
In this week's Six things we learned, brought to you by Haier, the world's No.1 appliance maker, we discover the Blues choke when there is plenty on the line, a Docker has still got it and it's time to see the young Hawks.
1. Carlton goes to water when there's real pressure
With its season on the line this week, Carlton built two match-winning leads against two direct finals rivals in two important games. The results from there? Two demoralising losses and two massive missed opportunities. The Blues finished Thursday night's lamentable defeat to the Giants having been held goalless in four of their last six quarters. They led that game by 15 points at three-quarter time, only to be completely overrun in the final term. They led the previous match against the Magpies by 10 points, only to not kick a single goal in the entire second half. Had the Blues held their nerve in both matches, they'd be entrenched inside the top eight after round 15. Instead, their season is effectively over. - Riley Beveridge
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video07:19 MinsViewed
Teague: 'It's not over for us'
David Teague refused to rule out his side's finals chances, stating they have…
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Video08:32 MinsViewed
Cameron: 'That's not great footy'
Despite the win, Leon Cameron says his side's shocking accuracy in front of goal and…
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Video06:36 MinsViewed
Highlights: GWS v Carlton
The Giants and Blues clash in round 15
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Video01:06 MinsViewed
BT goes berserk after non-50 call
Bobby Hill is denied a 50m penalty but goes back and drills the resulting set shot to…
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Video00:51 MinsViewed
Rising Riccardi continues to turn chairs
GWS young gun Jake Riccardi steps up again, this time with two pivotal goals in the…
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Video00:44 MinsViewed
'Weird' night comes up with wild goal
The game was crying out for a goal and Marc Murphy obliges after a neat little soccer
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Video00:49 MinsViewed
If you fumble, one Jezza will make you pay
Carlton's defenders play a nervy game in the backline and are made to pay full price…
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Video00:48 MinsViewed
Blue young guns getting it done
Paddy Dow and Sam Walsh show some poise in front of the sticks with two crafty kicks
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Video00:46 MinsViewed
Martin absolutely mows down wandering Whitfield
Jack Martin gets Carlton off the best start possible with a beautiful tackle on…
2. Jesse Hogan can still cut it at AFL level
In a long-awaited return to the top level after another injury-hit season, the Fremantle key forward did enough to remind the footy world what a player he can be when fit and going. Hogan has had to face different challenges in his time at the Dockers since crossing to the club at the end of 2018, but with a couple of contested marks, some athletic movement and a strong presence in attack, he gave a quick reminder of his talents. If the Dockers can get Hogan fit and firing the former NAB AFL Rising Star winner will make a huge difference to Fremantle's fortunes in 2021 in Justin Longmuir's second year at the helm. - Callum Twomey
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video07:31 MinsViewed
Longmuir: 'We've got a lot of work to do'
Watch Fremantle's press conference after their round 15 match against Richmond
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Video08:26 MinsViewed
Hardwick: 'Our boys looked a little jaded'
Watch Richmond's press conference after round 15's match against Fremantle
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Video05:32 MinsViewed
Highlights: Richmond v Fremantle
The Tigers and Dockers clash in round 15
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Video00:56 MinsViewed
Crowden capitalises on rare Richmond defensive error
Fremantle stays within reach through an opportunistic goal from Mitchell Crowden
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Video00:14 MinsViewed
Riewoldt tries to ignite a spark with a big mark
Jack Riewoldt with a trademark grab
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Video01:11 MinsViewed
Walters finally ends six-game drought
Fremantle registers the first goal of the third quarter and Michael Walters kicks his…
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Video00:54 MinsViewed
McIntosh swoops in and buries the crumbs
