If you don't mind, umpire

Watch Nathan Buckley react to Ben Reid's free kick for pushing Essendon's Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter.

Calls for dramatic changes to the way the AFL reviews goals is set to reach new heights after controversial decisions in Round 5.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood was forced from the ground after this round-house punch to the stomach from Bulldog captain Matthew Boyd

Collingwoo defender Ben Reid wrestles with Bomber Tom Bellchambers. Source: Getty Images

WE PICK the biggest umpiring eyebrow-raisers of the weekend.

Umpiring is a tough job - getting tougher every year with more rule tweaks and interpretation changes - and most of the time the men in white/green/red do a great job. Sometimes, however, we need to examine some issues closer to get a clear explanation and help everyone's understanding of the game.

Each week we'll nominate five decisions that demand a second look. Then we'll take on board your views and any nominations we've missed, and try to get a verdict from AFL House.

Have your say on these decisions and let us know any we missed by leaving a comment below or sending a note on Twitter or Facebook

IS IT AGAINST THE RULES TO BE STRONG?

It's best not to be too strong, apparently. Two confusing umpiring decisions - both in favour of Essendon - were blights on what was otherwise an enthralling Anzac Day battle. First, Ben Reid turned Tom Bellchambers in a contest deep inside 50, pushed the Bomber in the side and chest and was pinged, resulting in a goal (see Nathan Buckley's reaction in the video player above). Then Quinten Lynch was later rolled for muscling Bellchambers out of a ruck contest. Whatever the rulings, they were physical duels that should have been let go.

Collingwoo defender Ben Reid wrestles with Bomber Tom Bellchambers. Source: Getty Images

VIDEO WIN FOR SWANS

New Zealanders got their first look at Aussie rules on Anzac Day, and they also had a first-hand introduction to the confusion of the video goal review system. St Kilda defender Jarryn Geary launched a long shot at goal which was appeared to clear the line before being marked by Swans defender Ted Richards.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats from every Round 5 match

He may have been robbed by skipper Nick Riewoldt, who fell across the goal-umpire's vision forcing the field umpire to call for a replay. Despite the footage showing both Richards' feet were well behind the goal-line, the footage was ruled "inconclusive" and the Saints awarded a behind. Watch the incident below

The AFL video review system is in the spotlight again after a close call in New Zealand

KOSI'S KIWI NIGHTMARE

Justin Koschitzke will go down in history as the first player to kick a goal in a match overseas, but he didn't end the game in a blaze of glory. With the Saints surging in the last quarter, Kosi dumped his Sydney opponent after he kicked the ball on the wing, causing a down-field free kick to Adam Goodes on the Swans' 50m line. There wasn't much malice in the bump, but it didn't achieve anything either, so why bother? It wasn't a great minute or so for Kosi and the umpires - moments earlier he could have been having a shot at goal himself after a Sydney player encroached well within the "protected area" after the Saints veteran took a mark 90m from goal - an offence that has resulted in a 50m penalty several times this season, and one which Kosi has been known to commit more than once himself.

CAT BURGLARS ROB THE DOGS

AFTER failing to rob teammate Jackson Thurlow last week in a prank gone wrong, the Cats instead turned their petty thieving to the Dogs on Saturday night. Andrew Mackie booted the ball out on the full deep in defence, and the free kick was promptly paid to goalsneak Pat Veszpremi. "Your kick, No. 8 (Veszpremi)," the field umpire clearly said. But, when Mackie picked up the ball and took the free kick, 'play on' was the call. It left Dogs fans - and players - in total disbelief in what was a bizarre moment. Why didn't the umpire stop, bring the ball back and give the Dogs a shot on goal? Instead the Cats went down the other end where Podsiadly booted a major late in the first term. Ouch. See below two Dogs face match review panel worries.

GALLERY: The best 40 pictures from Round 5

SYLVIA SURFER

DEMON Colin Sylvia went for a ride on former teammate Brent Moloney on the wing in the second term at the Gabba yesterday. He took off way too early and found himself upside-down on Moloney's shoulders with his arms around his face long before the ball arrived. The umpire's verdict? A free kick to Sylvia. The umpire ruled Moloney had illegally blocked his opponent, despite replays showing he was running backwards with his eyes on the ball and probably never saw Sylvia coming.

Brent Moloney is hugged by his former teammates after the match. Source: The Courier-Mail

FANS WANT RULE TO SLIDE ON OUT

NOW for the weekly instalment on the sliding rule. On a slippery Anzac Day players were sliding all over the place with no repercussions, but umpires cracked down when Trent Cotchin chased a loose ball in Perth and GWS forward Jeremy Cameron did the same in Canberra the next day. Does anyone understand this rule? The Cameron call left fans livid. The Giants forward was diving towards the ball when Tom Murphy seemingly slid in with his knees. Instead of receiving a free kick for high contact, Cameron was pinged and denied a shot on goal. That led to four quick Suns goals in the last term, sucking all the momentum out of GWS.

GOAL REVIEW ii) iii) iv) and v)

FOLLOWING the confusion in New Zealand, another four controversial goal review - or lack of review - decisions marred Round 5. Two bizarre rulings just minutes apart in yesterday's Hawthorn-North Melbourne clash heightened the frustration, while Billie Smedt's "point" on Saturday night was another low for the second-year system. And as if that wasn't bad enough, Damien Hardwick remains adamant Matt White's shot was a goal on Friday night. Take a look at all these incidents in the video player below and you be the judge.

Calls for dramatic changes to the way the AFL reviews goals is set to reach new heights after controversial decisions in Round 5.

  ... AND ONE FOR THE MATCH REVIEW PANEL

BOYD, GOODES IN HOT WATER

AS if having Ryan Griffen, Daniel Giansiracusa, Shaun Higgins, Robert Murphy, Tory Dickson and Easton Wood injured wasn't bad enough, the Dogs now have match review panel fears ahead of their trip west to face the Eagles. Captain Matthew Boyd - in just his second game back from a calf tear - landed this blow (see video below) on Cats counterpart Joel Selwood. Meanwhile, Goodes' errant elbow that knocked out Josh caddy is also certain to be looked at. Watch the video and you be the judge.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood was forced from the ground after this round-house punch to the stomach from Bulldog captain Matthew Boyd

 

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Knee puts Walker out for season

ADELAIDE'S dream team attack - the Kurt Tippett-Taylor Walker tandem - is gone.

But the Crows are not short of options to salvage their flagging hopes of playing in consecutive AFL final series.

