Corey Enright

 by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The highly decorated, 15-year, 305-game career of Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel has come to an end with Bartel announcing his retirement during the October trade period. While Bartel said he felt he had more to give, he "understood the bigger picture" and respected the direction in which the club wanted to move.

Chris Kowald reporting for AFANA from Domain Stadium Perth, Australia.

In a fierce and uncompromising game, Geelong managed to overcome the determination of Fremantle to win and restore their top four credentials, at least for a few hours. With the congestion at the top end of the standings, they may still find themselves in sixth or seventh by the end of the weekend.

Brook “Boris” Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA

In one of the biggest upsets of the season to date, a plucky St. Kilda snatched victory in the dying seconds of their match against league pacesetters Geelong in an enthralling contest at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Despite trailing by nine points late in the final quarter after some stirring football by the Cats, the young Saints willed themselves forward, scoring two brilliant late goals through Jade Gresham and Jack Steven to seal the Saints first victory over Geelong since 2010. This continues the Saints remarkable night game performance at Etihad where they have won more than 80% of their games in recent seasons. If only the Saints were so good at other times and places.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The annual presentation of AFL Life Memberships will take place during the League's AGM in March. Of the 13 candidates, ten automatically qualified during the 2014 season by reaching the 300 game milestone in their careers. The  ten are Jimmy Bartel, Leon Cameron, Kane Cornes, Dean Cox, Nick Dal Santo, Corey Enright, Nick Riewoldt, Brenton Sanderson, Justin Schmitt and Brad Scott. Life Membership was also recommended under the provision of "Special Service to the Game" to long-time club administrators Graeme Allan, Greg Miller and former AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou.

Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Since losing the 2008 Grand Final to the Hawks, the Cats have won their last 11 matches against Hawthorn. This is the longest winning streak after a Grand Final loss to the same opponent in League history. Since the 2008 Grand Final, the Cats have defeated Hawthorn in 2009 (Rounds One and 17), 2010 (Rounds Two and 15), 2011 (Rounds Five, 12 and the Qualifying Final), 2012 (Rounds 2 and 19) and 2013 (Rounds One and 15).

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Perth

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon proved his adage that he and his Dockers will take on Geelong, “Anywhere, anytime,” when his team powered away for a win at Simonds Stadium in their Qualifying Final encounter. Geelong had a 99% win ratio at Simonds going into the game and had every reason to expect another notch in their belts. It was a bruising and often spiteful match that epitomized the standard of play in a Finals series.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

200 games: Kade Simpson (CARL)
150 games: Nick Malceski (SYD)
100 games: Daniel Hannebery (SYD)
50 games: Steven Motlop (GEEL)

Club Record Finals: Jude Bolton (SYD) will play his 25th Finals match in the Semi Final, giving him the club record for most Finals games in the history of South Melbourne/Sydney.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Chris Newman and Brett Deledio (RICH) will play their first finals match in the first week of Finals. Newman has played 232 games without a Finals appearance while Deledio has had to wait 194 games. This puts them fifth and eighth respectively as the longest wait for a Finals appearance.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Celebrating milestones in Round 17 are:

200 games: Justin Koschitzke (StK)
200 club games: Scott Thompson (ADE)
100 club games: Sean Dempster (StK)
100 games: Matt White (RICH)
100 games umpired: Shane Stewart, Jacob Mollison
50 games: Shane Savage (HAW), Matt Shaw (GC)
50 club games: Matt Maguire (BRIS)

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Milestones for Round 16 include:

200 games: Justin Koschitzke (StK) and Luke Ball (COL)
150 games: Colin Sylvia (MELB), Joel Selwood (GEEL) and Nathan Jones (MELB)
100 games: Steele Sidebottom (COLL), Matthew Kreuzer (CARL), Craig Bird (SYD), Trent Cotchin (RICH), Stephen Hill (FREM) and Liam Picken (WB)
50 games: Jordan Roughead (WB), Jeremy Howe (MELB), Levi Greenwood (NM) and Trent McKenzie (GC)
50 club games: Jarrod Harbrow and Jared Brennan (GC)