AFL 2024: The SuperCoach takeaways for Super Saturday of round 9
Two upsets, two demolitions and plenty of carnage for Richmond. Here are three SuperCoach takeaways from Super Saturday and a recap of all the action.
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Essendon has claimed 3rd spot on the ladder - the highest it’s been at this point of the year since 2013 - while Richmond’s carnage continues.
With the first two matches of the day handing the GIANTS and Saints shock losses, both Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs put their foot down to push themselves towards top-eight contention.
Plenty of SuperCoach stars shone - Ed Richards (163) and Zac Fisher (140) recorded their highest ever SuperCoach scores - while a host of Dogs and Suns have broken the ton.
But it was the rookies who were particularly impressive across the night.
As always, Super Saturday has left coaches with more questions than answers. Here are the three big takeaways from today – scroll down to recap all the action as it happened.
See live stats and SuperCoach scores in the match centre above.
ROOKIES FIRE
The young stars if the competition have taken SuperCoach by storm this year, and today proved exactly how good they are. Sam Darcy (113), Sam Clohesy (105), Charlie Comben (98), Darcy Wilson (90), Riley Garcia (84), Tom Brown (76), Hugo Garcia (65), Jake Rogers (64) and Joel Freijah (63) all put up solid showings, leaving coaches with plenty of decisions to make.
Many were planning on trading Darcy or Clohesy next week as their cash generation looked to be drying up ... is this no longer a viable option? It is important to keep in mind their teams won by 91 and 68 points respectively, which would have given them greater opportunity to score. I’m sure The Phantom will have all the answers you need in next week’s edition of Burning Questions.
COME BACK, SHEEZEL
Thanks a lot, Clarko. Sheezel’s relocation has seen a serious decrease in his SuperCoach output, posing the question as to whether he will finish the season as a top six defender. Only a few weeks ago, he seemed to be a lock - scoring 100+ every week until Round 8.
Another score under 100, it’s not the worst showing, but far from his best - will this be the new trend for a SuperCoach favourite?
RUCK N ROLL
Max Gawn is settling into the R1 position nicely, but from there, it’s open slather.
Grundy, English and Xerri are hot on his heels, but don’t sleep on Marshall and Meek.
Facing off against each other today, both rucks had their time to shine on multiple occasions, recording scores of 164 and 125 respectively.
At cheaper price points of $504,200 and $476,400, they may well be the answer for SuperCoaches struggling for cash.
RICHMOND VS WESTERN BULLDOGS/GOLD COAST VS NORTH MELBOURNE
SuperCoach FT Analysis
Ed Richards (163) and Zac Fisher (140) have recorded their highest ever SuperCoach scores while a host of Dogs and Suns have broken the ton.
11,909 coaches traded out Sam Darcy (113) while Adam Treloar will only improve his three-round average of 117.3 after a score of 153.
Fisher has been reborn since Sheezel’s push up the ground, with Davies-Uniacke’s 109 points the only other North Melbourne ton after Comben’s score was reduced due to scaling.
McKercher (91) and Sheezel (86) were solid while Clohesy (105) starred.
Rowell (83) and Powell (77) were disappointing.
10.16PM: RIOLI OUT
Maurice Rioli Jnr has been stretchered off the field with a leg injury following a tackle from Adam Treloar. The lively forward’s leg was trapped under his opponent as he writhed in pain.
He was helped off the stretcher once arriving in the rooms, and looked to be unable to bear weight.
The stretcher has been called for Maurice Rioli Jnr after a tangle of legs in tackle.
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 11, 2024
A horrible night for the Tigers 😔#AFLTigersDogspic.twitter.com/PG3EqHaeEP
10.08PM: ROO EVENS THE LEDGER
It is often to accumulators who win the SuperCoach points at North Melbourne, but Luke Davies-Uniacke is finally getting some reward for his in-and-under efforts. Recording 105 points with two minutes to play, he could have seen a better result with improved efficiency.
Charlie Comben’s 100 will be another welcome sight for SuperCoachers - he is currently averaging 74.4 points.
