It's far too early to say whether Richmond is ready to make the finals for the first since 2001, but two things seem clear. One, by winning their first two matches of the season for the first time since 1997, the Tigers have a head start on their recent failed tilts at making the finals. Two, Richmond is now surrounding its stars with a bigger and more capable supporting cast. On the forward line, Tyrone Vickery and Luke McGuane are giving Jack Riewoldt the aerial support he has previously lacked. And Reece Conca looks ready to step up to support Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and Dustin Martin in the midfield, judging by his 25-possession game against the Saints. - Nick Bowen
2) The Eagles have plenty to worry about
Two straight losses is a setback for West Coast's top-four hopes, but it is the manner of their defeats to Fremantle and Hawthorn that is of most concern. The Eagles' depth has been exposed and both the Hawks and Dockers scored heavily in short bursts against them. In contrast, Hawthorn's effort in defying a six-day break and oppressive Perth conditions proves Jeff Kennett was way too premature in calling for Alastair Clarkson's head. The Hawks remain premiership contenders. - Alex Malcolm
3) Josh Jenkins has stepped into Kurt Tippett's boots
While losing Tippett was one of the biggest stories of the off-season, Adelaide has a ready-made replacement in Jenkins. The former Essendon forward/ruck was superb against the Lions, giving their defence headaches all game. At 198cm and 106kg, the 24-year-old has a huge frame and is a perfect foil for Taylor Walker. His 16 disposals, match-high 12 marks in the wet conditions, and two goals was a big reason for the Crows' victory. - Michael Whiting
4) Mark Jamar is a shadow of his All-Australian self
There were many low points for Melbourne supportersin their 148-point loss to Essendon on Saturday. But the performance ofruckman Mark Jamar was right up there with the worst of them. The29-year-old, who was selected in the All Australian team and finishedthird in the Demons' best and fairest in 2010, looked woefully out ofsorts. Jamar dropped chest marks, missed targets by hand and foot andgenerally looked like a bloke who belonged in the VFL reserves ratherthan the AFL. It is an extraordinary fall from grace for a player whowas among Melbourne's greatest success stories just a couple of yearsago.
- Adam McNicol
5) Port has improved under Ken Hinkley
Yes, the Power have a long way to go before becoming a genuine finalscontender, but the signs point to a bright future at Alberton. Withveteran forward Jay Schulz leading the way, Port Adelaide's attack looksparticularly menacing when operating at full tilt. Young Chad Wingardplayed his best game in the AFL to date against GWS, booting threegoals, while fellow teenager Jake Neade has all the makings of adamaging small forward and hand fed Wingard two of his majors. Alongwith Angus Monfries and Justin Westhoff who, at their best are both hardto stop, the Power appear capable of threatening more highly-rated opponents. - Harry Thring
6) You can never write off the Cats
When a side trails by 41 points in the second quarter, it's fair to say things are looking dire. North Melbourne was cruising, dominating the clearances and peppering the goals to take a healthy margin into the main change. It was all going to plan. But Geelong clearly didn't read the memo. Instead, the Cats burst out of the blocks with intent in the third quarter, leaving the Kangaroos scrambling to plug up the holes in its defence. And even though it came down to a free kick and 50 metre penalty, there's still a lesson to be learned – you can never write off the Cats. - Jacqui Reed
7) Ross Lyon's pressure cooker has travelled west
Brendan McCartney said Fremantle values "the part of the game where you haven't got the ball" after the Western Bulldogs' 28-point loss to Ross Lyon's side on Saturday, which was echoed by commentators in the wrap of the game. So encompassing was Freo's pressure, the Dogs won the clearances 41 to 29 but trailed all afternoon, emphasising Freo's ability to make the opposition simply hand the ball back. St Kilda's Leigh Montagna admitted on Channel 7's Game Day that Lyon had Freo playing like he did the Saints – defend first, put pressure on, win the ball back and score on the turnover. – Jennifer Phelan
8) The Suns are shining brighter
There was plenty of pressure surrounding Guy McKenna's side entering 2013, with an expectation it was time for the team to start delivering in its third season in the competition. With whispers Greater Western Sydney may have passed their older brothers, the Suns needed to prove they had put their list concessions to good use. An opening-round upset victory over St Kilda was a tremendous start, but next up came the challenge of a first trip to Sydney to take on the Swans. A one-point quarter-time lead, and an ultimate 41-point defeat, was an admirable display from a team showing far more grit and determination early in the new year. A local derby with the Lions next week will be another important test. - James Dampney
9) Collingwood's depth is hard to match
The talent lurking deep on the Magpies' list is a weapon that will be the differencebetween winning and losing tight games this season. With starsDale Thomas, Dayne Beams and Luke Ball unavailable through injury – andruckman Darren Jolly subbed out early in the game – the Blues had amidfield advantage in Sunday's blockbuster and they should have takenfull toll. They didn't, and Magpies Jamie Elliot (five goals and 10marks) and Sam Dwyer (23 possessions and five inside 50s) stepped up to play influential roles in the thrilling win.Dwyer, a rookie who was playing just his second game, is only availablefor senior selection because Tim Broomhead (glandular fever) is on thelong-term injury list. He epitomises the depth at coach Nathan Buckley'sdisposal. - Nathan Schmook
