It was a weekend of thrilling finishes (Hawks and Pies; Swans and Port), unexpectedly tight contests (Richmond v GWS; Freo v Brisbane) and sizeable upsets (Suns over Roos, Saints over Bombers). But the football was understandably overshadowed by tragic events in Adelaide.
Our crack (pot) panel returns to rul the rule over a sad, yet at times uplifting round 14.
The panel:
David Baker (WAtoday's resident Pom); Claire Siracusa (The Age sports producer, Carlton fan); Frizz Ferguson (Radio 6PR producer, WAFL guru); Nick Alviani (Radio 6PR producer, champion paper tosser); Ryan Miller (Radio 6PR roving reporter); Ben Cameron (Radio 6PR Sports Today producer)
Bakes:
1. Sport around the world can learn a lot from the AFL and how it dealt with such the unprecedented tragedy of Phil Walsh's death. You could hear a pin drop in the minute silences held across the country and the scenes after the Hawks and the Pies game, in particular, were incredibly emotional.
2. The Eagles' comfortable win against the Dees means they have won nine of their last ten games and have the best percentage in the comp. Next up Adelaide, Collingwood, Sydney, Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Freo.Tough.
3. Although they failed to get over the line for the win on Saturday, the Blues are a much improved side since Malthouse's departure. Given the Bombers' latest horror show against the Saints, maybe they should consider taking a leaf out of Carlton's book.
Claire:
1. Footy can be as inclusive as it can be divisive. In times of sadness and loss, the respect that each club - including players, fans and staff - shows is great, no matter how they might feel about each other as rivals.
2. Some might say Cyril Rioli doesn't do enough but Hawks fans will reckon he got it just right on Friday night. Is there an award for the Best 10-Disposal Game? If there is, Cyril is the clubhouse leader and will take some beating.
3. Something has to give at Essendon. The Bombers were smashed by the Saints on Sunday and to say they were lacklustre is putting it nicely. Before the Blues sacked Mick Malthouse there were plenty who said getting rid of the coach was not the answer - but the Blues have improved out of sight since he departed.
Cyril Rioli. Like Ghandi, achieves greatness with very few possessions #AFLPiesHawks @CyrilRioli33— Mike Bax (@mikeybax)
July 3, 2015
Frizz:
1. Brisbane's WA players (including Rohan Bewick and Daniel Rich) gave the Lions a slight chance to compete this week. Maybe we should send them more players?
2. Hypothetically, if Jack Darling started the season from round one or even Round five, West Coast could have two genuine Coleman medal contenders.
3. I have long said footy is more than just a sport or just a game; to see so many people turn up to Adelaide Oval without a match to watch, shows footy is a community.
Nick:
1. Pressure will build on James Hird after Essendon's 110 point loss to St Kilda. Under Hird the Bombers' best finish has been eighth in his first season (if you take out 2013 where they finished seventh before being banned from finals).
2. Port Adelaide and North Melbourne are this year's biggest disappointments. Two teams many picked to finish in the top four find themselves on the brink of missing finals.
3. Abandoning the Adelaide-Geelong game but playing the other eight was the right call. As a result we saw the wonderful tribute by players and coaches to Phil Walsh post-matches. RIP Phil Wash.
Ryan:
1. If the Phil Walsh tragedy was a timely reminder of anything, it's that coaches and footballers are people; that beneath the veneer of tough bravado the players we idolise each week are just kids and men. It's important to recognise this more often and not just because of a tragedy.
2. Michael Walters is slipping under the radar. He kicked four goals yesterday - his second bag of four in as many weeks - and adapted to the conditions better than just about anyone.
3. On the other hand, Hayden Ballantyne should be dropped. OK I'm going to cop it for this one but he's been clearly out of touch this year. His tackling pressure is notable but his form in front of the big sticks has been a letdown. With Hayden Crozier and Max Duffy waiting in the wings, could we see Ballas running along the "Hayden Ballantyne" wing for Peel some time soon?
Benny:
1. The strength of the footy community. Obvious, I know, but the way everybody banded together after the tragic passing of Phil Walsh was outstanding.
2. Matthew Leuenberger needs to play as the number one ruck man. He was outstanding against Sandilands only just losing the hit outs 51-53. He also booted two goals and is a restricted free-agent at the end of the season.
3. The Gold Coast Suns walk a foot taller with Gary Ablett alongside them. After 12 weeks out with his shoulder injury he returned with a stellar 31-possession, 11-clearance and three-goal performance to lead the Suns to a 55-point win.
So Gold Coast Suns fans to Gary Ablett jr and most of the AFL world #AFLSunsNorth https://t.co/SViaSAmjE3— Mo™ (@MJEagle23)
July 4, 2015
