A review of all the action from Round 7 of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season.
Queensland teams dominate the Smithy’s VFL ladder after seven rounds, with Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions scooting clear after impressive wins at the weekend.
The ladder features three standalone teams in the top eight and a top-four team from last year being all-but out of business a third of the way through the season.
Here’s what happened in Round 7.
CARLTON vs BRISBANE LIONS
CARLTON 1.1, 3.6, 5.10, 8.11 (59)
BRISBANE LIONS 2.4, 3.5, 6.8, 8.15 (63)
BRISBANE LIONS broke through for their first VFL win at IKON Park and maintained their unbeaten record in 2023 with a desperate four-point win over Carlton on Saturday.
Neither team was able to gain a significant break in the pouring rain, with the lead changing six times in the first three quarters, with the Lions taking a four-point advantage into the last.
The visitors snatched a game-high 17-point lead on the back of Kai Lohmann and Jarryd Lyons goals early in the last term before the Blues hit back through two goals to the impressive Matt Owies, who had 17 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and booted 3.4 in his return from injury, taking the lead in the 15th minute.
The Lions controlled the dying stages, missing several chances to put Carlton away as their last six attacking forays resulted in behinds, but it proved to be enough as the home team couldn’t find a winning goal.
Lyons starred for the Lions with 32 touches, seven clearances, 10 inside-50s and a goal, while fellow AFL selection contenders Deven Robertson (31 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles), Rhys Mathieson (28 disposals, six marks, six clearances, one goal), Darcy Fort (21 disposals, five marks, 23 hitouts, 10 clearances) and Callum Ah Chee (20 disposals, seven marks, five rebounds) kept the pressure on the incumbents.
Zac Fisher responded to his AFL omission in the best possible way with 32 possessions and six clearances for the Blues, Paddy Dow (26 disposals, five marks, five tackles) was again prolific, Jaxon Binns (24 disposals) continues to close in on an AFL debut and Archie Stevens (21 disposals, five marks, six tackles) and Jack Carroll (21 disposals, six marks) were also good.
Possible No.1 AFL Draft pick Harley Reid didn’t take long to find his feet at the level, picking up 21 touches, eight marks, nine tackles and five inside-50s in a classy second game.
GOLD COAST SUNS vs CASEY DEMONS
GOLD COAST SUNS 2.3, 8.4, 13.8, 17.10 (112)
CASEY DEMONS 4.3, 6.9, 10.9, 13.14 (92)
GOLD COAST retained its position at the top of the ladder with its most impressive performance yet, knocking off reigning premier Casey Demons by 20 points at Heritage Bank Stadium.
The Suns are fully fit and healthy at the moment and it showed against the flag favourites, especially in the second quarter as they banged on six goals to two to turn a 12-point deficit into a seven-point lead.
They never looked back, winning the third and fourth quarters as well to make their biggest statement of their first six wins, built on the back of a dominant ruck display from Ned Moyle, who had 19 disposals, six marks, seven clearances and seven inside-50s to go with 42 hitouts – the only ruckman to reach double figures.
He served the ball on a platter to Charlie Constable (31 disposals, 10 clearances, five tackles), Jy Farrar (28 disposals, seven marks, six rebounds), Jeremy Sharp (24 disposals, 10 marks, seven entries), Joel Jeffrey (23 disposals, nine marks, one goal) and Elijah Hollands (21 disposals, eight marks).
They in turn pumped it forward to Alex Sexton (18 disposals, seven marks, five goals), Brodie McLaughlin (16 disposals, three goals), Chris Burgess (14 disposals, six marks, three goals) and Hewago Oea (18 disposals, five entries, two goals), while Mac Andrew (21 disposals, 10 marks, 10 rebounds) was outstanding down back.
Adam Tomlinson was again a tower of strength in defence for Casey with 23 disposals and 12 rebounds, with Charlie Spargo returning from injury to gather 22, seven marks, seven tackles and a goal.
Bailey Laurie was excellent with a team-high 25 touches, five entries and a goal while Blake Howes (24 disposals, seven marks) and Taj Woewodin (24 disposals, five marks) continue to build. Meanwhile, Mitch White (20 disposals, five marks, seven clearances, six tackles) and George Gray (21 disposals, eight tackles, five entries) were in everything.
FRANKSTON vs SYDNEY SWANS
FRANKSTON 4.2, 6.3, 8.6, 9.6 (60)
SYDNEY SWANS 1.3, 4.7, 5.10, 7.15 (57)
FRANKSTON held on desperately for its second win of the year and virtually ended any hope Sydney had of repeating last year’s finals berth in a three-point thriller at Kinetic Stadium.
