In this week's Nine things we learned, we discover that a Carlton gun's form is good enough to take 'Charlie' home, Fremantle isn't ready for top-eight footy and there's a Tiger who desperately needs a new deal.
1. Sam Walsh can win this year's Brownlow
On paper at least, Carlton's midfield had looked a little light in the absence of co-captain Patrick Cripps on Sunday. But youngster Sam Walsh made sure it wasn't. He finished with 38 disposals, five clearances, five tackles, nine marks and six score involvements in a scintillating individual display against Collingwood. But it was his final-quarter goal, delivered off-balance after shrugging two tackles, that capped his afternoon. Walsh is now averaging 30.6 disposals per game and has won more than 30 touches in five of the club's seven wins. Continue this for the season's final five games, and it could be Brownlow Medal pace. - Riley Beveridge
Walsh wizardry on show, what can't he do?
Carlton midfield beast Sam Walsh caps off his brilliant game with a magnificent goal in the last
Published on2. Chol needs to be a priority re-signing for Richmond
The Tigers have some deals to work through as they head towards the final stretch of the home and away season, with gun midfielder Shai Bolton and triple-premiership forward Daniel Rioli parking contract talks until the end of the season and young forward Callum Coleman-Jones also being courted by rivals. Free agents David Astbury, Kamdyn McIntosh and Bachar Houli are also all out of contract. But Mabior Chol showed on Friday night why he is a key signature the Tigers must capture, too. The unrestricted free agent booted a career-high four goals against Brisbane, and it was no coincidence his best game of the season came with Toby Nankervis back to shoulder the ruck load. Chol has suitors out there as a goalkicking/ruckman who has been in and out of Richmond’s line-up, particularly over the past three seasons. - Callum Twomey
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Lynch saves his mate Jack with this beauty
Tom Lynch hauls in a ripping mark after Jack Riewoldt's spiral effort
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Milestone man Riewoldt rises highest
Jack Riewoldt marks his 300th game with a super grab over the pack
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Tiger utility pings his hammy in cruel blow
Richmond's Kamdyn McIntosh succumbs to a hamstring injury in the first quarter
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This cracking goal looks more like the Tigers
Richmond produces a mesmerising team goal through Jack Graham
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Two of the quickest Lions out the cage
Brisbane speedsters Charlie Cameron and Zac Bailey burst towards the footy, with the…
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Dimma loses it after this decision
Damien Hardwick lets out some frustration after this tackle from Shai Bolton is…
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Is Bolton in trouble for this dangerous tackle?
Hugh McCluggage is slow to get back to his feet after this tackle from Shai Bolton
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Highlights: Richmond v Brisbane
The Tigers and Lions clash in round 18
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Riewoldt slogs six in stellar 300th
Jack Riewoldt completes a stunning milestone game with a six-goal return
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Fagan: 'We turned the ball over without pressure'
Chris Fagan says his side 'didn't capatalise enough from the opportunities' they had…
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Dimma confirms 'sore' Dusty hospitalised
Damien Hardwick says superstar Dustin Martin has been to sent hospital after getting…
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Mini-Match: Richmond v Brisbane
Extended highlights of the round 18 clash between the Tigers and Lions at Metricon…
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Dusty grimaces in agony after crunching hit
Dustin Martin goes down after colliding into Mitch Robinson in this massive blow
3. Fremantle is not ready to play finals
This is not to doubt the path the Dockers are on, but Thursday night's result proved they are not at the level required to have any meaningful impact in September. An exciting month against lower-ranked teams was exposed as a false dawn by a hardened Geelong team that showed the Dockers up in the contest. It was their sixth loss in seven games against teams that entered round 18 in the top eight, and it was the Cats' proven finals game style and big bodies that undid them. It was no surprise that bullocking ruckman Sean Darcy was their best performer against a physical opponent. Another 12 months of development in young stars Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and co. will likely see the Dockers end what will be a six-year stretch without finals if they don't make it this year. But the team is not ready yet. - Nathan Schmook
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Big Cohuna finds himself on report
Fremantle's Josh Treacy goes in the book for this contact on Jed Bews
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Danger time for Dockers as Paddy plucks stunner
Patrick Dangerfield hauls in a terrific mark in tough conditions and finishes off his…
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How does Hawkins get this much space?
