Every Tuesday on The Agenda Setters, AFL experts Luke Hodge and Dale Thomas reveal what they are buying, holding, and selling after the weekend's football. In Round 10, a social media feud erupted between rival clubs, Brisbane suffered a surprising home loss to Geelong, and Adelaide showed dominant form that could signal a return to their 2025 level. Here is what they are buying and selling this week.
Hodge: Buying social media banter
A social media war broke out over the weekend when the GWS Giants, known for taunting rival clubs, decided to provoke North Melbourne. After North Melbourne's tough loss to Adelaide, their social media team posted on X: "FT: Final score can be found on the AFL app." The Giants could not resist and shared a graphic of the final score, adding: "Happy to post it if you aren’t x." Hodge asked Thomas, "What happens when you go too early?" Thomas replied, "Oh, the early crow." Indeed, North Melbourne fired back after the Giants' unexpected loss to West Coast. North posted: "Just while we’re helping each other out x," along with the Eagles vs. Giants final score. Hodge commented, "Both teams aren’t playing great footy on the field, but off field, they’ve been elite."
Thomas: Buying 'holding your ground'
Matthew Carroll was outstanding in Carlton's win over the Bulldogs, scoring three goals from 16 disposals and 11 marks, with 100% disposal efficiency. Thomas praised the 20-year-old after previously being skeptical. "I’m buying holding your ground," Thomas said. "Last week, you said Matty Carroll is a gun, and I said I’m not sure about his kicking. He was absolutely outstanding against the Dogs. Three goals, 16 disposals, 100% efficiency, six score involvements, six inside-50s. He’s my boy now. Matty Carroll, you are an improving star." Hodge replied, "It says a lot about you."
Hodge: Holding the Adelaide Crows
The Crows have struggled in 2026 but after a convincing win over North Melbourne, they climbed to eighth on the ladder with six wins and four losses, tied with Brisbane and half a game behind Hawthorn. "This time last year, they were in a similar position. They finished on top of the ladder last season. This is their time. They have the beatable Hawks in Tasmania, with many injuries. Time for the Crows to strike and climb the ladder."
Thomas: Holding Hawthorn’s workrate
Sam Mitchell criticized his Hawthorn team after their 39-point loss to Melbourne, saying they were outworked. However, Thomas highlighted Jack Ginnivan's effort, showing vision of him sprinting 150 meters to create an option. "This is against Ed Langdon, one of the best runners. Josh Ward looks up, has nothing. He gives it to Jai Newcombe. The only option is Ginni, who runs at full sprint. He composes himself, hits the target, and they kick a goal. He is absolutely gassed. Great workrate."
Hodge: Selling Kane Cornes
Hodge made a bold call to sell colleague Kane Cornes after Cornes suggested Chris Fagan should drop underperforming Brisbane players. Cornes said, "I wouldn’t be opposed to Fagan making a selection statement." But Hodge pointed to Brisbane's long injury list. "Whether it’s Rayner or Fletcher, fifth and ninth in the BNF last year. Drop them just to make a change? The senior blokes have missed games. What they need is stability. You’re not dropping a Fletcher or Rayner to make a stand. Keep the side together because they’ve had too much instability." Thomas said, "You got out before Corn could respond," while Cornes smiled and shook his head.
Thomas: Selling Collingwood’s 'Pendleship'
Collingwood's marketing team has created a "Pendleship" membership package for Scott Pendlebury's record-breaking game, now reduced to $43.30. It includes a general admission ticket, scarf, key-ring, and lanyard. Thomas said, "It’s been a massive week for Collingwood and Scotty Pendlebury. But I am selling what they call a Pendleship. The only tickets left are general admission, level four, Shane Warne Stand. You get all that for extra money. Why wouldn’t you? Pendles, you can keep the cash. I’m selling it."
