West Coast Eagles v Essendon 
OS , 6:10pm AWST Thursday, June 21, 2018

Essendon had to win this one to keep their slim finals hopes alive and to their credit they did it in style. The Eagles were kept to their lowest ever first quarter score with the stingy Dons only allowing them a solitary point. At the other end though Jake Stringer feasted on the Eagles with three first quarter goals contributing to the Dons six goal lead. That was game over as the Eagles struggled to reign in the lead without gun forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.

Port Adelaide v Melbourne 
AO , 7:20pm ACST Friday, June 22, 2018

Second weeknight game in a row it felt like a re-run. A Victorian side goes west and shocks the opposition in the first quarter. The difference was that Melbourne weren’t able to establish a dominant lead. Inaccuracy and inefficiency were the Dees enemies as they kicked 3.5 in the first quarter and missed the opportunity to the bury the opposition early, finishing the game with a whopping 29 more inside 50s than Port but only 20 scoring shots. Port Adelaide now moves into the top four.

Hawthorn v Gold Coast Suns 
US , 1:45pm AEST Saturday, June 23, 2018

The Suns were no match for Hawthorn in Tassie and if Hawks fans ever lost hope they’ll have it back now that Clarkson could be taking this quickly rebuilt side back to finals. Jaegar O’Meara (24 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal) is building, Jarman Impey (19 disposals, 7 tackles) is playing better than ever and Tom Mitchell continues to rack up the footy like no other. The Suns showed signs of improvement in their midfield, beating the Hawks in tackles and clearances.

Brisbane Lions v Greater Western Sydney Giants
G , 4:35pm AEST Saturday, June 23, 2018

The Giants proved too strong for the Lions as the Gabba but at a potentially massive cost with spearhead Jeremy Cameron sent straight to the tribunal. Luke Hodge turned back the clock to play a classic 30 disposal, one goal and one spectacular hanger game but it wasn’t enough to stop the slick Giants. Cameron’s hit on Lions fullback Harris Andrews could see him getting weeks and might derail GWS’s late attempt to make the top eight.

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne 
ES , 7:25pm AEST Saturday, June 23, 2018

No Macrae, no Wood, no problems for the Kangaroos would have been the mindset for many walking into Etihad Stadium last night but the Bulldogs fought tough and nail right to the final siren. The young Dogs pressure was immense and even with Coleman leader Ben Brown collecting five goals North weren’t able to put away the Doggies until the last quarter. The last passage of play was an all or nothing from the fullback line leading to a goal from captain Jack Ziebell and had to be seen to be believed.

Collingwood v Carlton
MCG , 3:20pm AEST Sunday, June 24, 2018

Buckley’s Pies are top four. Many said this day would never come but the club stuck fat by the former Brownlow Medallist when many were asking for his head. After a shaky start the Pies eventually pulled away via class efforts from Sidebottom and Pendlebury. Carlton fans wouldn’t have walked away too disappointed though as they were entertained by amazing aerial displays from Charlie Curnow who finished with five contested marks and three goals.