Tom Hawkins proves too big and too strong with two goals in short time
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Colyer slick as ever with this checkside
Travis Colyer quickly throws the ball on his boot and snares a ripping goal
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Sonny pumped after pouncing on Cats' mishap
Michael Walters breathes more life into the Dockers after pinching a great goal on…
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Darcy hobbles off as sore knee persists
Emerging ruckman Sean Darcy limps off the ground after looking very bothered by a…
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Skipper chips in with ripper to join party
Joel Selwood tops off his impressive game with a brilliant goal in the last
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Danger fires to Miers for 'Hollywood' finish
Patrick Dangerfield and Gryan Miers combine for a flashy goal in the last as the Cats…
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Highlights: Fremantle v Geelong
The Dockers and Cats clash in round 18
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Danger things, season 2021
Paddy Dangerfield looks back to his scary best with a dominant performance from the…
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Longmuir suspects MCL damage for Darcy
Justin Longmuir reveals emerging ruckman Sean Darcy may have cruelly suffered medial…
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Scott 'feeling good' after covering injury concerns
Chris Scott says he was most pleased to see his side perform so strongly without the…
4. Smith has to keep spending time on-ball
With Adam Treloar still injured and Tom Liberatore rested against the Suns, Bailey Smith had a huge night playing mostly on-ball. After starting the season on the wing and occasionally at half-forward, Luke Beveridge has recently found plenty more minutes for his former top-10 draft pick around the contest, and Smith has not let his coach down. Against Gold Coast it was 33 disposals, and career highs in contested possessions (17) and clearances (nine) to provide a perfect foil for Marcus Bontempelli. The Dogs have an overflow of midfield riches, but Smith's grunt around the ball is a terrific weapon. - Michael Whiting
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Holman on fire with two in a minute
Nick Holman has helped the Suns get off to a flyer with these two quick goals
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Ellis subbed out early with hamstring injury
Gold Coast's Brandon Ellis has been subbed out early after suffering this hamstring…
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Jamarra off the mark with cracking set shot
2020 No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has kicked his long-awaited first career goal…
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Jamarra lights up Metricon with long-range bomb
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan didn't take long to kick his second career goal with this beauty…
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Bruce works hard for this soccer finish
Josh Bruce has kicks this brilliant goal off the ground to continue his side's run
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Sexton stuns Dogs with ripping finish
Alex Sexton has snapped through this brilliant goal to keep his Suns in touch
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Jamarra sends it to outer space with this brilliant snap
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has kicked his third goal with this brilliant mark and goal…
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Highlights: Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs
The Suns and Bulldogs clash in round 18
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Dew: 'We take some real confidence from that'
Watch Gold Coast's press conference after round 18's match against the Western…
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Beveridge: 'Our key forwards have played much better games'
Watch the Western Bulldog's press conference after round 18's match against Gold…
5. Georgiades is among the comp's best young key forwards
There has been a lot of hype around some of the young key forward stars who have made their mark this season, such as Oscar Allen and Aaron Naughton. But someone who is perhaps flying under the radar is Mitch Georgiades. The youngster showed on Saturday against the Saints that he is a player to watch, booting a game-high four goals and causing havoc for St Kilda defenders with his strong marking ability. Georgiades has now kicked 27 goals for the year, and coach Ken Hinkley said post-game he should be “right up there” in the conversation for the Rising Star award. Given he is only 19 years of age, Power fans can be confident their forward line is in good hands once Charlie Dixon decides to hang up the boots. - Luke Michael
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Silky skipper Steele nails the first for the Saints
Jack Steele threads a classy major through to put St Kilda on the board
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Crafty Butler sneaks one around the corner
Dan Butler does the small forward thing and slots a major
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Ruckman Ryder crumbs to perfection for an opportunist goal
Paddy Ryder finds himself on the end of a front-and-centre and makes no mistake
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Brave act ends Saint's day
An awkward landing from a brave tackle sees Daniel McKenzie stretchered off
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Left foot? Right Foot? Amon can do it all
Karl Amon shows his class with two goals in the space of five minutes
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Woodcock's pressure pays off for a brilliant Port boost
