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AFL 2024: Follow live updates and SuperCoach scores on super Saturday

Four Swans break the ton in SuperCoach while a popular Bomber obtains redemption. All scores, news and SuperCoach analysis here.

Mitch Bourke and Chloe Williams
24 min read
March 24, 2024 - 10:40AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Sydney star KO'd after 'shocking' incident

Well, that was a bit chaotic.

A melee, a Ronaldo-style goal and seven SuperCoach scores above 100.

The Swans dominated the scoring through their elite kicking ability, which saw popular pick Isaac Heeney pull out another huge number.

There was plenty of heat in the game following Peter Wright’s early hit on Harry Cunningham, and the a tug-of-war ensued up until the final ten minutes of the match.

Due to this, scaling came in handy in providing SuperCoaches with some very captain-worthy scores.

This was the final match of a Super Saturday bonanza, which saw an injury-plagued Melbourne side decimate Hawthorn whilst Fremantle recovered from a five-goal deficit to down North Melbourne convincingly.

FT: SWANS ‘RUN AND GUN’ THEIR WAY TO VICTORY

Only once since 2010 have Essendon trumped Sydney at the SCG - a tally that now continues to tick on.

The Swans capitalised during red-time - scoring 81 to the Bombers’ 27 after the 20th minute of each quarter. SuperCoach wise, this made for some seriously scaled points, especially in the final quarter.

Isaac Heeney and Tom Papley put in a four quarter effort, with the former collecting a game-high 32 possessions at 78% efficiency while the latter kicked four goals.

Sydney’s supreme kicking ability won them the game, but it’s also a huge win for SuperCoaches, with twelve Swans scoring above 80.

Nic Martin redeemed himself with a score of 93, but with a breakeven of 122, is that enough for coaches to hold him for the long term? Will this change once more when Redman returns?

Will Setterfield could emerge as a POD for those searching for answers in the midfield, with 17 contested possesions , 7 tackles, 7 inside 50s and 7 score involvements making him a very likeable selection. A score of 126 off the back of 117 will prick the ears of plenty of coaches - owned by only 0.3% of players.

Only 470 coaches own Logan McDonald, whose score of 128 was short lived. Retuning to normality, and reflecting the life of a key forward, he scored a 53 tonight - still double his breakeven.

SuperCoach Leaders

Tom Papley - 155

Errol Gulden - 149

Isaac Heeney - 128

Zach Merrett - 132

Will Setterfield - 126

Jade Gresham - 121

Chad Warner - 102

Brodie Grundy - 99

Nic Martin - 93

Matt Roberts - 94

10.20: LATE POINTS ARE GOOD POINTS

Late goals from Jordon and Warner will make SuperCoaches smile.

Make that two for Warner, who will now almost certainly break the ton. Since Sydney gained control of the game in the third quarter, their SuperCoach stocks have seen a huge spike - scoring 6.4 off transition and involving plenty of key players along the way.

11 Swans sit above 80 points, whilst Gulden (149) and Papley (154) lead the way.

10.13: GRUNDY - HOLD OR SELL?

Well, well, well. SuperCoach strikes again.

Just as it seemed that Grundy was going to record a consecutive score below 80, he has been amongst the top performing players in the final quarter. Flying to the top of the leaderboard, Grundy’s work in the contest has seen him record ten score involvements. With an efficiency of 58%, he could have already exceeded 100 points - but we must anxiously await the final minutes to see if his current 98 rises.

He dominated the hit outs all night with not a lot of reward, but since Draper’s exit, he has been able to influence Sydney’s forward half launches.

10.05: SCALING STARTS

Merrett is back after a quick rest - and has cracked the ton, may I add - while Alwyn Davey Jnr has already laid a tackle which led to Gresham’s goal. Essendon is within two kicks - what’s with this whole within-ten-point margin thing?

Well, that lasted about a minute before Gulden went back and recorded his second major with composure - ending the Bombers’ three-goal streak.

As I was saying - these moments mean more. He now finds himself on 145 points, leading all comers SuperCoach wise.

9.59: COME WITH ME, BOYS

Another solid snap from Zach Merrett.

The latest moment in a game that Brad Scott has used the sub - and Alwyn Davey Jnr’s run is just what they need after Sydney used their substitute Corey Warner in the first five minutes.

