1. The Bulldogs won't make the finals
The Bulldogs currently sit one game, and a lot of percentage outside the top eight. With this it appears their hopes of back-to-back premierships is over.
They have a mixed run home having to face GWS, Port Adelaide, and Hawthorn, as well as Brisbane, and Carlton. They are struggling to hit the scoreboard with a lack of goal-kickers and poor inside 50 entries on a regular basis.
Sorry Bulldogs fans but it looks like you're set for an early holiday.
2. Michael Walters could be one of the most underrated players in the league
Michael Walters had another three goals and 20 disposals against North Melbourne, and made his case as one of the league's most underrated players.
Rarely is Walters mentioned in the conversation of elite players, however his statistics this year may suggest he is up in the bracket. He averages 20 disposals at an efficiency of over 70%, and has kicked an impressive 20 goals. He averages 6.5 score involvements per game, and has been an incredibly important part of Ross Lyon's setup.
3. North Melbourne have a serious problem in fourth quarters
What happened on the weekend was nothing new for North Melbourne supporters, as it adds to a long list of losses in tight games. It has now become clearer than ever that North Melbourne has a serious problem closing games out.
They appeared to have the run of play heading into the fourth, and probably should have run over the Dockers. It was the fifth time the Roos have lost by a goal or less this season. However, it has been happening for a number of years.
Clearly something needs to change with North Melbourne in close games, and what happened on the weekend should drive that message home.
4. Melbourne can't shake "bad attitude" tag
Let's not be fooled here, supporters can say some horrific things that should have them thrown out of games, however it rarely happens. It was clear the Carlton supporter that Clayton Oliver bit back at had said something incredibly inappropriate, but the Melbourne midfielder has to be smarter than that.
Coming off a week where Tom Bugg was suspended for six weeks for a shocking hit on Callum Mills, the last thing Melbourne needed was another reason to be in the spotlight.
No matter what the supporter said, you can almost guarantee something worse would have been said to a player in the past. Players don't deserve it, however it something they have to deal with, and Oliver did a poor job of that.
The reaction would have been understandable if it was racial abuse, as that has absolutely no place in the game, however it is highly unlikely that, that was what occurred in this situation.
It's another week where Melbourne are having questions raised about their attitude, and the actions of their players. It's not what they need heading into September.
5. If St. Kilda are accurate in front of goal they will challenge for the premiership
On Saturday night we saw St. Kilda dominate Richmond and the Saints kicked well, scoring 21.12 (138). If they can kick like that for the rest of the year they are a genuine chance to contend for the premiership.
Not including those that went out-on-the-full, St. Kilda average 27 scoring shots per game. However in nine of their appearances they have scored behinds than they have goals. They currently sit 16th for goal accuracy, with a percentage of 46%.
If the Saints can replicate their accuracy in front of goal from Saturday for the rest of the season, they will act as a massive threat to the top teams.
