1. The premiers aren't ready to surrender their crown quietly
Heading into round 23, the Sydney Swans found themselves in an all-too familiar situation – being written off. Out of form, too many injuries, too many youngsters – surely too high a hurdle to defend their flag. But John Longmire's side has a deep-seated belief that, regardless of who is in the line-up, it should be able to perform the same way – and it's not lip service. Against Hawthorn, the Swans reminded everyone of their September credentials. Leading for most of the night, at times by four goals, they ultimately went down by 12 points. But their intensity was back and with Kurt Tippett, Dan Hannebery, Nick Smith and Lewis Jetta in the mix to return for the qualifying final, there is plenty still to like about the Swannies. - James Dampney
2. Ross Lyon has a soft touch
Both sides of Ross Lyon were in evidence at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. There was the hard-nosed, relentless coach of Fremantle who after the game remained on the ground after the 71-point loss to St Kilda and reminded what was a virtual under 20 squad of why he drives them so hard during the pre-season and from Monday to Friday during the season. Then there was the softer, former coach of the Saints, who straight after the final siren, immediately went to warmly embrace retiring St Kilda trio Stephen Milne, Jason Blake and Justin Koschitzke. "I'm Fremantle coach but I'm part of their history, so it was nice to acknowledge them," he said afterwards. - Ashley Browne
3. Fremantle can beat Geelong at The Cat Empire
The Brisbane Lions came within a point of defeating the Cats, but Chris Scott said Geelong was a long way off full throttle. Having won 43 of its past 44 games at Simonds Stadium, it's hard to imagine a club with a bigger advantage going into its first final. Its opponent, Fremantle, has only won at the venue once in 13 times it has played down the highway. Geelong's only major worries are the form and fitness of Tom Hawkins and whether Nathan Vardy can stand up for a full finals series in the ruck. The Dockers lost to the Cats by 41 points in round 14 but were without David Mundy, Michael Barlow, Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands that day. The prize of a home preliminary final will make this game an epic battle. - Peter Ryan
4. Dead rubbers are dead boring
Essendon, disqualified from this year's finals, had nothing to play for at the MCG on Saturday night, and nor did Richmond, whose place was already assured. The result, an uninspiring game of football. The ball moved around and around the ground as if doing circle work during the first half, before the Tigers upped the ante and kicked away in the second. There were some highlights: Dustin Martin's delightful kicking, the strong forward line work of Aaron Edwards and Tyrone Vickery, and a rousing show of solidarity from Bombers fans after the final siren. But all in all, the game bore little resemblance to the type of fast, furious action we will see when the finals kick off next week. Bring on September. - Mark Macgugan
5. West Coast has been here before
For Eagles fans 2013 has been a nightmare but they must not forget they have been here before in recent times and have bounced back strongly. In 2010 the Eagles won the wooden spoon for the first time in the club's history but in 2011 they played in a preliminary final. Coach John Worsfold thought his side was in a better position now to rebound than they were in 2010 due to the further experience of Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Scott Selwood, Jack Darling and Andrew Gaff. - Alex Malcolm
6. Karma inevitably bites back
Ken Hinkley and Port Adelaide have enjoyed their fair share of footy luck in 2013. Against Adelaide the Power came from nowhere to steal victory twice this season, they stormed home to beat West Coast despite trailing by 38 points at half-time and they managed to hang on against St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions. So when the Blues kicked 10 of the last 14 goals to sneak home, Hinkley admitted footy karma had finally bit back. "Sometimes it's probably almost right that it comes back and you get one back in the not-so-nice taste," he said. - Harry Thring
7. Gaz is on the money
After smashing the Giants to notch their eighth win of the year, Gary Ablett said he felt the Suns were right on track to give the 2015 premiership a real shake. Many sniggered when chairman John Witheriff suggested it last November, but now a few clubs would be looking over their shoulders. The Suns have inside ball winners, quality outside ball users, speed, aggression and a defensive mindset to now match their attacking flair. They still need one standout forward target (a fit Tom Lynch or improving Sam Day would fit the bill), but the pieces of the puzzle are quickly coming together. - Michael Whiting
8. Reid is a crucial part of the Pie puzzle
Swingman Ben Reid's growing value to Collingwood was underlined on Sunday. First, he went forward and kicked five goals against the Roos, forming a strong partnership with Travis Cloke and kicking truly where his senior partner was sometimes wayward. However, Reid's importance to the Pies' finals campaign was highlighted in a less palatable way when Nathan Brown was substituted from Sunday's game after receiving a knock to his left knee in the second quarter. If Brown does not come up for the Pies' elimination final against Port Adelaide next Saturday night then Collingwood might be forced to play Reid in defence. However, the Pies are certainly a far more dangerous team when they have the luxury of playing Reid in attack or defence. - Nick Bowen
9. Would you rather barrack for Melbourne or the Western Bulldogs?
Up until Paul Roos became a 50/50 chance to coach the Demons, the answer to this question was obvious. The Bulldogs have a good midfield, with father-son recruits in Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis and Lachie Hunter. They also have a strong batch of senior players who know what it takes to go deep into the finals. However Melbourne suddenly has hope, another early pick in the draft and young prospects in Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas. Right now, the smart money is with the Western Bulldogs as their culture appears stronger. But perhaps Paul Roos – having turned 50 this year – has the time to turn the Demons around. - Peter Ryan
