
In this week's Nine things we learned, brought to you by Haier, the world's No.1 appliance maker, we discover that Collingwood's midfield needs a boost, Greater Western Sydney's hard work might only just be starting, and a couple of flag contenders are warming up for their charge.
The 10: Round 18's best moments
Watch the best highlights from the final round of the home and away season
Published on1. The Pies' midfield fix might be in their forward line
Collingwood has the difficult task of travelling to Perth to play West Coast in an elimination final and will need to fix two glaring weaknesses to challenge the Eagles. Firstly, their ball movement was stagnant and predictable against Port Adelaide, and secondly, they were smashed at the stoppages. Again, Brodie Grundy dominated hitouts, but Collingwood was trounced 40-28 in the clearances and an ugly 14-4 at centre clearances, giving Port field advantage they did not relinquish. Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams and Adam Treloar all had nice nights with big numbers, but the other players spending time on-ball need to lift. After two full games back from hand surgery, is it time to throw Jordan De Goey into the fray for five minutes a quarter to see what he can do? - Michael Whiting
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video06:16 MinsViewed
Buckley: 'We're either not far away or a long way away'
Watch Collingwood's press conference after round 18's match against Port Adelaide
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Hinkley: 'It matters what happens from here on'
Watch Port Adelaide's press conference after round 18's match against Collingwood
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Highlights: Collingwood v Port Adelaide
The Magpies and Power clash in round 18
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Houston shows respect for Pendlebury's guard of honour
The Power defender holds his words mid-interview to acknowledge Scott Pendlebury's…
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Pies' record-breaker calm as ever to find De Goey
Collingwood games record-holder Scott Pendlebury draws the man and Jordan De Goey…
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Motlop's towering snap very high and handsome
Stevie Motlop has made a living of moments like this in front of goal
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Big Dixon with a big reaction to deft work
Charlie Dixon pounces on the ground ball and roars in delight
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Mihocek ready for anything, including a bizarre Hosk handball
Will Hoskin-Elliott catches everyone by surprise but Brody Mihocek saves the play
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This is Treloar at his bursting best from the stoppage
Collingwood midfielder Adam Treloar kicks his first goal of the 2020 season and it's…
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Ebert scores in a blink after Pies pair collide
The Power are on the board early through Brad Ebert and Isaac Quaynor is feeling the…
2. The hard work doesn't stop for the Giants
Greater Western Sydney's season came to a shuddering halt on Friday night. But immediately after the sobering 52-point loss to St Kilda would have come the realisation that the battle has only just begun. With a line officially drawn through their finals chances, the Giants' attention will now be focused solely on a summer where retaining star talent is a must. Lockdown defender Aidan Corr has already informed the club of his desire to seek a move elsewhere, rival clubs are circling the 2019 Coleman Medal winner Jeremy Cameron, there is significant Victorian interest in star free agent Zac Williams, tough utility Harry Perryman remains without a deal, while the club's trio of first-round picks from the 2018 NAB AFL Draft – Jye Caldwell, Jackson Hately and Xavier O'Halloran – are also uncontracted and being eyed off. Think the hard work ended when the club's season did? Think again. - Riley Beveridge
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Full post-match: Saints
Watch St Kilda's press conference after round 18's match against GWS
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Full post-match: Giants
Watch GWS's press conference after round 18's match against St Kilda
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Highlights: St Kilda v GWS
The Saints and Giants clash in round 18
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Ryder rolls it home
The ball spills from a great Jack Lonie tackle and Paddy Ryder soccers it home
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Surging Saint strolls into an open goal
Jack Lonie puts St Kilda further in front
