Alarm bells for contender’s fail no one saw coming; FIVE teams bank perfect Round 7 grade

Among a number of marquee fixtures on or either side of Anzac Day, a whopping FIVE teams recorded perfect grades. At the other end of the spectrum, however, two completely failed — and another two came mighty close to joining them.

Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 7 edition of Report Card!

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ADELAIDE CROWS

When the Lions went to another level, Adelaide simply couldn’t go with them. That’s the concerning reality the Crows face after their 52-point loss to the reigning premiers, as Matthew Nicks’ side simply looks a level, or two, below the genuine flag contenders. Just feels like one of those seasons where there’s enough small things going wrong that are adding up to big things, ahead of a fascinating Showdown against Port Adelaide with big stakes.

In the votes

Jordan Dawson made an emotional return to the field and was Adelaide’s best as he tried to inspire his team. The star skipper racked up 28 disposals and kicked two goals. Luke Pedlar kicked three goals and was an Energiser Bunny in attack all day and really entrenching himself in this team.

Room for improvement

The Crows were smashed by Brisbane’s star-studded midfield around the ball. They gave up huge numbers to the likes of Lachie Neale (42 disposals) Will Ashcroft (36 touches) and Zac Bailey (29 disposals, three goals) as the midfield numbers would’ve been flashing red everywhere in the Adelaide coaches box.

Grade

D-

BRISBANE LIONS

A fair old flex from Brisbane at its home fortress. After they’d be slightly down on their best in recent weeks, the Lions ratchet it up in a frightening blitz against Adelaide and ominous reminder to the rest of the competition. That included a dominant seven-goal third quarter, led by Brisbane’s superstar midfield, where the Crows were left hapless. There’s no club as dominant in the three main phases of the game — contest, defence and offence — as the reigning back-to-back premiers when they’re in full flight,

In the votes

Three votes, L.Neale. The dual Brownlow medallist (42 disposals) was at his brilliant best and well supported by Will Ashcroft (36 disposals, one goal) through the middle. Zac Bailey (29 disposals, three goals) also had a field day and Harris Andrews blanketed Riley Thilthorpe, holing the star forward to one goal.

Room for improvement

After Brisbane put the foot down late in the second quarter, it was a complete domination. Full marks.

Grade

A+

CARLTON

The Blues may not have got the four points in Perth, but they did do something they haven’t done all year - won a fourth quarter. Fremantle had put the match away early in the last quarter, but Carlton showed great composure to reduce that margin to just 14 points. After coughing up the first 12 clearances of the game, the Blues managed to finish the game only -5, and still had more contested ball (+3), less turnovers (-4) and +2 inside 50s. Carlton were brave after a week of turmoil, something coach Michael Voss can be proud of after asking his players for more fight.

In the votes

After a slow start from the whole midfield group, Sam Walsh ended up with 32 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances and a goal. His partner-in-crime Patrick Cripps finished with 31 touches — 24 of those contested, 11 clearances, eight score involvements, seven tackles and a goal. Brodie Kemp kicked four goals against a stingy Dockers defence.

Room for improvement

The Blues have to sort out their inability to play a full four quarters. They were within a goal midway through the third term, but then coughed up six straight goals to see the match slip away. Accountability in the midfield needs to be addressed after skipper Patrick Cripps was left to match up on Shai Bolton early in the last quarter - and the Docker who went on to win the best on ground medal put him to the sword.

Grade

C+

COLLINGWOOD

A record 77-point smashing of arch rival Essendon on Anzac Day. And Scott Pendlebury produced one of the best performances of his career in game number 431 to claim his fourth Anzac Day Medal. Not much more Pies fans could ask for, right? What would really be pleasing was Collingwood rediscovering its offensive spark, even if it was only against the Bombers. After failing to score 100 in 17 games, the Pies brought up the triple figure in the second half alone in a 15-goal avalanche and put up their biggest ever score under Craig McRae.

In the votes

Pendlebury wound back the clock in a major way. The Pies champ racked up a career-best 432 disposals with two goals and 19 score involvements. If that was his last Anzac Day, what a way to go out. Nick Daicos (42 touches, 745 metres gained) and Jack Crisp (38 disposals, one goal) were among Collingwood’s prime movers in the midfield and Jordan De Goey added three majors from 18 touches.

Room for improvement

From a bigger picture perspective, the Pies’ scoring woes had been their main concern in 2026. So to conquer some of those demons, and have seven multiple goalkickers, was a big step in the right direction and something they’ll hope to launch off. They’ll need more returns like that if they’re be any sort of meaningful threat in 2026.

