AFL 2026, Round 16 Report Card

There were three big fails — and one club was lucky to avoid being the fourth — as the Blues made an almighty Wildcard statement.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 16 edition of Report Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows were supposed to roll to an easy Showdown win if you listened to all the hype leading into the fifth-against-15th contest. But Adelaide simply didn’t bring the heat and were punished around the ground. The decision not to tag Port star Zak Butters proved costly, while the Crows’ attacking end just didn’t function because they couldn’t move the ball.

In the votes

Darcy Fogarty was a shining light in attack with five goals. Sam Berry laid a team-high 10 tackles, but outside of that duo there was little to celebrate.

Room for improvement

The Crows were inefficient inside 50 and were belted through the middle with just six centre clearances (compared to Port’s 16) and an overall -20 clearance count. The backline coughed up 17 marks inside 50 as there was no answer to the pace of the ball coming in. Adelaide’s midfielders were embarrassed by the Power. Lachlan McAndrew had a tough night out while the backline was under siege from the fast centre clearance entries.

Grade

F

BRISBANE LIONS

AFL legend Jason Dunstall said pre-game he was ready to put a line through the Lions if they didn’t show up against the Swans on Thursday night, and what a statement it was by the back-to-back premiers. From the get-go, Brisbane snuffed Sydney with its pressure and absolute denial of the corridor. Chris Fagan’s men extinguished the Swans’ forward handball game, with the visitors left barren dry when it came to scoring from their defensive half. And it’s that defensive buy-in – in addition to the ever-present offensive potency – that will give supporters and pundits alike belief that this side is still capable of winning a third-straight premiership.

In the votes

It’s a hard one to give votes for, in the best way. So many Lions stood out with their performance. Zac Bailey lived up to his proposed price tag, kicking two goals from 20 touches with eight score involvements to be Brisbane’s highest-rated player. Will Ashcroft was central to the Lions’ stoppage dominance with eight clearances to go with 30 disposals and eight score involvements, while Josh Dunkley played a crucial shutdown role on Isaac Heeney.

Room for improvement

Not that it made a difference on the night, but the Lions were out-possessed by the Swans, and finished with 14 fewer uncontested possessions. The visitors also had four more tackles inside 50. Other than those minor discrepancies, though, there wasn’t a lot to critique from a Brisbane perspective.

Grade

A+

CARLTON

The Fraser Freight Train is full steam ahead. Carlton registered its sixth straight win under its interim coach on Saturday, comfortably brushing aside a sluggish West Coast. The Blues were at their speedy and slick best on their way to a record half-time disposal haul then saw off a mini Eagles challenge in the second half to run out 53-point winners. It’s the first time the Blues have registered six straight wins since 2023, which was when they made a stunning surge into a preliminary final. The victory was set up by a dominant first half, with the Blues slamming on six goals to two in the first term as they showed relentless forward-half pressure and slick corridor ball movement to catch the Eagles off-guard.

In the votes

Patrick Cripps, who kicked 1.2 from 31 disposals, 16 contested possessions, nine score involvements, nine clearances and six tackles, continued his great run of form. George Hewett racked up 26 touches and two majors, Sam Walsh was instrumental with 33 disposals and five clearances and Ben Ainsworth showed great energy with centre ball-up time on his way to 28 disposals, 11 score involvements and eight inside 50s. And Harry Dean is clearly a new Blues fan favourite. In the absence of All-Australian Jacob Weitering, Dean finished with 13 disposals, six spoils and five intercept marks while going at 100 per cent by foot. Importantly, he kept Jake Waterman to 0.3.

Room for improvement

Outside of some goalkicking inaccuracy, not much to see here after one of the Blues’ strongest performances of the season. As triple All-Australian Nick Dal Santo declared on Fox Footy: “Carlton are fast becoming a team you don’t want to play in the run home.”

Grade

A+

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies just needed to get the four points against an undermanned Richmond – and while they made tough work of it early, a big second quarter gapped the game and the Tigers couldn’t recover. The difference in the game was the 20 marks taken by the Pies inside 50, helping them to 31 scoring shots to just 17 for the Tigers.

In the votes

Nick Daicos finished with 37 disposals and three goals – after kicking Collingwood’s first two majors from free kicks. He had a game-high seven clearances and more than 510m gained. Lachie Schultz delivered a four-goal performance, including two in the final term playing as full-forward. Jordan De Goey’s strong form rolled on with his 27 touches and 13 score involvements.

