1) Antagonising the key Hawks is the secret to success

James Sicily has matured immensely in since his early days in the AFL, as evidenced by his captaincy at Hawthorn and consistent footy at a very high level. But Friday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs – and specifically Will Lewis – proved he can still be distracted by the chatter and niggle from an opponent. The pair were at one another all night, and while the Hawk had some early wins, recording 15 of his 22 disposals in the first half, Lewis wore him down to create more and more opportunities for his side in attack, culminating in the six-point win. No doubt it will be a tactic other sides contemplate when preparing to face Hawthorn, because Sicily at 80 per cent focus is a much less threatening prospect than when he’s at his very best. Michael Sellwood’s tight negating role on Nick Watson, who dominated in the first half but was held to just two disposals in the second, could also be a blueprint for other teams to follow. – Gemma Bastiani

Full theatre as Sicily and Lewis trade barbs all quarter

James Sicily and Will Lewis spend the term relentlessly getting under each other’s skin in a captivating feud

2) Logan Morris could be anything

In just 57 career games, Logan Morris has already achieved so much, being a crucial part of two Brisbane premierships. As if anyone needed reminding, his career-best seven-goal haul against Gold Coast on Saturday night proved again he just might be the best young key forward in the competition. Having turned 21 a month ago, Morris has charged to 32 goals for the season, despite regularly being double teamed by opponents that have faced injury-depleted Lions forward lines. He never runs under the ball, almost always keeps it in front of him, reads the flight quicker than most and can kick goals from contested marks, on the lead or at ground level. Out of contract at the end of 2027, his signature is at the top of Brisbane’s list (and yes, Zac Bailey is there too). – Michael Whiting

Seventh heaven: Medal winner Morris boots huge bag in vital win

Logan Morris earns his maiden Marcus Ashcroft Medal after an eye-catching seven goals in an important QClash victory

3) This young Crow is the key to Adelaide’s rise

If Adelaide is to recapture the form that saw it claim last season’s minor premiership, Dan Curtin looms as key. Five games into his return from a nasty pre-season knee injury, the third-year utility produced arguably the best performance of his career in Adelaide’s one-point victory over Geelong on Thursday night. Clean overhead, assured with ball in hand and able to play just about anywhere, Curtin is a huge asset to Matthew Nicks’ side. He led the Crows in contested possessions against the Cats with 14, to go with 26 disposals, five marks, five clearances and 527 metres gained. The Crows are a far more formidable side when Curtin is up and firing. – Tom Wyman

4) This star Eagle is a ball drop away from dominant season

Jake Waterman’s immense efforts inside 50 this season are being overshadowed by his wayward goalkicking, with the key forward compiling a frustrating campaign that is elite in every other way. Waterman has taken more marks on the lead (41) than any player this season, and ranks equal first in the AFL for total score involvements (103) and total shots at goal (68). He was a dominant attacking presence against Port Adelaide on Saturday night with 11 marks and a game-high eight score involvements, but a missed set shot late proved pivotal, with the right-footer’s 3.2 on the night taking his season tally to 28.34. Waterman has produced some clutch performances this season, including a three-goal effort against Greater Western Sydney, but his frustration with his goalkicking was clear again on Saturday night, with the All Australian appearing more comfortable snapping his set shots. If he can get that crucial part of his game back on track, the opportunity for a dominant second half of the season is still there given everything else he is doing. – Nathan Schmook

5) The Roos won’t make major progress until they fix this big issue

It has been a problem for North Melbourne all season, and it became a colossal issue as it was thrashed by Fremantle on Saturday. The Roos have conceded huge scores in single quarters too frequently this year and it happened again in Bunbury as the Dockers kicked nine majors in the second term, seven in the last and the final 19 of the game. North has conceded seven or more goals in a single term seven times this season – against West Coast, Geelong (in two quarters), Adelaide, Gold Coast and now the Dockers (twice). The Roos’ inability to find answers when things are going against them has become a major problem, and they won’t truly rise until they find a solution. – Dejan Kalinic

6) The unsung Swans are stepping up

Sydney’s victory over St Kilda showcased the incredible resilience of the Swans’ depth players, with no one encapsulating that better than Jai Serong. Even after losing key players like Justin McInerney and Tom McCartin to injury and leaving their medical room completely stretched, the Swans found a way to stay in the hunt and pull off a thrilling, down-to-the-wire victory. And it was Serong who emerged as the match hero, stepping up when his team needed him most. Showing crucial versatility when McCartin left the field — and with both Dane Rampe and Lewis Melican already sidelined — Serong’s experience as a key defender allowed him to seamlessly shift into the backline, and then shift forward and secure the win with a memorable goal. – Emily Patterson

Last two mins: Swan’s epic late goal breaks St Kilda hearts

The thrilling final moments between Sydney and St Kilda in round 13

7) Merrett shift has given other Bombers mids a chance

After leading for three quarters, Essendon found itself trailing when Carlton hit the front at the start of the final term. Sam Durham had been shut down convincingly by George Hewett, and the option to throw the club’s six-time best and fairest winner, Zach Merrett, into the middle was available. Merrett had spent the night playing across half back but with the game in the balance, the Dons coaching staff decided not to put arguably their best player in the midfield where he could do the most damage. Coach Dean Solomon said after the game that the coaching staff did discuss it, but decided to leave Merrett in defence, apart from the final moments of the game. As a result, the club’s younger players were given invaluable experience in the middle in a high pressure environment, even though it could have cost the Dons a rare win. – Phoebe McWilliams

Last two mins: Plucky Bombers’ last-ditch effort falls just short

The thrilling final moments between Essendon and Carlton in round 13

8) Petty needs to keep playing forward for Melbourne

Harrison Petty had a decent game in attack against Collingwood without being outstanding, kicking 2.1 and taking six marks, but it was what he did to Melbourne’s structure that was most important. Having been swung in from the backline in place of omitted youngster Matt Jefferson, Petty provided a stronger body in the contest, and his definitive leads drew Collingwood defenders away from their Melbourne opponents, opening up the forward line for Bayley Fritsch and Kozzy Pickett. He also prevented the Pies from double-teaming Jacob van Rooyen. Given veteran Tom McDonald can still hold down a key defensive role, Petty should stay in attack for as long as possible, to help the Dees in their quest for finals – Sarah Black