IT WAS another defining weekend in the AFL.

As the reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs reminded everyone they remain in the finals hunt on Sunday, St Kilda’s September hopes took a blow with a big defeat on Friday night.

Sydney continued its incredible run of form, seeing off local rivals GWS Giants, as West Coast returned to the top eight with a derby win of its own against Fremantle.

Here’s how we rated your side’s Round 17 performance.

Round 18

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ADELAIDE

This was a dominant performance if ever there was one. Don Pyke’s side exploded out of the blocks against the undermanned Demons, with a dominant first quarter paving the way for the 46-point win. The Crows withstood a third-quarter onslaught from the Demons to kick away late.

IN THE VOTES

In his return from two weeks out with viral meningitis, Tom Lynch was superb, racking up 27 disposals, taking 11 marks and booting three goals. Skipper Taylor Walker set the tone early, while Brad and Matt Crouch had 27 and 31 disposals respectively and stepped up in the midfield with Rory Sloane facing a tag.

RFI

Sloane copped a tough tag from Bernie Vince and struggled with the attention, before a third-quarter concussion ruled him out of the rest of the game. Otherwise, the Crows worked hard as a unit.

THE MAGOOS

Scott Thompson collected 22 disposals, while Troy Menzel and Myles Poholke each kicked three goals as Adelaide defeated West Adelaide by 21 points.

GRADE — A+

BRISBANE

This was a performance for Brisbane to take heart from, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to defeat Richmond — going down by 31 points on Sunday. A mini-revival in the second quarter had the Lions right in the hunt at half time, but they were overpowered by Dustin Martin after that and couldn’t recover. Still, Chris Fagan would like some of what he saw.

IN THE VOTES

Alex Witherden looks a terrific find for the club, racking up 28 disposals in a tidy performance across half back. Lewis Taylor (24 disposals) was also solid. Josh Schache, Eric Hipwood and Ben Keays each kicked two goals.

RFI

Ryan Lester didn’t have much impact, finishing with only eight disposals, while the in-form Dayne Zorko was well held and finished with only 11 touches and a goal.

THE MAGOOS

Brisbane’s NEAFL side enjoyed the bye over the weekend.

GRADE — C

CARLTON

After a couple of impressive performances, this was a pretty lacklustre effort from Carlton. Having started strongly, kicking the first three goals of the game, the Blues didn’t look at the races after that. The final margin, a 20-point loss to the Dogs, was quite flattering, given just how little the Blues looked like they could create in the forward half.

IN THE VOTES

Bryce Gibbs continued his career-best season, finishing with 32 disposals, eight clearances and kicking one goal. Sam Docherty (29 disposals, nine marks) and Marc Murphy (27 disposals) were also typically prolific. Matthew Wright kicked three goals up forward.

RFI

Liam Sumner was a late inclusion for Dale Thomas, but had no impact on the match. He finished with only six disposals, zero tackles and failed to hit the scoreboard.

THE MAGOOS

Harrison Macreadie (23 disposals, five marks) enjoyed a solid afternoon as the Northern Blues went down to Essendon in the VFL on Saturday. However, he was one of few.

GRADE — D

COLLINGWOOD

The nerves would have been high in the three-quarter time huddle on Saturday evening. However, Collingwood put a disastrous week behind them with a gritty 15-point victory over Gold Coast. This probably does little to enhance the side’s finals chances, but after the period Nathan Buckley and his men have endured, this will be sweet relief. Onwards and upwards for the Magpies, who host the Eagles next Sunday.

IN THE VOTES

The side had a number of contributors in the midfield, with Steele Sidebottom (32 disposals), Adam Treloar (32 disposals), Taylor Adams (31 disposals) and Scott Pendlebury (27 disposals) all having an impact. Ben Reid kicked three goals and looked dangerous up forward.

RFI

Tom Langdon had little impact, though still effected the game with 10 tackles. Jarryd Blair was also reasonably well held, though kicked an important goal.

THE MAGOOS

Jackson Ramsey was among the best as Collingwood’s VFL side slipped to a heavy defeat at the hands of Williamstown. He had 29 disposals, eight tackles and a goal, while Callum Brown racked up 28 disposals.

GRADE — B+

ESSENDON

This was a dominant performance from start to finish. Led by their midfield group, Essendon shot out of the blocks early — and only wayward kicking in front of goal would stop them from putting St Kilda to the sword earlier. Ultimately, their class showed, winning by 61 points in a statement of the side’s intent for the remainder of the season. Still a game outside the top eight, the Bombers aren’t a side you can be writing off just yet.

IN THE VOTES

Joe Daniher did the damage early, kicking four goals from nine marks in a commanding display. Essendon’s midfield group also fired, with Zach Merrett (37 disposals, 10 tackles) and David Zaharakis (32 disposals, two goals) leading the charge. Once again Michael Hurley was rock solid in defence, finishing with 27 disposals and nine marks.