Room for improvement

Dan McStay finished goalless against the Tigers and appeared agitated at the three-quarter time break. He was spotted in a tense stand off with Schultz before captain Nick Daicos went to him.

Grade

B-

ESSENDON

The final score masked what should have been a thumping win for North Melbourne on Sunday, with the Bombers beaten in several key metrics. The Kangaroos won by 14 points due to their inaccuracy, but on expected score should have won by at least six goals. Essendon made things briefly interesting midway through the last quarter when it got to within 14 points – which does say something about the side’s refusal to fold – but Dean Solomon’s side never genuinely challenged North, who were basically able to do whatever they wanted from an uncontested point of view.

In the votes

Sam Durham was easily Essendon’s best player on the day, and at half-time he was the game’s highest-rated player. Working hard at the contest and pushing hard forward to impact the scoreboard, he finished with two goals from 25 disposals, eight score involvements, five clearance and five intercepts. Mason Redman overcame an injury concern to finish as the Dons’ second-highest rated player with 29 disposals and four intercepts.

Room for improvement

The Bombers remain turnstiles in defensive transition, which isn’t a fresh issue by any means, but it made life pretty cruisy for the Roos at Docklands. Essendon allowed the hosts to score seven times from back-half chains in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy: “I would imagine, as a coach, when you look and you don’t see your team coming forward and applying pressure, that’s danger signs – that’s warning signs.” At three-quarter-time, the Roos’ 53 per cent success rate going from defensive 50 to inside 50 was on track to be their best result in 15 years. North also generated 11 more inside-50s, three more clearances, 68 more uncontested possessions, 10 more marks inside 50 and 16 more tackles.

Grade

D+

FREMANTLE

It’s now 14 straight wins for Fremantle after they demolished the Suns in a wet Sunday night slog. Aside from a second quarter dip, the match was played entirely on the Dockers’ terms – and they did it without their big names shining. Despite losing the clearance count -12, coach Justin Longmuir wasn’t worried because of the pressure his side applied, forcing the Suns to retreat time and time again. Fremantle’s first quarter pressure rating was its highest of the season and it helped the Dockers to a four-goal to none start. They never looked back.

In the votes

Michael Frederick had four goals by three quarter-time in a match that only had eight goals kicked to that point. Murphy Reid (28 disposals) continued to show why he’s one of the best young talents in the competition, Andy Brayshaw had 29 disposals, six tackles and a goal while Luke Jackson nailed two goals to go with his 15 touches, 16 hit-outs and four clearances.

Room for improvement

Sean Darcy is still building into his AFL full fitness. He played just 59 per cent game time – and even did post-result run-throughs on the Optus Stadium turf when his teammates were back in the rooms.

Grade

A

GEELONG

The Cats had the bye.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Will Schofield called the Suns “borderline unwatchable” in Perth on Sunday as they put out a horror three-goal performance. Gold Coast struggled under the Dockers’ pressure and couldn’t convert their opportunities when presented. That’s now five straight losses for the Suns – a low they hadn’t reached since 2019.

In the votes

Noah Anderson racked up 33 touches, including eight clearances. Mac Andrew fought admirably against Dockers marking machine Josh Treacy to finish with 20 touches and seven marks.

Room for improvement

Despite winning clearance +12, Gold Coast managed just 40 inside 50s for their efforts. And they took just four marks inside 50 (when the Dockers took 17 down the other end) with a forward line that’s boasting the current Coleman Medal leader Ben King. Gold Coast couldn’t use the ball when it won it and it broke down in attack. The Ned Moyle-Jarrod Witts ruck combination couldn’t stop the Dockers while Bailey Humphrey’s form woes rolled on in what could be his last season as a Sun.

Grade

F

GWS GIANTS

A brutal night for the Giants. Not only did their finals hopes take a hit with a 14-ppoint loss to Hawthorn, they also suffered two big injury blows to Max Gruzewski (patella dislocation) and Brent Daniels (calf). It adds to lengthy casualty ward at GWS across this season, with the likes of Tom Green, Josh Kelly, Jesse Hogan, Darcy Jones, Jack Buckley and Jake Riccardi currently sidelined. Still, the Giants were spirited. After the Hawks skipped out to a lead of over seven goals just after half-time, the Giants fought back valiantly — but ultimately left their chase too late

In the votes

Sam Taylor battled bravely in defence. The dual All-Australian finished with 13 disposals, seven intercepts and a whopping 14 spoils – and he didn’t lose one of his six defensive one-on-one contests. Harry Himmelberg helped out with six intercept marks. Finn Callaghan lifted in the third term on his way to 34 disposals, nine score involvements and 752m gained, while Callum Brown stood tall with three goals amid the unfortunate adversity. Skipper Toby Greene booted 2.2 from 24 disposals, nine score involvements, seven inside 50s and four clearances.