Richmond extends its lead with a good pick-up and goal from Kamdyn McIntosh
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Video00:41 MinsViewed
Balta up for a laugh after Taberner opener
Richmond defender Noah Balta appears to see the funny side after a free kick against
3. Recycled Swans have a part to play in the club's rise
Youngsters such as James Rowbottom, Justin McInerney, Tom McCartin and Nick Blakey will be the key drivers in Sydney's rebuild. But don't discount the ability for two recycled players to do their bit. Former Geelong defender Jackson Thurlow had his career hanging by a thread before working his way back in for round 10. He has now played the last five consecutive games and was again important in Thursday night's win over Melbourne as he searches for a new contract. Ex-Roo Ryan Clarke was also prominent against the Demons with 22 disposals and a goal playing mostly on a wing. Clarke has a year to run on his deal and proved he will offer something as the next wave of Swans midfielders come through. - Mitch Cleary
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video06:00 MinsViewed
Full post-match: Demons
Watch Melbourne's press conference after round 15's match against Sydney
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Video05:41 MinsViewed
Highlights: Sydney v Melbourne
The Swans and Demons clash in round 15
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Video07:00 MinsViewed
Full post-match: Swans
Watch Sydney's press conference after round 15's match against Melbourne
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Video00:56 MinsViewed
Taylor swiftly swoops and seals it for the Swans
Intelligent play from McLean sets up Lewis Taylor for the sealer
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Video00:57 MinsViewed
Handy Harmes gives Dees hope
Clayton Oliver sets up James Harmes for a much-needed goal
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Video01:09 MinsViewed
Papley sets up McInerney for first career goal
Swans star Tom Papley pinpoints youngster Justin McInerney for his first AFL goal
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Video00:41 MinsViewed
Skilful Swan pounces and snaps it from the pocket
Luke Parker snaps it from the pocket to put the Swans in front
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Video00:40 MinsViewed
Clever Rowbottom rolls it home
Skilful Swan hands it to James Rowbottom who kicks the opener
4. The Eagles need their full list to be a premiership threat
Injuries are hitting every club in different ways this season but West Coast's bid for a second flag in three years will be shaped by the fitness of its list. The Eagles were well below their best against Essendon on Tuesday night at the Gabba, and were already missing Josh Kennedy (concussion), Elliot Yeo (groin) and Jamie Cripps (personal). Younger Eagles Jake Waterman (hand) and Jack Petruccelle (hamstring) have also been unavailable, while captain Luke Shuey suffered hamstring strains in both his legs against the Bombers and will be out until at least the finals. Away from home, if the Eagles are going to have a genuine tilt they need their best players together, with at least Kennedy expected to be back on Sunday against the Bulldogs. - Callum Twomey
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video07:54 MinsViewed
Highlights: West Coast v Essendon
The Eagles and Bombers clash in round 15
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Video03:49 MinsViewed
Full post-match: Bombers
Watch Essendon's press conference after round 15's match against West Coast
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Video06:47 MinsViewed
Full post-match: Eagles
Watch West Coast's press conference after round 15's match against Essendon
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Video00:29 MinsViewed
Has this star Eagle suffered another strain?
Luke Shuey looks frustrated after coming to the bench with possible hamstring trouble
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Video00:51 MinsViewed
Walla front and centre wriggles free for his fourth
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti provides a classic small forwards goal
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Video00:30 MinsViewed
Saad slip-up and Ryan delivers a dagger
Huge turnover and Liam Ryan kicks a goal on the three-quarter time siren
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Video00:26 MinsViewed
Emerging Bombers star on crutches with ankle concern
Andrew McGrath out of action for the remainder of the game
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Video00:53 MinsViewed
Stewart threads a beauty, but was it touched?