Grade

A+

ESSENDON

After a promising couple of weeks from Brad Scott’s men, the Bombers crashed back down to earth in a bad way on a record Anzac Day loss to Collingwood. Essendon was competitive enough in the first half, before succumbing to Collingwood’s pressure and getting overwhelmed by a more experienced opponent on the big stage in a lesson for Essendon’s youngster. Further souring the loss was a brutal ACL injury to Archer May. An even bigger tests awaits against reigning premier Brisbane at Marvel Stadium this Saturday.

In the votes

Archie Roberts (42 disposals, nine marks) racked up plenty of footy across halfback and Nate Caddy kicked 3.3, which could’ve been a proper bag if he’d kicked straighter.

Room for improvement

Brad Scott lamented his side’s lack of composure and ability to handle the occasion including succumbing to pressure that wasn’t there. The Bombers were well beaten in contested possession (-31) and at centre bounce as Scott Pendlebury and Nick Daicos caused all sorts of Essendon headaches.

Grade

F

FREMANTLE

The Dockers just needed the win to jump into the top two — but they made hard work of it in the end. A 12-0 clearance count to start the match only gave the home side an eight-point buffer at the first change. And they conceded five of the last six goals of the match to ruin any hopes of a percentage boost. But in between there was some moments of brilliance, particularly from big man Luke Jackson. Jackson’s dominance helped Freo to a +16 hitout and +5 clearance count. Despite the late withdrawal of forward Pat Voss, the Dockers still pulled in 16 marks inside 50, and finished with 16 goals which is their second highest tally for the season.

In the votes

Shai Bolton’s 33 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances and two goals saw him named the Arthur Leggett Medallist for best on ground. Luke Jackson was runner up in the votes for his 21 touches, 31 hitouts, six tackles, three clearances and two goals. Jeremy Sharp kicked two important goals when the match was on the line in the third term after his last minute call up to replace Pat Voss. Hayden Young continues to build into the season with 21 disposals - including ripping kicks of both the left and right, and finished Freo’s best clearance winner with five.

Room for improvement

The stingy Dockers defence coughed up their highest goal total in a win this season (13). They’d only conceded a combined 10 goals in their last two wins, but couldn’t stop the late run of Blues goals. Three Dockers went at 50% or less disposal efficiency - Michael Frederick, Isaiah Dudley and Caleb Serong.

Grade

B+

GEELONG CATS

The Cats’ Anzac Day clash started red-hot with two goals inside the opening two minutes, but from there it was all Port Adelaide in a five-goal loss that really deserved to be more. It was one of those uncharacteristic losses we see one or twice a season from Chris Scott’s side, but having already gone down heavily in Opening Round to Gold Coast, they wouldn’t want to have another one this year or alarm bells start ringing.

In the votes

There won’t be any Geelong players polling come Brownlow night for this one. Bailey Smith and Tanner Bruhn were among the club’s better performers, but even then weren’t at their absolute damaging best. Down back, Tom Stewart (27 disposals — eight intercepts) and Connor O’Sullivan (21 disposals — nine intercepts, five spoils) had good moments, but their defence didn’t hold up as a collective.

Room for improvement

Worryingly, for the third time already this year, the visitors gave up a whopping 30 scores, with another half a dozen more not registering in the end. It was the club’s worst forward half intercept game on record, while their final tally of just 35 inside 50s was their lowest since 2015. An early injury to Mark Blicavs severely hurt them in the ruck department, but even then it’s still hard to justify a -18 clearance differential. To round out the alarming stats, the Cats registered just three (!) tackles inside forward 50 the entire night, and finished with 13 less across the field than the Power — despite also having 72 less disposals.

Grade

F

GOLD COAST SUNS

Damien Hardwick’s side flew down to Tasmania with so much hope of breaking their long-standing drought at UTAS Stadium, but ultimately fell way short at Hawthorn’s fortress. This was the type of fixture they needed to win to convince punters they can be the real deal this year, but now — at least for the short-term — it’s back to the drawing board.

In the votes

Key defender Mac Andrew (20 disposals — nine intercepts, nine spoils, seven marks, 537 metres gained) was the Suns’ highest-rated player out of the match down back, while Christian Petracca (28 disposals — 12 contested, 10 clearances), was again excellent at the contest for his new club. Lachie Weller (17 disposals — 88.2% efficiency, two goals) had a solid outing on the wing as one of four Suns players to kick two goals.

