
In this week's Eight things we learned, brought to you by Haier, the world's No.1 appliance maker, we discover that a big Demon should consider his options, the Roos have their next young star and the Crows' critics should be eating humble pie.
1. It's time for Tom McDonald to look for a fresh start
With its season seemingly on the line against Fremantle on Monday night, Melbourne left Tom McDonald out for the third consecutive game. Instead, the Demons turned to Braydon Preuss as a key target in attack in slippery conditions with the 206cm big man lacking any impact in his three disposals. If McDonald can't get in for a game the Demons simply had to win, it's time for him to see what else is out there. He will turn 28 later this month and has two years left on his contract. Would he provide an option as a forward target for a club like Essendon who is bracing to lose Joe Daniher or could Collingwood smooth his contract out over three of four years in order to fit him their tight cap? In his second year as a key forward – after moving from defence – McDonald bagged 53 majors in 2018. And he kicked four goals in a semi-final just 25 games ago. - Mitch Cleary
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video05:04 MinsViewed
Goodwin: 'We need to become a much more ruthless club'
Watch Melbourne's press conference after their round 16 match against Fremantle
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Video04:33 MinsViewed
Longmuir: 'Sonny got some reward for effort'
Watch Fremantle's press conference after their round 16 match against Melbourne
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Video06:19 MinsViewed
Highlights: Melbourne v Fremantle
The Demons and Dockers clash in round 16
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Video00:44 MinsViewed
Cerra's banana from the pocket almost unbelievable
Fremantle's Adam Cerra casually snaps a GOTY contender
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Video00:29 MinsViewed
Sonny's putting on a thieving clinic
Michael Walters is making sure the Demons pay for every error in defence
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Video00:33 MinsViewed
Darcy raises team spirits after this solo effort
Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy provides the first major of the half straight out of the…
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Video00:25 MinsViewed
How did Viney get up after this massive hit?
Jack Viney shows courage and cops Hughes' knee to the face in a marking contest
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Video00:26 MinsViewed
Monster tackle from Preuss stops Docker in his tracks
Melbourne's Braydon Preuss chases down Nathan Wilson in a great rundown tackle
2. Essendon is a mile off the pace
Following the Bombers' 66-point loss to Geelong, coach John Worsfold understatedly said there was a gap between them and the top four teams. 'Woosha' surmised that another pre-season under incoming coach Ben Rutten would help the Dons' continuity enormously and they could close that gap. But Essendon is nowhere near it. With its season on the line against Geelong, the first-quarter performance was as far below par as you could imagine – poor execution, poor around stoppages and even worse, poor intensity and pressure. A fit Andy McGrath, Joe Daniher and Dyson Heppell would clearly make a difference, but it's going to take more than one more pre-season on Sunday's evidence. - Michael Whiting
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video07:42 MinsViewed
Woosha: 'A gap between us and top four sides'
John Worsfold says his side lack the experience and personnel to to compete with the…
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Video10:43 MinsViewed
Scott: 'We've got a lot of belief we're a good team'
Chris Scott says his club believes they have a 'robust system' and are looking…
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Video08:21 MinsViewed
Highlights: Geelong v Essendon
The Cats and Bombers clash in round 16
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Video00:34 MinsViewed
How does Blicavs get this much power on the left?
