Collingwood’s AFL losing streak is up to five and they are now a game outside the top eight.

Sunday’s 18-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in an entertaining match under the Etihad Stadium roof means the Magpies have dropped to 11th.

But coach Nathan Buckley is adamant their confidence has not wilted with six rounds left.

“We’ve taken some leaps early this season really quickly and when you plateau on that growth we’re all a little bit impatient aren’t we? Including the coach and the players,” he said.

“But we’re doing a lot of things right – it’s just getting the little things right to be able to take that next step.

“Whether that takes a week or a month or a season is up to us.”

Also on Sunday, St Kilda adapted better to wet and cold conditions at the MCG to beat Melbourne by 37 points.

Saints captain Nick Riewoldt kicked three goals and his understudy Paddy McCartin also impressed in the 12.11 (83) to 6.10 (46) win.

Paddy Ryder starred in his first game against his old club Essendon, kicking four goals on Saturday night as Port Adelaide won by 13 points.

Bombers fans booed Ryder whenever he had the ball and Essendon’s Brendon Goddard also had plenty to say to him during the match.

Essendon coach James Hird contended post-match that Ryder had been lucky.

Also on Saturday night, North Melbourne celebrated Brent Harvey’s 400th match with a 72-point belting of Brisbane at the ‘Gabba.

But Kangaroos captain Andrew Swallow will face video scrutiny for a high bump on Lions opponent James Aish.

Fremantle led for less than 10 minutes at the MCG, but David Mundy ensured they were in front when it counted.

A disastrous kick-in by Bachar Houli set up Mundy for the match-winning goal, with the Dockers scraping through by four points.

Adelaide stayed in control of their finals destiny, beating Gold Coast at home on Saturday by 45 points.

Gary Ablett’s season could be over after the Suns captain hurt his knee in the first term.

Geelong moved to within half a game of eighth spot with their 27-point win over GWS in Canberra.

The Giants also dropped out of the eight with the loss.

Carlton suffered the biggest losing margin in their 151-year history on Friday night.

Their 4.11 was also the Blues’ record low score against Hawthorn, who mauled them by 138 points.