THEY SAID IT: "That was maybe the uppercut that we needed" - Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks didn't pull any punches after the Crows' heavy loss to the Bulldogs
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley lauded Zak Butters as a "tough, brave, little p***k" after the young midfield star's career-best night out against Melbourne. Butters tallied 41 disposals, two goals, 12 score involvements, eight inside-50s and nine clearances in a brilliant display, leading the Power to a thrilling four-point win.
THE MOMENT: Essendon kicked four of the last five goals to overrun the Tigers on Saturday night and the match-winner came from the boot of Sam Durham, who marked in the goal square in front of Daniel Rioli on the end of Jake Stringer's centred pass. The win snapped the Bombers' 13-match losing streak against Richmond and sent red-and-black fans into a frenzy at the final siren.
TALKING POINT: How could North Melbourne shoot themselves in the foot like that? Clinging to a three-point lead in the final minute against Sydney, the Kangaroos blew their interchange rotation cap and cost themselves the game. A free-kick and 50-metre penalty were correctly paid to the Swans' Hayden McLean, who slotted the match-winning goal from point-blank range.
STATS THAT MATTER: Hawthorn's 116-point demolition of West Coast is only the third time in VFL-AFL history that the bottom side has won a match by more than 100 points.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Melbourne wingman Lachie Hunter copped a one-match ban for his high bump on Connor Rozee and Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas received the same penalty for rough conduct on Tom McDonald. From the same game, Demons midfielder Jack Viney escaped with a fine for his unusual soccer-style slide tackle on Dan Houston. Hawthorn defender Jack Frost was charged with striking Connor West. Adelaide star Izak Rankine was cleared of a match-day report for high contact against Taylor Duryea and Sydney's Will Hayward will also not face a charge after heavy contact with North Melbourne newcomer George Wardlaw. Collingwood young gun Nick Daicos could be fined for a gut punch on Blake Acres
INJURIES: T Boak (PA, ribs), T McKenzie (PA, corked hamstring), C Oliver (Melb, hamstring), P Ladhams (Syd, ankle), S Lemmens (GC, hamstring), D Shiel (Ess, corked calf), J Jones (WC, ankle), L Duggan (WC, neck), O Allen (WC, knee), N Reeves (Haw, ankle), J Johannisen (WB, hamstring), M Hinge (Adel, concussion), N Haynes (GWS, concussion), M Owens (StK, concussion).
WHAT'S NEXT: Carlton have a five-day break leading into the Friday night clash with Sydney at the SCG and Melbourne host Fremantle in a crunch clash for both sides. Gold Coast and the Bulldogs hit the Top End for a battle in Darwin, while Sunday throws up intriguing Richmond-Port Adelaide and Adelaide-Brisbane clashes.
