Despite all the prognostications of doom hovering over Princes Park this week,  Saturday's stirring win over Richmond shows there remains some heart and resolve at Carlton. The Blues trailed by five goals at quarter-time, but held their nerve. Brock McLean and Mitch Robinson steered their side back into the game with some aggression and hard running and coach Mick Malthouse threw the team around. Denis Armfield on the rampant Brandon Ellis was one key move, Michael Jamison on Jack Riewoldt was the other, although the question must be asked of Malthouse why he started the spindly Josh Bootsma on the Tiger spearhead in the first place. Beat the freefalling Bombers next Saturday and the Blues will head to AAMI Stadium for the final home and away match with it all to play for. Not sure we would have thought that would the case 48 hours ago, so bravo Blues. - Ashley Browne 

There was already hype building around Collingwood's 19-year-old ruckman, and he confirmed his potential with a superb performance against the Hawks on Friday night. In just his fourth game, Grundy racked up 20 possessions and 28 hit-outs as the Magpies' No.1 big man. The most impressive aspect of his game, however, was his follow-up work at ground level, finishing the match with six clearances, including four important centre clearances. Senior ruckmen Darren Jolly and Ben Hudson impressed in the VFL and are available, but on current evidence the Magpies would be brave to overlook Grundy come September. - Nathan Schmook 

Hawthorn looks set to finish top, the Swans are the reigning premiers and Fremantle is being touted as the wildcard in the finals but Cats coach Chris Scott believes his side is playing the type of football that could see them climb the mountain again, after their 66-point demolition of West Coast. "I think we played the style of footy that wins you finals which is pretty important at this time of the year," Scott said. And the Cats would know. They've won 12 of their past 16 finals since last missing the eight in 2006. The Cats have also won their past 11 against premiership favourites Hawthorn. Bet against them at your peril. - Alex Malcolm

Ross Lyon described his team's performance against the Demons as professional. Melbourne coach Neil Craig said Fremantle will do well in the finals. Tough to score against, Freo now has Matthew Pavlich working his way back into form up forward. He is a key to Freo's structure. Two points from second spot, the Dockers may still make the top two. But if they don't, an opening assignment at the MCG against likely top two teams Hawthorn or Geelong will hold no fears. - Peter Ryan

Josh Kennedy sets incredibly high standards and has had another strong season, but his form has been slightly below that which led to an All Australian nod and a best and fairest last year, particularly over the past month. "He was probably a bit sore over the last few weeks and he's been carrying a big work load," coach John Longmire said on Sunday. "This week he was really proactive and said he wanted to really train hard and had a really solid training session on Friday, had a good workout and felt really good physically and mentally coming into the game." It showed. Kennedy produced 38 possessions, 12 clearances, seven inside 50s and a game-high 126 Dream Team points in the 59-point win over St Kilda, an ominous sign three weeks out from the finals. - James Dampney