Two weeks to go, and if you could believe it, the race for the eight just got even tighter.
Eight teams are still fighting tooth and nail for four precious spots in September, with some – hi, Carlton, Sydney and St Kilda – doing their chances the world of good, and others – *coughs in Western Bulldogs* – fumbling the bag quite spectacularly.
We farewelled Ben Cunnington in style with a two-goal, fend-off-laden last game, even if it wasn’t the fairytale victory he’d have hoped for. Collingwood and Port Adelaide rebounded in style with statement-making wins to dent the hopes of Geelong and GWS; while Melbourne got on the wrong end of a score review that could cost them a home qualifying final.
But the crowning jewel of the weekend was clearly the magnificent performance of a team which has had plenty of detractors over the years, but at the most crucial stage turned it…