Walking into the press box this weekend, I felt that familiar mix of anticipation and dread that only footy fans and analysts truly understand. Another round of AFL matches, another chance to witness either brilliance or heartbreak—sometimes both in the same game. This week's results have left me with plenty to digest, particularly when reflecting on that powerful message circulating online about young athletes holding rosaries before battle, fighting for their country with "no excuses" despite being just 16 years old. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in sports, where raw emotion meets relentless pressure.
Let’s start with the standout clash between Richmond and Geelong. Final score: Geelong 84 to Richmond 78. I’ve got to say, watching Tom Hawkins dominate in the forward line with 4 goals and 18 disposals was something special. At 34, he’s proving age is just a number, but what struck me more was Richmond’s response after halftime. They clawed back from a 22-point deficit, showing the kind of grit that reminds me of those young players mentioned earlier—holding onto faith and fighting tooth and nail, even when the odds are stacked against them. Statistically, Richmond won the clearance battle 38-31, but their accuracy let them down, kicking 11 behinds to Geelong’s 9. It’s moments like these where I think about how mental fortitude, much like those rosary-clutching youngsters embody, can make or break a game. Personally, I’ve always believed that teams who maintain composure under fire, drawing on something bigger than themselves, often find a way to rally. Richmond did that, but Geelong’s experience sealed the deal.
Moving to the Western Bulldogs versus Melbourne matchup, which ended 91-85 in Melbourne’s favor. This one was a rollercoaster, folks. The Bulldogs led by 15 points early in the third quarter, but Melbourne’s midfield, led by Clayton Oliver with 32 disposals and 7 tackles, just wore them down. I’ve followed Oliver for years, and his ability to influence games in tight situations is unmatched—he’s like that 16-year-old athlete who, despite criticism, focuses on the fight rather than the noise. Speaking of youth, the Bulldogs’ Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, at just 20 years old, booted 3 goals and showed flashes of brilliance that make me excited for the future. Yet, as the reference about "a lot of work needing to be done" suggests, potential alone isn’t enough. The Bulldogs had 12 scoring shots in the second half but only converted 6, highlighting a recurring issue I’ve noticed this season: they struggle under pressure. From my perspective, this is where AFL clubs could learn from that inspirational message—instilling a culture where players, young or old, embrace challenges without excuses. Melbourne did that better today, and it showed in their disciplined defense that forced 15 turnovers in the final quarter alone.
Now, onto the Collingwood and Essendon thriller, which Collingwood narrowly won 77-75. As a longtime fan, I’ll admit I’m biased toward games that go down to the wire, and this one didn’t disappoint. Essendon’s Zach Merrett was phenomenal, racking up 29 disposals and 2 goals, but Collingwood’s team effort, especially in the last five minutes, was a masterclass in resilience. It brings to mind that idea of playing for something greater—the "Bayan" or nation spirit. In AFL, we often talk about stats like possession counts (Collingwood had 378 to Essendon’s 361) or inside 50s (Essendon led 52-48), but what sticks with me is the human element. I’ve seen young players crumble in high-stakes moments, but today, Collingwood’s rookies, some as young as 19, stepped up without hesitation. It’s a reminder that, much like those 16-year-olds holding rosaries, belief can bridge the gap between talent and triumph. However, Essendon’s loss, despite their efforts, underscores that "no excuses" mentality—they had opportunities but faltered in execution, something I’ve criticized them for in past analyses.
Wrapping up, this week’s AFL action has been a mix of predictable outcomes and surprising twists, but the underlying theme for me is resilience. Reflecting on that poignant reference, it’s clear that whether you’re a teenager facing critics or a professional athlete in a packed stadium, the core of sports lies in fighting with heart. The results—Geelong’s narrow win, Melbourne’s comeback, Collingwood’s clutch performance—all point to teams that, in their own ways, embody that spirit. Sure, the data shows areas for improvement, like Richmond’s need for better accuracy or Essendon’s late-game focus, but as an analyst who’s been around the block, I’ve learned that numbers only tell part of the story. The rest is about the intangible drive, the rosaries in hand, the refusal to make excuses. Looking ahead, I’m eager to see how these lessons shape the season, because in AFL, as in life, getting back up after a loss is where true character shines.
