Carlton should not have left their finals hopes in the hands of others. Meanwhile,the Hawks have developed some embarrassing habits - embarrassing for all the teams left in their wake.
Sydney,Hawthorn and Geelong had thumping wins while Dyson Heppell,Dustin Martin and Dylan Grimes all said emotional goodbyes.
These brash,young Hawks are as good as any team in it. Rarely will a club enter September in white-hot form and with their list in such strong health.
The AFL Tribunal has ignored an emotional plea from Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston and suspended him for five matches. Meanwhile,Carlton are perilously close to needing special dispensation to field a squad this weekend.
This week in key takeouts,we take a look at Alastair Clarkson’s change of heart on player movement discussions,Jack Viney’s stellar performance on the weekend and Essendon’s decision not to play Dyson Heppell in their last home game of the season.
The Blues,Hawks and Western Bulldogs all prevailed on a day of drama. Meanwhile,AFL greats have their say on Dan Houston’s controversial shirtfront of Adelaide star Izak Rankine. Houston has been sent directly to the tribunal.
The Blues will have a second debutant against West Coast on Sunday,while Alastair Clarkson has a few rival stars in mind.
Carlton are ravaged by injury,but their problems started when they had close to a full list to choose from. Six weeks ago,when the club’s juggernaut was stopped in its tracks,there was a series of eyebrow-raising moves.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir concedes his team’s late chokes have become a worry,while West Coast nailed a match-winning goal with 18 seconds left on the clock.
Mac Andrew’s last-kick goal has robbed Essendon of a shot at the finals,while Port Adelaide grabbed second spot after a thrilling win over the brave Demons.
The club issued a statement on Friday after it emerged the club’s head of talent and acquisition Graeme Allan had met Tarryn Thomas.