1. Carlton has found the accelerator
After hitting the brakes and frustrating opposition teams with an ultra-defensive style for the past two seasons, the Blues are on the attack. And with young stars like Charlie Curnow and Patrick Cripps, why wouldn't they be? Having taught his players the fundaments of team defence, coach Brendon Bolton is ready to build more offence into his group and the Blues played with run and speed on Thursday night that would have had the rev-heads attending the Melbourne Grand Prix excited. They jumped the Tigers with the first five goals, with link up handball through the corridor a new feature of their game. The Blues won't talk about honorable losses this year, but Thursday night's to the reigning premier was a loss full of positives. - Nathan Schmook

2. The Dogs have lost their identity
It's hard to believe that 18 months ago this footy club was the toast of the land and yes, it's only one loss, but the result isn't most worrying thing about Sunday's debacle against the Giants. For a team that built its success on frenetic tackling pressure around the contest and promised more aggression after last season's woeful premiership defence, the Bulldogs were lifeless against GWS. Captain Easton Wood, Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen and defender Matt Suckling didn't lay a single tackle for the day, leaders of the footy club who showed zero fight against a team that has become a fierce rival. Jordan Roughead, Shane Biggs and Fletcher Roberts, premiership heroes in 2016, had one tackle each. That lack of effort by experienced players is hard to comprehend. The easiest way to get involved in a game or have an impact is to tackle or harass an opponent, inspire teammates to do the same, and will them to scrap and fight to win games. The good thing about footy at this time of year is that there's a game next week to make amends, but does this group have it in them to do so? Sunday's clash with West Coast will answer that question. - Adam Curley

3. Cats' latest Kelly looks a readymade player
Tim Kelly had to bide his time far longer than most players to make his AFL debut. Last year's runner-up in the Sandover Medal was 23 by the time he ran on to the MCG to play Melbourne on Sunday. But the wait was worth it – both for the former apprentice electrician and Geelong. After the Cats' thrilling two-point win, coach Chris Scott said of Kelly: "He just looks like an AFL player already." That seemed the case from the opening stages of Sunday's game. Kelly seemed equally at home in the midfield, where his clean hands at stoppages stood out, and in attack, where he kicked a goal and created four scoring shots for teammates. He finished with 27 possessions – 13 contested, an equal team-high with Joel Selwood – six inside 50s and four clearances. It was an auspicious debut. One that suggests the Cats' recruiters made a wise call when they gave Kelly his long-awaited chance via pick No.24 in last year's NAB AFL Draft. - Nick Bowen

4. It's not a good idea to play in Cairns in March
While the Suns were in a difficult position trying to sort 'home' matches elsewhere because of the Commonwealth Games, playing in Cairns first-up backfired. The far North Queensland city is at the tail-end of its wet season and not surprisingly copped an absolute bucketing pre-match. Cazalys Stadium did a remarkable job to drain as well as it did, and although neither coach complained post-match, it wasn't fun for players or the hearty spectators that braved the weather for their one AFL experience in 2018. It's not just hindsight to say moving matches in Queensland's north to the drier months of May, June or July is the way to go. - Michael Whiting

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5. Dons have terrific tall timber
The copycat nature of the AFL landscape has led many clubs to contemplate a Richmond-like, small-ball, pressure-obsessed forward line built around one key target. But there are more ways than one to skin a cat, and Essendon benefited on Friday night from playing to its strengths. John Worsfold refused to give in to the temptation to throw Cale Hooker into defence, and the 2014 All Australian back pocket formed an imposing three-pronged attack with Joe Daniher and James Stewart. They kicked a combined eight goals, with Hooker and Stewart booting three apiece. Hooker is the shortest of the trio at 197cm, but they bring diverse qualities and styles and have the potential to haunt opposition sides this season. - Marc McGowan

6. Nic Nat's inspirational best definitely isn't behind him
There has been some dire speculation about the state of Nic Naitanui's reconstructed left knee during his 19-month rehabilitation but his long-awaited comeback game has filled West Coast fans with hope that the star ruckman will again become the force he once was. Even on limited game against Sydney, the champion big man was the Eagles' most influential player at Optus Stadium. His ruckwork and follow-up efforts around the ball were telling, even if he isn't yet jumping as high as he once did. Naitanui makes his teammates walk taller and his return has immediately addressed West Coast's supply issues. He brought the packed house down when he nailed Nick Smith in a tackle and snapped a set shot goal late in the third quarter and, if he stays fit, the Eagles will be a completely different outfit compared to last season. - Travis King

7. Bonner is a Rising Star contender
Port Adelaide almost had its third NAB AFL Rising Star winner last year with midfield bull Sam Powell-Pepper. This year, it's dynamic half-back flanker Riley Bonner who will be a serious contender for the award. In just his fifth career game, Bonner – who turned 21 on March 7 – racked up 31 possessions (including 21 kicks), six marks and four Inside 50s in the Power's 50-point win against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval. Bonner hit up targets beautifully, took the game on and helped the Power transition from defence to attack. The 37th overall pick in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, Bonner made his debut in round 23, 2016, but had to wait until round 22 last year to return to the side. It's going to be hard to force him out now. - Lee Gaskin

8. Forget 'Dangerwoodlett'. Order a 'Jaeger Tom' instead
We've celebrated Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield/Joel Selwood combination, and are eagerly anticipating Gary Ablett turning their dangerous double act into a threatening threesome this season. But, there's a new midfield combination on the block that Hawthorn supporters in particular have been waiting to see knock the Cats' trio off its pedestal. Knee issues kept Jaeger O'Meara to six games last year, but a full pre-season has left him well placed to team up with ball magnet Tom Mitchell in a pairing that destroyed Collingwood with 81 possessions, 15 clearances and eight centre clearances on Saturday night. If one doesn't get you, the other one will. - Jennifer Phelan

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9. The Saints have their A-graders
The question asked repeatedly of St Kilda over the summer was 'who are the club's A-graders?' It was a fair question, and we waited on Saturday at Etihad Stadium to see who would take this game by the horns when Brisbane threatened. Midfielder Jack Steven was the man, with his speed and agility back in a big way after last year's injury struggles. Steven has elite attributes as a player who can win the ball in tight, burst into space and dispose effectively. He has the talent to be an All Australian in 2018 after making the 40-man squad in 2016. Half-forward Jack Billings was next to step up and stake his claim as an A-grade talent this season. He harassed the Lions defensively, won the footy 26 times and escaped over the back to kick two goals. Blake Acres (30 possessions and a goal) is another who showed he has the talent to move into the next bracket. - Nathan Schmook