Round 17 of the 2026 AFL season saw plenty of highlights and lowlights, headlined by the GWS Giants ending Fremantle’s winning streak.
CARLTON WIN A THRILLER
The Carlton Blues have won a thriller (74-72) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, surviving a wild challenge from their traditional rivals, the Richmond Tigers, to make it seven straight victories.
The Blues were made to work for the win on Saturday evening after the Tigers threatened to end Josh Fraser’s perfect record as head coach with a late surge in the final quarter. However, the Blues managed to just hold on by two points.
Veteran George Hewett (26 disposals, four marks, two goals, nine tackles) and young midfielder Jagga Smith (29 disposals, three marks, five tackles) were the best on ground for the Blues while their opponents relied on Tim Taranto (25 disposals, three marks, five tackles) who didn’t get much help from his teammates.
“We gave ourselves a chance to win it, which with a young group and a close game scenario, going through that in front of a big crowd,” Richmond coach Adam Yze said post-match.
“That will fast-track the development for some of these lads, because you want opportunity to win it and we had ample opportunity, which is positive.”
"Taj Hotton, remember the name!"#AFLTigersBlues pic.twitter.com/IU9hL8DqiQ
— AFL (@AFL) July 4, 2026
GIANTS CAN STILL DELIVER AN IMPACT
The GWS Giants have endured a frustrating season in 2026, which has been heavily impacted by injuries to several star players, but they showed on the weekend that when they are on song, they can defeat any team in the competition.
Led by Jake Stringer, who kicked a career-high seven goals, the Giants were able to deliver a shock upset to the Fremantle Dockers by 21 points and ending their winning streak in the process at Manuka Oval in the nation’s capital.
“It was not us, it hasn’t been us,” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said.
“I thought we lacked strength in the contest, to hang onto the ball, test to tackle, all things we’ve been pretty good at all year.”
Isaiah Dudley with a goal for the highlight reel! 🙌#AFLGiantsFreo pic.twitter.com/9ayup61wcZ
— AFL (@AFL) July 4, 2026