In this week's Nine things we learned, we discover that the red and blue print is the real deal, Chris Fagan has some selection headaches coming and Max King desperately needs a confidence boost.
And listen to AFL Daily in the podcast below to catch up with all the latest news and fallout from another massive round of football.
1. The Eagles are vulnerable to a late kill
In-game injuries to key players don't help, but West Coast has a fourth-quarter issue that needs to be addressed immediately if it is to fight its way back into the top four. The Eagles are 3-8 in final terms this season and on Saturday night gave up a 29-point lead to lose by 16 points to Essendon, getting smashed 6-22 in inside 50s in the final term and kicking 1.0 to 3.7. In fourth quarters this season they have kicked 23.30 (168) to their opponents' combined 35.30 (240). The Eagles have selected taller line-ups than most opponents in order to support ruckman Nic Naitanui and allow Oscar Allen to play forward where he has been a star. But they have often appeared to lack run late in games as a result. They were as short as they've been this season on Saturday night, but still struggled late as returning star Elliot Yeo had his game time managed and Allen and Tim Kelly went down with injury. The Eagles may need to turn to young midfielders who have lacked opportunity to get some run in the second half of the season. - Nathan Schmook
The worst fourth quarter team in the comp, Lloydy's question on Pendles
Matthew Lloyd and Damian Barrett discuss all of the fallout from round 11 on Access All Areas
Published on2. The Pies can't score to save themselves
Nathan Buckley sold the positives, but conceded there was plenty of frustration stemming from his side's 10-point loss to Geelong on Saturday. It's clear to see why. The Magpies won the inside-50 count (44-42) and ultimately had as many scoring shots (21-21) as the Cats at the MCG, but a measly sum of one goal through the first three quarters was never going to cut it. There was effort, but nothing to show for the application. It's something that is indicative of Collingwood's past 18 months. It has now endured six goalless quarters for the season, the most of any side in the competition. It has also stuttered through 15 goalless terms since the start of 2020, the most of any team behind last year's wooden spooners Adelaide with 16. The Pies can work as hard as they want – and, despite a 2-9 record on the season, there's no indication they've given up – but without reward on the scoreboard, victories will continue to elude them. - Riley Beveridge
A coach's 'paranoid' plan, Eagles' perplexing issue, champ's 'sneaky' good year
Mitch Cleary and Kane Cornes discuss an Eagle shock, ominous Dees and more on The Round So Far
Published on3. The red and blue print is the real deal
It was probably Melbourne which had more to prove in Friday night’s top-of-the-ladder clash with the Western Bulldogs, and the Demons delivered in spades. The Dees’ 28-point win at Marvel Stadium was comprehensive, and should have been more given their dominance throughout the game. Having made the finals the past two years the Dogs already had some credentials in the bank, and the Demons’ big swing at their fellow contender landed. In doing so, the Demons also found a blueprint for how to stop the Bulldogs, who have been a juggernaut this season with their fast and brilliant ball use. If the clubs meet in the finals the Demons will head in with the important belief they can repeat the job. - Callum Twomey
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video00:50 MinsViewed
20 seconds was all it took to get in Harmes' way
The Demons start with a bang as James Harmes motors forward to score an awesome…
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Video00:33 MinsViewed
Smiling pup worth his Weight in goal
Cody Weightman crumbs the spillage to perfection and slots a beautiful snap on the…
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Video00:39 MinsViewed
Distributor Daniel drifts forward to turn scorer
Caleb Daniel ventures forward and delivers a much-needed goal for the Bulldogs
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Video00:55 MinsViewed
Weideman working his way back in style
Melbourne forward Sam Weideman was having a very quiet game before joining the party…
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Video07:11 MinsViewed
Highlights: Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
The Bulldogs and Demons clash in round 11
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Video11:09 MinsViewed
Bevo: 'We kicked the ball straight to them'
Luke Beveridge was frustrated by the number of uncharacteristic turnovers his side…
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Video07:45 MinsViewed
Goodwin: 'We were sensational'
Simon Goodwin was particularly pleased with his side's huge opening quarter and…
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Video14:05 MinsViewed
Mini-Match: Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Extended highlights of the round 11 clash between the Bulldogs and Demons at Marvel…
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Video00:43 MinsViewed
Concern after Rich collected by a Demon high
Could Melbourne's Tom Sparrow have a case to answer after being penalised for this…
4. 'CJ' worth the wait
