AFL Record Match Centre, Round 12, 2023

Demons v Blues 12

HEAD to HEAD

Played 216: Melbourne 96, Carlton 118, draws 2.

Past five: Melbourne 5, Carlton 0. Most recent game: round 22, 2022, Melbourne d Carlton by 5 points at the MCG.

Highest attendance: 82,773, first semi-final, 1962, at the MCG.

MELBOURNE

Home record: 50-51

Away record: 46-67-2

Highest score: 25.10 (160), round 6, 2004, at the MCG.

Lowest score: 2.4 (16), round 17, 1899, at Princes Park.

Greatest winning margin: 109 points, round 9, 2018, at the MCG.

Longest winning sequence: 8, round 2, 1954, to round 12, 1958.

Most goals in a game: 13, Harry Davie, round 14, 1925, at Princes Park.

CARLTON

Away record: 51-50

SNAPSHOT

FORM: Melb – WWWLL Carl – WLLLL

KEY OUTS: Melb – Dunstan (knee), Melksham (suspended), Oliver (hamstring), Petty (foot); Carl – C. Durdin (knee), Hewett (concussion), Newman (hamstring), Pittonet (hand), Williams (knee)

WAIT AND SEE: Carl – Cripps (ankle), Cowan (finger), Martin (calf) Milestones: Nil

Watch out for: A desperate evening at the footy. Melbourne has dropped its past two games and, at 7-4 and with Collingwood to come, needs a win to stay in touch with the ladder leaders. As for the Blues, they’re unravelling and Michael Voss needs to dig deep into his bag of tricks to get them going again.

Talking points

u Melbourne has owned Carlton, winning the past seven meetings. Simon Goodwin has never lost to the Blues as coach.

u Can Harry McKay hit the scoreboard early? He’s down on confidence, but an early goal might be all he needs to get going.

u Provided he is close to full fitness, you’d think Patrick Cripps will play angry this week after ‘team hotel-gate’ earlier this week.

u Teams are having success making Steven May and Jake Lever play accountable footy. The Blues have had problems scoring, but

Home record: 67-46-2

Highest score: 25.15 (165), round 10, 1986, at the MCG.

Lowest score: 1.2 (8), round 7, 1903, at the MCG.

Greatest winning margin: 116 points, round 10, 1986, at the MCG.

Longest winning sequence: 16, round 6, 1905, to round 18, 1911. Most goals in a game: 8, Horrie Clover, round 15, 1920, at the MCG; Paul Schmidt, round 10, 1942, at Princes Park; Mil Hanna, round 4, 1991, at Waverley Park.

BIG LOSS: Marc Pittonet’s absence through injury could pave the way for a decisive edge in the ruck for Demon skipper Max Gawn.

PAST CONNECTS WITH THE PRESENT

Players make up the fabric of a football club. They live and breathe the club’s values, creating a culture, bond and legacy that runs deep. They’re united in their quest for ultimate success.

For the Melbourne Football Club, with a history so rich, those before form part of the modern day.

Within the four walls, all who have represented the Demons in the iconic red and blue are recognised and celebrated.

The strong link between past and present will be on display tonight when the club welcomes back more than 60 players from years gone by for a function at the MCG.

It will be a premiership reunion for some – the 1983 under-19s and 1993 reserves premierships will be celebrated – and a general catch-up for others, with all embracing the opportunity to reconnect.

For Rod Grinter, president of the Melbourne Football Club Past and Present Players’ and Officials’ Association, it is an event of significance. And one he is proud to help bring to life.

“Staying connected is super important,” he said.

“That’s the reason why I do what I do.

“Being able to pull together 60-plus past players, to come to an event to be able to reconnect, is something pretty special.”

Former Demons Brian Wilson, Graeme Yeats, Paul Hopgood, Daniel Ward and Travis Johnstone will

be among those attending, while under-19s premiership player Darren Louttit has made the trip from California for the occasion.

The event has been marked on the calendar for a while, with plenty of excitement among the former playing cohort.

“We trained hard, we played hard, and we obviously had similar interests, and to reconnect is super important,” Grinter said.

“A lot of guys are going out of their way to have the opportunity to catch up with blokes they may not have seen for 20-plus years, and it also then allows them to connect with the current-day boys.

“It’s about our past players being able to enjoy what we can put on at the game, but it’s also about them knowing that they are more than welcome to come at any time.”

The night will be full of reminiscing, reconnecting and hopefully cheering, with a win over the Blues under Friday night lights the perfect way to cap off the celebration. Learn more about the Melbourne Football Club Past and Present Players’ and Officials’ Association at mfcpastplayers.com.au.

Staying connected is super important

MFC PAST PLAYERS’ PRESIDENT ROD GRINTER

SPECIAL BOND: Former Demons Rod Grinter (left) and Graeme Yeats will be part of tonight’s past players function.

A large group of former Melbourne players will take a walk down memory lane tonight.

MONDAY 12 JUNE 3.20PM, MCG

Support the fight against MND while experiencing the iconic pre-match spectacle of Big Freeze 9, before watching two proud Victorian teams go head to head.

With a huge crowd predicted, this game is shaping as one of the biggest events of the season.

PLAYER LIST

POCKET PROFILE 9 Charlie Spargo

Nickname: Trout, Pest, Youngwappa

Which current AFL player gave you the biggest bath in junior footy:

Andrew McGrath

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Jake Lever

What time should the Grand Final start: 2.30pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: As it is now

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: No

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Streaming content and eating Sour Skittles

What sport do you suck at: Golf, but I keep playing Favourite subject at school:

Global Politics

Former footballer you admire most: Cyril Rioli

Dream job after AFL footy:

Chef or NBA scout

Sporting event you cannot miss: NBA Finals

What advice would you give a first-year player: Be a sponge

What’s something you admire about your club: The consistency and values of our Tuesday night dinner group

Hobbies or interests outside football:

Deep house music, good food, NBA, golf

Best advice your mum gave you:

Be good to your mother

Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour:

Nacho Cheese

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Home delivery or pick-up: Home delivery

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: Powderfinger at the Albury Sportsground

Your go-to karaoke song: Anything

Favourite podcast: Bucket Getters

Last book you read: Three Ring Circus

Favourite holiday destination: Italy

Who should play your coach in a movie: Daniel Craig

After suffering years of disappointment, Melbourne fans finally enjoyed an unforgettable ride in 2021 as their side broke a 57-year premiership drought.

While the wait was riddled with plenty of turmoil, there were still lots of moments worthy of reflecting on to encapsulate what it has been like being a Demons supporter.

Over those 57 years of heartbreak, hope, anguish and optimism, Ian Munro kept a record of life as a Melbourne supporter and summarises how all Demon fans have felt in his book Between the Flags: Making sense of 57 years of heartache.

What started as a deep dive into the VFL’s efforts to equalise the competition by creating a country zoning method for recruiting – as well as a tribute to 1988 Grand Final coach John Northey – has become a memoir that all Melbourne fans can relate to.

Conducting dozens of interviews with former players and coaches, as well as members of the cheer squad during the dark times, Munro investigates what shifted for the club and why Melbourne supporters decided to stay loyal and trust that one day the tide would turn.

“What I was trying to get at really was, why did we stay with the club?

DROUGHT-BREAKER A GAME-CHANGER

ZAC SHARPE

What makes you stick with a losing cause like that?” he said.

With the Demons flying again in 2023, Between the Flags: Making sense of 57 years of heartache is a timely reflection of the sacrifice and

pain Demon fans have experienced. Munro highlights the strength, resilience and loyalty those fans showcase today in the hope it can make sense for everyone who felt the pain over 57 years.

Between the Flags: Making sense of 57 years of heartache by Ian Munro. RRP: $39.95 at bookshops; $45, including postage, at betweentheflags57.com.au

To purchase online ($45.00 incl. postage and handling Australia-wide) or find participating bookshops (RRP $39.95) go to www.betweentheflags57.com.au

WHILE STOCKS LAST

BROTHERS IN ARMS: Narrm players (from left) Kysaiah Pickett, Steven May and Deakyn Smith model the club’s Indigenous guernsey. May is in the version that will be worn today.

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

28.14 (182) v North Melbourne, R21, 1986, MCG; v North Melbourne, R5, 1991, MCG

LOWEST SCORE

0.2 (2) v Fitzroy, R16, 1899, Brunswick St Oval

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

141 points v Hawthorn, R9, 1926, MCG

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE 19

AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Ron Barassi (ruck-rover), Norm Smith (coach)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Byron Pickett (interchange)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS

1897: Jack Leith (22)

1904: Vince Coutie (39)

1911: Harry Brereton (46)

1912: Harry Brereton (56)

1943: Fred Fanning (62)

1944: Fred Fanning (87)

1945: Fred Fanning (67)

MOST GOALS IN FINALS

OVERALL RECORD: 2498 games –1142 wins, 1334 losses, 22 draws

RECORD AT CURRENT

TOP FIVE GOALKICKING

PERFORMANCES

18 Fred Fanning (v St Kilda, R19, 1947, Junction Oval)

13 Harry Davie (v Carlton, R14, 1925, Princes Park)

12 Norm Smith (v Footscray, R17, 1941, MCG)

12 G eorge Margitich (v North Melbourne, R17, 1931, MCG)

12 B ob C. Johnson (v Hawthorn, R11, 1933, MCG)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Ivor Warne-Smith (1926, 1928), Don Cordner (1946), Brian Wilson (1982), Peter Moore (1984), Jim Stynes (1991), Shane Woewodin (2000)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Ron Barassi (also Carl, coach Carl, NM, Melb, Syd), Norm Smith (also playing coach Fitz, coach Melb, S Melb)

INDUCTEES: Allan La Fontaine (also coach Melb), Bert Chadwick (also Haw, coach Melb, Haw), Bill McClelland (admin), David Christy, Henry Harrison (admin), Ivor Warne-Smith (also coach Melb), Jack Mueller, Percy Beames (also coach Melb), Frank Hughes (coach Melb, also Rich, coach Rich), Vic Cumberland (also StK), Robert Flower, Gerard Healy (also Syd), Jim Stynes, Stuart Spencer, Peter Moore (also Coll), Tom Wills (admin), Carl Ditterich (also StK, coach Melb), Johnny Lewis (also NM, coach NM), Brian Dixon (also coach NM), Stan Heal, Bob B. Johnson, Hassa Mann, Simon Goodwin (coach Melb, also player Adel), David Neitz

1947: Fred Fanning (97)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLIST

2002: David Neitz (75)

NORM SMITH MEDALLIST

Christian Petracca* (2021)

PREMIERSHIP COACH MEDALLISTS

Bert Chadwick (1926), Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes (1939, 1940, 1941, 1948)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Norm Smith (1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1964), Simon Goodwin* (2021)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Jared Rivers (2004), Jesse Hogan (2015), Luke Jackson (2021)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Jim Stynes (1991)

AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Max Gawn* (2018), Clayton Oliver* (2021), Clayton Oliver* (2022)

PREMIERSHIPS

1900, 1926, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1948, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1964, 2021

RUNNERS-UP

1946, 1954, 1958, 1988, 2000

McCLELLAND TROPHY

1955, 1956, 1958, 1990, 2021

WOODEN SPOONS

1905, 1906, 1919, 1923, 1951, 1969, 1974, 1978, 1981, 1997, 2008, 2009

FINALS

92 games – 54 wins, 36 losses, 2 draws

MOST FINALS

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

25.16 (166) v Collingwood, PF, 1948

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

0.8 (8) v Essendon, Final, 1897

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL

118 points v North Melbourne, EF, 1987

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL

96 points v Hawthorn, GF, 1988

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

10 G arry Lyon (v W Bulldogs, SF, 1994)

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Six games (1940-46)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Three games (1897; 1936-37; 1961-62; 2002-05)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

101 games – 47 wins, 54 losses

Premierships 1971, 1987, 1989

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

1984 (6297), 1985 (5801), 1986 (4511), 1987 (3122), 1988 (10,078), 1989 (8184), 1990 (10,111), 1991 (10,153), 1992 (8681), 1993 (10,097), 1994 (10,648), 1995 (9544), 1996 (12,964), 1997 (15,350), 1998 (17,870), 1999 (19,713), 2000 (18,227), 2001 (21,409), 2002 (20,152), 2003 (20,555), 2004 (20,647), 2005 (24,805), 2006 (24,698), 2007 (28,077), 2008 (32,600), 2009 (31,506), 2010 (33,358), 2011 (36,937), 2012 (35,459), 2013 (33,177), 2014 (35,911), 2015 (35,953), 2016 (39,146), 2017 (42,233), 2018 (44,275), 2019 (52,421), 2020 (40,571), 2021 (53,188), 2022 (66,484) * denotes current player or coach

DAVID NEITZ

State Transport

Our people are your solution.

MONDAY, JUNE 12

Melbourne v Collingwood (MCG) 3.20pm

Byes: Geelong Cats, Gold Coast Suns

Robert O’GORMAN

IN: Tomlinson, Hunter, J. Smith OUT: Harmes, Hibberd, McDonald, Jordon

IN: Cincotta, Young, Silvagni, Fisher, O’Brien OUT: E. Curnow, Newman, C. Durdin, Pittonet, Hewett, Hollands

Coach

Coach Michael Voss Captain Patrick Cripps

POCKET PROFILE 18 Sam Walsh

Nickname: Walshy

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Jacob Weitering

What time should the Grand Final start: 2.30pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 23 games

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: Occasionally

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Walk, TV and chill with the boys

What sport do you suck at: Golf

Favourite subject at school: PE and history

Former footballer you admire most: Joel Selwood

Dream job after AFL footy: A job in elite sport

Sporting event you cannot miss: Champions League final Hobbies or interests outside football: Mates, home and sports

What advice would you give a first-year player: Train how you want to play

What’s something you admire about your club: History and supporters

Best advice your mum gave you: If you work hard, you get the rewards

Espresso or cold brew: Cold brew

Favourite Shapes flavour: Chicken

UberEats or Doordash: UberEats

Home delivery or pick-up: Pick-up

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: Drake

Your go to karaoke song: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough Favourite podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience or The Howie Games

Three things on your bucket list: Oktoberfest, EPL game and Ireland

Last book you read: The Barcelona Legacy Favourite holiday destination: New York

Who should play your coach in a movie: Al Pacino

with

EAGLES SWOOP ON YOUNG GUN

West Coast has put its faith in skilful Victorian forward Ryan Maric to help fast-track its rebuild after snaring the Gippsland Power product with pick No. 1 in last Wednesday’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 18th-placed Eagles held the first selection for the second consecutive season, giving Maric his first AFL opportunity after the 18-year-old’s rapid emergence this season.

He was one of 13 players given a mid-season opportunity, with former Collingwood wingman Caleb Poulter and ex-Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle given second chances at the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide respectively.

Poulter, who was delisted at the end of last season after 12 senior games, has been under the Bulldogs’ noses as part of the Footscray VFL program, averaging 16.9 disposals in eight games on the wing.

Narkle has relaunched his AFL career after 41 games with the Cats, joining Essendon’s VFL program this season and averaging 20.3 disposals in nine games.

Sydney opted for mature-age key-position players Harry Arnold from Brisbane’s VFL team and Claremont goalkicker Jack Buller, with the hope that both can play roles this season.

North Melbourne swooped on Subiaco small forward Robert Hansen with pick No. 2.

GWS had two selections in the draft but passed on both after its preferred options were taken off the board.

Regarded by many recruiters as the best talent available in the group of overlooked players from last year’s National Draft, Maric is the fourth player in three years to join the Eagles via a mid-season selection.

A serious knee injury to last year’s No. 1 pick, Jai Culley, opened up a list spot for the decimated Eagles, who took the opportunity to add a player they believe can play a significant role in their rebuild.

“It means a lot,” an emotional Maric told AFL.com.au

“I’ve dreamed about this for a while, but to finally get read out, it hasn’t really felt real until now.”

Maric has undergone a physical transformation in the past two years after weighing 107kg and decided he needed to slim down for his own wellbeing.

The Drouin forward, who models his game on Melbourne premiership goalkicker Bayley Fritsch and Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron, now weighs 83kg, with his hard work making an AFL berth possible.

He caught the attention of AFL recruiters with a four-goal performance in round one this season against the Murray Bushrangers.

The 193cm forward made his VFL debut a fortnight ago and has kicked two goals in each of his two games with Box Hill, with his penetrating kicking a feature of his play.

North Melbourne opted for Hansen at pick No. 2 after an impressive patch of WAFL form, with Hawthorn snaring 204cm Eastern Ranges ruckman Clay Tucker at pick No. 3.

Richmond looked to the SANFL at pick No. 4 to add Glenelg small forward Matt Coulthard.

Geelong opted for mature-age SANFL ball-winner Mitch Hardie at pick No. 7, with Fremantle selecting 19-year-old Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and Essendon adding Perth tall forward Jaiden Hunter.

Collingwood, Brisbane, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Carlton chose not to open list spots.

2023 MID-SEASON DRAFT

NO. AFL CLUB PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS

1 West Coast Ryan Maric Drouin (Vic)/Gippsland Power U18

2 North Melbourne Robert Hansen Mines Rovers (WA)/Subiaco (WAFL)

3 Hawthorn Clay Tucker Rowville Hawks (Vic)/Eastern Ranges U18

4 Richmond Matt Coulthard Port Noarlunga (SA)/Glenelg (SANFL)

5 GWS Giants Pass –

6 Sydney Harry ArnoldBroadbeach (Qld)/Brisbane (VFL)

7 Geelong Mitch Hardie Leeton-Whitton (NSW)/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)

8 Fremantle Ethan Stanley Frankston YCW (Vic)/Box Hill (VFL)

9 Essendon Jaiden Hunter Applecross (WA)/Perth (WAFL)

10 Western Bulldogs Caleb Poulter Ardrossan (SA)/W-W Torrens (SANFL)/Coll/Foots (VFL)

11 Port Adelaide Quinton Narkle Maddington (WA)/East Perth (WAFL)/Geelong/Ess (VFL)

12 HawthornBrandon Ryan Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/Northern Bullants (VFL)

13 RichmondJames Trezise Tooradin-Dalmore (Vic)/Richmond (VFL)

14 GWS Giants Pass –

15 Sydney Jack Buller Cottesloe (WA)/Claremont (WAFL)

NATHAN SCHMOOK AFL.COM.AU

HEADING WEST: Gippsland’s Ryan Maric was taken by the Eagles with the No. 1 pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

30.30 (210) v Hawthorn, R2, 1969, Ikon Park

LOWEST SCORE

0.6 (6) v Collingwood, R5, 1898, Victoria Park

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

140 points v St Kilda, R2, 1985, Moorabbin

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE

18 games – R10, 1995 to R2, 1996

WORST LOSING SEQUENCE 14

– R6, 1901 to R2,

2007 to R3,

OVERALL

MOST

AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Stephen Silvagni (full-back), John Nicholls (back pocket), Bruce Doull (half-back), Alex Jesaulenko (half-forward), Ron Barassi (ruck-rover), Greg Williams (interchange)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Syd Jackson (half-forward flank)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS

1906: Mick Grace (45)

1918: Ern Cowley (35)

1922: Horrie Clover (54)

1931: Harry Vallence (72)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

1961: Tom Carroll (54)

2006: Brendan Fevola (84)

2009: Brendan Fevola (86)

2021: Harry McKay* (58)

2022: Charlie Curnow* (64)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Wayne Harmes (1979), Bruce Doull (1981), David Rhys-Jones (1987), Greg Williams (1995)

PREMIERSHIP COACH MEDALLISTS

Jack Worrall (1906-08), Norman Clark (1914-15), Brighton Diggins (1938), Percy Bentley (1945, 1947)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Ron Barassi (1968, 1970), John Nicholls (1972), Alex Jesaulenko (1979), David Parkin (1981-82, 1995), Robert Walls (1987)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLISTS

Craig Bradley (1997), Brendan Fevola (2005), Nick Stevens (2007)

JIM STYNES MEDALLISTS

Stephen Silvagni (1998), Kade Simpson (2008)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Sam Walsh* (2019)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Greg Williams (1994), Anthony Koutoufides (2000), Chris Judd (2011), Patrick Cripps* (2019)

WOODEN SPOONS

2002, 2005, 2006, 2015, 2018

FINALS

139 games – 65 wins, 72 losses, 2 draws

MOST FINALS Bruce Doull

MOST GOALS IN FINALS Stephen Kernahan

Harry Vallence

Jesaulenko

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

28.9 (177) v Richmond, GF, 1972

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

3.5 (23) v Collingwood, SF, 1903

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL

88 points v Collingwood, SF, 1931

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL 97 points v Brisbane, SF, 1996

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

11 Harry Vallence v Collingwood, SF, 1931; v Collingwood, PF, 1932

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Eight games (1906-09)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Five games (1916-19; 1921-28; 1949-59; 1973-76)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

126 games – 67 wins, 59 losses

Premierships 1983, 1997, 2005, 2007 CLUB MEMBERSHIP

RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES

TOP GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES

13 Horrie Clover (v St Kilda, R12, 1921, Junction Oval)

12 Greg Kennedy (v Hawthorn, R21, 1972, Princes Park)

12 Ross Ditchburn (v St Kilda, R6, 1982, Waverley Park)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Bert Deacon (1947), John James (1961), Gordon Collis (1964), Greg Williams (1994), Chris Judd (2010), Patrick Cripps* (2022)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Ron Barassi (also Melb, coach Melb, Carl, N Melb, Syd), John Nicholls (also coach Carl), Alex Jesaulenko (also coach Carl, also player/coach StK), Ian Stewart (coach Carl, also StK, also Rich, coach S Melb)

INDUCTEES: George Coulthard, Harry Vallence, Horrie Clover (also coach Carl), Rod McGregor, Bruce Doull, Geoff Southby, Stephen Kernahan, Stephen Silvagni, David Parkin (also Haw, coach Haw, Carl, Fitz), Craig Bradley, Robert Walls (also Fitz, coach Carl, Fitz, Bris, Rich), Ken Hands (also coach Carl), Peter Bedford (also S Melb), Peter McKenna (also Coll), Greg Williams (also Geel, Syd), Jack Worrall (coach Carl, also Fitz, coach Ess), Dan Minogue (coach Carl, also Coll, Rich, Haw, coach Rich, Haw, StK, Fitz), Sir Kenneth Luke (admin), Ern Henfry, Anthony Koutoufides, Wayne Johnston, Ken Hunter, Mick Malthouse (coach Carl, also StK, Rich, coach WB, WCE, Coll), Chris Judd (also WCE), Mike Fitzpatrick

PREMIERSHIPS

1906, 1907, 1908, 1914, 1915, 1938, 1945, 1947, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1995

RUNNERS-UP

1904, 1909, 1910, 1916, 1921, 1932, 1949, 1962, 1969, 1973, 1986, 1993, 1999

McCLELLAND TROPHY

1969, 1979, 1985, 1987, 1995

CRAIG BRADLEY

HOW YOUR TEAM RATES IN 2023

KICKING EFFICIENCY SHOT-AT-GOAL ACCURACY SCORES PER INSIDE 50

u Viney has had 41 kicks into the forward 50 this season – ranked second at the Demons. The side has scored a goal from 34.1 per cent of those kicks – the second-highest percentage of the top 10 kicks at the club.