Walker's season-ending knee injury - seven months after Tippett defected to Sydney - has Adelaide facing a major depth test of its stockpiled talent at West Lakes.

The Crows can:

OPT for Shaun McKernan and Tom Lynch to work with equally inexperienced key forward Josh Jenkins.

HAND more time to lead ruckman Sam Jacobs as a key forward and reconsider the ruck tandem with either McKernan or Richmond recruit Angus Graham.

RESTRUCTURE around Jenkins with a "mosquito" fleet formed by Ian Callinan, Jason Porplyzia, Jared Petrenko and Richard Douglas. This would replicate the Carlton model that blitzed Adelaide on Saturday when Walker collapsed on his right knee.

Adelaide football operations chief Phil Harper and experienced defender Ben Rutten yesterday dismissed the doomsday predictions that have overcome the Crows since Walker's season was wiped out at the MCG.

"It's a big blow - he is one of our best players," Harper said of losing Walker for at least 12 months. "But what it does is present an opportunity for someone else to step up and I'm sure those guys who have been waiting in the wings are keen to get in, have a go and show they are pretty good players as well."

The main contenders for a refit of the Adelaide attack with go-to options are McKernan, Lynch and Lewis Johnston. They also are inexperienced with 23, 14 and three games respectively.

Jenkins has played just 16.

"We do have guys," Rutten said. "Shaun McKernan kicked five (with SANFL club Glenelg against Sturt on Saturday). Lewis Johnston is in some reasonable form.

"It is not going to be one guy who is going to replace (Walker). It's also about the way we are moving the ball in the forward line. We need more contributors scoring goals. That is the way we are going to have to approach it.

"However long 'Tex' is going to be out it is going to be disappointing for him and we are going to have to cover it.

"But you saw from the weekend with Carlton the way they can score heavily without having a dominant key forward."

Rutten, who will play his 200th AFL game on Saturday when Adelaide faces premiership favourite Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium, concedes the loss of Walker is a heavy hit on the Crows' finals aspirations. But from this setback he expects Adelaide to prove it is not reliant on Walker.

"He is an important player for our structure," Rutten said of Walker. "His ability, his leadership stuff over the past couple of years has been really impressive and he has just grown as a player and a person to be a dominant figure up there in the forward line.

"He is going to be a big loss. But we have to find ways to replace him.

"There are guys playing well in the SANFL. There is Josh Jenkins as well as Sam Jacobs, who is going to have to play a bit more up there.

"We have to find a way.

"You never want to be too reliant on one individual player. (The loss of Walker) will give an opportunity for others to play well up there. That is all guys need at times."

Harper noted the Crows had many options to debate on refitting their attack.

"There will be a lot of (planning) in the next two days," he said. "And we still think we're a good team and can make the finals."

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Rioli out for two months

Long term injuries to Cyril Rioli and Tex Walker a huge blow for AFL.

Cyril Rioli leaves the field after hurting his hamstring. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN has suffered a huge injury blow with news Cyril Rioli will miss up to two months with a hamstring injury.

Rioli suffered a high grade tear to the lower part of his right hamstring during the fourth quarter of yesterday's thrilling win against North Melbourne.

The Hawks livewire will not require surgery, but the club has already conceded the 23-year-old will not play before its bye in Round 11.

The damage Rioli's absence could cause was no more apparent than yesterday considering, before he went off, he was a huge part of why the out-of-sorts Hawks were able to topple the Roos.

Rioli consulted with surgeons in the city this morning before fronting the media a short time ago to deliver the from news himself.

He said the injury was all the more frustrating considering his previous history with hamstring troubles in both legs.

Rioli, who was walking with a considerable limp today, said he expected his rehabilitation over the next few weeks to involve a lot of rest and swimming.

Rioli, who has a history of hamstring problems, went down clutching his right leg mid-way through the final quarter of the Hawks three-point win over North Melbourne.

He has missed extended runs of games due to hamstring problems over his career, but has not had a major issue since 2011.

That year he missed five games in two stretches while in 2009, his second year at Hawthorn, he missed three matches.

He played a crucial role in Hawthorn's victory yesterday before the injury, kicking four goals.

"He's obviously hurt his hamstring so we'll get that scanned during the week,'' Clarkson said.

"I dare say he'll miss a period of footy whether that's one week or longer we'll just have to wait and see next week.

"But for all those Adelaide Crows supporters, I'm pretty certain that they can be assured that he won't be playing next week.

"We're lucky we had him in the first three and a bit quarters because we would have been in a bit of trouble without him.

"That's obviously happened before, he's a pretty special talent. We needed some special things to occur today to just get us a goal when we really needed it and he did that on four occasions.''

Hawthorn lost the clearances 25 to 44 and had 16 less inside 50s than the Kangaroos yesterday.

Clarkson admitted North "certainly had the measure of our midfield today''

Who sang that song there's a fine line between pleasure and pain?''

Clarkson said: "I tell you what, there's a fine line today. I could have quite easily been sitting here absolutely spewing and perhaps North did deserve to win in terms of all the KPIs that they won during the game.

"To the credit of our guys, we've lost some of those close contests over the journey so it was pleasing to get one today.''

Clarkson said many of his players including Luke Hodge, who had just four touches to half time, and Lance Franklin, who failed to kick a goal, were down.

"There's lots of things to probably analyse about the game,'' Clarkson said.

"(We) probably would analyse it a bit deeper had we lost. If we win, it's probably just move on because our form hasn't been too bad up until this point in time.'

'Clarkson hoped midfielder Brad Sewell (hamstring) would be return to play Adelaide on Saturday.

"That's the thing with some of these soft tissue injuries, we thought it was going to be a one weeker...but it's ended up being three,'' he said.

"You've just got to be patient with them.''

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The Barometer: Round 6

Long term injuries to Cyril Rioli and Tex Walker a huge blow for AFL.

Carlton's Jarrad Waite - will he come in this week? Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

WHO'S hurt and who is in line for selection at your club?

ADELAIDE CROWS

INJURIES
Nathan van Berlo (knee)- 3 weeks
Sam Shaw (hamstring) - 6 weeks
Sam Siggins (ankle) - 1-2 weeks
Taylor Walker (knee) - Season
Luke Brown (concussion) - Test

ON THE BLOCK: WHO else? He was up and going, and now Taylor Walker is gone. Just like that. It is the biggest possible blow for the Crows. Walker has done his ACL - what a disaster. In terms of this week, Luke Brown will be touch and go.

