Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
AFL Round 14 grades were highlighted by a dominant Adelaide performance and a disappointing Western Bulldogs display, with clubs across the competition producing a mix of statement wins, narrow escapes and heavy defeats. The round featured several premiership contenders strengthening their credentials, while others were left searching for answers as the race for finals positions intensified.
Adelaide Sets the Standard
Adelaide delivered the standout performance of the round with a crushing 57 point win over the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night.
The Crows effectively ended the contest in the opening quarter, piling on 9.2 (56) in one of the most explosive starts in club history. It was Adelaide’s highest first quarter score under coach Matthew Nicks and sent a clear message to the rest of the competition.
Captain Jordan Dawson produced a masterclass. He finished with 32 disposals, 17 contested possessions, seven clearances, three goals and three goal assists. Josh Rachele added four goals, while Sam Berry and Riley Thilthorpe also played key roles.
There were few weaknesses to identify in Adelaide’s performance, with Nicks describing it as his side’s most complete display of the season.
Grade: A+
Bulldogs Exposed by Red Hot Crows
The Bulldogs endured one of their most disappointing outings of the season.
Despite entering the match with finals aspirations, they were unable to match Adelaide’s intensity and physicality. The Bulldogs lost the contested possession count by 20 and conceded 51 points from clearances.
Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards and Aaron Naughton worked hard, but the team struggled collectively. Coach Luke Beveridge pointed directly to the scoreboard when discussing the biggest issue from the loss.
Questions are now being asked about the Bulldogs’ consistency and depth as the season enters a critical phase.
Grade: F
Brisbane Finds Another Gear
Brisbane secured a 35 point victory over Richmond in Hobart, but the result was not as comfortable as the final margin suggested.
The Lions led by only three points at half time before producing a dominant third quarter featuring seven goals. Their midfield took control through Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale and Zac Bailey.
Ashcroft was particularly influential, collecting 38 disposals, eight clearances and two goals.
While Brisbane’s defensive transition remains an area for improvement, the second half response was exactly what coach Chris Fagan would have wanted.
Grade: B+
Geelong Back on Track
Geelong responded strongly after recent setbacks with a convincing 45 point win over Gold Coast.
The Cats recovered from an early slow start by kicking seven consecutive goals across the first and second quarters. Their ability to generate scores from turnovers proved decisive.
Max Holmes and Bailey Smith led the way, while Jeremy Cameron, Shannon Neale and Oli Wiltshire contributed on the scoreboard.
The result reinforced Geelong’s reputation as one of the hardest teams to beat at home.
Grade: A
Gold Coast Faces Growing Pressure
The Suns entered the clash hoping to strengthen their finals credentials but instead suffered a third consecutive defeat.
Gold Coast controlled possession for periods but struggled to create meaningful opportunities inside 50. The midfield was beaten around stoppages and the team managed only one goal from stoppage situations for the entire match.
Noah Anderson and Bodhi Uwland were among the better performers, but the overall display raised concerns ahead of a difficult stretch of upcoming fixtures.
Grade: D+
Melbourne Continues Top Four Push
Melbourne comfortably accounted for Essendon by 45 points at the MCG.
The Demons dominated almost every key statistic, including inside 50s, contested possessions and clearances. Max Gawn once again led from the front with 24 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals.
Kysaiah Pickett and Tom Sparrow also played major roles, while debutant Joel Fitzgerald impressed with 26 disposals.
Melbourne’s only real issue was inaccurate kicking in front of goal.
Grade: A
North Melbourne Survives Late Scare
North Melbourne escaped Perth with a one point win over West Coast after nearly letting a strong position slip.
The Kangaroos responded well following a difficult week and improved significantly around the contest. Harry Sheezel starred with 33 disposals and 10 clearances, while Jack Darling and Nick Larkey each kicked four goals.
However, defensive lapses allowed the Eagles back into the contest, and Jake Waterman’s late miss spared North from what could have been a devastating defeat.
Grade: B
St Kilda’s Stars Deliver
St Kilda kept its finals hopes alive with an entertaining eight point win over GWS.
Nasiah Wanganeen Milera was outstanding, finishing with 32 disposals, a goal and 775 metres gained. Liam Ryan produced the best game of his career with six goals, while Cooper Sharman added four majors.
The Saints overcame deficits in inside 50s and clearances through relentless pressure and efficient forward play.
Grade: A-
Sydney Edges Port Adelaide
Sydney claimed a dramatic three point victory over Port Adelaide thanks to a strong final quarter.
Chad Warner, Brodie Grundy and Isaac Heeney lifted when the match was on the line. Warner’s final term was particularly influential as Sydney overturned a nine point deficit at the last change.
The Swans remain firmly among the competition’s elite despite some concerns around contested ball and clearance numbers.
Grade: B+
West Coast Left Heartbroken Again
West Coast suffered another narrow defeat, losing by one point after Jake Waterman hit the post with a set shot in the final minute.
Harley Reid was brilliant early, while Jobe Shanahan showed significant promise in the second half. Debutant Marcus Herbert also impressed.
The Eagles continue to compete hard but poor efficiency inside 50 and Waterman’s ongoing accuracy struggles proved costly once again.