The things we learnt: The Bulldogs are alive... just!

The Bulldogs are alive!

...just!

An incredible fight by the Melbourne Demons under interim coach Troy Chaplin so nearly killed the Bulldogs' season, however the Dogs had just enough to keep their season alive.

A six-point win in one of the best games of the season, the Western Bulldogs have only just held on to their finals chances.

Remaining a game behind the likes of GWS, Hawthorn and the Suns (who have a game in hand), the final two rounds have never meant so much for whoever ultimately will become the best team to miss the finals in recent history.

That being said, with Sam Darcy's phenomenal late-game heroics, Rhylee West's major influence and Marcus Bontempelli's leadership, the Dogs remain well within the fight, and with West Coast and Fremantle to come, it's anyone's guess as to which of the finals contenders misses out in 2025.

The interim coach bounce is real, but the Dogs survive!

Jaiden Sciberras

Fremantle know how to win

It seems like a silly statement, but the club's progression from 2024 to now is stark in considering their ability to close out tight games.

Just a year ago, the Dockers failed to put away the Bombers, coughed up a late lead against the Cats, gave up nine second half goals to the Giants and were blanketed late against Port Adelaide.

Four straight losses to close out the season, missing the finals by half a game.

But this year is different. 11 wins from their last 12 is a phenomenal record, but it's the manner in which the Dockers are getting the job done that should raise a major cause for concern around the competition.

Seven of their 11 wins have been within 13 points, with Freo losing just two games across that season within that margin.

Their late-game surges have been second to none in the competition, and having the bravery and composure to win in tight will play a major role come September.

Don't sleep on the Dockers.

Jaiden Sciberras

Let's talk about Ben King

A star silently going about his business.

Ben King's bag of six against the Blues signified the key forward's entire 2025 - clinical.

Nine disposals, seven marks and six goals straight, King played out an incredibly effective performance, icing the game as Carlton charged home late at Marvel Stadium.

The six-goal haul takes the 25-year-old to 57 goals, now leading the race for second place in the Coleman Medal count.

With the Suns in a favourable position for their first ever finals berth, King will finally have his chance to dominate on the biggest stage, and given his clinical nature and his consistent ability to bag from all angles, it seems inevitable that the Suns key man will finally receive the respect he deserves.

If you haven't already, it's time to reshuffle your All-Australian predictions.

Jaiden Sciberras

Things just got interesting

Collingwood fans would have slept a little easier on Saturday night.

The Swans delivered the upset the round needed beating the Lions by two points at the Gabba.

The unlikely victory injected the unexpected drama and unpredictability the pointy end of the season needed and it’s game on for the top eight spots.

“It almost seemed like there was a way Collingwood could miss the eight," Jon Ralph said on SEN's Point of View. "You’d imagine they’re home now.

“Good news for Bulldogs fans this morning – win the next three and you’re in because of that Brisbane result.

“What we would hope after a stinker of a season is that Gold Coast will be fifth or sixth on that last Wednesday night and they have to beat Essendon to jump in for a top four spot.

“It hasn’t been a barn burner of a season but what was looking predictable has certainly introduced a little bit of chaos for the end of the home and away season.”

The 2025 season could become the first on record to see a team win 15 matches and not make finals.

Emily Benammar

Essendon has unearthed another mid-season gem

To say that this season has not gone the way that Essendon fans expected would be a severe understatement.

Having struggled all year with injuries to the likes of Darcy Parish, Jordan Ridley, Sam Draper, and Nic Martin, among many others, this has seen a side that was in the top eight back in Round 19 last year now sit 15th on the ladder with only six wins for the year.

As a result of these injuries, Essendon would be afforded four picks within the mid-season draft, with the Bombers using their final pick of the MSD on Liam McMahon, who had been playing in Carlton’s VFL side.

The forward, who was initially drafted by Collingwood back in 2020, has been impressive at both Carlton and Essendon’s VFL squad to the point where he simultaneously led goalkicking for both clubs.

With this consistent performance at the state league level and Nate Caddy being managed out for Round 19, McMahon would become the Bombers’ 13th debutant for this season. And boy, has he made an impact on the scoreboard.

Of the 31 goals that Essendon have scored since he debuted in Round 19, McMahon has scored just over a quarter of them, with eight, with half of them coming from Friday night against Geelong.

In such little time, McMahon had made himself an important figure within Essendon’s forward department. His performance against Geelong was evident of this, with the 198cm tall often playing as the main target and making the most of the opportunities that the Bombers generated to the forward line.

And while Kyle Langford may be a potential return into the Bombers’ forward line for next week’s clash against St Kilda, you would think that it is unlikely to come at the expense of the 23-year-old, as he looks set to continue his fledgling AFL career beyond the end of this season.

Nicholas Quinlan

Hawks could still have a serious say, Collingwood's connection is dissipating

Connection. System. Process.

They were some of the buzz words Craig McRae used in his post-match press conference after a 64-point loss to Hawthorn.

They are things Collingwood has been renowned for since he walked through the doors in late 2021.

But that connection is dissipating in front of our very eyes. The system needs to be glued back together. The process was all over the shop.

They are things that can be retrieved but without defensive lynchpin Jeremy Howe, it’s going to be difficult to get back. (We hope Howe is ok).

Effort was another word McRae used. Fight another.

There was a distinct lack of both against the Hawks at the MCG on Thursday night.

Effort and fight are things that you yourself can control though. Expect fierce effort and fight against Adelaide next week.

McRae said defiantly: “Judge us on the full term and judge us on our response.”

But let’s not make this all about the Pies.

We also learnt that Sam Mitchell’s Hawks could still have a serious say this season.

There was absolute intent from the very start, they were maniacal around the ball, they were electric inside 50, they were perfect in defence.

Their transition game was superb against the Pies.

If they can bring that consistently for the next few months then anything is possible.

Despite sitting fifth there are no certainties though.

As Mitchell said: “As exciting as that was, we haven’t qualified for finals. We need to continue to win…”

Take care of Melbourne next Saturday and they are well on their way.

Andrew Slevison