Round 6 was highlighted by several thrilling finishes, with six matches decided by less than three goals.

BOX HILL HAWKS     3.4   7.7   11.10   16.13 (109)
COLLINGWOOD        2.3   8.4   13.7      15.10 (100)

The Box Hill Hawks celebrate the 500th match of the Box Hill-Hawthorn alignment in style, defeating Collingwood by nine points at Kennedy Community Centre on Friday night. The Hawks, who had not defeated the Magpies for over three years coming into this game, led for almost the entirety of the opening half but headed into the main break behind after a late blitz from the visitors. Three goals in five minutes to start the third quarter saw Collingwood reach a game-high 21-point advantage before the Hawks fought back to bring the margin back to single digits entering the final term. Back-to-back Kye Declase majors sparked the home side, would controlled much of the final quarter to finish the game victorious. Declase finished with three goals for the game, alongside Matt Hill, while Henry Hustwaite filled the stat sheet with 30 disposals, 13 contested possessions and seven clearances. Ed Allan was excellent again for Collingwood, picking up a team-high 28 disposals as well as six clearances and a goal, whilst Jakob Ryan was excellent in defence with 26 touches and 10 marks. Bobby Hill continued to take big steps forward in his bid for an AFL return, booting three goals on limited game time.

BEST
Box Hill Hawks: Henry Hustwaite, Sam Sofronidis, Trent Bianco, Harry Morrison, Matt Hill, Sam Butler
Collingwood: Ed Allan, Will Phillips, Tew Jiath, Jakob Ryan, Oskar Faulkhead, Bobby Hill
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RICHMOND   5.4   6.5   8.8   9.8 (62)
FRANKSTON  3.3   5.4   8.5   11.8 (74)

Frankston left it late to record their third triumph of the season, defeating Richmond by 12 points at Kinetic Stadium. The Dolphins, who were the away side despite playing on their home ground, battled early against a Tigers outfit featuring just three AFL-listed players. Richmond kicked five goals in the opening quarter, and despite being limited to just three majors across the next two quarters, still held a three-point advantage at three quarter time. The Tigers managed just one goal in the final term, with Frankston producing the final six scores of the match to come from behind and claim back-to-back wins for the first time this year. Trent Mynott (31 disposals, 11 clearances), Jackson Voss (28 disposals, six intercepts) and Darby Hipwell (24 disposals, seven tackles) were prolific for Frankston, while Corey Ellison booted three of his side’s 11 goals. Richmond’s best included Samson Ryan (34 hitouts, 20 disposals, one goal), Mutaz El Nour (24 disposals, 10 marks) and Lachlan Street (25 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles).

BEST
Richmond: Samson Ryan, Mutaz El nour, Lachlan Street, Joel Garner, Tom McKenzie, Harry Scott
Frankston: Trent Mynott, Jackson Voss, George Grey, Corey Ellison, Will Hamill, Harrison Coe
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SOUTHPORT SHARKS           4.3   7.4   9.8   12.8 (80)
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS     1.0   5.6   7.7   10.10 (70)

Southport exacted some revenge on Footscray, with a 10-point win over the Bulldogs in the Grand Final rematch at Fankhauser Reserve. The Sharks peppered the goals to start the match, producing all but one of the eight scoring shots in the opening quarter to lead by 21 points at quarter time. That lead stretched as far as 32 points in the second term. While the deficit did dwindle into single digits at stages during the third and fourth quarters, the reigning premiers never hit the front after managing to put successive goals together just once in the second half. Jesse Joyce had a terrific all-round performance for the Sharks, registering a season-high 33 disposals as well as eight rebound 50s. Reigning J.J. Liston Trophy winner Jacob Dawson (31 disposals, 10 clearances) was prolific on his return from suspension and Max Spencer (21 disposals, 12 intercepts) also stood tall. Bulldogs premiership captain Daniel Orgill was tough at it and laid a whopping 14 tackles, while Cooper Craig-Peters was the team’s leading ball winner with 24 touches.

BEST
Southport: Jesse Joyce, Max Spencer, Campbell Lake, Jacob Dawson, Hewago Oea, Brock Aston
Footscray: Dan Orgill, Oskar Baker, Lachlan Smith, Connor Smith, Cooper Craig-Peters, Cooper Hynes
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CARLTON        7.1   7.5   11.10   14.14 (98)
ST KILDA         2.3   6.9   9.10      13.15 (93)

Carlton moved into eighth spot on the ladder with a third-straight win after holding on to defeat St Kilda by five points at IKON Park. The Blues enjoyed an opening-term blitz with seven goals to two, before being kept goalless in second quarter to see their lead reduced to just two points at the main break. St Kilda’s momentum would continue in the third term, booting the opening two goals to hit the front, before Carlton responded with four of the next five goals to lead by 12 points at the last change. The Blues looked to have the game in their keeping when leading by 19 points at the 16-minute mark of the final term but had to hold off on last charge from the Saints in the dying stages. George Hewett stood out again in his third match at VFL level, picking up 31 disposals, 12 marks and six clearances, as well as kicking two goals. He was assisted by Billy Wilson (28 touches, five inside 50s) and father-son prospect Cody Walker, who gave Carlton fans plenty to get excited about with 26 touches and five clearances on debut. Hugh Boxshall did all he could for the Saints with 33 disposals, 12 marks and seven tackles, while Bailey McKenzie slotted three goals. St Kilda’s day was further soured by a hamstring injury to key forward Max King during the second quarter after making a promising start.

