Western Bulldogs v Brisbane

Brisbane has given their supporters some hope for season 2017, with a win over the reigning premiers. The lead blew out to over 30 points in the third quarter, however, the Bulldogs managed to drag it back to an eight point deficit by the time the final siren blew.

Dayne Zorko was by far the best player on the ground. He amassed 34 disposals, 12 tackles, eight marks, and a goal. Recently named captain, Dayne Beams, was also productive collecting 24 disposals at 87.5% efficiency.

For the Western Bulldogs, it was some familiar names that did a lot of the work. Jack Macrae played well (17 disposals and seven marks), while Lin Jong (17 disposals, three clearances & two goals) continued his push to be included in round one.

Best

Brisbane:ย Dayne Zorko, Sam Mayes, Dayne Beams, Tom Bell

Western Bulldogs:ย Jack Macrae, Lin Jong, Jake Stringer, Josh Dunkley

GWS v Sydney

Fans got to see some wet weather footy, in what was a rain soaked clash in Blacktown on Friday night, with the Swans eventually taking home the win by two goals. Dean Towers, who has only played 30 games since being drafted in 2012, defied the tough conditions, managing six marks, and a disposal efficiency of 84.6%. Youngster,ย Callum Mills, again showed off his talent finishing the game with 20 disposals, seven marks, and three inside 50s.

Lance Franklin made his presence felt early in the second quarter, with a huge hit on draftee Tim Taranto thatย may come under scrutiny from the Match Review Panel.

Callan Ward led from the front for the Giants, racking up 26 disposals and a goal. Dylan Shiel also played well, managing 25 touches and an impressive seven clearances.

Best

GWS:ย Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel, Heath Shaw, Josh Kelly

Sydney:ย Dean Towers, Callum Mills, Lance Franklin, George Hewett

Carlton v St Kilda

Carlton were at the receiving end of a 98-point thumping at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon. St Kilda proved dominate at both ends of the ground, limiting the Blues to 30 points, while piling onย 18.14, 122.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Josh Bruce of the Saints kicks for goal during the 2017 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the St Kilda Saints at Ikon Park on March 4, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Josh Bruce dominated, he booted seven goals and also finished with nine marks. Fellow tallPaddy McCartin also impressed with 18 disposals, 12 marks and eight inside 50s.

New Carlton recruit Billie Smedts (16 disposals and five rebound 50s) performed well in a tough day for his side. As did ex-Crow,ย Sam Kerridge, who had 19 disposals, and a goal.

Best

Carlton:ย Sam Kerridge, Billie Smedts, Ed Curnow, Caleb Marchbank

St Kilda:ย Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin, Jack Steele, Jack Billings

Fremantle v Collingwood

In what was match of the round, Fremantle youngster Ed Langdon came up clutch, kicking a goal after the siren to knock off the Magpies. The Dockers can thankย Stephen Hill (29 disposals, four clearances, and four inside 50s) and Aaron Sandilands (20 hit outs, 15 disposals, and two goal assists), for having the chance to win the game late.

Despite the heartbreak, Collingwood did have some shining lights. Jeremy Howe impressed with 24 disposals at 91.7% efficiency and nine marks. While American Mason Coxย continues to improve, kicking three goals up forward.

Best

Fremantle:ย Stephen Hill, Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Lachie Neale

Collingwood:ย Jeremy Howe, Adam Treloar, Mason Cox, Alex Fasolo

Adelaide v Geelong

The Crows held on to beat a fast finishing Cats' side by six points at Richmond Oval on Sunday afternoon. Adelaide's Matt Crouch led the game in disposals, finishing with 28, he also had seven clearances and two goal assists. While Brodie Smith had 18 disposals, four inside 50s, and four rebound 50s.

Fringe Geelong player George Horlin-Smith played well, notching up 23 disposals, six clearances, and six inside 50s. He had help from Lachie Henderson who finished the game with 23 disposals and 12 marks. Also worth noting was that reigning Brownlow medallist, Patrick Dangerfield, only played 42% ofย the game. He was rested the entire third quarter,ย which the Crows dominated, keeping Geelong scoreless to set up a 28-point three-quarter time lead.

Best

Adelaide:ย Matt Crouch, Brodie Smtih, Rory Laird, Andy Otten

Geelong:ย George Horlin-Smith, Lachie Henderson, Sam Menegola, Darcy Lang

Richmond v Port Adelaide

Richmond comfortably beat Port Adelaide, winning by 28 points at Malseed Park. Ruckmanย Toby Nankervis performed well for his new side, he managed 22 hit outs, four clearances, and a goal. Fan favourite, Sam Lloyd, was also effective, kicking three goals, as well as having 15 disposals.

Ollie Wines (24 disposals and seven clearances) was Port Adelaide's best. He also had help from Jared Polec (20 disposals and eight inside 50s), and rookie Dan Houston (15 disposals and five rebound 50s). Things were made worse for the Power when Jasper Pittard went down with a hamstring injury. He is currently in doubt for round one.

Best

Richmond:ย Toby Nankervis, Sam Lloyd, Brandon Ellis, Josh Caddy

Port Adelaide:ย Ollie Wines, Dan Houston, Jared Polec, Hamish Hartlett