1. It's a changing of the guard
The way the system works, it was bound to happen. For so long the Hawks and the Swans have been the leaders of the competition, however their reign seems to be over.
After six games in season 2017, Sydney sit 0-6, while Hawthorn are 1-5. Their losses on the weekend were of particular note. The Swans dropped a game to an incredibly young and inexperienced Carlton side, while the Hawks lost their first game in Tasmania since 2012.
It now seems unlikely that either side will make the finals this season. Teams such as Adelaide, GWS, the Bulldogs, St Kilda, and Melbourne are all looking to fill the void that these two powerhouses are leaving.
2. AFL players are human after all
We've all been there, no matter the sport. Had the easy "gimme" and made a mess of it. It's just a shame Josh Bruce did it in front of thousands, with television cameras everywhere.
What we do take out of it is not just a laugh. We learn that AFL players are human after all. Lucky for Bruce, his side were in front, however in the past some were not so lucky.
I'm sure next time he is running into an open goal, the St Kilda forward doesn't try to barrel it through.
3. God jnr. isn't done yet
Gary Ablett sent a message to all his doubters on the weekend. Despite his side going down, the midfielder showed that he is still a star in this league, collecting 45 disposals, and kicking a goal. He also had an incredible 18 clearances, which is equal 3rd for the most ever in a single game.
Out of Ablett's 45 disposals, 27 of them were contested. This not only ties his career high, but also is the 3rd highest tally recorded by a single player in a game.
No matter where he ends up next year, Ablett will provide some serious quality, and class.
4. Adelaide is the real deal
If we didn't know it already, now we do. The Crows took former undefeated side Richmond to task on the weekend, putting on a dominant display.
Adelaide are the only side yet to lose a game. They have a percentage of 160.9% and have beaten the likes of GWS, Port Adelaide, and now the Tigers. They should go to 7-0, as they play North Melbourne this weekend.
The Crows get right around Rory Sloane! #AFLCrowsTigers pic.twitter.com/126R2X7HGj
— AFL (@AFL) April 30, 2017
Rory Sloane and company are dominating in the midfield, while their forward line is the strongest in the competition. Could this be the year of the Crow? It's sure shaping up to be.
5. The tag lives
Who would have thought, getting a player to follow one of the opposition's stars, and run with him throughout the game might work. In the clash between Collingwood and Geelong, Levi Greenwood managed to frustrate and nullify Joel Selwood, who only managed 17 disposals.
For years we have seen the idea of tagging come in and out of football, and on the weekend we saw just how good of a tactic it can be. Basketball has been following the concept for a long time. Playing a defensive specialist on the court to stop the opposition star. They may not hit the scoreboard, or be involved much offensively, but their role and job is one of the most crucial in the side.
Yes, their is differences in the two sports, that is obvious, but the point is that it's okay for one player to focus mostly on stopping an opposition star. The tag lives on, and long may it prosper.
