The Green Machine: The Top Five Moments of AFL Round 8

So, why was Matt Rowell eating grass?

From soccered goals, backwards kicks, the return of a star and a player eating grass, the weekend of footy had a bit of everything.

It wasn’t easy this week, but here’s the top five moments from Round 8 of the AFL Premiership season.

5. The Return of Nat Fyfe.

The hero from Fremantle returned to the game in a big way this week.

Dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe has had a rough go of it recently. Since the start of 2022, he’s played just eight games.

But on Saturday, he was named as Fremantle’s substitute against Hawthorn.

Welcome back, Nat Fyfe 💜#foreverfreo | 🎥 @afl pic.twitter.com/1PRtUscNmH

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) May 6, 2023

Subbed in in the third quarter, he took to the pitch to a massive roar from the crowd, and sealed it with an incredible goal.

4. Hayden McLean’s Premier League Debut.

Sydney’s Hayden McLean might have forgotten what sport he plays for a minute on Sunday.

With a contested ball in front of Sydney’s goal, James Rowbottom managed to send a handball to the top of the square.

Hayden McLean ran in, and instead of picking up the ball, took on the mind of a soccer player and slotted it through the posts.

Hayden McLean puts it into the bottom right corner! ⚽#AFLPiesSwans pic.twitter.com/iQICLAqCIK

— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 7, 2023

3. Matt Cow-ell.

Matt Rowell’s always been an interesting character – but his pregame ritual caught the eye of commentators this weekend.

Before their clash with Melbourne, the Gold Coast midfielder was spotted rubbing his hands on the grass, and eventually eating some.

Thanks to the journalists at Bounce for highlighting this. Can someone @GoldCoastSUNS clarify why Rowell eats footy turf? My first thought was he's aware of a health benefit no one else is, as he's a specimen. Dogs also nibble on grass for gut health. #afl pic.twitter.com/mtJEeTJ1B5

— Josh Garlepp (@JoshGarlepp) May 8, 2023

Not sure what’s going on there.

2. The Green Machine.

GWS Captain and fan-favourite Toby Greene was a late out against the Bulldogs on Saturday, so another T. Green stepped up.

In his hometown of Canberra, the 22-year-old GWS midfielder displayed a career-best performance, finishing the day with an enormous 38 disposals, nine tackles, 10 score involvements and three goals of his own.

Tom Green is making waves this season 🌊

Watch The Round So Far, thanks to @AAMI: https://t.co/wxqcaxEsuO pic.twitter.com/m8DaC6QWg2

— AFL (@AFL) May 7, 2023

GWS fans, get excited.

1. Backwards Brody Mihocek.

The Goal of the Year might have been wrapped up by Will Ashcroft last week, but Brody Mihocek probably got the closest to it on Sunday.

After Billy Frampton launched the ball from outside 50 towards the goal, it looked like it just wouldn’t make the difference.

So, Collingwood’s Brody Mihocek ran up, under pressure, and kicked it backwards to secure the six points.

You just have to see it to believe it.

BRODY MIHOCEK YOU DID NOT! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/kaR5d5Unlw

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) May 7, 2023