There were a record-equalling six upsets in a dramatic round of footy.

Some of those surprising results hurt the losers, and helped the winners, more than others.

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

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ADELAIDE CROWS

The Crows are “genuine contenders” in 2023 after their brilliant win over Brisbane on Sunday. Adelaide withstood the Lions’ pressure patches, cashed in on every opportunity gifted to them and then managed some of the best goals you’ll see to claim the four points. They kicked 14 goals from just 47 inside 50s and racked up a whopping 88 tackles for the match. Matthew Nicks called for a response after the 45-point loss to the Bulldogs in Round 10 – and that’s what he got in an outstanding display in the wet.

In the votes

You could take your pick of any of the Crows’ forwards – as Izak Rankine racked up a game-high 13 score involvements to go with his 23 disposals and 2.3. Josh Rachele kicked a ripping goal in his 15 disposals. Taylor Walker kicked three goals – including two in the second term when Adelaide pushed ahead. Riley Thilthorpe showed moments and kicked two goals. Nick Murray did a brilliant job down back on Joe Daniher and Ben Keays kept Lachie Neale quiet for a half.

Room for improvement

Reilley O’Brien won’t want to watch the replay – considering he palmed the footy directly down to Lion Lachie Neale and Brisbane kicked the goal. It was one of his 51 hitouts for the day – so probably a harsh criticism.

Grade

A+

BRISBANE LIONS

Brisbane were their own worst enemies as wayward goalkicking and soft turnovers ensured Adelaide cashed in. The Lions were the dominant team of the opening 10 minutes and managed just 0.2. They then ruled the third term, with a whopping 14-1 inside 50 count but scored just 1.9. Three goals came from direct turnovers in the 17-point loss. Brisbane managed just 10 goals from 66 inside 50s – including two from two inside 50s late in the contest. The loss ensures Brisbane’s seven-game winning streak is over.

In the votes

Charlie Cameron may have only had the eight disposals, but he was the player to keep the Lions in it. The spark forward had so many near moments against the Crows, and still finished with four goals. Josh Dunkley was described as the “lone soldier” for the Lions mids in the opening half and finished with 29 disposals and seven clearances. Despite a quiet second term, Lachie Neale went to work in the second half and finished with 11 clearances in his 26 disposals.

Room for improvement

It’s back to goal kicking practice for the Lions after that Adelaide loss. A woeful 38% efficiency in their defence in the opening half is also cause for concern for coach Chris Fagan. Eric Hipwood couldn’t get near it, and while stiff not to get a couple of free kicks, managed just three disposals and 0.1. Harris Andrews was ineffective down back with just two marks and five touches without fellow backman Jack Payne who missed through injury. Jack Gunston failed to trouble the scorers before he was subbed out of the contest.

Grade

C

CARLTON

The Blues need a win to right the ship after losing five of their past six games. But what they put out on the SCG was described by Fox Footy’s Jason Dunstall as “hard to watch” and “mind boggling”. Carlton just didn’t have any momentum and continued to bomb it in long to Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay – who finished with just one goal between them against an undersized Swans’ defence. They went at just 37% efficiency inside 50 in worrying signs for coach Michael Voss. Carlton had more clearances. more free kicks, more inside 50s and more contested marks but could only manage six goals for the game.

In the votes

Sam Walsh is getting back to his best in great signs for the club after he missed the start of the season with injury. He finished with 31 disposals, four clearances, eight inside 50s and six intercepts. Jacob Weitering easily won his battle against Lance Franklin to finish with nine intercepts and two contested grabs in his 18 disposals.

Room for improvement

Harry McKay’s goal kicking yips are now full-blown woes. The Coleman Medallist is having a nightmare run in front of goal, as he managed just 0.3 and one out of bounds on the full. The Blues were blasted for not having anyone front of centre in attack when the likes of McKay and Charlie Curnow brought it to ground. The run from half back wasn’t there, with David King pleading for Adam Saad to be used by hand.

Grade

D-

COLLINGWOOD

Although it was far from a dominant performance from the Pies, they’re a well-oiled machine, easily blowing past the Roos by 35 points. The bigger story was a cruel MCL injury to Steele Sidebottom in his 300th match in the first quarter of the contest that caused him to get subbed out to put a dampener on the day for the club. It ultimately mattered not though as Collingwood powered on to its seventh-straight win and 10th overall for the season to consolidate top spot on the ladder, while fellow milestone man Mason Cox bagged two goals in his 100th game.