BEST
Carlton: George Hewett, Lachie Fogarty, Hudson O'Keeffe, Blake Acres, Cody Walker, Dane Harvey
St Kilda: Hugh Boxshall, Alex Dodson, Lance Collard, Paddy Dow, Tobie Travaglia, Kye Fincher
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GEELONG CATS                       2.2   4.10   8.15   11.20 (86)
NORTH MELBOURNE            3.1   6.3     9.4      11.7 (73)

Geelong remains on top of the Smithy’s VFL ladder after withstanding a tough challenge from North Melbourne to prevail by 13 points at GMHBA Stadium. The lead changed hands multiple times across the first half, with the margin not reaching double digits until Darcy MacPherson’s second major at the 22-minute mark of the second term. The Cats controlled greater parts of the game and would finish the afternoon +24 in clearances and +16 in inside 50s but would struggle to take the game by the scruff of the neck due to their inaccuracy, kicking eight behinds in the second quarter. It wasn’t until late that they claimed scoreboard ascendancy, kicking two of the final three goals to create breathing space late. George Stevens played a huge role in the triumph, amassing 34 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 12 clearances and six inside 50s. He was well supported by Jhye Clark and Marcus Herbert, who had 32 and 27 touches respectively, while Jamieson Ballantyne kicked a game-high three majors. For the Kangaroos, Cooper Harvey impressed in back-to-back matches, picking up 32 touches while Darcy MacPherson (23 disposals, two goals) and Thomson Dow (22 disposals, nine tackles) were also industrious.

BEST
Geelong: Nathan Kreuger, Jhye Clark, George Stevens, Jamieson Ballantyne, Mitchell Knevitt, Marcus Herbert
North Melbourne: Taylor Goad, Thomson Dow, Darcy MacPherson, Cooper Harvey, Riley Hardeman, Hugh Byrne
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COBURG                       4.2   8.4     14.9   17.13 (115)
BRISBANE LIONS      1.6   3.10   4.11   6.15 (51)

Coburg returned to the winners’ list in fine style, comprehensively defeating the Brisbane Lions by 65 points at Barry Plant Park. The intent was set early in the match, with the hosts taking advantage of Brisbane’s inaccuracy in front of goal to establish a 14-point quarter time lead, before stretching the advantage to 24 points at half time despite producing one less scoring shot than their opponents. Coburg rammed home its advantage in the second half to record their largest score since Round 10 last year, which was also the last time they reached triple figures in a game. Mitch Podhajski and Jaiden Stephenson each kicked five majors, the latter also laying seven tackles. Joel Trudgeon could also stake claims for best on ground after having 30 touches, 12 tackles, seven inside 50s, six clearances and two goals. For the visiting Lions, Luke Beecken was a standout with 27 disposals and five rebound 50s.

BEST
Coburg: Donovan Toohey, Jaidyn Stephenson, Mitch Podhajski, Joel Trudgeon, Tom Barnett, Will Hoare
Brisbane Lions: James Tunstill, Shadeau Brain, Luke Beecken, Reece Torrent, Tahj Abberley, Will McLachlan
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ESSENDON                  4.3   9.5   9.7     11.9 (75)
WILLIAMSTOWN       3.2   4.7   8.13   12.16 (88)

Williamstown overcame a 28-point deficit to run away with a 13-point triumph over Essendon at Windy Hill. The Bombers led throughout the opening three quarters and looked on track to secure their third win of the year. The visitors made their charge late in the third term after wasting several golden chances earlier in the quarter. They took the lead at the five-minute mark of the final term and despite Essendon responding to regain the advantage, the Seagulls would not be denied – kicking four of the last five goals. Joel Fitzgerald was the difference with an effort that included 40 disposals, eight marks, eight tackles, eight inside 50s and two goals in what was a truly dominant display against his former side. Diesel Moloney enjoyed a breakout game, with a season-high four goals. For the Bombers, Liam McMahon and Hussien El Achkar each slotted three majors and Elijah Tsatas picked up where he left off in his VFL return, collecting 34 disposals and 10 clearances.