A lot has been written about the one-game, fourth-year Callum Coleman-Jones over the past few years. Out of contract and last year receiving a 10-week ban for a COVID-19 breach, Coleman-Jones starred in his second game at the top level since his debut nearly two years ago. A little spluttery to start (conceding a goal to Taylor Walker at a throw-in), the forward-ruck hit his stride, proving difficult to stop in the air (four contested marks) and kicking four goals. Now set to have a decent run at the top level in the absence of the injured Tom Lynch, demand from other clubs for the 21-year-old will continue to increase. - Sarah Black
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video00:42 MinsViewed
Tex goes bang with a super spiral
Taylor Walker proves he's no force to be reckoned with after this mighty major
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Video00:35 MinsViewed
Bolton weaves through to kick a beauty
Shai Bolton swoops on this opportunity in front of goal to keep Richmond in…
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Video00:50 MinsViewed
Chol turns crumber in this delightful dribbler
Mabior Chol finds himself in a rare small forward position and slots a crafty major
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Video00:54 MinsViewed
Tex is back with another stunner
Taylor Walker kicks one from the pocket to make it three
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Video00:59 MinsViewed
Coleman-Jones kicks his first on the big stage
Second gamer Callum Coleman-Jones capitalises on Richmond's crafty ball movement to…
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Video00:31 MinsViewed
The apprentice gives to the master, who does the rest
Shai Bolton handballs off to his partner in crime Dustin Martin to kick a dazzling…
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Video00:34 MinsViewed
Hugo guides to perfection, insane first major
Hugo Ralph-Smith swings this beauty to extend the Tigers' lead
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Video00:55 MinsViewed
Jack goes flying to take this crazy reverse speccy
Jack Riewoldt goes back with the flight and lands this outrageous mark in typical…
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Video07:56 MinsViewed
Highlights: Richmond v Adelaide
The Tigers and Crows clash in round 11
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Video08:35 MinsViewed
Nicks: 'They put us to the sword'
Watch Adelaide's press conference after round 11's match against Richmond
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Video08:16 MinsViewed
'It was amazing': Dimma full of praise for Riewoldt's mark
Watch Richmond's press conference after round 11's match against Adelaide
5. Chris Fagan has some selection headaches coming
Whether it's Friday night's blockbuster against Melbourne or the following match against North Melbourne in round 14, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has some tough selection decisions around the corner. Brownlow medalist Lachie Neale (ankle) is on the verge of returning and the only problem is who to leave out. The Lions' midfield has been humming in Neale's absence, with Rhys Mathieson and Deven Robertson again crucial against GWS, combining for 39 disposals, 10 tackles and seven clearances. Reliable Ryan Lester will also be back in the frame, and his ability to play as a third tall defender could put pressure on impressive James Madden or Callum Ah Chee. There's about to be some very unlucky players miss out from the team that has won seven on the trot. - Michael Whiting
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video02:03 MinsViewed
'You are etched in the story as well': Welcome to Country ceremony at…
Check out the pre-game welcome in Brisbane during Sir Doug Nicholls Round
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Video00:56 MinsViewed
Charlie wastes no time in hitting the scoreboard
Charlie Cameron acts quickly to get the Lions their first goal
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Video01:04 MinsViewed
Zorko capitalises as Giants collide
Brisbane's Dayne Zorko evades two colliding Giants and kicks an exceptional goal
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Video01:16 MinsViewed
Rich's laser-perfect left foot gets the job done
Daniel Rich of Brisbane kicks truly from 55m out
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Bobby Hill brilliance gets the Giants their first
GWS's Bobby Hill takes a hanger and follows up to get the Giants on the board
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Video01:02 MinsViewed
Giants not surrendering yet as Ward finds the big sticks
Callan Ward gets GWS a much-needed goal
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Video01:13 MinsViewed
Finalyson makes the most of a Lions error
Jeremy Finlayson capitalises on a rare Brisbane error to snag a goal
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Video01:08 MinsViewed
Lions favourite brings the house down with a goal on the siren
Brisbane's Mitch Robinson kicks truly to a standing ovation
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Video01:07 MinsViewed
Mitch brings the crowd to their feet once again
Brisbane's Mitch Robinson kicks an astounding goal to surpass his career best tally
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Video07:04 MinsViewed
Highlights: Brisbane v GWS
The Lions and Giants clash in round 11
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Video03:28 MinsViewed
Indigenous Lions shine in Giant win
Brisbane's Indigenous players star in Sir Doug Nicholls Round
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Video08:36 MinsViewed
Cameron: 'To the Lions' credit they were ruthless'
Watch GWS's press conference after round 11's match against Brisbane
