"His Signature Might Be The Most Important Thing In Football": 9 Lessons From Round 17

1. The Deadliest Forward Line in Footy? Naughton & Darcy Set the Tone for a September Storm

The Western Bulldogs have one of the most dynamic forward lines in the competition, with a firing forward line consisting of pillars Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy. They combined for nine goals last Thursday night, offering a glimpse of what the duo can provide for the Dogs in a September run.

The forward line is also enhanced by a brigade of small pressure forwards capable of hitting the scoreboard, and additionally midfielders with incredible goal-scoring prowess like Marcus Bontempelli.

Sam Darcy is prime for September footy

2. Is This the End for Michael Voss? Blues Embarrassed in Friday Night Horror Show

Worrying signs at Ikon Park for the Blues. A 56-point loss to its biggest rivals on a Friday night at the MCG: inexcusable. Its main man Charlie Curnow is under the most intense scrutiny, failing to kick a goal in his last three matchups.

The Blues play the reigning premiers in a clash that may define Michael Voss and his coaching future at the Blues after what would be his 83rd game.

The Blues are currently in turmoil

3. Finn Callaghan Might Be the Breakout Star Who Takes GWS Deep in September

Finn Callaghan has cemented himself as a force in the AFL with an impressive performance in a dominant Giants victory at Optus Stadium last Friday night. He notched 37 disposals and 854 metres gained, proving to be everywhere around the ground.

Callaghan also hit the scoreboard, displaying that facet of his game. If the Giants can make it deep into September, Finn will be a massive reason why.

Finn Callaghan is one of the brightest young stars in the AFL

4. Gold Coast Look Ready to Break the Drought

A mature 41-point win against Essendon at Marvel Stadium further proves why the most successful season in their history will be their first finals berth.

This wasn't just a regular game for the Suns, this was a statement to the rest of the league to show they're ready. After failing to compete in their first 14 seasons, the coaching from 3× premiership coach Damien Hardwick, as well as their dominant midfield, could prove the difference this year.

Can Dimma get a 4th flag as a coach?

5. Jeremy Cameron is the Key to This Geelong Success

Another week of Jeremy Cameron being a pivotal force in the forward line. The past month he has played mainly as the key forward, kicking 14 goals in the past 3 games and proving the reason why the Geelong Cats are one of the flag favourites.

The 32-year-old is currently leading the Coleman Medal in his 14th season, showcasing his elite level.

Cameron is currently in line to win his 2nd career Coleman Medal

6. Back-to-Back is Becoming Increasingly Likely

Nine months after the Lions' 2024 Premiership, they are looking better than they have ever looked with a convincing win over Port Adelaide.

Currently second on the ladder, the Lions are timing their run perfectly and will be right there again come the last Saturday of September.

Can anyone stop them in September?

7. In-Demand Star Just Upped The Price

One of the most talked-about off-season moves all year has been young gun Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who had a career-high 43 disposals on the weekend in the loss to Hawthorn. With his decision still yet to be made — on going back home to South Australia or staying at St Kilda — his form this year has upped his price even more.

Nasiah is currently averaging 29.9 disposals this season, which puts him into All-Australian conversations at only 22 years old. His signature might be the most important thing in football.

The most important decision for St Kilda since Tony Lockett

8. Tagging Still Wins Games — Swans Show How to Beat Freo

It was the Swans' work in quelling the damage of the Fremantle stars that proved the difference in a tight affair on Sunday afternoon. It was James Jordan that did the critical job on Caleb Serong. Serong, who is having a fantastic year averaging 27.4 disposals and 8 clearances a game, was limited to just 11 disposals and 1 clearance.

Further, rebounding defender Jordan Clark, who has had a significant last month averaging over 30 disposals, was limited to just 13 disposals. It is these types of jobs that will give the Swans every chance to miraculously make the top 8 come season's end.

James Jordan shows why he is the best tagger in the game

9. Inaccuracy Isn't the Demons’ Biggest Worry

The Melbourne Demons have now lost 5 straight games and inaccuracy has been a big reason for it. But is that their biggest worry?

With the accumulating losses, it's now time to ask questions about their star players.

Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, and Jake Lever have all headlined trade rumours this past year. It is time to start again and build through the draft?

Are the Dees done