In Round 18 of the 2025 AFL season a pair of Suns slashed their Brownlow odds, and a young key forward put his hand up for an All-Australian berth. But has one of the competition's stars 'checked out' of his club already? Here's whose stocks are up and down.
Our footy experts cast their eye over the week's action to find out whose stocks are up -- whether it's a coaching masterstroke or a player having a blinder -- and whose are down.
Adelaide
Stocks up: You know when people say 'when they're on, they're on?" Yeah, Riley Thilthorpe is one of those players. The powerful Adelaide forward kicked a career-high six goals under the Marvel Stadium roof and the Dogs simply had no answers for him, but his dominance has been felt several times this year, slotting five or more majors now on three occasions, and more than three eight times. It's no surprise the 23-year-old finished as the equal highest-rated player on the ground.
Stocks down: Matthew Nicks confirmed after the game key defender Jordon Butts has a suspected collapsed lung. He was visibly in a spot of bother, but fingers crossed we hear positive news after he sees a specialist. From an on-field perspective it does leave a hole, but Nick Murray has been working his way back into match fitness via the SANFL and could be ready to return next week.
Brisbane
Stocks up: Credit to the reliable Josh Dunkley who won the inaugural Robert Walls Medal as best afield in the win over the Blues, the former Bulldog ending his night with 28 disposals (14 contested possessions), six marks, 13 tackles, seven score involvements, and four clearances playing an inside role on Blues skipper Patrick Cripps.
Stocks down: It was shattering to see Noah Answerth go down with a season-ending Achilles injury. He's been a no-fuss, plug-and-play member of the Lions' defence all year, and his absence will raise questions about the depth of that back six. Also, Zac Bailey -- hot one week, stone cold the next. He kicked a major, but his 1.4 from seven total shots was a tough watch.
Carlton
Stocks up: Okay, hands up (and be honest!): who had Marc Pittonet kicking a torp from 60, after the siren, for a goal? The big man had a very good outing for the Baggers; his impact with ball in hand will never be huge, but his tap work is sublime and he managed to hit the scoreboard twice as the Blues continue to falter along in 2025. Props to Harry O'Farrell, too. There might be something there ... his night in defence, mostly on Logan Morris, was impressive.
Stocks down: Has Tom De Koning checked out of the Blues? His effort and demeanour would suggest so, so the pressure is on the ruck to not only start performing up to the standards we all expect, but show he's worth up to $1.7 million per year to a potential new club like St Kilda. He had just six disposals and no marks to half time, and finished with one goal and just three marks, with the Blues opting to use Pittonet for most ruck duties. Despite that, Carlton fans bronx cheering him? Not a good look.
Collingwood
Stocks up: So, Collingwood almost did that thing again. And it was Josh Daicos who helped spark the almost-impossible comeback. With the away side trailing by 28 points entering the final stanza, Daicos put on his Superman cape and racked up a whopping 16 disposals, five tackles, five intercept possessions, four clearances, six score involvements, and kicked two goals in the fourth quarter alone, proving the recently-turned half-back flanker can be called upon to ignite the midfield when it's required.
Stocks down: The Pies were no match for the Suns in most areas and were severely beaten in contest and clearance, especially in the first half, but as coach Craig McRae said after the game: "Kicking nine or 10 points (in a row), it's going to be hard to win a game." The ladder-leaders will take some learnings out of that game, but perhaps none more so than the importance of goalkicking, accuracy in front of the big sticks still no doubt the most underrated stat in footy.
Essendon
Stocks up: This is a game Bombers fans will want to quickly forget, but there were still a couple of youngsters that caught our eye. Firstly, Archie Roberts has been a revelation of sorts in Brad Scott's backline this season, racking up another 31 disposals off half-back against the Tigers, while Elijah Tsatas -- who can only improve with more exposure at the top level -- was finally given a 'full' game, kicking one major from 19 touches with just 63% game time.
Stocks down: An ACL injury to Nic Martin is just a horrendous result for a side that has been absolutely ravaged by injuries this season. One of the side's most reliable and in-form players, it really is heartbreaking stuff with the worst fears confirmed by the club on Sunday.
Fremantle
Stocks up: Andrew Brayshaw was immense in that Fremantle midfield on Saturday night, helping inspire his side to a critical win over the Hawks with his 29 disposals, 14 tackles, and six clearances. It was also a terrific return for tenacious and underrated forward Sam Switkowski, who booted three goals from 16 touches and had a game-high eight score involvements to finish as the highest-rated player on the ground (21 rating points).
