In a highly anticipated fixture that certainly lived up to its billing, Geelong came out on top, defeating the Western Bulldogs in a thoroughly entertaining spectacle.
A lot of the media build-up centred around Bayley Smith, who, in addition to making a controversial trade over the summer from Whitten Oval to the Cattery, had recently added more fuel to it with his cheeky “not getting that at Ballarat” comment.
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Whilst there were a couple of flash points, in truth, the quality of the match between two high-scoring teams took centre stage, making it such a great advert.
The Bulldogs left ruing some inaccurate kicking, when they had opportunities, as the Cats finished with a flurry; Shannon Neale scored a couple of late goals to seal it.
A brilliant way to mark the 300th appearance of 2x Premiership midfielder Mitch Duncan as he becomes only the seventh player in club history to complete the feat.
Chris Fagan’s 200th game in charge of Lions
Reigning Premiers Brisbane delivered a performance to suggest just why they could go back-to-back this season after thwarting the challenge from Hawthorn.
Their pressure around the contest was immense and simply proved too much as they went on to secure their first success over the Hawks, at the MCG, since 2004.
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The perfect present for Lions coach Chris Fagan (pictured above) in his 200th game in charge – he becomes just the 46th person in AFL history to complete the feat and the oldest.
Since 2019, he’s coached more games and wins than any other in the league, with a 69% ratio, and is the only one to have led his team to the finals in all six of the last six years.
Toby Greene 250th
Greater Western Sydney captain Toby Greene marked his 250th appearance for the club by leading his players to a well-deserved triumph over a struggling Carlton.
The 31-year-old forward made his debut in 2012 and has since gone on to win several accolades and be considered the greatest player in Giants history.
Prior to the match, a special presentation marked the occasion, which included former and current personnel, including Kevin Sheedy and James Hird.
In a touching tribute, seven minutes into the contest at 12:42, Blues supporters rose. They took part in a minute’s applause in memory of AFL Hall of Famer, former coach and player Robert Walls, who sadly passed away earlier this month.
In-form Magpies overcome Kangas
Collingwood remains the outright leader at the top of the ladder after finally breaking the resistance and running over the top of North Melbourne.
They were certainly made to work very hard for it, for three quarters, before finding another gear in the final term, and kicking away to a 45-point winning margin.
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Ned Long was impressed again by amassing a career-high 14 score involvements, 24 disposals, 12 tackles, eleven contested possessions, and five clearances.
With the Magpies’ squad currently stretched by injury, it allowed forward Will Hayes, who recently celebrated his 19th birthday and has been showing real progress in the VFL, to earn a call-up to the senior side and make his debut.
He became the 1,189th player in club history to wear the black-and-white guernsey and had an evening to remember, with all his family and friends present to witness it.
Suns continue impressive away form
Gold Coast passed a litmus test after beating Euro-Yroke (St.Kilda), suggesting that this could be the year they make the September action for the first time ever.
Their home form hasn’t been the issue, but instead, it results on the road; however, there is something different about the Suns, this campaign, that things have changed.
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It wasn’t the prettiest and, in fact, quite the grind at times, but the Queensland outfit led all afternoon en route to their fourth away victory and managed the game well.
Nick Holman revealed earlier in the week to AFL.com that they have tapped into the Detroit Pistons (basketball) and Detroit Red Wings (ice hockey) “next shift mentality” motto to help build an identity in 2025, which seems to be serving them well so far.
Dreamtime at the ‘G’
Essendon put a difficult week behind them with a strong finish, which saw them shake off a young, plucky Richmond and get over the line.
As part of the 21st Dreamtime at the ‘G’, the crowd of 76,051 were treated to a stunning pre-game ceremony that included performances from Djirri Djirri the Wulumbarra, Koorie Youth Will Shake Spear, as well as Wurundjeri Kulin.
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Debutant Angus Clarke, who came through the ranks in the SANFL, clearly wasn’t fazed by the occasion, having a night to remember, kicking three majors for his side.
Nic Martin picked up the first Yiooken Award of his career with a best on-ground display that included 35 disposals, nine marks, eight tackles, and six clearances.
Walyalup turn off the Power
A fine second-half showing by Walyalup (Fremantle) saw them pull clear and go on to belt a disappointing Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) at a packed Optus Stadium.
Forward Murphy Reid (pictured below), who came to the club via the Sandringham Dragons, continued to flourish in his first season, putting up a career-high four majors.
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Unfortunately, it did come at a bit of a cost as they lost half-back Cooper Simpson, with a serious AC joint injury, whilst skipper Alex Pearce has copped a three-game ban, from the MRO, for bumping and subsequently concussing Darcy Byrne-Jones.
For the Power, it is another heavy defeat and a second-half fadeout as coach Ken Hinkley’s final season at the club is in danger of finishing with barely a whimper.
Christian Petracca 200th
Naarm (Melbourne) warned that they are starting to rediscover their best form after convincingly defeating Sydney, last season’s grand finalists.
It is no surprise that this coincides with Christian Petracca, making his 200th appearance for the Demons, and Clayton Oliver upping their performance.
Although they scored their highest in 2025, including five snags from Kozzy Pickett, the 53-point win could have been bigger, given their dominance.
The 23-year-old earned the praises of his coach, Simon Goodwin, who said, “He’s outstanding and works incredibly hard. His ability to be in the midfield for a large part of the game and influence the scoreboard is a pretty special talent.”
Kuwarna romp to easy victory
Josh Rachele booted an equal career-high five majors as Kuwarna (Adelaide) enjoyed a comfortable afternoon against bottom side Waalitj Marawar (West Coast).
The 22-year-old forward revealed to the club’s website, post-match, that it would cost him a cup of coffee with team-mate Izak Rankine, having set up a couple of them.
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Eleven Crows players were on the scoresheet, including ruckman Reilly O’Brien getting his first in nearly a year, ironically, against the same opposition.
A bad day for the Eagles was compounded by the loss of their leading goalkicker, Jake Waterman, who has a shoulder injury and looks likely to be out for a spell.
Round 11 Results
Geelong 20.7 (127)
Western Bulldogs 16.17 (113)
Essendon 11.15 (81)
Richmond 8.10 (58)
Carlton 12.10 (82)
GWS 17.8 (110)
Hawthorn 8.12 (60)
Brisbane 14.9 (93)
North Melbourne 9.9 (63)
Collingwood 15.18 (108)
Walyalup (Fremantle) 15.10 (100)
Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) 7.9 (51)
Kuwarna (Adelaide) 19.14 (128)
Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) 8.14 (62)
Narrm (Melbourne) 19.17 (131)
Sydney 12.6 (78)
Euro-Yroke (St.Kilda) 8.13 (61)
Gold Coast 12.8 (80)
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