Room for improvement

You couldn’t fault the Giants’ effort, but the mechanics and chemistry just weren’t there. While the Hawks got scoreboard separation from the Giants in the second term, coach Adam Kingsley was left most frustrated by his team’s stoppage work. The Giants were -26 for clearances – the worst differential in the club’s history – and were outscored 10.6 (66) to 1.4 (10) from the source. Clayton Oliver had 34 disposals, but only three clearances. Kingsley also lamented his side’s inability to move the ball, due to “basic turnovers” and an “inability to cope with the pressure”. The injuries, however, didn’t help.

Grade

C-

HAWTHORN

A scrappy win over the Giants may not exemplify a top-tier performance, but Hawthorn’s midfield – which has often been its downfall – was a source of dominance on Friday night in a 14-point win. The Hawks dominated the Giants with +26 clearances and +56 scores from stoppages, while six of the top eight clearance-winners on the ground were Hawks.

In the votes

Jai Newcombe is in some sort of purple patch. The co-captain was the No.1 rated player on the ground, finishing with 31 disposals, 21 contested possessions, eight score involvements and a whopping 15 clearances. He was well supported by Cam Mackenzie (27 disposals, 11 score involvements, 7 clearances) and Will Day (27 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 8 clearances), while Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek were dominant in the ruck. Nick Watson broke the game open with three goals in the second term — including two just before half-time – but his night came to an abrupt halt at the main break with a hamstring issue. Josh Battle was strong in defence.

Room for improvement

Sam Mitchell post-game lamented how his side “opened the door a bit” for a Giants comeback. The Hawks led by 43 points early in the third term before the Giants kicked six of the next eight goals – and then the last two of the match. Mitchell said: “I was a bit disappointed. We didn’t get the game to bed until quite late again.”

Grade

A-

MELBOURNE

The Demons had the bye.

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Kangaroos aren’t doing it pretty right now, but they’re banking wins to stay right in the thick of the finals race – which are words that haven’t been spoken in years regarding North Melbourne. They sit one game inside the top 10, having now won three-or-more consecutive games for the first time since late 2019-early 2020. Promisingly, while their 14-point win over Essendon wasn’t a football spectacle to write home about, the Roos played a really solid brand of footy. They were able to consistently carve out scoring opportunities from their back-half chains – seven in the first quarter alone, which was the second-best quarter under Alastair Clarkson – and create front-half chances via their manic pressure game. North generated 11 more inside-50s, three more clearances, 68 more uncontested possessions, 10 more marks inside 50 and 16 more tackles. Pundits will continue to be cynical about the Roos, given their easy fixture run, but you can only play who’s on your schedule.

In the votes

Harry Sheezel couldn’t get away from the pill on Sunday, collecting 43 disposals – 15 of which were score involvements – and four clearances to finish as the game’s highest-rated player. Luke Davies-Uniacke was central to the Roos’ midfield ascendancy, totalling 25 disposals, 10 clearances and nine score involvements. Caleb Daniel also had 40 possessions and 12 score involvements.

Room for improvement

Inaccuracy was the main reason the Roos’ winning margin wasn’t significantly more than it was, with expected score suggesting Clarko’s charges should have won by at least six goals. Other than that, the Roos played a brand of footy that their fans should be pleased with, and they’re continuing to win games.

Grade

A-

PORT ADELAIDE

Ex-Port coach Ken Hinkley called it pre-game – form doesn’t matter in a Showdown, only the appetite. And it was the Power who brought their heat in their best performance of 2026. Sealing coach Josh Carr’s first Showdown victory, Port Adelaide was dominant from the opening ball up. The Power were efficient in attack and incredibly dominant at the contest, with a whopping +20 clearance count — including 16-6 from the centre. Seventeen marks inside 50 helped the Power to 32 scoring shots to Adelaide’s 16.

In the votes

Showdown Medallist Zak Butters was so good, it was like there were two of him out there, according to Dwayne Russell. Butters was left unopposed and made the Crows pay with 37 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 13 clearances, 11 inside 50s and seven tackles. Partner in crime Jason Horne-Francis was also impressive with his 29 touches, 10 clearances and 1.3. Mitch Georgiades was a focal point in attack and although wayward in front of goal (3.4), he still collected 11 marks. Corey Durdin added his own three-goal haul. Ruckman Jordon Sweet gave the Crows a bath in the middle.

