1. Eagles scrape home
West Coast had a golden opportunity to fly in the top four with a solid win over Carlton but blew it. A plucky Blues outfit outplayed the Eagles in the final term with a five goal to two quarter and nearly stole the win. The Eagles never really left second gear, and while the performance was enough to grab the four points and score another win on the road, it highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued their year to date. The victory was just their third away from home this season, and their first win at the MCG in 2016. The Eagles face a tough run home with their final three games against GWS, Hawthorn and Adelaide, and will need to improve significantly if they want to bank a spot inside the top four.

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2. Kennedy takes the Coleman lead, Darling struggles
Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy would have been a huge talking point at Ikon Park during the week, after he booted 10 goals against Carlton in round two last season. The dangerous forward was well held for most of the day by Carlton defender Sam Rowe, dropping several routine marks and managing just two goals. But those two majors were enough to give him the outright lead in the Coleman Medal race over Swans superstar Lance Franklin, who was kept goalless by Hawthorn on Thursday night. In contrast, it was a frustrating day in attack for Kennedy's teammate Jack Darling. The Eagles forward couldn't buy a goal. He kicked five behinds for the match, four of those from set shots, in his most inaccurate performance for the season. It was just the third time in 2016 Darling has gone goalless. 

3. Young Blue shows resilience
Carlton's prized No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering was barely sighted in the second quarter. The 18-year-old suffered a corked right calf in the opening term when Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy crashed through a pack. Weitering hobbled off the ground and immediately had his calf strapped. The young defender spent most of the second quarter on the exercise bike trying to work through the cork but struggled to push through the pain. Weitering eventually returned after half-time and played out the game in the forward half. His resilience was rewarded with his first AFL goal in the third term and he added another in the final term after a spectacular contested mark. 

4. Blues crying out for a forward target
Carlton's scoring ability took a hit last week against the Crows when Levi Casboult copped a one-match ban for a "tummy tap" on Kyle Hartigan. The absence of the key forward opened the door for Kristian Jaksch to play his first game for the year, but it was a dog day for the former Giant. He barely touched the ball in the opening half, registering just three disposals. He was moved into defence after half-time, but didn't fare much better. Recruit Matthew Wright is the Blues' leading goalkicker this season with 16, while Andrejs Everitt, who didn't play on Sunday, is the next best on 15. The Blues are clearly trying to develop Jack Silvagni and Charlie Curnow, with both showing plenty of potential. But Carlton needs a strong marking target in attack, who can help guide these youngsters into a new era.  

5. Secret Service takes over the 'G
The arrival of US Vice-President Joe Biden at the MCG caused quite a stir on Sunday. Security and police presence were beefed up in anticipation for his visit. With the US flag on display, Biden's motorcade was ushered down Brunton Avenue just after 11am and into the home of football under the watchful eye of Victoria Police. The lifts in the Olympic stand were also locked down for his arrival, while Secret Service agents did a full security scan of his private box. AFL boss Gillon McLachlan and AFL commissioner Mike Fitzpatrick presented Biden with the match ball before the siren, with photographers and cameramen swarming over the trio, while at least 20 Secret Service agents watched on. The umpires were then greeted by Biden as they walked to the centre of the 'G, with Matt Stevic the first to shake hands with the special guest. He also received a hug and a Carlton guernsey from Blues skipper Marc Murphy, before settling in to watch his first live AFL game.