STOPPAGE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL CENTRE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL

PRESSURE

FACTOR DIFFERENTIAL

u The Blues lost the centre clearance count 13-7 last week against the Swans –with no player generating more than one clearance. Walsh was one of the seven to generate one centre clearance – also having a team-high 31 disposals, 18 uncontested possessions and eight inside 50s.

A team’s pressure points* per 100 opportunities to apply pressure.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

JACK VINEY

SAM WALSH

DIFFERENTIAL EXPLAINED

A statistical value is expressed relative to opposition teams. This is calculated as ‘For’ minus ‘Against’ within a game. For example, if Carlton has 15 centre

SCORE FROM OPPOSITION TURNOVERS

Points scored from chains after winning the ball off the opposition.

SCORE CONCEDED FROM TURNOVERS

Points conceded to the opposition from chains after turnovers.

clearances to Essendon’s 12, Carlton’s centre clearances differential for the game is 15-12 = +3, while Essendon’s is 12-15 = -3.

DEFENSIVE-50 REBOUND TO INSIDE 50

Percentage of defensive-50 rebounds that led to a forward-50 entry within the same chain of possessions.

TACKLES INSIDE FORWARD 50

u Durdin had a team-high two tackles inside the forward 50 last week against the Swans and leads the club in that measure with 17 this season – one more than Jesse Motlop in second place.

UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

Possessions gained whilst under no physical pressure, either from a teammate’s disposal or an opposition’s clanger kick.

u Lever has had 27 rebound 50s in 10 matches this season – ranked sixth at the Demons. The side has launched an inside 50 from 33.3 per cent of his rebound chains – the highest percentage of the top 10 rebound players.

CONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

TEAM TKL

JAKE LEVER

COREY DURDIN

2023 LEAGUE LEADERS

DISPOSALS KICKS HANDBALLSMARKS

Disposing of the ball via a handball or kick.Disposing of the ball by foot. Disposing of the ball by hand.

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS AFL PLAYER RATINGS

Scoring chains where the player had a disposal, hit-out to advantage, kick-in or knock-on.

As seen on AFL.com.au. The most advanced metric of player performance available using data from 2023.

Catching a kicked ball that has travelled 15m.

HIT-OUTS TO ADVANTAGE STOPPAGE CLEARANCES

A hit-out that reaches an intended teammate.

CENTRE CLEARANCES

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the centre bounce area.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

INSIDE 50s

Distance gained with the ball by running, kicking or handballing, combining measures towards and away from goal.

1 D.Rich (BL) 6.0 597

2 L.Weller (GCS) 6.0 585

3 J.Short (Rich) 8.0 559

4 L.Ryan (Frem) 11.0 551

5 C.Petracca (Melb) 11.0 544

N.Daicos

A mark under physical pressure of an opponent or in a pack.

PRESSURE POINTS

METRES GAINED TACKLES CONTESTED

Moving the ball from the midfield into the forward zone. Excludes multiple entries within the same chain of possession.

Weighted sum of pressure acts – 3.75 for physical pressure, 2.25 for closing, 1.5 for chasing and 1.2 for corralling.

1 M.Rowell (GCS) 11.0 77.5

2 T.Liberatore (WB) 10.0 69.0

3 J.Dunkley (BL) 11.0 67.8

4 J.Rowbottom (Syd) 11.0 66.5

5 T.Taranto (Rich) 11.0 65.2

6 T.Atkins (Geel) 11.0 63.6

7 M.Bontempelli (WB) 11.0 62.7

8 R.Ginbey (WCE) 11.0 59.0

9 A.Brayshaw (Frem) 11.0 57.4

10 T.Nankervis (Rich) 6.0 56.4

Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.

Power v Hawks 12 ROUND

HEAD to HEAD

Played 38: Port Adelaide 21, Hawthorn 17.

Past five: Port Adelaide 2, Hawthorn 3. Most recent game: round 2, 2022, Port Adelaide lost to Hawthorn by 64 points at Adelaide Oval.

Highest attendance: 74,856, second preliminary final, 2014, at the MCG.

PORT ADELAIDE

Home record: 12-8

Away record: 9-9

Highest score: 29.14 (188), round 13, 2005, at Football Park.

Lowest score: 5.2 (32), round 21, 2011, at the MCG.

Greatest winning margin: 117 points, round 13, 2005, at Football Park.

Longest winning sequence: 7, round 10, 2002, to round 11, 2006. Most goals in a game: 7, Scott Cummings, round 2, 1998, at Waverley Park; Warren Tredrea, round 13, 2005, at Football Park.

SNAPSHOT

FORM: PA – WWWWW Haw – LLLWW

KEY OUTS: PA – Duursma (knee), Fantasia (quad), Georgiades (knee); Haw – Jeka (hamstring), Jiath (calf), Lynch (concussion), Sicily (suspension)

WAIT AND SEE: PA – Boak (ribs), Dixon (quad), Marshall (concussion); Haw – Ward (foot), Wingard (calf)

MILESTONES: Nil

WATCH OUT FOR: Some of the best young midfielders in the business going at each other. Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis headline the Power crew, while Will Day, Jai Newcombe and Cameron Mackenzie are among the emerging Hawks. Both units have been big improvers in 2023.

Talking points

u Aliir Aliir is one of the premier rebounding key backs in the competition. The Hawks are going to have to be smart with the ball moving forward.

u Former Hawk Ryan Burton has become a valuable swingman for the Power and has played well as a negating forward. But James Sicily ‘s absence through suspension, after a sublime 43-disposal outing last week for the Hawks, might keep Burton in the backline.

u Karl Amon polled 15 votes in the Brownlow Medal last year, the

HAWTHORN

Away record: 8-12

Home record: 9-9

Highest score: 31.11 (197), round 21, 2011, at the MCG.

Lowest score: 6.9 (45), round 13, 1999, at Football Park.

Greatest winning margin: 165 points, round 21, 2011, at the MCG.

Longest winning sequence: 5, round 7, 2011, to round 16, 2013. Most goals in a game: 8, Lance Franklin, round 21, 2011, at the MCG.

SWOOPING HAWKS: James Worpel and Jai Newcombe pressure Willem Drew into a quick handball in Hawthorn’s big win over Port Adelaide last season.

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POCKET PROFILE 23 Dylan Williams

Nickname: Dylvn

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Tom Jonas

What time should the Grand Final start: 2pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 22 games

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Go for a walk to get breakfast

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: No

Favourite subject at school: PE

Former footballer you admire most: Robbie Gray

Dream job after AFL footy: Basketball player

Sporting event you cannot miss: NBA Finals Hobbies or interests outside football: American sports and clothing

What advice would you give a first-year player: Work hard, but have fun

What’s something you admire about your club: Nobody is better than anyone else and its working class environment

Best advice your mum gave you:

Just be myself

Espresso or cold brew: Neither

Favourite Shapes flavour: Bacon

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Home delivery or pick-up:

Home delivery

First concert you attended: Drake

Favourite podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience

Dog person or cat person: Dog

Three things on your bucket list: See my mate playing college basketball in America, travel to Europe, watch a college American football game

Favourite holiday destination: Hawaii

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

29.14 (188) v Hawthorn, R13, 2005, Football Park

LOWEST SCORE

3.3 (21) v Collingwood, R20, 2011, Football Park

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

117 points v Hawthorn, R13, 2005, Football Park

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE

Eight games – R8, 2002 to R15, 2002; R15, 2003 to R22, 2003; R4, 2014 to R12, 2014

OVERALL RECORD: 605 games – 323 wins, 277 losses, 5 draws

WORST LOSING SEQUENCE

– R11, 2011 to R23, 2011

MOST GAMES

7 Jay Schulz (v North Melbourne, R13, 2010, Marvel Stadium)

7 Jay Schulz (v Brisbane Lions, R15, 2011, Gabba)

7 Jay Schulz (v North Melbourne, R8, 2012, Football Park)

7 A ngus Monfries (v Geelong, R20, 2013, GMHBA Stadium)

7 Jay Schulz (v Brisbane, R4, 2014, Adelaide Oval)

BROWNLOW MEDALLIST

Ollie Wines* (2021)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

INDUCTEES : Craig Bradley (also Carl), Nathan Buckley (also Bris Lions, Coll, coach Coll), Haydn Bunton snr (also Fitz), John Cahill (coach PA, also coach Coll), Russell Ebert (also NM), Bob McLean (admin PA), Geof Motley, Bob Quinn, Gavin Wanganeen (also Ess), Fos Williams (coach PA), Warren Tredrea, Greg Phillips (also Coll)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Gavin Wanganeen (half-back flank), Byron Pickett (interchange), Peter Burgoyne (interchange)

NORM SMITH MEDALLIST

Byron Pickett (2004)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLIST

Mark Williams (2004)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Michael Wilson (1997), Danyle Pearce (2006)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLISTS

Adam Kingsley (2001), Nick Stevens (2002)

RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES

TOP

8 Warren Tredrea (v Carlton, R7, 1998, Princes Park)

8 Jay Schulz (v Western Bulldogs, R14, 2014, Adelaide Oval)

7 S cott Cummings (v Essendon, R17, 1997, MCG)

7 Warren Tredrea (v Fremantle, R11, 2003, Football Park)

7 Scott Cummings (v Hawthorn, R2, 1998, Waverley Park)

7 Warren Tredrea (v Essendon, R9, 2003, Marvel Stadium)

7 Daniel Motlop (v Essendon, R7, 2008, Marvel Stadium)

7 Warren Tredrea (v Richmond, R8, 2009, Football Park)

7 Warren Tredrea (v Hawthorn, R13, 2005, Football Park)

7 Warren Tredrea (v Adelaide, R7, 2004, Football Park)

A FINAL

5.10 (40) v Adelaide, SF, 2005;

6.4 (40) v Richmond, PF, 2020

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL

87 points v North Melbourne, EF, 2005

87 points v North Melbourne, PF, 2007

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL

119 points v Geelong, GF, 2007

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

5 Brendon Lade, v Sydney, QF, 2003

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Four games (2004-05)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Four games (1999-2002)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

54 games – 29 wins, 25 losses

Premierships 2001, 2002

TRAVIS BOAK

PORT ADELAIDE

PORT ADELAIDE

Coach Sam Mitchell Captain James Sicily

POCKET PROFILE 30 Sam Butler

Nickname: Buttsy

Which current AFL player gave you the biggest bath in junior footy: Harry Sharp

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Blake Hardwick

What time should the Grand Final start: 2pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 23 games

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Watch footy

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: No, I’m not there to look good

What sport do you suck at: Cricket

Favourite subject at school: Health with Ms Giampolo

Former footballer you admire most: Gary Ablett jnr

Sporting event you cannot miss: US Masters Hobbies or interests outside football: Golf, heavily

What advice would you give a first-year player: Be yourself

What’s something you admire about your club: Our energy and relationships

Best advice your mum gave you: Work hard Espresso or cold brew: Espresso – skinny cappuccino in a mug, extra hot Favourite Shapes flavour: Cheese and Bacon

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats Home delivery or pick-up:

Dog person or cat person: Dog, I hate cats

First concert you attended: Passenger

Your go-to karaoke song: Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi

Things on your bucket list: Climb to Mt Everest Base Camp, go bungee jumping

Favourite holiday destination: Hawaii

Who should play your coach in a movie: Steve Buscemi

EAGLES SWOOP ON YOUNG GUN

West Coast has put its faith in skilful Victorian forward Ryan Maric to help fast-track its rebuild after snaring the Gippsland Power product with pick No. 1 in last Wednesday’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 18th-placed Eagles held the first selection for the second consecutive season, giving Maric his first AFL opportunity after the 18-year-old’s rapid emergence this season.

He was one of 13 players given a mid-season opportunity, with former Collingwood wingman Caleb Poulter and ex-Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle given second chances at the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide respectively.

Poulter, who was delisted at the end of last season after 12 senior games, has been under the Bulldogs’ noses as part of the Footscray VFL program, averaging 16.9 disposals in eight games on the wing.

Narkle has relaunched his AFL career after 41 games with the Cats, joining Essendon’s VFL program this season and averaging 20.3 disposals in nine games.

Sydney opted for mature-age key-position players Harry Arnold from Brisbane’s VFL team and Claremont goalkicker Jack Buller, with the hope that both can play roles this season.

North Melbourne swooped on Subiaco small forward Robert Hansen with pick No. 2.

GWS had two selections in the draft but passed on both after its preferred options were taken off the board.

Regarded by many recruiters as the best talent available in the group of overlooked players from last year’s National Draft, Maric is the fourth player in three years to join the Eagles via a mid-season selection.

A serious knee injury to last year’s No. 1 pick, Jai Culley, opened up a list spot for the decimated Eagles, who took the opportunity to add a player they believe can play a significant role in their rebuild.

“It means a lot,” an emotional Maric told AFL.com.au

“I’ve dreamed about this for a while, but to finally get read out, it hasn’t really felt real until now.”

Maric has undergone a physical transformation in the past two years after weighing 107kg and decided he needed to slim down for his own wellbeing.

The Drouin forward, who models his game on Melbourne premiership goalkicker Bayley Fritsch and Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron, now weighs 83kg, with his hard work making an AFL berth possible.

He caught the attention of AFL recruiters with a four-goal performance in round one this season against the Murray Bushrangers.

The 193cm forward made his VFL debut a fortnight ago and has kicked two goals in each of his two games with Box Hill, with his penetrating kicking a feature of his play.

North Melbourne opted for Hansen at pick No. 2 after an impressive patch of WAFL form, with Hawthorn snaring 204cm Eastern Ranges ruckman Clay Tucker at pick No. 3.

Richmond looked to the SANFL at pick No. 4 to add Glenelg small forward Matt Coulthard.

Geelong opted for mature-age SANFL ball-winner Mitch Hardie at pick No. 7, with Fremantle selecting 19-year-old Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and Essendon adding Perth tall forward Jaiden Hunter.

Collingwood, Brisbane, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Carlton chose not to open list spots.

2023 MID-SEASON DRAFT

NO. AFL CLUB PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS

1 West Coast Ryan Maric Drouin (Vic)/Gippsland Power U18

2 North Melbourne Robert Hansen Mines Rovers (WA)/Subiaco (WAFL)

3 Hawthorn Clay Tucker Rowville Hawks (Vic)/Eastern Ranges U18

4 Richmond Matt Coulthard Port Noarlunga (SA)/Glenelg (SANFL)

5 GWS Giants Pass –

6 Sydney Harry ArnoldBroadbeach (Qld)/Brisbane (VFL)

7 Geelong Mitch Hardie Leeton-Whitton (NSW)/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)

8 Fremantle Ethan Stanley Frankston YCW (Vic)/Box Hill (VFL)

9 Essendon Jaiden Hunter Applecross (WA)/Perth (WAFL)

10 Western Bulldogs Caleb Poulter Ardrossan (SA)/W-W Torrens (SANFL)/Coll/Foots (VFL)

11 Port Adelaide Quinton Narkle Maddington (WA)/East Perth (WAFL)/Geelong/Ess (VFL)

12 HawthornBrandon Ryan Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/Northern Bullants (VFL)

13 RichmondJames Trezise Tooradin-Dalmore (Vic)/Richmond (VFL)

14 GWS Giants Pass –

15 Sydney Jack Buller Cottesloe (WA)/Claremont (WAFL)

NATHAN SCHMOOK AFL.COM.AU

HEADING WEST: Gippsland’s Ryan Maric was taken by the Eagles with the No. 1 pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

WE MAKE MEMORIES

BE A PART OF ALL THE COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT OF THE RACES

THE BIGGEST MOMENTS FROM THE BIGGEST SPORTS IN AUSTRALIA

EXPERIENCE THE BIGGEST SPORTING EVENTS IN THE USA

BE PART OF A MASSIVE SUMMER OF CRICKET PACKAGES FOR ALL FORMATS OF THE GAME

CREATE YOUR OWN BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE

TAILOR MADE AND GUARANTEED TO LEAVE LIFELONG MEMORIES

CORPORATE EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS

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To create your next tailored memorable experience call us on (03) 7035 3400 or email info@ballparkentertainment.com.au ballparkentertainment.com.au

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

36.15 (231) v Fitzroy, R6, 1991, North Hobart

LOWEST SCORE

1.7 (13) v Melbourne, R9, 1926, MCG

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

165 points v Port Adelaide, R21, 2011, MCG

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE

12 games – R9, 1961 to Grand Final, 1961; R2, 2013 to R14, 2013

WORST LOSING SEQUENCE 27

Scott, David Parkin (also coach Haw, Carl, Fitz), Jason Dunstall, John Platten, Kelvin Moore, Robert DiPierdomenico, Darren Jarman (also Adel), Paul Salmon (also Ess), Chris Langford, Shane Crawford, Rick Davies, Terry Wallace (also Rich, Foots, coach WB, Rich)

AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Leigh Matthews (forward pocket), Gary Ablett snr (interchange)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

1963-1965: John Peck (69, 68, 56)

1968: Peter Hudson (125)

1970-1971: Peter Hudson (146, 140)

FINALS

86 games – 53 wins, 33 losses

OVERALL RECORD: 2070 games –

RECORD

TOP GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES

17 Jason Dunstall (v Richmond, R7, 1992, Waverley Park)

16 P eter Hudson (v Melbourne, R5, 1969, Glenferrie Oval)

14 Jason Dunstall (v Footscray, R19, 1996, Waverley Park)

13 Peter Hudson (v South Melbourne, R11, 1969, Glenferrie Oval)

13 P eter Hudson (v South Melbourne, R8, 1970, Glenferrie Oval)

13 L ance Franklin (v North Melbourne, R10, 2012, University of Tasmania Stadium)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Col Austen (1949 tied), Robert DiPierdomenico (1986 tied), John Platten (1987 tied), Shane Crawford (1999), Sam Mitchell (2012), Tom Mitchell (2018)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Leigh Matthews (also coach Coll, Bris Lions), Peter Hudson, John J. Kennedy (also coach Haw, N Melb).

