ROUND 3 delivered plenty of highs, but some unfortunate lows.

The Western Bulldogs aren’t the only club licking their wounds on Monday morning, just like Hawthorn wasn’t the only side licking the ice-cream over the weekend.

Some clubs were outstanding, some were outrageously poor.

Here’s our comprehensive look at every club’s performance in our Round 3 report card:

Round 18

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ADELAIDE

It’s a shame the Crows’ victory was against Richmond in Melbourne, as the focus will inevitably shift to the latter’s performance. But the electric display by Don Pyke’s men shouldn’t be lost among the Tiger kerfuffle, with their stunning skills and transition power major highlights of their victory. The 52-point lead the Crows amassed at the start of the fourth term was a truer reflection of the contest, as the final 36-point margin flattered the Tigers.

IN THE VOTES

Hard to pinpoint, as this was a genuine 22-man effort, but Brodie Smith’s sublime skills and run out of defence was scintillating. He had 26 disposals at 88 per cent efficiency, while he also snuck forward for two goals. Matt Crouch’s 28-disposal game — highlighted by his 16 contested possessions and seven clearances — could also well earn him the three votes. And the evergreen Scott Thompson was again at his best, booting two goals from 28 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances and six inside 50s.

RFI (room for improvement)

The Crows didn’t do much wrong on Saturday afternoon, but they would’ve been disappointed they weren’t able to bury the Tigers when they had full ascendancy of the game in the final term. But as aforementioned, this was a total team effort, with even late inclusions Riley Knight and Jarryd Lyons more than holding their own in their respective returns to the line-up. Who would want to be on the Crows’ match committee this week? Deciding who to drop so Tom Lynch and Brad Crouch can return will be tough calls.

THE MAGOOS

This is where the news gets better for Crows fans. Charlie Cameron starred in his team’s SANFL win on Sunday, booting 4.1 from 17 disposals. He’s played three reserves games now and believes he’s starting to regain his confidence and full match conditioning. Elsewhere, Cam Ellis-Yolmen (28 disposals), Ricky Henderson (26) and Nathan van Berlo (26) all put their hand up for a potential recall if needed.

GRADE — A

Ben Waterworth

BRISBANE

A tough start to the season hasn’t aided Justin Leppitsch’s cause, but he will still be disappointed with the way his side was defeated by Geelong on Sunday evening. The Lions were blown away in the opening term and never recovered, ultimately losing by 69 points. It doesn’t get any easier, either, facing the undefeated Suns in the Q-Clash next week.

IN THE VOTES

Mitch Robinson had 31 disposals and seven clearances on his return from injury, while Pearce Hanley was also busy with 27 touches. Tom Bell kicked two goals to go with 22 disposals.

RFI

Josh Walker missed a couple of sitters in front of goal, while Allen Christensen was quiet with just nine disposals.

THE MAGOOS

Young midfielder Ben Keays was again impressive as Brisbane got smashed by Redlands in the NEAFL. He racked up 31 disposals, while fellow academy product Eric Hipwood had 25 touches and 12 marks.

GRADE — D

Riley Beveridge

CARLTON

Competitive for the first half, Carlton fell away badly against Gold Coast and ultimately lost by 53 points on Saturday night. Brendon Bolton will be hoping to see a four-quarter performance soon, as the Blues search for their first win under the club’s new coach.

IN THE VOTES

Jacob Weitering is an absolute star and finished with 26 classy disposals to go with nine marks across half back. Ed Curnow was tireless with 30 disposals, while Pat Cripps had 23 disposals and eight tackles.

RFI

Blaine Boekhorst (13 disposals) and Dylan Buckley (11 disposals) were both quiet as they look to keep their place in the team.

THE MAGOOS

Young defender Dillon Viojo-Rainbow had 25 disposals across half back as the Northern Blues went down to Footscray. New recruit Lachie Plowman was also impressive with 19 disposals and five marks, while Liam Jones booted three goals.

GRADE — D

Riley Beveridge

COLLINGWOOD

The Pies were abysmal in a five-goal loss to the Saints on Saturday. Simply nothing went right as the team was blown away in a six-goal to one third term that effectively killed the match as a contest. Hardly convincing in any of their first three games, are alarm bells now beginning to sound for Nathan Buckley?

IN THE VOTES

Taylor Adams had 28 disposals and nine clearances, while Scott Pendlebury kicked two goals to go with 27 disposals. Travis Cloke took seven marks and also booted two majors.

