Another cracking round of footy in the books! As usual, SuperCoach storylines aplenty to come out of it.

Round 4 appeared to hinge on two factors; did you have Gawn or Macrae captain, and did you avoid the Cripps injury?

If yes to both, you likely ended the weekend feeling fantastic. If no to either, there’s a good chance you’re feeling pretty horrible this morning.

We’re approaching the upgrade/downgrade time of the season, which means there’s a stack of performances (or lack thereof) to discuss. Let’s get into it!

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Port Adelaide v Melbourne

Something rotten is going on at Port Adelaide… Good football teams don’t go a full half of football (and then some) without scoring and the reigning premiers took full advantage.

Max Gawn (160 SC) was clearly the best player on the ground. He took 12 marks, which is a great sign given his much-documented struggles over the first three weeks and I daresay this performance was a harbinger of things to come.

Luke Jackson (126 SC) was again brilliant, but surprisingly the Melbourne midfield was nowhere near as dominant as usual. Christian Petracca (85 SC) and Clayton Oliver (68 SC) were disappointing, while Angus Brayshaw (82 SC) also came back to earth after his monstrous display last week.

Jake Bowey (47 SC), concerningly, only had 11 possessions and was nowhere near it – owners should be worried, with his cash gen likely stymied.

For Port, Travis Boak (117 SC) – worryingly – was again clearly their best. The Port backline was under constant assault, which explains why Ryan Burton (108 SC), Tom Jonas (117 SC), Dan Houston (96 SC) and Tom Clurey (125 SC) all had big games.

Zak Butters (57 SC) struggled to get in the game and made mistakes whenever he did, while rookies Jackson Mead (49 SC) and Jed McEntee (33 SC) battled in a dirty night for Ken Hinkley’s boys.

Injuries

Ollie Wines was subbed out after reportedly feeling faint and suffering an irregular heartbeat. He was taken to hospital for monitoring. Scott Lycett took a shoulder knock in the second quarter but returned.

Reports

N/A

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Geelong v Brisbane

An entertaining Friday night encounter between two teams who will be at the pointy end in September, but ultimately the home ground advantage – and some favourable umpiring – proved enough for the Cats to limp over the line.

All of Geelong’s old guard fired, with Mark Blicavs (119 SC), Isaac Smith (129 SC) and Tom Hawkins (120 SC) all outstanding.

Unfortunately for owners, Patrick Dangerfield (70 SC) and Mitch Duncan (67 SC) were not so outstanding. Sam De Koning (62 SC) took 5 marks, almost all of them intercepts, and has both ensured his place in the Cats’ side and his cash generation for weeks to come.

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Lachie Neale (128 SC) battled through a hard tag from Mark O’Connor and to finish with a captainable score was a fantastic effort. Daniel Rich (105 SC) continued his up-and-down form after a down performance last week, while Jarred Berry (91 SC) again looked sore for most of the game but still managed to scrape together a respectable score.

Harris Andrews (100 SC) looms as an interesting POD defender, with his price now down comfortably in to the $400ks.

POD midpricers Noah Answerth (59 SC), Zac Bailey (51 SC) and Cam Rayner (51 SC) were all well-below par.

Injuries

Quinton Narkle was subbed out after a nasty looking ankle injury.

Berry hurt his troublesome shoulder again while tackling Dangerfield early, but played through it.

Reports

Nakia Cockatoo was reported for a high bump on Rhys Stanley, but there was nothing in it and he should get off.

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Sydney v North Melbourne

One of the more surprisingly-entertaining games of the season, as the Swans just managed to hold off a plucky and inspired Kangaroos outfit.

Isaac Heeney (131 SC) was magnificent. I, for one, have held off announcing his status as a genuine forward premium option but it’s probably time to admit that’s one I got wrong.

Callum Mills (130 SC) was the most consistent Swan across all four quarters and continues to look like an enticing midfield POD> Justin McInerney (137 SC) was the other star for Sydney and completely took over the game in the last quarter through the midfield and half-back line.

Jake Lloyd (76 SC), Nick Blakey (70 SC) and Errol Gulden (58 SC) all had down days, while Paddy McCartin (55 SC) didn’t have his best outing and also copped a head knock in the last quarter, which is a worry given his history.