INDUCTEES: Graham Arthur, Bert Chadwick (also Melb, coach Melb, Haw), Michael Tuck, Dan Minogue (also Coll, Rich, coach Rich, Haw, Carl, StK, Fitz), Allan Jeans (coach Haw, also StK, coach StK, Rich), Peter Knights (also coach Bris, Haw), Dermott Brereton (also Coll, Syd), Gary Ayres (also coach Geel, Adel), Gary Ablett snr (also Geel), Don

1975: Leigh Matthews (67)

1977: Peter Hudson (99)

1988-1989: Jason Dunstall (124, 128)

1992: Jason Dunstall (139)

2008: Lance Franklin (102)

2011: Lance Franklin (71)

2013: Jarryd Roughead (68)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Colin Robertson (1983), Gary Ayres (1986, 1988), Paul Dear (1991), Luke Hodge (2008, 2014), Brian Lake (2013), Cyril Rioli (2015)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLISTS

Paul Hudson (1992), Paul Salmon (1999)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

John J. Kennedy (1961, 1971, 1976), David Parkin (1978), Allan Jeans (1983, 1986, 1989), Alan Joyce (1988, 1991), Alastair Clarkson (2008, 2013, 2014, 2015)

JIM STYNES MEDALLIST

Luke Hodge (2014)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Nick Holland (1995), Sam Mitchell (2003)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Leigh Matthews (1982), Russell Greene (1984), Jason Dunstall (1992), Shane Crawford (1999), Tom Mitchell (2018)

PREMIERSHIPS

1961, 1971, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015

RUNNERS-UP

1963, 1975, 1984, 1985, 1987, 2012

McCLELLAND TROPHY

1961, 1971, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 2012, 2013

WOODEN SPOONS

1925, 1927, 1928, 1932, 1941, 1942, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1965

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

24.22 (166) v North Melbourne, SF, 1982

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

5.15 (45) v North Melbourne, PF, 1977

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL 99 points v Sydney, QF, 1987

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL 78 points v Essendon, GF, 1985

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

8 Michael Moncrieff, v Collingwood, QF, 1978; Dermott Brereton, v Essendon, GF, 1985; Lance Franklin, v W Bulldogs, QF, 2008

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Six games (2013-14)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Four games (1992-96; 2016-)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

134 games – 83 wins, 51 losses

Premierships 1968, 1969, 1977, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1999

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

1984 (8051), 1985 (7713), 1986 (7335), 1987 (6516), 1988 (7099), 1989 (8520), 1990 (9882), 1991 (10,006), 1992 (12,338), 1993 (11,388), 1994 (11,245),

2012 (60,841), 2013 (63,353), 2014 (68,650), 2015 (72,924), 2016 (75,351), 2017 (75,663), 2018 (80,302), 2019 (81,211), 2020 (76,343), 2021 (77,079), 2022 (81,494) * denotes current players or coach

MICHAEL TUCK

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HOW YOUR TEAM RATES IN 2023

KICKING EFFICIENCY SHOT-AT-GOAL ACCURACY SCORES PER INSIDE 50

DARCY BYRNE-JONES

u Byrne-Jones has switched ends this season and has had an impact in attack. He has had 13 kicks into the forward 50 at Adelaide Oval this season – with the Power scoring 61.5 per cent of the time – the highest percentage of the top 10.

STOPPAGE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL CENTRE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL

PRESSURE

FACTOR DIFFERENTIAL

JAI NEWCOMBE

u Since round eight, Newcombe has had 14 centre bounce first possessions – ranked No. 1 at the club. He has generated 11 centre clearances over this period –ranked second behind James Worpel with 14.

A team’s pressure points* per 100 opportunities to apply pressure.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

DIFFERENTIAL EXPLAINED

A statistical value is expressed relative to opposition teams. This is calculated as ‘For’ minus ‘Against’ within a game. For example, if Carlton has 15 centre

SCORE FROM OPPOSITION TURNOVERS

Points scored from chains after winning the ball off the opposition.

SCORE CONCEDED FROM TURNOVERS

Points conceded to the opposition from chains after turnovers.

clearances to Essendon’s 12, Carlton’s centre clearances differential for the game is 15-12 = +3, while Essendon’s is 12-15 = -3.

DEFENSIVE-50 REBOUND TO INSIDE 50

Percentage of defensive-50 rebounds that led to a forward-50 entry within the same chain of possessions.

TACKLES INSIDE FORWARD 50

u Meek has had 13 tackle attempts inside the forward 50 this season – ranked equal-fifth at the Hawks. His tackles have stuck –posting a tackle efficiency of 76.9 per cent, which is the highest percentage of the top 10 at the club for attempts.

UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

Possessions gained whilst under no physical pressure, either from a teammate’s disposal or an opposition’s clanger kick.

u Houston leads the Power for rebound 50s at Adelaide Oval this season with 26 in six games. The side has launched an inside 50 from 30.8 per cent of his rebound chains – the highest percentage of the top five rebound players.

CONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

DAN HOUSTON

LLOYD MEEK

2023 LEAGUE LEADERS

DISPOSALS KICKS HANDBALLSMARKS

Disposing of the ball via a handball or kick.Disposing of the ball by foot. Disposing of the ball by hand.

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS AFL PLAYER RATINGS

Scoring chains where the player had a disposal, hit-out to advantage, kick-in or knock-on.

As seen on AFL.com.au. The most advanced metric of player performance available using data from 2023.

Catching a kicked ball that has travelled 15m.

HIT-OUTS TO ADVANTAGE STOPPAGE CLEARANCES

A hit-out that reaches an intended teammate.

CENTRE CLEARANCES

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the centre bounce area.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

INSIDE 50s

Distance gained with the ball by running, kicking or handballing, combining measures towards and away from goal.

1 D.Rich (BL) 6.0 597

2 L.Weller (GCS) 6.0 585

3 J.Short (Rich) 8.0 559

4 L.Ryan (Frem) 11.0 551

5 C.Petracca (Melb) 11.0 544

N.Daicos

A mark under physical pressure of an opponent or in a pack.

PRESSURE POINTS

METRES GAINED TACKLES CONTESTED

Moving the ball from the midfield into the forward zone. Excludes multiple entries within the same chain of possession.

Weighted sum of pressure acts – 3.75 for physical pressure, 2.25 for closing, 1.5 for chasing and 1.2 for corralling.

1 M.Rowell (GCS) 11.0 77.5

2 T.Liberatore (WB) 10.0 69.0

3 J.Dunkley (BL) 11.0 67.8

4 J.Rowbottom (Syd) 11.0 66.5

5 T.Taranto (Rich) 11.0 65.2

6 T.Atkins (Geel) 11.0 63.6

7 M.Bontempelli (WB) 11.0 62.7

8 R.Ginbey (WCE) 11.0 59.0

9 A.Brayshaw (Frem) 11.0 57.4

10 T.Nankervis (Rich) 6.0 56.4

Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.

Eagles v Magpies 12 ROUND

HEAD to HEAD

Played 59: West Coast Eagles 31, Collingwood 27, draws 1.

Past five: West Coast Eagles 3, Collingwood 2.

Most recent game: round 4, 2022, West Coast Eagles d Collingwood by 13 points at Marvel Stadium.

Highest attendance: 100,022, Grand Final, 2018, at the MCG.

WEST COAST EAGLES

Home record: 19-6

Away record: 12-21-1

Highest score: 19.23 (137), round 10, 1987, at Subiaco Oval.

Lowest score: 5.9 (39), round 22, 2013, at the MCG.

Greatest winning margin: 81 points, round 17, 1991, at the WACA.

Longest winning sequence: 10, fourth qualifying final, 1994, to round 11, 2000.

Most goals in a game:

SNAPSHOT

FORM: WCE – LLLLL Coll – WWWWW

KEY OUTS: WC – Cripps (ankle), Culley (knee), Darling (arm), Jones (ankle), McGovern (hamstring), Naitanui (achilles), Ryan (hamstring), Shuey (ankle/hamstring); Coll –Elliott (shoulder), Howe (forearm), Lipinski (shoulder), McStay (finger), Sidebottom (knee)

WAIT AND SEE: WCE – Sheed (ankle); Coll – Frampton (groin)

MILESTONES: WCE – Dom Sheed (150 games)

WATCH OUT FOR: Something out of left field. The Eagles have a 3-2 record against the Pies on their home deck, however, both Collingwood wins have been by one point. While the Eagles are struggling, this is a keen rivalry.

Talking points

u The Eagles appear likely to claim an unwanted piece of club history this afternoon. They have never lost 10 consecutive games since their inception in 1987.

u Small forward Harvey Harrison was close to making his debut for the Magpies last year, but was thwarted by injury. He gets his chance today due to Jamie Elliott’s shoulder injury. u West Coast’s Dom Sheed plays his 150th game for the club, and it comes against the club whose heart he broke in the 2018

7, Scott Cummings, round 3, 1999, at Victoria Park; round 18, 1999, at the WACA; Josh Kennedy, round 8, 2020.

COLLINGWOOD

Away record: 6-19

Home record: 21-12-1

Highest score: 26.17 (173), round 12, 2001, at Marvel Stadium; 27.11 (173), round 10, 2008, at the MCG.

Lowest score: 6.9 (45), round 8, 2020, at Marvel Stadium.

Greatest winning margin: 100 points, round 10, 2008, at the MCG.

Longest winning sequence: 7, second semi-final, 2007, to round 13, 2012.

Most goals in a game: 8, Brodie Holland, round 2, 2002, at the MCG.

UPSET WIN: Alex Witherden is tackled by Jack Ginnivan, but it was the Eagles who produced a big boilover at Marvel Stadium last season.

PLAYER LIST

POCKET PROFILE 19 Brady Hough

Nickname: Houghy

Which current AFL player gave you the biggest bath in junior footy: Jack Williams

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Shannon Hurn

What time should the Grand Final start: noon

Ideal length of the home and away season: 24 games

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Ping pong

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: Yes

What sport do you suck at: Golf

Favourite subject at school: Maths

Former footballer you admire most: Chris Judd

Dream job after AFL footy: Teacher

Sporting event you cannot miss: AFL Grand Final

Hobbies or interests outside football: Golf

What advice would you give a first-year player: Be a good bloke

What’s something you admire about your club: Unity

Best advice your mum gave you: Be kind

Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour: Barbecue

Home delivery or pick-up: Delivery

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: One Direction

Your go-to karaoke song: Mr Brightside by The Killers

Three things on your bucket list: Go to the Melbourne Cup, win the Grand Final, travel

Last book you read: Audio books

Favourite holiday destination: Harvey

Who should play your coach in a movie: Adam Sandler

WE MAKE MEMORIES

BE A PART OF ALL THE COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT OF THE RACES

THE BIGGEST MOMENTS FROM THE BIGGEST SPORTS IN AUSTRALIA

EXPERIENCE THE BIGGEST SPORTING EVENTS IN THE USA

BE PART OF A MASSIVE SUMMER OF CRICKET PACKAGES FOR ALL FORMATS OF THE GAME

CREATE YOUR OWN BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE

TAILOR MADE AND GUARANTEED TO LEAVE LIFELONG MEMORIES

CORPORATE EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS

TAILOR MADE ALLOW US TO DELIVER YOUR NEXT MEMORABLE PRODUCT LAUNCH

GET CLOSER TO THE NBL ACTION WITH EXCLUSIVE COURTSIDE SEATS

To create your next tailored memorable experience call us on (03) 7035 3400 or email info@ballparkentertainment.com.au ballparkentertainment.com.au

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

29.18 (192) v Brisbane, R3, 1988, WACA

LOWEST SCORE

1.12 (18) v Essendon, R15, 1989, Windy Hill

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

135 points v Adelaide, R19, 1995, Subiaco Oval

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE

12 games – R1, 1991 to R13, 1991

WORST LOSING SEQUENCE

9 games – R5, 2022 to R14, 2022; R16, 2002 to R1, 2023 MOST GAMES

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Chris Judd (2004), Ben Cousins (2005), Matt Priddis (2014)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

INDUCTEES: Ross Glendinning (also NM), Peter Matera, Dean Kemp, Glen Jakovich, Guy McKenna (also coach Gold Coast), John Todd (also coach West Coast), Mick Malthouse (coach West Coast, also StK, Rich, coach WB, Coll, Carl), Dean Cox, Chris Judd (also Carl), Robert Wiley (also Rich)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Peter Matera (wing), Chris Lewis (forward pocket)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLIST

1999: Scott Cummings (88)

2015: Josh Kennedy (75)

2016: Josh Kennedy (80)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Peter Matera (1992), Dean Kemp (1994), Chris Judd (2005), Andrew Embley (2006), Luke Shuey* (2018)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Mick Malthouse (1992, 1994), John Worsfold (2006), Adam Simpson* (2018)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Ben Cousins (1996)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Ben Cousins (2005), Chris Judd (2006)

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

24.18 (162) v North Melbourne, EF, 2012

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

4.10 (34) v Sydney, EF, 2004

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL

96 points v North Melbourne, EF, 2012

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL

77 points v Essendon, SF, 1996

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

8 Peter Sumich, v Geelong, SF, 1992

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Four games (1992-93; 2018-19)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Four games (1996-98; 1999-2004)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

73 games – 36 wins, 37 losses

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

1987 (2800), 1988 (8480), 1989 (9223), 1990 (10,450), 1991 (17,636), 1992 (23,902), 1993 (25,779), 1994 (24,265), 1995 (26,821), 1996

RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES

TOP GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES

14 Scott Cummings (v Adelaide, R4, 2000, WACA)

13 Peter Sumich (v Western Bulldogs, R13, 1991, WACA)

12 Mark LeCras (v Essendon, R6, 2010, Marvel Stadium)

11 Peter Sumich (v Essendon, R15, 1992, MCG)

11 Josh Kennedy (v GWS Giants, R8, 2014, Subiaco Oval)

10 S cott Cummings (v Fremantle, R6, 2000, Subiaco Oval)

10 Josh Kennedy (v Western Bulldogs, R9, 2011, Subiaco Oval)

10 Josh Kennedy (v Carlton, R2, 2015, Subiaco Oval)

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

Sydney Swans v St Kilda (SCG) (N) 7.10pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide (MRVL) (N) 7.50pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions (MCG) 1.45pm

Adelaide Crows v West Coast Eagles (AO) (T) 4.05pm

Fremantle v Richmond (OS) (T) 5.25pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

North Melbourne v GWS Giants (BA) 3.20pm

Carlton v Essendon (MCG) (N) 7.15pm

MONDAY, JUNE 12

Melbourne v Collingwood (MCG) 3.20pm

Byes: Geelong Cats, Gold Coast Suns

WEST COAST EAGLES

FORWARDS

BACKS

HALF-FORWARDS

HALF-BACKS

CENTRES

CENTRES

HALF-BACKS

HALF-FORWARDS

BACKS

FORWARDS

COLLINGWOOD

IN: Jamieson OUT: L. Edwards, Clark

IN: Frampton, Harrison OUT: Sidebottom, Elliott, Markov

WEST COAST EAGLES

POCKET PROFILE 17 Billy Frampton

Nickname: Chook

Which current AFL player gave you the biggest bath in junior footy: Darcy Cameron

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Nathan Murphy

What time should the Grand Final start: 1pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 18 games

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Watch TV

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: Yes

What sport do you suck at: Table tennis

Favourite subject at school:

English

Former footballer you admire most: Andrew McLeod

Sporting event you cannot miss:

NBA Finals

Hobbies or interests outside football: Basketball

What advice would you give a first-year player: Hit everything a million miles an hour

What’s something you admire about your club: The history

Best advice your mum gave you:

Be nice to your brother

Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour: Barbecue

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Home delivery or pick-up: Home delivery

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: Kanye West

Your go to karaoke song: Party In

The USA by Miley Cyrus

Favourite podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience

Something on your bucket list: Watch LeBron James play

Last book you read: One by David Hobbing

Favourite holiday destination: Hamilton Island

Who should play your coach in a movie: Ryan Gossling

EAGLES SWOOP ON YOUNG GUN

West Coast has put its faith in skilful Victorian forward Ryan Maric to help fast-track its rebuild after snaring the Gippsland Power product with pick No. 1 in last Wednesday’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 18th-placed Eagles held the first selection for the second consecutive season, giving Maric his first AFL opportunity after the 18-year-old’s rapid emergence this season.

He was one of 13 players given a mid-season opportunity, with former Collingwood wingman Caleb Poulter and ex-Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle given second chances at the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide respectively.

Poulter, who was delisted at the end of last season after 12 senior games, has been under the Bulldogs’ noses as part of the Footscray VFL program, averaging 16.9 disposals in eight games on the wing.

Narkle has relaunched his AFL career after 41 games with the Cats, joining Essendon’s VFL program this season and averaging 20.3 disposals in nine games.

Sydney opted for mature-age key-position players Harry Arnold from Brisbane’s VFL team and Claremont goalkicker Jack Buller, with the hope that both can play roles this season.

North Melbourne swooped on Subiaco small forward Robert Hansen with pick No. 2.

GWS had two selections in the draft but passed on both after its preferred options were taken off the board.

Regarded by many recruiters as the best talent available in the group of overlooked players from last year’s National Draft, Maric is the fourth player in three years to join the Eagles via a mid-season selection.

A serious knee injury to last year’s No. 1 pick, Jai Culley, opened up a list spot for the decimated Eagles, who took the opportunity to add a player they believe can play a significant role in their rebuild.

“It means a lot,” an emotional Maric told AFL.com.au

“I’ve dreamed about this for a while, but to finally get read out, it hasn’t really felt real until now.”

Maric has undergone a physical transformation in the past two years after weighing 107kg and decided he needed to slim down for his own wellbeing.

The Drouin forward, who models his game on Melbourne premiership goalkicker Bayley Fritsch and Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron, now weighs 83kg, with his hard work making an AFL berth possible.

He caught the attention of AFL recruiters with a four-goal performance in round one this season against the Murray Bushrangers.

The 193cm forward made his VFL debut a fortnight ago and has kicked two goals in each of his two games with Box Hill, with his penetrating kicking a feature of his play.

North Melbourne opted for Hansen at pick No. 2 after an impressive patch of WAFL form, with Hawthorn snaring 204cm Eastern Ranges ruckman Clay Tucker at pick No. 3.

Richmond looked to the SANFL at pick No. 4 to add Glenelg small forward Matt Coulthard.

Geelong opted for mature-age SANFL ball-winner Mitch Hardie at pick No. 7, with Fremantle selecting 19-year-old Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and Essendon adding Perth tall forward Jaiden Hunter.

Collingwood, Brisbane, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Carlton chose not to open list spots.

2023 MID-SEASON DRAFT

NO. AFL CLUB PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS

1 West Coast Ryan Maric Drouin (Vic)/Gippsland Power U18

2 North Melbourne Robert Hansen Mines Rovers (WA)/Subiaco (WAFL)

3 Hawthorn Clay Tucker Rowville Hawks (Vic)/Eastern Ranges U18

4 Richmond Matt Coulthard Port Noarlunga (SA)/Glenelg (SANFL)

5 GWS Giants Pass –

6 Sydney Harry ArnoldBroadbeach (Qld)/Brisbane (VFL)

7 Geelong Mitch Hardie Leeton-Whitton (NSW)/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)

8 Fremantle Ethan Stanley Frankston YCW (Vic)/Box Hill (VFL)

9 Essendon Jaiden Hunter Applecross (WA)/Perth (WAFL)

10 Western Bulldogs Caleb Poulter Ardrossan (SA)/W-W Torrens (SANFL)/Coll/Foots (VFL)

11 Port Adelaide Quinton Narkle Maddington (WA)/East Perth (WAFL)/Geelong/Ess (VFL)

12 HawthornBrandon Ryan Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/Northern Bullants (VFL)

13 RichmondJames Trezise Tooradin-Dalmore (Vic)/Richmond (VFL)

14 GWS Giants Pass –

15 Sydney Jack Buller Cottesloe (WA)/Claremont (WAFL)

NATHAN SCHMOOK AFL.COM.AU

HEADING WEST: Gippsland’s Ryan Maric was taken by the Eagles with the No. 1 pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

32.19 (211) v St Kilda, R17, 1980, Waverley Park

LOWEST SCORE

0.8 (8) v South Melbourne, R11, 1897, Victoria Park

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

178 points v St Kilda, R4, 1979, Victoria Park

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE

20 games – SF replay, 1928 to R18, 1929

Coll), John Cahill (coach Coll), Gavin Brown, Des Tuddenham (also playing coach Ess, coach S Melb), Tony Shaw (also coach Coll), Dermott Brereton (also Haw, Syd), Nathan Buckley (also Bris, coach Coll), Ron Todd, Brad Hardie (also Bris, WB), Mick Malthouse (coach Coll, also St K, Rich, coach WB, WCE, Carl), Greg Phillips, Michael Taylor

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS

1898: Archie Smith (31)

1903: Teddy Lockwood (33)

1905: Charlie H. Pannam (38)

1907-09: Dick Lee (45, 50, 55)

1914: Dick Lee (57)

1916-17: Dick Lee (46, 50)

1919: Dick Lee (47)

1926-30: Gordon Coventry (78, 88, 78, 118, 105)

1933: Gordon Coventry (108)

1938-39: Ron Todd (102, 98)

1946: Des Fothergill (63)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

1958: Ian Brewer (67)

1972-1973: Peter McKenna (130, 84)

1986: Brian Taylor (100)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Tony Shaw (1990), Nathan Buckley (2002), Scott Pendlebury* (2010)

PREMIERSHIP COACH MEDALLISTS

George Angus (1910), Jock McHale (1917, 1919, 1927-30, 1935-36)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Phonse Kyne (1953, 1958), Leigh Matthews (1990), Mick Malthouse (2010)

JIM STYNES MEDALLIST

Dane Swan (2010)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLIST

Heath Shaw (2011)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Jaidyn Stephenson (2018), Nick Daicos* (2022)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Darren Millane (1990), Dane Swan (2010)

PREMIERSHIPS

1902, 1903, 1910, 1917, 1919, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1935, 1936, 1953, 1958, 1990, 2010

RUNNERS-UP

WOODEN SPOONS

1976, 1999

FINALS

188 games – 82 wins, 101 losses, 5 draws MOST

TOP

17 G ordon Coventry (v Fitzroy, R12, 1930, Victoria Park)

16 G ordon Coventry (v Hawthorn, R13, 1929, Victoria Park)

16 P eter McKenna (v South Melbourne, R19, 1969, Victoria Park)

15 G ordon Coventry (v Essendon, R11, 1933, Victoria Park)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Syd Coventry (1927), Albert Collier (1929), Harry Collier (1930 tied), Marcus Whelan (1939), Des Fothergill (1940 tied), Len Thompson (1972), Peter Moore (1979), Nathan Buckley (2003 tied), Dane Swan (2011)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Gordon Coventry, Leigh Matthews (coach Coll, also Haw, also coach Bris Lions), Jock McHale (also coach Coll)

INDUCTEES: Albert Collier (also Fitz), Bob Rose (also coach Coll, Foots), Bruce Andrew (admin), Charlie H. Pannam (also Rich, coach Rich), Dan Minogue (also Rich, Haw, coach Rich, Haw, Carl, St K, Fitz), Dick Lee, Harry Collier, Jack Regan, Jack Hamilton (admin), Phonse Kyne (also coach Coll), Syd Coventry (also coach Foots), Des Fothergill, Len Fitzgerald, Lou Richards, Len Thompson (also S Melb, Fitz), Tom Hafey (coach Coll, also Rich, coach Rich, Geel, Syd), Peter Daicos, Peter McKenna (also Carl), Wayne Richardson, Peter Moore (also Melb), Murray Weideman (also coach

1901, 1905, 1911, 1915, 1918, 1920, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1952, 1955, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1966, 1970, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 2002, 2003, 2011, 2018

McCLELLAND TROPHY

1959, 1960, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1970, 2010, 2011

HIGHEST

IN A FINAL 23.15 (153) v Fitzroy, EF, 1984

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL 1.5 (11) v Fitzroy, PF, 1898

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL 69 points v W Bulldogs, EF, 1974

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL 133 points v Essendon, PF, 1984

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL 11 Ron Todd v Geelong, PF, 1938; Ron Todd v St Kilda, PF, 1939

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Six games (1935-37)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Seven games (1904-09)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

SCOTT PENDLEBURY

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HOW YOUR TEAM RATES IN 2023

KICKING EFFICIENCY SHOT-AT-GOAL ACCURACY SCORES PER INSIDE 50

JAKE WATERMAN

u Waterman has been the target inside 50 a total of 25 times at Optus Stadium this season – ranked third at the club. The Eagles have scored from 56 per cent of those – the fifth-highest percentage of the top 10 targets at West Coast.

