AFL Report Card: New flag favourite; other fail we didn’t see coming as tricky grades round revealed

Two glaring fails and a tricky Bombers grade, while arguably a new flag favourite has emerged after two convincing wins on the bounce.

Every team’s Round 11 performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’sReport Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows were the better team in the first and final terms against the Hawks. But when they didn’t put it on the scoreboard early, they left too much too late. Darcy Fogarty had the chance to put Adelaide in front in the dying minutes, but his snap sailed wide and the Hawks sealed it moments later.

In the votes

Skipper Jordan Dawson was everywhere as he tried to lift his side with 28 disposals – a team-high 12 of them contested possessions — nine tackles, seven inside 50s, six intercepts, 661m gained and a goal. Lachlan McAndrew was impressive in the first three terms before running out of gas in the last quarter. He finished with 12 disposals, a team-high seven clearances, 22 hit-outs, five tackles and a goal. Sam Berry laid 10 tackles while Izak Rankine dominated in the second term before his night ended early with injury.

Room for improvement

The Crows’ 40 per cent efficiency inside 50 proved costly on a night where they dominated from the centre bounce. But around the ground, Adelaide was beaten to the footy, losing the stoppage count -15. The Crows were completely dominant in the first term, but had just a 12-point buffer to show for it. And once Hawthorn got momentum, Adelaide couldn’t stop the run as the Crows coughed up seven straight goals. Josh Rachele would have some moments he’d like back – including a “dive” that saw him fined for staging as he tried to milk a 50m penalty. Dan Curtin (8 disposals) and Ben Keays (10) also had little impact.

Grade

C

BRISBANE LIONS

Well, that was brutal. Brisbane was put to the sword as GWS produced its biggest ever score in a stunning mauling. The Lions were hapless in a particular concerning third quarter where they conceded 14-straight goals in truly shocking scenes. And suddenly Chris Fagan’s side couldn’t have looked less like a reigning premier in a second-straight blowout loss as real questions well get asked of the 6-5 side ahead of a meeting with the ladder-leading Dockers.

In the votes

Lachie Neale continued his strong form in 2026 with 32 disposals, 16 contested, 10 clearances and one goal. He at times was the only Lions mid that looked u for the fight. After being down on form, Cam Rayner kicked three goals as Brisbane’s highest-rated player, while Darcy Wilmot had 27 touches, 10 marks and 5252 metres gained.

Room for improvement

The defensive concerns are clearly the main issue. Brisbane has dropped to the competition’s No. 14 ranked defence (averaging 96 points against) after it was ranked No. 6 last season (78 points). It’s numbers that simply won’t get it done for a team with flag aspirations. But it’s more a mentality and “attitude” thing, as put by Saints great Leigh Montagna, that extends over the entire field.

Grade

F

CARLTON

Are you sure you don’t want the gig full-time, Josh Fraser? The interim Blues coach led his side to a second straight win – and its most impressive victory of 2026 yet – defeating Port Adelaide by 34 points. The Blues started the game with an efficient 8.0 and booted nine first-half goals to take a 35-point lead into the main break, before steadying late. Unlike in past times, the Fraser-led Blues weren’t relying solely on their clearance dominance, flexing a multi-dimensional profile with high scores off turnover at Adelaide Oval. Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said in the fourth quarter on Fox Footy: “It’s just a different Carlton.”

In the votes

A great team-orientated performance. Patrick Cripps led from the front with a team-high 31 disposals, eight clearances and a goal, while young gem Jagga Smith notched a whopping 15 score involvements from 27 possessions. Will Hayward had some big moments with two goals from 19 touches, George Hewett and Sam Walsh had an impact both around the footy and on the scoreboard, while the likes of Ollie Florent and Nic Newman distributed well out of defence.

Room for improvement

If we’re being picky, the Blues could’ve really buried the Power in the second half. After starting the game with 8.0, they then kicked 5.14. But the fact they still scored from 53 per cent of their inside 50s, plus didn’t rely on their stoppage scoring, paid big dividends.