In the votes

Jordan De Goey was enormous through the midfield, finishing with 35 touches and one goal as the most dominant player on the ground. Nick Daicos (32 touches, one goal) and Josh Daicos (18 possessions, three goals) were brilliant, too.

Room for improvement

Just when they were getting back to full strength, losing Sidebottom to a knee injury was clearly the biggest downside of the game for the Pies. Outside of that, Collingwood would’ve loved a bigger percentage booster, seemingly taking its foot off the gas late and allowing North to kick six goals in the fourth term.

Grade

B+

ESSENDON

It may be harsh to give a side a simple pass mark when they’ve finished 50-point winners away from home, but the Bombers were less than impressive against West Coast. The Eagles brought the pressure in the first half and Essendon just didn’t fire. It took until the final quarter for the Bombers to actually break away in a game even coach Brad Scott admits they “won’t watch on replay for fun”. A whopping 17 contested marks and 12 tackles inside 50 proved the difference for Essendon.

In the votes

When Essendon needed someone to get in and win the footy, it was skipper Zach Merrett who dug deep. He was the difference in the first three quarters when the game was evenly poised. He racked up 32 disposals and five clearances. West Aussie Nic Martin certainly showed West Coast what they missed out on – after opting against signing him during a training stint, as he finished with 31 disposals and 10 marks. Mason Redman was outstanding at both ends of the ground with 31 disposals, 11 marks and a goal.

Room for improvement

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti struggled to have an impact against the Eagles, finishing goalless from just six disposals – at just 33.3% efficiency – and coughing up three free kicks. Sam Weideman also failed to fire in attack, with 0.2.

Grade

C+

WALYALUP (FREMANTLE)

Are the Dockers officially back? Walyalup continued its resurgence with a big win over the Demons, marking Justin Longmuir’s side’s fourth-straight victory to push back into the finals picture. It came despite Sean Darcy getting struck down with a hamstring injury in a big blow, although it allowed Luke Jackson to step up in the No. 1 ruck role in a massive performance against his former side and in battle with star duo Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.

In the votes

Jackson was enormous, finishing with 19 disposals, six tackles, 16 hit-outs and a career-high eight clearances including taking several big marks in the second half in perhaps his best game as a Docker. Caleb Serong (26 disposals) and Andrew Brayshaw (29 touches) did their usual thing in the midfield, while Jye Amiss (three goals) continued to show he’s going to be a star.

Room for improvement

There really wasn’t much to be critical of here in a massive win for Justin Longmuir’s side ahead of its mid-season bye. It’d ideally have Nat Fyfe up and firing though, even if it’s not to his previous best heights. Plus as impressive as Amiss has been, there’s still question marks over the Dockers’ forward line.

Grade

A+

GEELONG CATS

The Cats have now dropped three games in a row twice this season following their latest loss to the Giants on their home deck. The Cats were overwhelmed by the Giants pressure and toughness and were plagued by some inaccurate kicking when it mattered to slump to their sixth loss of the season.

In the votes

Tom Stewart won plenty of the ball in his usual intercepting role across half back. Isaac Smith was busy between the arcs with 22 disposals. Jeremy Cameron was a presence up forward with 2.2 from 16 possessions while Tyson Stengle and Ollie Henry both bobbed up late with a pair of final quarter goals to have their say as the game got tighter.

Room for improvement

The Cats were beaten in all the key indicators but most notably, were smashed in the stoppage clearances (34-23) where the Giants took the most advantage of, particularly in their forward half. The Cats are battling injury issues and lost another key player in Esava Ratugolea to a hamstring injury with more reinforcements to be called upon in coming weeks.

Grade

D

GOLD COAST SUNS

Gold Coast held off a fast-finishing Western Bulldogs in a narrow win in Darwin thanks to a clutch goal from Bailey Humphrey to stay in the finals hunt. Trailing by 20 points early in the game, the Suns were the much better team from midway through the first quarter and outworked and outhunted the Dogs – dominating contested possessions (158-141) and tackles (71-57) on the night. It saw Stuart Dew’s side improve to 5-6 to sit just a game and 5.1% behind the eighth-placed Dockers ahead of a second-straight game at TIO Stadium against Adelaide next week.