ON THE CUSP: Lewis Johnston - your time has come. The recruit is yet to make his club debut with the Crows, but this may be the week. It almost has to be the week. With Walker down, they need a forward spark. Expect to also see the likes of Jarryd Lyons and Mitchell Grigg considered.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: From having Kurt Tippett and Walker to neither of them. It is a very tough proposition for the Crows, but one they will need to work through in 2013. The coaching staff will spend the week trying to come up with a forward set-up that works. They need a solution quickly with Hawthorn to come at AAMI Stadium on Saturday. Tough times ahead, potentially.

Taylor Walker goes off injured. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES
Claye Beams (knee) - season
Stef Martin (ankle) - 6 weeks
Jared Polec (ankle) - 6 weeks
Brent Staker (knee) - 1 week
Jesse O'Brien (adductor) - 2-3 weeks
Matt McGuire (ankle) - 1 week
Daniel Rich (shoulder) - 7 weeks
Steven Wrigley (knee) - season

ON THE BLOCK: THE Lions enjoyed a win at the weekend. But with some big names set to return this week, a couple are set to make way. The likes of Aaron Cornelius, Sam Docherty and Mitch Golby will all come under the microscope this week.

ON THE CUSP: THERE are a few walk-ins this week. Club legend Simon Black will return, along with the in-form Pearce Hanley from suspension. Jordan Lisle is also a chance of coming in. But is unlikely coach Michael Voss will want to make too many changes at once.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THERE would have been massive relief for everyone involved at Brisbane following their win over Melbourne. The dogs are beginning to bark for Voss and a loss to the hapless Demons would have been a disaster. That win eases the pressure...for now. But they will need to show a lot more up against Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.

GALLERY: See the best 40 photos from Round 5

CARLTON

INJURIES
Bryce Gibbs (hamstring) Won't play
Matthew Kreuzer (thumb) 5 weeks
Andrew McInnes (knee) 5-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Bryce Gibbs is a confirmed out against the Dees. He was subbed out against Adelaide after feeling some tightness in his hamstring. And no disrespect to Melbourne, but why would they risk him against them? Shaun Hampson might find himself on the chopping block this week because of one big impending inclusion.

ON THE CUSP: EVERY Blues supporter will be very excited to see the return of forward Jarrad Waite. He was held goalless in his VFL return from a calf injury at the weekend, but he took six marks, including an impressive contested grab, against Port Melbourne. The Blues may opt for another week or so in the twos, but it would be tempting to bring him in against Melbourne. Not a bad way to ease him back into senior football.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THE Blues have really hit their straps the past two weeks. With Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett firing up forward, the Blues look dangerous and very exciting. Look for them both to have a day out against the Dees.

Carlton's Jarrad Waite - will he come in this week? Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Alan Toovey (knee) - season
Caolan Moonen (calf)- test
Dayne Beams (quad)- 2-3 weeks
Brodie Grundy - (Back) 1-2 weeks
Lachlan Keeffe - (Knee) - 1-2 weeks
Clinton Young - (Hamstring) - 1-2 weeks
Michael Hartley - (Shoulder) - 3 weeks
Nick Maxwell - (Fractured wrist) - 4 weeks
Tim Broomhead - (Glandular Fever)- 5-6 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (Wrist) - 7 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: THE Pies will badly miss the versatile Alan Toovey, who requires a knee reconstruction. The Magpies already struggle to contain small forwards, so the loss of Toovey - arguably their quickest defender - will hurt. In terms of unforced changes, big man Ben Hudson may be due for a well earned spell. Ben Sinclair will be very nervous, as well. Subbed out against the Bombers, he needs to rediscover some form. Former Blue Jordan Russell also looks low on confidence.

ON THE CUSP: BIG man Darren Jolly will surely come in against St Kilda. He got some miles into his legs in the twos last Friday night and appears to be a certain in. Andrew Krakouer also has to be a big chance. The Pies are happy with how Luke Ball came through his return to football in the twos. But they will not be rushing him back to senior football. No risks will be taking with the hard-at-it midfielder.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THE Pies' depth has been tested this season, and that was on show against Essendon. They are beginning to really miss the likes of Dayne Beams and Ball, while the need for Clinton Young to come good has gone up a notch following the loss of Toovey. But regardless of personnel, coach Nathan Buckley would be concerned with the way his players threw up the white flag in the final term on Anzac Day. Need to show a lot more against St Kilda.

Magpie Darren Jolly. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON

INJURIES
Nick Kommer (suspension) available
Michael Hurley (ankle) test
Dustin Fletcher (groin) test
Jake Carlisle (ankle) test
Paddy Ryder (suspension) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: JAKE Carlisle a chance to miss the GWS clash with an ankle injury. Scans cleared him of serious damage but he remains sore and in some doubt. Travis Colyer was subbed out with just five kicks, but the Dons – top of the table and undefeated – remain a settled crew.

ON THE CUSP: MICHAEL Hurley and Dustin Fletcher are close. Fletcher looks the best chance to return although given the opponent and with an eye to the massive duel against the Cats in Round 7 James Hird might play it safe. Tayte Pears the obvious replacement for Carlisle should he not come up, while a pair of goals and wealth of touches for Jake Melksham in the VFL keeps him in the frame. Nick Kommer's suspension is over but he might battle to automatically regain a place in a winning side.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: ANOTHER stirring win without any significant injuries has the Bombers on top of the world – at least, from an on-field perspective. Even if Hurley, Fletcher and Carlisle miss the Giants clash, all look certain to return against Geelong, along with Paddy Ryder.

Essendon forward Michael Hurley is carried off by trainers after hurting his ankle. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Kepler Bradley (knee) season
Anthony Morabito (knee) season
Aaron Sandiland (foot) 5 weeks
Matthew Pavlich (Achilles) 5 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: KEPLER Bradley will miss the remainder of the season after doing his ACL against Richmond. It is horrible luck for Bradley, who plays with a lot of heart. He was playing well up forward for the Dockers, so it will hurt them. The Dockers will also basly miss the suspended Nathan Fyfe this week.

ON THE CUSP: THE big question is who does the Dockers bring in for Bradley? With Matthew Pavlich still out, their forward line has taken a few hits. Will it be Paul Duffield? Will it be Zac Clarke? There is a bit to ponder there for coach Ross Lyon.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THE trip to Metricon Stadium to face the Gold Coast Suns is an interesting one. The Suns were the better side in this clash last year and should have won. They will fancy their chances, so the Dockers cannot afford to head there and show them no respect. They should win, but it looms as a danger game following the unconvincing win over Richmond.

