In this week's Eight things we learned, brought to you by Haier, the world's No.1 appliance maker, we discover just how much the Giants and the Bombers have missed their big forwards, while the Blues might have blown their top-eight hopes.
1. 'Jezza' with a fishing rod equals bulk goals
Jeremy Cameron's fishing obsession was well known before this year, but, perhaps, we've learned just how deep it goes during hub life and the restrictions footballers have lived under. His coach and namesake, Leon Cameron, has routinely mentioned his spearhead struggling more than most with the living conditions. Translation: no fishing. The 2019 Coleman medallist had kicked only 18 goals in 12 games this year before Saturday's clash with Fremantle, including just five across his previous five outings. GWS emerged from Western Australia quarantine last Sunday night, and Cameron managed to find a way to end his fishing drought at a Perth beach this week. Coincidentally or not, the 27-year-old slotted a season-high four majors to be a key contributor in his side's victory. As coach Cameron said: "He likes to be outdoors more than indoors … (and) clearly a bit of fresh air for him has helped his performance this weekend." - Marc McGowan
2. What a difference Joe Daniher makes
The Bombers' much-discussed ball movement was sizzling in the second half of Thursday's come-from-behind win over Hawthorn – but it helped having a fit-and-firing Joe Daniher in attack. Essendon's midfield is blossoming, with Andrew McGrath, Zach Merrett, Dylan Shiel, Darcy Parish and Kyle Langford combining increasingly well. Jordan Ridley is putting together a stellar campaign down back, too, but the Dons' tall forward stocks are decidedly mediocre, apart from Daniher. Jake Stringer, at 192cm, is better than that, but isn't the prototypical height for a No.1 target. Outgoing coach John Worsfold keeps telling us how good Essendon will be – and how soon that day will be – but it's hard to picture that happening if list boss Adrian Dodoro and co. can't convince Daniher to re-sign. His groin woes are behind him for now, and hopefully stay away, but the Bombers' greater worries with him might be Sydney and potentially Brisbane. There are some fascinating weeks ahead at Tullamarine. - Marc McGowan
3. The Blues have wasted their finals chance
It was another 'what if?' performance in a season of missed opportunities. In arguably the side's biggest game since it last played in September back in 2013, Carlton had the chance to seize the moment, put its foot on the throat of arch rival Collingwood and re-enter the finals race. Instead, the Blues didn't kick a goal for the entirety of the second half. Leading by 10 points midway through the third quarter, Carlton had grabbed the ascendancy in the contest. But, as it has countless times throughout a campaign full of frustration, the Blues couldn't capitalise. Add this Collingwood defeat to losses against Melbourne, St Kilda, Hawthorn and West Coast where Carlton has blown match-winning periods within a game. - Riley Beveridge
4. Good luck trying to stop the Tigers
This is a Richmond team that is firing up, and with back-ups on the way. Although Thursday night's game between Richmond and West Coast was a contested clash, it probably wasn't the exciting Grand Final preview many had tipped. Granted the Eagles' early loss of Josh Kennedy stymied their chances, but mainly it was due to Richmond's extraordinary depth. Shane Edwards will arrive in Queensland next week and will add some more to a dominant midfield mix, while Dion Prestia (ankle) and David Astbury (knee) are also due back in coming weeks, while Dylan Grimes (hamstring) should be ready for the finals. The Tigers have also settled into their home away from home and have won their past six games in Queensland. - Callum Twomey
5. 'Jekyll and Hyde' Dogs must find consistency
You never really know which Western Bulldogs side you're going to get. Yes, they lost two players before half-time on Friday night, but the prospect of throwing away the 36-point lead it had built through a stunning patch of football in the first term would have appeared unfathomable at the opening change. It continues an alarming trend of inconsistency that has plagued the side over the last few seasons. This year alone, there have been horror results against Collingwood, St Kilda and Carlton, brilliant wins over Greater Western Sydney, Essendon and Melbourne, and just about everything in between. The Dogs' best is premiership quality, as evidenced in the first 20 minutes at Metricon Stadium. Their worst, though, is at the complete other end of the spectrum. It's why they will be fighting for one of the last positions in the top eight at season's end, rather than one in the top four. - Riley Beveridge
6. Sydney desperately needs a ruckman this Trade Period
The Swans were smashed in the clearances 30-10 to half-time on Saturday as the Power opened up a comfortable buffer. It prompted John Longmire to flip the magnets, throwing Aliir Aliir into the centre bounces, Tom McCartin to defence and ruckman Callum Sinclair to full-forward. It had some success in the third term, but it's not a long-term fix. Sinclair has been a loyal servant at the Swans and more than held his own in his five seasons in red and white but turns 31 in September. And with Sam Naismith (ruptured ACL) to be sidelined for at least another 12 months, 27-year-old rookie Michael Knoll is next in line. The Swans will be searching for the next big man to grow with their young group, and despite being contracted, Port Adelaide's Peter Ladhams (22) and young Tiger Callum Coleman-Jones (21) should be front of mind. - Mitch Cleary
7. Steven May should be in the All-Australian conversation
There's been plenty of focus on May since he joined Melbourne at the end of 2018, and rightfully there was a negative lens on his first season at the club. But May deserves a little more credit for his excellent 2020 campaign, which had one of its high points against St Kilda on Saturday night in Alice Springs. May was close to best afield in the Demons' three-point win, with the former Gold Coast co-captain gathering 22 disposals and nine marks in a dominant defensive display. He shut out rising Saint Max King from the contest, keeping him to one goal from three disposals, and set things up for the Demons in a crucial win. He should be in consideration for the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian squad. - Callum Twomey
8. We might be about to see the best of Ben Ainsworth
After being taken with pick No.4 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, a lot was expected of Ainsworth, but to date, his body has not played ball. However, with a full pre-season and strong shutdown period behind him, the 22-year-old has not missed a game in this season and played arguably his best game for the club against the Kangaroos. Every time the dynamic half-forward touched the ball, something exciting happened. From nine first-half disposals, he had nine score involvements, including a clever tap-on to Alex Sexton for a goal and a 35m snap a few minutes later. Ainsworth finished with 23 disposals, 11 marks, a goal and a game-high 604m gained. - Michael Whiting
