The moment: Nic Naitanui was credited with four clearances, and one early in the third quarter proved he is going to bring a new dynamic to AFL ruck work. After winning his own hit-out, he bowled through a pack of Tigers, handballed to himself and then shoved Tiger Brett Deledio out of the way, eventually delivering to teammate Jamie McNamara.
2. Geelong 14.10 (94) def Fremantle 8.6 (54) at Skilled Stadium
The moment: Cats fans had waited 19 games for Brad Ottens to return, but Gary Ablett had to wait just two bouncedowns before he received one of Ottens’ superb taps. Ottens positioned himself and palmed down to Ablett, who bolted away from the clearance in a super sign for Geelong.
3. Essendon 16.20 (116) d Hawthorn 14.15 (99) at the MCG
The moment: Matthew Lloyd's hit on Brad Sewell had ramifications beyond the melee that unfolded immediately afterwards. The collision ended Sewell's afternoon, which in turn contributed to the result which ended Hawthorn's season. And it drew venomous words from Campbell Brown after the match, ensuring the spite between these two clubs will continue.
4. Adelaide 27.14 (176) d Carlton 16.8 (104) at Etihad Stadium
The moment: If you thought Air Birdman would be permanently grounded by a knee reconstruction you were quite clearly mistaken. Burton took to the skies in such spectacular fashion that even Blues’ fans were forced into grudging applause. A high ball inside 50 from Simon Goodwin provided the set-up with a pack including teammate Kurt Tippett, A half-pike twist preceded a perfect three-point landing on Bret Thornton.
5. Brisbane Lions 15.10 (100) d Sydney Swans 14.8 (92) at the SCG
The moment: The retirements of Michael O'Loughlin, Leo Barry and Jared Crouch meant emotion was flowing freely, and the first goal of the night ramped it up further. Darren Jolly found Adam Goodes from the centre clearance and his short pass hit O'Loughlin on the chest. Micky O split the middle and let the SCG crowd know just how much it meant.
6. North Melbourne 10.11 (71) d Port Adelaide 9.13 (67) at AAMI Stadium
The moment: Ever wished you could have a moment over again? Power defender Troy Chaplin has. With his side holding a single-figure lead in the third quarter, Chaplin opted to try and soccer the ball off the ground in tricky conditions rather than take possession. A fresh-air shot allowed the ball to spill, and Drew Petrie kicked a game-defining goal.
7. St Kilda 17.12 (114) d Melbourne 10.7 (67) at the MCG
The moment: What a fitting way for Russell Robertson to end his time playing for the Dees. Deep in the last quarter, he waltzed in to kick his only goal for the game and immediately had fists pumping towards the grey Melbourne sky. Savouring the moment as only Robbo can, he headed towards the cheer squad to be embraced by the Demon faithful.
8. Western Bulldogs 14.16 (100) d Collingwood 10.16 (76) at Etihad Stadium
The moment: It’s all very well to pressure the opposition in their back half, but don’t leave your ruckman as the last line of defence. Nathan Eagleton managed to break through the Magpies’ lines in the third quarter of Sunday’s cracking match and found nothing but clear space ahead. Poor old Josh Fraser was left to chase the smaller, faster Bulldog, who put on the afterburners then coolly slotted a team-lifting goal.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
