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A snapshot of round six of the AFL season, with three games taking place on Anzac Day, including the traditional MCG clash between Collingwood and Essendon.
A SNAPSHOT OF ROUND SIX OF THE AFL SEASON:
THEY SAID IT: "We got annihilated in every aspect of the game, which was really disappointing. It was an embarrassing performance after quarter-time. Physically, we looked weak." - West Coast coach Adam Simpson was shell-shocked after the Eagles suffered a 97-point smashing at the hands of Geelong - the club's worst loss in 12 years.
STATS THAT MATTER: By knocking off reigning premiers Richmond, Melbourne went 6-0 for the first time since 1965 - the year after the Demons' last premiership. The Western Bulldogs are also undefeated, and the previous three times two VFL/AFL teams have been 6-0 with a percentage of more than 150 they have always gone on to play each other in the grand final.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Christian Salem was pipped by star Melbourne teammate Christian Petracca for the Frank 'Checker' Hughes Medal in the Anzac Day eve win over Richmond, but the left-footer would have been a worthy recipient. The 25-year-old shunned free agency to sign a five-year contract with the Dees mid-week and celebrated with a stunning 39-disposal performance.
KEY MOMENT: Adelaide knew they had a promising player when they grabbed Riley Thilthorpe with pick two in last year's draft, but not in the Crows' wildest dreams could they have imagined he would kick five goals on debut. Despite Thilthorpe's best efforts, the Crows would fade and lose a thriller against Hawthorn by three points.
TALKING POINT: Brisbane coach Chris Fagan lamented the 136-minute length of the Lions' eventual victory over Carlton - saying games are too long and he'd like to see quarters reduced to 18 minutes plus time on.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: A quiet weekend on that front, but Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale was fined for making contact with an umpire during Brisbane's clash with the Blues.
KEY INJURIES: Dustin Martin (Rich, concussion), Kane Lambert (Rich, calf), Dylan Grimes (Rich, ankle), Josh Dunkley (Bulldogs, shoulder), Tim English (Bulldogs, concussion), Lin Jong (Bulldogs, hamstring), Brennan Cox (Frem, ankle), Michael Walters (Frem, eye), Josh Walker (NM, head), Jeremy McGovern (WC, adductor), Mark O'Connor (Geel, hamstring), Aaron Francis (Ess, ankle)
WHAT'S NEXT: The red-hot Western Bulldogs have a golden opportunity to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they take on a Dustin Martin-less Richmond in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG. Last year's beaten preliminary finalists Port Adelaide and Brisbane face off in an intriguing game at the Gabba.