STOPPAGE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL CENTRE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL

PRESSURE

FACTOR DIFFERENTIAL

JORDAN DE GOEY

u De Goey leads the Magpies for centre bounce first possessions on the road this season with nine in three games. He also ranks equal-first for centre clearances alongside Taylor Adams with seven.

A team’s pressure points* per 100 opportunities to apply pressure.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

DIFFERENTIAL EXPLAINED

A statistical value is expressed relative to opposition teams. This is calculated as ‘For’ minus ‘Against’ within a game. For example, if Carlton has 15 centre

SCORE FROM OPPOSITION TURNOVERS

Points scored from chains after winning the ball off the opposition.

SCORE CONCEDED FROM TURNOVERS

Points conceded to the opposition from chains after turnovers.

clearances to Essendon’s 12, Carlton’s centre clearances differential for the game is 15-12 = +3, while Essendon’s is 12-15 = -3.

DEFENSIVE-50 REBOUND TO INSIDE 50

Percentage of defensive-50 rebounds that led to a forward-50 entry within the same chain of possessions.

TACKLES INSIDE FORWARD 50

u Mihocek was the only Magpie to apply more than one tackle inside the forward 50 last round against the Kangaroos – having two. He booted an equal team-high three goals and had two score assists.

UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

Possessions gained whilst under no physical pressure, either from a teammate’s disposal or an opposition’s clanger kick.

u Hunt has had 37 rebound 50s this season – ranked fourth at the Eagles. The side has launched an inside-50 from 35.1 per cent of his rebound chains – the highest percentage of the top 10 rebound players at the club.

CONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

TEAM TKL TEAM UNC

BRODY MIHOCEK

Bulldogs v Cats 12 ROUND

HEAD to HEAD

Played 165: Western Bulldogs 57, Geelong 106, draws 2.

Past five: Western Bulldogs 1, Geelong 4.

Most recent game: round 20, 2022, Western Bulldogs lost to Geelong by 28 points at GMHBA Stadium.

Highest attendance: 79,402, first semi-final, 1956, at the MCG.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Home record: 40-36-1

Away record: 17-70-1

Highest score: 26.14 (170), round 3, 1985, at Whitten Oval.

Lowest score: 1.8 (14), round 12, 1965, at Whitten Oval.

Greatest winning margin: 83 points, round 13, 1968, at Whitten Oval.

Longest winning sequence: 6, round 8, 1941, to round 8, 1946.

Most goals in a game: 12, Simon Beasley, round 16, 1982, at Whitten Oval.

SNAPSHOT

FORM: WB – WWWWL Geel – WWLLL

KEY OUTS: WB – Bedendo (groin), Johannisen (hamstring); Geel – Duncan (hamstring), Holmes (knee), C. Guthrie (toe), Menegola (knee), Ratugolea (hamstring), Stanley (eye socket)

WAIT AND SEE: WB – Darcy (lung), R. Smith (test), Treloar (hamstring); Geel – Dangerfield (hamstring)

WATCH OUT FOR: The Cats have lost three on the trot. The reigning premiers scored a combined 623 points (124.6 a game) from rounds four to eight when they strung together five wins, but have failed to score more than 78 in their losing streak. The Bulldogs have conceded just 388 points (at an average of 64.6) in their past six matches, which has included five wins.

Talking points

u Liam Jones has helped the Bulldogs shore up their defence this season. He has had 21 intercept possessions in the past two weeks.

u Jack Macrae produced one of his best performances of the season in last week’s loss to the Suns when he had 33 touches, eight tackles and seven inside 50s.

u Tom Stewart has been a shining light for Geelong. Last week he had 31 disposals, nine marks and seven rebound 50s. With Esava Ratugolea sidelined, Stewart holds the key to the Cats’ chances.

GEELONG

Away record: 36-40-1

Home record: 70-17-1

Highest score: 26.16 (172), qualifying final, 1992, at the MCG.

Lowest score: 3.7 (25), round 11 1939, at Whitten Oval.

Greatest winning margin: 101 points, round 20, 2010, at Marvel Stadium. Longest winning sequence: 11, round 17, 1988, to round 2, 1994; second qualifying final, 2009, to round 9, 2017.

Most goals in a game: 11, Doug Wade, round 16, 1969, at GMHBA Stadium.

BAILEY SMITH

POCKET PROFILE 32 Arthur Jones

Nickname: Arty

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Josh Bruce

What time should the Grand Final start: 2.30pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 24 games

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Board games, walks and sleeping

What sport do you suck at: Golf

Favourite subject at school: Woodwork and maths

Former footballer you admire most: Cyril Rioli

Dream job after AFL footy: Project manager

Sporting event you cannot miss: NBA finals

Hobbies or interests outside football: Puzzles, trying to get good at golf and drawing

What’s something you admire about your club: How tight the culture and spirit is

What advice would you give a first-year player: Be a sponge and learn as much as you can from the older boys and find a good routine

Best advice your mum gave you: To never stop smiling and enjoy living your dream job

Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour: Cheese and Bacon

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Home delivery or pick-up: Delivery Dog person or cat person: Dog person for sure

First concert you attended: Post Malone in 2019

Your go-to karaoke song: Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi

Favourite podcast: Ads & Dunks

Three things on your bucket list: Travel the world, go skydiving, swim with sharks

Last book you read: Romeo And Juliet, my last year of school

Favourite holiday destination: Albany, I’m West Australian, back on my country

Who should play your coach in a movie: Cody Weightman

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

33.15 (213) v St Kilda, R13, 1978, Western Oval

1.8 (14) v Geelong, R12, 1965, Western Oval

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

128 points v North Melbourne, R3, 2021, Marvel Stadium

OVERALL RECORD: 2039 games

RECORD

15 Kelvin Templeton (v St Kilda, R13, 1978, Whitten Oval)

12 Simon Beasley (v Geelong, R16, 1982, Whitten Oval)

12 Simon Beasley (v Richmond, R18, 1985, Waverley Park)

12 Simon Beasley (v Melbourne, R15, 1985, Whitten Oval)

11 Simon Beasley (v Richmond, R1, 1984, Whitten Oval)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Allan Hopkins (1930, tied), Norman Ware (1941), Peter Box (1956), John Schultz (1960), Gary Dempsey (1975), Kelvin Templeton (1980), Brad Hardie (1985), Tony Liberatore (1990), Scott Wynd (1992), Adam Cooney (2008)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Ted Whitten (also coach Foots), Royce Hart (coach Foots, also Rich)

INDUCTEES: Allan Hopkins (also coach Foots), Norm Ware (also coach Foots), Arthur Olliver (also coach Foots), Syd Coventry (coach Foots, also Coll), Bill Goggin (coach Foots, also Geel, coach Geel), Bob Rose (coach Foots, also Coll, coach Coll), John Schultz, Bernie Quinlan (also Fitz, coach Fitz), Charlie Sutton (also coach Foots), Gary Dempsey (also N Melb), Barry Round (also S Melb/Syd), Doug Hawkins (also Fitz), Chris Grant, Scott West, Brad Johnson, Jason Akermanis (also Bris Lions), Barry Hall (also St K, Syd), Terry Wallace (also Haw, Rich, coach Rich), Brad Hardie (also Bris, Coll), Mick Malthouse (coach WB, also St K, Rich, coach WCE, Coll, Carl), Nicky Winmar (also St K)

AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Ted Whitten (centre half-back)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Nicky Winmar (half-forward), Michael McLean (interchange)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLIST

1954: Jack Collins (73)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

1957: Jack Collins (74)

1978: Kelvin Templeton (118)

1979: Kelvin Templeton (91)

1985: Simon Beasley (93)

NORM SMITH MEDALLIST

Jason Johannisen* (2016)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Charlie Sutton (1954), Luke Beveridge* (2016)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLIST

Barry Hall (2010)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Luke Darcy (2002), Marcus Bontempelli* (2021)

AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Marcus Bontempelli* (2019)

PREMIERSHIPS

1954, 2016

RUNNERS-UP

1961, 2021

WOODEN SPOONS

1959, 1967, 1982, 2003

FINALS

56 games – 21 wins, 35 losses

Del-Re, v Geelong, QF, 1992

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Four games (2016)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Six games (1938-51)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

115 games – 55 wins, 60 losses

Premierships 1963, 1964, 1967, 1970, 2010

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

1984 (6491), 1985 (8030), 1986 (8433), 1987 (3452), 1988 (5351), 1989 (5168), 1990 (10,983), 1991 (9598), 1992 (9311),

BRAD JOHNSON

with

WESTERN BULLDOGS

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Coach Chris Scott Captain Patrick

POCKET PROFILE 7 Isaac Smith

Nickname: Normy

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Tom Hawkins

What time should the Grand Final start: Night/twilight

Ideal length of the home and away season: 18 games

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Talking rubbish

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: No

Favourite subject at school: Leaving Dream job after AFL footy: Chris Scott’s job

Sporting event you cannot miss: Geelong games

Hobbies or interests outside football: Golf

What advice would you give a first-year player: Don’t listen to Jonathon Ceglar

What’s something you admire about your club: The days off

Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour: Barbecue

Dog person or cat person: Dog

Last book you read: Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas

Favourite holiday destination: Italy

State Transport

Our people are your solution.

EAGLES SWOOP ON YOUNG GUN

West Coast has put its faith in skilful Victorian forward Ryan Maric to help fast-track its rebuild after snaring the Gippsland Power product with pick No. 1 in last Wednesday’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 18th-placed Eagles held the first selection for the second consecutive season, giving Maric his first AFL opportunity after the 18-year-old’s rapid emergence this season.

He was one of 13 players given a mid-season opportunity, with former Collingwood wingman Caleb Poulter and ex-Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle given second chances at the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide respectively.

Poulter, who was delisted at the end of last season after 12 senior games, has been under the Bulldogs’ noses as part of the Footscray VFL program, averaging 16.9 disposals in eight games on the wing.

Narkle has relaunched his AFL career after 41 games with the Cats, joining Essendon’s VFL program this season and averaging 20.3 disposals in nine games.

Sydney opted for mature-age key-position players Harry Arnold from Brisbane’s VFL team and Claremont goalkicker Jack Buller, with the hope that both can play roles this season.

North Melbourne swooped on Subiaco small forward Robert Hansen with pick No. 2.

GWS had two selections in the draft but passed on both after its preferred options were taken off the board.

Regarded by many recruiters as the best talent available in the group of overlooked players from last year’s National Draft, Maric is the fourth player in three years to join the Eagles via a mid-season selection.

A serious knee injury to last year’s No. 1 pick, Jai Culley, opened up a list spot for the decimated Eagles, who took the opportunity to add a player they believe can play a significant role in their rebuild.

“It means a lot,” an emotional Maric told AFL.com.au

“I’ve dreamed about this for a while, but to finally get read out, it hasn’t really felt real until now.”

Maric has undergone a physical transformation in the past two years after weighing 107kg and decided he needed to slim down for his own wellbeing.

The Drouin forward, who models his game on Melbourne premiership goalkicker Bayley Fritsch and Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron, now weighs 83kg, with his hard work making an AFL berth possible.

He caught the attention of AFL recruiters with a four-goal performance in round one this season against the Murray Bushrangers.

The 193cm forward made his VFL debut a fortnight ago and has kicked two goals in each of his two games with Box Hill, with his penetrating kicking a feature of his play.

North Melbourne opted for Hansen at pick No. 2 after an impressive patch of WAFL form, with Hawthorn snaring 204cm Eastern Ranges ruckman Clay Tucker at pick No. 3.

Richmond looked to the SANFL at pick No. 4 to add Glenelg small forward Matt Coulthard.

Geelong opted for mature-age SANFL ball-winner Mitch Hardie at pick No. 7, with Fremantle selecting 19-year-old Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and Essendon adding Perth tall forward Jaiden Hunter.

Collingwood, Brisbane, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Carlton chose not to open list spots.

2023 MID-SEASON DRAFT

NO. AFL CLUB PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS

1 West Coast Ryan Maric Drouin (Vic)/Gippsland Power U18

2 North Melbourne Robert Hansen Mines Rovers (WA)/Subiaco (WAFL)

3 Hawthorn Clay Tucker Rowville Hawks (Vic)/Eastern Ranges U18

4 Richmond Matt Coulthard Port Noarlunga (SA)/Glenelg (SANFL)

5 GWS Giants Pass –

6 Sydney Harry ArnoldBroadbeach (Qld)/Brisbane (VFL)

7 Geelong Mitch Hardie Leeton-Whitton (NSW)/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)

8 Fremantle Ethan Stanley Frankston YCW (Vic)/Box Hill (VFL)

9 Essendon Jaiden Hunter Applecross (WA)/Perth (WAFL)

10 Western Bulldogs Caleb Poulter Ardrossan (SA)/W-W Torrens (SANFL)/Coll/Foots (VFL)

11 Port Adelaide Quinton Narkle Maddington (WA)/East Perth (WAFL)/Geelong/Ess (VFL)

12 HawthornBrandon Ryan Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/Northern Bullants (VFL)

13 RichmondJames Trezise Tooradin-Dalmore (Vic)/Richmond (VFL)

14 GWS Giants Pass –

15 Sydney Jack Buller Cottesloe (WA)/Claremont (WAFL)

NATHAN SCHMOOK AFL.COM.AU

HEADING WEST: Gippsland’s Ryan Maric was taken by the Eagles with the No. 1 pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE 37.17 (239) v Brisbane, R7, 1992, Metricon

LOWEST SCORE

0.8 (8) v Fitzroy, R3, 1899, Corio Oval

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

186 points v Melbourne, R19, 2011, GMHBA Stadium

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE 23

AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Bernie Smith (back pocket), Graham Farmer (ruck), Gary Ablett snr (interchange), Greg Williams (interchange)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Graham Farmer (ruck and captain)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS

1897: Eddy James (22)

1899: Eddy James (31)

1900: Teddy Lockwood (24)

1910: Percy Martini (51)

1921: Cliff Rankin (61)

1925: Lloyd Hagger (70)

1932: George Moloney (109)

1948: Lindsay White (86)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

1955: Noel Rayson (77)

1962: Doug Wade (62)

1967: Doug Wade (79)

1969: Doug Wade (122)

1976: Larry Donohue (99)

1993: Gary Ablett snr (124)

1994: Gary Ablett snr (113)

1995: Gary Ablett snr (118)

2020: Tom Hawkins* (42)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Gary Ablett snr (1989), Steve Johnson (2007), Paul Chapman (2009), Jimmy Bartel (2011), Isaac Smith* (2022)

PREMIERSHIP COACH MEDALLISTS

Cliff Rankin (1925), Charlie Clymo (1931), Reg Hickey (1937)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Reg Hickey (1951, 1952), Bob Davis (1963), Mark Thompson (2007, 2009), Chris Scott* (2011, 2022)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLIST

Joel Selwood (2009)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Joel Selwood (2007)

JIM STYNES MEDALLIST

James Kelly (2011), Harry Taylor (2015)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD

Greg Williams (1985), Gary Ablett snr (1993), Gary Ablett jnr (2007, 2008, 2009), Patrick Dangerfield* (2016)

PREMIERSHIPS

1925, 1931, 1937, 1951, 1952, 1963, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2022

RUNNERS-UP

1897, 1930, 1953, 1967, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2008, 2020

McCLELLAND TROPHY

WOODEN SPOONS

1908, 1915, 1944, 1957, 1958 FINALS

132 games – 59 wins, 72 losses, 1 draw MOST

14 G ary Ablett snr (v Essendon, R6, 1993, MCG)

14 G ary Ablett snr (v Sydney, R8, 1994, SCG)

14 G ary Ablett snr (v Richmond, R9, 1989, MCG)

13 Doug Wade (v South Melbourne, R17, 1967, Lake Oval)

13 Doug Wade (v North Melbourne, R20, 1971, GMHBA Stadium)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Edward ‘Carji’ Greeves (1924), Bernie Smith (1951), Alistair Lord (1962), Paul Couch (1989), Jimmy Bartel (2007), Gary Ablett jnr (2009), Patrick Dangerfield* (2016)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Graham Farmer, Malcolm Blight (coach Geel, also player/coach NM, coach Adel, coach StK)

INDUCTEES: Charles Brownlow, Bernie Smith, Edward Greeves, Jocka Todd, George Moloney, Henry Young, Peter Burns, Reg Hickey (also coach Geel), Tom Wills (admin), Bob Davis (also coach Geel), Doug Wade (also NM), Fred Flanagan, Bill Goggin (also coach Foots), Greg Williams (also Syd, Carl), John Newman, Ian Nankervis, Denis Marshall, Tom Fitzmaurice (also Ess, NM), Gary Ablett snr (also Haw), Henry Harrison (admin), Tom Hafey (coach Geel, also Rich, coach Rich, Coll, Syd), Garry Hocking, Brian Peake, Matthew Scarlett

1952, 1954, 1962, 1963, 1980, 1981, 1992, 2007, 2008, 2019, 2022

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

26.16 (172) v Western Bulldogs, QF, 1992

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

3.6 (24) v Collingwood, SF, 1901

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL 119 points v Port Adelaide, GF, 2007

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL 118 points v Richmond, SF, 1969

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

11 G eorge Goninon, v Collingwood, SF, 1951

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Five games (2007-08)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Seven games (1901-25)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

108 games – 57 wins, 51 losses

Premierships 1961, 2006, 2009

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

1984

JOEL SELWOOD

HOW YOUR TEAM RATES IN 2023

KICKING EFFICIENCY SHOT-AT-GOAL ACCURACY SCORES PER INSIDE 50

MARCUS BONTEMPELLI

u Bontempelli has had 17 kicks into the forward 50 at Marvel Stadium this season, equal with Jack Macrae and Oskar Baker. The side has scored from 41.2 per cent of Bontempelli’s kicks – the equal-highest percentage of the top five kicks with Baker.

STOPPAGE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL CENTRE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL

PRESSURE

FACTOR DIFFERENTIAL

MARK BLICAVS

u Since round eight, Blicavs has had 13 centre bounce first possessions – the most of any Geelong player. He also leads the club for centre clearances with 11 – three more than any teammate.

A team’s pressure points* per 100 opportunities to apply pressure.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

DIFFERENTIAL EXPLAINED

A statistical value is expressed relative to opposition teams. This is calculated as ‘For’ minus ‘Against’ within a game. For example, if Carlton has 15 centre

SCORE FROM OPPOSITION TURNOVERS

Points scored from chains after winning the ball off the opposition.

SCORE CONCEDED FROM TURNOVERS

Points conceded to the opposition from chains after turnovers.

clearances to Essendon’s 12, Carlton’s centre clearances differential for the game is 15-12 = +3, while Essendon’s is 12-15 = -3.

DEFENSIVE-50 REBOUND TO INSIDE 50

Percentage of defensive-50 rebounds that led to a forward-50 entry within the same chain of possessions.

TACKLES INSIDE FORWARD 50

u Smith has had eight tackle attempts inside the forward 50 this season – ranked equal-seventh at the club. Each of his tackle attempts have stuck – posting a team-high tackle efficiency of 100 per cent.

UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

Possessions gained whilst under no physical pressure, either from a teammate’s disposal or an opposition’s clanger kick.

u Richards leads the Bulldogs for rebound 50s at Marvel Stadium this season with 19 in four games – but the side hasn’t registered a score from any of his rebound chains. Richards is averaging a career-high 22 disposals and seven marks at the venue this year.

CONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

ED RICHARDS

ISAAC SMITH

2023 LEAGUE LEADERS

DISPOSALS KICKS HANDBALLSMARKS

Disposing of the ball via a handball or kick.Disposing of the ball by foot. Disposing of the ball by hand.

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS AFL PLAYER RATINGS

Scoring chains where the player had a disposal, hit-out to advantage, kick-in or knock-on.

As seen on AFL.com.au. The most advanced metric of player performance available using data from 2023.

Catching a kicked ball that has travelled 15m.

HIT-OUTS TO ADVANTAGE STOPPAGE CLEARANCES

A hit-out that reaches an intended teammate.

CENTRE CLEARANCES

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the centre bounce area.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

INSIDE 50s

Distance gained with the ball by running, kicking or handballing, combining measures towards and away from goal.

1 D.Rich (BL) 6.0 597

2 L.Weller (GCS) 6.0 585

3 J.Short (Rich) 8.0 559

4 L.Ryan (Frem) 11.0 551

5 C.Petracca (Melb) 11.0 544

N.Daicos

A mark under physical pressure of an opponent or in a pack.

PRESSURE POINTS

METRES GAINED TACKLES CONTESTED

Moving the ball from the midfield into the forward zone. Excludes multiple entries within the same chain of possession.

Weighted sum of pressure acts – 3.75 for physical pressure, 2.25 for closing, 1.5 for chasing and 1.2 for corralling.

1 M.Rowell (GCS) 11.0 77.5

2 T.Liberatore (WB) 10.0 69.0

3 J.Dunkley (BL) 11.0 67.8

4 J.Rowbottom (Syd) 11.0 66.5

5 T.Taranto (Rich) 11.0 65.2

6 T.Atkins (Geel) 11.0 63.6

7 M.Bontempelli (WB) 11.0 62.7

8 R.Ginbey (WCE) 11.0 59.0

9 A.Brayshaw (Frem) 11.0 57.4

10 T.Nankervis (Rich) 6.0 56.4

Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.

2023 LEAGUE LEADERS

DISPOSALS KICKS HANDBALLSMARKS

Disposing of the ball via a handball or kick.Disposing of the ball by foot. Disposing of the ball by hand.

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS AFL PLAYER RATINGS

Scoring chains where the player had a disposal, hit-out to advantage, kick-in or knock-on.

As seen on AFL.com.au. The most advanced metric of player performance available using data from 2023.

Catching a kicked ball that has travelled 15m.

HIT-OUTS TO ADVANTAGE STOPPAGE CLEARANCES

A hit-out that reaches an intended teammate.

CENTRE CLEARANCES

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the centre bounce area.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

INSIDE 50s

Distance gained with the ball by running, kicking or handballing, combining measures towards and away from goal.

1 D.Rich (BL) 6.0 597

2 L.Weller (GCS) 6.0 585

3 J.Short (Rich) 8.0 559

4 L.Ryan (Frem) 11.0 551

5 C.Petracca (Melb) 11.0 544

N.Daicos

A mark under physical pressure of an opponent or in a pack.

PRESSURE POINTS

METRES GAINED TACKLES CONTESTED

Moving the ball from the midfield into the forward zone. Excludes multiple entries within the same chain of possession.

Weighted sum of pressure acts – 3.75 for physical pressure, 2.25 for closing, 1.5 for chasing and 1.2 for corralling.

1 M.Rowell (GCS) 11.0 77.5

2 T.Liberatore (WB) 10.0 69.0

3 J.Dunkley (BL) 11.0 67.8

4 J.Rowbottom (Syd) 11.0 66.5

5 T.Taranto (Rich) 11.0 65.2

6 T.Atkins (Geel) 11.0 63.6

7 M.Bontempelli (WB) 11.0 62.7

8 R.Ginbey (WCE) 11.0 59.0

9 A.Brayshaw (Frem) 11.0 57.4

10 T.Nankervis (Rich) 6.0 56.4

Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.

Suns v Crows 12

CRUCIAL CLASH: The battle of in-form big men Jarrod Witts and

O’Brien could be pivotal.

HEAD to HEAD

Played 16: Gold Coast Suns 2, Adelaide Crows 14.

Past five: Gold Coast Suns 2, Adelaide Crows 3.

Most recent game: round 14, 2022, Gold Coast Suns d Adelaide Crows by 43 points at Heritage Bank Stadium.

Highest attendance: 48,219, round 11, 2014, at Adelaide Oval.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Home record: 2-7

Away record: 0-7

Highest score: 18.8 (116), round 14, 2022, at Heritage Bank Stadium.

Lowest score: 6.10 (46), round 5, 2019, at Adelaide Oval.

Greatest winning margin: 53 points, round 3, 2020, at Metricon Stadium.

Longest winning sequence: 1, round 3, 2020.

Most goals in a game: 5, Callum Ah Chee, round 5, 2017, at Metricon Stadium.

SNAPSHOT

FORM: GCS – WLWLW Adel – LLWLW

KEY OUTS: GCS – Miller (knee), Budarick (knee), Lemmens (hamstring), Weller (knee), Tarrant (hip); Adel – McPherson (quad)

WAIT AND SEE: Adel – McAdam (quad)

MILESTONES: Nil

WATCH OUT FOR: The Suns are in the process of turning Darwin into a home away from home. Boasting a 3-1 record at TIO Stadium, they look comfortable in the conditions and appear to have a real advantage. How livewire Adelaide forward Izak Rankine fares against his former club will be of interest.

Talking points

u The Crows have struggled when leaving the comforts of Adelaide Oval, having lost all but one game away from home this season.

u The Suns capped off a run of strong form with their best performance of the season last week, holding the red-hot Bulldogs to just 77 points en route to a seven-point win.

u The Crows’ pressure has been the hallmark of their success, disrupting their opponents’ ball movement and allowing the least disposals a game.

ADELAIDE CROWS

Away record: 7-2

Home record: 7-0

Highest score: 22.21 (153), round 23, 2012, at Football Park; 23.15 (153), round 5, 2017, at Metricon Stadium.

Lowest score: 4.5 (29), round 3, 2020, at Metricon Stadium.

Greatest winning margin: 95 points, round 17, 2019, at Metricon Stadium.

Longest winning sequence: 13, round 8, 2011, to round 17, 2019. Most goals in a game:

6, Patrick Dangerfield, round 8, 2011, at Football Park; Eddie Betts, round 5, 2019, at Adelaide Oval; Eddie Betts, round 17, 2019, at Metricon Stadium.

Reilly

CHARLIE BALLARD 10

PLAYER LIST

BALL USE SCOREBOARD

GOALS / BEHINDS CONTESTED POSS. UNCONTESTED POSS. INTERCEPT POSS.

GAMES GOALS NAME NO. HT.WT. DOB DEBUTACQUIRED PREVIOUS CLUB 2022 2023 TOTAL THIS CLUB 2023 TOTAL Acquired = How player arrived at this club 1/2000 = National Draft number/year LTA = Local talent access selection MD = Mid-Season Rookie Draft PD = Pre-Season Draft PDN = Previous Draft nomination PDS = Pre-Draft selection P SS = Pre-Season Supplemental selection RD = Rookie Draft RE = Rookie elevation TR = Traded to this club UPS = Uncontracted player selection 17YO = 17-year-old access UFA = Unrestricted free agent RFA = Restricted free agent DFA = Delisted free agent # = Category A Rookie (eligible for AFL selection) * = Category B Rookie (only eligible for AFL selection as long-term injury replacement) TIR = Trade Incentive Rule

SCORE ASSISTS SCORE INVOLVEMENTS CLEARANCES DISPOSALS KICKS MARKS HANDBALLS POSSESSION

AINSWORTH Ben 9 178 7 7 10/2/1998 2 017 4/2016 Morwell (Vic)/Gippsland U18 2 2 9 105 105 8 8 5 ANDERSON Jed # 17 182 82 2 /2/1994 2 013 P SS/2023 Darwin (NT)/NT Thunder (NEAFL)/Hawthorn/North Melbourne 14 0 9 9 0 0 32 ANDERSON Noah 15 192 8 8 17/2/2001 2 020 2 /2019 Hawthorn Citizens (Vic)/Carey Grammar (Vic)/Oakleigh U18 2 1 11 6 9 6 9 7 2 2 ANDREW Mac 3 1 2 02 8 4 4/12/2003 2 022 5/2021 Berwick (Vic)/St Joseph’s School, Ferntree Gully (Vic)/Dand U18 4 6 10 10 0 0 ATKINS Rory 2 185 82 12/7/1994 2 015 UFA/2020 Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/Calder U18/Adelaide 9 5 123 2 2 0 4 9 BALLARD Charlie 10 196 9 5 23/7/1999 2 018 42/2017 Mitcham Hawks (SA)/Sacred Heart College (SA)/Sturt (SANFL) 18 11 9 8 9 8 1 2 BERRY Thomas 16 185 8 0 1/5/2000 2 020 T R/2022 Horsham Saints (Vic)/Ballarat Clarendon Coll (Vic)/GWV U18/Bris 3 4 24 4 0 3 BLAKELY Connor # 2 6 189 8 9 2 /3/1996 2 015 R D/2023 Bunbury (WA)/Swan Districts (WAFL)/Fremantle 0 0 78 0 0 3 BROCK Sandy # 4 5 198 9 0 14/12/2002 * *** R D/2022 Palmerston (NT)/Peel Thunder (WAFL) 0 0 0 0 0 0 BUDARICK Connor 3 5 175 7 5 6/4/2001 2 020 R E/2020 L abrador (Qld)/Gold Coast (NEAFL) 9 0 2 6 2 6 0 1 BURGESS Chris 2 9 194 97 2 6/11/1995 2 019 P DS/2018 Flinders Park (SA)/West Adelaide (SANFL) 2 0 3 5 3 5 0 14 CASBOULT Levi 30 199 104 15/3/1990 2 012 R D/2022 Beaconsfield (Vic)/Dandenong U18/Carlton 2 1 8 183 2 9 6 197 CHOL Mabior 1 2 00 9 8 2 9/1/1997 2 016 UFA/2021 Yeronga (Qld)/Aspley (NEAFL)/Richmond 2 2 6 5 9 28 7 7 5 COLLINS Sam 25 194 9 8 15/6/1994 2 016 P DS/2018 Donvale (Vic)/Oakleigh U18/Box Hill (VFL)/Frem/Werribee (VFL) 2 2 11 9 2 78 0 0 C ONSTABLE Charlie 3 3 192 87 18/5/1999 2 019 6 3/2021 E Sandr (Vic)/Haileybury Coll (Vic)/Old Hailebury (Vic)/Sandr U18/Geelong 2 2 16 4 0 6 DAVIES Alex 5 193 8 9 18/3/2002 2 021 LTA/2020 Manunda Cairns (Qld)/Broadbeach (Qld) 15 6 2 2 2 2 0 8 DAY Sam 12 196 106 6/9/1992 2 011 3/2010 Mitcham Hawks (SA)/Sturt (SANFL) 4 2 149 149 1 107 ELLIS Brandon 4 181 8 1 3/8/1993 2 012 R FA/2019 West Coburg (Vic)/Calder U18/Richmond 2 1 6 237 6 1 2 7 9 FARRAR Jy 5 0 190 8 1 7/12/1996 2 020 6 0/2019 Halls Ck (WA)/Hale School (WA)/N Wang (Vic)/Scotch OC (SA)/Adel (SANFL) 14 3 28 28 0 2 FAULKHEAD Oskar # 37 183 7 7 11/2/2003 * *** MD/2022 Wentworth District (NSW)/Geelong Grammar (Vic)/Bendigo U18/Geelong (VFL) 0 0 0 0 0 0 FIORINI Brayden 8 187 82 2 2/8/1997 2 016 2 0/2015 Greensborough (Vic)/Northern U18 14 9 8 5 8 5 3 2 6 FLANDERS Sam 3 183 8 1 24/7/2001 2 020 11/2019 Moe (Vic)/Lowanna College (Vic)/Gippsland U18 9 4 3 4 3 4 2 11 GRAHAM Caleb 4 6 194 97 12/9/2000 2 019 7 1/2018 C airns (Qld)/Palm Beach-Currumbin (Qld)/Gold Coast (NEAFL) 15 0 37 37 0 1 HOLLANDS Elijah 36 189 8 6 25/4/2002 2 022 7/2020 Wodonga (Vic)/Caulfield Grammar (Vic)/Murray U18 5 4 9 9 1 6 HOLMAN Nick 7 188 8 6 2 9/5/1995 2 014 R E/2020 Kyabram (Vic)/Murray U18/Carlton/Central District (SANFL) 2 0 9 100 9 1 9 5 8 HUMPHREY Bailey 19 186 8 6 11/9/2004 2 023 6/2022 Moe (Vic)/Lowanna College (Vic)/Gippsland U18 0 8 8 8 6 6 JEFFREY Joel 4 0 192 8 6 12/3/2002 2 021 LTA/2020 Wanderers (NT)/NT Thunder 5 5 14 14 4 14 JOHNSTON Lloyd # 3 8 184 76 2 1/9/2004 * *** R D/2023 Wanderers (NT)/NT Thunder 0 0 0 0 0 0 K ING Ben 3 4 2 02 9 8 7/7/2000 2 019 6/2018 East Sandr (Vic)/Old Haileybury (Vic)/H’bury Coll (Vic)/Sandr U18 0 11 6 4 6 4 2 7 116 LEMMENS Sean 23 184 8 1 2 /11/1994 2 014 2 7/2013 Salisbury (SA)/Port Adelaide (SANFL) 2 0 6 140 140 0 25 LONG Ben 2 2 186 8 1 2 1/8/1997 2 017 T R/2022 S t Mary’s (NT)/NT Thunder (NEAFL)/Melb Grammar (Vic)/Northern U18/Foots (VFL)/St Kilda 19 9 8 8 9 0 3 1 LUKOSIUS Jack 13 195 9 1 9/8/2000 2 019 2 /2018 Henley (SA)/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL) 13 11 8 4 8 4 18 3 5 MACPHERSON Darcy 4 4 175 76 2 9/10/1997 2 016 R E/2018 Diamond Creek (Vic)/Northern U18 10 11 8 3 8 3 0 2 6 McLAUGHLIN Brodie # 4 3 193 87 2 0/11/1997 * *** P SS/2023 De La Salle (Vic)/Frankston (VFL) 0 0 0 0 0 0 MILLER Touk 11 178 8 4 2 2/2/1996 2 015 2 9/2014 Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/St Kevin’s College (Vic)/Calder U18 2 2 6 166 166 0 47 MOYLE Ned 4 9 2 06 104 15/2/2002 2 023 MD/2021 Kew Rovers (Vic)/Xavier Coll (Vic)/Oakl U18/Old Xaverians (Vic) 0 2 2 2 0 0 OEA Hewago # 47 177 74 13/11/2001 2 022 R D/2020 Gordons Port Moresby (PNG) 5 3 8 8 0 2 P OWELL Wil 2 7 188 87 2 6/8/1999 2 018 19/2017 Scarborough (WA)/Claremont (WAFL) 12 9 78 78 0 13 ROSAS Malcolm 41 180 73 2 7/6/2001 2 021 R E/2020 Darwin (NT)/NT Thunder (NEAFL) 15 10 2 9 2 9 8 2 2 ROWELL Matt 18 180 82 1/7/2001 2 020 1/2019 C anterbury (Vic)/Carey Grammar (Vic)/Oakleigh U18 2 2 11 5 0 5 0 2 12 SEXTON Alex 6 186 82 3/12/1993 2 012 8 8/2011 Springwood (Qld)/Redland (NEAFL) 4 5 163 163 3 160 SHARP Jeremy 2 0 189 8 1 13/8/2001 2 020 2 7/2019 Attadale (WA)/Aquinas College (WA)/East Fremantle (WAFL) 12 0 23 23 0 7 STEIN Jake # 42 192 9 5 17/1/1994 2 019 R D/2023 St Dominic’s College, Penrith (NSW)/GWS 9 0 2 0 0 0 1 SWALLOW David 24 186 87 19/11/1992 2 011 1/2010 Rossmoyne (WA)/East Fremantle (WAFL) 2 2 11 2 08 2 08 7 9 3 TSITAS James # 2 1 181 8 3 3/3/1995 2 022 P SS/2022 Grovedale (Vic)/Geel U18/N Ballarat (VFL)/Geel (VFL)/W-WT (SANFL) 1 2 3 3 2 2 U WLAND Bodhi # 32 188 8 9 25/7/2003 2 023 R D/2022 Broadbeach (Qld)/All Saints Anglican School (Qld) 0 2 2 2 0 0 W ELLER Lachie 14 182 8 0 23/2/1996 2 015 T R/2017 Southport (Qld)/Broadbeach (Qld)/Fremantle 11 6 133 8 6 0 4 5 WITTS Jarrod 28 2 09 110 13/9/1992 2 013 T R/2016 St Ives (NSW)/Sydney University (NSW)/Collingwood 2 2 9 153 113 3 32 Jack Lukosius 14 Ben Ainsworth 13 Nick Holman 12 Matt Rowell 10 Ben King 8 Jack Lukosius 74 Noah Anderson 6 7 Matt Rowell 6 3 Ben King 5 3 David Swallow 5 0 Matt Rowell 8 8 Noah Anderson 78 Jarrod Witts 4 6 David Swallow 42 Touk Miller 4 0 Matt Rowell 100 David Swallow 5 3 Noah Anderson 4 4 Nick Holman 4 4 Touk Miller 3 8 Jack Lukosius 5 0 Noah Anderson 47 Matt Rowell 4 6 David Swallow 3 4 Ben Ainsworth 3 0 Ben King 2 7.10 Jack Lukosius 18.15 Nick Holman 9.4 Malcolm Rosas 8.10 Ben Ainsworth 8.7 Noah Anderson 2 95 Darcy Macpherson 243 Matt Rowell 241 David Swallow 2 04 Wil Powell 175 Noah Anderson 175 Darcy Macpherson 174 Matt Rowell 147 Wil Powell 129 Charlie Ballard 128 Charlie Ballard 8 1 Darcy Macpherson 7 2 Jack Lukosius 6 9 Sam Collins 6 8 Wil Powell 5 5 Noah Anderson 120 Matt Rowell 9 4 David Swallow 8 1 Darcy Macpherson 6 9 Jarrod Witts 6 6 Matt Rowell 158 Noah Anderson 138 David Swallow 9 6 Jarrod Witts 9 1 Touk Miller 7 1 Darcy Macpherson 156 Noah Anderson 152 David Swallow 110 Brayden Fiorini 9 9 Lachie Weller 9 8 Charlie Ballard 9 6 Sam Collins 7 9 Darcy Macpherson 7 5 Wil Powell 5 5 Ben Long 5 0

POCKET PROFILE 40 Joel Jeffrey

Nickname: Hoofa

Which current AFL player gave you the biggest bath in junior footy: Alex Davies

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Mabior Chol

What time should the Grand Final start: 2pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 23 rounds

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Watch Netflix

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: Yes

What sport do you suck at: Soccer

Favourite subject at school: History

Former footballer you admire most: Lewis Jetta

Sporting event you cannot miss: AFL Grand Final Hobbies or interests outside football: Fishing, hunting, beach

What advice would you give a first-year player: Be a sponge

What’s something you admire about your club: The culture

Best advice your mum gave you:

Always be proud of where you come from Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour: Barbecue

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Home delivery or pick-up: Home delivery

OTHER

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: Akon

Your go to karaoke song: Anything country or rhythm and blues

Favourite podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience

Some things on your bucket list: Greece, LA

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

21.22 (148) v GWS Giants, R5, 2013, UNSW Canberra Oval

LOWEST SCORE

3.2 (20) v Port Adelaide, R23, 2017, Adelaide Oval

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

86 points v Hawthorn, R3, 2017, Heritage Bank Stadium

OVERALL RECORD: 270 games – 74 wins, 194 losses, 2

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE

BROWNLOW MEDALLIST

Gary Ablett (2013)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL

OF FAME MEMBERS

Guy McKenna (coach GCS, also WCE)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Jaeger O’Meara (2013)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

23 games – nine wins, 13 losses, one draw CLUB MEMBERSHIP

2011 (14,059), 2012 (11,204), 2013 (12,502), 2014 (13,478), 2015 (13,643), 2016 (12,845), 2017 (11,665), 2018 (12,108), 2019 (13,649), 2020 (16,236), 2021 (19,460), 2022 (21,422)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD

Gary Ablett (2012, 2013)

AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD

Touk Miller* 2022 WOODEN SPOONS

2011, 2019

* denotes current player or coach CLUB FORMATION AND KEY DATES

April 22, 2008

The AFL invites a group of Gold Coast business and community representatives to form a board to participate in a six-month process to demonstrate an AFL licence for a new team based on the Gold Coast had all the foundations for long-term success.

June 27, 2008

The AFL Commission approves a recommendation from the Gold Coast List Management Working Committee, covering the initial player concessions available to the new 17th team to join the AFL in 2011.

July 29, 2008

RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES

TOP GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES

8 Tom Lynch (v Carlton, R2, 2018, Marvel Stadium)

7 C harlie Dixon (v North Melbourne, R14, 2015, Heritage Bank Stadium)

7 Tom Lynch (v Carlton, R4, 2017, Marvel Stadium)

6 C harlie Dixon (v GWS Giants, R5, 2013, UNSW Canberra Oval)

6 Harley Bennell (v Geelong, R14, 2014, Heritage Bank Stadium)

6 C harlie Dixon (v Brisbane, R5, 2015, Heritage Bank Stadium)

6 Brandon Matera (v Hawthorn, R3, 2017, Heritage Bank Stadium)

GC17 signs its first group of players who will be part of the development team to play in the TAC Cup in 2009 and the VFL in 2010.