Jaidyn Stephenson (139 SC) did as he pleased on the outside for North and Jy Simpkin (114 SC) continued his strong start to the season. The real story for the Roos was Jason Horne-Francie (93 SC), who was arguably their most influential player in just his fourth game of AFL footy and has now ensured his cash gen will continue for some time.

Aaron Hall (97 SC) was solid, Jack Ziebell (90 SC) kicked 5.1 and Todd Goldstein (114 SC) threatened all day in a good showing for North’s maligned senior player group.

Tristan Xerri (46 SC) crashed back to earth, but his role is solid and he should rebound next week.

Injuries

McCartin’s head knock will need monitoring. Buddy Franklin was subbed off with a finger injury. Peter Ladhams was sore after a hit to the jaw but returned.

Cam Zurhaar was subbed off after hitting heads with McCartin. Xerri had a cut to the head in the third quarter but played out the game.

Reports

N/A

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Collingwood v West Coast

Wowee, this was unexpected! The WAFL Eagles somehow came into Marvel Stadium and got a deserved win against a sluggish Collingwood outfit.

No real individual standouts for West Coast, this was a true team result. Nic Naitanui (96 SC) was probably their best overall, but Alex Witherden (127 SC), Jeremy McGovern (92 SC) and Willie Rioli (89 SC) were all great.

Most impressive were West Coast’s lesser lights. Hugh Dixon (96 SC), Patrick Naish (90 SC) and Xavier O’Neill (87 SC) all excelled.

Brady Hough (49) struggled and is probably a trade-out option if you still own him.

Jack Crisp (132) repaid the faith of owners with a magnificent 29-disposal display through the midfield, while Nick Daicos (125 SC, 32 disposals) continues to play like the gun he clearly is.

Brodie Grundy (118 SC) continued a great round for the premo ruckmen and might just be back to his best, while Scott Pendlebury (110 SC), Josh Daicos (99 SC) and Brayden Maynard (107 SC) were also good for the Pies in a losing effort.

Unfortunately Reef McInnes (21 SC) no longer appears like a downgrade option.

Injuries

Jamie Elliott hurt his shoulder late and was subbed out.

Luke Edwards was subbed out in the third quarter. Willie Rioli collided with the goalpost and was sore but finished the game.

Reports

N/A

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Richmond v Western Bulldogs

Too good by the former champs, as the Tigers put on a clinic against a lackluster Bulldogs team at the MCG.

Jayden Short (111 SC), Daniel Rioli (101 SC) and Nathan Broad (97 SC) continue to dominate off the half-back line and all appear to be genuine options, at least while Nick Vlastuin is out.

Thomson Dow (83 SC) and Hugo Ralphsmith (71 SC) both did their jobs as cash-cows and will continue to bring in cash if you own them.

For the Dogs, Jack Macrae (158 SC) had a fearsome return to form, rewarding coaches who kept their faith in the OG SC pig. Marcus Bontempelli (136 SC), Bailey Smith (122 SC), Tom Liberatore (113 SC) and Josh Dunkley (103 SC) were all great as well.

Tim English (96 SC) couldn’t quite continue his hot form from previous weeks but still looks like the best of the alternative ruck options.

Adam Treloar (80 SC) and Ed Richards (59 SC) both struggled.

Injuries

Laitham Vandermeer battled with hamstring tightness while Anthony Scott was subbed off with concussion.

Reports

N/A

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Fremantle v GWS

Not the greatest of spectacles as a neutral fan, but a much-needed win for the Dockers against one of their likely competitors for a top 8 spot.

Will Brodie (135 SC, 37 possessions) was nothing short of immense. He has been one of the best cash-cows available this season and may end up being one of the greatest of all time if he keeps this up!

Heath Chapman (118 SC) has been a star in recent weeks, which hurts if you traded him out early. Nathan O’Driscoll (104 SC) is going to give coaches fits this week trying to squeeze him in.