In the votes

It was a real coming of age performance from Matt Rowell and Jack Lukosius, who put the team on their back and said: ‘Come with me.’ Rowell was a juggernaut in the midfield with 29 disposals, 23 contested, 16 clearances, one goal and seven tackles including a huge third term (11 disposals, nine contested, three score involvements and seven clearances), while Lukosius bagged an equal career-high five goals – four in the second term – including a highlight volley soccer goal after a brilliant cross from Ben Ainsworth. Jarrod Witts (55 hit-outs) also dominated the ruck battle against Tim English to give his fellow midfielders first use.

Room for improvement

This was one of the Suns’ gutsier and more mature wins, with the only real downside them letting it get as close as it did in the fourth quarter. But to ultimately hold on and get the four points is all that matters. Gold Coast did have 79 clangers in the slippery conditions in Darwin, but it mattered not as it maximises key opportunities when they came.

Grade

A

GWS GIANTS

They’ve done it again. The Giants have made a habit of winning at GMHBA Stadium in recent visits and on Saturday, recorded their third win in as many visits to the Cattery in a tough and pressurised display. The Giants led virtually all day and had to weather a couple of Cat surges where they closed the gap to two points to hold on for an impressive win on the road.

In the votes

Toby Greene was irresistible in his 200th game with four first half goals and 18 disposals in a best on ground display. Brent Daniels injected himself in the second half in a big way with three goals and 17 disposals. Jake Riccardi was also potent up front with three goals. Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash were prolific off halfback with 27 & 25 disposals respectively while Tom Green collected 23 disposals as he continues to elevate his game.

Room for improvement

The Giants won just about every key indicator on the night and walked away with a brilliant win. But while the Giants were prolific in clearance differential around the ground, Adam Kingsley will be drilling down on the centre clearance work, the only stat in which the Giants lost on the night (10-13) and imposing his young inside midfielders in Callaghan and Green to bridge the gap.

Grade

A+

HAWTHORN

That was an important win; for the Hawks looked like they’d blown it, then rallied at the death in breathtaking fashion to beat a genuine finals contender in St Kilda. Hawthorn dominated around the ball in the first half but just couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard, which kept the Saints in the game. Down by 20 points earlier in the last quarter, the Hawks straightened up in front of goal and booted the last five majors to run out 10 point winners. Annihilating West Coast last week was impressive, but the win over St Kilda was a genuine scalp.

In the votes

James Sicily’s outing on Saturday might be one of the best individual performances of 2023 yet. He had 43 touches – including a whopping 16 in the final term during the Hawks’ epic comeback – and eight intercept marks, while he went at 83.3 per cent efficient by foot in a genuine captain’s game. Jarman Impey provided great drive, while James Worpel and Jai Newcombe were major reasons behind Hawthorn’s early clearance dominance. Mitch Lewis kicked another three goals.

Room for improvement

If the Hawks had kicked straight, this section would be empty. They conjured 7.14 across the first three quarters — a painfully inaccurate ratio that ultimately kept St Kilda in the game. Luckily they straightened up late with 5.2 in the final term to pinch a win in a great confidence-booster for the young team.

Grade

A

NARRM (MELBOURNE)

It was deja vu for the Demons as they dropped a Round 11 game at the MCG to the Dockers for the second-straight year. It marked Narrm’s second loss on the trot as it’s suddenly vulnerable of dropping out of the top four. You could see this result coming throughout the day as Simon Goodwin’s side was well down on its best form and appeared vulnerable. Kysaiah Pickett did provide a big highlight goal though, kicking an epic three bounce goal of the year contender in the first few minutes of the game.

In the votes

Christian Petracca (30 disposals, six marks, five tackles) had a big game in the midfield, while Tom Saprrow (18 touches, one goal) had one of his best performances at AFL level with more on-ball opportunities without Clayton Oliver.

Room for improvement

Although it mightn’t have necessarily shown up on the stats sheet, Oliver’s power and drive in the midfield was missed, particularly against Fremantle’s star-studded on-ballers. Similarly, although Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy dominated the hit-out battle, Luke Jackson had much more presence as Narrm failed to capitalise on Sean Darcy going down with a hamstring issue. The Dees’ forward line also remains an area of concern after they failed to score over 80 points for a second-consecutive game.

Grade

D

NORTH MELBOURNE

Sure, a 35-point loss to Collingwood doesn’t read overly well, but this was an honourable loss for the Kangaroos. They played with great fight and intent over the four quarters and never stopped trying, kicking six goals in the final term when they could’ve put the cue in the rack. If North’s execution had been better earlier in the game, it might’ve made for a more exciting contest, with Collingwood’s sharper ball use the main difference between the two sides. It marked the Roos’ ninth-straight loss to remain in 17th position.