RFI

Take your pick. The Pies had a number of underperformers on a sobering afternoon for the club.

FRESH FACES

Debutant Matthew Goodyear had only 11 disposals in his first senior match, while prized recruit Jeremy Howe had only eight disposals to go with his first goal for his new club.

THE MAGOOS

Josh Smith was one of Collingwood’s best in a VFL victory over Port Melbourne, racking up 24 disposals and kicking two goals. Brent Macaffer also pressed for senior selection with 23 disposals and two goals.

GRADE — F

Riley Beveridge

ESSENDON

The Bombers were brought back to earth following an upset win over the Dees last week. However, having found themselves 35 points down at quarter time, John Worsfold will be relatively pleased with the competitiveness his team showed after that. The kids will continue to learn and there’s plenty for the coaching team to take forward.

IN THE VOTES

Zach Merrett had 28 disposals and eight tackles in a tireless display in midfield, while David Zaharakis racked up 27 touches and eight clearances. James Kelly was busy and Joe Daniher looked a threat.

RFI

Jackson Merrett had only seven disposals in a quiet night, while Mitch Brown never looked settled playing forward rather than in defence.

THE MAGOOS

Jonathan Simpkin (30 disposals) and Craig Bird (27 disposals) were the team’s best performers in a VFL defeat to Werribee. Sam Grimley and Conor McKenna each kicked three goals.

GRADE — D

Riley Beveridge

FREMANTLE

It’s gone from bad to worse for Ross Lyon’s charges, who find themselves winless after three rounds of footy. No team has gone 0-4 and made the finals and with North Melbourne to come, the Dockers have their work cut out for them. Compounding the pressure, Fremantle will be without Aaron Sandilands (chest) against the red-hot Todd Goldstein.

IN THE VOTES

Matthew Pavlich kicked three majors in a week after his decision to play on in 2016 was questioned. Two of those goals came in the final term, as Fremantle closed in on its foe. Nat Fyfe finished the game with 26 possessions and a game-high 10 tackles. While Lachie Neale provided some much-needed run through the middle.

RFI

Tendai Mzungu has been vacillating between the firsts and the seconds and may face another stint in the WAFL after an underwhelming performance. But with captain David Mundy facing more time on the sidelines through injury, he may hold his place. Pavlich desperately needs assistance up forward, but no one seems to be willing to up their hand.

THE MAGOOS

Anthony Morabito made his return to senior footy with a solid performance for Peel Thunder. Hayden Crozier and Jonathan Griffen also put their names up for selection this week. But all eyes will be on Fremantle’s ruck stocks and who will be named to replace the injured Sandilands. Jack Hannath and Zac Clarke loom as the likely replacement(s).



GRADE — C

Sarah Olle

GOLD COAST

The Suns move to 3-0 for the first time in the club’s history following a routine victory over the Blues. It took Gold Coast a little longer than expected to break Carlton, eventually kicking away in the second half to record a 53-point win. However, Rodney Eade will be delighted with the way his side continues to improve.

IN THE VOTES

Aaron Hall had 40 disposals and a goal as he continues his meteoric rise, while captain Gary Ablett finished with 35 touches and nine clearances. Tom Lynch kicked four goals to go with 23 disposals and 10 marks, while Jack Martin continues to impress with three majors.

RFI

The runner who gave away a goal for interfering with play is likely to incur Rodney Eade’s wrath this week.

THE MAGOOS

Young midfielder Brayden Fiorini impressed in a narrow defeat to Aspley, recording 32 disposals and a goal. Early draft picks Peter Wright and Jarrod Garlett each kicked three goals.

GRADE — A

Riley Beveridge

GWS GIANTS

Without the suspended Jeremy Cameron, the Giants struggled to find a key target up forward. While at the other end of the ground, Lance Franklin kicked four majors. In the end, that was the difference, with the Swans running out 25-point winners. Despite this, the Giants performed admirably and got to within two kicks in the final term, after trailing by as much as five goals. With the Swans amassing 20 more inside 50s than the Giants, the margin should have been greater.

IN THE VOTES

Tom Scully continues to find plenty of the ball, with his endurance magnified with the lowered interchange cap this year. Ruckman Shane Mumford wasn’t as physically imposing as last week, but still made his presence felt with 10 tackles, while Heath Shaw mopped up across half-back with 28 possessions.

