THEY SAID IT: "We needed to push back and compete harder than that. Normally we show a bit more than that so it was disappointing." - Sydney coach John Longmire was perplexed by the Swans' lack of effort in their 93-point smashing at the hands of Geelong in the grand final rematch.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Charlie Cameron booted a career-high seven goals in the Brisbane's 21-point win against GWS to surge into third in the Coleman Medal race. The Lions star has kicked 17 majors during his last three outings to be the AFL's premier small forward.
THE MOMENT: Jacob van Rooyen's huge mark over Richmond defender Noah Balta (and goal) gave Melbourne a spark and changed Simon Goodwin's mind after the coach had decided moments earlier to sub off the young forward. Van Rooyen had just four disposals to three-quarter time but stood tall in the decisive final term, taking important marks and kicking 3.1 from four set shots to steer the Demons home.
TALKING POINT: Carlton's supremely talented list had many Blues supporters dreaming of a surge up the ladder after missing finals in heart-breaking fashion last season. But Carlton slumped to a second-straight disappointing loss by going down to ladder-leaders St Kilda. The Blues' situation is far from dire as they sit eighth, but it's the way they're playing which is concerning. Gone is the attacking flair they showed last year, replaced by a dour brand of football. The Saints strangled them in clinical fashion, restricting the Blues to just 60 points in Sunday's loss.
STATS THAT MATTER: The Swans suffered their biggest loss in 25 years when they were humbled by Geelong for the second time in seven months. It was 2012 premiership coach Longmire's heaviest defeat in 289 games in charge.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Carlton's Jesse Motlop is the latest player to be suspended for a dangerous tackle, with the forward handed a one-match ban. GWS veteran Callan Ward was suspended for a week for his sling tackle on Lions star Lachie Neale. Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas also copped a week on the sidelines for his head clash with West Coast's Jai Culley.
INJURIES: T Liberatore (Dogs, concussion), R Fox (Swans, concussion), T Miller (Suns, knee), M Rioli Jnr (Rich, hamstring), S Taylor (GWS, hamstring), A Kennedy (GWS, knee), M Frederick (Frem, adductor), M Lynch (Haw, concussion), M Georgiades (Port, knee)
WHAT'S NEXT: Red-hot St Kilda will open round seven when they host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Friday night. The Swans will seek to rebound from an embarrassing loss in the Sydney derby against GWS on Saturday, Carlton will head to Perth desperate for a victory against depleted West Coast.
