WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 12 OF THE AFL
THEY SAID IT: "I'm not allowed to comment on disgraceful umpiring so I'm better off not saying anything, aren't I?" - Alastair Clarkson on the 50m penalty paid against Hawks defender Kaiden Brand late in the game during their loss to Gold Coast.
STATS THAT MATTER: Essendon won the inside 50 count (67-51) for just the second time this season and their forwards made the most of the supply in a dominant 70-point demolition of Port Adelaide. The Bombers opened up the Power with lightning-quick ball movement that suggested John Worsfold's men are more than capable of making the eight.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Gary Ablett had another Herculean effort during Gold Coast's win over Hawthorn, racking up 37 disposals, 10 tackles, eight clearances and two goals. He clearly relishes playing against the Hawks - it was his 11th straight game of 30-plus disposals against them.
KEY MOMENT: With the ball bobbling around dangerously close to Carlton's goal square Greater Western Sydney appeared poised to break the Blues' hearts with a match winning goal in the dying seconds. But Jacob Weitering rose to the occasion and hacked the ball away from danger ensuring his side held on for a stunning one-point win at Etihad Stadium.
TALKING POINT: Did Jeremy Howe take mark of the year at the MCG on Monday? Collingwood lost a thriller in a classic Queen's Birthday clash against Melbourne, but Howe's huge leap over Tom McDonald in the second quarter surely secured him this year's prize.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: GWS co-captain Phil Davis was offered a fine for striking Carlton's Jed Lamb and Hawthorn's Brendan Whitecross was also fined for striking Gold Coast's Gary Ablett.
KEY INJURIES: Marcus Adams (WB, foot), Kieren Jack (Syd, finger), Maverick Weller (St K, ankle), Jake Carlisle (St K, hamstring), Nathan Brown (St K, hamstring), Luke Hodge (Haw, groin - late withdrawal), Josh Gibson (adductor), Phil Davis (GWS, ankle).
WHAT'S NEXT: West Coast kick round 13 off when they host Geelong at Domain Stadium on Thursday night. Richmond will be looking to end Sydney's recent resurgence at the MCG on Saturday. Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney, Collingwood, Essendon, Fremantle and Hawthorn have their byes.
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