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Toby Greene's touch of class
Giants superstar Toby Greene snaps truly
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Veteran forced from field after Giant blow
Greater Western Sydney's Sam Reid cops a knee to his ribs
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Battle kicks a ripper from 50
Josh Battle produces a great goal for the Saints
3. We might be sleeping on West Coast
The reaction to the Eagles' crushing defeat of Collingwood way back in round eight was over the top, but equally we may not be appreciating what they've achieved in recent weeks. West Coast's been without a stack of talent through injury and personal reasons and lost a player mid-game in each of the past five contests. Jeremy McGovern (hamstring), Elliot Yeo (groin), Luke Shuey (hamstrings), Jack Redden (thumb), Jamie Cripps (personal), Lewis Jetta (calf) and Mark Hutchings (hamstring) were all sidelined against North Melbourne on Thursday night. Then Josh Kennedy (ankle) was out from late in the second quarter. All of those players, bar probably Yeo and maybe McGovern, are set to return for West Coast's first final. There's the potential for some match conditioning issues. However, the Eagles' ability to grind out victories with lesser squads the past two weeks, and in three of their past four games, illustrates their winning culture. Underestimate them at your peril. - Marc McGowan
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video11:08 MinsViewed
Shaw: 'The way we finished off was fantastic'
Rhyce Shaw was 'really pleased' with his side's effort tonight, stating it was a…
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Video07:51 MinsViewed
Simmo on JK: 'It's a new injury to his ankle'
Adam Simpson explains Josh Kennedy 'rolled his ankle' but will wait for further scans…
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Highlights: North Melbourne v West Coast
The Kangaroos and Eagles clash in round 18
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Anderson's fair whack from 50 a sight for North fans
Jed Anderson comes up with a stunning effort from the 50m arc on his left
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This is the last man you want to turn a ball over to
Todd Goldstein makes a serious error in defence by handing the footy straight to Liam…
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Allen key to Eagles spree
The Eagles were crying out for someone to take control of the game and Oscar Allen…
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Enormous Eagles blow as Kennedy forced off
West Coast have suffered a massive injury concern with key forward Josh Kennedy…
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Ryan, never stop supplying
Liam Ryan continues his hot run of form with two beautiful kicks, one to set up a…
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That's one dazzling Darling dribbler
Jack Darling produces a moment of magic with a mesmerising goal from a tight angle
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Jed proves he has a hard head following this falcon
North Melbourne's Jed Anderson brushes off a crunching falcon from short distance
4. Truck's headaches run deeper than Saad, Joe and Orazio
Just minutes after Saturday's loss to Melbourne, new coach Ben Rutten said he was chasing a quick answer from restricted free agent Joe Daniher on his future. The Bombers will also need to spend the coming weeks working through Adam Saad and Orazio Fantasia's desire to be at the club. But on-field, Rutten has plenty to ponder entering the 2021 pre-season. Two full years into implementing his new defensive system, Rutten was left exasperated at the Bombers' willingness to work in defence at half-time against the Demons. Four of Melbourne's first six majors started out of their back half and few sides have conceded more 'coast-to-coast' goals this season than Essendon. Rutten has officially taken hold of the entire backline in the past month with James Kelly moving to stoppages in preparation of replacing assistant Mark Harvey. And the new boss will have had a closer look at a set-up that resembles something more of Swiss cheese approaching a crucial off-season at Tullamarine. - Mitch Cleary
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video11:25 MinsViewed
Rutten: We need Joe's decision 'reasonably quickly'
Incoming Essendon coach Ben Rutten discusses Joe Daniher's future with the club
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Goodwin: 'We've given it our best shot'
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says he has seen 'huge growth' in his side this year as…
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Was this one final three-vote performance from Petracca?