Essendon respond through James Stewart despite a desperate lunge from Tom Barrass
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Video00:48 MinsViewed
Clearance clinic as Kelly fires a bullet assist
West Coast dominating in the middle and Tim Kelly adds the cream
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Video00:38 MinsViewed
Young Eagle soccers a special milestone
Bailey Williams stays in control to kick his first goal at AFL level
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Video00:33 MinsViewed
Dynamic start from Nic Nat finds Flyin' Ryan
A statement at the first bounce from Nic Naitanui in the game's opening goal
5. We need to see what Hawthorn's got
It was already obvious, but once-winless Adelaide rammed home the point on Tuesday – the Hawks have reached a crossroads. Alastair Clarkson's men have lost nine of their past 10 games – and, yes, it's the oddest of seasons, but don't let that distract you. They're opting to strike a balance between youth and experience, which is fair, but let's see some of the kids in the final three rounds we've seen so little of. Jack Scrimshaw was the Hawks' best player against the Crows, while the club's other great hope, Will Day, was managed. Then there's James Worpel, who won Hawthorn's best and fairest award last year. Outside of that trio, there are doubts or unknowns about the rest. Mitch Lewis is having a brutal season, but was fantastic down the stretch last year, and we've seen varying promise from Harry Morrison, Changkuoth Jiath, James Cousins, Ollie Hanrahan, Josh Morris and Harry Jones. What harm is there in letting loose father-son pick Finn Maginness, Mathew Walker, Jackson Ross, Dylan Moore, Damon Greaves and maybe even Jacob Koschitzke and Emerson Jeka? - Marc McGowan
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video15:21 MinsViewed
Clarko: 'We looked flat and lethargic'
Alastair Clarkson ponders over his side's short break, suggesting it could be used as…
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Video12:56 MinsViewed
Nicks: 'Smiling faces and pride'
Matthew Nicks says the club is over the moon after winning their first game of the…
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Video08:06 MinsViewed
Highlights: Hawthorn v Adelaide
The Hawks and Crows clash in round 15
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Video00:42 MinsViewed
Nicks rises off chair after win sealed
Matthew Nicks lets out some emotion after his inevitable first ever AFL victory is…
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Video00:29 MinsViewed
There's a buzzer beater if we've ever seen one
Hawthorn goalsneak Darren Minchington ignites his side right before the final break…
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Video00:50 MinsViewed
Sneaky Shane after Texan hand
Shane McAdam catches the Hawthorn defenders napping when he runs off the mark for a…
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Video00:46 MinsViewed
Frenetic footy rewarded with freakish finish
Jack Gunston somehow manages to conjure this left-foot effort at goal after a…
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Video00:35 MinsViewed
Tempers flare after this late tackle
Adelaide youngster Harry Schoenberg follows through with his tackle on Tom Scully…
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Video00:56 MinsViewed
Crafty Crow goalsneaks putting on a show
Lively pair Tyson Stengle and Shane McAdam are inspiring their side after two…
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Video00:30 MinsViewed
McAdam gets 'up and Adam'
Shane McAdam gives the Adelaide faithful something to cheer about early after a super…
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Video00:24 MinsViewed
Crowd gasps after Crow's hit shatters Glass
Conor Glass is forced to leave the field after being collected by Chayce Jones in a…
6. The Big O can lead Brisbane's midfield into October
Week after week, unassuming Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney continues to add to his reputation, and in outplaying Collingwood star Brodie Grundy on Friday night, he did so yet again. Since taking over as the Lions' main man following the back stress fracture to Stefan Martin in July, McInerney has shouldered the load and gone from strength to strength. The 'Big O' is a cult figure at the Gabba, loved by fans and teammates alike, but now he's rapidly becoming one of the club's most important players heading towards the finals. Another 15 disposals, nine clearances and five tackles against the Magpies was a major reason for the Lions' victory. - Michael Whiting
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video06:22 MinsViewed
Buckley: 'The execution was a fair way off'
Watch Collingwood's press conference after round 15's match against Brisbane
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Video07:34 MinsViewed
Fagan: 'Our boys found a way to will themselves over the line'
Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 15's match against Collingwood
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Video06:06 MinsViewed
Highlights: Brisbane v Collingwood
The Lions and Magpies clash in round 15
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Video00:35 MinsViewed
Cox gets his big boot in and it's game on
Mason Cox kicks a toe-poke goal and the Pies keep pushing
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Video00:27 MinsViewed
Oh no, Mihocek's had a 'mare here
Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek with a goal gone begging
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Video00:31 MinsViewed
Attacking Lyons with a stoppage goal to savour
Jarryd Lyons attacks the ball and snaps a beauty and extends Brisbane's lead
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Video01:16 MinsViewed
Tensions explode after McCluggage cleans up Magpies' mess
Errant handball gifts Hugh McCluggage a goal and Brayden Maynard targets Mitch…
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Video00:43 MinsViewed
Bursting Berry slices through the traffic
Brisbane gun Jarrod Berry pounces on some sloppy defending and extends the Lions'…
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Video00:41 MinsViewed
Powerful Pie's courageous leap pays off
Brody Mihocek flies across the front of the pack and takes an uncontested mark