Stocks down: Unfortunately for Freo fans, it doesn't get any easier in the quest for finals footy, with a clash against Collingwood at the MCG next week. They then face West Coast, Carlton, Port Adelaide, Brisbane, and the Western Bulldogs, and it seems if they don't take at least one scalp against teams also in the top nine, they could have to rely on others to falter around them. They're good enough, the Dockers, but they still need to continue proving it.
Geelong
Stocks up: Gryan Miers is one of the most damaging players in the game because of his ability to hit targets inside 50 and pull off some of the most creative of kicks, and those traits were on full display against the Giants. Miers had 16 kicks from his 22 disposals, as well as a team-high seven score involvements, and went at 81% disposal efficiency to end the afternoon as the highest-rated Geelong player. Shout out to Shannon Neale, too, who cashed in with five goals from just seven disposals.
Stocks down: To anyone thinking Geelong's spot in the top eight or top four is under threat with that loss, think again. That was easily the toughest match in the Cats' run home and with matches against St Kilda, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Essendon, Sydney, and Richmond to come, they're more than locked in and have destiny in their own hands. Fair old draw, that.
Gold Coast
Stocks up: The Suns' stoppage game was on fire on Friday night, finishing +13 in clearances, and it was largely because of the dominance of midfield duo Matt Rowell (32 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 12 clearances, and two goals) and Noah Anderson (32, 17, eight, and one). The Pies managed to slightly even things up in the second half and last quarter in particular, but they largely had no answers for the former No. 1 and 2 draft picks.
Stocks down: Also an integral part of arguably the AFL's best midfield trio, Touk Miller was subbed out with a hamstring injury in the second quarter, a real dampener for the inspirational Sun who was putting together another stellar campaign. Hopefully it's on the minor side.
THAT'S A CAPTAIN'S GOAL🫡#AFLSunsPies pic.twitter.com/jEKaw15iPt
— AFL (@AFL) July 11, 2025
GWS
Stocks up: Aaron Cadman's stocks have been rising all season and after another six-goal effort at Engie Stadium, they're still only going in one direction. The emerging star forward was aerially dominant, clean with his hands, precise with his kicking, and could well be another forward line X-factor in the finals (if they get there). Even better for Giants fans, the club announced Cadman signed a four-year extension on Monday morning, which locks the gun away until at least the end of 2030!
Stocks down: Where one forward shone, another really struggled, with Jesse Hogan subbed out of the game in what was his return after battling foot soreness in the weeks prior. The Coleman Medal winner slotted one major, but from only four disposals, and visibly lacked the presence we've all expected from him. With Cadman, and even Jake Stringer, in the form they're in, it could be wise to do whatever is necessary to ensure Hogan is fully fit for the final stretch of the season.
Hawthorn
Stocks up: Seeing the return of a finally-fit Calsher Dear (three goals) is a big plus for the Hawks, who also had Mitch Lewis kicking five goals in the VFL to keep the pressure on the third tall forward spot in Sam Mitchell's side. Karl Amon (30 disposals, eight rebound 50s, and 693 metres gained) also had himself a game in Perth.
Stocks down: We've long been admirers of the way Dylan Moore goes about it, but by his lofty standards, he let himself down against the Dockers, going at just 29% from his 17 disposals and making some poor decisions in the front half, ending the night with six clangers next to his name.
Melbourne
Stocks up: There couldn't be too many more bang-for-buck forwards out there than Melbourne veteran Jake Melksham, could there? Unassuming, but always delivering is the phrase most synonymous to the style of player the former Bomber is, booting yet another five goals from 10 touches and five marks in a Dees side that has long lacked a big presence inside 50. It was also great to see Christian Petracca (31 disposals, seven clearances, and one goal) performing on the big stage on Sunday.
Stocks down: In pretty distressing footage, Tom Sparrow was KO'd after copping a stray Tristan Xerri swinging arm high in the final quarter, which is certain to see the Demon miss at least next week's game against Carlton.
You CANNOT tackle Christian Petracca 😤#AFLDeesNorth pic.twitter.com/a1s3O0R3yU
— AFL (@AFL) July 13, 2025
North Melbourne
Stocks up: Cooper Harvey has only played five games, but we hope there's a lot more to come for the 21-year-old son of champion Brent, and we suspect there will be. Three of his four goals against the Demons may have come in fourth-quarter 'junk time' with the game well and truly buried, but you can't deny the skill that was on show when given his chance. A career-best haul of four majors from seven marks, 13 disposals, and eight score involvements is more than enough of an indication that he can put himself in Alastair Clarkson's long-term plans up forward.
Stocks down: Without Nick Larkey through injury, a lot more pressure was put on the shoulders of player such as Finnbar Maley, who really didn't grasp his opportunity at the MCG. The young forward managed just one kick from three disposals and one mark before being subbed out in the third quarter, with the Roos instead relying on proven performer Cam Zurhaar (three goals in the third term) to play above his height.
