THEY SAID IT: A common theme from North Melbourne coach Brad Scott and Sydney coach John Longmire after their losses. “They copped their right whack today – they copped it from Collingwood and they copped it from the coaching group” – Scott. “This game’s got an amazing ability to punch you on the nose when you think you’re on top of your game. We copped a whack,.” – Longmire.

STATS THAT MATTER: Gold Coast’s shock victory over Sydney was the biggest upset on TAB’s books. The Suns also are the first team in AFL history to keep the Swans goalless in consecutive quarters at the SCG.

MAN OF THE ROUND: Tom Hawkins couldn’t have asked for a better 30th birthday. The Geelong spearhead booted an equal career-high seven goals during the Cats’ stunning victory over Melbourne, including four in the game-defining final term.

KEY MOMENT: After trailing by 29 points early in Saturday night’s final quarter at GMHBA Stadium, the Cats cut the deficit to four points when Tom Hawkins’ booted his fourth major for the term and seventh for the night. Zach Tuohy then lined up after the siren and kicked truly to secure a stunning two-point victory and send Geelong fans into raptures.

TALKING POINTS: The ongoing woes for Carlton and St Kilda. Melbourne are fuming after Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield was paid a controversial free kick under the ruck nomination rule.

TRIBUNAL WATCH: Hawthorn defender Daniel Howe is in trouble after he hit Carlton young gun Patrick Cripps early in Sunday’s clash. West Coast skipper Shannon Hurn could be in strife for his bump that resulted in Bulldogs’ midfielder Mitch Honeychurch being sent to hospital with neck concerns.

KEY INJURIES: Darcy Moore (Coll, hamstring) Shaun McKernan (Ess, hamstring) Scott Thompson (NM, nose) Jaeger O’Meara (Haw, hip) Sean Darcy (Fre, groin) Tom Doedee (Adel, concussion) Lachlan Murphy (Adel, concussion), Mitch Honeychurch (WB, neck), Luke Dahlhaus (WB, ankle)

WHAT’S NEXT: Richmond will break the AFL’s MCG winning streak record if they beat Collingwood next Saturday. It shapes as the match of the season. Essendon’s Etihad Stadium clash with Sydney is a Friday night special, with the Swans needing a quick response and Essendon back in finals contention. Adelaide host Melbourne on Saturday night and North Melbourne have a must-win game in Hobart on Sunday against West Coast.