A 10-goal haul headlined the weekend's performances as multiple clubs added some much-needed percentage heading toward the finals.
North Melbourne is expected to welcome back a youngster as he returns from concussion, while multiple Hawthorn players press their case for senior selection.
A Bulldogs utility proved his worth in the front half as things for Carlton go from bad to worse, as their VFL unit suffered a heavy defeat.
Read up on all the best performers from Round 17 of the 2025 season...
Byes: Richmond, Sandringham Zebras and Southport Sharks
Essendon (80) def. by GWS (101)
GWS ruckman Nicholas Madden produced a monster performance against the Bombers, arguably claiming best afield honours with two goals, 26 touches, 32 hit-outs, nine marks and six tackles.
James Leake and Harry Rowston benefited from the ruck dominance, while Louiu Montgomery and Phoenix Gothard slotted two goals.
But what Adam Kingsley will be most pleased with is Harvey Thomas' response to being axed, kicking three majors from 17 possessions.
As for Essendon, Saad El Hawli (three goals and 17 disposals) and Jye Menzie (two goals, 14 touches and five tackles) gave Brad Scott something to consider at the selection table.
Ex-Crow and Giant Jackson Hately gathered 30 possessions, eight tackles and six marks in the loss.
Sydney (92) def. North Melbourne (81)
A seven-goal combination from the small forward duo of Tom Hanily and Jesse Dattoli led Sydney to an 11-point victory over the Kangaroos.
VFL-listed player Matt Lloyd also chimed in with three majors, while Oliver Florent pressed his case for a senior recall after an impressive performance.
Caiden Cleary collected 30 touches and seven clearances as utility Robbie Fox continues to build his game from a long injury layoff.
George Wardlaw returned from concussion and played through the midfield, gathering 29 possessions, nine clearances and six tackles.
Young ruck Taylor Goad was impressive through the midfield, while ex-Sun Darcy Macpherson kicked two goals from 26 disposals.
Finnbar Maley and Robert Hansen Jr. also contributed with a pair of majors.
Port Melbourne Borough (56) def. by Gold Coast (69)
A four-goal effort from Gold Coast MSD Caleb Lewis ensured the visitors claimed the all-important premiership points.
Ruckman Ned Moyle was instrumental, helping feed Alex Davies and Nick Holman against Port Melbourne.
Jy Farrar and Alex Sexton bobbed up with two goals each, while Jake Rogers and Malcolm Rosas both had moments.
As for Port Melbourne, former AFL players Dyson Heppell (24 possessions and six marks) and Charlie Lazzaro (27 touches and four clearances) were notable performers.
Leader Harvey Hooper did the heavy lifting with 11 tackles and eight clearances from his 19 disposals.
Charlie Clarke and Patrick Farrant were the only multiple goal scorers for the Borough.
Brisbane (88) def. by Footscray Bulldogs (114)
Bulldogs utility Buku Khamis showed his versatility, kicking 4.3 in the strong victory over Brisbane.
Defensive trio Nick Coffield (27 touches and 12 marks), Jedd Busslinger (28 disposals and six marks) and Taylor Duryea (28 possessions and 11 marks) were arguably the club's best players.
Father-son prospect Jordan Croft kicked three goals, while MSD recruit Michael Sellwood was immense across half back.
Lions veteran Conor McKenna attempted to match Khamis' efforts, slotting 3.4 in the defeat.
Ruckman Henry Smith was pivotal to Brisbane's chances, gathering 18 touches, 25 hit-outs, seven clearances and a goal.
Keidean Coleman, Sam Day and Tom Doedee all featured as they look to put their hand up for senior selection.
Geelong (60) def. by Collingwood (75)
Collingwood MSD recruit Roan Steele responded to his senior axing with four goals and 17 touches in a crucial win for the Pies.
Ruck prospect Oscar Steene continues to make progress, collecting 20 possessions, 21 hit-outs, eight clearances and four marks.
Harry DeMattia's 28 disposals and 11 clearance outings were a sight to behold, while Wil Parker and Ash Johnson both had pivotal moments.
Geelong's Jed Bews and Ted Clohesy stuffed that stat sheet in the defeat, as former Pie Oliver Henry kicked two goals from 17 possessions.
Jhye Clark continues to put pressure on the senior side to perform, as ruck pairing Toby Conway and Mitch Edwards build from persistent injuries.
Coburg Lions (69) def. by Werribee Tigers (89)
Hudson Garoni's four goals led Werribee to an impressive away victory over Coburg Lions, while three of his teammates raffled for best afield honours.
Dom Brew (32 touches, 13 tackles and nine clearances), Daly Andrews (34 possessions, six tackles and six clearances) and Jack Riding (32 disposals, eight marks and five tackles) were all dominant for the Tigers.
Ruckman Sam Conway fed them through his 53 hit-outs, while Harrison Miller could've had a bag if he'd kicked straight.
Lions forward Mitch Podhajski matched Garoni's efforts with four majors of his own as teammate Kyle Weightman added three.
Former Pie Jack Bytel, and midfielder Joel Trudgeon, were everywhere for Coburg, combining for 51 disposals, 20 tackles and 10 marks.
Joe Furphy all but equalled Conway's 53 hit-outs, but fell one short in a great ruck battle.
Casey Demons (150) def. Carlton (42)
The Demons had a day out, with 10 individual goal kickers, led by Aidan Johnson's five majors.
Luker Kentfield kicked four, Mitch Hardie slotted three, while Harrison Petty and Tom Campbell pinched in with a pair each.
Jack Billings and Riley Bonner both collected 32 touches each, while ex-Eagle Jai Culley is nearing an AFL debut for Melbourne.
Not many winners for Carlton, but Billy Wilson and Jaxon Binns can hold their heads high.
Former Hawk Ethan Phillips took 12 marks in defence as the backline was under immense pressure.
Williamstown Seagulls (82) def. by Box Hill Hawks (92)
A few experienced Hawthorn heads stood tall as the Hawks held off the Seagulls by 10 points.
A trifecta of goals from Ned Reeves and Luke Breust kept the scoreboard ticking over, while Jai Serong slotted two majors from 25 possessions and 11 marks.
Cam Mackenzie (27 touches and seven clearances) and Changkuoth Jiath (22 disposals and six marks) were a level above, as was Henry Hustwaite and Sam Butler.
As for Williamstown, Brodie McLaughlin and ex-Crow Lachie Gollant both chimed in with three goals each.
Jack Toner and Luke Parks took 14 marks apiece as former Tiger Riley Collier-Dawkins led the way in the clearances.
Nathan Colenso bobbed up with a pair of majors.
Northern Bullants (69) def. by Frankston Dolphins (141)
A 10-goal haul from Corey Ellison led the way for a monster Frankston victory over the Bullants.
Tom Blamires and Blake O'Leary found plenty of the ball, while ruckman Harrison Coe was pivotal in the stoppages.
Matt Johnson, Noah Gown, Harrison Jones and Bailey Lambert all kicked two goals, but didn't pale in comparison to Ellison's performance.
Northern midfielders Jean-Luc Velissaris (two goals, 31 touches and eight tackles) and Patrick Fairlie (37 possessions, eight clearances and six tackles) were consistent throughout the day.
Sam Donegan also played an impressive role despite the loss, as Brody Glenn kicked three goals.
