Collingwood jumped the Sydney Swans at Stadium Australia on Saturday night and never really gave the home side a look in from that point on. The Magpies kicked five first-quarter goals in a superb display of wet-weather football. Sydney made a run at the Magpies in the third quarter but never looked like really threatening and they went under by 18 points. Paul Licuria was outstanding as was Josh Fraser and Heath Scotland. Adam Goodes and Ben Matthews were best for the losers.
Adelaide's hopes of finishing in the top four suffered a severe blow when they went down to the Kangaroos by 10 points. Adelaide just couldn't match the intensity of the Kangaroos in difficult conditions - the margin should have been far greater but for the Kangaroos woeful kicking. Sav Rocca kicked two goals and showed an excellent return to form. Wayne Carey kicked three goals for the losers.
West Coast ensured its top-four hopes remained alive with a resounding 52-point victory over Melbourne. Daniel Kerr was simply magnificent for the winners as was youngster Andrew McDougall. Russel Robertson kicked five goals for the Demons. The win however was dampened with key ruckman Michael Gardiner appearing to again injur his knee.
Brisbane virtually assured itself of a top-four finish with a soft 37-point win over Geelong at the Gabba. Daniel Bradshaw relished his return to full forward kicking six goals but it was the form of Jason Akermanis that had the Brisbane faithful smiling. Akermanis was sensational and capped off his good work with two goals. Steve Johnson was the best for the Cats kicking six goals.
Port Adelaide - despite having already sewn up the minor Premiership - were too strong for Richmond running out 20-point winners at The Dome. St Kilda continued its brilliant finish to the season, downing the Western Bulldogs by 65 points at York Park in Launceston.
