1. All is not lost at Carlton
Despite all the prognostications of doom hovering over Princes Park this week,  Saturday's stirring win over Richmond shows there remains some heart and resolve at Carlton. The Blues trailed by five goals at quarter-time, but held their nerve. Brock McLean and Mitch Robinson steered their side back into the game with some aggression and hard running and coach Mick Malthouse threw the team around. Denis Armfield on the rampant Brandon Ellis was one key move, Michael Jamison on Jack Riewoldt was the other, although the question must be asked of Malthouse why he started the spindly Josh Bootsma on the Tiger spearhead in the first place. Beat the freefalling Bombers next Saturday and the Blues will head to AAMI Stadium for the final home and away match with it all to play for. Not sure we would have thought that would the case 48 hours ago, so bravo Blues. - Ashley Browne 

2. Brodie Grundy has demanded a September spot
There was already hype building around Collingwood's 19-year-old ruckman, and he confirmed his potential with a superb performance against the Hawks on Friday night. In just his fourth game, Grundy racked up 20 possessions and 28 hit-outs as the Magpies' No.1 big man. The most impressive aspect of his game, however, was his follow-up work at ground level, finishing the match with six clearances, including four important centre clearances. Senior ruckmen Darren Jolly and Ben Hudson impressed in the VFL and are available, but on current evidence the Magpies would be brave to overlook Grundy come September. - Nathan Schmook 

3. Cats purring at the right time
Hawthorn looks set to finish top, the Swans are the reigning premiers and Fremantle is being touted as the wildcard in the finals but Cats coach Chris Scott believes his side is playing the type of football that could see them climb the mountain again, after their 66-point demolition of West Coast. "I think we played the style of footy that wins you finals which is pretty important at this time of the year," Scott said. And the Cats would know. They've won 12 of their past 16 finals since last missing the eight in 2006. The Cats have also won their past 11 against premiership favourites Hawthorn. Bet against them at your peril. - Alex Malcolm

4. Black is good enough to go around another year
It might have been against the youthful, one-win Giants, but Simon Black again showed what value he brings to the Lions. Playing his first game in seven weeks after a groin injury, Black was best afield with 28 touches (12 contested), five clearances and three goal assists. The Brownlow medallist is still undecided as to whether he wants to go on in 2014, and after significant knee and groin injuries this season, he has plenty to weigh up. But one thing's for sure, the 34-year-old is still good enough and has plenty to offer the new Lions coach and their developing midfield. - Michael Whiting

5. Fremantle is a flag threat regardless of how high it finishes
Ross Lyon described his team's performance against the Demons as professional. Melbourne coach Neil Craig said Fremantle will do well in the finals. Tough to score against, Freo now has Matthew Pavlich working his way back into form up forward. He is a key to Freo's structure. Two points from second spot, the Dockers may still make the top two. But if they don't, an opening assignment at the MCG against likely top two teams Hawthorn or Geelong will hold no fears. - Peter Ryan

6. A gun Swan is back in form at just the right time
Josh Kennedy sets incredibly high standards and has had another strong season, but his form has been slightly below that which led to an All Australian nod and a best and fairest last year, particularly over the past month. "He was probably a bit sore over the last few weeks and he's been carrying a big work load," coach John Longmire said on Sunday. "This week he was really proactive and said he wanted to really train hard and had a really solid training session on Friday, had a good workout and felt really good physically and mentally coming into the game." It showed. Kennedy produced 38 possessions, 12 clearances, seven inside 50s and a game-high 126 Dream Team points in the 59-point win over St Kilda, an ominous sign three weeks out from the finals. - James Dampney

7. Essendon is a sinking ship
It's been a month from hell for the Bombers, plain and simple. The supplements scandal has been an ongoing drama, but for once, the team's on-field display is not providing any respite. The legal dramas are heating up, and it's now officially overflowed into game-day. It's a real shame, because at their best the Bombers were a real show. They played an attractive style of football, the type that the fans flocked to see. Now they're second-guessing themselves, and trying to force some flair. It's not working, and their confidence is sapped. They've got two weeks to keep this ship afloat. Right now it's sinking at a rapid rate, and if it continues, they'll just be making up the numbers in September. - Jacqui Reed

8. Power's depth has Hinkley grinning
The depth running through Port Adelaide's line-up would have coach Ken Hinkley grinning from ear to ear. Against Gold Coast on Saturday he had only three players - two if you ignore Cameron Hitchcock who was subbed out at quarter-time - who failed to collect double-figure disposals. The contribution across the board from the likes of Justin Westhoff (13 disposals), Campbell Heath (13 disposals), Andrew Moore (18 disposals) and Aaron Young (16 touches) was sensational and to register nine individual goalkickers was proof of how few passengers there are when the Power are up and going. - Harry Thring

9. Tom Campbell can be more than just a pinch-hitter in attack
With Will Minson in All Australian form, the Bulldogs' former rookie ruckman has been forced to develop his forward play as he bides his time for more ruck duties. The 21-year-old showed just how influential he can be in a key forward post against the Crows when he bagged a career-best four goals. The only genuine big man in attack for the Dogs, he provided a terrific target, taking contested marks, leading strongly and kicking straight. Like all good forwards do, when he wasn't marking the ball himself he was bringing it to ground. A most accomplished performance from tall Tom. - Ben Collins