BEST
Essendon: Will Setterfield, Nick Bryan, Jared Eckersley, Cam Nyko, Hussien El Achkar, Tyler Sellers
Williamstown: Joel Fitzgerald, Diesel Moloney, Jake Greiser, Toby Triffett, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Alex Mirkov
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TASMANIA                    5.3   9.9   16.10   19.12 (126)
SANDRINGHAM         3.2   5.5   9.6        15.10 (100)

It didn’t take long for Tasmania to return to winning ways, proving too strong for Sandringham by 26 points at UTAS Stadium on Sunday. The Devils steadily built their lead throughout the first half despite strong resistance from the Zebras and led by 28 points at half time. But it was the third quarter that would truly separate the two sides, as the hosts booted seven goals to reach a game-high 56-points advantage. Sandringham kicked six of the last seven majors of the game to make it a respectable margin at match end. Jye Menzie was outstanding for Tasmania, amassing 24 disposals and 10 tackles while also kicking three majors. Others to stand tall for the hosts included Caleb Mitchell (29 disposals, six score involvements) and Jed Hagan (four goals). Brandon Leary blew up the highlights reel with three spectacular marks despite the wet conditions. Andreas Stefanakis had arguably his best game of the season for the Zebras, amassing 29 disposals, seven clearances and two goals.

BEST
Tasmania: Jye Menzie, Brandon Leary, Caleb Mitchell, Baxter Norton, Nick Williams, Daniel Cooney
Sandringham: Andreas Stefanakis, Noah Yze, Darcy Chirgwin, Nathan Philactides, Daniel Pinter, Bode Stevens
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SYDNEY SWANS       7.4   10.6   12.10   14.10 (94)
CASEY DEMONS       2.2   3.6      8.7        11.11 (77)

The Sydney Swans led from start to finish to claim their fourth-successive win and maintain fourth spot on the ladder, defeating Casey Demons by 17 points at Tramway Oval. A seven-goal to two opening term set the tone for the Swans before they extended that margin to 42 points by half time. The Demons fought back in the second half to make but weren’t ever able to get close enough to truly worry their hosts, as they went down to the Swans for the first time at this level in club history. Continuing their hot form in recent weeks, Caiden Cleary (38 disposals, seven marks) and Peter Ladhams (31 disposals, 33 hitouts, eight clearances) again dominated while Corey Warner was also terrific with 27 touches and two goals. The Demons were led by Riley Bonner (36 disposals, 11 marks) and Tom McDonald (27 disposals, 10 intercept possessions), while Tom Matthews kicked a game-high three majors, including a goal of the year contender in the third quarter.

BEST
Sydney Swans: Joel Hamling, Patrick Snell, Mitch Mellis, Harry Cunningham, Corey Warner
Casey Demons: Jed Adams, Tom McDonald, Ethan Stanley, Tom Matthews, Luker Kentfield, Tahj De La Rue
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PORT MELBOURNE  3.4   5.6   11.11   13.12 (90)
WERRIBEE                    1.2   5.6   7.7         9.10 (64)

Port Melbourne leapfrogged Werribee on the ladder with a 26-point triumph over the Tigers at ETU Stadium. The Borough made the better start to lead by 14 points at the first break, however Brady Wright sparked a Werribee revival with three first-half goals for the second week in a row. The game remained tight for a chunk of the third quarter before multiple goals from each of Josh Tovey and Michael Rudd split the game open for the Borough, giving the home side a 28-point lead at the final change and they never looked back thereafter to claim their third win of the season. Dom Bedendo and Max Rider led the scoring for the victors with three goals apiece, whilst Ben Hobbs starred again with 29 disposals, 11 clearances and six tackles. For Werribee, Dom Brew, Charlie Lazzaro and Jack Riding each produced double-digit numbers in the tackle column, while Xavier Ivisic produced a promising display.

BEST
Port Melbourne: Ben Hobbs, Kaine Baldwin, Josh Tovey, Riley Polkinghorne, Tom Hird, Max Rider
Werribee: Xavier Ivisic, Brady Wright, Mace Cousins, Ajang Kuol Mun, Jack Riding, Charlie Lazzaro
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GOLD COAST SUNS 5.3   8.7      9.10   11.12 (78)
GWS GIANTS               5.3   11.4   15.6   21.8 (134)

The GWS Giants ended the round with another statement performance, downing the Gold Coast Suns by 56 points at People First Stadium. The match began in entertaining fashion, with each side kicking five goals in the opening term, with the Suns having the early running before the Giants levelled the scores at the first break. Despite the visitors building a small buffer in the second quarter, the game was still up for grabs as late as the nine-minute mark of the third quarter when just nine points separated the two sides. However, the Giants nailed five straight majors in quick succession to blow the margin out to 32 points at the last change, before going on to kick six final-term goals to enjoy a percentage boost. GWS had four players kick three goals or more, headlined by Max Gruzewski whose four majors made it nine goals in his previous two matches. Harry Rowston dominated in the midfield and finished with 33 touches, only to be outdone in the disposals column by Gold Coast’s Jai Murray who had 41, to go along with nine marks, six clearances and six inside 50s.

BEST
Gold Coast Suns: Ben Jepson, Jai Murray, Jake Rogers, Max Knobel, Nick Holman, Asher Eastham
GWS Giants: Jack Ough, Louie Montgomery, Harry Rowston, Harvey Hooper, Toby McMullin, Nicholas Kelly
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