SNAPSHOT FROM ROUND 17 OF THE AFL

THEY SAID IT: “Would he get a game at any other club?” WAYNE CAREY was on his own when discussing Hawthorn champion Sam Mitchell’s lack of pace.

“Paddy was held pretty well for three quarters. I thought he was lucky.” Essendon coach JAMES HIRD also raised eyebrows after former Bomber Paddy Ryder kicked a match-winning four goals for Port Adelaide.

STATS THAT MATTER: Carlton suffered their biggest losing margin (138 points) and kicked their lowest score against Hawthorn (4.11).

MAN OF THE ROUND: Take a bow Brent Harvey, who kicked two goals as he became only the fourth man to play 400 AFL games. He helped North Melbourne roll Brisbane by 72 points.

TALKING POINT: Some of the free kicks being paid for ruck infringements are furrowing brows around the league. Essendon’s Shaun McKernan in particular was the victim of some mystifying decisions.

TRIBUNAL WATCH: Carlton’s Nick Holman was booked for a crude spoil on Luke Breust. Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson is in trouble for punching Blaine Boekhorst in the midriff. North captain Andrew Swallow collected James Aish with a high bump and Geelong’s Mitch Duncan did the same with GWS veteran Ryan Griffen. Western Bulldogs young gun Jack McCrae was booked for rough conduct.

KEY INJURIES: Lance Franklin (Syd, back), Matt Spangher (Haw, hamstring), Jarryd Roughead (Haw, leg), Rhys Palmer (GWS, hamstring), Gary Ablett (GC, knee), Shaun Hampson (Rich, ankle) Clancee Pearce (Freo, shoulder).

UNDER PRESSURE: Richmond’s Bachar Houli is determined to take the first kick-in next Friday night against Hawthorn. He made a disastrous blunder with his kick-in late in the game against Fremantle. David Mundy took full toll and kicked the match-winning goal for the Dockers.