RFI

Two of the Giants’ big men — Rory Lobb and Jon Patton — were well held by the Swans’ defence, with the former kept goalless and the latter bobbing up for two majors. After taking one of the marks of the year in last week’s win over Geelong, Will Hoskin-Elliot was also less breathtaking. While Tom Scully was prolific with 29 possessions, he operated at a lowly 48.3 per cent efficiency rate, so there’s certainly room for improvement there.

THE MAGOOS

Adam Tomlinson was outstanding for the second consecutive week in the Giants’ reserves to put his name in contention at the selection table. Rookie Sam Reid kicked three goals. So, too, did Jack Steele.

GRADE — B -

Sarah Olle

GEELONG

The Cats responded from a disappointing loss last weekend to defeat the Lions by 69 points at Kardinia Park. A six-goal to one opening term set the foundations for the win, before Chris Scott’s side finished the match with consummate professionalism.

IN THE VOTES

Patrick Dangerfield dazzled with 26 disposals and three goals, while Joel Selwood led from the front with 34 touches and 13 clearances. Steven Motlop was dangerous across half forward and had 28 disposals and two goals. Tom Hawkins kicked four, but could have finished with a bag.

RFI

Nakia Cockatoo had only eight disposals from 72 per cent game time on his return from suspension, while Darcy Lang had only nine touches.

FRESH FACES

Rookie defender Tom Ruggles had 17 disposals at 88 per cent efficiency in a promising debut for the Cats.

THE MAGOOS

George Horlin-Smith was the best performer as Geelong’s VFL side defeated the AFL Academy by 15 points in a practice match over the weekend. He finished with 30 disposals and eight clearances.

GRADE — A

Riley Beveridge

HAWTHORN

It would be easy to say Hawthorn’s maturity is what won them the 3-point thriller against the Western Bulldogs. But with a host of their leaders sitting on the sidelines, it was the young Hawks who took control. Most notably, James Siciliy converted among jeers from the parochial Bulldog crowd, as their leader Bob Murphy was carried off with a suspected ACL injuy.

IN THE VOTES

Sicily will be a household name after kicking three clutch goals in what was only his sixth AFL game. While the omnipresent Cyril Rioli showed how damaging he can be, kicking three majors from only nine kicks. Ben Stratton was terrific, keeping livewire Bulldog forward Jake Stringer to just one goal, the result of a free kick. Mitchell was once more prolific, finishing with 29 disposals.

RFI

Despite kicking a goal, Ryan Schoenmakers had a very quiet outing, finishing the say with only six touches. Paul Puopolo was kept goalless and failed to make an impact on the game. Jack Gunston finished with two majors, but he was also underwhelming at times. Having said this, what this also exposes is Hawthorn’s forward line depth. They still managed to get the job done.

THE MAGOOS

Box Hill got its 2016 campaign under way with an emphatic 36-point win over Sandringham. Among the best were Dallas Willsmore, who racked up 26 possessions, while Tim O’Brien kicked three majors to put his name up for selection. Draftee Kieran Lovell was also solid, finishing the game with 25 disposals and a goal.

GRADE — A

Sarah Olle

James Sicily celebrates the second of his final-term goals. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

MELBOURNE

After such a disappointing effort last week, the Demons responded with a performance they should be proud of. Despite conceding eight goals in the opening term, they got themselves in a winning position late in the game and should have won. Melbourne had more disposals, contested possessions, clearances and inside 50s, but lacked composure when it mattered.

IN THE VOTES

Max Gawn was sensational in a high-quality battle with the competition’s premier ruckman. Todd Goldstein kicked five goals, but Gawn finished with an incredible 63 hit-outs (fourth highest of all time) to help Melbourne to a 45-29 win at the stoppages. Jack Viney and Bernie Vince won 10 clearances each, while Jack Watts, Jesse Hogan and Dean Kent combined for 10 goals.

RFI

Aaron vandenBerg missed a crucial shot late in the game and despite kicking Melbourne’s first goal he had little impact on the game. Tom McDonald was serviceable, but offered little on offence. Sam Frost had some good moments, but his involvement was limited.

FRESH FACES

Mature-aged recruit Josh Wagner (8 disposals) was quiet in his debut, but had a good moment when he pinged Lindsay Thomas holding the ball.

THE MAGOOS

Casey Scorpions had a thumping win over Frankston where a number of Melbourne listed players starred. Angus Brayshaw gathered 29 disposals in a best on ground performance, Christian Petracca won 28 and kicked two goals and Sam Weideman slotted four. Jack Trengove’s return to football was over four minutes in when he was concussed.

