Let's dive into the world of AFL and explore some of the key takeaways from Round 21. This week, we witnessed a flawless performance that deserved an unprecedented grade, and a star player's goalkicking nightmare that has had a significant impact on his team's fortunes.
The Perfect Performance
The Adelaide Crows put on an impressive display, securing a 12-goal victory over Essendon. This win was more than just a simple four points; it was a statement of intent and a boost to their percentage, which could prove crucial in their quest for a double chance in September. The Crows' depth was on full display, with debutants shining and fringe players stepping up. Izak Rankine and Riley Thilthorpe were the standout performers, with Rankine running riot and Thilthorpe putting the game to bed early.
A Star's Goalkicking Woes
Now, let's talk about Jake Waterman and his goalkicking nightmare. Waterman's struggles in front of goal have been a recurring theme this season, and it's a problem that has cost the West Coast Eagles dearly. In a game against Richmond, Waterman's 2.6 return was a prime example of his recent inaccuracy. Dual premiership player David King described Waterman's performance as "disastrous" and suggested it has cost the Eagles multiple games. This issue has become a major concern for the Eagles, who are now facing the likelihood of finishing the season with just four wins.
Grading the Round
Let's take a look at some of the other notable performances and grades from Round 21:
- Carlton: The Fraser Freight Train is rolling, and the Blues put on an impressive display, thumping the Brisbane Lions by 76 points. This win was a huge boost to their wildcard hopes and a strong case for caretaker coach Josh Fraser to secure the full-time gig. Grade: A++
- Geelong Cats: A dominant performance against Collingwood, with the Cats securing a 25-point win. Their depth was on show, and they managed to hold off a late Magpies fightback. Grade: A
- Fremantle Dockers: History was made as the Dockers secured their best-ever season with an 18-win record. Despite a grind against the Western Bulldogs, they managed to pull away in the final quarter. Grade: B
- Hawthorn Hawks: A crucial win for the Hawks, who held off a resilient North Melbourne side. Nick Watson's five-goal haul was the difference, and the Hawks now have an iron grip on third spot. Grade: B+
- Melbourne Demons: A clinical performance saw the Demons claim a nine-point win over the Gold Coast Suns. Their goalkicking class was on display, and they're well-placed for a strong September run. Grade: A
Deeper Analysis
One thing that stands out to me is the impact of goalkicking accuracy. The West Coast Eagles' struggles in this area have been a major factor in their disappointing season. It's a fine line between victory and defeat, and goalkicking can be the difference. This raises the question: how much emphasis should teams place on goalkicking practice and specialist coaching?
Conclusion
Round 21 was a thrilling display of AFL action, with some teams securing crucial wins and others facing setbacks. The Crows' perfect performance and the Eagles' goalkicking woes are just two examples of the many storylines that make this sport so captivating. As we head into the final rounds, the race for the top spots and wildcard positions is heating up, and I, for one, can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