Grade

A+

COLLINGWOOD

The Pies celebrated Scott Pendlebury’s record game in style, even if West Coast took them all the way. Heck, Collingwood really didn’t get any chance to celebrate the big milestone in game, such was how close it was. But the win came at a cost with brutal injury setbacks to Jamie Elliott (ACL) and Darcy Moore (hamstring) to put a dampener on an otherwise memorable day for the black and white faithful.

In the votes

While it was Scott Pendlebury’s day, Nick Daicos quickly stole the limelight. The Pies superstar racked up 34 disposals, 14 score involvements, 576 metres gained and three goals - including the match winner — in another masterclass where he was simply playing another game to anyone out there. It likely bags Daicos the three Brownlow votes after he’d polled eight of a possible nine votes in his last three matches against West Coast. Elliott’s three goals were also important, before he got struck down, and Jordan De Goey (25 touches, six marks, seven tackles, eight score involvements) looks back to his best.

Room for improvement

Collingwood actually lost the inside 50 count (-7), and if not for West Coast’s inefficiency in the forward half, it might’ve made for a different story at the MCG. The Pies lost clearances and at times looked vulnerable through there when West Coast moved the ball out with pace, which has been an unwanted theme for the black and white this season.

Grade

B+

ESSENDON

Wow, that was grim. Essendon’s season hit an all-time low on Friday night, suffering multiple injuries in a devastating three-goal defeat to Richmond in the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash. Sam Durham (concussion), Matt Guelfi (hamstring), Andy McGrath (jaw) and Archer May (rib) all finished the game either on the bench or, in McGrath’s case, in hospital, while Jye Caldwell (ankle) played almost the entire game on one leg in the forward line. Coach Brad Scott post-game said it was “hard to separate the performance from the circumstances”. But the AFL, brutally, is a win-loss industry. The loss meant the Bombers fell to the bottom of the AFL ladder as the undermanned Tigers jumped Scott’s side into 17th position on the table with the win. It was the Bombers’ 23rd loss in 24 games — and sixth loss on the trot — in what has been one of their worst starts in club history (1-10).

In the votes

In an unusual post-game twist, Essendon midfielder Darcy Parish was voted best on ground – despite not receiving three votes from any of the four judges. Parish was the No.1 rated played on the ground, finishing with 41 disposals, 16 contested possessions, nine clearances, nine score involvements, six inside 50s and 698m gained. He polled seven of a possible 12 votes, just pipping Tigers duo Tim Taranto and Patrick Retschko by one vote to claim the 2026 Yiooken Trophy. Forward Archer May kicked a game-high three goals in an attempt to lift his under-pressure side. Zach Merrett kicked one goal from 36 touches and 10 score involvements and Nick Bryan was the No.1 ruck on the ground.

Room for improvement

This is a tough game to grade the Bombers on, due to the injuries and the fight they showed considering the circumstances. But their lack of workrate at stoppage was a concern again. The Bombers lost the clearance count (-9) and were outscored from the source too (-22 points). Western Bulldogs games record-holder Brad Johnson also told Fox Footy the Bombers “didn’t have the same fight and vigour that the Tigers did to start the game”, which cost them a good opening quarter. And that was before a lot of the injuries came, hence the harsh grade.

Grade

D+

FREMANTLE

The Dockers were challenged for much of Friday night’s contest, but they found a six-goal spark in the final term that ensured the club claimed a record 10th straight win. In that final quarter, the Dockers had double the number of inside 50s (20-10) and outscored St Kilda +24 as a result – plus claimed a 40-30 contested ball count. They finished with 13 marks inside 50 and a whopping 17 contested marks. An accurate 16.8 also helped the Dockers secure the four points.

