When the Sydney Swans finally won the services of Kurt Tippett late last year, many predicted he could be the player who helped carry them to back-to-back flags. Prior to Sunday's game against the Western Bulldogs, Tippett had made a steady start to his career at the Bloods, kicking 15 goals in his first six games. But Tippett was back to his best form against the Dogs, kicking 6.0 and plucking eight marks (two contested). In a high-pressure finals-like game, he was the difference between the two teams, giving the Swans the 'get-of-jail' option the Dogs lacked. - Nick Bowen
2. Yarran and Betts could learn a bit from Ballantyne and Walters
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse described the performances of his small forwards Chris Yarran and Eddie Betts as "horrible" on Saturday night, after the pair managed a combined 19 disposals and no goals. They needed only to look down the other end for an exhibition of what to strive for, as their Fremantle counterparts Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters displayed an outstanding work-rate, and were rewarded with seven goals combined. - Mark Macgugan
3. The Magpies can tackle their way back into contention
There was a gulf developing between Collingwood and the top four, but the Magpies rediscovered their manic defensive pressure on Sunday and revived black and white hopes. Essendon was overwhelmed by their opponents' tackling pressure in the first quarter, and it didn't abate in the second as the Pies' match-winning lead was built. The final tackle count was 81-53 in Collingwood's favour. Maintaining that pressure for four quarters has been Collingwood's issue in 2013, but perhaps the penny has dropped. If the Pies are going to contend for this year's premiership, that needs to be the new standard. - Nathan Schmook
4. The Tigers are to be feared in September
The banner read, "Some say the Tigers can't go with the best. We'll prove them wrong as today we win this test". It didn't mention the 'f' word, but on that performance, it should have. Of course, the Tigers have to make it to the finals first, but the way they dismantled Hawthorn showed they are capable of shaking up September. They simply smashed the Hawks around the clearances. In fact, at one point they led that stat 13-0. Trent Cotchin led the midfield like a man possessed. In defence, Alex Rance and Troy Chaplin stopped Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead. Up forward, Jack Riewoldt was up and about. The Tiger army can just about taste it. The lid is inches away from being off. It's music to Chris Newman's ears. He's played 231 games without a final, but this year, the drought could well be over. Is it Tigertime? - Jacqui Reed
5. Port has discovered the key to winning the close ones
The Power's final-term performances this season suggest there's a secret coach Ken Hinkley is not sharing with the football world. They've won as many fourth quarters as Hawthorn but with a superior percentage and while it cost a lot to land high performance manager Darren Burgess, it's beginning to look like the best money the club has spent. Having returned from the dead against Adelaide at the start of the year before repeating the feat against West Coast and now against the Crows again, the Power are the AFL's finishing kings. - Harry Thring
6. Tom Rockliff is better in the midfield
Rockliff won the Lions best and fairest in 2011 as a midfielder, but by necessity moved to half-forward mid-way through this season. With Simon Black, Brent Moloney and Jack Redden holding up the middle of the ground, Rockliff was used by coach Michael Voss further forward. But with Moloney and Black injured recently, the 23-year-old has moved back to his home – with devastating effect. Rockliff has averaged 32 disposals, seven tackles and eight clearances in the past four weeks and was best afield against the Saints with his 39 touches. Rockliff does not have a weapon like Daniel Rich's booming left boot or Pearce Hanley's evasion, but his work-rate to win the hard ball (18 contested possessions against St Kilda) and then provide a link in open space is first class. - Michael Whiting
7. Steven Motlop is a finals wildcard
Steven Motlop is fast becoming one of Geelong's most important players, and one of its best, too. Motlop has had a terrific season and continued that on Friday night against North Melbourne. In the Cats' loss, Motlop was close to best afield, kicking three goals, setting up a few more and giving his side every chance. The 22-year-old has huge talent and is showing it, and you get the sense Motlop could be one of the Cats' chief matchwinners come the finals. "He was outstanding. He's developing into a really good player," Cats coach Chris Scott said after the 10-point defeat to the Roos. "Not just a really good small forward or outside player, he's good inside the contest, he breaks the game open." - Callum Twomey
8. Josh Kennedy would a worthy Coleman Medallist
Josh Kennedy has a five-goal lead in the Coleman Medal race with four rounds to go and there would hardly be a more worthy winner. He has been a standout in a team that has underachieved and has been undersold as a result. His 59 goals, 20 behinds are impressive enough. But he has taken more marks than any other Eagle this year and is fifth in tackles at the club in 2013. Nothing epitomised Kennedy's work ethic than his chase of Luke Dahlhaus last Sunday and his five goals against the Suns showed his class again. - Alex Malcolm
9. The Giants are on the right track
It wasn't that long ago pundits were suggesting GWS was ahead of fellow expansion club the Gold Coast in terms of development. But as the Suns started racking up wins, and the Giants copped a succession of heavy defeats, that talk dissipated. Before long, the knives were being sharpened as critics began savaging the AFL's youngest club, with some even questioning its value to the competition. But the Giants never wavered and remained confident they were on the right track and a breakthrough victory over Melbourne in round 19 was a significant step forward. Yes it was only against the lowly Demons, but it came on the back of strong efforts against Essendon and Collingwood and the improvement is there for all to see. - James Dampney
