David Zaharakis

Boris Kilpatrick, special to AFANA from Australia

In a quirky scheduling twist this week, round eleven – celebrating Australia’s Indigenous heritage - saw the top eight teams pitted against the bottom eight, giving the top teams the chance to stretch their advantage while those struggling had the opportunity to make up some ground. Fast forward to Monday, and with all of the games in the books, the top six teams on the AFANA Power Poll all had wins, keeping them at the top of the tree.

Boris Kilpatrick, special to AFANA from Australia

The Eagles are still flying high, the Demons are red hot and the Kangaroos continue to defy the critics. These were the big stories of an enthralling round ten. The Giants once again couldn’t find a way to win while the Tigers, minus two of their playmakers who went off injured early, could. Collingwood won again to keep in touch with the pack while Adelaide had a shocker. 

Chris Kowald reporting from Optus Stadium, Perth

Before play started, the new Optus Stadium resonated to the sound of Prince’s classic song Purple Rain. The Fremantle Dockers responded by being ‘on song’ to defeat the Essendon Bombers, who last week defeated last year’s Grand Finalists, Adelaide.   

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

It started on July 26 when Hawthorn dished out a ten goal hiding to the Bombers. After the match, chairman Mark Evans suffered an undisclosed physical breakdown in the rooms. That same night, following Hird's post-match press conference, Evans announced he was great but SEN personality Tim Watson (and father to Bomber captain Jobe),  said the supplement saga had taken a toll on Evans and that he was "completely and utterly burnt out .... struggling with his health ... exhausted." Watson said that Evans had been under enormous stress and strain since February. There have also been media speculations, denied by all, that Coach James Hird and Evans had been at "loggerheads" regarding conversations which took place before the Bombers went public about the supplements.

Brook “Boris” Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA

Off field distractions haunted both teams in the lead-up to “Dreamtime at the G”, with Essendon players continuing to be interviewed by ASADA and Tiger Alex Rance in court to face his one time acquaintance turned stalker. There were further problems on the injury front for Richmond, with young Tiger Brandon Ellis pulling out with a hamstring injury incurred at training prior to the big match.

by Brook "Boris" Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA

Melbourne Demons
With the “tanking” saga behind them and the club coffers $500,000 lighter as a result, the Demons can head into 2013 with a clean slate and better times on the horizon. Chris Dawes comes across from Collingwood in an attempt to provide some help for Mitch Clark inside the forward fifty, while disgruntled midfielder Brent Moloney was given his walking papers to the sunny climes of Brisbane with the Lions. Whilst Shannon Byrnes should slot straight into Melbourne’s best 22 with a fresh opportunity after stagnating somewhat at Geelong, the real

Jamie Kloeden reporting for AFANA from Melbourne, Australia

Final round action saw traditional rivals Collingwood and Essendon lock horns at the MCG but their end of season situations were in stark contrast. For the Bombers, it was a chance to regain some pride. After letting a great start to the season slip by the wayside with their horrible run home, they cost themselves any chance of participating in Finals action. The Magpies on the other hand needed to win the game to sew up a spot in the Top Four and gain the double chance.

Brook Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA from Australia

After looking at potential catalysts for Collingwood, Geelong, Hawthorn and West Coast in Part 1, AFANA turns its attention to the remaining four Finals' combatants, Sydney, Essendon, Carlton and St Kilda. Who are the “under the radar” players to watch out for as Week One of the Finals approaches?