As we enter the last remaining rounds of the 2016 season, with dead rubbers across the board, let's take a look at some of the best games of the year as we head into what shapes to be an entertaining finals series.
Storified by Jayden Cameron ·
Tue, Aug 09 2016 00:49:15
Round 1 - Geelong 116 - 86 Hawthorn
This year in the off-season, it was all about the recruits and the impact that they may, or may not, have with their new clubs. There was none bigger than Brownlow favourite - Patrick Dangerfield. A superstar for the Adelaide Crows, the return to his hometown was more publicised than any celebrity, and for good reason. The dynamic midfielder didn't disappoint the Geelong faithful in his first game in the blue and white hoops. Facing the back-to-back-to-back premiers in Hawthorn, Dangerfield delivered in all fronts - except for goal kicking - amassing 43 disposals in a best on ground performance. However, Dangerfield's presence only added to the drama that is exclusively involved when Hawthorn and Geelong take centre stage. Geelong, once again, proved too good for the reigning premiers, with their run and dash - and Dangerfield - dominating them in the midfield with a healthy advantage in clearances and inside 50s. Geelong prevailed by 30points, elevating them to early premiership favourites.
Round 14 - St. Kilda 93 - 90 Geelong
Round 1 was an absolute blinder, and set up the rest of the season. Round 14 back in 2009 was an almighty thrilled between St.Kilda and Geelong, in which both teams were undefeated. Many believed that this was a gimme for the Cats, but how they were wrong. The Saints were the inconsistent team of the competition, and probably still are when travelling interstate, but Etihad Stadium is their home for good reason. Much like the dogs, their relentless pressure-style game plan had proved significantly hard to beat for the Hawks and Kangaroos earlier in the season, and this was no different.
Seb Ross put his name out for the media in what was a best on ground performance for the 50 game Saint. Whilst he collected 33 disposals of his own, limiting the impact of danger man, Dangerfield was what caught the eye of most. Dangerfield racked up 29 disposals - his equal lowest count since round 10 - with many of them being behind the ball and ineffective for Geelong's momentum for majority of the game. While the Saints raced out of the blocks early, it was late in the game that had media personnel and footy fanatics applauding. Their composure under pressure, and hunger to stay ahead in a tight game for the first time this season after losing a couple of close encounters previously, was what coach Alan Richardson was pleased with most. Collectively, they were able to eclipse the Cats in the clearance count, and apply pressure which allowed more tackles, especially in their forward 50 [11-4]. This unexpected 93-90 win for the up and coming Saints continued their run of 7 wins in 9 games, pushing for an unlikely finals berth.
Round 3 - Hawthorn 93 - 90 Western Bulldogs
The Hawks were filled with expectations, and after a poor start to the season - many had written them off. However, with three close games in as many weeks - they proved they are still the team to beat. Firstly with the Dogs in round three, their experience, and health proved costly for the unfortunate Dogs, with James Sicily kicking three last-quarter goals to steal a win by 3 points. The pressure however was finals like intensity and the Dogs staked their claim for premiership credentials for 2016. Whilst they were close, and perhaps should have won, the game was soured by the season-ending injury to Dogs captain and AFL-loved, Robert Murphy, the first of many for the injury-plagued Dogs throughout the season.
Round 4 - Hawthorn 87 - 84 St. Kilda
Fast-forward another week, and the Hawks would face the Saints in Launceston, where they were expected to blitz the less-fancied opponent. However, the games are played for a reason, and the Saints clearly showed that. Having trailed most of the game, and due to a few contentious decisions, the Hawks again prevailed by the same margin, three points. Coach Alastair Clarkson labelled the game as 'the better side has probably lost in the past two games' after his sides narrow victory.
Round 5 - Hawthorn 112 - 109 Adelaide
Fast-forward another week again, and the Hawks would face the fast-improving Adelaide Crows at the home of football, the MCG. Whilst the Crows may have lost Dangerfield, they were a force to be reckoned with by providing consistent performances over the first four games, and were certainly no easy beats. In what proved another nail-biter, the Hawks were again the subject of contentious umpiring, benefiting in the dying stages, as Pupolo's goal in the last 30 seconds proved too much, again triumphing by three points.
Round 2 - Collingwood 87 - 86 Richmond
Round two proved too much hype for the Pies and Tigers, who would be out of finals contention half-way through the season. However, they were able to produce one of the games of the season. In a game that lacked skill and clean ball movement, it made up in tense and thrilling moments, with both Fasolo and Riewoldt kicking three alst-quarter goals for their respective sides setting up five remaining minutes of mayhem. With the Tigers looking home with 20 seconds to go, a deliberate out-of-bounds whistle brought life into the game, as Grundy snapped a goal with only a few seconds remaining, to give the Pies an unlikely victory. Trailing for the majority of the game, the result looked dead and buried with half a quarter to go, however four of the last five goals gave the Pies one of the few wins for 2016.
Round 2 - Essendon 80 - 67 Melbourne
Essendon's tumultuous season began in early October, with the WADA decision being handed down, and the Essendon 34 being banned for 2016. All Australians would understand the heartache and suffering these players would have endured over the season, but they did get a glimpse of the future early in the season. With young guns like Parish and Francis combining with rookie listed players like McDonald-Tipungwuti, gallant performances were a perfect learning curve heading into next season. They were always going to cause a boilover during the season, and they did just that in round two against the Demons. Parish showed off his flare by collecting 21 disposals in just his second career game. Furthermore, this suspension handed down has given Zach Merret the space to announce his name as one of the competition's best. He collected 32 disposals and 2 goals against the Demons, while on the season is averaging 29 disposals [+6.6 per game from 2015] and 6.5 tackles per game.
Round 5 - Carlton 72 - 68 Fremantle
Carlton were the most active in the off-season, acquiring multiple GWS young draftees who were looking for more opportunity - as well as a new coach. Expectations were low and there was no pressure on the new coach, but installing his game plan immediately elevated the Blues quickly through the start of the year. In another game that lacked fluent ball movement and skill, the Blues managed to carve up an away win against a poor Fremantle outfit. Gibbs led the charge with 27 touches, and looked to be like his old-self once again. While this game was poor and extremely hard to watch as a fan, it led to winning five out of six games, including one against the more-fancied premiership favourites, Geelong.
Round 17 - Hawthorn 75 - 70 Sydney
The two best teams for most of the last decade produced another chapter in their long rivalry. The Hawks and Swans again did battle in what was a top of the table clash up in Sydney. Both equipped with talented midfield depth and strong defences, the game was always going to be about contested footy, and be able to produce on the scoreboard. The lead alternated each quarter, with the Swans hanging on throughout the first and third quarters, while Hawks were able to steal the second. The last quarter proved why these two teams were possibly playing a grand final preview with their pressure intensity and skill around the ball. However, due to some costly errors in defence, the Hawks were given one last opportunity - and it was Cyril Rioli. The small-forward was able to nail a set-shot from 50m on the flank to give the Hawks yet again, an unlikely victory. Drawing a close to the season, these two look like facing each other once again, maybe on the biggest stage of them all - the Grand Final.
Round 20 - Melbourne 110 - 81 Hawthorn