In the votes

Murphy Reid is arguably the best second-year player in the competition — and in All-Australian calculations — as he finished with a game-high 30 disposals, 14 score involvements, three clearances and a goal. Josh Treacy was at his dominant best with 11 marks, four tackles and two goals. Jye Amiss proved deadly in front of goal with four while Pat Voss’ agitator role on Cal Wilkie proved a masterclass – and he added three goals of his own. Shai Bolton produced a final quarter burst to finish with 25 disposals, a career-high 12 inside 50s, four clearances, 631m gained, a mark of the year contender and 1.2. Luke Jackson put in a stellar performance and claimed a game-high five centre clearances.

Room for improvement

The Dockers were slow out of the gates and coughed up some early goals off their own errors. But from that point, Freo took charge and their stars stood up when it mattered.

Grade

A

GEELONG CATS

We might just have a new premiership favourite. After making a big statement against Brisbane at the Gabba, the Cats snapped Sydney’s seven-game winning streak in emphatic fashion. From early in the second quarter to midway through the third term, Geelong booted eight goals to Sydney’s one to set up a 27-point win at GMHBA Stadium. It was a particularly one-sided second quarter, which saw the Cats have 23 inside 50s to Sydney’s six.

In the votes

Bailey Smith is now third-favourite for the Brownlow Medal – and gaining ground on Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli. The Cats star booted one goal from 32 disposals, 12 contested possessions, eight score involvements and seven clearances. Swans coach Dean Cox sent trusted negator James Jordon to Smith with great effect in the first half. But when the Swans opted to start Jordon off the ground in the third quarter, Smith made them pay with almighty 18-disposal third term. Fellow ‘Dash Brother’ Max Holmes amassed game-high disposals (35), clearances (8) and score involvements (9). Elsewhere Lawson Humphries (33 disposals, 86% kicking efficiency, 9 intercepts, 8 score involvements, 8 inside 50s, 1 goal) played his best in Cats colours in the Sir Doug Nicholls Round jumper he helped design and Jeremy Cameron roamed all over the ground to kick three goals from 21 touches.

Room for improvement

If not for the Cats’ second-term accuracy (5.6), the Cats could’ve won this match by a greater margin, considering they were +24 inside 50s and +15 contested possessions. Outside of that, a mightily impressive performance.

Grade

A+

GOLD COAST SUNS

When a then-lowly North Melbourne upset the Suns at Marvel Stadium in July 2024, angry Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick declared post-game: “As a footy club we’ve got to grow the f*** up.” Nearly two years later against the same club at the same venue, you could argue they, indeed, haven’t grown the f*** up. Yes they’re more hardened, seasoned and talented, but a flaky and untrustworthy stench still lingers around this team. The Suns led by 43 points late in the second term against North – then capitulated as North surged in the final term to secure a victory the Suns will feel slipped right through their fingers.

In the votes

Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Christian Petracca combined for 29 of Gold Coast’s 44 clearances as the Suns ability to score from stoppage and centre bounce proved the main difference in the first half. Petracca was the No.1 rated player on the ground with one goal from 28 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight clearances and six inside 50s. Sam Collins was colossal at times down back, finishing with 15 disposals and a whopping seven intercept marks.

Room for improvement

The Suns were in control for most the game, but the Kangaroos kicked 12 of the last 16 goals to claim a famous come-from-behind victory. Hardwick said his side simply “stopped playing” as they coughed up a 43-point lead. The fact all seven Kangaroos goals in the fourth term came from defensive half chains highlights Hardwick’s point. Individually, ben King kicked just one goal from four touches, while it remains to be seen whether Jarrod Witts will continue to partner Ned Moyle in the ruck.

Grade

D

GWS GIANTS

More of that, please! The Orange Tsunami looked about as good as we’ve ever seen it in a white-hot domination of reigning premier Brisbane. The Giants produced their biggest ever score (166) and kicked 14-straight goals in the third quarter for a total of 86 points in the period — the highest ever score in a period - in a truly astonishing 30 minutes of football. They were quite literally kicking them from everywhere, and even the likes of Stephen Silvagni and Matthew Scarlett would’ve had nightmares against that high-octane offence. Could it be the performance to really kickstart the Giants’ season?