Fremantle's Kepler Bradley in the hands of the trainers after injuring his knee in the second term. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Matthew Warnock (arm) 7 weeks
Joel Wilkinson (ankle) indefinitely
Liam Patrick (hamstring) 1 week
Seb Tape (knee) 1 week
Jesse Lonergan (wrist) test
Campbell Brown (suspension) 1 week
Maverick Weller (shoulder) test
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: AARON Hall is probably the unlucky one to come out. The livewire forward looks like he might need a rest. Besides that, the reasonably settled Suns won't be making too many more changes. Winning form is good form, and coach Guy McKenna will be conscious of that.

ON THE CUSP: HARLEY Bennell will return from a hamstring strain this week against Fremantle - and what a welcome return he is. The silky smooth West Australian slots right back into the Gold Coast midfield. First year player Jesse Lonergan is also very close, but is tipped they will wait one more week before unleashing him.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: IT was a game they had to win against the Giants - and the Suns didn't disappoint. They put the foot down when they needed to exorcise the demons of last year's loss to their fellow expansion club in Canberra. Charlie Dixon's performance up forward was very exciting. The big man from Cairns has been threatening to do that for a long time. If he can maintain his consistency, it makes a massive difference to the Suns' set-up. They should have knocked off Freo at Metricon Stadium last year, and are more than a sneaky chance on Saturday.

Suns midfielder Harley Bennell. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GEELONG

INJURIES

Jared Rivers (knee) Won't play
Tom Hawkins (back soreness) - test
Paul Chapman (hamstring) - test
Josh Caddy (head) Test
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Travis Varcoe (shoulder) 10-11 weeks
Josh Cowan (Achilles) indefinite
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
George Burbury (foot) indefinite
Jed Bews (foot) indefinite
Dawson Simpson (back) Indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: DEFENDER Jared Rivers will not play this week after hurting his knee against the Bulldogs. It has been described as a slight medial ligament strain. Young Cat Josh Caddy copped a knock to the head against the Bulldogs. He will monitored this week but not expected to miss.

ON THE CUSP: TOM Hawkins was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs with back soreness. Paul Champan also missed, but with hamstring tightness. But Cats coach Chris Scott has said both will play Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: NEVER really got out of second gear against the Western Bulldogs, but they never really had to. The Bulldogs threatened late in the match, but you never got the feeling they were in trouble. This week's clash against Richmond is a lot more intriguing.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats from every game

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES
Matthew Buntine (lung) 1 week
Dom Tyson (knee) 3 weeks
Chad Cornes (shoulder) Indefinite
Dean Brogan (suspended) 1 week
Jon Patton (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: ALREADY looks like there are some tired legs at the Giants. Phil Davis is one who looks like a rest would benefit him. The likes of Nick Haynes and Adam Kennedy are in the same boat.

ON THE CUSP: EXPECT to see defender Josh Bruce come in this weekend. He was impressive in the twos at the weekend and the Giants need some more defensive cover.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: TOUGH times at the Giants. They have blown their two best chances for wins this season in successive weeks and it's difficult to see where one will come from at this point. They face the high-flying Bombers Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Very hard to see it not getting ugly at the Dome.

If you don't mind, umpire!

HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Brad Sewell (calf) test
Xavier Ellis (calf) test
Taylor Duryea (corked thigh) test
Brendan Whitecross (knee) 4 weeks
Cyril Rioli (hamstring) 6-8 weeks
Matthew Suckling (knee) indefinite
Alex Woodward (knee) indefinite
Ryan Schoenmakers (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: THE Hawks have lost Cyril Rioli for up to two months with a big hamstring tear. Shane Savage failed to have a touch after starting as the sub, while Paul Puopolo was quiet against the Roos.

ON THE CUSP: BRAD Sewell should come back this week. Matt Spangher remains on the fringe of a Hawks debut, while in good signs for the future tough young midfielder Mitch Hallahan was tremendous in the VFL.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE Hawks have just about emerged from their hellish start to the season and so far it's been a dream result. Four wins against 2012 finalists, a Tex-less Adelaide this week before the Grand Final rematch against Sydney. The loss of Cyril burns badly but the win over the Roos – with several A-graders down on their usual output – was impressive.

Cyril Rioli leaves the field after hurting his hamstring. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Jack Viney (rest) available
Nathan Stark (knee) test
Mitch Clark (foot) TBC
Neville Jetta (suspension) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: AARON Davey was again the substitute – never a good sign – and had just three kicks after coming on. Sam Blease was subbed off after a quiet day, while Cam Pedersen remains on the fringe.

ON THE CUSP: CHRIS Dawes returned through the VFL but might need one more hitout before his Dees debut. Jack Fitzpatrick was outstanding for Casey with four goals, while Lynden Dunn was best afield with 35 disposals and 11 marks. Jack Viney should also return after a planned rest.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE injury list is thinning, as are the excuses at the Dees. A win last week and mostly competitive effort against the Lions is an improvement, while the Suns await after the Blues this week. Another must-win MCG encounter.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Robbie Tarrant (leg) test
Ben Jacobs (knee) test
Tom Curran (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: Has the bubble burst on Majak Daw? The walking highlights reel looked out of place against an A-grade Hawks defence before being subbed out at three-quarter time. Daw missed three gettable set shots on goal.

ON THE CUSP: Robbie Tarrant must prove his fitness during the week after missing two matches with a leg injury. Lachie Hansen was a late withdrawal yesterday, but could struggle given Aaron Black's good work inside the arc. Boom pre-season ruck prospect Daniel Currie remains in the mix after another strong performance for Werribee including 40 hitouts, 13 disposals and seven marks. Jordan Gysberts was dominant in the first half (19 of 25 disposals) for the Tigers but faded.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Scott Thompson take a bow. The hard-nosed defender was nothing short of sublime on nemesis Lance Franklin. But it was the Kangaroos lack of poise and finishing skills which was the difference between four premiership points and a disappointing 1-4 start to the season. North butchered its chances forward of centre with kicks and handballs off target when they had worked hard to outnumber their Hawk rivals. The big three of Andrew Swallow, Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell were dominant in the clinches while it was a coming of age for the likes of Jamie MacMillan, Shaun Atley and Ben Cunnington. Aaron Black provided a strong target inside the arc and should make it tough for Lachie Hansen to break back into the best 22.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Brett Ebert (adductor) 2 weeks
Jasper Pittard (soreness) test
Jackson Trengove (foot) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: JACKSON Trengove needs foot surgery and will come out this week. Other than that expect little change at Alberton as the undefeated Power prepare to battle North Melbourne in Hobart.