Mark Blicavs hacks a massive bomb inside 50 on his opposite foot which somehow…
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Video00:37 MinsViewed
Devastating Bomber blow as Mosquito limps off
Essendon suffer a cruel injury concern with exciting youngster Irving Mosquito forced…
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Video00:22 MinsViewed
Clever Dons duck underneath and gift Shiel
Dylan Shiel snares a long-awaited goal for Essendon after some clever play from Will…
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Video00:17 MinsViewed
Don coughs up footy to dangerous small Cat
The Bombers are under absolute siege and get torn apart again by Geelong's crumbing…
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Video00:27 MinsViewed
Onslaught continues after hands in Close quarters
Bradley Close dishes off a super handball to Jed Bews, who piles on another major
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Video00:12 MinsViewed
Plant one in the air and Danger will get there
Patrick Dangerfield has eyes only for the footy in this outstanding grab
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Video00:33 MinsViewed
Oh no, Tippa gets bitten after feeding Mosquito
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti tries to bring teammate Irving Mosquito into the game,…
3. The Roos might have found their next star
There were murmurs, until recently, across the AFL industry about the underwhelming performances of the 2017 draft class, particularly at the top. There's still more to prove, but there's been encouraging signs from Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Hunter Clark, Nick Coffield and Aaron Naughton this year. No.1 pick Cam Rayner and 2018 NAB AFL Rising Star Jaidyn Stephenson have also had their moments. You can add emerging Roo Luke Davies-Uniacke, the fourth overall pick that year, into that conversation. The man known as 'LDU' was primed for a breakout campaign before 'pubic overload' put him on the shelf for months, even once the season resumed. However, Davies-Uniacke has warmed to the task since returning and enjoyed arguably his best performance yet against Port Adelaide on Saturday night. The 21-year-old midfielder had one exciting moment where he cut off a Zak Butters handball and burst through the centre to create a shot at goal. He finished with 23 disposals (16 contested), six intercept possessions, six score involvements and five clearances. In a team crying out for a new star, Davies-Uniacke is shaping as that man. - Marc McGowan
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Video07:15 MinsViewed
Shaw on rising Roo: 'He's starting to take big scalps'
North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw was impressed with his side's fight and praised key…
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Video05:24 MinsViewed
Hinkley: 'We deserve to be where we are'
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley believes his side is building momentum heading…
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Video06:39 MinsViewed
Highlights: North Melbourne v Port Adelaide
The Kangaroos and Power clash in round 16
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Video01:04 MinsViewed
What on earth? Port's unique antics during the song
Hamish Hartlett had the role of drummer after the Power defeated North Melbourne
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Video00:47 MinsViewed
Butters grins after being crunched by rampaging Roo
Port Adelaide jet Zak Butters wasn't fazed about being smashed by North captain Jack…
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Video00:31 MinsViewed
Wines dines out with two quick goals
Port Adelaide break away from the Roos, thanks in large part to hard nut Ollie Wines
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Video00:18 MinsViewed
Will Butters be in MRO trouble for this?
North Melbourne gun Jy Simpkin was ruled out of the clash after this incident
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Video00:41 MinsViewed
Skill or did he get Larkey? Roo reels in one-hander
Rising North Melbourne key forward Nick Larkey drags this mark in and slots the set…
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Video00:51 MinsViewed
North skipper unhappy with treatment from Power star
Robbie Gray and Jack Ziebell exchange words on the brink of half-time
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Video00:54 MinsViewed
Was this Zurhaar goal touched?
Even North Melbourne forward Cam Zurhaar seemed surprised this one wasn't overturned
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Video00:32 MinsViewed
Brute strength gets Dixon Port's first goal
Star forward Charlie Dixon shows off his power in the goalsquare against North…
4. Hill could be St Kilda's most important player
It was only a month ago when St Kilda coach Brett Ratten was forced to defend star recruit Bradley Hill to the press. At that stage, Hill – a valuable off-season trade from Fremantle who cost the club a top-10 draft pick – had only amassed one 20-disposal game in his first 13 matches for the club. However, over the last fortnight, Hill has displayed exactly why he's so important to this St Kilda team. A 27-disposal outing against Melbourne was followed by another important 22-disposal performance against Hawthorn on Sunday, with his run, carry and class forward of centre proving pivotal. That added to seven score involvements and a game-high 323m gained. There's another area where Hill is influential, though. Maybe it's an intangible, but as a three-time premiership player with Hawthorn he could be relied upon to guide St Kilda through its first finals campaign since 2011. Expect Hill to play an important leadership role in a young Saints side over the next fortnight. - Riley Beveridge
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video08:09 MinsViewed
Ratten: 'Why aren't we giving Hill the footy?'