In the votes

Where do you start? Phoenix Gothard (29 disposals, 15 contested, 10 tackles, two goals) had a career-best performance and really ignited them in that third quarter. Clayton Oliver (37 touches, 23 contested, 11 clearances, eight tackles) was a force through the midfield and Brent Daniels (24 disposals, two goals, 693 metres gained) was at his damaging best through the middle, too. Meanwhile Toby Greene and Jake Stringer exploded up forward with a combined 10 goals - five each.

Room for improvement

Full marks.

Grade

A+

HAWTHORN

The Hawks secured their first win in a month after holding off a fast-finishing Adelaide on Thursday night. Despite having -50 disposals, -7 inside 50s and -7 contested possessions, the Hawks dominated through the middle with a whopping 47 clearances (+10 on their season average). A Sam Mitchell quarter time rev-up worked a charm as Hawthorn turned around its slow start to kick seven straight goals mid-match.

In the votes

The stats may read just 17 touches for Josh Weddle, but he crucially saved three goals with big efforts and excelled as a backman. Blake Hardwick kicked four goals in his new role as a forward in the absence of injured star Jack Gunston. Jai Newcombe racked up 10 clearances while Cam Mackenzie laid a game-high seven tackles to go with his 24 touches.

Room for improvement

The first quarter. Hawthorn couldn’t compete through the middle — and it left coach Sam Mitchell fuming in the box. Described by AFL great Jason Dunstall as “lethargic”, “crappy” and “pathetic”, the Hawks completely turned the match on its head off the back of a Nick Watson spark.

Grade

B+

MELBOURNE

Just came up short in a seesawing loss to the Western Bulldogs with extreme swings in momentum including four lead changes in the fourth quarter. The Dees trailed for most of the game, before getting their noses in front in the late stages. But they were outmatched by the Bulldogs’ starpower in the middle of the ground to snap a two-game winning streak for Steven King’s 7-4 side, which remains sixth on the ladder. It came at a cost, too, with Jake Lever going down with concussion in the fourth quarter.

In the votes

You can’t keep Kysaiah Pickett down for too long. After being tagged in recent weeks, ‘Kozzy’ was back to his best with 25 touches, 13 contested, nine tackles and 549 metres gained, to at times looked like single-handedly ripping the game away from the Dogs. Max Gawn also had a big day in the ruck as Melbourne’s highest-rated player.

Room for improvement

Melbourne really struggled to contain the Dogs at centre bounce in the fourth quarter as the likes of Ed Richards and Ryley Sanders got a hold of the Dees. That and Steven King’s side just not executing as well in the dying minutes in a game that came down to moments.

Grade

C-

NORTH MELBOURNE

You reckon there will be a lot of Roos fans still beaming about that comeback over Gold Coast. North Melbourne came from the clouds to pull off mission impossible, reversing a 43-point deficit as Cam Zurhaar’s goal after the siren completed the Roos’ second-largest comeback win. It was scenes of pure jubilation for North at Marvel Stadium that Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy dubbed Alastair Clarkson’s “finest moment,” after the four-time premiership coach spun he magnets to great effect at half-time. Fair to say it sparked the desired response and set up a momentous win - their first over a non-bottom six team in almost four years.

In the votes

Luke Davies-Uniacke (30 disposals, 10 contested, eight tackles, one goal) keeps raising his reputation in another dominant performance through the midfield as the highest-rated Kangaroo. Jack Darling wound back the clock with three goals as North’s best forward, and Jy Simpkin (29 touches, one goal, 523 metres gained, was also influential in the engine room.

Room for improvement

The defensive issues reared their ugly head again in the first half. The Roos conceded 12 goals in the first half - including seven in the first term alone. Though, in fairness, it was partly due to Gold Coast’s extreme efficiency in front of goal.