August 13, 2008

GC17 appoints former West Coast champion and Collingwood assistant coach Guy McKenna as coach. The team will play in the TAC Cup in 2009 and the VFL in 2010.

September 4, 2008

GC17 launches name, logo, colours and mascot. The club will be the Gold Coast Football Club. Club colours will be red, gold and blue. They were chosen to symbolise the beach culture of the Gold Coast – red (sun), gold (sand) and blue (ocean and sky).

September 4, 2008

The AFL Commission approves the NAB AFL Draft, NAB AFL Rookie Draft and AFL player concessions that will be offered to the new Gold Coast team in the 2009 and 2010 years.

March 31, 2009

The AFL Commission announces it has granted GCFC a provisional licence to become the AFL’s 17th team in 2011.

October 1, 2009

Guy McKenna appointed AFL coach.

December 15, 2009

GCFC selects the first five players in 2010 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

April 10, 2010

The Suns play their first VFL game, losing to Port Melbourne at Southport by 12 points.

November 18, 2010

The Suns select 10 youngsters at the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, including eight of the first 13 players available. The No.1 pick is highly rated WA teenager David Swallow.

February 19, 2011

The Suns play their first NAB Cup games.

April 2, 2011

The Suns lose their AFL debut by 119 points to Carlton at the Gabba in front of 27,914 fans. Charlie Dixon kicks the club’s first goal.

April 23, 2011

Gold Coast wins its first AFL game, by three points against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. Brandon Matera is the club’s first NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

May 28, 2011

Gold Coast plays its first home game at Metricon Stadium, losing to Geelong by 66 points.

August 11, 2012

Gold Coast wins its first game at Metricon Stadium, defeating the GWS Giants by 30 points.

May 12, 2013

Gold Coast wins its first game in Victoria, defeating Melbourne by 60 points at the MCG.

October 1, 2014

Coach Guy McKenna and the Suns part ways.

October 30, 2014

Former Sydney and Bulldogs mentor Rodney Eade appointed senior coach.

August 8, 2017

Eade told his services are no longer required. Assistant Dean Solomon steps in as interim coach.

October 5, 2017

Former Port Adelaide and Hawthorn premiership player Stuart Dew appointed senior coach.

DAVID SWALLOW

WE MAKE MEMORIES

BE A PART OF ALL THE COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT OF THE RACES

THE BIGGEST MOMENTS FROM THE BIGGEST SPORTS IN AUSTRALIA

EXPERIENCE THE BIGGEST SPORTING EVENTS IN THE USA

BE PART OF A MASSIVE SUMMER OF CRICKET PACKAGES FOR ALL FORMATS OF THE GAME

CREATE YOUR OWN BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE

TAILOR MADE AND GUARANTEED TO LEAVE LIFELONG MEMORIES

CORPORATE EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS

TAILOR MADE ALLOW US TO DELIVER YOUR NEXT MEMORABLE PRODUCT LAUNCH

GET CLOSER TO THE NBL ACTION WITH EXCLUSIVE COURTSIDE SEATS

To create your next tailored memorable experience call us on (03) 7035 3400 or email info@ballparkentertainment.com.au ballparkentertainment.com.au

GOLD COAST SUNS

ADELAIDE CROWS

ADELAIDE CROWS

Coach Stuart Dew

Co-captains Touk Miller, Jarrod Witts

Coach Matthew Nicks Captain Jordan Dawson

POCKET PROFILE 1 Chayce Jones

Nickname: CJ

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Lachlan Sholl

What time should the Grand Final start: 2pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 23 rounds

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: Yes

What sport do you suck at: Tennis

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Watch the footy with a few of the boys and just chill out Favourite subject at school: PE

Dream job after AFL footy: Teacher

Sporting event you cannot miss: My own games

Hobbies or interests outside football: Cricket and golf

What advice would you give a first-year player: Work hard and enjoy working hard

What’s something you admire about your club: Growing together as a group and sticking tight

Best advice your mum gave you: Find what you enjoy

Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour: Barbecue

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Home delivery or pick-up: Pick-up

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: The 1975

Your go to karaoke song:

Toes by the Zac Brown Band

Favourite podcast: The Howie Games

Three things on your bucket list: Go in a hot air balloon, skydiving, travel Europe

Last book you read: Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible

Thing by Matthew Perry

Favourite holiday destination: Tasmania

NICK MURRAY 28

EAGLES SWOOP ON YOUNG GUN

West Coast has put its faith in skilful Victorian forward Ryan Maric to help fast-track its rebuild after snaring the Gippsland Power product with pick No. 1 in last Wednesday’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 18th-placed Eagles held the first selection for the second consecutive season, giving Maric his first AFL opportunity after the 18-year-old’s rapid emergence this season.

He was one of 13 players given a mid-season opportunity, with former Collingwood wingman Caleb Poulter and ex-Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle given second chances at the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide respectively.

Poulter, who was delisted at the end of last season after 12 senior games, has been under the Bulldogs’ noses as part of the Footscray VFL program, averaging 16.9 disposals in eight games on the wing.

Narkle has relaunched his AFL career after 41 games with the Cats, joining Essendon’s VFL program this season and averaging 20.3 disposals in nine games.

Sydney opted for mature-age key-position players Harry Arnold from Brisbane’s VFL team and Claremont goalkicker Jack Buller, with the hope that both can play roles this season.

North Melbourne swooped on Subiaco small forward Robert Hansen with pick No. 2.

GWS had two selections in the draft but passed on both after its preferred options were taken off the board.

Regarded by many recruiters as the best talent available in the group of overlooked players from last year’s National Draft, Maric is the fourth player in three years to join the Eagles via a mid-season selection.

A serious knee injury to last year’s No. 1 pick, Jai Culley, opened up a list spot for the decimated Eagles, who took the opportunity to add a player they believe can play a significant role in their rebuild.

“It means a lot,” an emotional Maric told AFL.com.au

“I’ve dreamed about this for a while, but to finally get read out, it hasn’t really felt real until now.”

Maric has undergone a physical transformation in the past two years after weighing 107kg and decided he needed to slim down for his own wellbeing.

The Drouin forward, who models his game on Melbourne premiership goalkicker Bayley Fritsch and Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron, now weighs 83kg, with his hard work making an AFL berth possible.

He caught the attention of AFL recruiters with a four-goal performance in round one this season against the Murray Bushrangers.

The 193cm forward made his VFL debut a fortnight ago and has kicked two goals in each of his two games with Box Hill, with his penetrating kicking a feature of his play.

North Melbourne opted for Hansen at pick No. 2 after an impressive patch of WAFL form, with Hawthorn snaring 204cm Eastern Ranges ruckman Clay Tucker at pick No. 3.

Richmond looked to the SANFL at pick No. 4 to add Glenelg small forward Matt Coulthard.

Geelong opted for mature-age SANFL ball-winner Mitch Hardie at pick No. 7, with Fremantle selecting 19-year-old Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and Essendon adding Perth tall forward Jaiden Hunter.

Collingwood, Brisbane, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Carlton chose not to open list spots.

2023 MID-SEASON DRAFT

NO. AFL CLUB PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS

1 West Coast Ryan Maric Drouin (Vic)/Gippsland Power U18

2 North Melbourne Robert Hansen Mines Rovers (WA)/Subiaco (WAFL)

3 Hawthorn Clay Tucker Rowville Hawks (Vic)/Eastern Ranges U18

4 Richmond Matt Coulthard Port Noarlunga (SA)/Glenelg (SANFL)

5 GWS Giants Pass –

6 Sydney Harry ArnoldBroadbeach (Qld)/Brisbane (VFL)

7 Geelong Mitch Hardie Leeton-Whitton (NSW)/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)

8 Fremantle Ethan Stanley Frankston YCW (Vic)/Box Hill (VFL)

9 Essendon Jaiden Hunter Applecross (WA)/Perth (WAFL)

10 Western Bulldogs Caleb Poulter Ardrossan (SA)/W-W Torrens (SANFL)/Coll/Foots (VFL)

11 Port Adelaide Quinton Narkle Maddington (WA)/East Perth (WAFL)/Geelong/Ess (VFL)

12 HawthornBrandon Ryan Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/Northern Bullants (VFL)

13 RichmondJames Trezise Tooradin-Dalmore (Vic)/Richmond (VFL)

14 GWS Giants Pass –

15 Sydney Jack Buller Cottesloe (WA)/Claremont (WAFL)

NATHAN SCHMOOK AFL.COM.AU

HEADING WEST: Gippsland’s Ryan Maric was taken by the Eagles with the No. 1 pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

30.8 (188) v Essendon, R10, 2006, Football Park

LOWEST SCORE

2.9 (21) v Essendon, R17, 2021, Marvel Stadium

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

139 pts v Richmond, R16, 1993, Football Park

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE 10 games – R13, 2005 to R22, 2005

OVERALL RECORD: 743 games –384 wins, 357 losses, 2 draws

WORST

BROWNLOW MEDALLIST

Mark Ricciuto (2003 tied)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Malcolm Blight (coach Adel, also N Melb, playing coach N Melb, coach Geel, coach StK)

INDUCTEES: Gary Ayres (coach Adel, also Haw, coach Geel), Darren Jarman (also Haw), Mark Bickley, Wayne Carey (also N Melb), Mark Ricciuto, Graham Cornes (coach Adel, also N Melb), Andrew McLeod, Bob Hammond (admin, also Syd coach), Ben Hart, Simon Goodwin (also coach Melb)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY MEMBERS

Andrew McLeod (ruck-rover)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLIST

1997: Tony Modra (81)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Andrew McLeod (1997, 1998)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLISTS

Andrew McLeod (2003)

Simon Goodwin (2006)

Bernie Vince (2012)

JIM STYNES MEDALLIST

Andrew McLeod (2005)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Daniel Talia (2012)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLIST

Malcolm Blight (1997, 1998)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP

Andrew McLeod

74 points v Hawthorn, SF, 2015 MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

7 A ndrew McLeod v Western Bulldogs, PF, 1998

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Four games (1997)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Three games (2006-08)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

72 games – 45 wins, 27 losses

Premierships 2003, 2012

RECORD

Tony Modra is Adelaide’s only Coleman medallist, winning the medal in 1997. He also led the AFL goalkicking at the end of the 1993 season after Coleman medallist Gary Ablett didn’t play finals.

TOP GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES

13 Tony Modra (v Richmond, R16, 1993, Football Park)

13 Tony Modra (v Carlton, R1, 1994, Football Park)

11 S cott Hodges (v Geelong, R23, 1992, Football Park)

10 Tony Modra (v Richmond, R1, 1993, MCG)

10 Tony Modra (v North Melbourne, R8, 1993, Football Park)

10 Tom Lynch (v GWS Giants, R7, 2013, Giants Stadium)

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HOW YOUR TEAM RATES IN 2023

KICKING EFFICIENCY SHOT-AT-GOAL ACCURACY SCORES PER INSIDE 50

LEVI CASBOULT

u Casboult was targeted 10 times inside 50 against the Crows in round 14 last season – the most of any Suns player. The side scored from one of those – with Casboult finishing with three goals straight for the match.

STOPPAGE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL CENTRE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL

PRESSURE

FACTOR DIFFERENTIAL

RORY LAIRD

u Laird has had more than double the centre bounce first possessions (13) than the next best at Adelaide in matches played interstate this year. He also leads for Crows for centre bounce clearances with 12 – three more than Jake Soligo.

A team’s pressure points* per 100 opportunities to apply pressure.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

DIFFERENTIAL EXPLAINED

A statistical value is expressed relative to opposition teams. This is calculated as ‘For’ minus ‘Against’ within a game. For example, if Carlton has 15 centre

SCORE FROM OPPOSITION TURNOVERS

Points scored from chains after winning the ball off the opposition.

SCORE CONCEDED FROM TURNOVERS

Points conceded to the opposition from chains after turnovers.

clearances to Essendon’s 12, Carlton’s centre clearances differential for the game is 15-12 = +3, while Essendon’s is 12-15 = -3.

DEFENSIVE-50 REBOUND TO INSIDE 50

Percentage of defensive-50 rebounds that led to a forward-50 entry within the same chain of possessions.

TACKLES INSIDE FORWARD 50

u Rachele leads the Crows for tackles inside the forward 50 this season with 10. He was one of nine goalkickers last round against the Lions, kicking one. He had 15 disposals and three score assists.

u Macpherson has found a niche for himself in defence this season – amassing 47 rebound 50s, ranked second at the Suns. But the side has launched an inside 50 from just 14.9 per cent of his rebound chains – the second-lowest percentage of the top 10 rebound players.

UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL CONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

Possessions gained whilst under no physical pressure, either from a teammate’s disposal or an opposition’s clanger kick.

TEAM TKL TEAM UNC

MACPHERSON

JOSH RACHELE

2023 LEAGUE LEADERS

DISPOSALS KICKS HANDBALLSMARKS

Disposing of the ball via a handball or kick.Disposing of the ball by foot. Disposing of the ball by hand.

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS AFL PLAYER RATINGS

Scoring chains where the player had a disposal, hit-out to advantage, kick-in or knock-on.

As seen on AFL.com.au. The most advanced metric of player performance available using data from 2023.

Catching a kicked ball that has travelled 15m.

HIT-OUTS TO ADVANTAGE STOPPAGE CLEARANCES

A hit-out that reaches an intended teammate.

CENTRE CLEARANCES

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the centre bounce area.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

INSIDE 50s

Distance gained with the ball by running, kicking or handballing, combining measures towards and away from goal.

1 D.Rich (BL) 6.0 597

2 L.Weller (GCS) 6.0 585

3 J.Short (Rich) 8.0 559

4 L.Ryan (Frem) 11.0 551

5 C.Petracca (Melb) 11.0 544

N.Daicos

A mark under physical pressure of an opponent or in a pack.

PRESSURE POINTS

METRES GAINED TACKLES CONTESTED

Moving the ball from the midfield into the forward zone. Excludes multiple entries within the same chain of possession.

Weighted sum of pressure acts – 3.75 for physical pressure, 2.25 for closing, 1.5 for chasing and 1.2 for corralling.

1 M.Rowell (GCS) 11.0 77.5

2 T.Liberatore (WB) 10.0 69.0

3 J.Dunkley (BL) 11.0 67.8

4 J.Rowbottom (Syd) 11.0 66.5

5 T.Taranto (Rich) 11.0 65.2

6 T.Atkins (Geel) 11.0 63.6

7 M.Bontempelli (WB) 11.0 62.7

8 R.Ginbey (WCE) 11.0 59.0

9 A.Brayshaw (Frem) 11.0 57.4

10 T.Nankervis (Rich) 6.0 56.4

Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.

Giants v Tigers 12 ROUND

HEAD to HEAD

Played 17: GWS Giants 6, Richmond 11.

Past five: GWS Giants 2, Richmond 3.

Most recent game: round 2, 2022, GWS Giants lost to Richmond by 36 points at the MCG.

Highest attendance: 100,014, Grand Final, 2019, at the MCG.

GWS GIANTS

Home record: 6-3

Away record: 0-8

Highest score: 19.11 (125), round 3, 2019, Giants Stadium.

Lowest score: 3.7 (25), Grand Final, 2019, at the MCG.

Greatest winning margin: 88 points, round 19, 2016, at Manuka Oval.

Longest winning sequence: 2, round 19, 2016, to round 9, 2017; round 18, 2018, to round 3, 2019. Most goals in a game: 7, Jeremy Cameron, round 3, 2019, at Giants Stadium.

SNAPSHOT

FORM: GWS – WLLLW Rich – LWWLL

KEY OUTS: GWS – Cumming (calf), Haynes (concussion), Kelly (hamstring), Kennedy (knee), Taylor (hamstring); Rich – Gibcus (hamstring), Hopper (calf), Lynch (foot), Soldo (foot), Tarrant (hip)

WAIT AND SEE: GWS – Himmelberg (concussion), Preuss (back); Rich –M. Rioli (hamstring), Vlaustin (cork)

WATCH OUT FOR: A battle between 14th (GWS) and 15th (Richmond), with the Giants returning home after their biggest win in recent memory, having knocked off reigning premier Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. The Tigers will be eager to notch their first win under interim coach Andrew McQualter after going down last week against Port Adelaide.

Talking points

u The sides have traded wins since the 2019 Grand Final, with Richmond claiming the last meeting in round two, 2022.

u Former Giant Tim Taranto is enjoying life at Richmond, with the midfielder set to face his old side for the first time.

u It’s the first home game for GWS between the sides since round eight, 2020. The past three games have been at either Marvel Stadium or the MCG.

u Captain Toby Greene led the Giants to victory in his 200th game

RICHMOND

Away record: 3-6

Home record: 8-0

Highest score: 25.13 (163), round 22, 2013, at Giants Stadium.

Lowest score: 3.5 (23), round 19, 2016, at Manuka Oval.

Greatest winning margin: 121 points, round 22, 2013, at Giants Stadium. Longest winning sequence: 5, round 12, 2012, to round 14, 2015. Most goals in a game: 11, Jack Riewoldt, round 10, 201 at Giants Stadium.

EYES WIDE SHUT: Liam Baker tackles Isaac Cumming in the Tigers’ comfortable win over the Giants last season.

JESSE HOGAN

POCKET PROFILE 27 Harry Himmelberg

Nickname: Fella

Which current AFL player gave you the biggest bath in junior footy: Elliott Himmelberg

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Isaac Cumming

What time should the Grand Final start: 3.20pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 18 games

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Hydrating

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: Yes

What sport do you suck at: Ping pong

Favourite subject at school: Metalwork

Former footballer you admire most: ‘Q-Stick’ (Quinten Lynch)

Dream job after AFL footy: F1 driver or golfer

Sporting event you cannot miss: Super Bowl

Hobbies or interests outside football: Cars, coffee, interior decorating

What advice would you give a first-year player: It’s OK, Toby (Greene) will talk to you in your fourth year

What’s something you admire about your club: Family club

Best advice your mum gave you: Stop being stupid

Favourite Shapes flavour: Pizza

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Deliveroo

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: The Good Life

Your go to karaoke song: Freestyle by Lil Baby

Three things on your bucket list: Super Bowl, Masters, Nürburgring race track

Last book you read: AFL Record

Favourite holiday destination: New York City

Who should play your coach in a movie: Ronnie Coleman

WE MAKE MEMORIES

BE A PART OF ALL THE COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT OF THE RACES

THE BIGGEST MOMENTS FROM THE BIGGEST SPORTS IN AUSTRALIA

EXPERIENCE THE BIGGEST SPORTING EVENTS IN THE USA

BE PART OF A MASSIVE SUMMER OF CRICKET PACKAGES FOR ALL FORMATS OF THE GAME

CREATE YOUR OWN BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE

TAILOR MADE AND GUARANTEED TO LEAVE LIFELONG MEMORIES

CORPORATE EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS

TAILOR MADE ALLOW US TO DELIVER YOUR NEXT MEMORABLE PRODUCT LAUNCH

GET CLOSER TO THE NBL ACTION WITH EXCLUSIVE COURTSIDE SEATS

To create your next tailored memorable experience call us on (03) 7035 3400 or email info@ballparkentertainment.com.au ballparkentertainment.com.au

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

24.16 (160) v Gold Coast Suns, R2, 2017, Giants Stadium

LOWEST SCORE

3.7 (25) v Richmond, Grand Final, 2019, MCG;

3.7 (25) v Sydney, R12, 2020, Optus Stadium

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

108 pts v Gold Coast, R12, 2018, Giants Stadium

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE Six games – R4, 2016 to R9, 2016

WORST LOSING SEQUENCE 21

– R20, 2012 to R18, 2013 MOST GAMES

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

2019: Jeremy Cameron (67) RUNNER-UP

2019

WOODEN SPOONS

2012, 2013 FINALS

13 games, 7 wins, 6 losses MOST FINALS Nick Haynes*

CLUB FORMATION AND KEY DATES

March 13, 2008

The AFL wins the support of the 16 club presidents to establish an 18th team to be based at Blacktown Olympic Park in Sydney’s western suburbs.

October 20, 2009

The AFL Commission approves draft and player concessions for GWS in 2010 and 2011, for its entry to the AFL competition for the 2012 season.

November 9, 2009

Four-time Essendon premiership coach Kevin Sheedy is announced as coach.

July 29, 2010

The AFL Commission announces it has granted Team GWS a licence to become the 18th team, starting in 2012. The announcement was made after the formal signing of an agreement with the NSW Government and the Royal Agricultural Society for a $60 million redevelopment of the Sydney Showgrounds.

November 10, 2010

GWS announces a partnership with the ACT Government to play 30 premiership season games and 10 pre-season games in Canberra in the next 10 years.

November 16, 2010

MOST GOALS IN FINALS

GWS launches its name, logo and colours. The club will be known as the Greater Western Sydney Giants and will wear orange, charcoal and white, with the traditional NSW blue to feature in the away guernsey.

February 19, 2011

GWS plays its first games in the NAB Cup, losing to Sydney by 79 points and Gold Coast by 25 points.