Boyd Woodcock breaks Port's inaccuracy with a classy major
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Marshall replies with a lucky bounce to keep the Saints in it
Rowan Marshall takes his opportunity to keep the Saints' top-eight hopes alive
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Max King soccers one off the ground before the siren
With only 15 seconds to go in the third quarter, Max King takes his opportunity to…
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Ruck Rowan snaps a beauty on the left
Rowan Marshall narrows the Saint's deficit to just one point with a left-footed snap…
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Hill kicks mighty major to make scores even
St Kilda's fast ball movement was finished off by Bradley Hill, who brought the…
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Big man Dixon kicks the sealer
Charlie Dixon dodges around his opponent to kick the game sealer
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Highlights: St Kilda v Port Adelaide
The Saints and Port clash in round 18
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'It wasn't all doom and gloom today': Ratten optimistic despite loss
Watch St Kilda's press conference after round 18's match against Port Adelaide
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'Couldn't be more pleased': Hinkley proud of undermanned Port
Watch Port Adelaide's press conference after round 18's match against St Kilda
6. Mitchell will inherit a finely tuned vehicle
Whether Alastair Clarkson will still be at the helm at Hawthorn come round 23, 2022 is a matter of debate, but the master coach showed against Melbourne that he has no intention of simply going through the motions until handing the keys to Sam Mitchell. Clarko took a young team built for the long term to the MCG and gave them a masterclass in the value of effort, determination and belief. While a smattering of veterans were wearing the brown and gold, they were almost there as on-field coaches, guiding the next generation like tribal elders taking initiates on their first hunt and pointing out the weak points that can bring down a mighty beast. Clarkson may be looking for a new car to drive, but he’s going to leave the old one well polished, tuned and with a full tank of gas. - Howard Kimber
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Spargo run sparks Dees
Charlie Spargo had this short burst and kicked truly to give his side some early…
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Fritsch shows class with crumbing goal
Bayley Fritsch has kicked a brilliant crumbing goal to extend his side's lead
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Breust snap continues Hawks' roll
Luke Breust has continued his side's momentum swing with this brilliant snap
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Kozzy too quick with soccer finish
Kysaiah Pickett has shown his speed after he burst to kick the loose ball through the…
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Mitchell shows class with booming finish
Tom Mitchell has showed once again that he is a class above with this stellar finish…
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Pickett burst puts Dees back in front
Kysaiah Pickett has put his side back in front with this brilliant running finish
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Highlights: Melbourne v Hawthorn
The Dees and Hawks clash in round 18
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Goodwin: 'We didn't play the way we wanted to play for long enough'
Watch Melbourne's full press conference after round 18's match against Hawthorn
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Clarkson: 'We were really proud of our lads tonight'
Watch Hawthorn's press conference after round 18's match against Melbourne
7. Yeo remains the Eagles' barometer
The Eagles have a bevy of midfield stars, but it is Elliot Yeo that must fire if Adam Simpson's men are any chance of going all the way this season. A persistent groin issue slowed Yeo through much of the first half of the season, but the 27-year-old is now starting to find some continuity with his body and form having made seven consecutive appearances. The former Lion collected 22 disposals and won eight clearances against the Crows on Sunday and the Eagles need him to build on this form and peak during the finals if they harbour any aspirations of matching their premiership heroics of 2018. - Jonathan Healy
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Tex finally breaks goal drought in scrappy first term
Taylor Walker snaps the deadlock with the only major of the quarter
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Dead-eye Eagle kicks two majors in a minute
Jamie Cripps hits the scoreboard with pinpoint accuracy
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Keays provides the last link in the chain
Adelaide move the ball quickly thanks to a handy toe-poke from Tex
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Nic Nat's perfect tap results in a great goal for Eagles
Nic Naitanui marks his 200th match with a stunning hitout to Elliot Yeo, who sneaks…
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Petruccelle steals it and bends it to perfection
Jack Petruccelle makes the most of this gift with a beautiful bending snap
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Crow defender injures himself with a huge attempted spoil
Nick Murray attempts to spoil the ball but lands on the ground heavily and folds…
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Williams puts the icing on the cake
Bailey Williams caps off a great afternoon for the Eagles with a great running goal
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Star Eagle goes down with soft-tissue concern