Zac Fisher is now on 140 points ...
Imagine trading him out ...
10.02PM: SUNS REACH NEW HEIGHTS
An incredible snap from Ben Long gives the Suns their highest score of the season.
Similarly to the Dogs, they have six plyers who have scored above 100 points - including Alex Davies who was subbed out at 3QT.
Gold Coast have scored from 33% of their defensive chains when running the ball through the midfield.
9.57PM: HERE COME THE DOGS, AGAIN
This is getting a little ugly.
A 96-point lead to the Dogs.
In SuperCoach terms, this has been great for the owners of Dogs stars and rookies alike. Six Dogs have now registered scores above 100, while Freijah (60) and Garcia (61) will be set to make money.
In Darwin, Clohesy has broken the ton.
9.52PM: ROWELL RISES
It’s a scrappy affair in Darwin, with conditions lending to notable fatigue across the board.
Rowell has worked his way int the game, recording 72 points so far - nothing too great, but a solid comeback.
Popular Roos Harry Sheezel (77) And McKercher (87) have had too been solid, but none as good as Zac Fisher (132).
Is Sheezel’s role change enough for him to drop as a top defensive option?
GC :13.18 (96) v NM: 6.7 (43)
9.42PM: BANKS UPDATE
Richmond says that Sam Banks is now awake and remains at the venue, albeit with a substantial headache.
“The good news from the Richmond rooms is that he is OK,” Jack Riewoldt said on Fox Footy at three-quarter-time.
“He’s up and talking.”
SuperCoach 3QT Analysis
Both games have seen the margins widen in the third quarter, which will prevent major scaling in the respective final terms.
Rookie Sam Darcy is rewarding those who refrained from turning him into a premium, sitting on 93 points at half time, while popular captain selection Bontempelli sits on 89.
Short leads on 69 for Richmond, reflecting their struggle with ball in hand.
Around the grounds, Bailey Humphrey has been subbed into the game in the place of Alex Davies, who succumbed to cramping.
Miller (96) and Fisher (118) lead the way in trying Darwin conditions.
GC: 10.14 (74) v NM: 4.7 (31)
9.29PM: TIGERS HAVE LOST THEIR ROAR
Richmond finally has it’s sixth scoring shot. From it’s last 11 inside 50s, it’s scored only one point.
Following this, they almost conceded another goal with the ball going end-to-end - cue Vlastuin and the goal doesn’t occur. He’ll be recording plenty of SuperCoach points from one percenters, tonight.
Richmond have only recorded 15 possessions inside 50 and it’s been nearly 35 minutes since their last goal.
Well - I look to have broke the curse just by writing that!
Bolton pops up for their fourth major.
He sits in 20 points while Vlastuin has 69. Richards is up to 120 with one minute to play in the third.
9.17PM: BANKS HIT
Sam Banks has suffered a sickening blow, requiring him to be stretchered from the field. He will take no further part in tonight’s match, with Richmond having already activated their sub.
Cumberland, their sub, has now come to the bench after an awkward collision to the back of his head.
9.14PM: CARNAGE GALORE
The first piece of carnage is that Richmond has still only has five scoring shots.
Secondly, Noah Cumberland has entered the game, replacing Jack Graham who once again has ice straooed to his upper leg.
Finally, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan underwent a concussion test following a collision with Ed Richards - he’s now back on the field.
Jack Graham (hamstring) is done for the night 😔#AFLTigersDogspic.twitter.com/vpSvzdxEF0
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 11, 2024
9.10PM: JUST BONT THINGS
There’s plenty going on. Goals are flowing in both games, while North Melbourne and Richmond need to find some fight.
Bont, though, continues to bring the class. He wasn’t scoring too well at the half, but with two goals to his name, he is about to prove once again that you don’t need a crazy amount of disposals to score well.
Rowell continues to struggle, recording only 7 disposals.
GC: 9.12 (66) v NM: 4.7 (31)
9.06PM: TALLS FIRE
While rookie Sam Darcy has recorded yet another major score, Ben King has his first in Darwin - drawing even with Harry McKay in the Coleman medal tally. On 16 points, though, he isn’t close to Darcy in SuperCoach.
