The Blues travelled to WA in the first game of the round to play the Eagles and came home with the 4 points. In a game marred by errors the lowly Blues have posted their third win for the season, against an even lowlier West Coast. It is quite staggering how far the Eagles have slipped this year, but they have no game plan whatsoever. A long season ahead for Mr Worsfold.
In an entertaining game at Skilled Stadium the Brisbane Lions put up a solid performance against the reigning premier, Geelong. Both sides lost key personnel for the game with the Lions missing Jonathon Brown and Simon Black and the Cats Gary Ablett. The ommissions may have caused pain for fantasy coaches as these quality players are all Captain worthy. The Cats fought hard to overcome a determined Brisbane, eventually cruising away for a 27 point victory, enough to maintain top position on the AFL ladder.
The rampaging Hawks have thumped Collingwood by 65 points in a game billed by many as the match of the round. Hawthorn ran the Pies ragged in this encounter, and their strong forwards, Franklin and Roughead proved too much for the Pies to counter. Still undefeated, Hawthorn pose the obvious challenge to the much fancied Cats this season but they are not due to meet until Round 17. Get your tickets now, as that game promises to be a ripsnorter.
Richmond fell just shy of knocking off St.Kilda in the cliffhanger of the round. The definately improved Tigers were unlucky with two late 'posters' that had Saints fans squirming in their seats. St.Kilda lost Riewoldt during the game with a knee injury and had sufferred other match injuries that seriously jeopardised their winning chance. Small forward Stephen Milne piled on enough goals for the weakening Saints to just prevail.
The in form Roos were stopped in their tracks by Adelaide at AAMI stadium, who have also started their season strongly. Adelaide are a tough opponent for any team at their home venue and never looked like losing this match. Both teams reside in the top 8 and should stay there on current form.
In a game that started out to plan for the Swans at home, the much improved Bulldogs had other ideas. Running Sydney ragged in the second quarter the Doggies piled on the goals to turn around their early deficit and storm to an impressive victory. For me, this performance no doubt confirms that the boys from the western suburbs are the real deal this season. They have consolidated themselves in third place on the ladder and show no signs of slowing down.
Fremantle hit their lowest ebb in an astounding loss to the pathetic Demons. Crippling many eliminator challenge tipsters, Fremantle were seemingly cruising after amassing a 50 point lead by half time. They completely stopped after the break and the Demons, to their credit, ran and worked extremely hard in the second half to grab their first win of the season, by a mere 6 points.
Port travelled to Melbourne to take on the depleated Don's, and cruised to a comfortable victory in a high scoring game. The Power are starting to turn their season around and are climbing the ladder rapidly. Next game they will go to Tasmania to take on the quality Hawks, a real test as to whether they can have an impact in September.
There is a break in the AFL schedule this week with the 'Legends game' on Saturday night the only viewing on offer. It should be a good game between the Vic's and the Allstars, let's just hope there are no injuries to come from it. 