GRADE — B+

Adam Baldwin

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Kangas were beaten around the contest, but adapted to the conditions better and their experience showed in the clutch moments. Say what you want about Brent Harvey, but he’s a champion and stooped up when the game was on the line. They’ll breathe a sigh of relief, but that’s what good teams do — find a way to win.

IN THE VOTES

Harvey’s six goals and team-high 22 disposals earned him best on ground honours. Goldstein lost the ruck battle, but still had a significant impact on the game with five goals. Jarrod Waite’s four goals were crucial.

RFI

Ben Jacobs did a decent job on Nathan Jones, but touched the ball just six times, Andrew Swallow (13 disposals) was quiet and Scott Thompson lost some key battles with Hogan and Watts.

THE MAGOOS

Mason Wood was the star in Werribee’s VFL win over Essendon. He racked up 36 disposals, claimed 12 marks and kicked three goals. Robbie Nahas slotted four and Farren Ray finished with 29 disposals.

GRADE — B

Adam Baldwin

PORT ADELAIDE

They did what they needed to. A seven-goal to one opening quarter all but put Essendon to bed and from there Port Adelaide was in cruise control. Ken Hinkley’s side was nowhere near their best in what was a lacklustre match, but will take the points in a match dubbed as a banana skin.

IN THE VOTES

Robbie Gray was again fantastic with 30 disposals, 12 clearances and two goals. Charlie Dixon and Aaron Young each kicked three, while Jimmy Toumpas had 28 disposals in one of the best games of his career.

RFI

Matthew Lobbe was beaten in the ruck by Matthew Leuenberger and had only seven touches for the match. Port will still be looking for him to lift his output.

FRESH FACES

Young defender Darcy Byrne-Jones debuted for the club and had a solid outing. He finished with 14 tidy disposals and a goal in an impressive performance.

THE MAGOOS

Kane Mitchell had 26 disposals and two goals in a SANFL victory over North Adelaide, while Sam Colquhoun finished with 30 touches. John Butcher kicked three goals.

GRADE — B

Riley Beveridge

RICHMOND

The Tigers’ underwhelming start to the season continued on the weekend when they were dismantled by a rampaging Adelaide outfit. Basic skill errors were at the core of the loss, with Richmond winning the possession, contested possession and tackle count. Junk time goals saved Damien Hardwick’s side from a humiliating loss. They had no answers for the Crows’ seamless end-to-end transition. Things won’t get easier next week, either, when they face West Coast at the inhospitable Subiaco Oval.

IN THE VOTES

After calls to strip him of his captaincy, Trent Cotchin responded in admirable fashion, racking up 32 possessions, six clearances, six tackles and a goal. Sam Lloyd continues to provide some spark up forward, kicking three majors. While Alex Rance showed his versatility in matching up on small forward Eddie Betts. With a 95 per cent disposal efficiency, he almost didn’t waste a possession.

RFI

Ordinarily a player to stamp his authority on the game, Jack Riewoldt had little impact on proceedings, finishing with only one goal in a quieter performance. Youngster Connor Menadue looked shaky and may find himself back in the twos, after finishing with seven clangers.

THE MAGOOS

Ivan Maric played 80 minutes in Richmond’s VFL side, contributing to the clearance count that the Tiger’s won, 50-39. Liam McBean impressed with back-to-back goals, while recruit Andrew Moore was outstanding with 16 contested possessions and 15 tackles. The news was not so good for tall forward Ben Griffiths, however. He left with field with a suspected ankle injury early in the third term, as the Tigers went down to Williamstown by 45 points.

GRADE — C

Sarah Olle

ST KILDA

Just about everything that could go right for St Kilda on Saturday did go right. The Saints got off to a good start and held their nerve after the main break to upset the Pies by 29 points. On the 50th anniversary of the club’s last premiership, Alan Richardson will be hoping these are signs that the current group can take them to the next one.

IN THE VOTES

Leigh Montagna had the MCG to himself on his way to 40 disposals, of which 35 were uncontested. Jack Steven added three goals to go with his 30 touches, while Jack Billings was also promising with 30 disposals and two majors.

RFI

You could hardly find any on a satisfying afternoon for Saints fans.

THE MAGOOS

Blake Acres had 34 disposals as Sandringham went down to Box Hill on Saturday. Eli Templeton was also impressive with 30 touches.