Sam Draper was the one to make way on 52 SuperCoach points, with his one goal, 12 disposal (9 contested) and eight hit out effort making for a good return.

How will this impact Grundy’s score? Will Merrett still dominate the midfield without Draper’s assistance? I suppose we will see ...

Zach Merrett has been inspirational for Essendon in the final term. Pic: Michael Klein
Zach Merrett has been inspirational for Essendon in the final term. Pic: Michael Klein

9.54: MERRETT’S MOMENT

The heat inside fifty. The perfect tackle. The goals. A moment made for Merrett, captain Zach is galvanising his team.

“If I was the captain of Essendon, that’s what I’d be doing,” said Jobe Watson, before realising he was, in fact, the captain of Essendon.

They’re now within four goals, and as the game inches closer, remember that scaling comes into play in important moments. Holding that mark, slotting that goal after the siren, or giving away a fifty metre penalty - all of the actions can have huge SuperCoach ramifications late in the game.

Will Merrett’s score of 78 make it’s way into the hundreds as this final quarter progresses? With only one of their last eight matchups being decided by more than ten points, it remains a possibility.

3QT: TUG OF WAR GOES SWANS’ WAY

I said whoever wrestles control would see their popular SuperCoach picks rise - Gulden (100), Heeney (102) and Papley (122) proved just that. Sydney had spent 49% of the quarter in possession, utilising their talent to aggressively sling the ball down the ground find targets inside fifty.

Popular cheapies Matt Roberts ($156,800) and James Jordon ($275,500) sit on scores of 64 and 57 respectively, and Roberts in particular is one of many Swans whose kicking ability makes him an asset.

His eleven disposals (eight kicks) at 91% efficiency see him amongst the pack of high-flying SuperCoach Swans.

Jordon’s efficiency is letting him down at 67%, but sitting on only one turnover, he could easily record an 80+ score for the third week running and is already projected to rise by $32,000.

Will Setterfield has stamped himself as one to consider, the Bombers’ top scorer on 97 at the final break. At $475,000, he was a popular stepping stone-turned-keeper is 2023 - could he be the real value pick, at a cheaper price than Nic Martin?

A lot of this will come down to his performance when Darcy Parish rejoins the side, but with a score of 119 last week, he must be thrown into contention.

SuperCoach Leaders

Tom Papley - 123

Isaac Heeney - 102

Errol Gulden - 100

Will Setterfield - 97

Jade Gresham - 79

9.27: MARTIN ON THE MOVE

Nic Martin’s score is slowly rising, currently sitting on 61 points.

So far, he’s had 12 kicks to his 11 handballs - of he improves that ratio and finds a few more intercept marks, he will be well on his way to a score that makes him hard to trade come lockout tomorrow night.

His efficiency remains respectable at 74% and his role still looks solid - he also hasn’t left the ground all night.

As the Swans gain ascendency, Martin could be the beneficiary of the Bombers needing to launch the ball off half back - something they weren’t doing as much of early on.

9.20: SWANS MIDS RISE

Sydney’s first goal of this term came off the back of their stoppage work, winning the first four clearances of this term. Now leading the count by five, the likes of Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and Braeden Campbell may add to their disposal tally rapidly.

All three of these players are efficient users, so keep a keen eye of their scores as it appears to be the Swans who are controlling the tug of war.

9.15: HEENEY LOCKED UP?

Jye Caldwell has gone to match up closely on Isaac Heeney, which could affect his ability to break the ton. Currently sitting pretty on 82, let’s hope this doesn’t impact his SuperCoach return.

It could also disrupt Sydney’s scoring power off transition. Although it’s been the power of Errol Gulden and Nick Blakey setting up their entries, both Heeney and Papley are leading the score involvements for the Swans.

HT: GRUNDY STOCKS DOWN

Whilst Isaac Heeney is starring again - leading the disposals (19), score involvements (10) and contested possessions (9) - popular SuperCoach option and teammate Brodie Grundy is once again under performing.

He was a cheap pickup at $481,900, but he is not providing the value that a whopping 73.4% of coaches expected.

After dominating Max Gawn in Opening Round, we could see a consecutive sub 80 score from the big man who I, for one, though was set to unleash his All-Australian power once more.

Maligned by SuperCoaches this week, Nic Martin sits on 44 points, which has the potential to turn into a ton if Essendon can gain control of uncontested possession. His efficiency has improved from last week, sitting at 82%, whilst he also has one free for.

