THEY SAID IT: "The challenge for him is still the technical nature of the game, because it's a bit incongruous that the strongest man ever to play the game at AFL level is getting pushed out of the way" - North Melbourne coach Brad Scott after delivering a ferocious spray to muscle-bound big man Majak Daw.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Rory Sloane barely knew where he was after being concussed against Melbourne last week. But the Adelaide star bounced back in style, outshining former teammate Patrick Dangerfield as the ladder-leading Crows defeated Geelong.
KEY MOMENT: After being held by Greater Western Sydney to a goalless first quarter at the MCG on Sunday, Richmond took the lead on the verge of halftime when Jack Riewoldt booted their fourth straight goal. It was one-way traffic from there as the Tigers held GWS to their fourth straight game without a win.
TALKING POINTS: It was a weekend of big bags for the AFL's sharp-shooters. West Coast's Josh Kennedy, North Melbourne's Ben Brown and the Western Bulldogs' Liam Picken all booted six goals, while Essendon's Cale Hooker, Geelong's Harry Taylor and Sydney's Callum Sinclair snagged five apiece.
STATS THAT MATTER: North Melbourne have now lost seven games on the trot for the first time since 1984. The coveted No.1 draft pick may well be on the line when they take on fellow cellar-dwellers Brisbane in round 23.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Greater Western Sydney forward Toby Greene is in trouble yet again after being reported for striking Richmond's Alex Rance. His bad record means a two-game suspension looms. Western Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath will face scrutiny for a jumper punch on Gold Coast's Tom Lynch, as will Sydney's Isaac Heeney for a lifting tackle on St Kilda's Jarryn Geary.
KEY INJURIES: Dale Morris (WB, forearm), Leigh Montagna (StK, hamstring), Michael Walters (Freo, knee), Dylan Shiel (GWS, shoulder), Chad Wingard (Port, ankle), Max Gawn (Melb, ankle), Brad Crouch (Crows, facial), Mark Blicavs (Geel, ankle), Robbie Tarrant (North, back), Rory Thompson (Suns, hamstring), Darcy Moore (Coll, concussion), Travis Varcoe (Coll, concussion).
WHAT'S NEXT: A resurgent Sydney can shoot for their eighth win on the trot when they face old foes Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night. GWS have a golden chance to get back in the winner's circle when they host Fremantle on Saturday. Finals hopefuls Essendon and the Western Bulldogs face off at Etihad Stadium in the pick of Sunday's games.
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