GRADE — A+

Riley Beveridge

SYDNEY

The Swans showed they’re still the No. 1 team in the harbour city after withstanding a last quarter surge from cross-town rivals GWS to prevail by 25 points. For the third consecutive week, Lance Franklin kicked a bag of four goals. Most pleasingly for coach John Longmire, a mix of youth and experience performed solidly to give his side a 3-0 start to the season.

IN THE VOTES

Luke Parker was again best on ground, finishing with 30 disposals, seven clearances and a goal. At only 23, his best football is still ahead of him, which is a scary proposition for opposing teams. Tom Mitchell (25 possessions), Josh Kennedy (29) and Dan Hannebery (31) were all prolific, while Buddy with his four majors was important. Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair combined well to nullify the bulldozing Shane Mumford.

RFI

Some of the younger Swans were quieter than they’d been in the opening two rounds of the season, with Callum Mills (9 disposals) and Isaac Heeney (11) kept at bay. Despite this, they both performed their roles with aplomb, especially Mills who is being trialled across half-back. With Tom Papley again exciting, veteran Ben McGlynn will continue to feel the pinch and hold his spot.

THE MAGOOS

James Rose kicked four majors in the Swans’ reserves, while Brandon Jack — the younger brother of co-captain Kieran — also booted three. Irish recruit Colin O’Riordan and promising defender Aliir Aliir were also named among the best in the three goal win against a strong GWS side.

GRADE — A

Sarah Olle

WEST COAST

The Eagles got their mojo back after a horror loss to Hawthorn in last weekend’s grand final replay, defeating a depleted Fremantle by 33 points in Saturday night’s derby. After an even first half, the Eagles held off a late Docker charge to run out the game with an emphatic win. But coach Adam Simpson said there was still room for improvement.

IN THE VOTES

In his 200th game, Matt Priddis was as inspirational and as humble as ever. He racked up 31 disposals, 18 of which were contested, 10 clearances and eight tackles to finish as a very deserving winner of the Ross Glendinning medal. Jack Darling kept his side in the hunt with three goals, while Nic Naitanui took full advantage of Aaron Sandilands’ absence, finishing the game with 31 hit outs.

RFI

Josh Kennedy was woefully inaccurate in front of goal, kicking one major and four behinds. Mark LeCras was also uncharacteristically inaccurate, finishing the game with three behinds to his name. In good news for Eagles fans, recruit Lewis Jetta finally looks like he’s found his touch, with a booming goal from beyond 50 confirming he’s starting to jell with his teammates.

THE MAGOOS

Patrick McGinnity was among East Perth’s best, finishing the game with 25 disposals and two goals in the 30-point win over Peel Thunder. Former Blue Kane Lucas was also dominant, with a team-high 29 possessions. Corey Adamson booted three majors.

GRADE — A

Sarah Olle

Jake Stringer is the special guest On The Couch on Monday night. Source: FOX SPORTS

WESTERN BULLDOGS

The Dogs will be licking their wounds for more than one reason this morning. Not only did they waste several opportunities to put their foots to the throat of Hawthorn in the third term, but they look certain to be without their inspirational leader Robert Murphy. The playing group are said to be devastated by what looks like a season-ending ACL injury to their captain. Despite the loss, Luke Beveridge should draw some confidence from his own game plan stacking up against that of Alastair Clarkson.

IN THE VOTES

The diminutive Caleb Daniel continues to impress. He was the catalyst for three unanswered goals late in the second term to keep the Dogs in the hunt at the major break. Luke Dahlhaus was just as impressive, finishing with 33 disposals and two majors, the last of which came in the seesawing final term. Marcus Adams — arguably the find of the draft — turned in another solid performance in defence with 15 marks.

RFI

Jake Stringer had his colours lowered by Stratton. He finished the game with one goal, but failed to make his usual impact in the air and at ground level. Uncharacteristically, he blew a few chances, much to the disgust of Beveridge, who looked to mouth, “that was so blase'” after one of Stringer’s blunders. Jason Johannisen was quiet by his standards.

THE MAGOOS

Draftee Kieran Collins was among the Bulldogs’ best in its 49-point thrashing of the Northern Blues. Affectionately known as “Dad”, Collins is a big bodied defender with an AFL ready frame. Jed Adcock performed solidly, kicking two goals. While Mitch Honeychurch and Will Minson also chipped in for two majors.

GRADE — B+

Sarah Olle