Echuca’s Brodie Kemp made his first appearance of season 2022 at the weekend, as his Blues enjoyed a 30-point triumph over GWS at Giants Stadium.
In what was Giants coach Leon Cameron’s final match at the helm, the Blues spoiled the party with a dominant performance that sees them jump into the top four.
Kemp, who has endured a flurry of injury concerns since being drafted with pick 17 in the 2019 national draft, suited up for his third AFL match and looked right at home across half-back for the Blues.
Working his way into the contest, Kemp collected 14 disposals and took five marks, while also using the ball at an impressive 79 per cent efficiency as he looks to lock down a spot in the Blues’ best 22 moving forward.
While it was a disappointing day for GWS, Colbinabbin’s Cooper Hamilton provided a bright spot for Giants fans, enjoying the best match of his three-game career.
A reliable contributor in defence, Hamilton made life tough for the Carlton forwards while also getting involved up the ground to pick up 19 disposals.
His ball use was a particular highlight of the performance, going at an ultra-impressive 84 per cent in a showing that will without doubt cement his place in the senior side.
Gold Coast delivered the shock result of the weekend, destroying a red-hot Fremantle side by 36 points in torrid conditions at Metricon Stadium.
Enjoying a consistent season across half-forward, Kyabram product Nick Holman warmed to the slippery conditions, laying 10 tackles in what was a clinical display of forward pressure.
He also managed to find the ball on 20 occasions, with 14 of his possessions being contested in a performance that would have without doubt pleased coach Stuart Dew.
For Fremantle, Shepparton’s Will Brodie continued his breakout campaign, picking up 27 disposals to be one of the Dockers’ best on the day.
Playing in conditions that fit the big-bodied midfielder to a tee, Brodie thrived in the contest, laying eight tackles and picking up 17 contested possessions as he did all he could to get the Dockers back in the match.
Port Adelaide made it four wins on the trot with a convincing 69-point triumph over North Melbourne in Hobart.
Echuca’s Ollie Wines led the way through the midfield, collecting a game-high 32 disposals and kicking two goals in what was a complete performance by the reigning Brownlow medallist.
Young gun Todd Marshall continued his strong form, kicking three majors and taking six marks as the Power’s go-to guy up forward.
Kialla’s Alex Keath made his much-anticipated return to the Western Bulldogs line-up on Friday night, as they easily accounted for Collingwood by 48 points at Marvel Stadium.
Providing extra stability to an under-fire Dogs defence, Keath was resolute in its efforts, keeping Collingwood spearhead Brody Mihocek to just one goal, while also taking seven marks and picking up 12 disposals.