OUR Hampden league exports once again produced big performances but their club’s fortunes were varied across the latest round of the AFL.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Hugh McCluggage were both a part of close games to start the round although both players unfortunately ended up on losing sides.
Ugle-Hagan kicked 1.2 from 11 touches for the Western Bulldogs in their narrow two point loss to Sydney at the SCG last Thursday night, before McCluggage and the Brisbane Lions lost to Melbourne at the MCG by the barest of margins with McCluggage collecting 22 disposals.
The following day, Sean Darcy sustained an ankle injury in Fremantle’s loss to Collingwood, with the big man subbed out in the third quarter. He had recorded nine possessions, laid five tackles and won 24 hit-outs prior to his injury.
Rowan Marshall was one of St Kilda’s best despite his side going down to the Gold Coast Suns at Gold’s Coast’s Heritage Bank Stadium. Marshall had 19 touches, 26 hit-outs and kicked a goal for the Saints.
Willem Drew and his Port Adelaide team-mates tasted defeat for the first time in 14 matches, with the Power falling to Sam Walsh Carlton at Marvel Stadium. Drew was busy through the midfield, collecting 27 touches, six clearances, six inside 50s and laying eight tackles, while Walsh racked up 23 possessions and six tackles for the Blues.
Zach Merrett’s 200th game ended in disappointing fashion, with Essendon well beaten by Gary Rohan and Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. Merrett finished his milestone match with 18 possessions and five tackles, while Rohan kicked a goal from 10 touches for the Cats.
Meanwhile, Josh Corbett kicked two goals from seven possessions in Peel Thunder’s WAFL loss to East Fremantle, Ben Cunnington was a late withdrawal due to calf tightness from North Melbourne’s VFL contest and Jamaine Jones is still recovering from ankle surgery earlier in the season.
