In what shaped as the game of the season to date,it was the Hawks who prevailed in a tactical masterpiece against the Giants in Launceston on Saturday night.
North Melbourne blew a great opportunity in round one but they did not make the same mistake a week later. Meanwhile,Harley Reid could face AFL scrutiny for a gesture towards the crowd,and Patrick Dangerfield is free to play in round three.
Geelong have led the league in scoring for the past two seasons,while St Kilda’s issues in attack are well documented. However,on Saturday night,it was the Saints who reignited their finals aspirations.
Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver returned to the field for the Demons in a pre-season clash against Fremantle on Sunday,but it was a back injury to a teammate of significant importance that became the worry.
The Indigenous All Stars made a real statement in Perth in what was the first such clash since 2015.
Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel has called out forward Tyson Stengle's performance in the Cats' preliminary-final loss to the Lions
It was the same city and the same heartbreak for the GWS Giants as they crashed out of the premiership race.
The Swans set a new home and away season crowd record at the SCG as they easily accounted for the Adelaide Crows to further cement top spot.
Reigning premier Collingwood provides a glimmer of hope after a disappointing year,while Simon Goodwin has his say on the futures of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.
The Hawks look set to soar into September after a 63-point win over Richmond at the MCG,and they’ve been dealt a lucky break after what looked like a serious collarbone injury to Will Day.