On Saturday we saw four matches as all teams look to add another win to their season.
We take a look at the biggest takeaways from round 4...
Sydney vs North Melbourne
1. Heeney and McInerney stand up when it matters
When the game was in the balance, the Swans turned to two of their young stars, Isaac Heeney and Justin McInerney. With the lead changing throughout the last quarter, Heeney kicked two last quarter goals along with seven touches and four inside 50s. McInerney’s 14 touches and one goal was enough to lift the Swans to their third victory.
Isaac Heeney puts the dagger in all North Melbourne fans hearts with the sealer 🗡️#AFLSwansNorth pic.twitter.com/QuY6uZBy9u
— AFL (@AFL) April 9, 2022
2. Jason Horne-Francis is ready to explode
Getting more midfield minutes, the number one draft pick of 2021 had an impressive game in only his fourth outing. The young gun collected 23 touches and six clearances as he continues to match his performances with the hype.
3. Good teams win ugly
The Swans were challenged by a young side but managed to scrap through by 11 points. With some of their usual stars a little bit down, it took a team effort across the board to notch up a win. Unusual suspects James Bell and Ben Ronke both took their opportunities when they were near it.
4. Jack Ziebell can play everywhere
Throughout his career, Ziebell has been fortunate enough to play in most positions on the ground, with the bulk of it coming in the midfield. However, David Noble’s decision to put Ziebell deep forward was a masterstroke, as the veteran kicked five goals and set up another. Although not a long-term solution, Ziebell’s presence does balance out a young forward line.
5. North brought the heat
After a disappointing outing last week, which resulted in a 100-point loss, Noble and his men came out the gates firing, with pressure and tackling at a high. Well above their tackling average, small forward Jack Mahony led the Roos with a team-high of eight tackles and constant pressure in the forward half.
Collingwood vs West Coast
1. West Coast defied the odds
A West Coast line-up that is without some of their stars, a travel to Melbourne against an in-form Collingwood was always going to be a tough ask. However, Adam Simpson will be a happy man as the Eagles stole a win by 13 points in what is deemed as an upset. Maybe their season isn’t over...
2. Eagles stars fire at the right time
When the game was in the balance, West Coast’s forward quartet of Kennedy, Darling, Rioli and Ryan stood up and took most of their opportunities. The group combined for 10 goals and proved to be the difference when it mattered, especially from a forward line that was deprived of chances, as the Eagles tallied 42 inside 50s to 61.
A big snap from the big guy 🦅#AFLPiesEagles pic.twitter.com/DkhDXQRPt6
— AFL (@AFL) April 9, 2022
3. Inaccuracy vs Accuracy
The Pies have generally been good in front of the big sticks this year, but their inaccuracies cost them the game. 10 goals and 14 behinds were to the detriment of McRae’s men as their opposition kicked truly (14.3). Collingwood were unable to make most of their opportunities and another game goes begging.
4. The Daicos brothers continue to develop
In only his fourth AFL game, Nick Daicos accumulated the most touches on the ground with 32. After receiving a rising star nomination last week, Nick Daicos continued his immediate and stellar form at this level, proving the build-up is justified. His brother, Josh, also had his best game of the season, as he collected 28 touches and a goal on the wing.
5. Collingwood and fourth quarters don’t go together well
In back-to-back weeks, Collingwood only have themselves to blame as they now sit 2-2 instead of undefeated. After last week’s abysmal last quarter, which saw a 37-point lead decimated, the Pies set the task to redeem themselves. However, history seemed to repeat itself, as the Pies were unable to run out the game, as the Eagles kicked four goals to one in the final term. That is the third consecutive week McRae’s men have lowered their colours toward the end of the game. Concerning?
Richmond vs Western Bulldogs
1. Richmond find their roar again
After a disappointing loss to St Kilda last week, the Tigers found some form with a 38-point win over the Dogs. The Richmond of old was back, with a high-pressure performance. The Tigers looked the better team most of the night, kicking 13 goals to five after quarter-time.
2. Shai Bolton continues to amaze
Bolton’s highlight reel continues to grow, as the young star kicked two goals from 20 touches against the Bulldogs. His pace and intensity around the ball consistently puts opposing sides on edge and his goal-kicking skills aren’t too shabby either.
Shai Bolton 🤯🤯🤯#AFLTigersDogs | #gotiges pic.twitter.com/kuZPkQD2Cu
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) April 9, 2022
3. The Dogs have lost their bite
Coming runners-up in 2021, the Bulldogs haven’t looked at their best so far in season 2022, sitting now with only one win. The Dogs looked good in patches, but were unable to really put scoreboard pressure on and ultimately fell away as Richmond stormed on.
4. Bad kicking is bad football
The Bulldogs kicked 7.19, proving that bad kicking is bad football. There wasn’t a lack of opportunity, as Naughton and Bontempelli kicked six behinds between them. The Dogs seemed to squander gettable chances, as their inside 50 count was higher then the Tigers.
5. Lynch and Riewoldt still have it
Despite their age, Richmond’s key forwards seem to still have lots to give, as they combined for six crucial goals. Lynch’s four goals came in a timely manner when one was needed, proving to still be lethal up forward. His partner-in-crime continues to impress as he matches his cousin for all-time goal scorers.
Fremantle vs Greater Western Sydney
1. Dockers have started 2022 in fine form
Notching up their third win against the Giants, the Dockers continue to build on a positive season last year and early success in 2022. Longmuir must be pleased with how his team is tracking, with their only loss coming against a valiant St Kilda, who stormed back in the final term to snatch victory. They play Essendon next week and go in as favourites.
2. Will Brodie filling the midfield void
After being overlooked by the Suns in recent years, Will Brodie has found a new home in the Fremantle midfield. With Cerra leaving and Fyfe injured, the Docker youngsters were asked to step up if the team were to aim for finals. In what was arguably his best-career game, Brodie collected 37 touches along with six clearances and six score involvements.
3. The Giants forward line isn’t firing
The Giants were unable to put scoreboard pressure on against Fremantle, leaving Optus stadium with only eight goals. The key forwards consisting of Hogan, Himmelberg and Riccardi didn’t provide much presentation or marking options, as the Dockers were able to clean up the Giants’ forward entries. GWS were only able to convert 36% of their inside 50s to scores.
4. Free kick suspiciously high?
Fremantle’s free-kick count was higher than usual, with the Dockers being awarded 42 free kicks to 16. The Dockers have averaged only 26 so far this season, with the AFL average around 22. There were multiple players given four frees (Colyer and Walters) whilst ruckman Braydon Preuss gave five away.
5. Fremantle’s ability to run out games
After the disappointing loss to St Kilda in the final quarter, Longmuir’s team have responded in an impressive way, with two wins and impressive final term performances. Against the Eagles, the Dockers kicked away, added significant percentage with six goals to three. They were able to replicate that against the Giants, kicking six goals to zero and putting the game away.