Christian Petracca had another standout performance in Melbourne's win against…
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Highlights: Essendon v Melbourne
The Bombers and Demons clash in round 18
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One final farewell for Woosha and Bellchambers
Melbourne and Essendon players line up to farewell John Worsfold and Tom Bellchambers
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Fritsch puts the final nail in the coffin
A quick snap from Bayley Fritsch seals the win for Melbourne
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Shiel's huge strike keeps the Bombers alive
Dylan Shiel steps to the side and kicks a massive goal from 50m
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Stringer flies and Smith scores
Jake Stringer completely misses the mark but Devon Smith mops up the mess
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Bulldozer Neal-Bullen with courage on display
Alex Neal-Bullen keeps his eye on the ball and kicks a brilliant goal
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Stringer's passion on show after big goal for the Bombers
Jake Stringer kisses his jumper after kicking a goal right on quarter time
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Petracca's bullet pass sets up a sitter for Hunt
A perfect kick from Christian Petracca and chain of handballs from Melbourne ends in…
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Hunt puts on the jets and drives home a major
Jayden Hunt gets on the move inside 50 and scores Melbourne's first of the day in…
5. It might make sense for Hawthorn to cash out on a star forward
Jack Gunston finishes 2020 with 31 goals and could be in line for a spot in the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian side for the second time in three seasons. Tim O'Brien, Jonathon Patton and Mitch Lewis combined for just 20 goals between them this season and do not look ready to take the reins in the forward line. But if the Hawks are going to fully commit to this rebuild there's no doubt Gunston's value in the trade market is at its highest. With no clear replacement it would be a tough call to move the star Hawk on, but it's the type of aggressive move to grab another potential first-round pick that Hawthorn needs to rapidly improve its long-term hopes. - Jourdan Canil
Gunston pulls yet another Jack out of the box
Jack Gunston continues his hot form with another major to his name, this time a soccer special on his left
Published on6. The pieces are coming together for the Tigers
Any of Richmond's numerous and varied distractions this year could have derailed its premiership defence. It all started with several Tigers being reluctant to go into an interstate quarantine hub early in the season. Shane Edwards and Bachar Houli justifiably remained in Melbourne for the birth of their children, but the first COVID-19 breach involving captain Trent Cotchin's wife Brooke was where things ramped up. There was close scrutiny on spearhead Tom Lynch's on-field discipline, then some locker room antics involving Mabior Chol and Nick Vlastuin. The biggest of all was the second breach, where Callum Coleman-Jones and Sydney Stack were involved in an incident outside a strip club that cost them 10-match bans and the club a $100,000 fine. Throughout it, Richmond kept winning games – and Saturday's victory over Adelaide ensured a fourth-straight top-four berth. With the drama hopefully behind the Tigers, they're also getting key members back. Houli returned a few weeks back, and Edwards and David Astbury slotted in against the Crows. Lynch, Dion Prestia and Shai Bolton are on track to come in for Richmond's first final. Watch out. - Marc McGowan
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video14:38 MinsViewed
Nicks: 'It needs to sting and it does'
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks says despite a 'really disappointing season' he's…
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Hardwick: 'Good players' will have to miss out on finals
With the likes of Tom Lynch, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia a good chance to return for…
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Highlights: Adelaide v Richmond
The Crows and Tigers clash in round 18
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A simply superb snap from Lambert
Kane Lambert extends the Tigers' lead with a lovely pickup and goal
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Tiger shows off his strength
Josh Caddy shakes off an injury concern and kicks a big goal for the Tigers
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Tempers flare as Cotch and Crouch fire up
The Tigers and Crows tussle after Trent Cotchin gives away a free kick to Brad Crouch
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Knee injury sparks doubt for Caddy
Josh Caddy appears to be in discomfort at half-time after injuring his knee during a…
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Clearing from the crowd pays off for McIntosh
Kamdyn McIntosh finds some space near the boundary and finishes with a lovely goal
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Aarts takes advantage of a clear run home
Jake Aarts takes the advantage, runs into an open goal and converts
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Tex becomes the all-time leading goalkicker for the Crows
Taylor Walker breaks Tony Modra's goal kicking record after kicking his 441st goal
7. Harry McKay could take off in 2021
After battling for so long to nail down a permanent spot in Carlton's forward line, Harry McKay finished the season with a bang. The hulking 22-year-old kicked nine goals from the final three games of his season, including an impressive haul of three from limited chances against Brisbane. He was a commanding presence in packs, taking three contested marks against a well-organised defence. With Charlie Curnow as a sidekick in 2021, McKay could well become a nightmare match up for opponents if he continues his current trajectory. - Michael Whiting
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Teague: We need to 'be stronger' in the 'critical moments'
Carlton coach David Teague says see-sawing performances have 'happened too often' for…
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Fagan on minor premiership: 'It's always good to do something…
Chris Fagan says his side has given itself a chance to 'do something no other…
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Highlights: Brisbane v Carlton
The Lions and Blues clash in round 18
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A final goodbye for Carlton champions
Kade Simpson and Matthew Kreuzer are surrounded by Brisbane and Carlton players as…
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Hipwood kicks a cracker at full speed
Eric Hipwood receives a handball from Stefan Martin and finishes with a classy goal
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Retiring Simmo strikes a goal to remember
Carlton champion Kade Simpson kicks a brilliant goal on the run during his final AFL…
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Curnow sticks it out in the rain for Simmo
Heavy rain can't stop Charlie Curnow from supporting Kade Simpson in his final game
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Martin's look-away handball somehow works to perfection
Stefan Martin attempts a look-away handball which results in a Lincoln McCarthy goal
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Casboult gets low and lands a blow
Levi Casboult gathers the ball and snaps a goal through traffic
8. Geelong needs to sharpen up
The Cats need to quickly get back to their best or else they face an early exit from this year's finals series. Geelong's past two performances – last week's loss to Richmond and then their hard-fought win over Sydney on Sunday – showed the Cats are off the boil. Chris Scott's men have been one of the most consistent teams of the season but need to get back to their in-sync best if they're chance to take out this year's flag. A rest might help next weekend before their qualifying final, but Cats fans may be nervous given their recent form heading into the finals given they have won four of their past 15 finals. - Callum Twomey
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video10:02 MinsViewed
Longmire: 'We had a real crack against a top four side'
John Longmire says 'there was a lot to like' about his side's brave effort against…
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Scott: 'I'm not even convinced we're in the best just yet'
Chris Scott believes his side possess enough 'determination and will' that can give…
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Highlights: Sydney v Geelong
The Swans and Cats go head to head in round 18
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Is this free harsh or correct against Hawkins?
