Round 10 proved to be more competitive than some of the other rounds this season, with the exception of the Demons thumping the Crows in Alice Springs.
Top five coaches
1. Simon Goodwin (Demons)
2. Adam Simpson (Eagles)
3. Nathan Buckley (Magpies)
4. Brendon Bolton (Blues)
5. Brad Scott (Kangaroos)
The Magpies defence is much improved
The Magpies were outplayed in the First half, but Nathan Buckley made the necessary adjustments to collect a crucial four points. The Pies managed to prevent the Bulldogs from kicking a goal in the second Half, and Matthew Scharenberg has made a massive difference to the defence.
Magpies team lifter: Tom Phillips
Bulldogs team lifter: Toby Mclean
There are no easy games in the AFL
The Tigers were forced to work hard by a gallant Saints. It was unfortunate to see Jack Riewoldt take little part in the game, due to a concussion. St Kilda are much improved but once again they failed to win, while the Tigers showed that they have flaws. The score review was a talking point with an ambiguous decision being overturned.
Tigers team lifters: Josh Caddy
Saints team lifters: Jade Gresham, Jimmy Webster, Jack Steven
The Lions are now a competitive outfit
The Lions proved that their win last week against the Hawks was no fluke. They managed to keep Lance Franklin quiet and were competitive in spite of the Swans being an experienced, quality team. Dayne Beams clearly made the right decision in standing down as captain, as he was a standout.
Lions team lifter: Dayne Beams
Swans team lifters: Josh P. Kennedy
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A week is a long time in football
The Blues had 20 scoring shots to the seriously disappointing Cats’ 18.
It wasn’t a good spectacle, but Geelong still won, although Esava Ratugolea was injured badly and will be a loss. Gary Ablett is clearly past his best.
Cats team lifters: Sam Menegola
Blues team lifter: Patrick Cripps
The Bombers appear to have silenced their critics
The Giants lost their fourth game in a row, while the Bombers have played outstanding in the last two weeks, following intense scrutiny and analysis from the media when they were going through a rough patch.
The Giants have lost some quality players through trades to other clubs – James Stewart and Devon Smith to the Bombers – and look lethargic and stale.
Giants team lifter: Josh Kelly
Bombers team lifter: Devon Smith
The Eagles are a much better team than last season
This had finals-like intensity and was one of the best home-and-away games yet. The Eagles need to hold on to Andrew Gaff as he has been an instrumental part of their resurgence.
Hawks team lifter: Isaac Smith
Eagles team lifter: Andrew Gaff
The Demons are one of the form teams in the AFL
The Demons are a contender. Many experts weren’t convinced, following two comprehensive losses to teams lower on the ladder, but the move to trade Jack Watts appears to be the right decision. The Dees have been the form team of the competition in the past three weeks, winning each game by over 60 points.
Don Pyke gave his players the silent treatment at the three-quarter time break – a unique way of getting a point across.
Demons team lifter: Angus Brayshaw
Crows team lifter: Matt Crouch
The Kangaroos are the real deal
Regardless of the Dockers’ ladder position, it’s a tough ask to win in Perth. The Kangaroos have been led by veterans Jarrad Waite and Todd Goldstein, while they have injected some youth into the side as well. They are a now a genuine top-eight contender.
Dockers team lifter: Michael Walters
Kangaroos team lifter: Ben Jacobs
Kryschen
Guest
How is Trent Cotchin, with 31 disposals, a goal, and his work in the contest, not a team lifter for the Tigers? Seems like people are focusing on Dusty's lack of form and Cotch's blistering year is going unnoticed.
User
Roar Rookie
Very impressed with wce on Sunday. Onecthing I noted was why do ppl say Hawks struggle at etihad when dimension wise it is basically the MCG. At times it was truly a zone vs zone game and if given time again I'm sure clarkson would of manned up on gaffy. A couple of times we were given way to much room by hawthorn in our fwd line, how nic was left to take an uncontested mark in fourth with McEvoy so close was puzzling and even though waterman's pass didn't come off in the first quarter if memory serves I was astounded yeo was left unmarked 35 out directly in front. Either way we are top of table and overcoming quite a few mental hurdles of past few seasons
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Thanks for highlighting that.
Basil Fotherington-Thomas
Roar Rookie
" following two comprehensive losses to teams lower on the ladder," I say is there any danger you've actually been following the football this year? If so, pray tell - who were the teams lower than the Dees on the ladder who inflicted comprehensive losses? I seem to recall Hawthorn was equal on points with Melbourne while the Richmonds were higher. But lets not get the facts in the way of a story now shall we? Long may the ignorant flotsam and jetsam continue to underestimate us. The flag is starting to unfurl and tis' a Grand Old One. Even Hassa has said its the best Dees machine he's seen. Go you mighty Fuschias!