RFI

James Stewart was among the best, finishing with 21 disposals and seven marks. Though his kicking in front of goal left a lot to be desired. He finished with 0.4 in a wayward display that could have otherwise seen him kick a bag.

THE MAGOOS

Jayden Laverde kicked six goals as Essendon’s VFL side thrashed the Northern Blues over the weekend. Kyle Langford was also good, finishing with 26 disposals and four goals, while Brent Stanton racked up 38 disposals and kicked two goals.

GRADE — A+

FREMANTLE

Goal kicking just might be a focus for the Dockers this week, after horrendous inefficiency in front of goal against the Eagles. Fremantle was average early and plagued by errors throughout the 30-point loss to its local rivals.

IN THE VOTES

Nat Fyfe fought hard in the midfield and finished with 30 disposals and eight clearances. Lachie Neale also worked hard and had 11 clearances and 34 disposals to his name.

RFI

Ross Lyon refused to blame his forwards after the match. That said, a number were very quiet, including Hayden Ballantyne and Shane Kersten.

THE MAGOOS

In positive news for the Dockers, Harley Bennell got through his return from calf injuries unscathed. The midfielder played reduced minutes but recorded 12 touches and booted a goal. Meanwhile, Matt Taberner kicked five goals and collected 27 disposals and Cameron Sutcliffe put his name up in lights, recording 31 disposals, eight inside-50s and 10 tackles.

GRADE — C

GEELONG

Second time lucky. Once again Geelong had a late Isaac Smith miss to thank for a narrow victory over Hawthorn, winning by three points at the MCG. In what was a game that was constantly on a knife’s edge, the Cats got the upper hand in the third quarter and then held their nerve late in the match. The win sees Geelong remain in second on the ladder.

IN THE VOTES

What a performance from Patrick Dangerfield. Seemingly down and out early in the game, he moved forward where he played one-out in the goalsquare. The result? A matchwinning display. Danger finished with 20 disposals, 12 marks (eight of which were inside 50) and kicked 5.6 with two goal assists. Joel Selwood did the damage in the midfield with 30 disposals and seven clearances.

RFI

James Parsons was quiet, winning only eight disposals for the game, while neither Rhys Stanley nor Zac Smith had much impact in the ruck. Patrick Dangerfield’s six behinds from 11 scoring shots ultimately didn’t prove costly.

THE MAGOOS

Jackson Thurlow pressed for a place in the senior team with 27 disposals and a goal as Geelong’s VFL side fell to Footscray on the weekend. Ryan Abbott also enjoyed a promising display, winning 25 disposals to go with 46 hitouts.

GRADE — A

GOLD COAST

This one will sting for Rodney Eade. Having been right in the contest at three-quarter time, Gold Coast conceded five goals to three in the final term, losing by 15 points to Collingwood. The Suns drop back into the bottom four as a result of the loss — leaving the question to be asked. Has the side improved enough under Rocket to justify a contract extension?

IN THE VOTES

Gary Ablett was prolific with 41 disposals and 11 clearances, while David Swallow (25 disposals, seven tackles) also did his job in the midfield. Peter Wright kicked three goals up forward.

RFI

Alex Sexton had no impact on the match, finishing with only four disposals and zero tackles. Young gun Jack Bowes was also quiet, while Sean Lemmens found the footy only nine times.

THE MAGOOS

Keegan Brooksby kicked six goals and laid 10 tackles as Gold Coast easily defeated Redland in the NEAFL over the weekend. Darcy Macpherson was also among the best, finishing with 31 disposals and kicking three goals.

GRADE — C

GWS GIANTS

The Giants waved goodbye to their grip on a top two position with a 13-point loss to the Swans on Saturday night. Although Leon Cameron’s men fought until the final siren, they never looked like they had any sort of control over the contest and were well beaten by an experienced side that is on a roll. You just wonder if injuries are beginning to take their toll on this team.

IN THE VOTES

Josh Kelly was superb with 27 disposals and two classy goals, while Callan Ward (32 disposals, 15 clearances) and Dylan Shiel (32 disposals, seven clearances) were also among the biggest ball winners. Jon Patton looked like his side’s most dangerous forward and kicked two goals.

RFI

Nathan Wilson was well held, finishing with only eight disposals for the game. Meanwhile, late inclusion Tendai Mzungu failed to have any real impact and had only nine touches.

THE MAGOOS

Young academy prospects Isaac Cumming (32 disposals) and Will Setterfield (29 disposals, one goal) were among the best as the Giants’ NEAFL team went down to Sydney.