David Zita has reported via Fox Footy that Peter Wright should be looking at a suspension of ‘about three weeks’, whilst he expects Travis Cloke to be ordered a please explain from the AFL after becoming involved in the resulting melee.

Brodie Grundy has once again left SuperCoaches disappointed. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Brodie Grundy has once again left SuperCoaches disappointed. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

SuperCoach Leaders

Tom Papley - 90

Isaac Heeney - 77

Will Setterfield - 70

Jade Gresham - 62

Errol Gulden - 55

8.40: SWITCH IT UP

It is Sam Draper that carries the soccer background, but Joel Amartey’s stylish Ronaldo-style goal surely has him in GOTY contention. If not, it has been an entertaining half of footy nonetheless, leading to high SuperCoach scores from both sides.

Following Amartey’s efforts, the lead changes for the fifth time, whilst Sydney records the second-most goals from within 15 metres so far this year.

Five players from each club look well on their way to 100 - if either team is able to wrangle control in the premiership quarter, this trajectory could favour the team that find itself on top.

8.31: IN OR OUT?

Following Jack Higgins’ insane goal from *definitely inside* the field of play on Thursday night, Kyle Langford was rewarded a mark that was, once again, *definitely* not out of bounds ...

Jade Gresham was able to score off the back of this, increasing his score to 58 - the highest of all Bombers.

At $373,200 with a BE of 84, Gresham could prove to be a handy POD in a best eighteen round for the 0.8% of SuperCoaches who own him.

8.24: ISAAC ROLLS ON

No need to be sorry, Tim.

Isaac Heeney hits the half ton with fifteen minutes to play in the second quarter, despite an accuracy of only 67%.He’s recorded five score involvements, eight kicks and two tackles to accompany a goal.Popular pick Matt Roberts has also been important with four kicks, four marks and 100% efficiency.

QT: RUN AND CARRY

Isaac Heeney has led from the front for the Swans. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.
Isaac Heeney has led from the front for the Swans. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

While it was Essendon that found the ball early, Sydney was able to utilise run and carry off half back to re-integrate itself into the game.

Errol Gulden and Braeden Campbell provided the class, but it is Isaac Heeney who leads the way in the kicking department with seven kicks and 36 SuperCoach points.

The Swans also punished the Bombers off turnover - generating four more inside 50s from this source - but Essendon continue to show up around the ball.

Jye Menzie had his shoulder attended to at the break, but is back out on the field - his score currently sits at 11.

SuperCoach Leaders:

Isaac Heeney - 36

Kyle Langford - 35

Jade Gresham - 33

Will Hayward - 32

Tom Papley - 31

8.08: CUNNINGHAM SIGHTED

In promising news for Swans fans, they’ve not only hit the lead, but Harry Cunningham has returned to the bench to watch the remainder of the match.

It gets better for the Bloods faithful, and SuperCoach faithful alike, as Isaac Heeney emerges as their top scorer with 36 points at the first break.

8.00: OH, ERROL!

Whilst Essendon have recorded 11 clearances to Sydney’s three, the Swans lead the way in the uncontested realm, attempting to control the Bombers’ surge footy through a kick-mark game.

Leading the mark count by 11, these kicks will allow them to wrestle back control whilst also providing some handy SuperCoach points to the likes of Chad Warner ($560,300) and Errol Gulden ($622,100).

The proof of this is in the pudding, with Hayden McLean closing the margin back to four points off the back of a Gulden spear.

Let’s hope Isaac Heeney is set the task of cleaning up that clearance differential, hey?

7.50: EMOTIONS FLY HIGH

Following the incident in the third minute, emotions have been running high - this has given both teams an extra kick in the second half of the first term as the Bloods start to boil.

There was, however, a small melee in the wake of Wright’s hit on Cunningham - let’s hope this has no negative ramifications for popular Essendon and Sydney SuperCoach favourites.

7.37: CASE TO ANSWER FOR?

Following a heavy hit from Peter Wright, Harry Cunningham faces an early exit from the game. He left the ground in high spirits, able to sit up and wave to the Sydney faithful and eventually walking off the ground.

Time will tell if two-metre-Peter has a case to answer for, but the shift in ruling based on the Brayden Maynard case is bound to see him in hot water.