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Video06:08 MinsViewed
'We're in great shape': Fagan keen for Demon challenge
Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 11's match against GWS
6. Max King desperately needs a confidence boost
There is no doubt Max King is one of the most exciting young forwards in the competition, but at the moment he looks like a player devoid of confidence. Against North Melbourne on Saturday, King finished with just eight disposals, one mark and 0.2. In his previous three matches, the youngster has kicked 2.8, with his accuracy in front of goal becoming a real worry. If the Saints are to get their season back on track, they need King to start imposing himself in the forward line again. But it's clear that first he needs to find a way to regain his confidence and get his mojo back. - Luke Michael
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video00:55 MinsViewed
Kangaroos skipper goes bang off two steps
Jack Ziebell has kicked this long-range effort, his first major of the season
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Video00:42 MinsViewed
Elite pressure from the Saints ends with Higgins snagging this beauty
A relentless passage of play from St Kilda has seen Jack Higgins snap through this…
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Video01:07 MinsViewed
Roos get the jump with two in two minutes
North Melbourne has started the second half in ideal fashion, booting two quick goals…
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Video00:45 MinsViewed
Wood kicks his third against his old side
Mason Wood continues to have a field day against his former side with his third goal…
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Video00:47 MinsViewed
Byrnes nails first AFL goal as Saints kick clear
Ryan Byrnes' first goal in AFL footy never looked in doubt as he helped extend his…
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Video00:29 MinsViewed
Umpire Meredith cops a massive falcon
Field umpire Simon Meredith is nailed after this errant kick from Jimmy Webster
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Video06:28 MinsViewed
Highlights: St Kilda v North Melbourne
The Saints and Kangaroos clash in round eleven
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Video01:15 MinsViewed
Red-hot Sun snags two in a minute
Izak Rankine gets his side off to a flyer with these two goals coming inside a minute…
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Video09:18 MinsViewed
'We've got to be better than that': Ratten laments sloppy fourth…
Watch St Kilda's press conference after round 11's match against North Melbourne
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Video10:41 MinsViewed
'That's obviously the frustrating piece': Roos still chasing…
Watch North Melbourne's press conference after round 11's match against St Kilda
7. Big Charlie is still Port's barometer
Charlie Dixon is Port Adelaide's most important player and Ken Hinkley knows it. That's why Hinkley inserted Dixon into the ruck at the opening bounce against the Dockers on Sunday and the veteran big man didn't let his side down as he got back to his pack-crashing best to set the tone and get Port rolling. Dixon had three contested marks and two goals in the first quarter alone and don't be shocked to see Hinkley use the veteran in a similar mould come finals time. - Jonathan Healy
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video00:46 MinsViewed
Plenty of Pepper in this ruthless opening
Sam Powell-Pepper drifts forward on two separate occasions to earn himself a couple…
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Video00:27 MinsViewed
Oh no, Lobb squanders sitter for desperate Dockers
Fremantle were crying out for a goal and Rory Lobb misses the easiest of chances
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Video00:37 MinsViewed
Fyfe finally finds the sticks, followed by neat Colyer kick
Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe lands a much-needed first goal for the Dockers and Travis…
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Video00:57 MinsViewed
This is why Port love the ball in this man's hands
Kane Farrell has built a reputation of having a super boot and it's not hard to see…
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Video00:52 MinsViewed
Ladhams leaves Boak cold and fortunately it pays off
Power ruckman Peter Ladhams burns Travis Boak on the run, but all ends well with a…
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Video00:44 MinsViewed
Flying Fyfe special, but the finish is all too familiar
Nat Fyfe takes a spectacular grab in front of goal but doesn't make the most of the…
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Video00:45 MinsViewed
Skipper responds with a ripper, Dockers coming
Nat Fyfe makes amends for his earlier miss with a beautiful burst through the pack…
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Video07:09 MinsViewed
Highlights: Port Adelaide v Fremantle
The Power and Dockers clash in round 11
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Video01:58 MinsViewed
Powerful Powell-Pepper performance was the difference
Sam Powell-Pepper was enormous for the Power, notching three goals and assisting a…
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Video06:55 MinsViewed
Longmuir: 'Poor accuracy' is costing us
Justin Longmuir says his side's woeful kicking in front of goal is a real 'hindrance'…
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Video06:01 MinsViewed
