The numbers that matter
The big winners of Round 15
Carlton Blues as one of the form teams of the competition! Who could have seen that coming? Perhaps some of Michael Voss' detractors could have, as it seemed that Voss was squeezing nothing close to the potential out of a playing group deflated by having converted three-quarter time leads into defeats earlier in the season against North Melbourne, Collingwood and Melbourne.
Three weeks ago, Josh Fraser confessed that he wasn't mentally ready to apply for the full-time job at Ikon Park despite beginning his career as interim coach with three wins, but we can't help but wonder what he's feeling now after his side dismantled the GWS Giants, who at the start of the season were forecasted by computer models to win 12-13 games and be in the mix for the lower end of the top-ten. The scoreline doesn't reflect the fact that they should have won by more.
Carlton's percentage of just 91% is a significant disadvantage heading into their final nine matches, but they're just one win outside the expanded top-ten and this rejeuvenated squad could well personify the definition of a 'wildcard' - a team that could shake up September after previously having been amongst the contenders for the wooden spoon.
Despite this immediate success, General Manager of Football Chris Davies told SEN at the weekend that Fraser is "absolutely" out of the race for the full-time job for the time being, with the club confirming he has not yet put his hand up as they assemble together what Davies said is a "long-ish" list of potentials.
That's not to say Fraser is out of contention if he changes his mind, but for now everything is going to plan - and wins over the Eagles and Tigers in their next two games would have the Bluebaggers well and truly excited about what is to come.
The big losers of Round 15
Geelong Cats had a fantastic opportunity to knock off ladder leaders Fremantle but they lost the arm wrestle as the Dockers found a way to overcome the pressure, helped by some costly missed shots at goal along the way even with their excellent overall accuracy of 14.6.
Fremantle themselves had nine more scoring shots, and on another night could have produced a scoreline that was more reflective of their superiority to the Cats in the midfield and in defence, but showed plenty of resolve to overcome their inaccurate first half.
Geelong had a 9.2 to 6.11 half-time lead and were in front by as much as 28 points early in the game having punished Freo's early turnovers, but were left to lament some errors in execution when the pressure was on, leaving some wondering about this current team's ability to stand up to the pressure of September.
Of concern was the lack of impact from key forward Jeremy Cameron, who had just six disposals, two goals and appeared reluctant to engage in dangerous marking contests after falling to ground onto the arm that was broken in last year's Grand Final.
Who booted big bags this week?
There was only one change to the top-five of the Coleman Medal race this weekend with Nick Watson moving up to 36 goals. The only players to kick four this week were Cooper Trembath (Kangaroos), Dylan Moore (Hawks) and Ben Long (Suns).
Team of the Week
As always, we have compiled a Team of the Week based on fantasy points from the official AFL.com game. There were some enormous scores this week, led by Fremantle ruckman Luke Jackson who has to be one of the best contenders for your captain if he was not already!
Goal of the Week
Mark of the Week
The naughty boys
(Sanctions for Sunday's games TBA)
Suspensions:
Josh Weddle - Rough conduct - 3 matches
Sam Clohesy - Rough conduct - 2 matches
High-range fines:
Toby Greene - Striking - $1875 or $3125 fine
Low-range fines:
Andrew Brayshaw - Umpire contact - $1000 or $1500 fine
Jack Ginnivan - Striking - $1000 or $1500 fine
Sam Cumming - Umpire contact - $1000 or $1500 fine
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera - Obscene gesture - $1000 or $1500 fine
Next weekend's fixtures