“I don’t think it’s going to matter what you’re talking about it being a football act and a play on the ball,” Ling said on Channel 7.

“The way everything shifted over the off-season following the incident with Brayden Maynard, I don’t think the AFL is going to care if it’s a football act or not.

“I think they’re going to put the responsibility onto Peter Wright there and say he turned, bumped and got a player in the head and concussed him.

“I think he’s going to end up with a big case to answer for.

“I am (expecting several weeks) because of the shift in the off-season. I think when you go back to last year, they made a decision around Maynard that he gets off with a football act trying to smother and then the contact was after.

“I think it’ll be different this time around and he’ll get weeks.”

Wright features in only 0.4% of teams, whilst Cunningham is owned by 991 SuperCoaches- leaving them relatively unaffected. He did, however, score a comfortable 85 points last week against Collingwood.

7.36: BOMBERS FLY UP

Three kicks, two clearances and two inside fifties for captain Zach Merrett has seen Essendon score the first two goals of the game, with Merrett notching up 30 SuperCoach points already.

New recruit Jade Gresham scored off the back of a sublime inside fifty entry, whilst Nik Cox also made his presence known early.

7.30: LET’S GET IT STARTED

Powerful Essendon ruck Sam Draper is among their returnees, whilst Jake Kelly is a late withdrawal due to illness. This will put the brakes on his 150th AFL game, which would have been the former Crow’s 40th in the red and black.

He will be replaced in the side by Alwyn Davey Jnr.

Sydney have made one change this week, with Corey Warner - who will start as the substitute - replacing Robbie Fox.

Dane Rampe and Jake Lloyd will also play their 200th game together as teammates. Since 2019, only one of their match-ups has been decided by more than ten points, so strap in for what is set to be an almighty contest.

FT: DEES THUMP HAWKS, BUT AT WHAT COST?

Melbourne wound up 55-point winners in a comprehensive win over Hawthorn, but could have lost both key defenders in the process.

Steven May has been taken to the Epworth Hospital for scans after potentially breaking his ribs in a nasty clash with Mabior Chol.

Jake Lever has also sustained a knee injury and missed the later stages of the game. He had ice on it at full-time, and said on Fox Footy’s coverage he hopes it isn’t too serious and that he can return in the next couple of weeks.

After a round one loss, the Dess have now won their last two matches by a combined 100 points.

Shifting to SuperCoach, Christian Petracca was the standout with his 29 disposals equating to 143 points.

James Sicily’s 121 will no doubt ease the pain for the 30,000 coaches that own him after a delivering a very underwhelming 43 last week.

Hawthorn’s Massimo D’ambrosio wound up with a very solid 85 points, vindicating the many coaches that decided to trade him in this week.

Clayton Oliver shook off plenty of early attention from the Hawks to finish with 80 points. Most coaches have steered clear of him thus far, but with a breakeven of 179 he could become an enticing option in weeks to come.

SuperCoach leaders:

Christian Petracca - 143

James Sicily - 121

Jack Scrimshaw - 111

Max Gawn - 110

Alex Neal-Bullen - 107

6:56: RELENTLESS PETRACCA

There’s a touch over five minutes left. The Dees lead by 50. The game is dead and buried.

Try telling Christian Petracca that. In an exceptional effort regardless - but especially considering the context of the match - he motored 20 metres as the last Demon in defence to come from nowhere and spoil a certain mark and goal from Mitch Lewis in the goal square.

It’s efforts like that that separate good from great.

6:48: FRITSCH FLIES, KICKS FIVE

That was some 60 seconds from Bayley Fritsch.

He took a great hanger that will be a strong contender for mark of the round at the very least, getting great airtime and juggling the footy all the way to the ground.

Out of the next centre bounce he was there again, leading beautifully to take the ball out in front and convert for his fifth of the day.

He nearly made it three in three minutes but missed a set shot from 50.

Bayley Fritsch flies for a great mark. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Bayley Fritsch flies for a great mark. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

6:40: KEY FORWARDS TRADE BLOWS

The goals came in a flurry to begin the final term.

Mitch Lewis slotted one for the Hawks, before young Dee Jacob van Rooyen responded less than two minutes later.

Melbourne still leads by 37.

