangers from repeated head trauma across all levels of the sport. Critics argue that the league has been slow to act, offering inadequate public responses as legal and ethical pressures grow. Medical specialists recommend significant reductions in contact exposure, including delayed tackling and fewer matches, measures that conflict with the sport’s commercial interests. The rising number of affected young athletes has led parents, former players and stakeholders to question whether Australian rules football is fundamentally unsafe and to call for stronger leadership and clearer policy from the AFL.

Zak Butters delivered one of his finest performances in what is likely his final Showdown, driving Port Adelaide’s dominance over a passive Adelaide side through relentless pressure, clearances and composed ball use. His partnership with Jason Horne‑Francis overwhelmed the Crows, who struggled under Port’s intensity and poor clearance work. Fremantle extended their lead atop the AFL ladder with a commanding win over a struggling Gold Coast, benefiting from exceptional injury luck and strong conditioning as selection pressure grows ahead of finals.

Richmond’s AFL rebuild has stalled amid a series of injuries to key young players, inconsistent performances and difficulty developing a stable playing style. High-profile draftees such as Sam Lalor, Taj Hotton and Jonty Faull have missed significant time due to injury, undermining early optimism about the club’s 2024 draft haul. Despite occasional impressive wins under coach Adem Yze, prolonged absences and unpredictable recovery timelines have prevented meaningful progress. The team’s struggles, combined with flashes of promise from later pick Seth Campbell, leave the trajectory of the rebuild uncertain and increasingly frustrating.

Carlton’s season has been revitalized with five consecutive wins under interim coach Josh Fraser, marked by improved composure, cohesion and resilience compared with earlier struggles under Michael Voss. Key players including Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps are performing with greater freedom, while younger players have stepped up in crucial moments. Despite the surge, Fraser maintains he does not seek the senior coaching role, leaving the club with a difficult decision as it evaluates its future leadership.

Damien Hardwick faces mounting challenges at the Gold Coast Suns despite having strong talent and favourable conditions, struggling to achieve the buy‑in and depth he enjoyed at Richmond. The team’s reliance on top‑end players highlights gaps among role players, contributing to recent poor form and player uncertainty. Hardwick’s coaching strengths remain evident, but the Suns’ structural and cultural issues pose a significant test to his ability to build cohesion and retain key talent.

St Kilda secured a tight win over GWS with standout performances from Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Liam Ryan, whose skill and attacking play proved decisive. The Saints showed resilience after a season of close losses, while other matches in the round saw North Melbourne narrowly avoid defeat against West Coast and Port Adelaide fall short once again in a tight contest. The round featured notable individual efforts and highlighted the fine margins shaping several teams’ seasons.

A packed Big Freeze match at the MCG blended fundraising for motor neurone disease with high‑intensity football as Melbourne defeated Collingwood in a dramatic, attacking contest marked by Brody Mihocek’s serious injury and Kozzie Pickett’s match‑winning goal. The event carried the emotional weight of Neale Daniher’s absence, highlighting his legacy of resilience and advocacy. Across the AFL round, several close games unfolded, including Sydney’s late surge to beat St Kilda despite the Saints’ strong pressure and endurance, underscoring both promise and recurring shortcomings in their execution.

Patrick Cripps delivered a match‑winning performance for Carlton against Geelong, reflecting a familiar surge that has followed previous coaching departures at the club. His recent struggles, driven by physical issues and the burden of leadership amid off‑field turmoil, gave way to a revitalized display marked by speed, strength and decisive moments. The final-quarter dominance and last‑gasp mark and goal sparked scenes of intense celebration, underscoring Cripps’ importance to Carlton and the symbolic release of pressure for both player and club.

Fremantle’s dominant and adaptable form, highlighted by a decisive win over Brisbane, positions them as the most complete AFL team of the season. Their forward trio continues to excel, their depth players contribute consistently, and their list-building success has produced a balanced and resilient squad. With a favourable upcoming draw and strong structural foundations, the Dockers combine past grit with modern flair, emerging as a team capable of sustaining a premiership challenge.

Brad Scott’s departure from Essendon has reignited calls for James Hird to return as coach, despite lingering divisions and the club’s unresolved legacy from the supplements scandal. Hird remains a revered figure among supporters, yet his history and long absence from senior coaching make him an unsuitable choice for a young list seeking stability and renewal. The article argues that Essendon must avoid looking backward and instead appoint a fresh candidate capable of steering the club toward long‑term success.

GWS overran Brisbane with a record-breaking 14-goal third quarter, showcasing their strongest football since 2016 despite recent injuries and inconsistent form. Brisbane’s performance revealed deeper structural and emotional issues, worsened by the absence of key players such as Dayne Zorko. North Melbourne mounted an impressive comeback against Gold Coast, driven by standout contributions from young stars and tactical adjustments by coach Alastair Clarkson, while the Suns faded under rotation pressure and failed to respond late.

Scott Pendlebury’s career longevity and consistency are attributed to his exceptional temperament and ability to remain unchanged amid shifting AFL tactics and eras. His calmness, technical efficiency and emotional steadiness distinguish him from peers and have sustained elite performance across evolving game styles and club environments. Comparisons with other Collingwood greats highlight differing criteria for greatness, yet his unmatched durability and reliability set him apart as the club’s most consistent modern player.

Melbourne’s resurgence under coach Steven King is defined by fast, risky ball movement, strong defensive work, and improved performances across the list. Their convincing win over Hawthorn reinforced their status as a genuine finals contender, with growing fan support and standout leadership from Max Gawn. Wins over top coaches and strong performances at the MCG highlight a shift from the rigid style of previous seasons, positioning Melbourne as one of the league’s most compelling and competitive teams.

Carlton’s decline under Michael Voss is attributed to his adherence to a physically brutal, clearance‑focused playing style that no longer suited the evolving AFL landscape. Despite brief periods of promise in 2022 and 2023, the team repeatedly faltered in crucial moments and failed to adapt as rival clubs embraced faster, more skill‑based strategies. Mounting injuries, a club scandal and heavy finals losses further exposed systemic issues. Voss’s refusal to shift from his rigid philosophy ultimately led to stagnation and his departure, underscoring the gap between his strengths as a player and his shortcomings as a modern coach.

Carlton’s handling of Elijah Hollands’ mental health episode prompted widespread scrutiny, with critics arguing the club failed to adequately protect him at a vulnerable moment. The AFL fined the club and implemented new governance measures, but Carlton’s senior leaders were seen as deflecting blame and offering insufficient contrition. Fans, media and the broader public demanded clear explanations of what was known and how decisions were made, with calls for accountability rather than defensiveness. The club’s responses were viewed as inadequate for an incident of such seriousness, highlighting the need for more transparency and responsibility from its leadership.

Sydney rose to the top of the AFL ladder with a high-scoring win over Melbourne driven by Malcolm Rosas Jr’s seven goals and a fast, handball-focused game plan boosted by new league rules. Melbourne’s aggressive, risk-heavy style created opportunities but left them vulnerable to turnovers. The match capped a turbulent week for Melbourne following the departure of CEO Paul Guerra. Other league results highlighted contrasting fortunes, including Richmond’s determined first win of the season despite major injuries and West Coast’s poor performance overshadowing celebrations of past champions.