Essendon secured a rare win on friday night at home, against the lowly Eagles. With a few of their regulars back from injury the Don's were too pacy for West Coast who returned to their ordinary ways.
Always a tough ask with key forward Daniel Bradshaw missing, Brisbane came up short against the talented Bulldogs. It took the Doggies three quarters to shake the Lions, but when they did the floodgates opened, storming to an impressive victory. The Bulldogs can't be faulted so far this season, and are a classy unit who will challenge for the flag.
Fremantle finally broke the shackles posting a win at home against an undermanned and lethargic North Melbourne. On top from the beginning the Dockers built a handsome three quarter time lead ensuring the 'dockiwobbles' didnt set in again. North have now slipped out of the 8 and need to bounce back, although facing tough opposition in Hawthorn, this week.
Sydney keep rolling toward the finals securing a top 4 berth after a comfortable win over the Saints. The Swans are playing very consistently and some of their youngsters have slotted nicely into their potent ranks. No team will be getting an easy contest from the Swans this season.
Adelaide have just fallen short from winning the first of their 'horror month' encounters. Although they lead for most of the game, the class of the undermanned Hawks reigned supreme in the finish. A blow for the Crows who now slip out of the top 4 and are facing 3 consecutive tough encounters. The tight finish has seen Hawthorn slip back to second behind Geelong on percentage.
Geelong has given Port another trouncing at the 'Cattery' resurrecting some painful memories for the Port faithful. In a completely dominant display Geelong went further ahead as the game progressed, ensuring Port's finals hopes are further diminished. Monumental task now for Port to play finals, they are not playing well enough to impact anyway.
The Blues have taken the chocolates from the Pies for the second time this season in a surprising result at the MCG. Lead by Fevola who booted 8 goals, Carlton out tackled their lacklustre opponents and definately have the wood, on the woods, at present. Blues fans are beside themselves as they have snuck into the 8, for the first time in a long time.
Richmond held off a determined Melbourne to take a comfortable victory keeping their finals hopes alive. It wasn't overly impressive by the Tigers who need to improve to see September action. Melbourne are at least somewhat competitive these days, which is more than could be said for the beginning of their season.
