3 minute read
A snapshot of round 21 in the AFL.
WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 21 OF THE AFL:
THEY SAID IT: "We deserve all the criticism that we get for what we dished up, but that's not who we are." Essendon coach John Worsfold after his side conceded 21 consecutive goals in a 104-point loss to Western Bulldogs.
STATS THAT MATTER: North Melbourne's sorry tally of 1.8 (14) against Geelong was the lowest in the club's history, replacing the 2.7 (19) they kicked against the Cats way back in 1930. And GWS also recorded their lowest-ever total - 4.5 (29) - in a loss to Hawthorn.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Charlie Cameron. Sure, the Brisbane livewire's six-goal haul came against the woeful Gold Coast. But the sheer brilliance of the Lions star was breathtaking. If he continues in such explosive form, Cameron could be the most watchable - and devastating - player in the finals.
KEY MOMENT: St Kilda's Josh Bruce nails a 35-metre set shot in the last minute, giving his side victory against Fremantle on Sunday. The result tips the Dockers from realistic finals contention - Ross Lyon's side need to win both their remaining matches by big margins and pray for a miracle sequence of other results to fall their way.
TALKING POINT: Can Essendon and GWS recover from maulings? The Bombers are seventh, the Giants are sixth and assured of finals action. But Essendon's horror loss to the Dogs, and GWS' lowest-ever score - 4.5 (29) - when losing to Hawthorn, put massive question marks on their capacity to make any imprint in September.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: North Melbourne's Jy Simpkin faces scrutiny for a sling tackle on Geelong champ Patrick Dangerfield.
KEY INJURIES: Rory Sloane (Adel, eye), Brett Deledio (GWS, calf), Steven May (Melb, hamstring), Josh Daicos (Coll, concussion), Nick Coffield (StK, shoulder).
WHAT'S NEXT: On Saturday, second-placed Brisbane host ladder-leaders Geelong in a fixture that could decide top spot, Adelaide's finals hopes could fade with defeat to Collingwood, and Port must beat North Melbourne to retain eighth spot. Sunday boasts the mouth-watering clash of Richmond and West Coast at the MCG, while GWS host the surging Bulldogs in a game with massive finals implications.