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1. Geelong's extraordinary run might finally be coming to a close
Heading into Thursday's clash with the Sydney Swans at the SCG, most expected a fierce contest between a Cats outfit nestled in the top four and a home side hoping to squeeze its way back in. What transpired was one of the most one-sided contests in recent memory, with Geelong held to just one goal to halftime and only five for the match in a record-breaking 110-point defeat. The Cats were undermanned and coming off back-to-back six day breaks, but coach Chris Scott had no interest in excuses. It was the club's heaviest defeat since its glorious run began with the 2007 flag and has led to serious question marks over whether their sustained run of excellence is finally fading. - James Dampney
WATCH: Buddy, Kurt, Goodes feast on Cats
2. Jake Carlisle is a defender and that is thatAfter struggling to get his hands on the ball in the forward line during Essendon's first nine games, Carlisle was finally returned to his rightful home in the backline for the Bombers' Dreamtime clash with Richmond on Saturday night. To the delight of the red and black faithful, the 198cm big man responded in style. He took his first intercept mark 12 seconds into the contest, after the Tigers had won the opening centre-break. And he finished the night with 20 disposals and 10 marks in what was clearly his best performance of the season. - Adam McNicol
3. Two wins in Perth should equal finals for North
The Kangaroos' staggeringly inconsistent season continues with a second win at Patersons Stadium this year. But history suggests teams that win twice in the west in a single season not only play finals but also have an impact in September. The exception to the rule is Essendon last season. The Bombers beat both Fremantle and West Coast in Perth in 2013 but were barred from the finals due to the supplements saga. Prior to that, both St Kilda and the Swans achieved the feat in 2010. The Saints went within a point of winning the flag, while the Swans fell a kick short of a preliminary final. The first team to achieve the feat was Essendon in 1995. Carlton also completed the double that season and went on the win the premiership. – Alex Malcolm4. Football has a future in Alice Springs
With spectacular backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, a superb playing surface, a competitive and entertaining game and the support of the locals, playing AFL for premiership points in Alice Springs may have a future. The crowd of 5655 was just below the hoped for 7000 but it has a major advantage over Darwin - the game was played in cool conditions perfect for football and should be an annual fixture. After the match, Demons CEO Peter Jackson told AFL.com.au his club hoped to feature in future contests in Alice Springs. - Peter Ryan
Demon Max Gawn wins a hit-out against Port during Sunday's contest at Alice Springs. Picture: AFL Media
5. The Magpies' depth is growing
Collingwood's list runs deep. This much was obvious when star midfielder Dane Swan and No.1 ruckman Brodie Grundy were late withdrawals before Friday night's game against St Kilda and their replacements, Josh Thomas and Paul Seedsman, came in and were among the Pies' better players. Midfielder Thomas had 29 possessions and kicked 3.2, while Seedsman, who was substituted into the game late in the first term for the injured Nick Maxell (calf), gave the Pies plenty of drive from half-back with 18 possessions and five inside 50s. Thomas was playing his fifth game for the season and Seedsman his first after hip surgery in January, but both are likely to be called on over the next few weeks given Maxwell's injury and Steele Sidebottom's report for rough conduct. - Nick Bowen
Steele Sidebottom collects Mav Weller in the opening minute of Friday night's game. Picture: AFL Media
6. Tex Walker hasn't lost it
Taylor Walker's first two games back from a knee reconstruction were encouraging, but the 24-year-old appeared off the pace of senior footy, dropping marks and missing kicks that he would have taken or made prior to his knee injury. But against Gold Coast the 'Tex' of old was on full show, presenting well, working up the ground for his teammates and hitting the scoreboard with five goals. It was a performance that will not only lift the hopes of Crows fans, but Walker's confidence too – proof to himself that he is still capable of proving a dominant force at the elite level.
WATCH: Tex terrorises the Suns
7. Lachie Whitfield is ready to explodeThe No.1 draft pick flew under the radar last year despite playing 19 games and averaging nearly 18 disposals a game. That might change soon, though, if Whitfield produces a few more games like he did on Sunday against the Hawks. The Greater Western Sydney midfielder collected a career-high 32 disposals and was the Giants leading onballer, running up and down the ground and using his class, vision and smarts to make his touches hurt. Whitfield has had an injury-interrupted season, but the 19-year-old has plenty of tricks.– Callum Twomey
8. Joel Patfull still flies under the radar
Despite back-to-back best and fairests for the Lions, Patfull could walk down almost any street in Australia and not be recognised. After a slow start to 2014, the 29-year-old defender kick-started his season by shutting down Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt in the Lions’ round-six victory. And against the Blues, he was outstanding. His pure stats of 14 disposals and four marks tell little of his impact. Aside from minding a range of opponents including Troy Menzel and Levi Casboult, Patfull took a number of clutch intercept marks late in the match to help his team over the line. – Michael Whiting
WATCH the last two minutes of Saturday’s Gabba thriller
9. Zac Clarke could hold a key to Fremantle's flag hopesGiant ruckman Aaron Sandilands is never going to be short of attention as the AFL's tallest player, but his sidekick Zac Clarke could well be the Dockers' ace up the sleeve in their attempts to go one better this September. Clarke was instrumental early in Freo's win over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday and showcased his skills with clever long kicks inside 50 setting up goals for Hayden Ballantyne and Stephen Hill in the first term. The 203cm big man finished the match with 14 touches, seven marks and three score assists, and his mobility and skills make him the perfect foil for the influential Sandilands. Clarke only had five touches in last year's Grand Final loss and recent history says that a dominant ruckman, or two, can make all the difference on the big stage. – Travis King