ON THE CUSP: JASPER Pittard withdrew with soreness but looks a strong chance to return this week. Youngsters Matt Thomas and Sam Colquhoun are also close to breaking into the side.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THEY'VE got the Power to win and they never give in … even when 41 points down midway through the third quarter. The Power are now five from five with a miniscule injury list and a huge clash against the Roos this week. Win that and North's finals hopes might be history and suddenly Port will be halfway towards a September finish.

Power youngsters Jasper Pittard and Cameron O'Shea react after the final siren. Picture: Reed Sarah Source: The Advertiser

RICHMOND

INJURIES

Shane Tuck (rest) available
Sam Lonergan (hamstring) test
Jake King (soreness) test
Reece Conca (foot) test
Troy Chaplin (calf) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Brad Helbig struggled in his first hitout for the season in Perth and was subbed off with just six disposals to his name, while his replacement Robin Nahas (three disposals) had little impact after coming on. Matt White kicked the go-ahead goal but could make way with several senior players ready to return, while Ricky Petterd might be nervous after going at just 50 per cent efficiency by foot (including four kick clangers). Nick Vlastuin showed plenty on debut and should get another chance, but captain Trent Cotchin hobbled off in the first half with an ankle injury. He starred in the last quarter but must pull up OK to face the Cats.

ON THE CUSP: Plenty. Steve Morris is available after serving his one-match suspension and Jake King (corked thigh) and Troy Chaplin (calf) are available, along with Shane Tuck who was rested and didn't play at any level on the weekend. The standout in Coburg's 25-point loss to Box Hill was Nathan Foley, who came on at quarter-time and looked a class above, picking up 21 disposals in his second game back after a long layoff following Achilles surgery. Could Damien Hardwick be tempted to start him as the sub against the Cats? Former Roo Aaron Edwards kicked five goals - making it 12 in two weeks - while Matt Dea (26 touches) is also pushing for a senior call-up.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Tigers were unlucky in Perth but now face the prospect of falling back into the pack with a 3-3 record unless they can stop the Cats' unbeaten run. They will have to create some history to do it - Richmond has lost its past eight matches against Geelong by an average of 65 points. Some big decisions looming at match committee.

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Daniel Markworth (ACL) season
James Gwilt (knee) 1-2 weeks
Adam Schneider (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Forward Tom Lee was subbed out after managing only five touches in Wellington, while Ahmed Saad had only one more from a full match and Trent Dennis-Lane is yet to cement a spot in the best 22. Justin Koschitzke kicked the first goal of the match but was rarely sighted after that. Kids Brodie Murdoch, Josh Saunders and Nathan Wright didn't feature prominently on the stats sheet but all showed signs they could be long-term prospects.

ON THE CUSP: Stephen Milne is available after his one-match ban - will Scott Watters back up his harsh words by making him earn a recall in the VFL? The Saints' depth was on show in Sandringham's first win of the VFL season, a 64-point thumping of Werribee. Terry Milera responded to being dropped from the senior side by kicking 6.4 while Farren Ray (27 disposals), Arryn Siposs (24), Tom Ledger (23) and Tom Hickey (two goals) are all ready if called upon. The biggest talking point from the match, however, was the eye-catching performance of athletic forward Spencer White. Taken at No.26 in last year's draft, White has been dubbed the next Lance Franklin and did his best Buddy impression when he sprinted half the length of the ground before kicking a goal on the run - watch it below. White took eight marks and kicked 3.4.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: No respite from the Saints after their brave effort against Sydney, with Collingwood up next on Friday night. St Kilda hasn't beaten the Pies since their 2010 Grand Final draw. After that it's Carlton then Adelaide (away) - if they can't pinch one of those the Saints will be searching for just their second win of the season against the Bulldogs in Round 9.

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Gary Rohan (leg) indefinite
Rhyce Shaw (abdominal strain) 1 week
Lewis Roberts-Thompson (knee) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: LEWIS Jetta started as the substitute after a quiet start to the season in a sign he's now under a little bit of pressure. Andrejs Everitt was quiet while Sam Reid was yet again held goalless.

ON THE CUSP: JESSE White remains close to coming in, as does Mitch Morton and prized draftee Jed Lamb. Irishman Tommy Walsh is also in the mix for the clash against Brisbane Lions.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE Swans should consolidate with another win against the Lions, which would set up a bumper Grand Final rematch against the Hawks next week.

Lewis Jetta in action during the Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs AFL game at the SCG in Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

WEST COAST

INJURIES

Matt Priddis (concussion) test
Andrew Embley (foot) 1 week
Nic Naitanui (groin) test
Darren Glass (suspension) 2 weeks
Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: JACOB Brennan was sloppy against the Power, making four clangers and mustering just three kicks. Priddis must face a concussion test this week, and while Daniel Kerr won't be dropped, he needs to lift his output. The worst news is the loss of captain Darren Glass, who been given a two-match ban for rough conduct against Port Adelaide forward Paul Stewart.

ON THE CUSP: THE Eagles retained Glass (but now lose him to suspension) and regained Waters last week, now they should welcome Sharrod Wellingham. He got through the WAFL unscathed, while a clean-shaven Will Schofield is another who could face the Dogs. While Nic Naitanui is a surprise chance to return through the WAFL this week.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: BATTLING at 1-4, the Eagles need to ignite their season this week. A stretch of softer games starts now, while the injury list is finally thinning.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Nathan Hrovat (calf) available
Ryan Griffen (shoulder) test
Daniel Giansiracusa (shoulder) 1 week
Robert Murphy (calf) 1-2 weeks
Brett Goodes (suspension) 2 weeks
Tom Williams (adductor) 2 weeks
Michael Talia (jaw) 3 weeks
Lin Jong (leg) 6 weeks
Tory Dickson (ankle) 6 weeks
Easton Wood (hamstring) 6 weeks
Shaun Higgins (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: PAT Veszpremi was subbed out after little impact and could face the axe. Other than him it was an impressive Dogs outfit which fought desperately for four quarters. Goodes has been rubbed out.

ON THE CUSP: AYCE Cordy booted three goals for Williamstown in difficult conditions to remain a forward option. Lukas Markovic battled well against the likes of Chris Dawes and Jack Fitzpatrick, while Dylan Addison was also impressive for the Gulls.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE Dogs show real fight more often than not now, which is an impressive trait for such a young side. They had 16 players with less than 50 games' experience against the undefeated Cats and went down by four goals. Some of their stars are close to returning, while games against the Roos, Suns, Saints and Power leading into the bye are all winnable.
 