3QT: PETRACCA EXPLODING

He wasn’t in the top five SuperCoach scorers at half-time, but Christian Petracca has had a mammoth third term to shoot to the top for the match with 108 points to his name.

Massimo D’Ambrosio also had a monster third term, doubling his first half score. He has 67 points at the final break, and if he can maintain his third quarter pace, he’s on track for a ton.

Popular Dees rookie Caleb Windsor is struggling with just 27 points.

The Dees have a 37-point lead, but will be without key defensive pillars Steven May and Jake Lever. Melbourne isn’t expected to risk Lever’s knee in the final term, and Harrison Petty has been swung back to defence as a result.

SuperCoach leaders:

Christian Petracca - 108

James Sicily - 98

Alex Neal-Bullen - 91

Max Gawn - 87

Jack Viney - 87

Jack Scrimshaw - 87

6:26: FIRST GOAL FOR WATSON

Pint-sized forward Nick Watson finally slotted his first goal in AFL footy.

It was a long-time coming given he’s already kicked three behinds today, but the monkey is now off his back.

He loved it too, turning to crowd and celebrating.

6:21: BROWN’S CHEEKY PLAY

When a bloke’s run up starts in the centre circle, he has to be kicking for goal, right?

Wrong. The Hawks found this out the hard way when they switched off (as we all do) as Brown began his 30-metre run up, allowing him to pull the kick late to an unmarked Kade Chandler, who slotted the goal.

Petracca made it two in quick succession soon after, and suddenly Melbourne has a very healthy 44-point buffer.

6:12: HAWKS ACTIVATE SUB

Hawthorn has activated its sub, with veteran forward Luke Breust coming off to make way for fellow seasoned forward Jack Gunston.

6:10: INJURY CLOUD OVER LEVER

Just minutes after it was confirmed Steven May would play no further part in the clash, Jake Lever was taken to down to the dressing rooms to be assessed.

He would later reemerge with a taped knee and seemed to be running on it okay on the sideline. If both Lever and May were to be ruled out it would open the door for the Hawks - who trail by 36 - to stage a comeback.

6:01: MAY RULED OUT

After a nasty knock in the first term Steven May has been ruled for the remainder of the clash with suspected broken ribs.

David King confirmed the news on Fox Footy’s coverage.

“He’s been taken to the Epworth for precautionary scans to get further details,” King revealed.

“He’s done for the day we’ll find out the long term effects in the next couple of hours.”

It means the Demons activate their sub and Marty Hore enters the game.

Steven May of the Demons is helped by trainer's after a heavy collision. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Steven May of the Demons is helped by trainer's after a heavy collision. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

HT: DON’T WRITE THE HAWKS OFF YET

How many more surprises can today dish up?

After a Freo-North clash that had momentum swings to the extreme, the Hawks have turned things around ever so slightly against Melbourne.

Hawthorn was blown out of the water after a dismal opening term, but has since recovered to win the second quarter 14-8, and it even looked the better team towards half-time.

SuperCoach eyes are firmly fixed on Massimo D’Ambrosio, with close to 20 per cent of coaches making the call to trade him in this week. The Hawks defender has 34 points to the half. He’s got a long way to go to replicate the 122 we saw last week, but is on track for a respectable score. He’s had 10 touches at 70 per cent efficiency.

Gawn is also on track for another big score despite his slow start.

SuperCoach leaders:

James Sicily - 77

Jack Scrimshaw - 73

Alex Neal-Bullen - 68

Max Gawn - 65

Kysaiah Pickett - 65

5:38: MAY IN NASTY CLASH

Steven May was on the receiving end of a nasty blow after the full brunt of Mabior Chol came down on his side, with Fox’s Dwayne Russell concerned the defender could have damaged some ribs.

The players had been flying for the footy, and May looked to be in significant pain afterwards.

Whether he can play any further part in the match remains to be seen.

5:32: HAWKS DUO DOMINATING SUPERCOACH

Jack Scrimshaw and James Sicily have been the SuperCoach benefactors of Melbourne’s relentless attacking. Scrimshaw has 75 points while Sicily has 70 in the shadows of half-time.

Sicily is a popular selection is over 30,000 teams, while Scrimshaw is practically unheard in the realm of SuperCoach, featuring in just 468 teams.

5:15: MACDONALD BREAKS DROUGHT.

Finally. The Hawks are on the board.