Luke Shuey went to the bench late in the game after this innocuous incident
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Cripps gets a handful in dominant display
Jamie Cripps kicks five majors from all parts of the ground in a stunning performance
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Highlights: Adelaide v West Coast
The Crows and Eagles clash in round 18
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'We are too far off our brand': Nicks disappointed after late fadeout
Watch Adelaide's press conference after round 18's match against West Coast
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'He was special tonight': Simpson praises milestone man Nic Naitanui
Watch West Coast's press conference after round 18's match against Adelaide
8. Joey and Parks show young Bloods how it's done
Callum Mills' move to become a permanent part of the Swans’ midfield has been such a success that the query is now over why it didn’t happen sooner. But with the former half-back isolating due to being a Tier 2 COVID-19 contact, it was left to co-captains Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker to lead the midfield against GWS which boasts one of the best contested-ball winning groups in the League. It was little surprise that the reliable duo did just that. Kennedy had 10 clearances among his 30 disposals (including a game-high 17 contested) while Parker had nine clearances amid 31 touches (13 contested), 11 score involvements and a goal. While the young Bloods have been the most striking part of the Swans’ re-emergence this season, Kennedy and Parker again showed that much of it has been built on the back of their most experienced onballers. - Martin Pegan
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Papley in the pocket pops it through
Tom Papley soccers one off the ground to get the derby underway
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O'Halloran sells candy and delivers bullet pass
Xavier O'Halloran with fancy footwork delivers inside to Daniel Lloyd who extends the…
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Snappy Tom does it again off the ground
Tom Papley keeps the Swans in it and provides deja vu moment with another creative…
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Luckless Flynn dislocates shoulder
Injury-riddled ruckman Matthew Flynn hurts his shoulder in cruel blow
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Buddy notches up another milestone
Lance Franklin kicks his 400th goal for Sydney - and 980 for his career
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Star Giant lands awkwardly on foot in tackle
Another blow for Giants with Josh Kelly limping off the ground with a suspected foot…
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Pap-three adds another to tonight's highlight reel
Tom Papley pulls out all the tricks as he dribbles one from the boundary
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Himmelberg headers the ball, gathers and snaps goal
Harry Himmelberg delivers a snap to keeps Giants' slim chances of a comeback alive
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Longmire on Swans comeback: 'Just an unbelievable effort'
Watch Sydney's press conference after round 18's match against GWS
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Cameron on COVID late changes: 'It was extreme tonight'
Watch GWS's press conference after round 18's match against Sydney
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Highlights GWS v Sydney
The Giants and Swans clash in round 18
9. Peter Wright could be Essendon's not-so-hidden weapon
The big man was a key part of the Bombers' 18-point win over North Melbourne, kicking two of his three goals in the third term as the side mounted a comeback. The 24-year-old covered the ground well across all four quarters, recording 20 disposals (an equal-career high, last reached in Gold Coast's 2018 shock win over Sydney), 10 hitouts, seven score involvements and seven marks, despite some shaky disposal inside 50 by his teammates. Wright's confidence will be key in the Bombers' push towards September. – Sarah Black
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Cam gets horizontal with a huge speccy
Cameron Zurhaar takes a massive grab on the wing
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Young Roo completes impressive North play
Charlie Lazzaro runs into goal after a great linking play from the Kangaroos
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Heppell hit hard by big Roo
Tristan Xerri puts the Essendon captain to the ground after this huge late hit in a…
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Wright roves his own contest
Peter Wright runs into an open goal after missing the ball completely in the contest
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Smith finishes off swarming Dons play
Devon Smith snaps truly and completes the play set up by Nick Hind
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Taylor's brilliant individual effort rewarded
Curtis Taylor intercepts, takes on the defence and runs into the open goal
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Highlights: North Melbourne v Essendon
The Kangaroos and Bombers clash in round 18
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Jake applies the heat in a game-winning performance
'The Package' kicks three goals in the last quarter to secure the win for the Bombers
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Noble: 'We got exposed in the corridor a little too much'
Watch North Melbourne's press conference after round 18's match against Essendon
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Rutten: 'We were a fair bit off our best footy today'
Watch Essendon's press conference after round 18's match against North Melbourne