Geelong captain Joel Selwood was forced from the ground after this round-house punch to the stomach from Bulldog captain Matthew Boyd

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Goodes, Glass, Fyfe rubbed out

Mature-aged Bulldogs recruit Brett Goodes may come under scrutiny from the AFL match review panel for this bump on Geelong's Josh Caddy.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood was forced from the ground after this round-house punch to the stomach from Bulldog captain Matthew Boyd

STRUGGLING West Coast won't have captain Darren Glass to lead a recovery bid this week.

Glass must sit out Sunday's home game against the Western Bulldogs and an away assignment against Brisbane the following round.

The AFL match review panel added to the Eagles' crisis of a 1-4 start to the season by suspending the key defender for two matches for rough conduct.

The high bump on Port Adelaide's Paul Stewart was compounded by 82.81 demerit points carried over from Glass' one-game penalty for a similar offence against Lions skipper Jonathan Brown in Round 18 last season.

The Bulldogs must head to Perth without mature-age recruit Brett Goodes, also outed for two matches for rough conduct that benched Geelong's Josh Caddy for the second half of last Saturday night's game.

But captain Matthew Boyd can play against the Eagles after escaping with a reprimand and 70.31 carryover points for striking Geelong counterpart Joel Selwood.

Fremantle is considering whether to fight Nathan Fyfe's one-match ban for kicking Richmond's Daniel Jackson as the Dockers' gun midfielder lay on the turf last Friday night.

Lions James Polkinghorne and Billy Longer can accept reprimands for tripping and rough conduct charges stemming from the Gabba win against Melbourne.

North Melbourne backman Jamie Macmillan was reprimanded for making contact to Hawthorn forward Lance Franklin's head in a boundary line retaliation that sparked a scuffle in the second quarter at the MCG on Sunday night.

Macmillan was also hit with a $3000 fine for his third melee offence, which also cost teammates Scott Thompson ($2100), Aaron Mullett ($1200) and Ryan Bastinac ($1200). Franklin and fellow Hawks Isaac Smith, Jack Gunston and Jordan Lewis were each fined $1200 for their involvement in the melee.

Hawk forward Luke Breust's matchday report for striking Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein was thrown out, and Port Adelaide's Angus Monfries is in the clear for a tackle that left Eagle Matt Priddis with concussion.

Tiger Brad Helbig was fined $1200 for standing on Docker Danyle Pearce's hand, and the Giants' Tom Scully was fined $1800 for a second offence of colliding with a field umpire.

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Suns too strong for Giants

Gold Coast Suns claim their biggest win in their short history, after a 44-point win over Greater Western Sydney.

• GOLD COAST SUNS 21.22 (148) GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY GIANTS 16.8 (104)

THE GWS Giants look destined for another rough education in the school of hard knocks that is AFL football.

Kevin Sheedy's boys are rooted to the bottom of the ladder following Saturday's loss to the Gold Coast Suns without a win after five matches. The prospect of their first victory remains a long way off with matches against Essendon, Adelaide, Hawthorn and West Coast to come.

Records tumbled in Canberra as the Suns kicked their highest score and big man Charlie Dixon became the first Gold Coast player to kick six goals in a match.

In what looks like a serious case of the second-year blues, the Giants have lost to three teams who finished in the bottom five last year - Port Adelaide , Melbourne and now the Gold Coast.

Live HQ: SuperCoach stats, scores

Only a handful of GWS players could hold their head high at the end of match. Callan Ward, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith Toby Greene and Dylan Shiel were all solid contributors, but their defence remains a massive problem as opposition forwards continue to have their way with them week after week.

Sixteen goals was a reasonable return for the Giants, but conceding 21 goals to the Suns put any chance of a victory out of range. Dixon, Gary Ablett and Zac Smith (three goals each) were unstoppable.

Ablett set the match up for the visitors with 19 possessions in the first half and gave Tom Scully the run-around in the first quarter, picking up nine disposals.

Fortunately, for the Giants the damage of Ablett's hot start was limited in the opening term as scores were locked at three goals a piece.

Goals to the Giants' Rhys Palmer, Cameron and Setanta O'hAilpin were cancelled out by goals to Dixon, Steven May and Jaeger O'Meara.

Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy takes positives out of loss to the Gold Coast Suns.

Steve Coniglio earned a rising star nomination in the corresponding match last year and provided an inspirational moment for his teammates at the end of the term by sprinting 50m to smother a kick by Michael Rischitelli.

Canberra was the scene of the Giants' first win over the Suns last year, but this time they met a Gold Coast team in much better form.

Led by Ablett, who was moved forward in the second quarter, the Suns kicked the three straight.

The Giants stemmed the flow temporarily with a monster 80m goal from Devon Smith. It was an effort of which AFL great and Suns football director Malcolm Blight would have been proud, with Smith using the torpedo punt to land the major.

Long goals became the order of the day for GWS, with Jeremy Cameron and Dylan Shiel landing left-foot bombs from outside the 50m arc.

Relieved of the job on Ablett, with Toby Greene taking the job, Scully pushed forward and goaled on the run.

But the Giants defence was no match for the tall timber in the Suns forward line.

Dixon was dominant for his side, as he booted three goals for the quarter and ruckman Zac Smith chipped in with one.

Their return of 7.8 was the highest score for a single term in the Suns' short existence, passing the previous record of 7.3 set against North Melbourne last year and set up the victory.

GWS's Lachie Whitfield and Phil Davis under pressure from Gold Coast Suns Charlie Dixon . Picture: Kym Smith

Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon booted a club record six goals to help the Suns defeat the Giants. Picture: Kym Smith

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It's official - Power's the real deal

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak celebrates a goal with Robbie Gray. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

IT just keeps getting better for Port Adelaide.

The Power's dream start to the year continued at AAMI Stadium last night when it produced one of the great AFL comebacks.

Trailing by 41 points 19 minutes into the third quarter, Port lived up to its "never give in" catchcry to stun one of this year's premiership favourites, West Coast.

In a remarkable revival, the Power kicked 10 goals to three in the second half and five goals to one in the final term.

It hit the front for the first time 11 minutes into the last quarter.

The Eagles regained the lead with a Brad Dalziell goal entering time-on.