The Dolphins dominated the Swans early with five of the first six goals, including two to breakout player Kai Owens and one either side of quarter-time to second-gamer Trent Marotta, building a 23-point lead they held comfortably until midway through the last term.
Every time the winless Swans kicked a goal the Dolphins found an answer and they looked home when Josh Butland’s third goal gave them a 19-point lead at the 10-minute mark of the last.
Sydney took over at the end with goals to Corey Warner and Hugo Hall-Kahan cutting the deficit to five, but the Swans couldn’t find a winner as son-of-a-gun Indhi Kirk’s tumbling snap just broke to the wrong side of the post, leaving his team reeling at 0-5 and on a seven-match losing streak.
Jackson Voss (27 disposals, 10 marks, 11 rebounds) and former Swan Ryley Stoddart (26 disposals, seven marks) were the catalysts for Frankston out of defence, while Trent Mynott (32 disposals, five marks, five clearances, one goal) and Will Fordham (30 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles) racked them up in the middle.
Owens (23 disposals, five clearances, two goals) was crucial early, Lachie Riley put on 11 tackles and Josh Butland (seven marks, three goals) was a strong presence up front.
Nick Shipley (30 disposals, 12 clearances, six tackles) and Dylan Stephens (29 disposals, 12 clearances, 10 tackles) were good around the ball for Sydney, Will Gould (20 disposals, nine marks, seven entries) was probably their best player, Jake Bartholomaeus (21 disposals, 12 marks, six entries) was a highlights package, Tom Hickey (38 hitouts, six marks, six tackles, one goal) and Lachlan McAndrew (16 disposals, 33 hitouts) overwhelmed a lion-hearted Jimmy Rendell, while Hall-Kahan was always a threat in attack and kicked three goals.
GWS GIANTS vs FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS
GWS GIANTS 3.2, 10.3, 15.5, 15.7 (97)
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 2.3, 6.6, 8.8, 12.12 (84)
GWS GIANTS climbed to seventh spot with a convincing 13-point win over Footscray at Blacktown International Sports Park.
The Giants took the upper hand with seven goals to four in the second quarter to build a 27-point gap by the main change and they extended that to 39 points at three quarter-time against a team that hadn’t won a last quarter all year.
That changed emphatically as Footscray dominated it, kicking 4.4 to 0.2, but the Bulldogs simply left themselves with too much to do.
Cam Fleeton dominated across half-back for the Giants, winning 31 possessions, taking 10 marks and sending out six rebounds, with the experienced Phil Davis (26 disposals, 10 marks, eight rebounds) marshalling the last line.
Barry O’Connor (25 disposals, five marks, eight clearances), Josh Fahey (23 disposals, five marks, one goal) and Billy Clark (24 disposals, one goal) provided drive, Kieren Briggs (19 disposals, eight mark, six clearances, 34 hitouts, one goal) controlled the ruck and Max Gruzewski and Jake Riccardi finished it off with three goals each.
Footscray captain Lachie Sullivan is a genuine star of the competition and proved it again with 27 disposals, six clearances and five inside-50s, as Hayden Crozier (26 disposals, 13 marks, five entries), Toby McLean (25 disposals, five clearances), Robbie McComb (20 disposals, five marks, five clearances, one goal) put their hands up for AFL recall and Josh Kellett (21, eight marks) was also good.
NORTHERN BULLANTS vs BOX HILL HAWKS
NORTHERN BULLANTS 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.3 (51)
BOX HILL HAWKS 0.3, 9.9, 11.15, 15.18 (108)
BOX HILL Hawks overcame a brilliant first quarter from the Northern Bullants, unleashing a stunning second-term salvo to win by 57 points at Genis Steel Oval on Saturday.
The Bullants blitzed the Hawks with four unanswered goals, giving them a 22-point lead at quarter-time, but as soon as hope of a monumental upset were piqued, Box Hill shut them down in devastating fashion.
The visitors kicked their first goal in the fourth minute of the second quarter and unleashed a vicious assault, kicking nine goals to one for the term, including three to Sam Butler, to turn that 22-point deficit into a 32-point advantage
The Bullants fought things out in the second half, kicking three goals to the Hawks’ six, but the damage was done.
Cam Mackenzie dominated a second-straight VFL game with 30 disposals, six marks, seven tackles and a goal, Cal Porter (29 disposals, five marks, 11 clearances, seven tackles) was similarly strong and Max Ramsden blitzed the ruck with 22 touches, five marks, 35 hitouts, 11 clearances and two goals.
Cooper Stephens (26 disposals, seven marks, 10 clearances, one goal), Callum Brown (26 disposals, seven clearances, five entries) and Ned Long (21 disposals, seven marks) were also classy, while Butler and Jaylon Thorpe shared seven goals, with the latter taking a trademark hangar during the second term.