Grade

A

PORT ADELAIDE

In hindsight, maybe a performance like that had been coming. Josh Carr’s side had recorded five losses from its past six games by an average losing margin of nine points. The team’s percentage heading into Saturday night’s game (105.2%) was actually ranked 10th in the competition. But the Power delivered a shocker in front of their home fans, producing a disappointing 34-point loss to Carlton that dropped its win-loss record to 3-8. The final scoreline would’ve been much larger if not for wayward kicking for goal in the second half by the Blues.

In the votes

Jason Horne-Francis almost played a lone hand for the Power as the highest-rated player on the field. He kicked three goals from an equal game-high 32 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight clearances and eight inside 50s. Zak Butters was also prominent with 28 disposals and seven inside 50s, Jack Whitlock booted 2.2 from 12 touches and six marks and Logan Evans tried to give his side from drive off half-back.

Room for improvement

The Power’s ball use left a lot to be desired in a first half with too many passengers. Port was on the wrong side of a lopsided disposal count (215-156) and kicked a season-low three goals in the first half, with Fox Footy coverage showing Carr delivering an almighty spray to his players in the rooms during the break. The spray, on paper, didn’t work, with Carlton kicking 1.3 to start the third term and it took 20 minutes for the Power to hit the scoreboard. Carr post-game said his side “lacked aggression”, adding a “bit of (lack of) confidence within the group ... had crept up on us a little bit over the last few weeks”. Individually, Ollie Wines had just five touches from 45 per cent game time, while Mitch Georgiades was held to 1.1.

Grade

F

RICHMOND

A second win in four games for the Tigers, who produced an 18-point win over Essendon on Friday night. There aren’t a lot of wins for Richmond in its current rebuild/injury predicament, but scoring a victory against a team in its own weight division will give the young players ample confidence.

In the votes

Patrick Retschko didn’t win the best on ground away, but he walked away with the Fox Footy meat tray after his best performance yet for the Tigers. The winger finished with 27 disposals, nine score involvements, eight marks and six intercepts. Tim Taranto stepped up with 30 touches, Jayden Short finished with 30 disposals and a goal in his 200th game and Jack Ross continued to prove why he’s one of the league’s most improved players, booting 1.2 from 24 disposals and 10 score involvements. And Seth Campbell a full-time midfielder? He thrived in the guts with 22 touches, nine contested possessions and five clearances.

Room for improvement

The third quarter, as coach Adem Yze said post-game, was “a little bit scratchy” and Sam Grlj went at just 33 per cent by foot. But the Tigers’ ability to beat the Bombers at stoppage, start the game strongly and expose the Bombers on the outside would’ve given their fans ample joy throughout the night.

Grade

A

ST KILDA

The Saints were up for the fight in Perth, but when the Dockers put the foot down in the final term there was nothing left in the tank. That six-goal Freo burst put an end to any hopes of an upset. Still, it was a brave performance up until that point. Despite the final quarter fadeout, the Saints still finished with 41 clearances (+4 on their season average and +7 on Freo) and actually spent more time in front (59 minutes in total). But 72 turnovers hurt, as did the -17 contested ball count.

In the votes

Max Hall continues to impress as he nailed the first two goals of the match, and finished with 25 touches, nine clearances and six marks. Mattaes Phillipou racked up 19 disposals, three clearances and two goals. Sam Flanders had an equal-high seven tackles while second-gamer Charlie Banfield was courageous with his four intercepts, three inside 50s and two contested grabs.

Room for improvement

Three frees against Jack Silvagni proved costly while Cal Wilkie failed to have his usual influence after getting distracted by the tactics of rival Pat Voss. When the Dockers put their foot down in the final term, St Kilda couldn’t go with them or break the momentum – ensuring they remain winless against genuine contenders in 2026.

