Are no points better than two?
After Melbourne and Collingwood’s draw, there will be plenty of debate about the merits of a draw and whether there should be extra time. Monday’s contest was a great game to watch and a fantastic spectacle, but for me it comes down to this: If I had a choice if I was playing, I would always risk losing to try to win. A draw is just such an empty, hollow feeling. Some people love the draw as it’s unique as part of our home and away season, but I’d love to see extra time where players get the chance to play for a result, rather than have the sight which we had at the end of Monday’s game. Players were unsure what to do. They had that hollow look on their face at the end of a match and it was almost like ‘Well, all that time training, planning through the week and effort exerted today. But for what?’

Cats are now quick

While Geelong’s recent injuries have been well documented, it seems the players that Mark Thompson has brought into his team have given the side genuine leg speed. The Cats showed what a great side they were on the weekend and how much depth they possessed when they belted Essendon, but what was noticeable was how much pace they now have. While starting 18 players such as Ottens, Mooney, Scarlett, Corey and Rooke were absent, others stepped in and seized their chance. Taylor Hunt has come in and has speed, Mathew Stokes has come back in, Shannon Byrnes is playing more than ever, Travis Varcoe is lightning quick and David Wojcinski is getting permanent game time. It’s a scary proposition for opposition sides when you look at who the Cats have got to come back in.

Krakouer of a night
It was fantastic for North Melbourne that they got almost 44,000 to Friday night’s game against Carlton, which celebrated the 25-year anniversary of the concept. I loved seeing some of the highlights of Jimmy and Phil Krakouer, and then to see Lindsay Thomas stand up and kick seven was great. He’s probably as close a player to either of the Krakouers as you’re likely to get, so it was a really great result for everyone at North. If you had have told me before the season started the Kangas would be 6-6 at the halfway mark, I’d have given them a massive tick. So they’re in a great position for the second half of the year and Brad Scott can be really pleased with the way his young group is tracking.

I guess that’s why they call it ...
The Blues have beaten St Kilda and Geelong, yet lost to some teams that many fans - especially their own - would have expected them to beat. Many would be wondering why, but I just believe this happens quite frequently when you’re a young, developing side that’s got a lot of players who have played 50-odd games or less. Carlton has received some really good publicity for how they’ve been going, but when that comes players can sometimes forget the reasons why or how they’ve got into that position and you then become vulnerable against sides you should beat. All players strive for consistency, and there’s no doubt some Blues need to bridge the gap between their best and worst performances.

Things can change quickly

When thinking about Richmond earlier this year, I’ll put my hand up and say I was one who thought, ‘Gee this is going to be a struggle for them’. But it’s amazing how things can suddenly seem so bright. The Punt Road makeover started with a new coach, a new CEO and some real excitement on the playing list. Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin are going to be genuine stars, while Jack Riewoldt looks a genuine long-term goalkicking prospect. In mid-April, Damien Hardwick said the likes of Mitch Morton and Riewoldt were “third and fourth forwards as opposed to ones and two” and being asked to “play on gorillas”. Two months later, Riewoldt - who at 195cm is taller than his cousin Nick - leads the Coleman medal race. I’d argue Hardwick might need to reassess his earlier take on Riewoldt, who’s surprised everyone this year - and possibly even his coach - with how well he’s performed.

Jamar. It’s Russian for ...
Most improved. I’ve watched Mark Jamar quite a bit this season and I think he’s the most improved player in the competition. He had career-high numbers - 25 possessions and 33 hit-outs - against Collingwood and stood up in the big moments. He was against quality opposition in Darren Jolly and Josh Fraser and he took them apart for the second time this season. For me he’s a standout who’s improved his game more than anyone else going around. He’s big, strong and, without much support in the ruck department at Melbourne, seems to have really developed this year.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.