Jay Van Berlo

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Young West Coast midfielder Tom Swift has stunned the club by walking away from the AFL to study medicine. Swift informed the club of his decision in early October shortly before the club's awards ceremonies. Swift, 22, was a second round draft selection in 2008 and played 34 games. He was out

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Giants' midfielder Luke Power has announced his retirement. Power began his career with the Brisbane Lions and went on to play in Brisbane's three Premierships. He was traded to the Giants at the end of 2011 and combined playing with a part-time assistant coaching role to help develop the young list. He was co-captain along with Callan Ward and Phil Davis. Power was also a co-captain at

Since 2005 the Western Bulldogs have had the wood on Fremantle. The last time they played, Barry Hall sunk the Dockers almost single-handedly, booting a bagful of goals to help the Bulldogs run out 82 point winners. Big Barry was back in Perth again and no matter where they are on the Ladder, the Bulldogs always give a good account of themselves at the large Patersons Stadium.

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

In spite of this match having little significance other than bragging rights in Western Australia, the Round 17 Western Derby opened true to form with some pre-game rough stuff. Before the ball was even bounced there were scuffles and bumps as players tried to assert psychological and physical dominance over their opponents. With West Coast and Fremantle ranked 15th and 16th for kicking efficiency in the league (last and second last) the possibility of a low skill and error-filled game was very real.