Meanwhile, Charlie Comben has passed a concussion test.
9.02PM: DOGS DOMINATE
Adem Yze would have been alarmed at half time, with the Dogs recording 22 scoring shots to the Tigers’ five at half time.
The Bulldogs are:
+48 disposals
+23 inside 50s
+11 marks inside 50
How will Yze respond? It will take monumental SuperCoach performances at the least - cue Bolton? Short? Balta?
If he is to move at the year’s end, you feel as if Liam Baker’s loss will leave a large hole in the Tigers’ outfit - they’re missing his dash tonight.
SuperCoach HT Analysis
Matt Rowell has started slow for the Suns, recording only 34 points at half time. It is rookies Clohesy and Andrew who instead lead the way on 69 points respectively.
Defender Zac Fisher has accumulated 24 disposals to the half, proving the dominance of the Suns - however, it poses the question as the whether North Melbourne’s accumulators have enough of an impact on the end result.
Richards (85) has been amazing for the Dogs in Liberatore’s absence, while rookie rookie Sam Darcy (63) and fallen premium Jack Macrae (55) have also been solid.
Already set for a price decrease this week, Shai Bolton is on only 6 points at the main break.
8.38PM: VLASTUIN SAVES THE DAY
It looked to be a certain goal for the Dogs - kicking to a clear advantage in numbers - but it was a spoil from Vlastuin that prevented an easy mark. Watch his SuperCoach score continue to climb.
8.35PM: FAVOURITES KICK AWAY
Despite today being one of upsets galore, the Dogs and Suns - respective favourites heading into tonight’s match ups - are well on top heading towards half time. Both teams have dominated forward half territory this term.
Kicking 5.11 so far, the Suns could have opened up a greater margin. Despite this, North Melbourne’s SuperCoach stars continue to score, with Fisher leading the way on 89 points following a 13-disposal term.
8.27PM: PLEASURE AND PAIN
Just as James Harmes kicks his first goal as a Dog, Laith Vandermeer has been subbed out of the game - replaced by Luke Cleary.
As a midfielder, Richards has stepped up, sitting on 76 points. Around the grounds, McKercher has also lifted - climbing his way up to 39 points.
In only a matter of minutes, Harmes now has his second goal as a Dog! He’s owned by 5,495 of coaches.
The Bulldogs have also had the last five inside 50s.
James Harmes' first goal as a Bulldog! 🥰ï¸#AFLTigersDogspic.twitter.com/vj8nwrZpSy
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 11, 2024
8.22PM: WHERE’S ROWELL?
The Suns are leading halfway through the first quarter, but Matt Rowell is one SuperCoach star who is starting slow on only 25 points. On the plus side, he has only had four disposals to reach this score, so he has plenty of room to improve.
GC: 4.8 (32) v NM 2.5 (17)
8.15PM: DARCY DAZZLES
It has been a huge day for SuperCoach rookies, and it’s not finishing here.
Sam Darcy has scored the Dogs’ last two goals, proving to be a headache for Nick Vlaustin.
This is the perfect match up for SuperCoaches, with both players having the ability to produce big scores.
SuperCoach QT Analysis
Traded in by 1,441 coaches this week, Jayden Short has finished the term on 38 points.
After firing in all cylinders for the last two weeks, Bailey Dale sits on 23 points.
It is his counterpart Ed Richards who leads the way on 57.
On the other side of the country, popular pick Sam Flanders (36) and potential POD Mac Andrew (35) are top-scoring for the Suns while four roos sit on forty points or more.
GC: 2.4 (16) v NM: 1.4 (10)
7.58PM: DO NOT ENTER
Richmond have been largely unable to enter it’s forward half, with the Bulldogs controlling field position.
As a result, their top four SuperCoach scorers are all defenders - Nick Vlastuin, Jayden Short, Ben Miller and Brown.
They have conceded 20 inside 50s to 8 with one minute left to play in the first term.
Short’s score could have been higher if his attempted shot was soft-called a goal, with the score review coming up inconclusive.
