THEY SAID IT: "There's a competitor in us all that doesn't show the opposition any mercy when you've got an opportunity to have a big win. But ultimately after the event you can't help but feel for what the Eagles are going through." Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge sympathises with West Coast after the Doggies' 101-point win. The result marks the first time in a season the Eagles have suffered two 100-point losses at home.
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PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Geelong's Tom Stewart was lauded by coach Chris Scott as the competition's best defender after his starring role in the win over Adelaide. Stewart had 40 disposals for 874 metres gained and claimed 17 intercepts as he marshalled the Cats' backline.
THE MOMENT: Collingwood led by five points in a classic contest with old rivals Carlton at the MCG when Jack Silvagni launched a desperate snapshot at goal in the dying seconds. It drifted agonisingly wide for the Blues before teammate Sam Walsh was denied a free kick for a possible high tackle close to goal on the final play of the game as the Magpies hung on for a thrilling victory.
BEAT THAT: Gold Coast's Joel Jeffrey, playing on home turf in Darwin, gathers the ball just inside 50m, dummies a handball, pivots and slams the ball onto his boot - and it bounces through for a remarkable goal during his side's win over Hawthorn.
TALKING POINT: The AFL says it was a correct call but that hasn't stopped Richmond's angst at not being paid a 50 metre penalty after the siren against Sydney. With his side six points down, Tiger Dion Prestia was awarded a free kick some 70 metres from goal as the siren sounded and Swan Chad Warner booted the ball into the crowd. The umpire, citing "common sense", ruled Warner hadn't heard the siren and didn't pay a 50m penalty which would have given Prestia the chance to tie the scores.
STATS THAT MATTER: 16. The number of goalkickers the Western Bulldogs had in their 101-point demolition of West Coast, equalling the VFL/AFL record achieved only four previous times in history.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Sydney megastar Lance Franklin has been offered a one-match ban if he pleads guilty to striking Richmond stalwart Trent Cotchin. Hawthorn backman Sam Frost has also been offered a one-match ban for an early guilty plea for making front-on contact on Gold Coast's Brandon Ellis. Tiger ruck Toby Nankervis (rough conduct, $3000 fine), Geelong's Isaac Smith (striking, $2000 fine) and Hawk Jarman Impey (misconduct, $1000 fine) have also been cited.
INJURIES: J Weiterning (Carl, shoulder), S May (Melb, concussion), H Petty (Melb, knee), M Taberner (Fre, back), J Butts (Adel, concussion), L Murphy (Adel, broken nose), A Naughton (WB, wrist), J McGovern (WC, back), L Shuey (WC, ribs), C Ward (GWS, concussion)
WHAT'S NEXT: Carlton, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, Essendon, GWS and Richmond have a bye in a round punctuated by three high-stakes encounters. The Western Bulldogs host Geelong in a Friday night blockbuster, Melbourne meet the Swans at the MCG on Saturday before the match of the round on Sunday when third-placed Fremantle host second-placed Brisbane. Other games pit Adelaide against West Coast, Gold Coast against North Melbourne, and Hawthorn against Collingwood.
Australian Associated Press
