😂 “One post-match moment had fans laughing more than the game itself” Twin brothers Ben and Harry McKay shared a hilarious exchange after Carlton’s win, with one comment instantly stealing the spotlight.

Carlton beats Essendon for fourth win in a row, Sydney escapes against Saints as Liam Ryan takes epic hanger

An AFL player in dark blue celebrates a goal, framed by players in red and black

Carlton continues its resurgence under interim coach Josh Fraser, with a five-point victory over Essendon earning the Blues a fourth-straight win.

Earlier, Jai Serong snapped a last-gasp major to earn Sydney a two-point win over St Kilda, after the Swans had trailed by as many as 33 points in the first half.

Essendon dominated the early stages of the game, and won only their second first quarter of the season, but the Blues surged back to level the scores at three quarter time before a dramatic final term.

Harry McKay lined up for a kick from goal well outside the distance and let the clock run down 42 seconds before kicking to the square. Essendon kicked a goal from Zach Reid with nine seconds left, but fell short to remain on one win for the year.

A group of AFL players in red and white huddle, celebrating a victory

Sydney notched a dramatic late victory at the SCG. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)

In Sydney, Liam Ryan took a spectacular Mark of the Year contender, and booted five goals as the Saints led for most of the day.

But two late goals, including a snap from 25m out from Jai Serong with nine seconds left put Sydney in front for a win that leaves the Swans in second place, two-and-a-half games clear of Hawthorn.

Look back at how all the action unfolded in our live blog.

Zach Merrett of the Bombers looks dejected after a loss during the 2026 AFL Round 13 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 7, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.
The highs and lows of AFL football – joy for Carlton and depair for Essendon (Getty Images/AFL Photos)

It’s been a big day of footy, with a couple of very close games.

Carlton’s four-in-a-row under interim coach Josh Fraser will be giving hope to Blues fans, although the Bombers have the other side of the coin with another tough loss.

In Sydney, we had a match of serious intensity, with a stunning Mark of the Year contender (and five goals) from Liam Ryan – but it wasn’t enough to get the Saints over the line.

Jai Serong’s match-winning snap in the final 15 seconds showed just how hard it is to get past the Swans.

It confirms that the Dockers and Swans are the teams to beat this season, with two-and-a-half games between them and those outside the top two.

Jai Serong of the Swans celebrates kicking the winning goal during the round 13 AFL match between Sydney Swans and St Kilda Saints at Sydney Cricket Ground, on June 07, 2026, in Sydney, Australia.
Jai Serong’s goal in the dying seconds gave Sydney a win to remember (Getty Images)

We have one game left to complete round 13, and what an event it promises to be.

Melbourne vs Collingwood at the MCG in front of a close to capacity crowd, and of course the Big Freeze as another group of famous people go down the slide to raise funds to fight MND and pay tribute to the late Neale Daniher.

We’ll see you again tomorrow afternoon, but for now I’m Andrew McGarry, thanking you for joining us today and wishing you a very good night.

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