Brisbane showed what a class act it is when it thumped Collingwood by 39-point. Brisbane jumped the Magpies early kicking eight goals in the first quarter and the game was effectively over from that point on. Jonathon Brown was sensational at centre half forward for the winners as was Marcus Ashcroft and Michael Voss. Scott Burns and Nathan Buckley were the best for Collingwood.
Nathan Burke farewelled the Saints on a good note, retiring after his team comfortably defeated Richmond by 80 points at The Dome. The Saints sealed the win with a seven goal-to-one third quarter. Robert Harvey looms as a genuine Brownlow Medal contender following another best-on-ground performance. Nick Reiwoldt kicked four goals as did Fraser Gehrig. Brad Ottens was the best for Richmond.
Adelaide became the first side in the AFL to cross the Nullabor and win after it defeated West Coast by 24 points at Subiaco. Mark Ricciuto was best for the winners and he was well supported by Graham Johncock (who kicked four goals) and veterans Nigel Smart and Wayne Carey. West Coast was best served by Michael Braun.
Fremantle is set to play in its first finals' series after winning a thriller against the Kangaroos. The Dockers looked to be under enormous pressure at times during the game but rallied late to record a one-point win. Matthew Pavlich showed why he is one of the best young players in the competition, kicking two goals and winning plenty of the ball. Paul Medhurst and Des Headland were other good performers. Brent Harvey and Daniel Motlop best served the Kangaroos.
Carlton led by three points at half time against Port Adelaide and a massive upset looked to be on the cards. But Port blew the game open in the second half to win by a comfortable 44 points. Byron Pickett continued his purple-patch of form with four goals. Gavin Wanganeen and Roger James were other good players. Darren Hulme and Brendan Fevola (three goals) were best for the Blues.
Geelong demolished a hapless Melbourne by 39 points at the MCG. Tom Harley and Darren Milburn led the way for the winners, handling the difficult conditions superbly. Adem Yze was again the best player for Melbourne and looks set to win that club's best and fairest.
Hawthorn went tall and it paid dividends against Sydney. Nathan Thompsn, Peter Everitt and Nick Holland all played significant roles in the Hawks' 17-point win. Adam Schnieder was the best for the Swans.