Jean-Luc Velissaris (28 disposals, eight marks, five entries, one goal) continued his breakout year for the Bullants, with help coming from Spencer Johnson (21 disposals, seven tackles, 12 rebounds), Tyson Young (23 disposals, six marks, six clearances), Matthew King (20 disposals, 10 marks, five tackles), Patrick Fairlie (21 disposals, five clearances, five entries) and Baker Smith (18 disposals, seven marks), while Saad El-Hawli starred up forward with four goals.
GEELONG CATS vs SOUTHPORT SHARKS
GEELONG CATS 1.1, 5.2, 8.3, 10.4 (64)
SOUTHPORT SHARKS 5.4, 8.5, 11.8, 16.12 (108)
SOUTHPORT climbed back to the edge of the top four, brushing Geelong aside at the start and finish to win by 44 points at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday.
The Sharks took control with five goals to one in the first quarter and held firm through a middle-half rally before finishing it off with five goals to two in the last to lift themselves to fifth on the ladder.
Brayden Crossley was a behemoth for Southport against inexperienced Cats duo Mark Marriott on debut and Will Christie, stuffing the stats sheet with 21 disposals, seven marks, nine clearances, 11 tackles and 57 hitouts, while Fraser Thurlow was similarly devastating in the ruck/forward role with 23 hitouts, five marks and four goals.
They gave an armchair ride to superstars Jacob Dawson (33 disposals, 11 clearances, seven tackles, eight entries) and Boyd Woodcock (25 disposals, five clearances, five tackles, seven entries, three goals), while Mike Manteit (25 disposals, eight tackles, seven entries) and Jesse Joyce (22 disposals seven clearances, eight tackles, two goals) also did as they pleased. Jake McQueen bobbed up with three goals.
James Willis had one of his best games for Geelong with 21 touches, six clearances, five tackles, five rebounds and three goals, Matty Lloyd (20 disposals, seven marks, five rebounds, one goal) is enjoying the freedom of the wing and Brandan Parfitt (21 disposals, five clearances) and Hamish Lucas (18 disposals, 11 tackles) contributed strongly.
WILLIAMSTOWN vs COLLINGWOOD
WILLIAMSTOWN 3.5, 6.9, 8.13, 9.14 (68)
COLLINGWOOD 0.2, 3.7, 4.7, 6.8 (44)
WILLIAMSTOWN maintained its home dominance over Collingwood, stretching its winning streak at DSV Stadium to nine games and at least 128 years with a comfortable 24-point triumph.
The result helped the Seagulls celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2003 premiership in signature treacherous conditions.
The Magpies have not won at Point Gellibrand in the modern era, last saluting there in 1896, and they were never in the contest again as the Seagulls took control with the howling wind in the first quarter and broke even against it in the second to lead by 20 points at half time.
Collingwood held the home team to two goals in the third term but couldn’t do any better on its last attempt with the wind as Williamstown’s renaissance from 20th spot continues.
Ben Jolley relished the familiar conditions in his 296th VFL game, leading all comers with 29 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles and five inside-50s to once again prove he still has it.
Marty Hore (25 disposals, nine marks, 12 rebounds) was impassable in defence alongside Oscar McDonald (20 disposals, 13 marks, eight rebounds) and Fin O’Dwyer (19 disposals, five rebounds), while Mitch Cox (23 disposals, nine clearances, one goal), Toby Triffett (21 disposals, six clearances, six tackles) and Darby Henderson (21 disposals, seven tackles, two goals) starred in the middle.
But it was Tom Downie who really turned heads in the ruck, winning a whopping 63 hitouts and following up with 20 disposals, five marks, 12 clearances, five entries and a goal.
Fin Macrae (26 disposals, eight clearances, 11 tackles, five entries) did his best to turn the tide for the Magpies, as did Jakob Ryan (23 disposals, seven rebounds), Josh Carmichael (21 disposals, five marks, seven entries), Trent Bianco (21 disposals, six marks, five tackles, six rebounds), the returning Arlo Draper (21 disposals, one goal) and Harvey Harrison (11 tackles).
NORTH MELBOURNE vs SANDRINGHAM
NORTH MELBOURNE 5.4, 7.8, 9.9, 14.16 (100)
SANDRINGHAM 2.2, 2.2, 3.7, 4.10 (34)
COOPER Harvey left North Melbourne fans salivating after he produced a whirlwind display to lead the Kangaroos to a powerful 66-point thrashing of Sandringham at Arden Street Oval on Sunday.
Harvey, the son of club legend and AFL games record holder Brent Harvey, had 17 disposals and five marks and kicked four goals in just his fourth VFL game.
The Kangaroos kicked clear with two goals just before quarter-time and controlled proceedings from then before building some percentage with a 5.7 to 1.3 burst in the last quarter.