It’s been as good a strat to the second quarter as Sam Mitchell could’ve asked for. They’re yet to concede another goal and have the first of the term.

It was a clinical set shot finish from young MacDonald 30 metres out. You can only imagine the pressure that would’ve mounted on those wearing brown and gold if he missed.

QT: SICILY FLYING

Despite his side’s poor start, James Sicily has racked up the SuperCoach points to have 59 to his name at the first break.

Max Gawn only has 19 points, while popular Dees rookies Blake Howes and Caleb Windsor are on 14 and 11 respectively.

Melbourne leads Hawthorn by 32 points.

SuperCoach leaders:

James Sicily - 58

Ed Langdon - 43

Alex Neal-Bullen - 43

Jack Scrimshaw - 42

Kysaiah Pickett - 42

4:56: THIS IS VINTAGE MELBOURNE

The Dees are winding back the clock to their dominant 2021 ways, piling five goals on the Hawks with five minutes still remaining in the quarter.

The Hawks have taken 46 marks to Melbourne’s 13 as they look to chip it around conservatively, but they’ve struggled to pick the Dees apart.

Oliver was also left on the turf for a second time after a solid check from Jai Newcombe.

Clayton Oliver of the Demons wrestles Hawks players during the round two AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Melbourne Demons. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Clayton Oliver of the Demons wrestles Hawks players during the round two AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Melbourne Demons. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

4:51: KOZZIE HAS TWO EARLY

He had Max Gawn streaking into a vacant goal sqaure, but he didn’t need him. Pickett roosted a drop punt from outside 50 for the third of the game and his second.

The Dees have broken out to a 19-point lead against the goalless Hawks, who are looking to play a very controlled brand of footy.

4:44: HARD TAG ON OLIVER

One of the lague’s renowned taggers Finn Maginness has been given the job on Clayton Oliver today.

It’s a tag so hard he even followed him to the interchange.

Oliver looks set to be tested by the Hawks today, having already been knocked to the ground off the ball.

The Demons have an eight-point lead early after Kysaiah Pickett slotted the first of the game.

4:22: HORE NAMED AS SUB

Dreaded news has arrived for the eight per cent of SuperCoaches that own Marty Hore, with the the 28-year-old named as the sub for their clash against the Hawks.

There’s no late changes for either side. The Hawks are unchanged, while the Dees have omitted Woewodin in favour of Petty.

FT: DEFINING WIN FOR DOCKERS

They say third quarter’s win premierships, but they also win Saturday afternoon games at Marvel as it turns out.

It was a win Freo were expected to achieve, but the matter in which they did it - overcoming a 33-point deficit and turning the game on its head mid-quarter - should earn them significant plaudits.

There were plenty of winners and losers on the SuperCoach front. Luke Jackson went nuclear with 178 points, while POD’s Tom Powell and Luke Ryan both scored 128. The fact Ryan is only in three per cent of teams is criminal. Given Young’s poor performances, expect plenty of people to reach for that trade button.

Over 25,000 coaches that gave Zac Fisher the flick have egg on their face after he followed up last week’s disappointing showing with 102.

Fyfe (69) scored less than what many coaches were hoping after being subbed out, while cheapie Lazarro still managed 66 before being subbed out.

SuperCoach leaders:

Luke Jackson - 178

Caleb Serong - 141

Luke Ryan - 128

Tom Powell - 128

Andrew Brayshaw - 123

4:11: IS THAT THE GAME?

Bailey Banfield iced a set shot for his second major of the game, and it extends Freo’s lead to 25 with six minutes on the clock.

Big ask for North to turn it around from here.

4:00: SUBS ACTIVATED

In a big blow to SuperCoaches, Nat Fyfe and Charlie Lazzaro have been subbed out of the game with just 66 and 63 points respectively.

Both are popular options, with Fyfe in 50 per cent of teams and Lazzaro 20.

It means Eddie Ford is into the game for North and Jaeger O’Meara the Dockers.

3:58: FISHER’S FIRST AS A KANGA - ALMOST

North very nearly had to two on the trot, with reinvented half back Zac Fisher roosting a set shot from outside 50 for what would’ve been his first goal in the blue and white.

Teammates celebrated on the line like it made it, but a score review revealed it had been touched.

It was a 12-point play, as Freo would score down the other end after Walters found himself in acres of space and picked out Jye Amiss.