Room for improvement

Retrospectively, Gold Coast never stood a chance with how much ball they gave up to the Hawks on Saturday afternoon. Fascinatingly though, despite the 92-touch difference, they still managed to record four more inside 50s come the final siren. Centre clearance was all theirs, but around the ground they struggled far more at stoppage. Tackling-wise too, they had 18 less than Hawthorn, which is unacceptable given how much less ball they had.

Grade

D-

GWS GIANTS

Adam Kingsley and the Giants just needed the four points in Canberra to avoid a disastrous 2-5 start. And with a host of big names back, and cause for celebration as skipper Toby Greene broke the club’s all-time games record, there was plenty of motivation. But the Giants were sow out of the blocks, and if not for Greene’s inspirational second quarter burst GWS might not have got themselves back in the contest. After levelling scores at half time, the Giants then found their fight and hung on in a final minute thriller. At times, GWS ran through the corridor with ease. But at other times they proved their own worst enemy with inefficiency inside 50.

In the votes

Toby Greene was best on ground for his side, with his 28 disposals, a team-high eight clearances, four tackles and two goals. Lachie Whitfield (32 touches) and Lachie Ash (30) got plenty of ball, but both were guilty of horror moments where they were run down. Brent Daniels made a welcome return with 21 disposals, six clearances and a goal. Jake Stringer’s three goals all came from individual moments of brilliance, and proved the difference on the scoreboard.

Room for improvement

GWS couldn’t get their run game going in the first quarter. Aside from Leek Aleer trying to provide a spark in the ruck, the Giants looked flat from the opening bounce and coughed up four straight goals as a result.

Grade

B+

HAWTHORN

The 6-1 Hawks further enhanced their flag credentials with a 49-point win over fellow contender Gold Coast. The win was spurred on from an almighty half-time spray from Sam Mitchell as his side stacked on seven goals to three in the second half. It’s a statement to the rest of the competition that Mitchell’s troops are a serious threat in 2026 and now pretty firmly entrenched in the top four alongside Sydney and Fremantle.

In the votes

Jai Newcombe was a force through the middle with 30 disposals, 20 contested, and 12 clearances. Jack Gunston just keeps on keeping with five goals and Karl Amon controlled the game across halfback with 31 touches and eight marks.

Room for improvement

We’ll defer to Sam Mitchell for this one when he addressed his heated half-time blow up. Mitchell said his side still has “some maturing to do with handling momentum swings” after the Hawks conceded four goals in the lead into the main break. “There was some things that were well within our control. Sometimes they’re within your control and it’s against what you’re trying to achieve. When you own up to those things and make them your own you improve. I was really pleased …I think it looked to everyone like the Suns were going to just grind us down and have a four or five goal win. So for the players to be able to respond … I thought (that) showed enormous maturity,” he said.

Grade

A+

MELBOURNE

It took a little while for Steven King’s side to hit their straps, but a late surge before half time gave the Demons momentum to work for the back end of the back. A nine-goal victory was about right on Anzac Day Eve, and now sitting 5-2, they’ll get a great heat check against Sydney this Sunday afternoon on the road.

In the votes

It would surprise absolutely no one if Kysaiah Pickett (29 disposals, four goals, 773 metres gained) took home the three Brownlow votes, given the 24-year-old won the Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes Medal for best on ground. And if there was any doubt over his complete performance with a minute to play, the livewire’s mark of the year contender put the debate to bed. Elsewhere, South Australian Tom Sparrow (28 disposals — 12 contested, nine clearances, eight tackles, one goal) wasn’t far off being their most important too, while Caleb Windsor (25 disposals, 553 metres gained, two goals) found himself some form with a well-rounded performance.

Room for improvement

Melbourne probably would’ve liked a slightly greater win at clearance given their hitout dominance, but beyond that, there isn’t much to critique from the marquee match.

Grade

A-

NORTH MELBOURNE

A spot in the top four was on offer for the Roos - but they ultimately feel just short as some late umpiring calls drew ire. Griffin Logue clearly touched Giant Xavier O’Halloran’s goal - but that was allowed to stand despite a review, while Jack Darling thought he’d won himself a shot on goal with a big tackle to close the margin to just one point in the final minute. But play on was called. The Roos showed plenty of promise in patches in Canberra - winning clearance +3, including a 17-9 count from the centre, had just 56 turnovers (-5 on their season average) and laid 63 tackles.

