THRILLS & SPILLS

Those who view the AFL home and away season as one long game of snakes and ladders would have loved round 18. Edge-of-your-seat thrillers on Thursday and Friday night and five Saturday games that lived up to their ‘Moving Day’ billing.

At the end of the weekend, those placed third to 15th, looked at the ladder, crunched the numbers and worked out whether they had taken advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Here is how it all went down and what might happen next.

BRISBANE (OPPORTUNITY

MISSED): Up by 25 points early in the last quarter against Melbourne before a stunning collapse that resulted in a one-point loss. A win would have just about ensured a top-three finish at the minimum for the Lions and perhaps even top two given Port Adelaide’s tough few weeks. And it would have buried their MCG issues once and for all. Now they have the Demons breathing down their neck and face the real possibility of having to return to the MCG in the opening week of the finals to play Collingwood. Ouch.

MELBOURNE (OPPORTUNITY

TAKEN): The Lions tried to save the game too early and the Demons pounced. It was the sort of win to trigger belief and inspire a deep run from here. Top two is unlikely but

u WHO’S IN PLAY

they’re now pretty safe in the top four and they could save what appears to be an inevitable September clash with Collingwood to preliminary final weekend.

GEELONG (OPPORTUNITY TAKEN):

Granted, it was on their home deck, but the Cats ruthlessly took care of Essendon and they’re now fifth and feeling very bullish about what might happen from here in their quest for back-to-back flags. “It feels like we’re getting close to our best footy which we’re pretty confident is going to be hard to beat,” coach Chris Scott said. A mouth-watering clash looms with Brisbane at the Gabba on late Saturday afternoon.

ST KILDA (OPPORTUNITY MISSED, AGAIN): The wheels are coming off at Moorabbin, with the Saints losing four of their past five games. Somehow, they’re still sixth, but they now seem the most vulnerable of all the teams in the eight given their u Friday night football returns to the fixturing spotlight this week after the final Thursday night home and away game for 2023 was played last week. Fittingly, it was a Thursday thriller with Sydney outlasting the Western Bulldogs by two points to give the Swans special reason to celebrate coach John Longmire’s 300th game. inability to score. They were woeful away to Gold Coast last week. They need to fill their boots on Sunday against North Melbourne.

In all, 11 Thursday night games were played in the 2023 home and away season with six decided by 15 points or less and a draw to kick it off in the opening round between Richmond and Carlton.

With Friday night now back in the frame, there is a special celebration in this round with the 40th anniversary of the first Friday night game back in 1983.

As senior writer ASHLEY BROWNE outlines (see page 12), the clash between Sydney and Geelong in round 19, 1983, was hardly a blockbuster – it was 10th (Swans) v eighth (Cats) – and it was only switched to Friday because the Wallabies were also scheduled to played at the SCG that weekend.

WESTERN BULLDOGS (OPPORTUNITY MISSED): Were given plenty of looks by Sydney in the final Thursday night game of the home and away season but fell agonisingly short. A few results over the remainder of the weekend helped their cause but they need to start winning again, starting on Friday night against Essendon.

ESSENDON (OPPORTUNITY NOT TAKEN): Not quite fair to state the Bombers missed an opportunity last week because not many teams will knock over the Cats at GMHBA Stadium. But their largely noncompetitive performance cost them some handy percentage, so the Friday night’s clash with the Bulldogs is hugely important. In their favour is that they are at Marvel Stadium for the next four weeks with West Coast and North Melbourne among those they play.

Fortunately, Friday night football eventually took off and what a success it has been.

On a personal note, it was announced this week that 2023 will be my last season as editor of the Record. I’ll be reflecting on my 26-year journey during the finals but thanks to those who have contacted me and passed on their best wishes this week.

ADELAIDE (OPPORTUNITY

MISSED): And how! Leading the GWS Giants by 17 points at home at the final change, they conceded five unanswered goals in the final term. The Crows have proven they pretty much can’t win away from home, but their finals hopes are truly shot this year if they stop taking care of business at home.

GWS GIANTS (OPPORTUNITY

TAKEN): And how! Last week’s win was epic. Anyone opposed to Adam Kingsley as coach of the year? The Giants cannot take their foot of the gas at any stage from here, but they’re superbly placed if any of the clubs above them even slightly stumble.

CARLTON (OPPORTUNITY

TAKEN): Port Adelaide took a weakened team to Marvel Stadium

Anyone opposed to Adam Kingsley as coach of the year?

and the Blues pounced. It was the Blues’ fourth successive win by more than 50 points and you’d think they’ll make it five come 5pm Saturday against the Eagles. However, not having spearhead Harry McKay perhaps for the rest of the season is a major blow.

RICHMOND (OPPORTUNITY

TAKEN): It wasn’t a major kill, but the Tigers did what was necessary at Optus Stadium against the Eagles last week. Another opportunity awaits on Saturday against the Hawks at the MCG. They must take it to stay within striking distance of the eight.

GOLD COAST (OPPORTUNITY

TAKEN): The shaky Saints turned up on Gold Coast’s doorstep and the Suns took full advantage in their first game under interim coach Steven King. They played with freedom and dare last week and that’s what makes them dangerous. It is not often that