AFL 2024 round 16 LIVE updates: Geelong offer Dons a truth check; Gold Coast whacked away another Collingwood resurgence

Loading Key posts 1 of 14 Pinned post from the other day 10.24 pm Key points: Cats storm home over Essendon By Andrew Wu GEELONG 16.9 (105) d ESSENDON 9.6 (60) Gary Rohan commemorates an objective. Credit: AFL Photos Dons Bomb On Big Stage There is a reason that numerous do not have Essendon as a real finals competitor, and it was on program tonight. The Bombers were thoroughly beat in the 2nd half by Geelong, who compensated recently’s surprise with an emphatic 45-point success at the MCG. In among their worst efficiencies of the season, the Bombers were blown away after half-time, outscored 10 objectives to 2. The Essendon Edge that has actually been a crucial part of their revival this season was no place to be seen in the 2nd half. Their midfield was blown away. Zach Merrett had simply 8 touches after half-time, Sam Durham just 5. Amazingly for Brad Scott, it followed a very first half in which they probably must have led by 2 to 3 objectives at the long break. The Bombers were smacked in shift, quiting 11 objectives on turnover – a mark of the Cats’ higher pressure, and Essendon’s failure to move the ball beyond winning the ball at clearance. The Dons now have an important Friday night smash hit versus old enemy Collingwood, who are likewise on the rebound. Felines Kids The Cats have actually been the butt of Dad’s Army jokes however their children played a huge function in their success over the Bombers. We understand Max Holmes is an authentic topliner however there are others who are establishing all right to offer the Cats veterans another chance at September. Ollie Dempsey began the season well as a forward, however has actually enhanced even more on the wing, this time with 25 ownerships and 2 objectives. 4 of his greatest disposal tallies have actually now can be found in his previous 6 video games. The relocate to the ruck has actually provided Sam De Koning the shake-up he required after a flat spot. Lawson Humphries on launching appeared like he belonged on top level with a cool head in defence. Jack Bowes, the sub recently, had an excellent night in the midfield. Mitch Knevitt had some good minutes, complemented with an objective in scrap time. Oliver Dempsey is praised by colleagues after kicking an objective. Credit: AFL Photos Did Dons Err With Two Rucks? Cricketer Gulbadin Naib developed a global stir with an abrupt beginning of cramp as a shower swept through the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent throughout the week. Australia’s leggie Adam Zampa joked Gulbadin had actually done a “rainstring”. Afghanistan would win on Duckworth/Lewis if play stopped there and after that. As the rain toppled down minutes before the very first bounce, we questioned whether either Todd Goldstein or Sam Draper were to do a “rainstring” too so that the Dons would not have 2 frontline rucks in conditions not matching the huge guys. Versus Mark Blicavs and Sam De Koning, neither of whom are specialist rucks, the set controlled the hitouts, 57-24, assisting Essendon win clearances by 7, however they had little effect around the ground with 21 disposals in between them to their challengers’ 36 and an objective. Brad Scott has actually usually chosen 2 rucks in his time at The Hangar though this might have been a video game where the Dons would have been much better served with forward Peter Wright playing a couple of minutes each quarter as the 2nd ruck. CRUCIAL STATS Latest posts 12.07 am That’s all for tonight By Roy Ward Thanks for joining us throughout this marathon day of footy. We will be back with another live blog site tomorrow afternoon and will have plenty more AFL reporting our sport websites. Please join us then. Bye in the meantime. the other day 11.49 pm Rankine sizzles in upset win, GWS slip to ninth A spectacular Izak Rankine cameo fired Adelaide to a 16-point upset win versus Greater Western Sydney. Rankine’s sensatio
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