• Around the state leagues: Eagle mids rising while Beams returns
• Fantasy round review: When the Kennedys were king
• After the siren: The flag race is over but is Monday night footy dead?
1. The Tyson-Kelly trade could be a huge win-win
Many raised an eyebrow or two at Melbourne's decision to effectively trade pick two in last year's draft to Greater Western Sydney for midfielder Dom Tyson and pick nine (Christian Salem). The Giants used pick two to draft Josh Kelly, who has enjoyed a strong start to his career and left some critics questioning the Demons' trade. But Tyson proved his worth during Saturday night's tight loss to the Bulldogs. The 20-year-old was Melbourne's best player with 11 clearances, 27 disposals and two goals. His addition to the midfield this season has been a brilliant one for the Demons, with the former No.3 draft pick averaging a career-high 24 touches per game in 2014. - Nat Edwards
2. Hawthorn's depth isn't bottomless
Despite losing Sam Mitchell and Brian Lake to injuries in last week's decimation of St Kilda, the word leading up to the clash with the Sydney Swans was: 'No matter, they'll just get someone else in to fill those roles'. They added to an injury list already featuring Brad Sewell, Liam Shiels, Jed Anderson, Matthew Spangher and Brendan Whitecross, but many felt the Hawks had the depth and processes in place to cover them. But when Luke Hodge was ruled out prior to the opening bounce at ANZ Stadium and Cyril Rioli was then subbed out early in the second half with a hamstring issue, it was clearly a bridge too far. The Hawks weren't the only side that will struggle to contain the Swans' height up front but they were well beaten in the midfield and need some reinforcements sooner rather than later. - James Dampney
3. The Eagles can destroy weak teams
But what we don't know yet is whether they can beat a good team. Adam Simpson's boys looked invincible against the Giants, but when you consider how many players the visitors were missing, the victory loses some of its shine. What did look good was the delivery into 11-goal hero Josh Kennedy, along with Mark LeCras and Jack Darling. And this is where West Coast needs to improve against the top sides. Victories over the sides placed 17th, 16th, 13th and 12th are expected for a top-eight contender. Simpson knows he needs a big scalp soon. A road victory over Collingwood in the Eagles' first game after their round nine bye would do nicely. - Sean Cowan
WATCH: Josh Kennedy's perfect 11 against the Giants
Carlton has found a ripper in Menzel. The second-year Blue has already given glimpses of his prodigious talent, most notably kicking a crucial late goal in the round six win over the Eagles. But Menzel showed he should be a future match-winner for the Blues in the second quarter of Monday night's win over the Saints. Carlton's wasteful finishing in front of goal meant the Saints were just five points behind when Nick Riewoldt goaled at the two-minute mark of the second term. That's when Menzel took over, kicking three goals in just over 10 minutes to help the Blues take control of the game. The first was a classy banana snap, the second a running goal where he dodged two Saints, and the last a set shot from 45m after marking on the lead.
5. The Lions' cubs might be better than many people thought
They've shown promise all season but the teenage Brisbane Lions took another step forward on Saturday night. Through a combination of injuries and a want to rebuild his list, Justin Leppitsch has exposed a stack of youngsters and is already seeing results. Marco Paparone (29 disposals), James Aish (23) and Lewis Taylor (19) all had the best games of their young careers against Essendon. Throw in composed half-back Tom Cutler (15 touches at 93 per cent efficiency), robust midfielder Nick Robertson and defender Darcy Gardiner, and the Lions have some genuine long-term players on their hands. As Leppitsch said post-match, it's a long journey, but one that now has a bright light at the end of the tunnel. - Michael Whiting
6. The Power's ruck stocks run deceptively deep
Season-ending knee surgery to Jarrad Redden last Thursday reduced Port Adelaide to two fit recognised ruckmen - Matthew Lobbe and Brent Renouf. The latter was a late inclusion for Lobbe (calf soreness) against Fremantle on Saturday but struggled to make an impact and was subbed at three-quarter time with just three disposals. With no 'ruckman on the field, the Power turned to Jackson Trengove and the key defender didn't let them down. He managed 11 hit-outs for the game and laid six tackles. Along with Justin Westhoff, the two form a very capable pinch-hitting ruck duo providing their side with much-needed versatility. - Harry Thring
