In a potential boil over, Essendon pushed Adelaide to the wire at AAMI stadium in their Friday night match. The Don's saw the return of a few players they have been lacking and put up a much better performance. Tackling and working hard for most of the game, Essendon served it up to Adelaide, but the Crows in the end, found enough to just win.
After a rare win last week, West Coast came crashing back to earth with a thud, after a Magpie onslaught.
The Pies are in their best form of the season so far and were far too talented for their mediocre opponents.
The Bulldogs bounced back to the winners list in style, defeating top side Hawthorn in Tasmania. Although the Hawks had several players out, Dogs fans can be happy with a classy 4 quarter display from their team. Hawthorn has absorbed the loss without losing top spot on the ladder, and it may well be a loss they needed to have.
Brisbane fought off a determined North Melbourne at home to win by a comfortable 31 points. The Lion's tackling pressure and skilful forwards ensure they can mix it with the best this season. North will have easier assignments to come and show promise.
Geelong bounced back from a rare defeat last week, by comfortably stomping all over Carlton. A return by big man Brad Ottens will have supporters grinning as the 'Catters' purr along in second place. Carlton were not terrible and can take some positives out of the game.
Sydney crushed a seemingly rejuvenated Richmond by 82 points in a dominant display. The severe tackling punishment and pressure from the Swans, was far too much for the young Tigers to deal with, rendering them completely shell shocked. One of these teams will play finals, and the other won't.
Jolted by public branding from their coach during the week the Saints fired up to trounce Melbourne, who went back to their usual poor form. It was no test for St.Kilda and one they were never going to lose against such weak opposition. St.Kilda need to beat some good teams before they earn any respect.
Freo have lost yet another game after leading at three quarter time, this time to the Power. Port stepped up a gear in the last quarter to easily shake off the 'no game plan' Dockers and have maintained a chance to play finals if they can have a better second half of the season.