April 9, 2011

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

19.11 (125) v West Coast Eagles, SF, 2017

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

3.7 (25) v Richmond, GF, 2019

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL

67 points v West Coast Eagles, SF, 2017

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

6 Steve Johnson v West Coast Eagles, SF, 2017

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES

9 Jeremy Cameron (v Gold Coast, R23, 2019, Metricon Stadium)

7 Jeremy Cameron (v Collingwood, R18, 2013, MCG)

7 Jeremy Cameron (v Hawthorn, R6, 2015, Giants Stadium)

7 Jeremy Cameron (v Carlton, R22, 2015, Giants Stadium)

7 Jeremy Cameron (v Gold Coast Suns, R8, 2016, Giants Stadium)

7 Jeremy Cameron (v Richmond, R3, 2019, Giants Stadium)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

LEGEND: Kevin Sheedy (coach GWS, also Rich, coach Ess)

Three games (2019)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Two games (2016-17)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

22 games – 9 wins, 13 losses

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

2012 (10,241), 2013 (12,681), 2014 (13,040), 2015 (13,480), 2016 (15,312), 2017 (20,944), 2018 (25,243), 2019 (30,109), 2020 (30,841), 2021 (30,185), 2022 (32,614)

* denotes current players or coach

The Giants play their first game in the newly formed North East Australian Football League.

November 24, 2011

GWS has 11 of the first 14 selections in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft. The No.1 pick is Jonathon Patton.

March 24, 2012

GWS loses its first AFL game, beaten by 63 points by Sydney. Callan Ward kicks the club’s first goal.

May 12, 2012

The Giants win their first AFL game, defeating Gold Coast by 27 points at Manuka Oval.

October 4, 2012

Highly regarded Hawthorn assistant coach Leon Cameron signs a four-year deal to join the Giants.

August 27, 2016

The Giants finish fourth on the ladder to qualify for their first finals series.

September 10, 2016

The Giants win their first final, defeating the Sydney Swans by 36 points in the qualifying final at ANZ Stadium.

September 28, 2019

The Giants play in their first Grand Final, going down to Richmond by 89 points.

CALLAN WARD

Hayden GAVINE

GWS GIANTS

GWS GIANTS

Coach Andrew McQualter Co-captains Dylan Grimes, Toby Nankervis

PLAYER LIST

POCKET PROFILE Samson Ryan

Nickname: Critter

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day:

Rhyan Mansell

What time should the Grand Final start: 2.30pm

Ideal length of the home and away season: 18 games

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: No, it’s always perfect

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Watch my under-12 cricket highlights

What sport do you suck at:

Underwater hockey

Favourite subject at school:

Geography

Former footballer you admire most: Alex Carey

Dream job after AFL footy:

Ball boy at the Australian Open Sporting event you cannot miss:

The Ashes

Favourite Shapes flavour: Pizza

Hobbies or interests outside football: Cricket

What advice would you give a first-year player: Stay away from Kamdyn McIntosh

What’s something you admire about your club: The connection and love between everyone

Best advice your mum gave you:

To make my bed everyday

Espresso or cold brew:

Coffee is overrated

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Dog person or cat person: Dog

Home delivery or pick-up: Pick-up

First concert you attended: Hilltop Hoods

Your go-to karaoke song:

Party In The USA by Miley Cyrus

Favourite podcast:

Hamish & Andy

Last book you read: Dr Seuss

Favourite holiday destination: Shepparton

EAGLES SWOOP ON YOUNG GUN

West Coast has put its faith in skilful Victorian forward Ryan Maric to help fast-track its rebuild after snaring the Gippsland Power product with pick No. 1 in last Wednesday’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 18th-placed Eagles held the first selection for the second consecutive season, giving Maric his first AFL opportunity after the 18-year-old’s rapid emergence this season.

He was one of 13 players given a mid-season opportunity, with former Collingwood wingman Caleb Poulter and ex-Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle given second chances at the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide respectively.

Poulter, who was delisted at the end of last season after 12 senior games, has been under the Bulldogs’ noses as part of the Footscray VFL program, averaging 16.9 disposals in eight games on the wing.

Narkle has relaunched his AFL career after 41 games with the Cats, joining Essendon’s VFL program this season and averaging 20.3 disposals in nine games.

Sydney opted for mature-age key-position players Harry Arnold from Brisbane’s VFL team and Claremont goalkicker Jack Buller, with the hope that both can play roles this season.

North Melbourne swooped on Subiaco small forward Robert Hansen with pick No. 2.

GWS had two selections in the draft but passed on both after its preferred options were taken off the board.

Regarded by many recruiters as the best talent available in the group of overlooked players from last year’s National Draft, Maric is the fourth player in three years to join the Eagles via a mid-season selection.

A serious knee injury to last year’s No. 1 pick, Jai Culley, opened up a list spot for the decimated Eagles, who took the opportunity to add a player they believe can play a significant role in their rebuild.

“It means a lot,” an emotional Maric told AFL.com.au

“I’ve dreamed about this for a while, but to finally get read out, it hasn’t really felt real until now.”

Maric has undergone a physical transformation in the past two years after weighing 107kg and decided he needed to slim down for his own wellbeing.

The Drouin forward, who models his game on Melbourne premiership goalkicker Bayley Fritsch and Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron, now weighs 83kg, with his hard work making an AFL berth possible.

He caught the attention of AFL recruiters with a four-goal performance in round one this season against the Murray Bushrangers.

The 193cm forward made his VFL debut a fortnight ago and has kicked two goals in each of his two games with Box Hill, with his penetrating kicking a feature of his play.

North Melbourne opted for Hansen at pick No. 2 after an impressive patch of WAFL form, with Hawthorn snaring 204cm Eastern Ranges ruckman Clay Tucker at pick No. 3.

Richmond looked to the SANFL at pick No. 4 to add Glenelg small forward Matt Coulthard.

Geelong opted for mature-age SANFL ball-winner Mitch Hardie at pick No. 7, with Fremantle selecting 19-year-old Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and Essendon adding Perth tall forward Jaiden Hunter.

Collingwood, Brisbane, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Carlton chose not to open list spots.

2023 MID-SEASON DRAFT

NO. AFL CLUB PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS

1 West Coast Ryan Maric Drouin (Vic)/Gippsland Power U18

2 North Melbourne Robert Hansen Mines Rovers (WA)/Subiaco (WAFL)

3 Hawthorn Clay Tucker Rowville Hawks (Vic)/Eastern Ranges U18

4 Richmond Matt Coulthard Port Noarlunga (SA)/Glenelg (SANFL)

5 GWS Giants Pass –

6 Sydney Harry ArnoldBroadbeach (Qld)/Brisbane (VFL)

7 Geelong Mitch Hardie Leeton-Whitton (NSW)/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)

8 Fremantle Ethan Stanley Frankston YCW (Vic)/Box Hill (VFL)

9 Essendon Jaiden Hunter Applecross (WA)/Perth (WAFL)

10 Western Bulldogs Caleb Poulter Ardrossan (SA)/W-W Torrens (SANFL)/Coll/Foots (VFL)

11 Port Adelaide Quinton Narkle Maddington (WA)/East Perth (WAFL)/Geelong/Ess (VFL)

12 HawthornBrandon Ryan Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/Northern Bullants (VFL)

13 RichmondJames Trezise Tooradin-Dalmore (Vic)/Richmond (VFL)

14 GWS Giants Pass –

15 Sydney Jack Buller Cottesloe (WA)/Claremont (WAFL)

NATHAN SCHMOOK AFL.COM.AU

HEADING WEST: Gippsland’s Ryan Maric was taken by the Eagles with the No. 1 pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

VFL CURTAIN-RAISER RICHMOND

GOALS BEHINDS

TIGERS UP EARLY FOR GIANT CHALLENGE

u They say the early bird gets the worm, and in the case of VFL fans, they are likely to get a mouthwatering contest between two of the competition’s in-form teams this morning.

GWS and Richmond will literally be kicking the dew off Giants Stadium when they run out at 9.30am before the 1.10pm AFL game between the same clubs, but don’t think that means there won’t be plenty of quality on show.

Both teams are coming off a bye and will be desperate to impress, with the never-say-die Giants chasing a fifth consecutive win after last-gasp victories against Port Melbourne and Collingwood sandwiched between defeats of Footscray and Sandringham.

They are sitting pretty in seventh spot on a congested ladder with a 6-2 win-loss record.

But the Tigers will be their toughest opponents in this winning run, sitting ninth at 4-3-1 after coming from five goals down 10 minutes into the final quarter to pip Essendon by two points in their Dreamtime at the ’G curtain-raiser a fortnight ago.

Richmond also loves close games, with that thriller against the Bombers following a come-from-behind draw against Geelong the week before, and the Tigers will be fresh and ready to roar having also had two byes in the past four weeks.

The GWS team that beat Sandringham a fortnight ago featured a 43-disposal master class from Josh Fahey that earned him his AFL debut as substitute in the win over the Cats last week, while No. 16 draft pick Harry Rowston, ruckman Matt Flynn, veteran Daniel Lloyd and last year’s mid-season draftee Wade Derksen were also outstanding.

Inaugural captain Phil Davis, fellow key back Lachie Keeffe and youngsters Toby McMullin, Max Gruzewski and Nick Madden were also on show.

Richmond had Noah Cumberland kicking four goals in a best-on-ground performance against Essendon, while next generation talents Tyler Sonsie, Sam Banks and Kaelan Bradtke and Bigoa Nyuon are pushing their case for higher honours.

BRENDAN RHODES

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

34.18 (222) v St Kilda, R16, 1980, SCG

LOWEST SCORE

0.8 (8) v St Kilda, R16, 1961, Junction Oval

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

168 points v North Melbourne, R2, 1931, Punt Rd Oval

13 games – R15, 2019, to R1, 2020

(also Coll, coach Rich), Dan Minogue (also Coll, Haw, coach Rich, Haw, Carl, StK, Fitz), Bill Morris, Robert Walls (Carl, Fitz, also coach Fitz, Carl, Bris, Rich), Matthew Richardson, Maurice Rioli, Terry Wallace (also Haw, Foots, coach WB), Jim Deane, Mick Malthouse (also StK, coach WB, WCE, Coll, Carl), Robert Wiley (also Rich)

AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Ian Stewart (centre), Francis Bourke (wing), Royce Hart (centre half-forward), Jack Dyer (interchange)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Maurice Rioli (centre)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS

1920: George Bayliss (62)

1937: Dick Harris (64)

1940: Jack Titus (92)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

1980: Michael Roach (107)

1981: Michael Roach (86)

2010: Jack Riewoldt* (78)

2012: Jack Riewoldt* (65)

2018: Jack Riewoldt* (65)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Kevin Bartlett (1980), Maurice Rioli (1982), Dustin Martin* (2017, 2019, 2020)

PREMIERSHIP COACH MEDALLISTS

Dan Minogue (1920, 1921), Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes (1932), Percy Bentley (1934), Jack Dyer (1943)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Tom Hafey (1967, 1969, 1973, 1974), Tony Jewell (1980), Damien Hardwick* (2017, 2019, 2020)

JIM STYNES MEDALLISTS

Andrew Kellaway (2002), Nathan Brown (2004)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Brett Deledio (2005)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Dustin Martin* (2017)

PREMIERSHIPS

FINALS

94 games – 56 wins, 37 losses, 1

MOST

SCORE IN A FINAL

(167) v Geelong, SF, 1969

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL 1.7 (13) v Collingwood, GF, 1927

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL 118 points v Geelong, SF, 1969

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL

points v Geelong, PF, 1995

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

9 Jack Dyer v Essendon, PF, 1944

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Seven games (1973-75)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Four games (2001-15)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

110 games – 50 wins, 60 losses

Premiership 1962

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

1984 (6822), 1985 (7137), 1986 (5772), 1987 (2825), 1988 (3154), 1989 (3607), 1990 (4974), 1991 (8377), 1992 (8158),

RECORD AT

1920, 1921, 1932, 1934, 1943, 1967, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1980, 2017, 2019, 2020

RUNNERS-UP

1919, 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1933, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1972, 1982

McCLELLAND TROPHY

1967, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1982, 2018

WOODEN SPOONS

1916, 1917, 1960, 1987, 1989, 2004, 2007

TOP GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES

14 Doug Strang (v North Melbourne, R2, 1931, Punt Rd Oval)

12 J ack Baggott (v South Melbourne, R9, 1928, Punt Rd Oval)

11 Michael Roach (v Footscray, R7, 1980, Whitten Oval)

11 Michael Roach (v Hawthorn, R5, 1985, Princes Park)

11 Jack Riewoldt* (v GWS Giants, R10, 2014, Giants Stadium)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Stan Judkins (1930, tied), Bill Morris (1948), Roy Wright (1952, tied; 1954), Ian Stewart (1971), Trent Cotchin* (2012, tied), Dustin Martin* (2017)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS : Kevin Bartlett (also coach Rich), Jack Dyer (also coach Rich), Ian Stewart (also StK, coach S Melb, coach Carl), Royce Hart (also coach Foots), Kevin Sheedy (also coach Ess, GWS)

INDUCTEES : Frank Hughes (also coach Rich, Melb), Henry Harrison (also Melb, Geel), Jack Titus (also coach Rich), Percy Bentley (also coach Rich, Carl), Roy Wright, Vic Thorp, Francis Bourke (also coach Rich), Tom Hafey (Rich, also coach Rich, Geel, Coll, Syd), Allan Jeans (StK, also coach StK, Haw, Rich), Dale Weightman, Charlie Pannam

JACK RIEWOLDT

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HOW YOUR TEAM RATES IN 2023

KICKING EFFICIENCY SHOT-AT-GOAL ACCURACY SCORES PER INSIDE 50

u Greene has been the target inside 50 on eight occasions in three games at Giants Stadium this year – ranked second at the club – with the side registering a score from three of these.

STOPPAGE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL CENTRE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL

PRESSURE

FACTOR DIFFERENTIAL

TIM TARANTO

u Taranto has generated seven clearances in two matches on the road this year – ranked No. 1 at the Tigers. He has tallied 28 and 34 disposals in those games –applying a total of 14 tackles.

A team’s pressure points* per 100 opportunities to apply pressure.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

TOBY GREENE

DIFFERENTIAL EXPLAINED

A statistical value is expressed relative to opposition teams. This is calculated as ‘For’ minus ‘Against’ within a game. For example, if Carlton has 15 centre

SCORE FROM OPPOSITION TURNOVERS

Points scored from chains after winning the ball off the opposition.

SCORE CONCEDED FROM TURNOVERS

Points conceded to the opposition from chains after turnovers.

clearances to Essendon’s 12, Carlton’s centre clearances differential for the game is 15-12 = +3, while Essendon’s is 12-15 = -3.

DEFENSIVE-50 REBOUND TO INSIDE 50

Percentage of defensive-50 rebounds that led to a forward-50 entry within the same chain of possessions.

TACKLES INSIDE FORWARD 50

u Ash has been a mainstay in defence for the GWS Giants this year, having 58 rebound 50s – ranked second at the club behind Lachie Whitfield on 60. The Giants have launched an inside 50 from 24.1 per cent of Ash’s rebound chains – the second-highest percentage of the top five rebound players.

UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL CONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

Possessions gained whilst under no physical pressure, either from a teammate’s disposal or an opposition’s clanger kick.

SHAI BOLTON

u Bolton’s offensive play is well-documented, but his defensive play can often get overlooked. He has laid 13 tackles in the forward 50 this season – ranked No. 1 at the Tigers.

TEAM TKL

TEAM UNC

LACHIE ASH

Bombers v Kangaroos 12 ROUND

HEAD to HEAD

Played 162: Essendon 104, North Melbourne 57, draws 1.

Past five: Essendon 5, North Melbourne 0.

Most recent game: round 20, 2022, Essendon d North Melbourne by 48 points at Marvel Stadium.

Highest attendance: 85,869, Grand Final, 1950, at the MCG.

ESSENDON

Home record: 56-25

Away record: 48-32-1

Highest score: 31.12 (198), first qualifying final, 2000, at the MCG.

Lowest score: 6.13 (49), round 1, 1961, at Arden St Oval.

Greatest winning margin: 125 points, first qualifying final, 2000, at the MCG. Longest winning sequence: 9, round 13, 1927, to round 13, 1932. Most goals in a game:

SNAPSHOT

FORM: Ess – LLLWW NM – LLLLL

KEY OUTS: Ess – Parish (calf), Setterfield (foot), Jones (back), Wright (shoulder); NM – Comben (ankle), Davies-Uniacke (hamstring), Mahony (shoulder), Xerri (ankle)

WAIT AND SEE: Ess – Kelly (concussion), Shiel (Foot); NM – Bonar (knee), Shiels (concussion)

MILESTONES: Nil

WATCH OUT FOR: The Kangaroos are clearance beasts at the moment, beating Collingwood in that area last week and smashing Sydney the week before. The understrength Bombers midfield must be at their best to manage it.

Talking points

u Brent Harvey, Nick Dal Santo, Mason Wood and Jarrad Waite suited up for the Roos the last time they beat Essendon, which was back in 2016. The Bombers have won seven in a row since.

u Essendon needs to pick up the four points. Beating Richmond was huge, it collected some percentage against West Coast and now must take down North Melbourne in its quest to play finals. u Jake Stringer booted 5.3 last year in this corresponding clash, while Zach Merrett finished with 38 disposals and 10 tackles.

9, Tommy Jenkins, round 4, 1925, at Arden St Oval; Ron Evans, round 15, 1959, at Arden St Oval; Matthew Lloyd, round 16, 2001, at the MCG.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Away record: 25-56

Home record: 32-48-1

Highest score: 25.9 (159), round 16, 2001, at the MCG.

Lowest score: 3.10 (28), round 12, 1961, at Windy Hill.

Greatest winning margin: 59 points, round 7, 1985, at Waverley Park.

Longest winning sequence: 6, round 10, 2002, to round 7, 2007. Most goals in a game:

10, Wayne Carey, round 17, 1999, at the MCG.

ALL-ROUND GAME: Jake Stringer (right) was outstanding with seven tackles and five goals in the Bombers’ easy win over the Roos last season.

JORDAN RIDLEY

PLAYER LIST

POCKET PROFILE 33 Alwyn Davey

Nickname: Junior

Which current AFL player gave you the biggest bath in junior footy: Will Ashcroft

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Dyson Heppell

What time should the Grand Final start: Lunch time

Ideal length of the home and away season: How it is now

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Play board games

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: No

What sport do you suck at: Golf

Favourite subject at school: English

Former footballer you admire most: My old man

Dream job after AFL footy: Clontarf Foundation

Sporting event you cannot miss: World Cup

Hobbies or interests outside football: Shopping

What advice would you give a first-year player: Be confident

What’s something you admire about your club: The history

Best advice your mum gave you: Believe in yourself

Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour: Chicken

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Home delivery or pick-up: Home delivery

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: Haven’t attended one

Your go to karaoke song: Neon Moon

Favourite podcast: Don’t listen to any

Three things on your bucket list: Explore the world, go to a World Cup, bungee jump

Last book you read: James Hird’s book

Favourite holiday destination: Singapore

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AIA Health insurance comes with AIA Vitality our science-backed health and wellbeing program that encourages you to take small steps towards a healthier you. To join the Bombers x AIA Health team visit aiahealth.com.au/Essendon or call 1800 AIA AFL.

AIA Australia is proud to be the official health and wellbeing partner of the Essendon Football Club.

THE COMEBACK

“The biggest problem for the Kangaroos is there’s still three quarters to go.”

Even broadcaster Anthony Hudson would be the first to admit that he didn’t mean those words literally, after Jess Sinclair rammed through North Melbourne’s 12th first-quarter goal in their round 16 clash against Essendon at the MCG in 2001.

North Melbourne, one of the AFL’s most consistent sides of the 1990s, entered that weekend sitting ninth on the ladder after an indifferent start to the season.

On the other hand, the Bombers came in having won 37 of their previous 40 matches and looking to follow on from a dominant 2000 campaign which saw them cruise to a 16th premiership.

One would have been forgiven for thinking those roles were reversed after a Shannon Grant goal extended North’s lead to a staggering 69 points just six minutes into the second term.

It’s a rule of thumb to never write off a champion team though and the next 54 minutes proved there was never a better showcase for Essendon’s claim to that title.

Despite carrying some sore bodies through the back end of that season, Essendon rallied behind the brutish play of midfielder Jason Johnson.

Johnson and skipper James Hird goaled in quick succession for what many saw as a consolation, but once full-forward Matthew Lloyd moved into top gear, the nerves started to become apparent for those wearing white and blue.

Lloyd, the reigning Coleman medallist, booted three consecutive goals to cut the margin to 39 points, and the avalanche had started.

When Blake Caracella cruised into goal from 45 metres to slot the Bombers’ sixth on the trot, he had the 51,000-strong crowd roaring before the ball had even left his boot.

“Here. They. Come,” Hudson exclaimed.

After Johnson had slammed home the ninth goal in a row, Essendon was only 21 points behind heading into the main break.

A seesawing third quarter produced 13 goals, with North taking a 14-point lead into the final change. But the Bombers still had another gear, and they flexed their muscles in emphatic fashion.

Lloyd booted his ninth, before another string of goals saw Gary Moorcroft miraculously put the Bombers in front for the first time since the six-minute mark of the opening term.

Essendon led by 19 points when Moorcroft piled on its fifth in a row with just six minutes remaining, but the Roos refused to go away.

