THEY SAID IT: "As a footy club, we have to grow the f*** up". Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick came into his post-game media conference ready to play some shots after their upset loss to bottom side North Melbourne
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PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Essendon captain Zach Merrett racked up 30 disposals and kicked a goal, leading his team to a big win over reigning premiers Collingwood.
THE MOMENT: When Jesse Hogan marked and kicked the third of his five goals against Carlton early in the third quarter, he put GWS in front by two points, completing a 41-point turnaround after they trailed by 39 late in the first term. GWS went on for a big win over the second-placed Blues.
TALKING POINT: How long will West Coast continue to back coach Adam Simpson? The Eagles have lost six games on the bounce and are under intense scrutiny after reports emerged of three players expressing their discontent towards Simpson in a leaked chain of text messages. The 2018 premiership coach remains defiant in his position but is under increasing scrutiny, with his 3-13 team sitting third-last on the ladder.
STAT THAT MATTERS: 45. The number of disposals between Port's Connor Rozee (18), Zak Butters (14) and Ollie Wines (13) in the opening term against the Bulldogs is the most by a trio for one club in a quarter this century.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Sydney's top Brownlow Medal favourite Isaac Heeney has a nervous wait for the match review findings after he caught St Kilda opponent Jimmy Webster high while trying to fend him off. Adelaide star Izak Rankine's body check, off the ball, on Brandon Starcevich forced the Brisbane defender out of the game. GWS captain Toby Greene was fined and Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades suspended for their striking charges.
INJURIES: J Weitering (Carl, corked quad), S Darcy (Fre, concussion), J Draper (Fre, corked leg), T Miller (GC, wrist), S Day (GC, foot), A Naughton (WB, concussion), J O'Donnell (WB, concussion), B Mihocek (Coll, pectoral muscle), D Cameron (Coll, ribs), I Quaynor (Coll, toe), B Starcevich (Bri, concussion), J McGovern (WCE, ribs/lung), M Gawn (Melb, ankle), M Windhager (StK, hamstring), B Starcevich (Bris, concussion).
WHAT'S NEXT: Collingwood and Geelong open round 18 with a Friday night MCG belter, while the following night the same venue also hosts the Melbourne-Essendon blockbuster. Launceston is a happy hunting ground for Hawthorn and they host Fremantle there. Despite Sydney's two narrow losses and North Melbourne's much-improved form, the Swans will be overwhelming favourites at the SCG. The Western Bulldogs badly need to rally against Carlton, while Adelaide host St Kilda. Gold Coast are at home against Port Adelaide, Richmond play GWS at the MCG and Brisbane make the cross-country trek to play West Coast.
Australian Associated Press