The score review sticks with umpires call on this shot at goal from Jayden Short ðŸ¤#AFLTigersDogspic.twitter.com/d9Al4eqIBo
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 11, 2024
7.46PM: ROOKIES RISE
Alongside those I’ve already mentioned, Sam Clohesy has popped up for a goal while Alex Sexton is accumulating plenty of the ball upon his return.
If, like Tim Michell, you strangely held him while he plied his trade in the VFL ... it might be time to start celebrating (this is an official apology, Tim).
7.54PM: SUNS ‘STRUGGLE
After their most disappointing game of the season last week, Gold Coast’s pressure remains low, rated at 179.
Noah Anderson, who features in 4% of teams, is one who needs to lift.
7.47PM: ROGERS ROLLS ON
Speaking of rookies, Jake Rogers has recorded the Suns’ first score of the day. Owned by a similar amount of coaches as Garcia, he looks lively and has registered 16 points so far.
Zac Fisher (25) was traded out by 320 coaches this week ... including me ... while Charlie Comben (32) has also been prolific.
Roger that, Jake 🙌#AFLSunsNorthpic.twitter.com/OWjtbQhBYa
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
7.41PM: DOGS DOMINATE
The Bulldogs have marked their territory early at the MCG, recording the first eight scores before Richmond has been able to register a result.
They have scored from 75% of their inside 50s.
Popular rookie Riley Garcia, owned by 18% of coaches, is off to a flyer, sitting on 23 points already while fellow rookie Tom Brown has a team-high 23.
7.30PM: SUBS NAMED
Noah Cumberland (Richmond), Luke Cleary (Western Bulldogs), Bailey Humphrey (Gold Coast) and Charlie Lazzaro (North Melbourne) have been named as the substitutes for tonight’s clashes.
FT SuperCoach Analysis
Mason Redman led the way in what was a stellar performance from the Bombers tonight, finishing on 133 SuperCoach points despite featuring in only 1% of teams.
Todd Goldstein (97) was also among a host of surprise bolters, and he has been an immense acquisition for the Bombers.
After scaling, popular inclusion Merrett fell just short of a ton (98) alongside Martin (83), reflecting their team-first approach which led to a huge victory.
Green (113) was far from impacted by his ankle injury while Coniglio (97) made a strong return.
Rookie Darcy Jones scored only 37 points, but will still generate good cash, while sub Harvey Thomas recorded a mere 8 points - he may need to be traded, or if you’re happy to hold him, he can warm your bench for a while.
7.09PM: WAVING, SCREAMING, CLAPPING ...
That’s what Bombers supporters are doing right now, and SuperCoaches should be too.
Essendon’s around-the-ground defence was clinical, with Caldwell, Guelfi, Durham and Merrett headlining the tackle count.
The full time SuperCoach analysis is coming right up.
6.56PM: THE HEAT IS ON
With ten minutes to go, both teams are bringing the heat.
The pressure gauge reads 213-246 Essendon’s way - but both of these numbers are well above the AFL average, especially high considering the time in the game.
The GIANTS’ transition game has been quelled, with the visitors struggling to enter their forward half.
They have recorded only 34 inside fifties to Essendon’s 53 so far, and haven’t really looked likely since the first term ...
Unless ...
6.48PM: SUBS ACTIVATED
Giant Conor Stone has been subbed out of the match, replaced by popular SuperCoach rookie Harvey Thomas.
Essendon has also activated it’s sub, with Ben Hobbs replacing Alwyn Davey Jnr.
Both are believed to be tactical.
6.46PM: GUELFI GOODNESS
Matt Guelfi has nullified the run of Lachie Whitfield as a defensive forward, but has also managed three goals of his own. Working his way into the contest across all quarters, his most recent goal could prove pivotal as the Bombers claim a 14-point lead with 14 minutes to play. He is owned by only 110 SuperCoaches.
3QT SuperCoach Analysis
Green’s immense third quarter has not been enough to keep his side in front, but it will be enough to keep SuperCoaches happy.