GRADE — C+

HAWTHORN

So close, yet so far. Once again, Hawthorn will rue late drama — Isaac Smith’s shot on the run drifting wide as time expired, with the Hawks going down by three points to the Cats. Again, Hawthorn was mightily impressive, but this result sees them fall two-and-a-half games from the top eight, hurting the side’s finals chances dearly. The season is by no means over for Alastair Clarkson’s men, though they will have to be almost perfect from here.

IN THE VOTES

Tom Mitchell was again sensational, winning 43 disposals to go with nine clearances and two goals. Liam Shiels (29 disposals, 12 clearances) was also solid in the midfield, while Jack Gunston (24 disposals, eight marks) had a serviceable afternoon on a wing.

RFI

Kade Stewart and Tim O’Brien were both well held, finishing with only six disposals each. Meanwhile, Luke Brust kicked 1.4 and may regret his inaccuracy in front of goal.

THE MAGOOS

Dallas Willsmore (35 disposals, two goals) was among the best as Box Hill thrashed North Ballarat in the VFL on Sunday. Brendan Whitecross finished with 34 touches, while Ty Vickery kicked two goals in the win.

GRADE — B+

MELBOURNE

The Demons were undermanned — missing the likes of Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Jack Watts and Dom Tyson — but they were also slaughtered early in the piece and were as much off the boil as Adelaide were on it. To their credit, they didn’t give up, working themselves back into the contest before the Crows kicked away late.

IN THE VOTES

Michael Hibberd was classy as ever off half back, while Jayden Hunt found some form, collecting 27 disposals and booting a monster torpedo goal. Jay Kennedy-Harris rewarded the faith in his first game in the midfield, collecting 28 disposals, while Jordan Lewis played his best game for some weeks. Bernie Vince was excellent on Rory Sloane but looks set to face potential suspensions for two separate incidents.

RFI

Dean Kent was very quiet before dislocating his shoulder in the third term. Jesse Hogan struggled with his marking, then his kicking, but is still very much regaining touch after several weeks out of the game. The Demons will give him time to find his groove.

THE MAGOOS

Casey Demons had the bye in the VFL.

GRADE — D+

NORTH MELBOURNE

While Brad Scott’s team worked hard, they were outclassed from the beginning. While the margin was 37 points at half time, Port Adelaide was able to kick away to a resounding 70-point victory. The undermanned Roos copped more injuries, too, with Mitchell Hibberd and Corey Wagner both failing to play out the game.

IN THE VOTES

Ben Cunnington fought hard in the midfield all day, recording 33 disposals, 26 contested possessions, 11 clearances and eight tackles. Ben Brown continued his solid form up forward, booting three goals.

RFI

Todd Goldstein was thumped in the ruck and around the ground by Paddy Ryder, collecting just six disposals and failing to take a mark. Majak Daw had a similarly rough day, with only five disposals to his name.

FRESH FACES

Rookie Cameron Zurhaar was quiet on a tough day to be a forward, collecting six touches and recording three tackles.

THE MAGOOS

Werribee lost to Richmond by 102 points but Trent Dumont responded to being dropped in the perfect manner, picking up 32 disposals along with 12 clearances and eight tackles.

GRADE — C

PORT ADELAIDE

Port Adelaide would have been keen to make a statement at home and they did just that. The Power produced a dominant performance to thump the Kangaroos by 70 points, with a number of their stars producing big games.

IN THE VOTES

Paddy Ryder set the tone with a dominant ruck performance, thumping Todd Goldstein at stoppages and around the ground. Chad Wingard booted three early goals and had 30 touches, while Sam Gray kicked four goals. Midfield bulls Ollie Wines and Sam Powell-Pepper were strong at the contest and found plenty of the footy.

RFI

The Power could be happy with this team performance. Jarman Impey (11 disposals) was quiet and failed to hit the scoreboard, while Dan Houston (10 touches) had less of the ball than usual.

THE MAGOOS

Fringe Power pair Aaron Young (23 disposals) and Brendon Ah Chee (24 disposals) both had plenty of the ball as Port Adelaide lost to Central Districts by 16 points in the SANFL. Mature-aged recruit Brett Eddy continued his strong state league form, booting three goals.

GRADE — A

RICHMOND

It was never that comfortable for Richmond, but a 31-point victory over Brisbane was enough to begin the process of righting last week’s wrongs. Led by superstar Dustin Martin, the Tigers kicked away in the third term and then piled on seven goals in the last, ultimately overpowering a young Lions side that showed plenty of fight. Richmond remains outside of the top four on percentage only.

IN THE VOTES

Dustin Martin was simply superb. He finished with 40 disposals, 14 clearances and kicked two goals in a clear best on ground display. Trent Cotchin was also busy in the midfield, while Jack Riewoldt kicked four goals and was the side’s most dangerous forward.

RFI

He may have kicked four goals, but Jack Riewoldt’s accuracy in front of goal could use some improving — he also added four behinds. Ivan Soldo did the majority of the ruck work, but didn’t have much of an impact around the ground.