In the votes

Harry Sheezel was everywhere particularly in the first half before finishing with 32 disposals, four tackles, three clearances and a goal. Caleb Daniel had arguably his best game for the club with 30 touches, seven inside 50s, more than 700m gained and six marks. Ruckman Tristan Xerri made a welcome return from his blood smear ban to collect 25 disposals - 18 of them contested, 25 hitouts, 10 clearances and a whopping 12 tackles.

Room for improvement

Ill-discipline proved costly for Aidan Corr as he coughed up three free kicks, Griffin Logue had a tough day out - highlighted by his goal line touch that wasn’t called. He was part of a Roos defence that conceded 14 marks inside 50 to the Giants.

Grade

B

PORT ADELAIDE

Woah, what a Round 7 it was for Power fans. Josh Carr’s side never looked like losing after the first 15 minutes of the match. While their horrid inaccuracy in front of goal did leave the door ajar for a Geelong comeback until the final quarter, that’s now back-to-back weeks we’ve seen them perform strongly against premiership contenders. Anything can happen in Showdowns against their arch rivals, and if they can snare four points against the Crows this Friday night, they look every chance of being a wildcard contender in 2026 after a slow start to the year.

In the votes

The rightful winner of the Peter Badcoe VC Medal was Jason Horne-Francis, who was absolutely dominant all night with 34 disposals (17 contested), 12 clearances and a goal from the midfield. Despite his monster game, he would have been pipped by Mitch Georgiades (19 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 marks — seven inside 50, four goals) on a different night. The star key forward kicked a wayward six behinds, and ironically proved the only person capable of stopping himself. Jordan Sweet (12 disposals, 31 hitouts — 13 to advantage, nine score involvements, one goal) made the most of an early injury to opponent Mark Blicavs, while half-forward Joe Richards (20 disposals, nine marks, four tackles inside 50, one goal) was strong great after quarter time. And as for Zak Butters, the out-of-contract superstar starred in the second half to eventually win a hard-fought battle with Oisin Mullin, finishing with 30 disposals, seven inside 50s and two goal assists.

Room for improvement

The only thing preventing the Power from full marks was their kicking for goal. As opposing coach Chris Scott said himself post-game, the final margin should’ve been 10 goals — if not more!

Grade

A

RICHMOND

After a promising start to their Anzac Day Eve clash against Melbourne, the Tigers first looked vulnerable on the cusp of half time as they conceded five straight through the middle phase of the game. Their second and more damaging fall came in the final term though, where the Dees piled majors on in a six-goal-to-one stanza. Despite some positive takeaways, Richmond’s winless run extends to a dozen matches.

In the votes

There won’t be any Tigers who poll from this fixture, but Dion Prestia (28 disposals, six tackles) was absolutely everywhere in the first 10 minutes of the match before cooling slightly. Recruit Patrick Retschko (26 disposals, 503 metres gained) and debutant Sam Cumming (13 disposals, five clearances, one goal, one goal assist) showed plenty of promise, while Tom Brown (24 disposals — nine intercepts, seven marks, one goal assist) read Melbourne’s entries well.

Room for improvement

Most facets of the game were the Tigers beaten in, though four quarters of consistent football will go a long way to reducing those deficits. Noah Balta’s ruck cameo was definitely a success, but ultimately not the long-term answer as Samson Ryan continues to struggle. All-in-all though, Adem Yze’s side were in it for the best part of three quarters!

Grade

C

ST KILDA

After a tough first six weeks of the 2026 season, the Saints hammered home a 15-goal second half to register their biggest win in a decade and largest score under Ross Lyon since his return to the club. It was a slow start from both them and West Coast, but come the fourth quarter, the red, white and black made it look like a genuine training drill.

In the votes

It’s not super clear cut who was best on ground for the victors, with several standout performers. Superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (34 disposals, 11 score involvements, four goal assists, 678 metres gained) was everywhere from the 15-minute mark of the first quarter, while co-captain Callum Wilkie (25 disposals — 12 intercepts, 16 marks, seven intercepted) went ballistic in the second half down back. Through the middle of the ground, Hugo Garcia (32 disposals — 15 contested, nine clearances, two goals) had arguably his best match yet at the top level, alongside Marcus Windhager (25 disposals, 11 marks, 626 metres gained, two goals). Up forward, Jack Higgins (14 disposals, five goals) and Cooper Sharman (20 disposals, 13 score involvements, 10 marks, two goals) were prominent.