In the votes

Hugh Greenwood was a warrior in the midfield for North, tallying 25 touches to go with a game-high 11 tackles. Nick Larkey was the most dominant forward on the ground with 5.2, while Bailey Scott chipped in 30 disposals and a goal.

Room for improvement

As mentioned, it was basic skill execution and composure going forward that really separated these teams on the day, which is to be expected with an experienced Collingwood outfit against the more youthful Roos. In fact, North actually won clearances (35-33), only narrowly lost contested possessions (126-124) and had the weight of inside 50s early in the game. Although these numbers may be a little skewed given the Pies’ pressure dropped right off in the fourth quarter, it shows North weren’t that far off the mark.

Grade

C+

PORT ADELAIDE

The Power surge continued, with Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) registering an equal club-record eighth straight win — albeit it was a hard-fought one against the plucky Tigers at the MCG. The Power set the tone in the first quarter, kicking five consecutive goals to set up a 25-point lead at the start of the second term. Richmond kept on pushing, drawing within two points early in the fourth quarter, only for the Power to kick three goals of the game’s final five goals to seal a 10-point win, which keeps them in the top four.

In the votes

Good luck getting a free spot on the Zak Butters bandwagon, for it’s filled up mightily fast. A week after his breathtaking two-goal, 41-disposal display against Melbourne, Butters produced another standout game against Richmond, booting one goal – a steadier in the third term when his side couldn’t buy a major – from 32 disposals, 14 contested possessions, six inside 50s and 631m gained. Down back, Aliir Aliir was magnificent, rendering Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt ineffectual, while repelling numerous Tigers forward forays. He finished with 15 disposals and 10 intercepts, while he didn’t lose any of his eight one-on-one contests. Kane Farrell, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis also performed in a strong performance from Port Adelaide’s midfield, as they comfortably won the clearances (+8) and inside 50s (+22).

Room for improvement

Kicking straight would be handy. Across the second and third quarters, the Power kicked 2.10, which allowed the Tigers back into the contest. Elsewhere Miles Bergman went at 43 per cent by foot for the match as he was thrown around the field a few times.

Grade

B+

RICHMOND

Life after Damien Hardwick has begun for Richmond – and interim coach Andrew McQualter was almost gifted first-up win, only for a classy Port Adelaide outfit to kick away late. There were glimpses of the Tigers’ DNA throughout the match, creating more forward-half turnovers, inside 50s and scoring opportunities as the game progressed. But their lack of polish proved costly as the Power won by 10 points.

In the votes

On a day where players struggled with cleanliness and class, Tim Taranto stood out, booting four of the Tigers’ nine goals and collecting 33 disposals and seven clearances. Nathan Broad and Noah Balta were excellent in defence, while Shai Bolton was lively across the first three quarters.

Room for improvement

Damien Hardwick watched Sunday’s match as a Richmond fan on his couch with beer in-hand. And Hardwick would’ve witnessed the same issues that plagued the Tigers during their topsy-turvy first 10 rounds of this season. Richmond’s lack of polish forward of centre – the team’s biggest flaw to date in 2023 – was on display, booting 3.10 from 26 inside 50s in the first half. Then when the game was up for grabs, match-winners Bolton and Dustin Martin went missing, having just three disposals between them in the final term. For the match, the duo kicked 3.6 between them. Meanwhile, Jack Graham had a mare, finishing with just 11 disposals and going at 33 per cent by foot.

Grade

C+

ST KILDA

Perhaps coach Ross Lyon said it best post-game: “We got what we deserved today.” The usually-stingy Saints were exposed by a hungry Hawthorn, which really should’ve won Saturday’s game by four or five goals. Only the Hawks’ inaccuracy seemed to keep the Saints in the game. They even looked a strong chance of stealing victory in the last quarter, only to see a 20-point lead turn into a 10-point loss. With the Saints set for their bye before tackling Sydney away in Round 13, Lyon said his players might’ve had their travel plans on their minds.

In the votes

Who knows how bad it might’ve been for the Saints if Max King wasn’t out there. The start forward booted 4.0 from 10 disposals, including two goals in the first term to set the tone. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Mason Wood provided great drive, Callum Willie was strong in defence and Rowan Marshall covered a lot of territory as essentially the Saints’ sole ruck.

