A big weekend in football. The top 8 playing each other, the results of which is giving us a better idea on whats going to happen this year.

First thing we can all agree on. Hawthorn is the team to beat this year.

Second, Adelaide is doing well better than I thought they would- mid year, I honestly expected them and the Bombers to fall off pretty hard- but no, just the Bombers have fallen off- and pretty hard.

Sydney followers are extremely lucky- not only are you guys rising again so quickly, youre also playing some great footy to do it. Bravo.

So, still 5 genuine flag changes running this year, with one a little more genuine that the rest.

<!--more-->

Note: Ive crashed cause the kids are too stronk this weekend, so its unlikely that well have a full review done- but well see!

Geelong vs Essendon

Result: Geelong by 57, 20.14.134 to 10.7.67

Well, Geelong might be getting a little long in the tooth, but for mine, they still have a few more volleys to fire. They were magnificent.

Duncan top scored with a 148SC off 31 touches, while Hawkins managed 139SC with 15 touches and 5 goals.

However, Johnson managed a 136SC from just 3 quarters and 22 touches! Imagine if he wasnt subbed! Not to fear though, word is that he should be back for next weeks game.

From the Bombers side, it was ugly. Jobe was ever reliable cracking the ton- but his partner in crime, Stanton is once again wearing the villians vest, returning 57SC off 18 touches.

Heroes: Duncan, Hawkins, Johnson, Taylor
Villians: Stanton

Collingwood vs Hawthorn

Result: Hawthorn by 47, 21.12.138 to 13.13.91

No Buddy? No problem. The Hawks have officially instilled themselves are the flag favourites. And fair enough too- they were dominant against the Pies, even without their big man up forwards.

Rioli top scored for the Hawks in his 100th with 19 touches and 127SC, while Lewis managed a 116SC off 5 goals.

Gunston kicked 3 for a 108SC and Breust 5 for his 107SC. Lot of lowish scores here considering how much Hawthorn won by!

Over on the Pies side- BANG. Beams on a massive 162SC off 34 touches, while Swan picked up a PB, with 49 disposals and 143SC.

Pendles did a fine job, with 34 touches and 127SC while Sidebottom and Shaw both scraped over the ton.

A steady drop off after that though, all the was down to Travis "Im gunna be so cheap next year" Cloke and his 29SC off just 10 touches.

Heroes: Rioli, Beams, Swan, Pendles
Villians: Cloke

Adelaide vs West Coast

Result: Adelaide by 49, 19.10.124 to 11.9.75

A massive effort by the Crows, to storm ahead in the first quarter, and simply give nothing back- regardless of the fact that Tippett was subbed early, with his 3rd concussion in just 4 weeks. Not a great sign for the lad, who from all reports will be rested over the next couple.

Big games from Sloane and Dangerfield, top scoring on 141SC and 138SC, while both Vince and Douglas managed very nice 125SCs

Anyone who picked up Jenkins will be smiling, as 20 touches returned a 106SC,

As I mentioned early, a third concussion in 4 weeks had Tippett subbed out early for just 4 touches and 4SC. Poor lad. And poor any coach who brought him in for the Crows delicious run home!

On the Coasters side, it was a big game from Gaff, who touches the ball 33 times for a 121SC.

Naitanui and Priddis both tonned up, 111SC and 110SC, but it was some pretty slim pickings after that, particularly for S. Selwood who managed just 60SC off 21 touches, and Hurn, just 56SC off 14.

Heroes: Sloane, Dangerfield, Jenkins
Villians: Tippett, S. Selwood, Hurn

Sydney vs St. Kilda

Result: Sydney by 29, 15.15.105 to 10.16.76

The 4th in a sting of big clashes this week, and boy was it a doozy! Saints out to an earl lead in the 1st, saw the results swing through the seconds, with the Swans leading into the main break by 9 points. Literally, 9 behinds.

From there, it was pretty even, in fact it was 4 points the difference with just 7 minutes to play. Then, bang bang bang bang nice win.

JP Kennedy was back to his best, picking up 35 touches and 157SC, while McVeigh managed a 127SC and Shaw a 126SC.

Anyone who traded in Mumford this week (as I was *this* close to doing) will curse their luck, with the big man going down in the 3rd with a knee.

Over on the Saints side, it was pretty ugly. Just three tons of Milne (108) Gilbert (104) and Hayes (103).

Meanwhile, the players you probably had would have been Riewoldt (73), Goddard (57) and Saad (26)

Overall, a bit of an ouch this game for most!

Heroes: Kennedy
Villians: Goddard

Richmond vs North Melbourne

Result: North Melbourne by 4. 15.13.103 to 14.15.99

The only non-top8 game Ill be reviewing this week, but its result did effect the 8 with North Melbourne lifting themselves into finals contention, after fighting off a charging Tigers outfit.

Seriously, it was a great game- I love watching both of the teams at the moment, and can honestly say that throughout the entire match, I had no idea who would have fallen in front when the final siren rang.

As it was, it was North, by 4 points, holding off a late 2 goal charge.

Petrie was massive. 7 goals including 5 in the final term, saw him knock up a 161SC.

Harvey was the only other to break the ton, with 24 touches and 107SC. Did anyone see that near goal effort of his? The alley oop? Would have been goal of the year without a doubt if hed connected! And shocked the old boy didnt tear something doing it!

Just like the Roos, only two Tigers cracked the ton. A big one with Tuck on 155SC, and a 100SC for the big Maric.

A funny old scorely, with 2 massive scores, 4 tons in total, but no real villians made for a quality well rounded- nicely contested game.

Heroes: Petrie, Tuck
Villians:


So there we have it- stats are just finishing themselves off, and my 3 donuts (well, 2 plus Tippett) have seen me drop 3000 spots to 5000. Ouch! But I should still be finals bound in my cash league, so its all still live.

Just cant wait for those finals to start!