Hi everyone,
Last Friday at the RBYC Presentation Night, I was deeply honoured and very thrilled to receive the club’s prestigious Commodore’s Award from our Commodore, Peter Demura. I am most appreciative of the recognition and am excited that my name will be added to this Honour Board in the Members’ Lounge. Thank you very much, Royal Brighton.
On the field
We have reached the 3/4 mark of the 2026 home-and-away season.
There were two games with big momentum shifts this week. The league-leading Freo Dockers could not manage a single goal in the first half of their top-of-the-table clash with the Swans at Optus Stadium. This was only the third time in club history that the Dockers had failed to register a major in a half of football. The second half was a totally different story, as the Dockers piled on 15 goals and trounced Sydney by 38 points after trailing for the first three quarters. At Engie Stadium in western Sydney, Geelong looked to have the game in their keeping when they led GWS by 39 points with only three minutes to play in the third quarter. The Giants got a couple of late goals in that term to reduce the deficit, and in the final quarter, they were unstoppable. They roared back to win 12.14.86 to 11.7.73, restricting the Cats to just one goal in the final term.
In other games, Collingwood and North Melbourne played a thriller on Friday night. The game featured numerous lead changes, but the ‘Pies kicked the final two goals of the game to sneak home winners, 13.11.89 to 12.13.85. It was Collingwood’s fourth straight win, moving them up to eighth on the ladder. St Kilda got away to a good start versus Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, but the Power staged a second-half rally to almost spoil the party. The Saints held on to win by 14 points. Carlton tasted defeat for the first time under Josh Fraser, fading badly in the second half against Hawthorn. The final score was Hawks 15.13.103 defeated Blues 6.3.39. Also on Saturday night, the Adelaide Crows demolished the Gold Coast Suns by 79 points. The win moved the Crows up to fourth on the ladder, just ahead of Melbourne on percentage.
On Sunday, the Western Bulldogs were challenged by the West Coast Eagles for most of the game, but steadied in the final term to win 13.8.86 to 9.16.70. Melbourne continued its impressive form this season, defeating Richmond 16.15.111 to 9.11.65. In the final game, the Brisbane Lions cruised to a 90-point victory over Essendon.
Tipping
There are only 6 rounds to go and a lot of tipsters are still in contention for a top three placing in our competition. This week, most of us excelled and high scores across the board were the order of the weekend. Congratulations to the following tipsters who all tipped a perfect score of 9 this round: ESPNFAN511, Rick6479, Minksy, Carolyn Warner, Tucker Browne, St Lindsay, Four Peat Magic, Oracle, Weazer1, Bondy07, Richard Jones, Yehno, Romo and Croc Junior. Very well done. Four Peat and Yehno were closest on the margin game (13) and will receive a $20.00 dining credit at the club. Congratulations.
Leaderboard after Round 18
Flying Doctor 115
Tedwood068 114
GPD49er 114
Jeremy 114
CazzaSG 113
Croc Junior 113
Big D 113
John Naughton 113
Romo 113
Yehno 112
Geelong will host St Kilda to begin Round 19 this Thursday night. Please place your tips.
Don