3 minute read
A snapshot of the action from round five in the AFL as Geelong recorded a 5-0 start to their season for the first time since 2017.
THEY SAID IT: "I feel like that's one of the best games we've played in a long time. We've played some good games, but that was a pretty special sort of effort, and particularly in Lachie Neale's 250th." - Two weeks after the Brisbane Lions' season was on the ropes at 0-3, coach Chris Fagan hailed an MCG upset of Melbourne.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: With Tom Hawkins rested against North Melbourne, Jeremy Cameron took full toll. The star forward kicked six goals from 21 possessions in the Cats' 75-point rout of the winless Kangaroos.
THE MOMENT: Adelaide's Sam Berry came on as the sub with scores level at three-quarter time against Carlton and he was massive - nine possessions, a fend-off that would have done Dustin Martin proud, then the match-winning goal with less than two minutes left.
TALKING POINT: Amid inconsistent form - it remains a mystery how they lost to Geelong in Adelaide and Essendon dominated them on Friday night - and baffling selections, the pressure is rising on Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge. They badly need a win on Thursday night against St Kilda. Also, watch this space regarding Tom Liberatore after his dramatic collapse late in Friday's game. The Bulldogs say it isn't concussion and hopefully the clearance beast is back playing soon.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Geelong and GWS have claimed a 24-year first, managing to be in front at every break during their first five games this season. Not since the all-conquering Essendon team of 2000 has any AFL team done that.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Brisbane goalsneak Charlie Cameron faces a one-game suspension for his dump tackle on Melbourne defender Jake Lever. The Lions are likely to challenge the ban at the tribunal. West Coast's Elliot Yeo could face scrutiny for a similar tackle on Richmond's Nick Vlastuin.
INJURIES: T Liberatore (WB, concussion protocols), J Menzie (Ess, shoulder), S Coniglio (GWS, knee), S Taylor (GWS, concussion), M King (StK, knee), A Saad (Carl, hamstring), M McGovern (Carl, hamstring), M Rosas Jnr (GC, hamstring), B Zerk-Thatcher (PA, shoulder), T Taranto (Rich, wrist), C McKercher (NM, ribs), L Edwards (WC, concussion), J Short (Rich, calf).
WHAT'S NEXT: After Thursday night's Saints-Bulldogs clash, Adelaide need to build on their first win of the season when they host Essendon in the prime Friday night slot. Saturday is a suite of solid match-ups - Collingwood hosting Port Adelaide, Carlton v GWS, resurgent Brisbane at home against Geelong and the Western Derby. Gold Coast will have a good idea of where they stand on Sunday when they play Sydney at the SCG.
