Leigh Adams

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Just as Round 19 was underway, and amid the Adam Goodes controversy, Kangaroo player Leigh Adams quietly announced his retirement from football. Adams, nicknamed "Patch", has suffered a few head knocks and concussions over the course of his career and consulted North Melbourne medical staff as well as several specialists before making his decision. Adams, 27, took the medical advice and decided his health must take priority.

Adams, who was known for his fierce attack on the ball and a willingness to throw himself into contests, suffered a concussion late in 2014 and missed that Finals series.

Jamie Kloeden reporting for AFANA from AAMI Stadium, Australia

While unlikely to eventuate, both Adelaide and North Melbourne were still chances to make the Top Eight leading into this game, making it a virtual Grand Final for both sides. The Kangaroos were coming off a great win over the mighty Geelong outfit nine days earlier so with that good form combined with the memory of a heartbreaking loss to the Crows in Round 9, most were expecting a spirited start by Brad Scott’s charges.

Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

150 consecutive games: Carlton's Kade Simpson played his 150th consecutive game in Round Six. His streak began in Round 15, 2005. It is the longest current streak and Simpson is the 19th player in League history to play 150 or more games consecutively. Former Tiger champion Kevin Bartlett did it twice during his 400-plus game career.

North Melbourne entered their Round 21 game against West Coast knowing their chances of playing Finals had slipped away the day before when Hawthorn trounced their opponents to take a hold on eighth position. As for the Eagles, their only motivation was to give themselves a chance of getting off the bottom of the Ladder.

How quickly a team's fortunes can change in AFL football. Accused of tanking their season only four weeks ago, the West Coast Eagles have put together two solid wins and are still a mathematical possibility to make the Final Eight. As slim a chance as that Finals appearance may be, their improved form is unarguable.