In this week's Nine things we learned, brought to you by Haier, the world's No.1 appliance maker, we discover that Collingwood's increased scoring power masked a marking problem up forward, Melbourne's recent revival was built on shaky foundations and Fremantle's star interceptor is destined for the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian team.
1. The Pies still need a reliable forward
Collingwood eventually broke the shackles on Monday night, finding nine individual goal kickers in recording its highest score since round three. However, a reliable option in attack still evaded the Pies. Marking targets Mason Cox, Trey Ruscoe and Flynn Appleby all finished with goals on the night, but Collingwood finished the match with just three grabs inside 50. Brody Mihocek should return from concussion for next week's crucial bout with Carlton, while Jaidyn Stephenson is still battling form issues, but there's no doubt the Pies have struggled since Jordan De Goey was sidelined through injury. Finding a reliable, consistent option in attack until that stage will be a priority for the club's coaching staff. - Riley Beveridge
2. We got sucked in by Melbourne… again
Seven points up at half-time after three consecutive wins in excess of 50 points. Everything seemed rosy, right? Wrong. What followed was the 20 minutes that could well cost Melbourne its season. Coach Simon Goodwin labelled the Demons' third term the worst defensive quarter of the season as the Western Bulldogs kicked six unanswered goals. The Dogs transitioned the ball with ease as half-backs Hayden Crozier, Jason Johannisen and Caleb Daniel did as they wanted, helping Mitch Wallis to a career-best four goals. The Demons still won the clearances without Max Gawn, who will return for the club's most important game of the year next week against St Kilda in Alice Springs. - Mitch Cleary
3. Pencil this Dockers defender in for an All-Australian spot
You can start measuring Luke Ryan for his Virgin Australia AFL All Australian jacket. The former VFL graduate has enjoyed a remarkable season across half-back for the Dockers and that continued on Saturday night, where his intercept and lockdown ability was rewarded with the Goodes-O'Loughlin Medal for best on ground in the Marn Grook match. Ryan, who ranks No.1 among all key defenders for disposals, metres gained and intercept possessions this season, has flourished in the absence of key defensive teammates Alex Pearce, Joel Hamling and Griffin Logue this season. He claimed another 26 disposals, five marks and 12 intercepts against the Swans, helping a stingy Dockers backline keep the visitors to just two goals for the match. It would be hard to overlook him for an All Australian spot now. - Riley Beveridge
4. Brisbane is running out of time to fix its goalkicking
While its general play continues to hum along nicely on the back of a strong midfield, brick-wall defence and diverse attack, Brisbane's goalkicking is a major problem. It's now more the size of a gorilla than a monkey on its back. Like they did recently against Melbourne, Richmond and North Melbourne, the Lions butchered set shot after set shot to keep St Kilda in the contest. Eric Hipwood, Dan McStay, Cam Rayner and Hugh McCluggage were among the culprits, with Hipwood looking particularly devoid of confidence. The Lions also have first-hand experience of how inaccuracy can cost you in big games - see last year's qualifying final against the Tigers. Chris Fagan and his men now have four matches to iron out the kinks before a tilt at a premiership really ramps up. - Michael Whiting
BARRETT Lions' 'crisis' could cost them another flag tilt
5. Liam Baker is Richmond's next under-the-radar gun
Two-time premiership backman David Astbury predicted it earlier this year when he tipped big things for teammate Liam Baker: "I have huge faith and belief in him developing into a serious player". Baker is well on his way to reaching serious levels as the Tigers backman continues his excellent season in Richmond's back half. Baker was again one of the Tigers' best in their Dreamtime win over Essendon in Darwin on Saturday night, gathering 16 disposals and setting things up from defence, On a sweaty night when many players fumbled, Baker never did – and rarely does – with the 2019 premiership player's sharp and quick hands helping create for the Tigers. - Callum Twomey
6. Trusting the draft process has its rewards
Only one of Port Adelaide's trio of 2018 first-round draftees graced Adelaide Oval on Saturday. Connor Rozee is nursing a heel injury, while Xavier Duursma was dropped this week as he experiences the first lean run of his AFL career. However, the remaining crew member, Zak Butters, made sure he represented them. The 19-year-old should feature prominently in the Power's club champion award, and stamped himself late against Hawthorn with a classy move. Ruckman Scott Lycett delivered a deft tap, but Butters' ability to burst through the stoppage, collect the Sherrin and kick the match-sealing goal was another reminder of his ability. It was Butters' seventh score involvement. As coach Ken Hinkley said post-match: "We're really glad he's with our footy club." The draft might not solve all problems, but it's been a major factor in Port's stunning rise to the top of the ladder. The path to success can be as straightforward as identifying and selecting the best teenage talent, especially if you can bolster your draft hand, like the Power have the past two years. - Marc McGowan
7. Setterfield is showing why he was a top-five draft pick
Carlton traded in the former Giant at the end of 2018 confident he would be the tall, mobile and smart ball-winner it needed to support a growing on-ball brigade. Setterfield showed signs of that last season in his 18 games for the Blues but was still coming to terms with his new club and in his first season back from a knee reconstruction he suffered at the start of his final season with Greater Western Sydney. But this year it has come together for the 22-year-old, who was again excellent in the Blues' win over Gold Coast on Friday night with a season-high 23 disposals, five tackles and five clearances. Setterfield was taken with pick No.5 at the 2016 NAB AFL Draft after the Blues placed a bid on the Giants Academy product, and he looms as a key piece as the Blues push towards a breakthrough finals appearance under David Teague. - Callum Twomey
8. The Giants defence looks lost without Phil
For the second consecutive week, Greater Western Sydney's defence has broken down without former captain Phil Davis. Missing with a knee injury, Davis typically plays as the defensive rock allowing his teammates to roll off an intercept. However, on Sunday, the Giants' backline of Aidan Corr, Lachie Keeffe and Nick Haynes had few answers contending with West Coast talls Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen. Such is the Giants' desire to free up Haynes, Giants veteran Heath Shaw was forced to man Jack Darling after his third goal in the third term. Leon Cameron will be desperate to have Davis back next week, with fellow tall Sam Taylor still recovering from a bacterial infection in his back that left him hospitalised last month. - Mitch Cleary
9. The Crows have found one in Shane McAdam
The No.23 guernsey that Andrew McLeod made famous at Adelaide looks to be in safe hands following Shane McAdam's rapid rise. The forward beat three Geelong defenders for pace to kick the best goal of the day, but it was the smaller acts that Crows coach Matthew Nicks would have loved. From intercept marks, to neutralising contests where the Crows were outmanned and nailing some brilliant kicks, McAdam proved he deserves his spot after a strong showing in Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Pencil him in for every game for the rest of 2020 if he’s healthy. - Jourdan Canil
