Round 14 AFL Wrap: Lions Dominate, Hardwick Unhappy, & Injury Updates

The 14th round of the 2026 AFL season delivered a mix of commanding wins, tight contests, and significant injury news. Here's the full breakdown.

Brisbane Lions 17.17 (119) def. Collingwood 10.5 (65)

Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood Magpies

The Brisbane Lions delivered a dominant 54-point victory over Collingwood at the Gabba, leading from the opening bounce.

Nick Daicos a Late Scratch

Collingwood midfielder Nick Daicos was withdrawn approximately 15 minutes before the match due to a calf injury. Coach Craig McRae described it as a "corkie" (corked calf).

• Daicos did not train Tuesday but traveled to Brisbane expecting to play.
• His right calf was heavily strapped during warm-up, showing signs of discomfort.
• He did not undergo a formal fitness test.
• Emergency Ed Allan replaced Daicos in the lineup.

McRae expressed optimism that Daicos would be available for the upcoming Gather Round match against Fremantle.

Other Collingwood Injury Updates

• Darcy Moore: The captain has been ruled out for 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury from the previous game against GWS.
• Scott Pendlebury: Expected to play against Fremantle, pending training completion.
• Steele Sidebottom: Sustained a heavy hit to the ribs from Brisbane's Keidan Coleman, left the field before half-time, but returned for the second half.

Brisbane's Performance & Coach Comments

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan praised the team's four-quarter consistency, stating the margin could have been larger. He highlighted strong contested play, team defense, and offense.

Fagan confirmed Daicos's late withdrawal did not alter Brisbane's game plan. The team relied on its own midfield and shifted focus to containing Jordan De Goey.

Player Performance Highlights:

• Will Ashcroft: 36 disposals and a goal.
• Dan McStay: Three goals for Collingwood.

Brisbane Injury & Availability

• Harris Andrews: The co-captain is expected to return from suspension for the match against North Melbourne.
• Hugh McCluggage: Return from a calf injury (three games missed) remains uncertain.
• Fagan noted no new injuries were sustained during the match.

St Kilda vs. GWS Giants

St Kilda snapped a three-match losing streak, defeating GWS by eight points at Marvel Stadium.

Final Score: St Kilda 14.10 (94) def. GWS 13.8 (86)

Key Performers:

• Liam Ryan: Career-high six goals for St Kilda.
• Cooper Sharman: Four goals.
• Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera: 32 disposals and 12 score involvements.
• Hugo Garcia: 27 disposals and seven clearances.
• Aaron Cadman (GWS): Four goals.
• Brent Daniels (GWS): 31 disposals and 10 clearances.
• Clayton Oliver (GWS): 35 disposals and eight clearances.

The Giants closed to within one point in the final nine minutes after Jesse Hogan (returning from a hip injury) kicked his first goal. However, Wanganeen-Milera won the resulting centre clearance, leading to Sharman's sealing goal.

Gold Coast Suns vs. Geelong Cats

Geelong defeated Gold Coast by 45 points at Kardinia Park.

Coach Hardwick's Frustration

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick expressed deep disappointment, describing his team as a "middling side" that is "short of the contenders." He noted that Brisbane had "taught them a lesson."

Damning stat: Hardwick revealed nine players recorded zero tackles and that the midfield was outperformed.

Post-Match Umpiring Controversy

Hardwick also expressed frustration with umpiring decisions and the AFL's out-of-bounds interpretation.

He likened the home crowd response to that of a Roman Colosseum, implying umpires were influenced by the crowd.

Former Adelaide captain Rory Sloane called on the AFL to penalize such comments, arguing they set a poor example for community umpiring. Premiership coach Mick Malthouse also criticized some decisions as "bloody terrible." The AFL has not yet responded.

Ball Movement Analysis

The Suns employed a highly uncontested style to adapt to GMHBA Stadium's narrow dimensions, recording their second-largest uncontested possession differential in an opening half. Hardwick stated the game plan was sound but execution needed improvement.

Gold Coast Injuries

Lachie Weller and Will Graham suffered hamstring injuries and will be unavailable for an extended period.

North Melbourne vs. West Coast Eagles

Paul Curtis Faces Suspension

North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis has been offered a three-match suspension for a tackle on West Coast's Hamish Davis during the first quarter.

• The match review officer classified the tackle as careless conduct, severe impact, and high contact.
• Davis was concussed.
• North Melbourne has until Monday to decide whether to appeal.

Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond Tigers

Brisbane Lions defeated Richmond by 35 points in Hobart.

Final Score: Brisbane Lions 15.12 (102) def. Richmond 10.7 (67)

Key Performers:

• Will Ashcroft: Career-high 38 disposals and two goals (including a dribble kick along the boundary).
• Eric Hipwood: Played his 200th game and kicked two goals.
• Jasper Alger (Richmond): Four goals.
• Tim Taranto (Richmond): 20 disposals and two goals in the first half.

The Lions (7th place) kicked four goals in seven minutes during the third quarter to break open the game.

Brisbane Lions Previous Match (Round 12 Recap)

In Round 12, Brisbane lost to Fremantle by 25 points at the Gabba, marking their third consecutive loss. Fremantle led by 40 points at three-quarter time.

Coach Chris Fagan stated he did not have clear answers for the form slump but intended to continue selecting the players who have reached three consecutive Grand Finals.

Performance Notes:

• Co-captains Josh Dunkley (16 disposals), Hugh McCluggage (13), and forward Cam Rayner (7) were noted as below average.
• Defender Keidean Coleman suffered a hamstring injury and was expected to miss one to two weeks.