Back-to-back Corey McKernan goals (his fourth and fifth of the day) saw the Bombers’ lead reduced to six points with just two minutes to go.

But thanks to a swift forward entry from Hird and a fortunate bounce, Caracella stormed into a vacant goalsquare to shut the door for good.

After 52 goals and chasing down a 69-point lead, the football world had been treated to the biggest comeback in League history, in one of its greatest games.

HERE THEY COME: ‘Smokin’ Joe‘ Misiti sends the Bombers forward in their record comeback win.

LETTING IT SOAK IN: The Bombers belt out the team song after their miraculous victory.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Skipper James Hird celebrates one of his two goals.

We look back at an all-time classic between the Bombers and the Roos in 2001.

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE

32.16 (208) v Western Bulldogs, R22, 1982, Whitten Oval LOWEST SCORE

0.9 (9) v Fitzroy, R1, 1899, Brunswick St Oval

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

165 points v South Melbourne, R18, 1964, Windy Hill

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE

20 games – R1, 2000 to R20, 2000

WORST

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY MEMBERS

Gavin Wanganeen (half-back), Norm McDonald (half-back), Michael Long (wing)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS

1900: Albert Thurgood (24)

1901: Fred Hiskins (34)

1923: Greg Stockdale (64)

1949: John Coleman (85)

1950: John Coleman (112)

1951: John Coleman (75)

1952: John Coleman (103)

1953: John Coleman (96)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

1959: Ron Evans (69)

1960: Ron Evans (67)

1966: Ted Fordham (73)

2000: Matthew Lloyd (94)

2001: Matthew Lloyd (96)

2003: Matthew Lloyd (87)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Billy Duckworth (1984), Simon Madden (1985), Michael Long (1993), James Hird (2000)

PREMIERSHIP COACH MEDALLISTS

Jack Worrall (1911, 1912), Syd Barker (1923, 1924), Dick Reynolds (1942, 1946, 1949)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Dick Reynolds (1950), John Coleman (1962, 1965), Kevin Sheedy (1984, 1985, 1993, 2000)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLISTS

Gavin Wanganeen (1993), Gary O’Donnell (1994), Mark Mercuri (2000)

JIM STYNES MEDALLISTS

James Hird (2000), Matthew Lloyd (2001)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Dyson Heppell* (2011), Andrew McGrath* (2017)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Terry Daniher (1983), Tim Watson (1989)

PREMIERSHIPS

WOODEN SPOONS

1907, 1918, 1921, 1933, 2016

FINALS

132 games – 69 wins, 61 losses, 2 draws

MOST FINALS

Bill Hutchison 2 8

MOST GOALS IN FINALS

Matthew Lloyd 52

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

31.12 (198) v North Melbourne, QF, 2000

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

1.8 (14) v Melbourne, RR final, 1897

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL

133 points v Collingwood, PF, 1984

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL

96 points v Adelaide, 1st EF, 2009

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

7 Tom Reynolds, v Richmond, GF, 1943; Gordon Lane, v Melbourne, GF, 1946; Ted Fordham, v St Kilda, GF, 1965; Matthew Lloyd, v North Melbourne, QF, 2000

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Seven games (1949-51)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Seven games (2004-21)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

113 games – 56 wins, 56 losses, one draw

Premierships 1981, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1994, 2000 CLUB MEMBERSHIP

1984 (10,231), 1985 (11,376), 1986 (12,607), 1987 (8432), 1988 (8432), 1989

RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES

14 John Coleman (v Fitzroy, R7, 1954, Windy Hill)

13 John Coleman (v Geelong, R8, 1952, Brisbane Exhibition Ground)

13 Matthew Lloyd (v Sydney, R3, 1999, MCG)

13 John Coleman (v Hawthorn, R8, 1952, Windy Hill)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Dick Reynolds (1934, 1937, 1938), Bill Hutchison (1952 tied, 1953), Graham Moss (1976), Gavin Wanganeen (1993), James Hird (1996 tied)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: John Coleman (also coach Ess), Bill Hutchison, Dick Reynolds (also coach Ess), Kevin Sheedy (coach Ess, also Rich, also coach GWS)

INDUCTEES: Albert Thurgood, Jack Clarke (also coach Ess), Tom Fitzmaurice (also Geel, N Melb, coach Geel), Jack Moriarty (also Fitz), Graham Moss, Simon Madden, Barry Davis (also N Melb, coach Ess), Tim Watson (also coach StK), Ken Fraser, Terry Daniher (also S Melb), Michael Long, Des Tuddenham (also Coll, playing coach Ess, coach S Melb), Paul Salmon (also Haw), Gavin Wanganeen (also Port Adel), Jack Worrall (coach Ess, also Fitz, coach Carl), James Hird (also coach Ess), Matthew Lloyd, Ron Evans

AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Dick Reynolds (half-forward), John Coleman (full-forward)

1897, 1901, 1911, 1912, 1923, 1924, 1942, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1962, 1965, 1984, 1985, 1993, 2000

RUNNERS-UP

1898, 1902, 1908, 1941, 1943, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1957, 1959, 1968, 1983, 1990, 2001

McCLELLAND TROPHY

1951, 1953, 1957, 1968, 1989, 1993, 1999, 2000, 2001

DUSTIN FLETCHER

* Two of Essendon’s premierships (1897 and 1924) were won after round-robin finals series when no Grand Finals were played.

Cats, Gold Coast Suns

Coach

PLAYER LIST

POCKET PROFILE 22 Todd Goldstein

Nickname: Goldy

Which teammate will become an AFL coach one day: Aaron Hall

What time should the Grand Final start: 3.20pm

How do you pass the time before a night game when you’re on the road: Catch up on university work and watch whatever sport is on

Ideal length of the home and away season: 22 games

Do you get your hair cut before a big game on TV: No

Favourite subject at school: Physical Education

Former footballer you admire most: Drew Petrie Hobbies or interests outside football: Watching sport and spending time with family

What advice would you give a first-year player: Work hard, but make sure you have fun while you do it

What’s something you admire about your club: How inclusive and accepting they are no matter who you are or where you’ve come from

Sporting event you cannot miss: Super Bowl

Espresso or cold brew: Espresso

Favourite Shapes flavour: Pizza

Uber Eats or DoorDash: Uber Eats

Home delivery or pick-up: Home delivery

Dog person or cat person: Dog

First concert you attended: Michael Jackson at the MCG

Your go-to karaoke song: No chance of doing that!

Three things on your bucket list: Watch Liverpool play at Anfield, go to the Super Bowl, go to the soccer World Cup

Last book you read: Jack Reacher by Lee Child

Favourite holiday destination: Fiji with my family

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EAGLES SWOOP ON YOUNG GUN

West Coast has put its faith in skilful Victorian forward Ryan Maric to help fast-track its rebuild after snaring the Gippsland Power product with pick No. 1 in last Wednesday’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 18th-placed Eagles held the first selection for the second consecutive season, giving Maric his first AFL opportunity after the 18-year-old’s rapid emergence this season.

He was one of 13 players given a mid-season opportunity, with former Collingwood wingman Caleb Poulter and ex-Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle given second chances at the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide respectively.

Poulter, who was delisted at the end of last season after 12 senior games, has been under the Bulldogs’ noses as part of the Footscray VFL program, averaging 16.9 disposals in eight games on the wing.

Narkle has relaunched his AFL career after 41 games with the Cats, joining Essendon’s VFL program this season and averaging 20.3 disposals in nine games.

Sydney opted for mature-age key-position players Harry Arnold from Brisbane’s VFL team and Claremont goalkicker Jack Buller, with the hope that both can play roles this season.

North Melbourne swooped on Subiaco small forward Robert Hansen with pick No. 2.

GWS had two selections in the draft but passed on both after its preferred options were taken off the board.

Regarded by many recruiters as the best talent available in the group of overlooked players from last year’s National Draft, Maric is the fourth player in three years to join the Eagles via a mid-season selection.

A serious knee injury to last year’s No. 1 pick, Jai Culley, opened up a list spot for the decimated Eagles, who took the opportunity to add a player they believe can play a significant role in their rebuild.

“It means a lot,” an emotional Maric told AFL.com.au

“I’ve dreamed about this for a while, but to finally get read out, it hasn’t really felt real until now.”

Maric has undergone a physical transformation in the past two years after weighing 107kg and decided he needed to slim down for his own wellbeing.

The Drouin forward, who models his game on Melbourne premiership goalkicker Bayley Fritsch and Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron, now weighs 83kg, with his hard work making an AFL berth possible.

He caught the attention of AFL recruiters with a four-goal performance in round one this season against the Murray Bushrangers.

The 193cm forward made his VFL debut a fortnight ago and has kicked two goals in each of his two games with Box Hill, with his penetrating kicking a feature of his play.

North Melbourne opted for Hansen at pick No. 2 after an impressive patch of WAFL form, with Hawthorn snaring 204cm Eastern Ranges ruckman Clay Tucker at pick No. 3.

Richmond looked to the SANFL at pick No. 4 to add Glenelg small forward Matt Coulthard.

Geelong opted for mature-age SANFL ball-winner Mitch Hardie at pick No. 7, with Fremantle selecting 19-year-old Box Hill wingman Ethan Stanley and Essendon adding Perth tall forward Jaiden Hunter.

Collingwood, Brisbane, Melbourne, St Kilda, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Carlton chose not to open list spots.

2023 MID-SEASON DRAFT

NO. AFL CLUB PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS

1 West Coast Ryan Maric Drouin (Vic)/Gippsland Power U18

2 North Melbourne Robert Hansen Mines Rovers (WA)/Subiaco (WAFL)

3 Hawthorn Clay Tucker Rowville Hawks (Vic)/Eastern Ranges U18

4 Richmond Matt Coulthard Port Noarlunga (SA)/Glenelg (SANFL)

5 GWS Giants Pass –

6 Sydney Harry ArnoldBroadbeach (Qld)/Brisbane (VFL)

7 Geelong Mitch Hardie Leeton-Whitton (NSW)/Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)

8 Fremantle Ethan Stanley Frankston YCW (Vic)/Box Hill (VFL)

9 Essendon Jaiden Hunter Applecross (WA)/Perth (WAFL)

10 Western Bulldogs Caleb Poulter Ardrossan (SA)/W-W Torrens (SANFL)/Coll/Foots (VFL)

11 Port Adelaide Quinton Narkle Maddington (WA)/East Perth (WAFL)/Geelong/Ess (VFL)

12 HawthornBrandon Ryan Maribyrnong Park (Vic)/Northern Bullants (VFL)

13 RichmondJames Trezise Tooradin-Dalmore (Vic)/Richmond (VFL)

14 GWS Giants Pass –

15 Sydney Jack Buller Cottesloe (WA)/Claremont (WAFL)

NATHAN SCHMOOK AFL.COM.AU

HEADING WEST: Gippsland’s Ryan Maric was taken by the Eagles with the No. 1 pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

with

CLUB HISTORY

HIGHEST SCORE 35.19 (229) v Sydney, R6, 1993, Ikon Park LOWEST

1.8 (14) v Geelong, R21, 2019, GMHBA Stadium GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

141 points v Richmond, R2, 1990, MCG

– R14, 1998 to PF, 1998

OVERALL RECORD: 2058 games – 895 wins, 1145 losses, 18 draws

14 John Longmire (v Melbourne, R14, 1990, MCG)

12 John Longmire (v Richmond, R2, 1990, MCG)

11 Jock Spencer (v South Melbourne, R16, 1950, Lake Oval)

11 Malcolm Blight (v Western Bulldogs, R17, 1981, Whitten Oval)

11 Wayne Carey (v Melbourne, R17, 1996, MCG)

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Noel Teasdale (1965 tied), Keith Greig (1973, 1974), Malcolm Blight (1978), Ross Glendinning (1983)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Ron Barassi (coach NM, also Melb, Carl, also coach Carl, Melb, Syd), Barry Cable (also coach NM), Malcolm Blight (also coach NM, Geel, Adel, StK), John J. Kennedy (also coach Haw), Russell Ebert

INDUCTEES: Johnny Lewis (also Melb, coach NM), Allen Aylett, Keith Greig, Les Foote (also StK, coach StK), Wayne Schimmelbusch (also coach NM),

David Dench, Ross Glendinning (also WCE), Barry Davis (also Ess, coach of Ess), Doug Wade (also Geel), Wels Eicke (also StK, coach NM, StK), John Murphy (also Fitz, S Melb), John Kennedy (coach NM, also Haw, coach Haw), John Rantall (also S Melb, Fitz), Gary Dempsey (also Foots), Tom Fitzmaurice (also Ess, Geel, coach Geel), Noel Teasdale, Wayne Carey (also Adel), Brian Dixon (coach NM, also Melb), Glenn Archer, Graham Cornes (also coach Adel), Peter Bell (also Frem), Anthony Stevens, Brent Harvey AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Keith Greig (wing)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Jim Krakouer (forward pocket), Barry Cable (rover, coach), Byron Pickett (interchange)

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLISTS

1941: Sel Murray (88)

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

1974: Doug Wade (91)

1982: Malcolm Blight (94)

1990: John Longmire (98)

NORM SMITH MEDALLISTS

Glenn Archer (1996), Shannon Grant (1999)

JOCK McHALE MEDALLISTS

Ron Barassi (1975, 1977), Denis Pagan (1996, 1999)

JIM STYNES MEDALLIST

Brent Harvey (2003)

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLISTS

Mick Martyn (1995), Wayne Carey (1998)

AFL RISING STAR AWARD

Byron Pickett (1998)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

MVP AWARD

Wayne Carey (1995, 1998), Corey McKernan (1996)

PREMIERSHIPS

1975, 1977, 1996, 1999

RUNNERS-UP

1950, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1998

McCLELLAND TROPHY

1976, 1978, 1983, 1998

WOODEN SPOONS

1926, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1940, 1956, 1961, 1968, 1970, 1972, 2021, 2022

FINALS

75 games – 35 wins, 39 losses, 1 draw

MOST FINALS

MOST GOALS IN FINALS

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

21.25 (151) v Collingwood, GF replay, 1977

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

5.10 (40) v Melbourne, EF, 1987

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL

67 points v Hawthorn, PF, 1977

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL

125 points v Essendon, 1QF, 2000

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

7 Brett Allison, v Geelong, QF, 1996; Wayne Carey v Geelong, QF, 1997; David King v Essendon, QF, 2000; Craig Sholl v Melbourne, PF, 2000

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

Five games (1996-97)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

Four games (1945-50, 2000-07)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

133 games – 77 wins, 56 losses

Premierships 1965, 1966, 1980, 1995, 1998

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

1984 (6374), 1985 (6520), 1986 (5318), 1987 (3430), 1988 (4415), 1989 (3411), 1990 (5201), 1991 (6683), 1992 (6083), 1993 (6851), 1994 (10,296), 1995 (14,027), 1996 (14,438), 1997 (19,368), 1998 (20,196), 1999 (22,080), 2000 (22,156), 2001 (22,940), 2002 (20,831), 2003 (21,403), 2004 (23,420), 2005 (24,154), 2006 (24,624), 2007 (22,366), 2008 (29,619), 2009 (28,340), 2010 (26,953), 2011 (28,761), 2012 (33,423), 2013 (34,607), 2014 (39,060), 2015 (41,012), 2016 (45,014), 2017 (40,343), 2018 (40,789), 2019 (42,419), 2020 (38,667), 2021 (46,357), 2022 (50,191)

* denotes current player or coach

BRENT HARVEY

HOW YOUR TEAM RATES IN 2023

KICKING EFFICIENCY SHOT-AT-GOAL ACCURACY SCORES PER INSIDE 50

u Shiel has had eight kicks into the forward 50 at Marvel Stadium this season – but the Bombers haven’t scored from any of his entries. He has collected 27 and 28 disposals at the venue this year.

STOPPAGE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL CENTRE CLEARANCES DIFFERENTIAL

PRESSURE

FACTOR DIFFERENTIAL

u Greenwood imposed himself at centre bounces last week – winning a game-high five centre bounce clearances, three more than any teammate. He had 25 disposals, 16 contested possessions and 11 tackles.

A team’s pressure points* per 100 opportunities to apply pressure.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

first kick or effective handball in a chain

DYLAN SHIEL

HUGH GREENWOOD

DIFFERENTIAL EXPLAINED

A statistical value is expressed relative to opposition teams. This is calculated as ‘For’ minus ‘Against’ within a game. For example, if Carlton has 15 centre

SCORE FROM OPPOSITION TURNOVERS

Points scored from chains after winning the ball off the opposition.

SCORE CONCEDED FROM TURNOVERS

Points conceded to the opposition from chains after turnovers.

clearances to Essendon’s 12, Carlton’s centre clearances differential for the game is 15-12 = +3, while Essendon’s is 12-15 = -3.

DEFENSIVE-50 REBOUND TO INSIDE 50

Percentage of defensive-50 rebounds that led to a forward-50 entry within the same chain of possessions.

TACKLES INSIDE FORWARD 50

u Stephenson leads the Kangaroos for tackles inside forward 50 this season with 13 – five more than Jy Simpkin. Stephenson played his 100th AFL match last round against former side Collingwood – booting two goals.

UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

Possessions gained whilst under no physical pressure, either from a teammate’s disposal or an opposition’s clanger kick.

u Hind has had 21 rebound 50s in seven games this season – ranked 10th at the club. But his run and carry from defence has been important, with Essendon launching a score from 47.6 per cent of his rebound chains – the highest percentage of the top 10 rebound players.

CONTESTED POSSESSIONS DIFFERENTIAL

TEAM TKL TEAM UNC

NICK HIND

JAIDYN STEPHENSON

2023 LEAGUE LEADERS

DISPOSALS KICKS HANDBALLSMARKS

Disposing of the ball via a handball or kick.Disposing of the ball by foot. Disposing of the ball by hand.

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS AFL PLAYER RATINGS

Scoring chains where the player had a disposal, hit-out to advantage, kick-in or knock-on.

As seen on AFL.com.au. The most advanced metric of player performance available using data from 2023.

Catching a kicked ball that has travelled 15m.

HIT-OUTS TO ADVANTAGE STOPPAGE CLEARANCES

A hit-out that reaches an intended teammate.

CENTRE CLEARANCES

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the centre bounce area.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

INSIDE 50s

Distance gained with the ball by running, kicking or handballing, combining measures towards and away from goal.

1 D.Rich (BL) 6.0 597

2 L.Weller (GCS) 6.0 585

3 J.Short (Rich) 8.0 559

4 L.Ryan (Frem) 11.0 551

5 C.Petracca (Melb) 11.0 544

N.Daicos

A mark under physical pressure of an opponent or in a pack.

PRESSURE POINTS

METRES GAINED TACKLES CONTESTED

Moving the ball from the midfield into the forward zone. Excludes multiple entries within the same chain of possession.

Weighted sum of pressure acts – 3.75 for physical pressure, 2.25 for closing, 1.5 for chasing and 1.2 for corralling.

1 M.Rowell (GCS) 11.0 77.5

2 T.Liberatore (WB) 10.0 69.0

3 J.Dunkley (BL) 11.0 67.8

4 J.Rowbottom (Syd) 11.0 66.5

5 T.Taranto (Rich) 11.0 65.2

6 T.Atkins (Geel) 11.0 63.6

7 M.Bontempelli (WB) 11.0 62.7

8 R.Ginbey (WCE) 11.0 59.0

9 A.Brayshaw (Frem) 11.0 57.4

10 T.Nankervis (Rich) 6.0 56.4

Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.

2023 LEAGUE LEADERS

DISPOSALS KICKS HANDBALLSMARKS

Disposing of the ball via a handball or kick.Disposing of the ball by foot. Disposing of the ball by hand.

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS AFL PLAYER RATINGS

Scoring chains where the player had a disposal, hit-out to advantage, kick-in or knock-on.

As seen on AFL.com.au. The most advanced metric of player performance available using data from 2023.

Catching a kicked ball that has travelled 15m.

HIT-OUTS TO ADVANTAGE STOPPAGE CLEARANCES

A hit-out that reaches an intended teammate.

CENTRE CLEARANCES

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the centre bounce area.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

INSIDE 50s

Distance gained with the ball by running, kicking or handballing, combining measures towards and away from goal.

1 D.Rich (BL) 6.0 597

2 L.Weller (GCS) 6.0 585

3 J.Short (Rich) 8.0 559

4 L.Ryan (Frem) 11.0 551

5 C.Petracca (Melb) 11.0 544

N.Daicos

A mark under physical pressure of an opponent or in a pack.

PRESSURE POINTS

METRES GAINED TACKLES CONTESTED

Moving the ball from the midfield into the forward zone. Excludes multiple entries within the same chain of possession.

Weighted sum of pressure acts – 3.75 for physical pressure, 2.25 for closing, 1.5 for chasing and 1.2 for corralling.

1 M.Rowell (GCS) 11.0 77.5

2 T.Liberatore (WB) 10.0 69.0

3 J.Dunkley (BL) 11.0 67.8

4 J.Rowbottom (Syd) 11.0 66.5

5 T.Taranto (Rich) 11.0 65.2

6 T.Atkins (Geel) 11.0 63.6

7 M.Bontempelli (WB) 11.0 62.7

8 R.Ginbey (WCE) 11.0 59.0

9 A.Brayshaw (Frem) 11.0 57.4

10 T.Nankervis (Rich) 6.0 56.4

Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.