IN THIS week's Things We Learned, we discover the forward who could put the Cats into contention, what the Giants need and much, much more.

Check out what we learned from round seven of the 2026 season.

1) This quiet achiever could make Geelong a serious finals threat

The return of Chloe Scheer has revitalised Geelong's forward line, and there's always plenty of attention and love for the dynamic and chaotic Aishling Moloney. But the player who's benefited most of all from Scheer's comeback – and Geelong's quick overlap game out of the middle – is tall forward Jackie Parry. The softly spoken accountant lets her footy do the talking on the field, and at 30, is coming into her own on the field, dominating the aerial game and commanding the footy. She's already kicked 15 goals this year, zooming past last year's tally of 11, and her height and contested marking is likely to be the straw that breaks the camel's back for many an opponent for the rest of the season, kicking another three majors against Hawthorn on Thursday night. - Sarah Black

2) The Giants' list needs a shake up

After becoming the first side to fall to Collingwood this year, Greater Western Sydney needs to take a long, hard look at its list given the dearth of skill across the park. Too often did the Giants give up a strong position, or turnover an attacking foray because of the most basic skill errors, and the Pies were able to punish them back the other way. The gameplan is sound, and can be effective when the ball is in the hands of the right players, but those right players are few and far between. With Tasmania's entry into the AFLW bearing down, the Giants simply must make a move now if they're any chance of rising up the ladder and remaining in touch with the growth of the League. - Gemma Bastiani

3) The Kangaroos are not done yet

It was the tagline for their 2025 finals campaign, and North Melbourne proved it again on Friday night. The Roos were up against it after their first loss in over 1,000 days against Hawthorn in humid Cairns and a flu outbreak forcing isolation and team changes before facing an undefeated, attacking Melbourne outfit. But after a goalless first quarter, the Kangaroos' experience in Jas Garner, Ash Riddell and Eilish Sheerin piled on the pain. Jenna Bruton had a career-best 32 disposals, lifting after half-time with ball in hand and a goal cementing North's lead. Plenty still to play out, but a finals showdown between these two would make must-watch footy. - Danielle Croci

4) The Eagles are still on thin ice

West Coast may have won three in a row, but it needs to lift if it wants to play finals.  A five-point win over Brisbane (2-5), 11 points over St Kilda (0-7), and 10 points over Essendon (0-7) aren't exactly convincing, and tougher tests await: Fremantle next weekend, Geelong in round 10, and Sydney in round 11. The Eagles look excellent when they get their act together, but need to play more than the two good quarters they managed against the Bombers if they're going to match it with the completion's best. – Sophie Welsh

5) Bulldogs' forward efficiency a potent weapon in premiership push

Even though the Western Bulldogs lost the clearance battle and inside 50 count to Port Adelaide on Friday, they showcased a strength that could prove crucial in September. The Dogs made the most of their chances, converting 28 per cent of their inside 50s into goals compared to Port's 21 per cent. While Matilda Scholz dominated for the Power, the Bulldogs' composure and finishing in attack ensured they capitalised on opportunities and maintained scoreboard pressure. Their ability to turn limited forward entries into scores proved decisive despite conceding territory and stoppage advantages elsewhere. - Emily Patterson

6) Last-chance Lions look lost

Another loss, this time to Sydney at Henson Park on Sunday, has Brisbane's campaign on life support, sitting with a 2-5 record in the back half of the season. The Lions played North Melbourne in last year's Grand Final and haven't missed the finals since 2019 – a record run they share with the Roos. Craig Starcevich needs to turn things around 180 degrees and needs to do it now. With five rounds left in the season, one more loss will end any chance of Brisbane maintaining its finals run. – Howard Kimber

7) Jesse's return one less worry for the Saints

Not all of St Kilda's woes lie at the feet of Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw, but the fact the star forward had two goals for the season leading into the round seven clash with Gold Coast wasn't helping Nick Dal Santo sleep at night. On Sunday she was back to her best with a career-high five goals, four in the first half as she made the most of the Saints' limited inside 50 entries to keep them in the contest at the long break. St Kilda could barely get the ball back within Tawhiao-Wardlaw's reach after half-time – something else for Dal Santo to worry about – but at least his star forward has found some form. – Howard Kimber

8) This Tiger is already living up to her potential

Richmond was well beaten by Carlton on Friday, but Olivia Wolmarans – the No.1 pick in last year's Telstra AFLW Draft – was again a shining light. Wolmarans kicked two of the Tigers' three goals and had 11 disposals to continue what has been a bright start to her AFLW career. In seven games this season, Wolmarans is already up to 12 goals to be among the competition's leading goalkickers. - Jai Tiwari

9) Frugal Fremantle find the firepower

Lisa Webb’s side has been difficult to score against this year, but the Dockers also equaled their highest score of the season in their gutsy road win against Adelaide on Sunday. Hayley Miller's two goals saw her become the club’s leading all-time goalkicker, and Eden Zanker led the way with three majors in a forward line that looked more potent than it has at times this year. It was a better mix of attack and defence for the frugal Dockers, who restricted the Crows to just seven inside 50s in the first half at Unley Oval to move inside the top eight with a 4-3 record. - Jason Phelan