Room for improvement

It’s nigh on impossible to not give full marks for a triple-figure win, but Ross Lyon will still stress there’s plenty of room for improvement out of the Sunday afternoon clash.

Grade

A+

SYDNEY SWANS

The Swans may have been jumped by an undermanned Bulldogs, but from quarter time they landed 15 of the next 20 goals to blow out their win on Thursday night. From a three-goal opening term, the Swans steadily built to finish with a six-goal final quarter blitz to boost their percentage at the top of the table. They finished with 184 handballs – which is even above average numbers for them, a whopping 70 inside 50s – 23 of those with marks. Remarkably, the Swans pulled down 18 contested grabs (compared to the Dogs’ four) and made just 60 turnovers (which is down on their season average of almost 73 per game).

In the votes

Charlie Curnow is back to his best with a seven-goal haul. But his efforts against an undermanned Dogs defence were made more impressive by the fact he achieved a feat not even star recruit Lance Franklin could – a single match with 6+ contested marks, 10+ score involvements and 7+ goals. Tom McCartin had arguably his best game as he shut down Aaron Naughton before the Bulldog’s sickening injury scare. Nick Blakey (22 disposals, 507m gained) tore across Marvel Stadium at every opportunity while Chad Warner finished with 20 touches, seven tackles, two clearances and 3.3. Brodie Grundy was also impressive – albeit against a debutant – with 18 disposals, 35 hitouts and two goals.

Room for improvement

The Swans were slow out of the gates as they coughed up the first three goals of the game. But once they navigated their way through the Bulldogs’ corridor congestion, the Swans were out as they piled on the pain on the scoreboard.

Grade

A+

WEST COAST EAGLES

The Eagles endured their ninth triple-figure loss in less than five years on Sunday afternoon in Melbourne, with a second half performance against St Kilda which was simply unacceptable. Andrew McQualter’s side now average 120 points against a game this season, having not held anyone to a score of less than 90 yet.

In the votes

Despite the demeaning loss, there were still a few Eagles who had a lot of the ball — though it still won’t see them poll votes on Brownlow night. Reigning No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma (25 disposals, 11 marks, 622 metres gained) did an okay job tagging Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera early on, while fellow first-year player Josh Lindsay (31 disposals — 90.3% efficiency, seven intercepts) used the Sherrin well. Harley Reid (27 disposals — 16 contested, seven clearances, one goal) was honourable too, and deserves his flowers alongside veteran Elliot Yeo (21 disposals, six clearances, one goal).

Room for improvement

Arguably the most damning concern to come out of the clash for the Eagles was their lack of tackling pressure. Granted, the match was played mostly in an uncontested form, but 33 tackles in total and a dozen less than the opposition isn’t good enough when you have 83 less disposals. McQualter’s midfield was able to draw level at around the ground stoppages, but their efficiency was poor inside 50 when they

Grade

F

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs were brave but beaten in Thursday night’s 66-point demolition at the hands of the Swans. Aside from their red-hot start – where the Dogs piled on the first three goals – the home side struggled to contain the Swans in attack. Just nine marks inside 50 compared to Sydney’s 23, and 15 scoring shots to 36 highlight the one-way traffic woes for Luke Beveridge’s side. But it was the Dogs’ 84 turnovers – well up on their season average of 68 – that cruelled their chances. One positive was the +4 centre clearance count, plus the fact the undermanned side spent more than 30 minutes in the lead.

In the votes

Marcus Bontempelli was inspirational as he shrugged off a knee complaint to throw himself into every contest. He was always the man going back to help out in defence, while still racking up 29 touches – 12 contested, seven score involvements, six clearances, five tackles and two goals. It’s worth noting Bontempelli was the Dogs’ only multiple goal scorer against the Swans too. Ryley Sanders tried to help in the middle without Tom Liberatore, to finish with 28 disposals, seven tackles and six clearances.

Room for improvement

Joel Freijah looks down on confidence and isn’t living up to the ‘mini Bont’ hype that has followed him in recent seasons. He finished with 15 touches and only one clearance for the match. Ryan Gardner had multiple moments in defence he’d probably like back – and went at just 20 per cent disposal efficiency for the match. Louis Emmett didn’t fair much better at 37%. Injuries are just cruelling Luke Beveridge’s side, and they copped another blow with Aaron Naughton crash landing onto the Marvel Stadium turf and taking no further part in the match.

Grade

D

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