But Port - as it has done all season under first-year coach Ken Hinkley - hit back to kick the winning goal through Angus Monfries after some superb work from rookie sensation Jake Neade and Robbie Gray.

Kane Cornes, in his 250th game, scores a crucial goal against the Eagles. Picture: Sarah Reed.

The Power kicked just two goals in a dreadful first half but was inspired by best afield Hamish Hartlett - who won the Peter Badcoe VC Medal - and captain Travis Boak.

The star midfielders kicked three of Port's five final quarter goals to help extend Port's record winning start to a season to five.

"This win shows what we are made of," said a jubilant Hartlett after the game.

"We never give up and the boys are really proud to have won this game for Kane Cornes (who was playing his 250th game)."

The Power has now beaten Melbourne, GWS, Adelaide, Gold Coast and the Eagles in the opening five rounds to put one foot in the finals door.

It is an incredible turnaround for Port which hasn't made the finals since 2007 and in the past two seasons won a combined total of eight games.

Last night proved once and for all that this Power side is made of stern stuff.

Its first half was woeful and reminiscent of the dark days under previous coach Matthew Primus.

It was taught a football lesson by a finals-hardened Eagles side which, at 1-3, was playing for its finals life.

At half-time, Port had not taken a mark inside 50 while West Coast had hauled in 16 on its way to a 38-point lead.

The Power had crumbled under the weight of the Eagles' immense pressure in what became a tale of two halves.

Port was forced into a late change when defender Jasper Pittard failed to recover from soreness suffered in last week's win against Gold Coast.

His withdrawal paved the way for former Eagle Lewis Stevenson - an unlucky omission from the Power's named side - to play his first game against his former club. Stevenson started at half-back on brilliant playmaker Daniel Kerr.

Within four minutes, West Coast appeared to have its back to the wall.

Ace midfielder Matt Priddis was knocked out when he had his arms pinned in a perfect tackle from Monfries and he crashed head-first into the AAMI Stadium turf.

He was stretchered from the field on a mini-ambulance and was subbed out of the game 15 minutes later.

By that time, the Eagles - with Priddis's replacement Jamie Cripps on fire - had skipped to a 21-point lead, kicking the first 3.3 of the game.

Displaying a fierce desire to win the hard ball, West Coast dominated possession while Port crumbled under the pressure.

The Power struggled to get the ball out of its defensive half of the ground and it took a classy finish from Hartlett to break its scoring drought after 23 minutes when he burst inside 50 to goal on the run.

Amazingly, Port did not take a mark for the final 16 minutes of the term and when Kennedy broke clear of Alipate Carlile to kick his third goal of the quarter, the Eagles had broken to a 22-point lead at the first change.

The mark numbers highlighted West Coast's early dominance, with the visitors taking 30 to the Power's meagre seven.

Kennedy was at the forefront of nearly every Eagles attack and continued to give the Port defenders, in particular Carlile, nightmares in the second term.

The Power missed some gilt-edged chances in front of goal to keep itself in the match and when Kennedy bobbed up for his fourth major and Josh Hill and Jack Darling slotted goals, West Coast was out to a commanding 38-point lead at the long break.

Looking for some inspiration, Hinkley threw his side around after half-time with the move of Chad Wingard to full forward paying dividends.

He kicked two classy goals in the third quarter to give Port a glimmer of hope. That was all it needed.

PORT ADELAIDE  1.0   2.5    7.7    12.12 (84)

WEST COAST       4.4  7.13  9.16  10.19 (79)

Best - Port Adelaide: Hartlett, Boak, Wingard, Neade, O'Shea, Cornes. West Coast: Selwood, Shuey, Glass, Kennedy, Gaff, Waters.

Injuries - West Coast: M. Priddis (concussion).

Report - D. Glass (West Coast) for rough conduct by field umpire Pannell against P. Stewart in the second term.

Umpires: G. Fila, C. Kamolins, T. Pannell.

Crowd: 26,132 at AAMI Stadium.

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Mick's slick Blues click

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker is expected to miss 6-10 weeks after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the first quarter against Carlton.

Taylor Walker is helped from the ground. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Taylor Walker sits on the bench after injuring his knee against Carlton. Source: Getty Images

WHO needs a star key forward when you can light it up at ground level like Carlton can.

No longer are we focused on what the club lacks at centre half-forward.

When you pull out the switchblade like the Blues did last night, maybe having the big name tall in attack doesn't matter.

Not when you are as quick and slick and get a rush of early goals from your classy midfielders like they did in the 32-point win over Adelaide at the MCG.

After trailing by 41 points at three-quarter time, the Crows fought their way back kicking four straight goals to get back within 18.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

But another piece of boundary line magic from Chris Yarran, brushing off Brent Reilly and then curling in his third goal, stopped the charge. Jeff Garlett then snapped the sealer, which was his third, from almost an identical spot.

For the Crows, the night began on a disastrous note when spearhead Taylor Walker hyperextended his right knee in a marking contest in the 18th minute of the first quarter and had to be helped off the MCG.

It is believed Walker may have sustained a posterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Defender Luke Brown's night was also over in the second term after suffering concussion, leaving the Crows a man short on the bench for most of the night.

After losing Kurt Tippett, and now Walker for what looks like an extended period, Adelaide's finals hopes are starting to look rather shaky.

The Blues, on the other hand, are looking at getting their season back on an even keel at 3-3 next weekend against Melbourne.

After a big statement win over West Coast last week, things have clicked under Mick Malthouse.

Although they hardly took a mark in the forward 50m in the first half, and faded late, the Blues' ball use and leg-speed through the middle was a warning for the rest of the competition.

Heath Scotland and Andrew Walker were outstanding, intercepting the ball and rebounding from half-back.

Bryce Gibbs also controlled the play before he was substituted off with hamstring tightness at halftime.

The quick transition forward routinely found Yarran, Garlett and Eddie Betts with space to burn off their minders. They posed a continual threat, breaking goal-side of the stoppages and aerial contests.

While the Crows worked their way back into the contest, Carlton looked invincible at times with that run and carry and crushing pressure, up by 28 points at quarter time.

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker being helped off the MCG by trainers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

The move to switch Walker into defence has worked wonderfully. The former high-flying forward was largely untouched by the opposition, racking up 19 touches until half-time. Each one hit their target.

Scotland was also excellent, driving the ball from half-back and kicking a tight-angled shot on the run from the boundary in the third term.

Chris Judd, in his 244th game, needed a tag from Crow Sam Kerridge to quell his enormous early influence around the stoppages.

