1. Hartlett finally makes it to 100
It had taken Hamish Hartlett far longer than most to reach his 100-game milestone, after suffering through a huge number of injury problems early in his career – including three shoulder reconstructions and seven hamstring tears. He was restricted to four games in his second season and 54 of his 100 AFL matches have now been played in the past three seasons. Hartlett said he improved his professionalism around 2013 and so perhaps it's not surprising that his body has held up well since. The 24-year-old was terrific in his milestone game, finishing with 20 touches and a goal.
2. Power building…
The 38-point margin made Saturday night's game appear worse for the Bulldogs than it really was; Port blitzed them in the final term but for the vast majority of the game the visitors were super competitive. It was a stunning last quarter for the Power though, piling on six late goals. No doubt coach Ken Hinkley will find plenty to work on next week, but Saturday night's win suggests his side is continuing to build towards its best. Port had nine players set up goals in what was a well-rounded team victory.
3. Early misses bite Bulldogs
Yet again footy fans were offered an example of just how hurtful poor goalkicking is in the modern game. The Western Bulldogs controlled the early minutes of the game but a few posters and several other missed opportunities meant the Power escaped unscathed and were able to counter. In a week when the game's greatest goalkicker Tony Lockett was made a Legend in the AFL Hall of Fame, we're reminded that bad kicking is bad footy.
4. Recognised rookie
Sam Gray was shown faith by coach Ken Hinkley this week, when Hinkley demoted Nathan Krakouer back to the rookie list and left Gray eligible for senior footy. Gray has proven himself a superstar in the SANFL over a number of years and looked a handy player when offered his first chances at the elite level last season. Against the Bulldogs he again showcased his impressive feel for the game, laying some important tackles, using his body cleverly and kicking a smart, instinctual dribble goal in the second term. He finished with nine possessions, a goal and an equal team-high four inside 50s.
5. Boyd subbed again
There were high expectations on Tom Boyd when he moved from Greater Western Sydney to the Bulldogs at the end of last year on a huge seven-year deal. However the former No. 1 draft pick's tough season continued on Saturday night when he was subbed from the game in the third term goalless and with just four touches to his name. Coach Luke Beveridge insisted he was satisfied with the 19-year-old's efforts this year and tipped him to learn and improve each week in his first season in Victoria.
