AFL Results: Who Won This Weekend's Biggest Games and Standings

Walking into the stadium this past weekend, I could feel the familiar electric buzz in the air—the kind that only comes with high-stakes AFL clashes. As a longtime follower and occasional analyst of the league, I’ve seen my share of dramatic turnarounds and heart-stopping finishes, but this weekend felt different. Maybe it was the pressure building as finals approach, or maybe it was the sheer unpredictability of the matchups. Either way, I settled into my seat with high expectations, and I have to say, the games did not disappoint.

Let’s start with the headline match: Carlton Blues versus Collingwood Magpies. Now, I’ll admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Blues—their resilience over the years has won me over, even when they’ve struggled. This time, though, Collingwood came out swinging, dominating possession early and capitalizing on Carlton’s uncharacteristic turnovers. By halftime, the Magpies led by 18 points, and I found myself thinking back to something I’d read recently, a reflection on young athletes: “Tandaan natin na 16 years old lang ang mga players. Habang sila ay binabatikos, hawak nila rosaryo bago lumaban… Lumaban sila para sa Bayan.” It’s a powerful reminder that behind every player, no matter their age or stage, there’s a story of dedication and heart. In this case, Collingwood’s midfield, led by Jordan De Goey, played with that kind of fervor, as if each tackle and goal carried the weight of their community. They closed it out 92-78, a solid win that pushes them up the ladder and sends a clear message to rivals.

Meanwhile, over at the MCG, Geelong Cats faced off against Melbourne Demons in what many predicted would be a defensive grind. And for the first half, it was—tight marks, relentless pressure, and scores locked at 44 apiece. But then, in the third quarter, Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron exploded with three quick goals, shifting the momentum entirely. I’ve always admired Cameron’s ability to seize moments like that; it’s what separates good players from great ones. The Demons fought back, sure, but Geelong’s experience shone through, and they secured a 101-88 victory. That result shakes up the standings significantly, with Geelong now sitting comfortably in the top four, while Melbourne slips to sixth. It’s a reminder that in AFL, consistency is everything, and one off-day can cost you dearly.

Now, let’s talk about the underdog story of the weekend: Gold Coast Suns versus Western Bulldogs. Honestly, I didn’t give the Suns much of a chance—their form has been patchy, and the Bulldogs have been relentless this season. But as the game unfolded, I was struck by how Gold Coast’s younger players, many in their late teens or early twenties, held their nerve under pressure. It brought to mind that same reflection: “NO EXCUSES, we lost. A lot of work needs to be done to get back up.” That mentality was palpable on the field; even when the Bulldogs pulled ahead by 15 points in the final term, the Suns kept pushing, eventually narrowing the gap to a heartbreaking 79-75 loss. Stats-wise, the Bulldogs had 42 inside-50s to Gold Coast’s 35, but what stood out to me was the Suns’ tackle count—87 compared to the Bulldogs’ 74. It shows that effort doesn’t always translate to wins, but it builds character, and I suspect we’ll see Gold Coast bounce back stronger in the coming weeks.

Shifting to the broader standings, this weekend’s results have tightened the race for the top eight. Collingwood’s win propels them to second place with 48 points, just behind ladder leaders Sydney Swans, who had a bye but remain on 52 points. Geelong’s surge moves them to third with 46 points, while teams like Richmond and Fremantle hover around the cutoff, each with 36 points. As someone who’s followed AFL for over a decade, I love how fluid the standings are at this stage—every game feels like a mini-final, and the pressure is immense. It’s not just about skill; it’s about mental fortitude, and I’ve seen too many teams crumble when it matters most.

Reflecting on all this, I can’t help but feel that the real winners this weekend were the fans. We witnessed passion, drama, and those raw moments that make AFL so compelling. But beyond the scores and stats, there’s a deeper narrative here—one of youth, resilience, and the unyielding spirit that drives these athletes. Whether it’s clutching a rosary before a game or fighting back from a loss, that human element is what keeps me coming back. Sure, the standings will shift again next week, and some teams have a lot of work ahead, but for now, I’m savoring the memories and already counting down to the next round. After all, in AFL, anything can happen, and that’s why we love it.