If you got nine tips this week you’re probably the only person on the face of the earth which did. It was an unpredictable weekend of footy, compounded with upsets. Although just three games in, it remains difficult assessing the current pecking order of the league.

A familiar site was Gary Ablett’s domination in a twilight extravaganza. Ablett responded boldly to intense media scrutiny during the week, logging 36 disposals and 2 goals in a stunning 86-point Gold Coast victory over Hawthorn.

Nick Riewoldt returned from injury and torched the Lions with 28 disposals and three goals himself. Marc Murphy reminded the league of his capabilities, recording 32 disposals, 10 tackles and two goals. It’s clear that the champs still have it. Meanwhile, Dustin Martin was Dustin Martin, overwhelming the Eagles with 40 disposals and two goals.

THE GOOD

SCG thriller

The winless Collingwood faced their own fair share of critics during the week. David Cloke probed their game plan and toughness, lamenting these issues for the demise of Travis’ All-Australian form. A trip to the SCG to face the minor premiers of 2016 in Buddy Franklin’s 250th game presented a mighty challenge.

Anything less than a win would’ve put Nathan Buckley under twice the amount of pressure he already is. His troops responded in one of Bucks’ greatest ever wins. Thanks to a dominant display from the usual midfield culprits in Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams and Steele Sidebottom (48 combined tackles), the Pies escaped an immense Swans charge with a thrilling one-point victory.

The biggest hero of the night was Will Hoskin-Elliot. The GWS convert seized the moment, kicking an impossible goal from the pocket with five minutes remaining in the game to seal a famous Collingwood victory.  

South Australian Footy

The Showdown delivered all that it promised and no matter which South Australian team you support; fans were treated to a beauty on Saturday night. Both sides went in undefeated and although Adelaide emerged 17-point victors, neither side lowered their colours.

The midfield battle was spectacular as Ollie Wines (30 disposals, two goals), Travis Boak (26 disposals, one goal) and Brad Ebert (26 disposals, nine tackles) went toe-to-toe with Rory Sloane (31 disposals, one goal) Richard Douglas (29 disposals, seven tackles) and Matt Crouch (32 disposals). Ultimately, it was Adelaide’s potent forward line that proved too much, namely Tex Walker and Eddie Betts, who combined for seven goals. Could we be looking at a 2017 Grand Final preview?

Rioli magic

Last week we saw Paul Puopolo take a soaring hanger, this week Daniel Rioli proved his family legacy with a Goal of the Year contender. Rioli follows up a marking contest by winning possession on the boundary line, 50 meters out from Richmond’s goal.

He shrugs a strong tackle from Brad Sheppard to keep the play alive, handballs to Prestia who immediately gives it back. Rioli darts around Jeremy McGovern to banana the ball under pressure 35 meters out, straight through the goals. No doubt there will be more where that came from, as Rioli has injected a burst of fresh life into Richmond’s dangerous undersized forward attack in 2017. 

THE BAD

Gawn for now

All footy fans sigh as reigning All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn is set to face an extensive time on the sidelines. Gawn injured his hamstring during Melbourne’s clash with Geelong on Saturday. The injury forced Jack Watts to take the rucking duties for the rest of the game, giving Geelong a significant advantage and assisting in their victory. The news got worse as we learnt Gawn may require surgery after scans revealed he damaged a tendon.

Norm Smith medalist Jason Johannisen missed close to three months last year following an early-season hamstring tendon injury. The timing is less than ideal for Melbourne who are already without Jordan Lewis for another two games and Jesse Hogan for another one following their suspensions.

Hero to zero

Just a year on, Hawthorn have gone from winning three straight premierships to losing their first three consecutive games, sitting dead last on the ladder. This is a shadow of the ruthless, daring, skillful and high-powered team that was impossible to score against and dominated the competition over the last five years.

Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell have left voids that can’t be filled and Jaeger O’Meara is still getting back up to the speed of the game after missing two years of footy. Could this team really tumble all the way to the bottom half of the ladder? A silver lining for Hawks fans is the early form of Tom Mitchell, averaging 34 disposals, five marks and six tackles. The Hawks look discombobulated right now and need more out of both their youngsters and veterans, whilst Ty Vickery hasn’t shown anything yet.

Minson in, retirement out?

A West Australian journalist would’ve liked his time over on Saturday night. In a post-game interview with Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, the journalist asked if ex- Bulldog Will Minson would be considered for selection in Round 4.

Beveridge blunted responded “It’s gonna be tough mate, he’s retired.” You must always remember to do your research. The Dockers looked like a completely different team on Saturday to the one from the opening two rounds, handing the reigning premiers their first loss for the season in a spirited performance at home. 

THE UGLY

A blue day

It reminded you of a patchy 80s game in the wet weather conditions as Carlton fought out a scrappy, downright ugly victory over Essendon on Sunday afternoon.

Rain poured in Melbourne as both sides squandered the ball all day, missing targets and dropping chest marks. It became a game of territory and will, with Carlton’s additional 23 inside 50s and 11 tackles the key barometers.

Murphy, as mentioned, lead sensationally from the front whilst Bryce Gibbs (35 disposals, nine tackles), Matthew Kreuzer (30 hit outs, 11 tackles, one goal) and Patrick Cripps (24 disposals, one goal) were also prominent. The win ends Essendon’s undefeated fantasy start to the season and opens up Brendan Bolton’s young troops.