Room for improvement

Forget the fact St Kilda nearly stole the game. The Saints were thrashed at the coalface in the first half, down in the contested possession (-17) and clearance (-5) counts convincingly at half-time. Lyon said post-game the Saints’ midfield was well beaten in three of the four quarters. They also couldn’t defend Hawthorn’s handball game early as their pressure not up to the usual high standard. Elsewhere, Jade Gresham and Jack Higgins both struggled to have an impact on the scoreboard, booting 0.2 between them.

Grade

D+

SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans needed a win to stay in touch with the top eight, and they did enough to get the four points over the Blues. It wasn’t a pretty win or one for the highlights reel – but coach John Longmire was pleased his side was able to grind out victory with a three-goal to none final term. Tom Papley had moments in a good sign for the Swans after his lean run in recent weeks, while Sydney’s makeshift backline held a side with two Coleman Medallists to just six goals in an outstanding display.

In the votes

Nick Blakey was a beast in defence, despite being undersized against the likes of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. But he took the game on at every opportunity to give the Swans the fast breakaway, and racked up 26 disposals, 12 marks and 10 intercepts. Sam Wicks was impressive in his first game for the year, with a team-high eight score involvements and 2.1 from his 16 touches. Jake Lloyd (35 disposals) and Chad Warner were everywhere.

Room for improvement

What do Sydney do with Lance Franklin? He was held goalless for the fourth time this season and was rarely sighted as he finished with just seven disposals. With Logan McDonald injured long term and Sam Reid ruled out for the year, there isn’t a lot of big options forward for Sydney. But they will need to find more avenues to goal if they want to really challenge in 2023.

Grade

B

WEST COAST EAGLES

It seem crazy to say the Eagles get a pass mark in a 50-point loss – but the effort and intensity that’s been missing was there on Saturday night, and that’s something coach Adam Simpson can hang his hat on. West Coast may have managed just the two goals after half time, but they showed glimpses of promise against an Essendon side that did enough for three quarters before pulling away in the last. The Eagles finally won a hitout count – 37-19 and managed 12 marks inside 50 in good signs. But injury once again played its part, with Luke Edwards concussed and now missing next week, while Dom Sheed was clearly hampered by a lower leg injury suffered in the second term.

In the votes

Oscar Allen continues to be West Coast’s shining light in a brutal season. He had three first half goals in a dominant display and looked dangerous when the Eagles could go to him one-out. He added a fourth after the final siren – his third four-goal haul already in 11 rounds. Bailey Williams had one of his best games – aside form a shocking shot on goal – to finish with 33 hitouts and 12 disposals. Shannon Hurn was a clear difference in defence as he returned from injury to collect 27 disposals – at a remarkable 100% efficiency and 10 marks.

Room for improvement

The delivery to Allen still needs work. With the likes of Elliot Yeo back, the Eagles were able to win the ball in the middle, but just couldn’t get the final kick right inside 50. The balance of the line up is an issue for Simpson, but we know the injury woes he’s contending with. The change up of sending Tom Barrass forward lasted just 10 minutes as the Bombers dominated territory.

Grade

C

WESTERN BULLDOGS

A seven-point loss to the Suns in Darwin was a reminder of what can happen when a team is slightly off as the Dogs had their five-game winning streak snapped and an opportunity to climb into the top four denied. Not that Luke Beverdige’s side was that down on form, but it was a scrappy contest where the side that maximised its opportunities would end up winning. It saw the Dogs fall to 7-4 on the season ahead of a meeting with the Cats at Marvel Stadium next weekend.

In the votes

Marcus Bontempelli had no problems in the slippery conditions (of course), racking up 27 touches, 17 contested, to go with nine clearances and 11 tackles as his class constantly stood out in an otherwise hard slog. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (three goals) had some big moments and looked like he was going to drag the Dogs over the line at stages, while Jack Macrae (33 disposals) and Caleb Daniel (25 possessions, one goal) were busy through the midfield.

Room for improvement

This was largely a case of the Dogs just not taking their chances when they got them including finishing with a mere 33 per cent inside 50 efficiency (22 shots from 66 entries) and converting 11.11 in front of goal to the Suns’ 13.6. In fact, the Dogs dominated the inside 50 count 66-48, but just weren’t as effective in their attacking zones. Things finally started to click for the Dogs late with more urgency when the game was slipping away, but they left their run until too late.

Grade

C-