Port Adelaide
Stocks up: It was a big day out for Jason Horne-Francis, who was at his boisterous and damaging best in the win over West Coast. He had 27 disposals, six clearances, and kicked two goals -- but played a key hand in a number of others. In one notable passage, he made about five efforts starting at half back, willing the ball forward a number of times before the footy eventually found its way to Darcy Byrne-Jones, who saluted with a beauty.
Stocks down: It just wasn't Willie Rioli's day against the Eagles. Having been in decent form the past couple of weeks, he managed just one behind from four disposals on Sunday. Fingers crossed he's back to his best soon!
How many times did JHF impact this play!?#AFLPowerEagles pic.twitter.com/ddOkndjTi2
— AFL (@AFL) July 13, 2025
Richmond
Stocks up: The win started in the trenches for the Tigers and it was there where Tim Taranto was able to get to work and finish the night with 34 disposals, five tackles, four clearances, and what proved to be a crucial goal in the final term. It was also great to see another debutant in Taj Hotton really hold his own at the MCG, showing plenty of signs and imposing himself early with a big mark and goal to get Tigers fans on their feet.
Stocks down: We were so, so close to giving Richmond's 'stocks down' section a miss after a win, but that game was just too much of an eyesore! Sorry, big fellas, but youngster Thomas Sims and Jacob Koschitzke combined for -3.2 rating points and had very little impact. Admittedly it really wasn't a night for the big key forwards and they weren't helped by scrappy delivery, so hopefully they can respond with better performances at Optus Stadium next week, which serves as a real chance for the Tigers to win two in a row.
St Kilda
Stocks up: Usually we're praising Marcus Windhager for his tagging efforts, but his ball-winning efforts in loss to Sydney on Sunday were excellent. He had 36 disposals, 10 contested possessions, five clearances, and set up a goal. Still just 22 years of age, could he be adding yet another string to his bow?
Stocks down: He's been a much-improved player at the Saints but Mason Wood had a few moments he'd like back, particularly in the fourth quarter. With the Saints pressing, Wood found himself in position to kick inside 50 about four times, and made a meal of just about every one of them, either getting chopped off, or kicking to disadvantageous positions. He didn't cost them the win, but some more composure may have given his side a chance to secure the four points.
How many times did JHF impact this play!?#AFLPowerEagles pic.twitter.com/ddOkndjTi2
— AFL (@AFL) July 13, 2025
Sydney
Stocks up: At both ends of the ground, Will Hayward was a match-winner for the Swans on Sunday. In addition to kicking three goals (two in the last term including one which gave Sydney the lead), Hayward plugged a hole defensively late with the Saints surging and the Swans up by less than a goal. He took a clutch grab with just more than a minute remaining which all but helped ice the win. Also, we gave Brodie Grundy a shout out last week, but it would be remiss of us not to mention his beautiful ruck work to set up Errol Gulden's game-winning goal. Absolute perfection.
Stocks down: Say goodbye to Jake Lloyd the backman, and say hello to Jake Lloyd the forward. Three goals against the Saints, after two last week, and one the week before. Dean Cox masterstroke? Has Lloyd earned another contract? What a situation!
West Coast
Stocks up: The Eagles have one in Jobe Shanahan. The 18-year-old had an impressive outing against the Power, kicking a goal and setting up two others. He proved to be a target in the forward 50, and as he builds confidence, experience, and his body, he'll no doubt be a handful for defences going forward.
Stocks down: While it was a much improved effort for the Eagles, who put the pressure on the Power early, they just failed to run out the game again, with another fourth quarter to forget. The midfield, too, was smashed after West Coast's early surge, losing the clearance battle a staggering 53-26.
Shanahan flies above the rest, converting a spectacular grab 🦅#AFLPowerEagles pic.twitter.com/sUjrIEZP1v
— AFL (@AFL) July 13, 2025
Western Bulldogs
Stocks up: Sam Darcy has stolen the spotlight for obvious reasons, but Aaron Naughton has had a great month-and-a-bit in that Dogs forward line and is quietly putting together a very solid season, his five majors against the Crows taking his 2025 tally to 36 after 17 games. Marcus Bontempelli is also making a late case for another All-Australian blazer, picking up 37 disposals, 12 tackles, and eight clearances on Saturday afternoon.
Stocks down: There were already question marks surrounding the Bulldogs' defence, and now they've conceded an average of 96.7 points in their last three games, and an average of 112 in losses against Geelong, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Fremantle earlier in the season. Whether it's personnel or system, something does need to change, and it could start with the inclusion of veteran stopper Liam Jones.