The top ten scorers, however, are littered with red and black - will Green find some friends around the stoppage?
Aaron Cadman, who is in 20% of teams, remains on only one SuperCoach point at the final break.
Following an early goal, Darcy Jones has also stopped in his tracks on 28 points.
Meanwhile, Parish (47) and Merrett (82) are lifting while Martin (69) will need to do more to break the ton.
6.26: FORWARD FOCUS
In other news, the Bombers have dominated territory this term, with 12 inside 50s to the GIANTS’ five.
There have been plenty of stoppages and another increase in pressure. As a result, Green has accumulated 11 disposals so far this quarter, seven of which have been contested, while Martin has recorded 20 kicks for the game - unfortunately, his efficiency is letting him down at 63%.
Zach Merrett has been involved in three scores for the quarter - including their most recent to Mason Redman, which has given the Bombers the lead. His ball use has given his side great looks in their forward half, catapulting him to 69 points - more than double his half time score.
6.21PM: STRINGER STINGER
We thought we already had Mark of the Year locked in for 2024, but Stringer had other plans.
Sitting on only the 13 points at half time, he is the star who has stepped up for the Bombers, providing the goal to level the scores once more.
It was not just the goal, though, that nearly sent the roof of Marvel Stadium - only seconds before, he faced a three-on-one contest which saw him rise for, and almost bring down, what could have been a mark to rival Elliott’s ANZAC Day screamer.
He dropped the specky, but Stringer hits the scoreboard seconds later 😮â€ðŸ’¨#AFLDonsGiantspic.twitter.com/ziPOr1yO9R
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
6.19PM: TSUNAMI WARNING
So much is said of the orange tsunami, and it has been on full display this quarter - but Essendon has brought it’s own pressure tonight, shutting down the GIANTS defensively and providing a running counter punch.
6.12PM: LANGFORD LIFTS
He was not one who needed to lift after a solid showing in the first half, but Langford has found another level as he so often does.
And here he goes again, another mark inside fifty ... and his fourth goal!
He’s launched himself into third place in the Coleman Medal tally as well as levelling the scores at Marvel Stadium.
Now leading all comers with 96 SuperCoach points, he’s averaging 81.4 points so far this season.
Langford is lighting up Marvel 🤩#AFLDonsGiantspic.twitter.com/mdDPrWllhp
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
6.06PM: MERRETT INVOLVED EARLY
An instant reply to Toby Greene’s captain’s goal, Merrett got the ball rolling to lead to an Essendon goal.
He has been lively early this quarter, adding over ten points to his tally in a matter of minutes.
HT SuperCoach Analysis
Not much changed SuperCoach wise in the second quarter, with Hogan continuing to lead the way through his scoreboard impact, both directly and indirectly.
Coniglio has starred on his return, seeing him register 16 more points than popular midfield counterpart Green due to his efficiency, greater number of kicks and involvement in the GIANTS’ scores.
Zach Merrett has started slow for his lofty standards, but his ability to find the ball could see his score increase rapidly - especially if the game remains close in the final term.
The 9th most traded in player this week, he’s currently placed outside of the top ten scorers on 32 points.
300th gamer Cal Ward has currently accumulated more points than the Bombers skipper, sitting on 40.
Darcy Parish (28) and Jake Stringer (13) have also failed to fire ... can they be the difference in the second half?
5.38PM: MORE THAN A BAG
Hogan might be slightly off track another nine-goal haul, but he won’t need a bag to impact today’s contact.
Involved in everything so far, he’s sitting on a game-high 70 points despite recording only two goals.
This has, however, ticked him over to 300 career goals.
Jesse Hogan has kicked his 300th AFL goal 🙌#AFLDonsGiantspic.twitter.com/D7aDzdo5mX
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
The GIANTS have recorded 12 scores (6.6) and he has seven score involvements.
5.28PM: UNLEASH THE EDGE
Essendon has increased it’s pressure to 207 this quarter, allowing them to counteract the GIANTS’ stoppage dominance.
The latter have scored 20 points from stoppage as opposed the the Bombers’ nine, but their pressure increase has seen them able to create chaos and in turn, disrupt the steadiness GWS found early in the piece.
