Here are the big talking points from what has been an action-packed Round 5.
Betts stars in game 300
Eddie Betts had a day out in his 300th match as Adelaide thumped Gold Coast by 73 points.
The champion small forward finished with six majors, including a stunning goal from the boundary line in the last quarter.
Tucked up in the pocket, Betts conjured up a moment of pure magic.
SIR EDDIE#AFLCrowsSuns pic.twitter.com/t4OlAnCX6S
— AFL (@AFL) April 21, 2019
The veteran Crow took possession of the ball, before unleashing a left-foot checkside kick that sailed through for an incredible goal.
It’s an effort that will no doubt be in contention for this year’s Goal of the Year award.
Blues crack the ton in breakthrough win
267 days.
That was the last time Carlton had won a game before breaking through with a 44-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
It was also the first time the Blues kicked over 100 points since Round 11, 2016 with Sam Petrevski-Seton, Harry McKay and Patrick Cripps the stars.
The drought is over - the Blues cracked the ton thanks to Sam Walsh.
— AFL (@AFL) April 21, 2019
This one's on loop. Hallelujah! #AFLDogsBlues pic.twitter.com/3KrRG7Hh6O
Saints’ resurgence continues
St Kilda’s renaissance continued with a superb 40-point win over Melbourne.
The Saints won four and a half games for entire 2018 season – they’ve already won four matches from the opening five rounds in 2019.
Alan Richardson’s sit second on the ladder and continue to defy the odds playing with boundless energy and a new-found defensive solidity.
Dees slide to 1-4 as flaws once again exposed
Melbourne’s finals hopes took another hit thanks to a listless display in the loss to St Kilda.
The Dees were outhunted in the contested ball and couldn’t go with the Saints on the spread – exposing their lack of leg speed through the midfield.
Simon Goodwin’s side registered eight more inside 50s but could only muster seven goals, while they have conceded the most points in the competition after five rounds.
Sitting in 17th position at 1-4, last year’s Preliminary Finalists face Richmond in a must-win match on Anzac Day Eve.
Freo record giant win
Fremantle produced one of the upsets of the season, downing GWS to make it three wins from five starts
The Dockers snapped the Giants’ nine-game winning steak in Canberra thanks to a six-goal to one final quarter.
Key forwards Jesse Hogan (three goals and 14 marks) and Matt Taberner (three and 13) were huge for the winners while Michael Walters (three goals) and Brandon Matera (four) caused havoc.
GWS captain Phil Davis went down with an ankle injury after breaking his nose earlier in the match.
Phil Davis injured himself in a marking contest late in fourth quarter of #AFLGiantsFreo. pic.twitter.com/vjuIaYuoKT
— AFL (@AFL) April 20, 2019
Has North overrated its list?
North Melbourne slumped to 1-4 after a dismal showing on Good Friday against a rampant Essendon.
In the club’s biggest home-and-away fixture of the season, things unravelled for Brad Scott’s side as they were obliterated in every department.
The Kangaroos overachieved last season, winning 12 games to narrowly miss the finals after finishing 15th with six wins in 2017.
Topping up their list with the likes of Jared Polec, Aaron Hall, Dom Tyson and Jasper Pittard, a finals push was on the club’s agenda heading into 2019.
After five rounds, the Roos look a million miles off and the pressure will come on Scott, who is into his tenth season at helm.
Daniher returns as Dons dazzle
Essendon look back to their scintillating best after dismantling North Melbourne on Good Friday.
Prized recruit Dylan Shiel had his best game since arriving at Tullamarine, winning 36 disposals and 10 inside-50s, while Zach Merrett (39 touches), Dyson Heppell (32) and Andrew McGrath (20 and two goals) were also superb.
The other big positive was the successful return of star forward Joe Daniher after he was a shock late inclusion.
From 58m... Joe Daniher brings the house down! ☄️#AFLNorthDons pic.twitter.com/QFhQ059m45
— AFL (@AFL) April 19, 2019
In an encouraging performance, Daniher booted two goals in his first match since Round 7 last year.
That’s three wins on the bounce for John Worsfold’s men.
Power stun Eagles in the wet
Port Adelaide caused a boilover on a Good Friday with a stunning win over West Coast in Perth.
It was the Power’s biggest win over the Eagles since 2007 as they thrived in the wet to lead from start to finish.
PACE, REAL PACE!
— AFL (@AFL) April 19, 2019
Take a bow, Connor Rozee! #AFLEaglesPower pic.twitter.com/kOjQKnt4uE
For the second time this season, the reigning premiers have struggled to adapt when confronted with slippery conditions.
Both clubs now sit with a win-loss record of 3-2.
Pies hand Lions brutal reality check
Collingwood handed Brisbane a harsh reality check with a thumping 62-point win in front of a sell-out crowd at the Gabba - their sixth straight victory at the venue.
An eight-goal third quarter blitz put the result beyond doubt, as the Pies’ star-studded midfield completely dominated proceedings.
It was a desperately disappointing night for the Lions in the Easter Thursday blockbuster encounter.