Aaron Hall (33 disposals, seven tackles), captain Jack Watkins (31 disposals, eight entries) and Eddie Ford (23 disposals, three goals) were outstanding for North Melbourne.
Will Phillips (25 disposals, seven tackles) and Hawthorn recruits Connor Downie (21 disposals, six marks, one goal) and Dan Howe (23 disposals, five marks, five clearances) also starred, Sam Lowson kicked 3.4 from 15 touches, Jarrod Lienert (19 disposals, 10 marks) and Hugh Greenwood (19 disposals, 10 tackles) did their bit and Tarryn Thomas gathered 19 disposals in his first game back.
Tom Highmore (26 disposals, 12 rebounds) and Tyson Milne (21 disposals, seven rebounds) worked hard under siege in the Sandringham backline, Marcus Windhager (27 disposals, seven clearances, five tackles, six inside-50s, one goal) and Jack Billings (22 disposals, 11 marks, nine entries) were good in the midfield and Tom Campbell had 15 and 24 hitouts in the ruck.
ESSENDON vs WERRIBEE
ESSENDON 3.4, 3.4, 7.4, 8.5 (53)
WERRIBEE 0.0, 5.4, 6.7, 10.11 (71)
WERRIBEE overcame the pre-match loss of dual Liston medallist Tom Gribble to illness and a horror start to run down Essendon by 18 points at NEC Hangar.
Gribble pulled out late, with former Bomber Cam McLeod playing his first game for the Tigers, and it was the home team who settled best with 3.4 to nothing in the opening term.
Werribee responded in its turn with the wind, however, kicking 5.4 to 0.0 in the second and remained within three points at the last break despite conceding four goals to one.
It was too much for the Bombers to do to hold on, with the Tigers adding 4.4 to 1.1 in the last term to run out strong winners and move into the top 10 for the first time this season.
Sam Paea was a difference maker up forward for Werribee with five marks and four goals to cause plenty of headaches for the Essendon defence, finishing off the great work of Kye Declase (32 disposals, 10 marks, five entries), Shaun Mannagh (31 disposals, 10 clearances, six tackles, nine entries), Dom Brew (27 disposals, five marks, seven clearances, 10 tackles) and Jack Henderson (23 disposals, eight marks, nine tackles, five clearances), who covered for their superstar with aplomb.
Meanwhile, defenders Nick Coughlan (20 disposals, six marks, nine rebounds) and Bior Malual (19 disposals, four marks) both slipped forward to kick crucial goals.
Rhett Montgomerie (24 disposals, 11 marks, five rebounds) continues to put his hand up for an AFL debut with a strong showing down back for Essendon as Massimo D’Ambrosio (24 disposals, nine marks), Will Snelling (19 disposals, five marks, 10 tackles) and Kaine Baldwin (19 disposals, seven marks, six rebounds, two goals) staked claims for recalls, while Nick Bryan also shone with 46 hitouts, alongside 14 disposals and seven tackles.
BYE: Coburg, Port Melbourne, Richmond
ROUND 8 FIXTURE
Saturday, May 13: Sydney Swans vs Williamstown (10:35am, Tramway Oval); Richmond vs Geelong Cats (11:05am, Swinburne Centre); Southport Sharks vs Gold Coast Suns (12:05pm, Fankhauser Reserve); North Melbourne vs Frankston (1:05pm, Arden Street Oval); Coburg vs Northern Bullants (2:05pm, Piranha Park). Sunday, May 14: Collingwood vs GWS Giants (11:05am, AIA Centre – VFLW double header); Brisbane Lions vs Essendon (12:05pm, Brighton Homes Arena); Sandringham vs Port Melbourne (2:05pm, Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval – VFLW double header); Footscray Bulldogs vs Werribee (2:05pm, Avalon Airport Oval). Bye: Box Hill Hawks, Casey Demons, Carlton.
Click here to view full fixture and ladder.
Broadcast and streaming: All matches in the 2023 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons will be live streamed free via the AFL website (AFL.com.au) and AFL Live Official App. Smithy’s VFL broadcast partner, the Seven Network, will continue to show one weekly game live and free on the Seven Network in Victoria and on 7Plus nationally. Casey Radio 97.7FM and 3WBC 94.1FM are also broadcasting matches.
Live scoring and stats: Live scoring and stats will be available via both the AFL Live Official App and VFL App. Download the VFL App from the Apple or Google Play stores.
Ticketing: Where Smithy’s VFL matches are ticketed, entry is $10 for adults, $5 for concession holders and kids under 15 are free. Some venues don't charge for entry. AFL ticketing prices will apply for VFL matches played as curtain-raisers and curtain-closers to AFL matches at AFL venues.