5.25PM: A MOMENT FOR MERRETT
Just as I finished writing about Merrett’s inability to fire, he has done what he always does and worked himself into the game through his sheer determination to lift his team.
Involved twice in a chain of play which saw a goal to Archie Perkins, it’s a very difficult task to keep him down.
He has eight disposals to his name, but an efficiency of only 50% - not ideal for SuperCoach scoring.
QT SuperCoach Analysis
Merrett has been unable to fire so far in a contest that has seen GWS with all of the momentum.
Todd Goldstein continues to prove his worth to the Bombers, sitting on 38 points, while Hogan is showing shades of the man who haunted Essendon late last year.
Nic Martin continues his hot streak in SuperCoach, while Josh Kelly is rewarding the 2% of coaches who have put their faith in him.
Tom Green is slowly working his way into the game, appearing unhindered by the ankle injury that led to his low score of 5 points last week.
5.00PM: POPULAR PICK FINDS GOALS
A contentious downfield free kick to Toby Greene saw Darcy Jones handed a certain goal - great news for the 52,032 SuperCoaches who brought him into their teams this week.
The GIANTS have now taken a substantial 19-point lead following another major to Conor Stone.
Jesse Hogan ($434,100) looms large on 38 points and features in only 5% of teams, looking likely to replicate his form from their last meeting, which saw the GIANTS claim a 126-point victory off the back of his nine goal haul. Can Ben McKay impose himself before it’s too late?
4.52PM: JR TIME
An impressive forward fifty entry from Essendon gave Alywn Davey Jr the time and space to show off his evasive skills, nailing a spectacular dribbling goal to leave Bombers fans on their feet.
Torp it to Alwyn, he'll do the rest ✨#AFLDonsGiantspic.twitter.com/l7m1NegxjT
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
4.50PM: MARTIN ONE, TWO
Nic Martin ($593,100) is still owned by only 22% of coaches - and so far, it will be a hard watch for those who have missed. A handball chain on the wing in which he featured twice led to an eventual Essendon goal, boosting his score to 22 points already.
4.42PM: WELCOME BACK, CONIGLIO
An old SuperCoach favourite in Stephen Coniglio ($539,800) is accumulating points early on his return from injury. Owned by only 1% of coaches, he could be the POD pick of the day.
4.35PM: ROOKIE NAMED AS SUB
Harvey Thomas ($266,500) will start as the sub for GWS.
Tom Green lives! https://t.co/jFWehotX5A
— Al Paton (@al_superfooty) May 11, 2024
The AFL world continue to honour and remember ex-Giant Cam McCarthy through a pre-game tribute.
HAWTHORN VS ST KILDA
4:25PM: HAWKS HOLD ON IN EPIC
Siren!
It was the Hawks all day in front, and by the skin of their teeth they get home!
Despite only kicking two goals in the second half, Hawthorn get their second win on the trot.
Rowan Marshall was the leader on the ground from a SuperCoach perspective, scoring a whopping 168 points.
Jai Newcombe was the leader for the Hawks, racking up 132 points himself thanks to a massive final term.
Remarkably, seven Saints hit the ton – Marshall, Steele, Wanganeen-Milera, Wood, Bonner, Wilkie and Battle.
4.05PM: DON’T TURN AWAY
We are headed for a classic finish in Launceston, if it’s not the flashiest footy you will see, it is certainly tense and tight.
Josh Battle has nailed the only goal of this quarter, with a number of reliable stars in Steele, Membrey and Ginnivan for the Hawks blowing big chances for their sides.
Every little moment will count as he head towards the finish line.
Rowan Marshall has stretched the gap on Meek, nearly hitting 150 with plenty of time to go.
3:50PM: HAWKS STRIKE LATE TO STRETCH LEAD
The Hawks will be hard to run down in the final stanza, taking a 15-point lead into the last break.
The Saints made the early running in the quarter, before a late goal to Nick Watson gave the Hawks a more comfortable buffer.
In a low-scoring affair, 15 points may be too much to chase.