THE MAGOOS

Shai Bolton kicked five goals as Richmond’s VFL side thrashed Werribee by 102 points on Saturday afternoon. Ben Lennon added four more, while Taylor Hunt finished with 30 disposals.

GRADE — B+

ST KILDA

From awesome, to awful. Having thrashed Richmond last week, St Kilda’s performance on Friday night couldn’t have been in more direct contrast. Well beaten around the group, the Saints were beaten up on the inside and simply could’ve cover Essendon’s outside run. Alan Richardson’s side drops out of the top eight as a result of the 61-point defeat, with the team’s finals chances now in jeopardy ahead of a crucial month for the club.

IN THE VOTES

Jack Steven had 30 disposals, but was inaccurate in front of goal, while Shane Savage did his job as he presses a claim to remain in the seniors. He finished with 31 disposals and eight marks across half back. Jack Newnes and Dylan Roberton were also busy.

RFI

Jack Billings and Jack Steven could both rue some missed opportunities in front of goal, finishing with six behinds between them. Tom Hickey also failed to cement his spot in the side, enduring a frustrating evening in Billy Longer’s absence.

FRESH FACES

Josh Battle showed glimpses of what he can deliver, but was well held throughout. He finished with just five disposals, but kicked a debut goal from one of two marks.

THE MAGOOS

Luke Dunstan (28 disposals, nine tackles) and Blake Acres (26 disposals, eight tackles) were among the best as Sandringham narrowly saw off Port Melbourne in the VFL. Rowan Marshall was also promising with two goals from 19 touches.

GRADE — F

SYDNEY

Although Sydney only won by 13 points against GWS on Saturday night, this was an incredibly strong performance from a side that now look like certainties to make the finals. The Swans hit the lead late in the first quarter and never looked like giving it up. Controlling proceedings around the ground and having enough weapons up forward to make a difference on the scoreboard, the Swans move just a game from the top four. Remember when this team was 0-6?

IN THE VOTES

Lance Franklin kicked 4.4 from 18 disposals and eight marks as his fine run of form continues. Josh Kennedy (28 disposals, seven clearances) was the side’s most damaging midfielder, while Tom Papley (three goals, eight tackles) was a livewire in the forward line.

RFI

Sam Reid struggled with a groin injury and had no impact on the match whatsoever. He finished with only three disposals from 64 per cent game time.

THE MAGOOS

Jordan Dawson’s strong NEAFL form continued, kicking four goals to go with 29 disposals and 10 marks as Sydney saw off GWS over the weekend. James Rose had 32 disposals, 12 marks and kicked three goals in a strong display.

GRADE — A

WEST COAST

The Eagles needed to respond this week and they did just that. While Fremantle threw away their opportunities, the Eagles took theirs and banked a deserved four points.

IN THE VOTES

Shannon Hurn earned the Ross Glendinning Medal with an outstanding individual performance, which included 34 disposals, 14 marks and eight rebound-50s. Youngster Liam Duggan continued his rise, collecting 31 disposals while Josh Kennedy returned in style, taking six marks and booting three goals. Mark Hutchings shut down the in-form Michael Walters.

RFI

Nathan Vardy performed well in the ruck but needed to do more around the ground, with the ruckman collecting just four possessions for the day. Otherwise, the Eagles should be happy with how the team got the job done.

THE MAGOOS

Luke Partington continues to push for senior selection, collecting 28 disposals and booting a goal in East Perth’s loss to Peel Thunder. Fellow Eagle Tom Cole recorded 25 touches in the loss.

GRADE — A

WESTERN BULLDOGS

After a slow start, a five-goal second quarter was enough for the Western Bulldogs to gain the upper hand over Carlton on Sunday — a position they held throughout the remainder of the match. The 20-point win didn’t flatter the Dogs, who never looked like relinquishing their lead late in the match. However, for the moment, it’s enough to keep the reigning premiers’ finals chances alive, with the Dogs now just one game from the top eight.

IN THE VOTES

Marcus Bontempelli was outstanding with 30 disposals, five clearances and two goals — but he had a lot of help in the midfield. Bailey Dale (27 disposals, two goals) and Toby McLean (26 disposals, two goals) were also good, while Jack Macrae (31 disposals, six tackles) was prolific.

RFI

Jack Redpath had only six disposals and no real impact on the match, while the usually reliable Lachie Hunter was well held and finished with just 12 disposals.

FRESH FACES

Lewis Young became the AFL’s youngest player and enjoyed a really promising debut match. He finished with 21 disposals and nine marks in defence, showcasing an impressive aerial presence.

THE MAGOOS

Clay Smith was among the best as Footscray thrashed Geelong in the VFL on Saturday, finishing with 32 disposals and 10 tackles. Lukas Webb (22 disposals, one goal) was also solid.

GRADE — A

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