Room for improvement

Accuracy proved Port’s biggest issue on Saturday night, finishing with 13.19 in a match they could have really put the Crows away.

Grade

A+

RICHMOND

Aside from a six-goal to one second term, Richmond remarkably finished just -1 on the scoreboard to Collingwood for the other three quarters. And while the fact they won hitouts (+8), clearance (+1) and contested ball (+14), the Tigers proved their own worst enemy with their skills. They also laid just 37 tackles in what Fox Footy commentators dubbed “bruise free footy” at times at the MCG – 11 less than their season average.

In the votes

Tim Taranto as a forward proved a masterstroke in the second half. His three-goal third term helped Richmond win the quarter – but he still finished at a team-low 58% efficiency. Nick Vlastuin was a rock in defence with 10 intercepts – almost double the next best Tiger. Rhyan Mansell made a welcome return in just his second game of 2026 with three goals.

Room for improvement

Maurice Rioli couldn’t get into the contest and had little impact with just five touches. Mykelti Lefau finished goalless while Jayden Short had a few moments he’d like back – including gifting Nick Daicos a goal in the opening term for failing to stand when called to do so.

Grade

C+

ST KILDA

The Saints had the bye.

SYDNEY SWANS

It’s not yet a case of ‘alarm bells’ for the second-placed Swans, but what unfolded at the Gabba on Thursday should serve as a stern warning for Dean Cox and his coaching staff. Sydney’s forward handball game and corridor use were completely quelled by the Lions, who had no issue identifying the area of the visitors’ game to stop. And it’s going to continue to be the main challenge for Cox’s side in the run home, as they look for alternative avenues to goal when opposition teams clog the middle. But to this point, against contenders like the Lions and Cats, we haven’t seen the Swans play convincingly in a different way.

In the votes

Chad Warner was the standout from a Sydney perspective, and he may have even taken out best-on-ground honours despite the 43-point loss. He kicked a game-high four goals and had nine score involvements from 28 disposals. James Rowbottom’s deployment in the forward half continues to be fruitful, with the hard-nosed ball-winner kicking two goals and notching nine score involvements from 23 disposals. Will Edwards had eight intercepts as he continues to show signs he’s a long-term answer in key-position defence.

Room for improvement

Sydney’s ideal method of ball movement was completely stifled on Thursday night, with its corridor handball game yielding very little. The ability of each side to transition was the difference in the game, with the Lions able to go end to end on several occasions, while the Swans managed a defensive-50-to-inside-50 rate of just 14 per cent. They kicked just one goal from their defensive 50. They were also belted at clearance by the competition’s most punitive stoppage teams, losing the count by 13 and conceding 7.4 from the source. Sydney also didn’t get enough out of their key forwards, save for Charlie Curnow.

Grade

D

WEST COAST EAGLES

After a promising five-week showing – especially from a defensive perspective – that was a step back for West Coast, which went down to Carlton by 53 points. The Eagles threatened somewhat in the third term, booting two goals and winning five of the first six clearances for the quarter before Carlton steadied and ran away with a big victory. It was a performance that flew in the face of West Coast’s competitive showings across the previous two months.

In the votes

Harley Reid had an engrossing battle with opposite No.9 Patrick Cripps. Reid finished as the No.1 rated player for the match, booting one goal from 23 disposals, 12 clearances and 10 inside 50s. He even copped some boos from Blues fans late in the game to complete the pantomime experience. Bailey Williams had some nice moments – including a lovely hit-out to Reid’s advantage – on his way to 2.1 from 11 disposals, five clearances and 34 hit-outs. Jack Graham was solid on return from injury 23 disposals and seven score involvements, while Rhett Bazzo was strong in defence.

Room for improvement

This was a thrashing that left Eagles coach Andrew McQualter flat post-game. The Blues thumped the Eagles in disposals (-145), contested possessions (-28), clearances (-14) and, most annoyingly for McQualter, marks (-127). McQualter said post-game the Eagles planned to take away the Blues’ uncontested mark game, but “we didn’t get it done”. Jake Waterman’s inaccuracy at goal continued, booting 0.3 – his first goalless game in over a year. Willem Duursma, outside of an excellent early goal, had his quietest game of the year, albeit with little time on the ball. A step backwards.

Grade

F

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs had the bye.

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