Lloyd Meek and Rowan Marshall have both brought up the ton, as well as Karl Amon, with Jack Steele and Jai Newcombe not too far behind.
Who will grab the four points from here?
Watson gets out the back on the counter-attack for his second.#AFLHawksSaintspic.twitter.com/UgzAkGi1Gq
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
3:20PM: SAINTS’ TWO BIG EXPERIMENT FALLS BY WAYSIDE
Ross Lyon has made a statement at half-time, tactically subbing out back-up ruck Jack Hayes for Ben Paton.
The scoring however has continued to dry up, with both sides just going end-to-end without much success.
The Hawks have threatened more coming out of the half, but haven’t been able to capitalise.
One change that has worked is the swing forward of Saint Josh Battle, who grabs the first goal of the second half.
Another change for the Saints is the arrival of Ross Lyon to the bench, perhaps for some more direct feedback to his charges.
2:55PM: HAWKS LEAD AT HT
Neither side was able to get on the scoreboard late, so it’s the Hawks taking a 10-point lead into the main break against the Saints.
Rowan Marshall hit back hard in the second, rocketing up the charts to be on 78 SC points at the half, with his opponent Lloyd Meek on 76.
Remarkably, Karl Amon has 18 touches so far, at 100% efficiency.
Darcy Wilson has continued his good form from the Saints’ win over North last week, racking up 56 points himself at the half.
The game remains anyone’s at this point, which side will stand up in the second half?
Dylan Moore is in fine form!#AFLHawksSaintspic.twitter.com/obIDkaygn7
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
2:45PM: HOT HAWKS CONTINUE TO PUNISH
It’s still the Meek and Amon show down in Tassie, with both Hawks operating at will and racking up plenty of points already.
Saint Riley Bonner’s frenetic pas has eased, while Dylan Moore is rewarding the over 2,000 coaches who traded him in this week, already reaching the half-century mark.
The Saints and Hawks continue to trade goals, with this game evenly poised heading towards the main break.
2:25PM: QT: MEEK-MANIA RUNS WILD, BONNER’S HOT START
It’s the Hawks making the early running in Launceston, before the Saints steadied the ship to close out the first quarter.
Riley Bonner has done plenty of damage off half-back, racking up 48 SC points and his star skipper Jack Steele has nabbed 43 points already.
Young guns Darcy Wilson and Hugo Garcia have also made strong starts, graabing 28 and 26 points respectively.
Meek and Amon lead the way for the Hawks.
The Wizard from way downtown 🪄#AFLHawksSaintspic.twitter.com/GNlOmBykWA
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
2:05PM: MIGHTY MEEK STRIKES AGAIN
It was billed as a battle of two in-form ruckman with Lloyd Meek and Rowan Marshall facing off, and so far the Hawk has the upper hand.
The former Docker took a towering mark on the fifty, then set sail with an absolute monster to give his side their third goal of the day.
Meek already has 47(!!) SuperCoach points, with over nine minutes left in the first quarter.
The Hawks have made the hot start at their home away from home.
1:55PM: PHYSICS-DEFYING GOAL FOR THE SAINTS
Both teams are on the board to start this one, with Conor McDonald opening the scoring for the Hawks, before the Saints found an immediate response.
Max King turned every which-way-but-loose, tossed it on the left peg and kicked a floater which looked to be going over the boundary line, somehow a remarkable bounce lands in the hands of Mitch Owens who accepts the gift with kindness.
How about that for a lucky bounce?!#AFLHawksSaintspic.twitter.com/cSiO9JLEdV
— AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2024
1:05PM: SUPERSTAR HAWK’S RETURN MERELY A CAMEO
Hawthorn fans in Tasmania looking to see plenty of superstar Luke Breust will have to be patient, with the premiership hero making his return to the side as the sub.
Breust has not played since Easter Monday, with a groin issue keeping him off the park.
Ben Paton will be the sub for the Saints, making his return from a torn pec he suffered in early February.
Originally published as AFL 2024: The SuperCoach takeaways for Super Saturday of round 9
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