Grade

C

SYDNEY SWANS

It was far from a disaster, but perhaps a Round 11 reality check for the Swans, whose seven-game winning streak was snapped by Geelong. You never thought Sydney was completely out of the game – its ability to kick red-time goals was crucial – showed their offensive flare, slotting five of six goals to finish the third term to keep the packed 35,869 crowd on edge. But at the same time the Cats kept the visitors at bay all game. After patchy wins over the Demons, Kangaroos and Magpies in their previous three weeks, maybe a result like this was on the cards.

In the votes

Riley Bice had arguably his best game for the club, finishing with 34 touches, 10 intercepts and 689m gained. Lewis Melican was solid in defence, brodie Grundy battled hard as, essentially, the solo ruck and Joel Amartey was in the right place at the right time often to boot four goals from eight touches. Superstar Isaac Heeney threatened to break the game open in the first half, but dropped off slightly in the second half.

Room for improvement

While their pressure (+34 tackles) and unrelenting attitude couldn’t be questioned, the final margin flattered the Swans, who were forced into errors by the Cats’ relentless pressure throughout the match. They were -15 for contested possessions, -24 for inside 50s and, consequently, -12 for scoring shots. Individually, Tom Papley was held to just five disposals before he exited the game with calf tightness, while Chad Warner (11 disposals, 82% game time) seemed well down on his usual high standards. And despite kicking two goals from 10 touches, you sensed the Swans needed more from Charlie Curnow when the game was up for grabs early.

Grade

C

WEST COAST EAGLES

Nearly spoiled the Scott Pendlebury party! It was more than a gallant effort from a young West Coast team that visited a hostile and packed MCG, with the majority of the 90,000 crowd Collingwood fans, and went toe-to-toe with an experienced Magpies side until the bitter end. It clearly would’ve been the biggest crowd the majority of West Coast players have played in front of. In fact, 12 Eagles had played under 50 games. Despite not getting the four points, the finals-like experience would’ve been super valuable for Andrew McQualter’s side in a game it only grew its reputation, winning inside 50s (+7), clearances (+4) and groundball (+6).

In the votes

Bailey Williams has turned himself into a competitive AFL ruckman after taking some time to establish the No. 1 mantle. Williams tallied 20 disposals, 18 contested, 12 clearances, 28 hit-outs and one goal as the highest-rated player on the ground. Tom McCarthy registered a team-high 30 touches across half back and Milan Murdock did a strong tagging role on Josh Daicos and picked up 22 disposals with a goal himself.

Room for improvement

The Eagles’ forward half efficiency hurt them badly. They got 22 shots from 57 entries (39 per cent) including -15.4 per cent scores per inside 50. Though McQualter’s troops probably lacked the urgency when the ball went in, too, with three tackles inside 50 to Collingwood’s 21.

Grade

A-

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Went in as underdogs and survived a thriller over the in-form Demons at Marvel Stadium to get back on the winners list in a much-needed bounce back after a shock loss to Carlton. A heroic Rhylee West chase-down tackle on Jack Steele in the dying minutes set up Joel Freijah’s match-winning goal and fourth lead change in the final period for the three-point win. The still undermanned Dogs improved to 6-5 and will now hope to start getting their injured stars back for Saturday’s crunch clash with Collingwood.

In the votes

Ed Richards bounced back to his best form with 30 disposals, 10 clearances, three goals and 773 metres gained in his best game of the season. The star even admitted post-match he’d been “struggling with consistency,” but this was very much the Richards of 2025 back. It was crucial in the Dogs winning contested possessions (+10) and clearances (+9) in a step forward in areas Carlton beat them last week. Marcus Bontempelli did Marcus Bontempelli things (29 touches, 17 contested, two goals, 10 score involvements) with great impact both forward and in the midfield, despite still clearly bring hampered with heavy strapping around his knee.

Room for improvement

All the stats say the Dogs probably should’ve won by more. As happy as they would be to get the win, they were still a little clunky at times and don’t look completely in sync and firing like we know this team can. They won the inside 50 count (+10) but were inefficient with just 23 shots (40 per cent) and are clearly missing Sam Darcy and even Tim English as another tall to support Aaron Naughton.

Grade

A-

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