Hinkley: 'First quarter is our blueprint, hard to stop'
Ken Hinkley believes his side can go a long way if they can replicate their…
8. The importance of Isaac can't be ignored
Lance Franklin is still the main man in the Sydney forward line, and has 22 goals from seven matches, but Isaac Heeney might be the most important. The Swans are now 7-2 when Heeney plays and 0-2 without him, that record improving on Sunday as the 25-year-old gathered 22 disposals, 14 marks and three goals against Carlton in what was voted a best-on-ground performance. Heeney is one of the trickier match-ups in the competition, thanks to his ability to play taller than his 185cm should allow, while he can also push into and back from the midfield to help move the ball. Heeney is adding more of a forward threat too, and now has 16 goals in nine matches, as he builds an unlikely twin towers partnership with Franklin. - Martin Pegan
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video01:10 MinsViewed
Awesome pre-match ceremony ahead of the Marn Grook clash
Watch the amazing pre-match ceremony before the Sydney-Carlton match
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Video00:43 MinsViewed
Betts on fire early with this ripper snap from the pocket
Eddie Betts is up to his usual tricks in this year's Sir Doug Nicholls Round,…
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Video00:37 MinsViewed
Two defenders not a problem for superstar Swan
Lance Franklin takes on two defenders to seals his second major
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Video00:38 MinsViewed
Papley's simply too dangerous when given space
Sydney's Tom Papley hangs out the back of the stoppage resulting in this beauty
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Video00:18 MinsViewed
Is Buddy in trouble for this bump on Newman?
Lance Franklin collects Carlton's Nic Newman high in this attack on the footy
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Video00:35 MinsViewed
Wicks winds up to extend Sydney's dominant quarter
Sam Wicks kicks a ripper snap to put the Swans further in front
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Video00:36 MinsViewed
Cripps made this snap look way too easy
Patrick Cripps' pressure around the ball brings a much-needed Carlton major
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Video05:04 MinsViewed
Highlights: Sydney v Carlton
The Swans and Blues clash in round 11
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Video09:27 MinsViewed
Longmire: 'No secret' to Bud, Heeney, Papley combo
Watch Sydney's press conference after round 11's match against Carlton
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Video12:24 MinsViewed
Teague: 'One of the poorest second halves we've had'
Watch Carlton's press conference after round 11's match against Sydney
9. At their best the Suns can aim for September
Knocking off Hawthorn in its current incarnation is no great feat, but when Gold Coast is up and running it is a classy machine that looks capable of anything. The burden of carrying the forward line on his slim shoulders can look too much for Ben King at times, but with Izak Rankine on song the Suns' attacking structure takes on a much more complex and powerful appearance. Sam Collins is tightening the defensive unit by the week, and every game the midfield plays together adds another level of understanding to plentiful speed and skill. With Matt Rowell closing on a return, the Suns can go to next week's bye thinking maybe, just maybe, September will be more than Food and Flower Festival month on the Gold Coast this year. - Howard Kimber
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video01:15 MinsViewed
Red-hot Sun snags two in a minute
Izak Rankine gets his side off to a flyer with these two goals coming inside a minute…
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Video00:38 MinsViewed
Moore capitalises to give Hawks life
Dylan Moore snaps through his first of the game to continue the Hawks' momentum swing
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Video00:25 MinsViewed
Hawks ruckman kicks his first AFL goal
Ned Reeves has kicked his first career goal after taking a strong contested mark
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Video00:39 MinsViewed
Young Sun launches from beyond the arc
Jack Lukosius has gone bang from beyond 50m to swing the momentum back the Suns' way
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Video00:40 MinsViewed
Handball-happy Hawks get off to quick start
James Worpel has finished off a brilliant passage of play to give his side a quick…
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Video00:38 MinsViewed
Greaves roosts a long bomb for his first AFL goal
Damon Greaves has kicked a long-range goal for his first at AFL level
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Video03:22 MinsViewed
Young Suns guns have fun
Suns forward duo Izak Rankine and Ben King put in a dominant forward display to help…
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Video06:05 MinsViewed
Highlights: Gold Coast v Hawthorn
The Suns and Hawks clash in round eleven
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Video08:53 MinsViewed
Clarkson says his team was 'just plugging holes' against impressive…
Watch Hawthorn's press conference after round 11's match against Gold Coast
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Video07:58 MinsViewed
'We're a better club with him around the place': Dew praises Touk's…
Watch Gold Coast's press conference after round 11's match against Hawthorn