1.ย Slow-motion replays are making us more critical than ever
On Saturday night, the deliberate out of bounds rule once again caused controversy. Richmond was trailing in the dying moments of the game, and had the ball deep inside their own forward 50. Jayden Short was then deemed to have deliberately put the ball out of bounds, taking away any chance the Tigers had of winning the game.
To the naked eye, it appeared as though Short had shovelled it over the line due to the overwhelming pressure the Bulldogs players were putting him under. However, when a different angle and the slow-motion replay was shown, it was a different story. Itย showed that he lost control of the ball and fumbled it, which would mean it was not deliberate.
Everyone involved in football must understand that umpires have to make a split second decision as the play unfolds. We regularly complain about the lengthy delays caused by score reviews, however the reactions and response given to this incident could cause the AFL to think about allowing reviews across the ground. Which is something we have made abundantly clear that we do not want.
2. Nick Robertson is one tough dude
Very rarely do you see Buddy Franklin get dropped, and rag-dolled on the ground. However, on Sunday, 21-year-old Brisbane defender Nick Robertson did exactly that.
Nick Robertson gave away a free kick which allowed Lance Franklin to kick his sixth goal. #AFLSwansLions pic.twitter.com/zldml9PAxk
— AFL (@AFL) May 7, 2017
Not only did he have the confidence to not back down against one of the games best and strongest players, but he managed to bring Franklin to the ground. If he is doing this at 21, imagine when he gets a few more preseasons under his belt.
Nick Robertson is definitely one to keep your eye on.
3. North Melbourne could be the dark horse of the competition
North Melbourne toweled up Adelaide on Saturday. Their start to the game was unbelievable, leading the previously undefeated Adelaide 64-0 at the first break. Mark Robinson said it "might beย the greatest quarter of football ever played."
QT: @NMFCOfficial 10.4 (64) lead the @Adelaide_FC 0.0 (0). Jarrad Waite has three goals. #AFLNorthCrows pic.twitter.com/zrWKEBYCnm
— AFL (@AFL) May 6, 2017
The Roos not only proved the evenness of the competition, but also sent a scare through the rest of league. North Melbourne should cause some upsets throughout the rest of the year, but couldย also be an incredibly dangerous finals side, if they can make the top eight.
It may be a tough task, coming back from a 0-5 start, however, they have a somewhat favourable draw. Having seen the potential from the Roos, they would not be a comfortable first round match-up in the finals.
4. Elliot Yeo is coming of age
Having had what many deemed as a down year in 2016, Yeo has hit the ground running so far this season. Across seven games he averages 25 disposals, close to 10 marks, and just over three tackles per game.
Yeo does most of his work across half-back, and is becoming a useful weapon for the Eagles. His ability to take strong marks, and find targets, provides a fantastic springboard for West Coast coming out of half-back.
If the 23-year-old continues this play over the rest of the season, not only will he help his side win games, but he could also be a possibility of taking home their best and fairest.
5. The Demons have plenty of work to do
After a promising 2-0 start, Melbourne have lost four of their past five games. Yes they did lose star ruckman Max Gawn, however they still looked as though they could have won the majority of games they dropped.
Experts have been critical of their high handball numbers, while some fans are starting to question coach Simon Goodwin. This is unfair, however the Demons play does lead to some concerns.
Their list is still very young, and it is clear that their is still plenty of work for them to do. The exciting thing for the club, is they have the room to grow.