1. Jimmy Bartel has got plenty of great footy left in him
Having won three premierships, a Brownlow Medal and a Norm Smith Medal, the 31-year-old has already achieved just about everything the game has to offer. And when he started this season playing as a mobile forward, it seemed his glory days of midfield domination were behind him. But after mercurial onballer Steve Johnson was forced to miss Geelong's Friday night clash with North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium due to suspension, Bartel was sent back into the middle, and from the opening bounce he relished every minute of his time in the engine-room. He finished with 32 disposals, nine marks, seven tackles and three clearances in a virtuoso performance. He even snuck forward and snagged a couple of goals. It was enough to draw praise from Cats coach Chris Scott, who dryly said: "I guess we are pretty impressed with his consistency." - Adam McNicol
2. Do the Power have the game's best 19th man?
Port Adelaide's crosstown rival Adelaide would love to think it still has the AFL's premier home-ground advantage but that's no longer the case as Power fans rediscover the joys of watching their team live (and loud). The wall of noise that accompanied Jay Schulz's final-quarter goal that sealed the win over Hawthorn was deafening for the record 52,233 crowd at the new home of AFL football in South Australia. Collingwood might have the most fans, the inhabitants of Patersons Stadium might be the most one-eyed and Crows supporters certainly have their moments (see the 'siren-gate' saga) but it's all just so new and exciting for the Power faithful. They've made playing at the 'Portress' clearly the game's most daunting challenge. May the footy gods take pity on those yet to venture there this season. - Michael Rogers
WATCH: Wingard wows 'em at the Portress
3. Despite his troubles, Riewoldt could join some rare company
Jack Riewoldt has a unique ability to demonstrate both the brilliant and the baffling at any given moment. The latter was on display on Wednesday with his infamous comments belittling Richmond's game plan. But the brilliant was back three days later when he kicked a sensational, career-best 11 goals in the Tigers' 113-point belting of GWS. That vaulted him to the top of the Coleman Medal race midway through round 10 with 28 for the season. Already the holder of two goalkicking medals, Riewoldt would join such luminaries as Gary Ablett senior and Jason Dunstall if he can add a third to the collection. Collingwood's Dick Lee holds the record with eight, won between 1907-1919. - James Dampney
WATCH: Riewoldt finds 11 ways to repay Richmond
4. The Pies are resilient but need to improve.
Losing two key backmen before half time is not ideal for any team playing West Coast, given their bevy of tall options, but the Pies not only faced that challenge but emerged victorious after brave efforts from their undersized defence. There's no doubt it was a courageous win but coach Nathan Buckley rued a raft of issues including the goals they gave up from turnovers, the 66 inside 50s they conceded and their discrepancy in third quarter clearances. The Pies showed they have the heart to win with their backs against the wall but they'll need to address these issues if they're to push up the ladder. - Jennifer Phelan
5. Get used to the newcomer near the top of the ladder
The easy win over the Bulldogs has moved Gold Coast to third place. They have a rough six weeks ahead, including games against Hawthorn, Geelong, the Sydney Swans and Collingwood, but they've already shown enough to suggest finals are close to a formality this season. With one of the youngest lists in the competition, and everything from key defenders, to midfielders, to quality rucks, to improving forwards, a stack of speed, and a bloke named Ablett on their books, it's hard to see them slipping for many, many years to come. - Michael Whiting
WATCH: Suns smoke Dogs in blistering third term
6. Eddie Betts is as crafty as they come
In a game that presented few opportunities for forwards on either team, Adelaide goalkicker Eddie Betts made the most of his against his former club. The crafty goalsneak was the main reason the Crows were still in the contest in the dying moments, having kicked four goals as the crowd that once adored him jeered. His presence was vital in giving the Crows the confidence to kick long after half-time, knowing they had a crumber who could have an impact when their tall trio couldn't. Put him in navy blue and Sunday's match wouldn't have gone down to the wire. – Nathan Schmook