The Dockers now lead by 27.

3QT: WARDLAW KEEPS NORTH IN TOUCH

If you haven’t joined us since mid-way through the second term, there’s a lot of catching up to do.

The game has absolutely turned on its head over the last quarter-and-a-half with Freo taking a 23-point lead into three-quarter-time.

George Wardlaw slotted a beautiful goal from 50 with under a minute to go in the term and it was crucial in the context of match as North go into the break with a morsel of momentum. Mid-price SuperCoach options Wardlaw is turning it on for his 14,000 owners, with 83 points at the final break. A very handy return given he only costs $365,400.

At half-time, four of the top-five SuperCoach scorers were Kangaroos. Now, all five are Dockers.

SuperCoach leaders:

Luke Jackson - 140

Andrew Brayshaw - 97

Jordan Clark - 97

Luke Ryan - 96

Caleb Serong - 95

Luke Davies-Uniacke of the Kangaroos in action. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Luke Davies-Uniacke of the Kangaroos in action. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

3:31: MOMENTUM, AYE?

There’s six minutes of play remaining in the third quarter and North haven’t registered a point since half-time.

It’s a far cry from their scintillating start where the Kangas were slinging the ball off halfback exceptionally and slicing through like a hot knife through butter.

The Dockers have all the momentum now to lead by 17. They’ve kicked seven goals straight and everything’s going their way, while North can do little right.

3:26: FREO HIT THE FRONT

They were 33 points down 18 minutes into the third quarter, now the Dockers lead. It’s been some turnaround.

The man to put them in front? Luke Jackson. His score has skyrocketed to 125 points, and somewhat tellingly of the turnaround in the games dynamic, the four leading scorers are now all Dockers.

3:23: TABERNER LANDS DOUBLE BLOW

It was 10, then it was four. Bang, bang.

Just like that, there’s less than a goal in it. I hadn’t even finished typing about Taberner’s first goal when he scored again less than a minute later.

The Dockers now have five of the last six and are looking the better team in the second half.

HT: GAME ON

We’ve got a game on our hands. A serious game.

There was a period in the second quarter where an ugly blowout beckoned. North certainly looked ominous.

But a rattled Dockers rallied and found their feet, stepping out of their state of shock to finish the quarter the better side.

Unsurprisingly, North have had 50 more disposals, 13 more inside 50s, and eight more clearances than Freo to lead by 17.

Jackson is flying the flag for Freo as the leading SuperCoach scorer, but the remaining four in the top five are North players. Tom Powell has been brilliant in the middle and has 70 points to show.

Owners of Nat Fyfe and Hayden Young (me) certainly have some cause for concern, with the pair on 34 and 28 respectively in a high-scoring game.

Those that jumped off Fisher (again, me) may have done so prematurely. He has 45 points at the half.

SuperCoach leaders:

Luke Jackson - 85

Tristan Xerri - 77

Tom Powell - 70

Harry Sheezel - 67

Luke Davies-Uniacke - 66

2:48: FREO FIGHTBACK

The Dockers are refusing to lie down, and after being stunned by North’s hot start to the second term they’ve found their feet late with three of the last four goals.

Jackson has added to his great half, taking a juggling mark and slotting the set shot. 84 SuperCoach points if you don’t mind.

2:42: MONSTER RUCK SCORES LOOM

The two highest SuperCoach scorers on the ground are opposing rucks Tristan Xerri and Luke Jackson - although most coaches will have Jackson in their forward line - with 67 and 63 respectively.

The six per cent of coaches that own Xerri will be hoping he can go massive to give them an extra edge this round.

Powell, Davies-Uniacke, Sheezel, Serong, Ryan are also scoring strongly.

2:30: THREE GOALS IN FIVE MINUTES

The Kangaroos have started the second quarter all guns blazing, kicking three goals in the first five minutes.

They’ve threatened to do it all game, and it will come as no surprise to those watching.

Zac Fisher of the Kangaroos marks the ball during the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Fremantle Dockers. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Zac Fisher of the Kangaroos marks the ball during the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Fremantle Dockers. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

2:24: CURTIS HAS TWO

I had to check I didn’t accidentally press rewind after Paul Curtis slotted a goal within the first 90 seconds of the quarter for the second one running.

