Collingwood Magpies 15.3 (93) vs. Hawthorn Hawks 13.15 (93)

Remember that episode of Recess where Vince says a tie is worse than losing? As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized just how silly that statement is. I get where it’s coming from, but you don’t get points for losing an AFL game!

Though he didn’t kick a goal himself, Magpie Darcy Moore (also the current AFLPA President) ensured the game would end in a tie as he blocked a kick attempt. This was right after Dylan Moore (no relation) kicked the tying goal for the Hawks. What an ending!

This game also serves as a great example of enough behinds making the difference between taking a loss and just scrapping to get enough.

Adelaide Crows 11.10 (76) vs. Port Adelaide Power 11.9 (75)

Sticking on the theme of close contest, we have another one-point differential! Adelaide are garnering more of my attention with the previous round’s Anzac guernsey. A nail-biting win this past round will certainly have me thinking!

West Coast Eagles 13.10 (88) vs. Richmond Tigers 15.9 (99)

UPSET ALERT! Wait. Is it an upset if West Coast themselves haven’t been too great to start this season? In any case, the Richmond Tigers officially have their first win of the 2026 AFL season. That is cause for some celebration, at least!

Sydeney Swans 19.17 (131) vs. Melbourne Demons 17.12 (114)

What a game! I caught this one live (thanks, insomnia) and what a crazy ending. In Brodie Grundy’s 250th AFL appearance, he helped make the difference in the win. He finished with a goal and a behind, but his ruck play against Max Gawn was something to see.

The final score is a bit misleading. With under five minutes left to play, Melbourne were close and threatening, using their momentum and giving the Swans a bit of a scare.

Uncharacteristically, Charlie Curnow was somewhat silent this round. He finished with one goal and four behinds, at least a couple of which should have been goals. But his lack of offensive output was covered by Joel Amartey (four goals, one behind), Logan McDonald (three goals), and Malcolm Rosas (SEVEN goals). Rosas seemed to always be in the right spot whenever a loose ball was near the goal posts.

For Melbourne, the Pickett cousins contributed a combined three goals and three behinds. But it was their speed in the middle of the ground that really threatened Sydney late in this one. Kysaiah Pickett finished with two goals, a behind, a goal assist, and 569 metres gained. Latrelle Pickett finished with one goal, two behinds, and 17 kicks.

I would love to see a rematch in the playoffs between these two!