Andrew Brayshaw (95 SC) was well tagged by Lachie Ash, but battled through it, while Neil Erasmus (70 SC) looks like a decent player. Luke Ryan (77 SC) is too inconsistent to be a genuine option.

Tim Taranto (121 SC) continued his excellent start to the season, as did Brayden Preuss (102 SC), but unfortunately the big man managed to get himself suspended for a game.

Tom Green (92 SC), Josh Kelly (89 SC) and Stephen Coniglio (64 SC) all had down weeks.

Injuries

N/A

Reports

Preuss was given a week for an incredibly stupid swinging elbow to David Mundy’s head.

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Essendon v Adelaide

Serious understatement to say the Bombers needed to win this one, and they duly did despite looking incredibly shaky for most of the game.

Darcy Parish (121 SC) and Andrew McGrath (111 SC) have stepped up in Zach Merrett’s absence, while Mason Redman (96 SC) and Jye Caldwell (87 SC) were also in the Dons’ best.

Nick Martin (84 SC) is one of the more composed rookies I’ve seen in recent times and continues to impress – he’s going to be hard to trade out when the time comes. Jordan Ridley (74 SC) was knocked out late in the game but hadn’t done much prior to that.

Worth noting that Devon Smith scored 98 points in a half after being subbed on at halftime.

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Rory Laird (143 SC) will be a popular trade-in this week, as will Ben Keays (110 SC). Jordan Dawson (97 SC) couldn’t repeat last week’s heroics but was still serviceable. Josh Rachele (106 SC) appeared to have more midfield time and duly delivered a magnificent performance.

Mitch Hinge (37 SC) finds himself in the trade gun this week after hurting his hip.

Injuries

Will Snelling was subbed off with a calf injury. Ridley’s head knock is apparently fine.

Hinge was subbed off with that hip injury – we await the severity.

Reports

N/A

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Hawthorn v St Kilda

One of the more impressive performances I’ve seen this season so far, as the Saints absolutely demolished the Hawks at the ‘G.

Jack Sinclair (135 SC) has quietly become one of the premier defensive options in the league and it’s hard to see his run of form stopping any time soon. Jack Steele (125 SC) was probably the Saints’ best, while Jade Gresham (4.0, 106 SC) took advantage of the plethora of opportunities on offer.

Rowan Marshall (78 SC) and Paddy Ryder (75 SC) again took valuable points from each other, although Ryder may well cop a week for a bump on Will Day.

Tom Mitchell (119 SC) and James Sicily (113 SC) were comfortably Hawthorn’s best. Josh Ward (41 SC) and Connor MacDonald (23 SC) both struggled and may be on the verge of being traded out.

Injuries

Will Day was concussed by the hit from Ryder and subbed off at halftime.

Reports

Nervous wait for Ryder, with the expectation being he’ll probably get a week off.

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Gold Coast v Carlton

Big boilover on the Gold Coast, with the Suns doing their utmost to give the Blues a much-needed reality check.

Jarrod Witts (154 SC) completely monstered an undersized Carlton ruck outfit sorely missing Marc Pittonet. He has been magnificent to start the season and is making owners (e.g. me) very happy indeed.

Lachie Weller (116 SC) has a juicy role and has had a decent run of form over the last two weeks – one to watch. Noah Anderson (111 SC) had 35 touches but went at just 45% disposal efficiency.

Touk Miller (105 SC) broke a tag from George Hewett in encouraging fashion, while the one negative for the Suns was probably Matt Rowell (65 SC) who is playing primarily inside mid and doesn’t seem to love doing it.

The Blues’ halfbacks in Sam Docherty (135 SC) and Zac Williams (135 SC) both saw heaps of the ball, which is indicative of how badly they got smashed. Hewett (120 SC) continued his stunning start to the season and was ably supported by Sam Walsh (101 SC) in the midfield.

The big story of today was the hamstring injury to Patrick Cripps (38 SC), which will likely see him sidelined for a while.

Injuries

Jack Lukosius appeared to roll an ankle but played through it. Jy Farrar did a hammy.

Cripps’ hammy needs to be monitored very closely, but he seems likely to miss 3-4 weeks.

Reports

N/A

Weekly wrap: Round 4 studs, duds, injuries

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