The things we learnt: Brodie Grundy is an All-Australian lock

Warning signs for the Pies?

Just four weeks ago, the Magpies sat 10 points clear atop the AFL ladder. Now, they’ve fallen off their perch, losing three of their last four games to drop into second place behind the charging Crows.

Although Collingwood should remain in good stead for a double chance, their recent form – particularly in the absence of Jeremy Howe – has definitely raised some eyebrows.

Their second half against the Brisbane Lions was far from their best, and while the credit must go to the Lions for their dominance away from home, Collingwood’s inability to fight back and halt opposition scoring was rather concerning.

Billy Frampton will almost certainly return in the coming weeks, while Howe will look to return to full training this week – two returning players that are certain to turn Collingwood’s fortunes – however the Pies cannot rely on their defensive unit so heavily if they want to maximise their return in 2025.

Is it time for panic stations at Collingwood? Certainly not. The Magpies will be fine. However, they do need to sort out their systems without the likes of Jeremy Howe before the season’s end.

Jaiden Sciberras

Brisbane are the premiers for a reason

On the contrary to the Pies’ concerns, the Lions have answered all the questions asked of them following their major loss to the Suns just a week ago.

Dominating the ball, dominating clearance, and dominating field position, Brisbane walked into the hardest fixture on the AFL calendar and picked up one of the best wins of season 2025.

Off the back of their remarkable premiership win in 2024, the Lions have had to answer the toughest of questions, handed what Adam Simpson called the most difficult fixture in AFL history.

And while some tests have proved too significant at times, Brisbane have hit their stride at exactly the right time.

Logan Morris’ rise to stardom has covered the loss of Joe Daniher, and now just half a game off the top spot, there remains a strong chance that Brisbane could land a home final.

The competition has now officially been warned.

Jaiden Sciberras

Brodie Grundy is an All-Australian lock

This shouldn’t be an unpopular opinion anymore.

Brodie Grundy’s turn to form has been as incredible as any in recent history, going from an out-of-favour second ruckman playing out VFL minutes for Casey, to starring week-in, week-out.

Against the Bombers, Grundy put on arguably the best ruckman’s performance of the season, collecting a ridiculous 39 disposals, 32 hit outs, 13 clearances, nine score involvements, eight marks, five intercepts and a goal assist.

Following his absolute fill-up, the 31-year-old is now averaging 20 disposals, six clearances, four tackles and 27 hit outs per game.

It’s hard to argue that any player accumulating such a stat line, turning the Swans’ season on its head and nearly dragging his side back into contention as Grundy has, isn’t worthy of an All-Australian blazer.

Have yourself a day, Brodie Grundy.

Jaiden Sciberras

Rankine is made for the biggest moments

Inheriting the famed No. 23 jersey at the Crows last year, Izak Rankine has certainly shown that he is capable of filling its legacy. And Friday night was no different.

In a topsy-turvy match against Hawthorn that saw the lead swing to the team kicking towards the left of the field, Rankine had somewhat of a quiet game in the first three quarters.

During that period, Rankine only managed nine disposals and one goal, which

But in the fourth, he helped turn the game in their favour.

Within the space of 34 minutes, Rankine managed to rack up seven disposals (four of those contested), five score involvements (which saw him kick 2.1), two clearances and an intercept to help the Crows turn around an eight-point deficit at three-quarter time to win by 14 points.

This performance is now just the latest example of Rankine being one of the best clutch performers in the AFL.

And with Rankine set to take part in his first finals series this September, he appears set to enhance his reputation.

Nicholas Quinlan

If the Dogs get in then look out

We’ve been waiting for the Western Bulldogs to take care of a team above them for a while.

The two wins the Dogs have had over sides above them in 2025 have come against the Giants, who are fast becoming their bunnies (in recent times anyway).

That's four in a row.

Yes, the Giants might have had a few out but that was a comprehensive smacking.

Not even the most ruthless Adam Kingsley spray could have pulled them out of that situation.

Luke Beveridge’s Dogs played some extraordinary football on Thursday night. To kick 19.18 and win by 88 points when your season is on the line is something else.

That’s now 12 scores over 100 this season. From 20 games. They average 108.25 per game. Frightening.

Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton have combined for 60 goals in eight games since Darcy returned from injury in Round 14. Scary.

Marcus Bontempelli is in reasonable form (tongue in cheek), Ed Richards goes ok, Tom Liberatore continues to have a say.

If the Dogs can sneak into the eight, then look out. They’d have scores to settle with every other team above them.

They do currently occupy eighth spot but the Suns below them have two games in hand.

So they’ve got to take care of Melbourne, West Coast and Fremantle (huge game in Round 24), but if things fall their way then there will be a few nervous teams awaiting in September.

Andrew Slevison