For a second time this season, Brett Ratten suggests his players need to give Brad…
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Video07:49 MinsViewed
Highlights: St Kilda v Hawthorn
The Saints and Hawks clash in round 16
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Video08:02 MinsViewed
Clarko: 'They were playing keepings off'
Alastair Clarkson lashed out at St Kilda's high possession style gameplan, suggesting…
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Video00:54 MinsViewed
Lewis launches for riveting speccy
Mitch Lewis gives the Hawks an early spark in the final term with a beautiful grab…
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Video00:53 MinsViewed
Billings' buzzer-beating bender
Jack Billings conjures a stunning snap on the brink of the final break
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Video00:46 MinsViewed
Huge Hawks blow for star mid
Hawthorn have suffered a big injury concern with gun midfielder James Worpel forced…
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Video00:56 MinsViewed
Rowan, the man mountain is growing
Emerging St Kilda utility Rowan Marshall continues his impressive outing with another…
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Video00:37 MinsViewed
Cameraman gets his shot, literally
Tim O'Brien follows up his impressive mark with a set shot that happens to collect…
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Video00:43 MinsViewed
Happy team at Hawthorn after Moore goals
The Hawks surround youngster Dylan Moore after snaring his side a third consecutive…
5. The Crows' critics should be eating humble pie
Consecutive victories after 13 straight losses is nothing to, ahem, 'crow' about, but the new Adelaide is blossoming before our eyes. Restricted free agent Brad Crouch still seems likely to depart, but many of the Crows' future pieces are coming together. Take the forward line, for instance, where Elliott Himmelberg, Darcy Fogarty, Shane McAdam and Tyson Stengle are now regulars and showing plenty of promise. One of highly rated draft prospects Logan McDonald or Riley Thilthorpe will be a nice addition, too. Letting Hugh Greenwood and Cam Ellis-Yolmen go has enabled more midfield variety and greater opportunity for the likes of Harry Schoenberg, in particular, and Chayce Jones. Lachie Sholl's also made six straight appearances since Rory Atkins – who will exercise his free agency rights – last played in round nine. Adelaide's nine debutants this year are three more than any other club, with lots to like from others not already mentioned, such as Fischer McAsey, Will Hamill, Andrew McPherson and Ned McHenry. And what a bargain Ben Keays, still only 23, is proving to be. - Marc McGowan
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video17:37 MinsViewed
Full post-match: Crows
Watch Adelaide's press conference after round 16's match against GWS
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Video11:21 MinsViewed
Full post-match: Giants
Watch GWS's press conference after round 16's match against Adelaide
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Video05:53 MinsViewed
Highlights: Adelaide v GWS
The Crows and Giants clash in round 16
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Video01:13 MinsViewed
Sloane snaps truly but was it touched off the boot?
Roary Sloane snaps a goal but was it touched as he kicked it?
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Video00:43 MinsViewed
Veteran Crow cops ban for Giant hit
Adelaide's David Mackay has been offered a one-game suspension for this incident with…
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Video00:28 MinsViewed
Is this the Mark of the Year? Check out Bobby's stunner
Bobby Hill launches and plucks a Mark of the Year contender
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Video00:45 MinsViewed
Young Giant slots his first career goal
Fast hands from Finlayson set up Jye Caldwell for his first AFL goal
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Video00:14 MinsViewed
Speccy McAdam: Crow launches for a big grab
Shane McAdam hauls in a huge speccy
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Video01:09 MinsViewed
Slick ball movement leads to an easy goal for Finlayson
Toby Greene times his run perfectly to set up Jeremy Finlayson for his second goal of…
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Video00:45 MinsViewed
Bobby dazzler: Giant kicks miracle goal from the boundary
The Giants small forward lights up Adelaide Oval with a GOTY contender
6. English the difference between finals or bust
Marcus Bontempelli will likely get the plaudits for his crucial late goal, but it was young ruckman Tim English who rose to the occasion when the Bulldogs needed a hero. Pulling down several contested marks late in the game and throwing his body at every pack he could, English asserted himself as a beast in the air. After spending more time up forward in recent weeks, English looked far more comfortable in an intercepting role when he drifted back against the Eagles. West Coast might have been undermanned without Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo around the ball, but it was the top-six scalp the Dogs needed to keep themselves in the finals hunt. Don't take the shine off this performance, it may end up being the coming-of-age game Bulldogs fans had been waiting for. - Jourdan Canil
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video01:31 MinsViewed
So close: Goal-line drama as McGovern gets hand on Bont's crucial kick
Watch as ARC is called in to check if Marcus Bontempelli's matchwinning goal was…
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Video07:05 MinsViewed
Simpson: 'We were outplayed all night'
Adam Simpson says he thought the Bulldogs had complete control of the game and his…
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Video09:56 MinsViewed
Bevo: 'We haven't won a close one for a while'
Luke Beveridge says he was a relieved man to finally claim a narrow victory and put…
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Video07:47 MinsViewed
Highlights: Western Bulldogs v West Coast Eagles
The Bulldogs and Eagles clash in round 16
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Video00:44 MinsViewed
Wow Ryan, you are a genius
Liam Ryan does everything he can to will his side over the line with an insane solo…
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Video00:42 MinsViewed
Naughton lets Eagles know about his speccy
Aaron Naughton reels in a huge grab but lets himself down with the resulting kick
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Video00:47 MinsViewed
Who else but Sheed when you're in desperate need?
