"This Duo Might Carry the Suns to Finals": 9 Lessons From Round 18
- Staff Writers
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
Brisbane’s Engine Room Is Built Different
Round 18 kicked off with one of the most one-sided games of the round, thanks to Brisbane’s midfield dominance. They outmuscled Carlton’s engine room, helping deliver a 28–21 scoring shot advantage in the Lions’ favour.
Once again, the reigning premiers showed why they’re a massive chance to go back-to-back, with their star-studded midfield flexing its muscles.
Led by two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale, Brisbane’s midfield flooded the stat sheet—further proof of just how dominant this group is.
This Duo Might Carry the Suns to Finals
It wasn’t all pretty for the Gold Coast Suns after what was a scintillating start on Friday night on the Gold Coast. We learnt that the Suns could beat the competition’s best, off the back of tandem Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell.
The duo dominated the contested ball in a fashion that was eye-opening to the competition. Rowell enjoyed two goals, 32 disposals and 13 tackles, while Anderson had 32 disposals of his own, including the match-winning goal from the centre bounce.
As the Suns look to cement a 2025 finals berth, it will be these two that either make or break the game open.
11 Goals. 3 Names. Adelaide’s Flag Threat Is Real Now
Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker have educated the football world on just how dangerous this trio is in front of the big sticks.
They combined for 11 of the Crows’ 16 goals and were a significant reason for their victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Adelaide have plastered themselves into the top four and look like one of the teams to beat in 2025 in their resurgence up the ladder — and the key forwards have played a pivotal role in this.
4. Jake Stringer Might Be the Giants’ Missing Piece
Jake Stringer may be the secret weapon in this Giants forward line.
After being squeezed out by Essendon last year, the move to Western Sydney has helped prolong his career.
32 scoring shots from just 10 games so far proves how critical he may be in the business end of the season for the Giants.
And with 4 goals this week against Geelong — have the Giants finally found their key to success?
Primetime Footy Took a Hit
While the Tigers notched their fourth win of 2025, defeating an injury-riddled Bombers outfit at the MCG on Saturday night, the key takeaways loom negative for both teams.
Both sides went through phenomenal goal-scoring droughts — neither managing a goal for nearly an hour on separate occasions. For a primetime clash, the AFL’s fixturing was a clear letdown.
With Essendon’s injuries and the growing pains of a young list, continuing to schedule them in Thursday and Friday night timeslots is doing no favours for footy fans.
The Hype Was Real. The Results? Not So Much.
After being the most hyped team in the competition last season - and heading into this season - the Hawks are currently underachieving by their own standards.
They finished hot last year and added two key defenders, making Hawthorn one of the early flag fancies. Fast forward to Round 18 - and after a loss to Fremantle and their failure to tag Caleb Serong - their 11–6 record flatters them.
With a 2–5 record against top eight teams, they’ve proven this year that they aren’t the real deal. Were the additions of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass really worth the price tag they came with?
A Brutal Night for Xerri in More Ways Than One
In a largely impressive and high-scoring display between the Demons and the Kangaroos, it was Tristan Xerri who became the biggest takeaway from the clash. Not only was he outplayed by Max Gawn in a key ruck battle, but his night took a dramatic turn late in the final quarter.
In what looked like a football action at a stoppage, Xerri threw out his arm and caught Tom Sparrow flush - knocking the Demon out cold before his head hit the MCG turf.
The act has earned Xerri a three-match suspension from the match review panel, with the ban upheld - sidelining the All-Australian hopeful for a crucial stretch of the season.
Could it cost him a blazer?
Errol Gulden Is the Missing Piece
With superstar Errol Gulden sidelined for much of the preseason, he only just returned this past month. The 2025 season has felt like a wasted opportunity for last year’s grand finalist, plagued by a new coach and multiple injuries.
If Gulden had been fit all year, this story would look very different — especially given the impact he’s made since coming back.
His 24 disposals and crucial late match-winning goal against the Saints showed just how much this team has missed their star. A healthy Gulden could have made them genuine contenders in 2025.
The Harley Reid vs Jason Horne-Francis Rivalry Is Just Getting Started
The rivalry between Harley Reid and Jason Horne-Francis is shaping up to be one to watch over the next decade. With Port Adelaide downing West Coast, it was Horne-Francis who had the last laugh this time - but the future promises more intrigue.
Harley Reid signalled to Horne-Francis that he took the easy way out in 2022 when he controversially requested a trade from North Melbourne back to his home state of South Australia. With multiple rumours swirling that Reid might do the same this offseason, it would be hypocritical if he followed through.
Both #1 picks played some of their best football on Sunday, combining for 54 disposals and 4 goals.
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