He’s already had three shots at goal to kick 2.1. He’s shot up to 47 SuperCoach points and the 638 coaches that own the $259,700 forward will no doubt be singing his praises.

QT: WALTERS HITS BACK ON THE SIREN

Clarko is building something special at the Roos, and it was on full display in the opening quarter at Marvel Stadium.

A Michael Walters set shot on the siren reduced North’s lead to 13, but they have well and truly controlled the contest with some electric sling shot play off half back.

Popular SuperCoach rookie Zane Duursma has just 7 points through the opening stanza, while other popular picks Nat Fyfe, Hayden Young, Zac Fisher, and Colby McKercher have all clicked over 20 points.

Concerns around Luke Jackson’s role have been put to rest for the time being, he’s playing in the ruck and already has 53 points at the first break. I fear leaving him out of my team could haunt me.

Michael Walters of the Dockers in action during the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Fremantle Dockers. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Michael Walters of the Dockers in action during the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Fremantle Dockers. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

SuperCoach leaders:

Luke Jackson - 53

Caleb Serong - 37

Luke Davies-Uniacke - 33

Toby Pink - 33

Josh Treacy - 32

2:07: NORTH ON FIRE

A brilliant and composed end-to-end passage of play from North completely opened up the Docks and Nick Larkey was the beneficiary to finish it off with a goal.

The Kangaroos already have four majors and have pulled away to an 18-point lead.

Young North halfbacks Sheezel and McKercher have been pivotal, both have six disposals at 100% efficiency.

1:58: CHEAPIE’S FAST START, EARLY HIGHLIGHT

Popular North cash cow Charlie Lazzaro has shot to 25 points inside the first 10 minutes of the game. He only scored 43 last week, and he could reel that in in a quarter the way he’s going. Lazzaro sits in over 20 per cent of SuperCoach teams.

Luke Jackson has also provided an early highlight with a majestic hanger near the goalline.

1:48: NORTH, FREO TRADE EARLY BLOWS

What a start.

We’ve only seen 90 seconds of action and both sides scored goals effectively straight out of the centre square.

Paul Curtis had the first goal for North, and Josh Treacy for Freo. Both came from set shots.

1:25: NERVOUS WAIT FOR YOUNG OWNERS

Following the introduction of key back debutant Josh Draper to Freo’s side, Al Paton noted during the week that this could have serious ramifications for Hayden Young’s role.

“Youngy is an option if we feel like we need a bit more bounce back there,” Longmuir said during the week.

Young’s average is almost 30 points less when playing in the backline as opposed to the middle.

A move back would have serious ramifications for over 40 per cent of SuperCoaches that have the 22-year-old in their side.

1:15: COLDPLAY’S COMING TO MARVEL

Songs playing when players kick a goal is a growing trend within the AFL, and the Kangaroos have jumped on board.

David Zita revealed on Fox Footy’s coverage that Coldplay’s ‘Viva la Vida’ will play when Nick Larkey gets a goal, while fans at Marvel can expect to hear ‘Sweet Caroline’ when Cooper Harvey splits the sticks.

Jaeger O'Meara of the Dockers warms up before the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Fremantle Dockers. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Jaeger O'Meara of the Dockers warms up before the 2024 AFL Round 2 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Fremantle Dockers. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

12:45: FINAL TEAMS LOCKED IN, NO LATE SURPRISES

North Melbourne has escaped any late changes after a sickness reportedly ran through the club during the week.

The Kangaroos have named Eddie Ford as the sub ahead of the first clash on super Saturday, while Jaeger O’Meara will don the vest for Fremantle.

Nearly all SuperCoaches can breathe a sigh of relief, with both players in under 400 teams.

As for the initial changes, Oscar McDonald, Brennan Cox and Karl Worner were all forced out of Freo’s side following injury carnage against the Lions, while Neil Erasmus was omitted.

The Dockers will welcome Matt Taberner, Brandon Walker, and sub O’Meara into the fold this week. Josh Draper is also set to debut, the Freo academy product is a 197cm key defender, and was taken in the 2022 draft.

For the Kangaroos, Liam Shiels and Josh Goater are out of the side, with Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin returning.

Originally published as AFL 2024: Follow live updates and SuperCoach scores on super Saturday

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2024-follow-live-updates-and-supercoach-scores-on-super-saturday/news-story/f3a2b484eefb6194482df863de4ef452