In Round 5 of the 2024 AFL season, Sam Durham had a standout performance, as did super sub Sam Berry, and returning Blues star Sam Walsh! But Hawthorn’s midfield was diabolical, and the Dogs have some big issues.
Our footy experts cast their eye over the week’s action to find out whose stocks are up — whether it’s a coaching masterstroke or a player having a blinder — and whose are down.
Adelaide
Stocks up: How could it be anyone other than Sam Berry!? After coming into the game as the substitute, Berry snapped what would end up being the winning goal against the previously undefeated Blues. His last term? Nine disposals (in all areas of the ground), a clearance, and the winning goal. The goal was Berry’s first since 2022 and gave his side its first win of what’s been a difficult campaign. Maybe it’s the start of a turnaround.
Stocks down: The Crows kicked 100 points against the Blues, and none of them, not one, came from Darcy Fogarty. The 24-year-old key forward was held to just two kicks in another disappointing outing. Fortunately for Adelaide, a number of his fellow forwards were able to stand up.
Brisbane
Stocks up: Can we, or should we, expect more midfield time from Cam Rayner? We think so. Rayner has been used at half forward and half back during his still young career, but against the Demons on Thursday night showed he might just be best suited to playing in the middle. He finished the night with 25 disposals, nine clearances, and 10 inside 50s.
Stocks down: Finally, the MCG curse can be dead and buried. Right? Well, maybe against the Demons it can be. The Lions are now 2-15 at the ‘G since the start of 2015, with those lone wins coming against Melbourne (in the 2022 semifinal and now Round 5, 2024).
Carlton
Stocks up: Welcome back, Sam Walsh. The player of last year’s finals series hadn’t laced them up until Round 5, but he certainly did not miss a beat. Walsh was one of the best players on the ground, finishing the game with 34 disposals, 15 contested possessions, eight clearances, 11 inside 50s, and nine score involvements.
Stocks down: Where is that killer edge good teams have? You know, a real 4-0 side coming up against a reeling 0-4 team; something like that should be a bloodbath. The Blues continue to make hard work of games they should be winning, and winning easily — especially if you’re three kicks up with a handful of minutes to go! This time it came back to bite them, falling to the Crows by two points. A loss like this one could be huge come season’s end.
Collingwood
BYE
Essendon
Stocks up: Did anyone have Sam Durham blanketing and beating Marcus Bontempelli on their bingo card? The young Bomber absolutely owned the match-up against arguably the AFL’s best player on Friday night, holding him to 17 disposals and little influence, while managing to have 21 touches, six clearances, and a goal himself. It was a breakout performance from the 22-year-old, and one which will have opposition stars on notice.
Stocks down: We get it, some players need time, but Alwyn Davey Jr looked totally out of his depth in Essendon’s shock win over the Bulldogs. He was fumbly, panicked with ball in hand and on several occasions just didn’t go hard enough at the footy when it hit the deck. He has shown glimpses, but the poor moments continue to outweigh them.
Fremantle
Stocks up: In an anemic forward line, Josh Treacy really is elevating himself. His three goals (albeit all in the one term) were crucial in getting the Dockers back into the match (and the lead) on Saturday night against the Power, but he’s playing a bit of a lone hand (with Jye Amiss). Justin Longmuir really needs to work on the connection between mids and forwards, because Freo’s inability to score more than nine or 10 goals a game is hurting…
Stocks down: He’s been a match winner at times throughout his career but the Dockers aren’t getting much out of Michael Walters these days, and Saturday night’s output was particularly disappointing. Walters finished the night with just two kicks and no score. He wasn’t alone in that forward line, to be fair — the Dockers just aren’t getting enough out of Matt Taberner and Tom Emmett as well.
Geelong
Stocks up: He’s been a little wasteful and a little underwhelming at times this season, but there’s no denying Sunday afternoon belonged to Jeremy Cameron. Geelong’s star forward kicked six goals from his 21 touches, had a game-high 11 score involvements and clunked eight marks. Ominous signs for the unbeaten Cats!
Stocks down: Looks like the…
Read More: AFL Round 5: Sam Durham, Sam Berry fantastic; Hawks midfield embarrassed