IN THIS week's Things We Learned, we discover the Saints are at a crossroads, George Prespakis is having another brilliant season and much, much more.

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

1) The Saints need sweeping changes

OK, so this is hardly breaking news. But the Saints hit a new low against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, kicking their lowest ever score – and it was only by the skin of their teeth that they managed to score at all. Conditions, inexperience and fatigue certainly played a part, but the inability of the Saints to connect in any meaningful way across the course of four quarters is hugely concerning. This should be the rock bottom from which the club chooses to conduct a review similar to that of the Western Bulldogs, Carlton and Richmond before them, and make sweeping change. From the lack of true depth in the playing list to off-field roles, St Kilda needs to make its move before Tasmania comes in and takes all the fresh talent both on and off the field. – Gemma Bastiani

2) This Cat may be the front runner for the Best and Fairest

Georgie Prespakis has discovered some career-best form under Mick Stinear in 2026. Stinear's game plan has unlocked the best of the star Cat, whose ability to win the ball at the coalface and then hurt opposition teams in transition a real weapon. Alongside co-captain Nina Morrison and the much-improved Mikayla Bowen, Stinear has a star-studded engine room at his disposal. Prespakis is currently sitting third in the coaches' votes this year and could well and truly give the best and fairest a shake. While the likes of Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell will likely steal votes off each other at North Melbourne - and Liv Purcell, Tyla Hanks and Kate Hore at Melbourne - Prespakis should have a monopoly of the votes at Geelong. - Dylan Bolch

3) This Hawk will need to stand up if her team are to go deep in finals

Skipper Emily Bates' torn ACL has left a massive hole in Hawthorn's midfield, and one that can't be easily filled. One area that sets top finalists apart from those making up the numbers is midfield depth, and the ability to have multiple options to try throughout a game. In the case of the Hawks, they'll be looking to Laura Stone to step up and make a consistent impact on matches through the middle. A decorated junior who skipped the 2023 draft through expansion rules at the time, she recorded an equal-career best 19 touches in the wet against Carlton, and will now need to back it up week after week to support Eliza West and Jas Fleming in Hawthorn's finals quest. – Sarah Black

4) Erika O'Shea is an A-grader

Irishwoman Erika O'Shea continues to belie her small frame, with toughness and defensive pressure to boot, and this year has shot into the upper echelon of players in the competition. Playing off half-back, she is in exceptional form, combining a staunch defensive mindset with the capacity to launch attacks for the Roos. With career-high numbers and a willingness to carry increasing responsibility, O'Shea has separated herself out from the running half backs across the AFLW. According to Roos coach Darren Crocker she is in All Australian form, and former captain Emma Kearney praised her blend of speed an endurance that adds so much to the side. - Gemma Bastiani

5) This Demon is in career-best form

Mia Austin has been a valuable asset for the Demons this season, continuing her impressive 2026 form with another three-goal performance on Sunday, with all three coming in the first half against Collingwood. The 22-year-old made her debut back in 2022 and has continued to grow as a forward. Austin had never kicked three goals in a game before this season, but has now done so three times in 2026, showing her growing influence in front of goal. - Jainarayan Tiwari

6) Young ruck is giving Eagles a physical edge

Charlotte Riggs had her work cut out against Fremantle star Mim Strom on Sunday, but the 19-year-old found a way to have a match-winning impact against the game's best tall. Still just 20 games into her career, Riggs produced a brilliant final quarter at ground level to drive the Eagles to their first AFLW Derby win, winning six disposals and a game-high 164m gained in the final term. Her ability to crash a pack and take a big contested mark late in the third term was also important, with coach Daisy Pearce highlighting Riggs' ability to play as a tall as well as a big-bodied midfielder once the ball is in motion. Strom was important for the Dockers, but the physical edge of Riggs and ruck sidekick Sarah Lakay prevailed for the Eagles. – Nathan Schmook

7) The Suns could be November wildcards

Now with six wins from eight matches, the Suns probably need just one victory from their final month to lock away a spot in the top eight. And although they're young, there's no reason they can't be dangerous with what's already proving to be a well-rounded outfit. Saturday night's win over Brisbane showed maturity to not only beat an opponent that has regularly bullied them, but do so by having to show patience in a four-quarter arm wrestle. They have a powerful midfield led by Charlie Rowbottom, a dynamic forward line that includes exciting duo Havana Harris and Dekota Baron and a backline that has both dash and intercept ability. – Michael Whiting

8) The Giants desperately need Goldsworthy back at full fitness

Greater Western Sydney’s loss to Essendon highlighted a glaring issue: the Giants need Zarlie Goldsworthy back to full fitness as quickly as possible. Returning on managed minutes after a lower-leg fracture, the reigning Gabrielle Trainor medallist showed flashes of her trademark class and creativity, but her restricted workload exposed how reliant GWS has become on her impact. Teammates repeatedly looked for Goldsworthy in attacking situations, contributing to a wasteful return of five goals from 50 inside-50 entries. While coach Cam Bernasconi must balance the 21-year-old’s recovery, Goldsworthy’s ability to win clean possession, influence stoppages and finish in front of goal remains crucial. With Tarni Evans leading the club’s goalkicking with just eight majors, the Giants are crying out for another consistent scoring threat, making Goldsworthy's return to peak condition one of the keys to reviving their season. - Emily Patterson

9) This Power star is a Showdown specialist

For the second straight year, Power midfielder Abbey Dowrick dominated the Showdown to help Port beat Adelaide on Saturday night. Dowrick added another Showdown Medal to her collection thanks to a standout performance that featured 24 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 11 clearances, eight tackles and a goal. The Port best and fairest in 2023, Dowrick looks to be hitting new heights in 2026, averaging career-highs for disposals (22), contested possessions (13.5), clearances (eight) and centre clearances (2.9). She has been one of the league's best clearance players this season, and she will be needed at her best if the Power are to make a late charge towards finals. – Dejan Kalinic