IN A round of blowouts, we were treated to the first draw of season seven between Carlton and new side Port Adelaide, as players emerged right across the country. 

Each week Gemma Bastiani will look at a key talking point in each game in this handy wrap up, just in case you missed it. 

Contested marking is the Dogs' best asset 

On Friday evening the Bulldogs had to work exceptionally hard to overcome a much-improved Fremantle outfit, but ultimately it was their ability to take strong contested marks in key moments that handed them victory. First it was Gabby Newton pulling in a big grab at the top of the goal square from which she kicked the goal that put the Dogs in front, and then it was an end-to-end passage of play which saw them take three consecutive contested marks to hold off the Dockers late in the game. 

Adelaide is notching up wins without playing its best 

Once again, the Crows registered a win despite not playing their best footy until the final quarter. North Melbourne looked up and about early, led by Jasmine Garner in the middle and Emma Kearney off the half back line, but as soon as Adelaide flicked the switch in the final quarter the Roos lost their discipline and structure. The Crows have conceded zero points while piling on 31 points of their own across their last two final quarters to claim back-to-back victories. 

The Giants have found their longterm forward line 

Until this season it has been Cora Staunton or bust for Greater Western Sydney, but Georgia Garnett's move forward and the recruitment of Zarlie Goldsworthy has created a spark in attack. The pair combined for three goals and 10 marks in the Giants' big win over the Swans on Saturday. Add in the reliable impact of Jess Doyle, they finally have young players to build their long-term attack around. 

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Annabel Johnson is the most underrated Cat 

She might have only played seven career games, but Geelong defender Annabel Johnson is fast becoming one of the Cats' most important players. Since she joined the side last season, the Cats concede an average of 19.3 points with Johnson in the side, and 32.2 without her. Leading her side for intercepts on Saturday with eight, Johnson's positioning and athleticism is outstanding, not to mention her willingness to attack aerial contests full-chested. 

Brisbane is the complete team 

The Lions continue to break scoring records, becoming the first AFLW side to kick more than 200 points within the first three rounds of a season and handing Gold Coast its biggest loss in club history. But it's not just on the scoreboard that they are showing their dominance. Against the Suns on Saturday, they exemplified work rate and effort, winning the disposal count by 59 while also laying 35 more tackles than their opponent. There is simply no substitute for hard work. 

Draws are good, actually 

On Sunday we were treated to just the sixth draw in AFLW history between inaugural side Carlton and the brand-new Port Adelaide. Just like with any tight game, every small moment will be excruciatingly analysed by both clubs to see where the game could have been won, but what is different about a draw is the desperate attack created by both sides late in the game in an effort to claim the win. Instead of having one team with its nose in front trying to save the game, both the Blues and Power went all out attack until the very last second. 

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Let's appreciate the Kate Shierlaw renaissance 

St Kilda veteran Kate Shierlaw has had a stuttering AFLW career to date. Always a strong contested mark, she has largely played in a forward line with little or poor supply which has meant she has had to push high up the field to have an impact. This season, with a more proactive Saints side sending the ball forward, Shierlaw has been unstoppable in front of goal. Kicking a career-high eight goals in just three games, her ability to lead at the ball carrier and protect the ball has been important, and then her composure in front of goal has finished the work. 

Ellie McKenzie is a game changer

In a round that saw number one draft picks star – Gabby Newton on Friday, Nicola Barr on Saturday – Richmond's Ellie McKenzie took on the mantle on Sunday. Immediately coming out of the blocks with an impressive run down the wing setting up the Tiger's first goal, it was her marking in the wet that saw her rise above the rest of the field. Her intelligence and composure, particularly under pressure, is evidence of the talent pathway that now exists for girls around the country. 

Don't underestimate Ella Roberts 

Given the nature of a state-based draft, Ella Roberts slipped to pick No.14 but in a national draft would have likely gone at number one. She has taken some time to warm into the season, especially given she has largely played in the Eagles' forward line, but against the Bombers on Sunday it was her move into the midfield that got her side back into a respectable position on the scoreboard. Finishing the game with 17 disposals and five clearances, it was her deft touch and one take gathers that got the ball moving into attack for West Coast.