Tom Hawkins is left frustrated and confused after being penalised for using his knee…
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Video00:46 MinsViewed
Look out everyone, it's Danger time
Paddy Dangerfield is single-handedly willing the Cats over the line with a stunning…
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Debate rages on after Papley falls over
Tom Papley appears to be pushed while taking a shot, but on replay looks to slightly…
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Young Swan more pumped than Paps after this celebration
Justin McInerney releases some serious emotion after scoring an important goal to…
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This Cat absolutely pounces on unsuspecting Swan
Geelong's Jack Henry does brilliantly to mow down Will Hayward, who had no idea he…
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Papley simply too dangerous in this scenario
Tom Papley proves why he is one of the most-hyped small forwards in the business with…
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Noise rises as the little master returns with a bang
Returning champion Gary Ablett electrifies the crowd with a beautiful assist,…
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Swans have two after bursting Blakey comes through
Nick Blakey crumbs the spillage to perfection and delivers a beautiful shot on the…
9. The Dockers have left their past behind
This is a Fremantle side that is barely recognisable from the team of 12 months ago. While the Dockers might not have celebrated the end of their campaign with victory on Sunday night, and they might ultimately finish the year in a similar ladder position to last season, there's no doubting the significance of the steps this side has taken in 2020. Under the tutelage of Justin Longmuir, the future of Fremantle looks brighter than ever before. There were positives on every line this year. Young trio Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra were fantastic in midfield, Matt Taberner enjoyed a breakout season in attack, and Luke Ryan was superb in a defensive system that strangled opposition teams all season. And there's genuine star quality in Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters, who were ever-present once again throughout the year. With continued improvement and more talent to be injected into the side next season, finals football is a realistic possibility. Who'd have thought that would be the case when they ended 2019 with eight losses from their last 10? - Riley Beveridge
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video07:30 MinsViewed
Longmuir: 'We're not where we want to be'
Despite some encouraging signs this year, Justin Longmuir is adamant his side isn't…
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Video11:12 MinsViewed
Bevo: 'We're over the moon'
Luke Beveridge says his side are ecstatic to be in the finals race after a slow start…
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Highlights: Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
The Dockers and Dogs go head to head in round 18
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Daniel delivers knockout blow, finals ahead
The Bulldogs are all but in the finals after Caleb Daniel sneaks forward and puts the…
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Video00:43 MinsViewed
Smith's sky-high shot hits the perfect spot
Bailey Smith sends a wonderful snap towards goal and inches the Dogs one step closer…
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Massive Dogs blow as Naughton off to hospital
The Bulldogs have suffered a big injury concern with key forward Aaron Naughton…
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Naughton snaps it through after Docker's horror blue
Brennan Cox has a moment he'd rather forget, spilling an easy mark in defence and…
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This Brownlow medallist can sure kick a ball from 60
Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe delivers an incredible shot from distance
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Milestone Mitch turns to Messi
Mitch Wallis shows off some crafty skills in front of the sticks to notch this soccer…
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This ruckman's opening snap deserves another look
Sean Darcy gets the Dockers off to the best start possible with an awesome goal out…