The Eagles were crying out for a goal and their hero Dom Sheed delivered with a super…
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Video00:33 MinsViewed
Was English entitled to complain here?
Tim English gets pinged for holding the ball after attempting to claim a mark he…
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Video00:50 MinsViewed
Dunkley salutes after Dogs claw way back
The Bulldogs are piling on the pressure after a slow start and earn a terrific goal…
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Video00:49 MinsViewed
Ryan flyin' on the ground this time
Liam Ryan shows an extremely impressive set of wheels to help the ball towards…
7. Brisbane can get by without Harris – for now
All the talk this week was how Brisbane would cope without injured Virgin Australia AFL All Australian defender Harris Andrews. The man charged with filling his boots against Gold Coast was second-gamer Jack Payne, and the Lions Academy product started like a house on fire. Payne took four intercept marks in the opening eight minutes, playing assertively against young Suns gun Ben King. The 20-year-old was outmarked once or twice, but generally did a good job, while veterans Darcy Gardiner, Ryan Lester and Daniel Rich all looked to help out. The Lions may well need Andrews to win the biggest games of the season, but Payne looks more than capable of filling in in the meantime. - Michael Whiting
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video08:08 MinsViewed
Full post-match: Lions
Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 16's match against Gold Coast
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Video04:04 MinsViewed
Full post-match: Suns
Watch Gold Coast's press conference after round 16's match against Brisbane
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Video06:07 MinsViewed
Highlights: Brisbane v Gold Coast
The Lions and Suns clash in round 16
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Video01:00 MinsViewed
Swallow smashes through Mitch
David Swallow attacks the ball and Mitch Robinson comes off second best
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Video00:47 MinsViewed
Fagan fumes after Rayner brain-fade
Cam Rayner's decision to play on leaves coach Chris Fagan seeing red
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Video00:29 MinsViewed
Gun Lion pops out shoulder in tackle
Brisbane suffers another setback with Jarrod Berry leaving the game with a shoulder…
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Video00:33 MinsViewed
Lights out for Lions defender
Brandon Starcevich is in bad shape after a heavy landing
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Video00:52 MinsViewed
Zorko gets the Lions off to a flyer
Great ball movement sets up skipper Dayne Zorko for Brisbane's first goal
8. Walsh every bit the matchwinner the Blues needed
Despite winning the 2019 NAB AFL Rising Star award and emerging as one of Carlton's best players right from the word go, Kane Cornes doubled-down on his belief that Connor Rozee was the more damaging player from the 2018 draft class. After Carlton's loss to St Kilda earlier in the year Cornes raised concerns over Walsh's efficiency and diminishing metres gained stats, but the young Carlton gun put all those queries to bed against the Swans. Walsh racked up an astonishing 600 metres gained, 10 score involvements and ran at 84 per cent disposal efficiency in a best-on-ground performance. That's a matchwinner in every sense. - Jourdan Canil
Walsh goes whack with a pure strike of the Sherrin
Sam Walsh hits his kick sweetly and the Blues have two goals in quick succession
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