3 minute read
A snapshot of round eight action in the AFL when Dustin Martin returned for Richmond and Patrick Cripps led Carlton's thrashing of Adelaide.
THEY SAID IT: "We're eight rounds in, eight dates in a relationship, if you like, and they're more like married with three kids" - first-year Collingwood coach Craig McRae sums up the difference between his developing side and Damien Hardwick's well-established Richmond outfit.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Port Adelaide veteran Travis Boak had 10 score involvements among 30 disposals against the Western Bulldogs, with the 33-year-old veteran showing no signs of slowing down. His form has been crucial in the Power's ability to turn their season around with three-straight wins after starting the year 0-5.
KEY MOMENT: Every single Richmond player mobbed Dustin Martin like a first-gamer after the Tigers superstar slotted a goal in his comeback to football at the MCG on Saturday. Despite missing six matches after taking personal leave, Martin showed more than enough to have Richmond supporters excited about what he can do for the rest of the season.
TALKING POINT: Will Melbourne be beaten this season? The Demons have rarely needed to move out of second gear during their 8-0 start but have flicked the switch when it has suited them. On Sunday, Melbourne turned the screws on St Kilda early and rode a third-quarter challenge to win comfortably against a side pushing for a top-four spot. The Demons have only conceded one score of more than 71 points all year.
STATS THAT MATTER: Brownlow Medal favourite Patrick Cripps has registered at least 30 disposals and a goal in six games this season. No other player has managed the feat more than three times. Cripps was best afield again when he racked up 35 disposals and two goals to lead Carlton to their 48-point win over Adelaide on Sunday.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Richmond's Rhyan Mansell was hit with a one-match ban for striking Jack Ginnivan in the back of the head but GWS forward Jesse Hogan escaped sanction for the accidental high contact that left Jed Bews concussed. St Kilda midfielder Zak Jones will be under the spotlight after delivering a late bump on Melbourne winger Ed Langdon, while Carlton expect skipper Cripps to be given the all-clear over the tackle that led to Lachlan Murphy's neck injury. Adelaide's Shane McAdam could be in trouble after collecting Jordan Boyd high in a spoiling attempt.
INJURIES: B McKay (NM, knee), S Switkowski (Frem, concussion), L Ryan (Frem, ankle), C Weightman (WB, broken collarbone), L Vandermeer (WB, hamstring), T O'Brien (WB, calf), J Bews (Geel, concussion), R Bonner (PA, ankle), D McStay (Bris, ankle), D Butler (StK, Achilles), J Martin (Carl, calf), L Murphy (Adel, neck).
WHAT'S NEXT: Finals credentials will be tested when Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs meet on Friday night, and again on Saturday in the Hawthorn-Richmond and St Kilda-Geelong clashes. Sydney will look to bounce back against a reinvigorated Essendon and things could get ugly on Sunday when unbeaten Melbourne visit bottom side West Coast. In-form Fremantle face a potential banana-skin away to Gold Coast.