Betts was subbed on in the third term, replacing Gibbs. His first goal of the nigh brought chants of "Edd-die, Edd-die, Edd-die" from the Blues' faithful. Betts, Yarran and Garlett booted eight goals between them.

Adelaide was the No.1 contested ball side last year, but its midfield is not the same. Carlton ruckman Robert Warnock has taken his chance in the absence of Matthew Kreuzer, shading Sam Jacobs.

The Crow's early-season form has been patchy. Likewise, onballer Scott Thompson was down again early.

The Blues had 12 more clearances and 35 more contested possessions at three-quarter time, before the Crows turned the momentum their way in the last quarter.

Andy Otten presented forward after Walker exited the field, but Josh Jenkins was well-held by Michael Jamison. Crows' midfielders Patrick Dangerfield, Richard Douglas, Rory Sloane and youngster Rory Laird helped engineer the fightback, with limited bench rotations.

Laird's tough attack on the ball was a highlight for the Crows, in his second game. Matthew Jaensch and Otten each kicked three goals.

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Cats deny plucky Dogs

Mature-aged Bulldogs recruit Brett Goodes may come under scrutiny from the AFL match review panel for this bump on Geelong's Josh Caddy.

Joel Selwood bursts out of the middle. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE massive screen on the way into Etihad Stadium beamed the words "Western Bulldogs v Geelong: Mission Possible".

And while there were occasional glimmers of an improbable upset - including midway through the final quarter - there was always going to be flaw in the plot that counted against a Hollywood ending.

In a nutshell, it was simply that for all the Dogs' grunt and sweat and good intentions they were no match for the class, experience and occasional brilliance of the Cats.

And while it would be easy to laud the bravery of the underdog for refusing to give in, the same applies to a Geelong team that was reduced to 20 men from midway through the second term.

The Bulldogs began brightly, kicking the first two goals of the match and dominating the centre bounces largely through the powerful ruckwork of Will Minson.

Up forward Liam Jones was plucking marks and looked dangerous in the Dogs forward line, even though the Hawkins-less Cats still had Harry Taylor and James Podsiadly as effective marking targets at the other end.

Live HQ: SuperCoach stats, scores

Nick Lower kept Geelong captain Joel Selwood to just three touches in the opening term, and although the Cats led by 16 points at the first change there were encouraging signs for the Dogs.

Geelong had the most influential player of the first half: Steve Johnson spent the early part of the match in the midfield and was as creative as he was unpredictable. But while you never knew what he would do with the ball, he could be relied upon to do the basics when he didn't have it.

Three times he laid crunching tackles that resulted in scoring chances for teammates. After all, even Picasso obeyed some of the time-honoured principles of his craft when his paintbrush championed cubism.

The match looked headed for a predictable storyline when Geelong got out to a 34-point lead midway through the second quarter. So much so that Cats looked like they were becoming bored and started searching for ways to entertain themselves. The Dogs made them pay by scrapping their way back into the contest.

The likes of Matthew Boyd, Tom Liberatore and Daniel Cross kept toiling away honestly, while Jason Johannisen and Luke Dahlhaus used their dash to try to take on the Cats and create.

In the third quarter the Dogs simply tightened up and made the Cats more accountable, opting to go one on one with their opponents.

For all of their sustained periods of discipline, though, they frequently found themselves sliced open by a Geelong team prepared to back itself and takes risks. The Cats were prepared to flick handballs around to find space and then charge through the middle of the ground.

Once in space they either delivered the ball to Taylor and Podsiadly, or backed in the pace and creativity of the likes of Steven Motlop, Johnson and Allen Christensen.

Steven Motlop celebrates his goal in the second quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Taylor was superb in the absence of last year's club champion Tom Hawkins, and when the Cats needed steadying in the final quarter he even switched to defence and took some timely marks.

sThe Dogs probably had the better of the centre bounces and midfield stoppages, but struggled to make inroads in their forward half, where the cool Geelong heads of Andrew Mackie, James Bartel and Corey Enright controlled play.

The Bulldogs kicked the only goals in the final term (three) as Geelong, down on its interchange rotations, began to tire. But the Cats did what good teams do: they gutsed it out and did what they needed to do to win.

But there were plenty of encouraging signs for a Bulldogs team that seemingly was faced with Mission Impossible. Several of their youngsters showed a bit, and while they were ultimately outclassed, it's worth remembering they were without four of the most polished players on their list: Ryan Griffen, Bob Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa and Shaun Higgins.

Then again, Geelong could argue it was down to a measly 13 premiership players.

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Cats' Mr Versatility

Cat Harry Taylor marks in front of Bulldog Jordan Roughead. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

IS there a more versatile footballer in the game right now than Geelong's revolving key-position player Harry Taylor?

Defender by trade; forward by opportunity or circumstance.

Wherever he plays, he is damn hard to stop at the moment and looms as a critical jigsaw puzzle in the Cats' flag hopes.

The circumstance last night was the late withdrawal of last year's best-and-fairest winner Tom Hawkins.

The opportunity was to play deep in attack and Taylor lived up to his end of the bargain, kicking a game-high five goals.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Sports betting agencies knew as soon as they heard Hawkins was not going to play that the man to shorten in terms of the most goals kicked on the night would be the 26-year-old, two-time premiership defender.

He started second favourite in those markets (at $4) behind teammate James Podsiadly and was clearly the dominant forward on the ground last night.

Only Bulldog Liam Jones threatened to unseat him as the biggest goalscorer of the night, finishing with four goals. In the air Taylor was almost unstoppable; on the lead he was powerful and sure of hand; and in front of goal he rarely looked like missing.

Before this season, Taylor had only kicked 23 goals, including 15 last year. But the Cats have lived up to the pre-season promise of using him in attack as much as defence this year, and last night it proved the difference.

After two goals against Carlton and Sydney in Rounds 3 and 4, Taylor made it a tough night for Bulldog backman Jordan Roughead.

Cats deny plucky Dogs

Taylor booted one goal in the opening term, another in the second and three crucial goals in a big third term.

Just to highlight his importance - and his versatility - he took himself into defence during the last quarter as the Bulldogs threatened to make it a real contest.

Roughead went forward for the Bulldogs and took a big mark and finished with a goal of his own.

Taylor took one of his own big grabs deep in defence late in the final term - showing just how important he is at both ends. And that's why he looms as a wildcard forward-back option that will scare plenty of teams for the rest of the season.

And why Geelong must claim his signature on a long-term contract as soon as it possibly can.

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