It was one of the tightest AFL rounds on record with seven games decided by 15 points or less and the first draw of the season.
Max Gawn continued his resurgence in the ruck, the Dons snagged their fifth win from six games and the Giants booked their post-season trip to Geelong because they love it so much.
What else did we learn in Round 9?
1 – It’s Gawn vs Xerri for AA
Nine rounds into the season and it’s safe to say the chatter around All-Australian blazers will only heat up from here.
One of the most interesting positions to fill will be the ruck, with the likes of Tristan Xerri, Lloyd Meek, Darcy Cameron and Tom De Koning putting their hands up with their early-season form.
However, Dees skipper Max Gawn has flown back into favouritism over the past two weeks with a career-high 35 disposals and 47 hit-outs against West Coast before monstering Meek with 33-24 hit-outs and 19-6 disposals.
While Gawn leads the AFL in hit-outs with 331, Xerri is single-handedly keeping the Roos competitive with a league-high 109 hit-outs to advantage.
Gawn’s 21.6 disposals per game leads Xerri’s 18, meaning we are in for one heck of a run to the end of the year as these two continue to go toe-to-toe for that blazer. Just don’t tell North supporters…
2 – Bombers’ D quietly improving
Don’t look now Essendon fans, but your defence is really stacking up over recent weeks.
After giving up scores of 111 (Haw) and 161 (Ade) in their first two games of 2025, the Dons have gone to work over their defensive tactics and given up just 70.6ppg in their six outings since.
While the Pies piled on 107 on Anzac Day, the Bombers haven’t allowed more than 75 points in the other five and have coincidentally pieced together five wins from their past six games.
It was unfortunate to lose Jordan Ridley (hamstring) last weekend, but the likes of Zach Reid, Mason Redman and Jaxon Prior are well and truly stepping up in his absence.
Sitting ninth on the ladder and within one game of Adelaide in fifth, could it be time to start dreaming again for Dons fans?
3 – Suns shine in the Top End
There’s no doubt about it, the Suns shine in Australia’s Top End.
Gold Coast’s incredible record in Darwin was put to the test when they hosted the in-form Bulldogs on Saturday night, but they managed to hold on by 10 points after a final-term surge from the Dogs.
It was the Suns’ seventh-straight win in Darwin since 2022.
The heat, humidity and NT talent on their list certainly bodes well for Damien Hardwick’s men, but they still need to perform on the big stage.
They officially hold the best ‘home away from home’ record in the League, nudging out Hawthorn’s dominant record in Launceston.
Granny in Darwin anyone?
4 – Are the Cats actually Giant bunnies?
It’s hard to believe but the all-conquering, always-on, we-don’t-rebuild Geelong FC might actually be a bunny.
It was another herculean performance from Greater Western Sydney on Sunday as they held on for a four-point victory over the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.
It was the fifth consecutive win for the Orange Tsunami in G-Town, confirming they’ve got the locals’ measure in their own backyard.
Jesse Hogan was unstoppable with seven goals and 22 disposals in arguably the best individual performance of the season, while Tom Green (37) and Finn Callaghan (29) had 11 tackles and 10 clearances between them.
In more positive news for the Giants, it was the eighth venue they’ve played at in nine weeks, meaning they’ll be storming towards finals with a raft of home games in front of their faithful.
5 – We still don’t need extra-time
As far as 1st vs 17th clashes go, Sunday afternoon’s thriller between North Melbourne and Brisbane was as good as we could’ve hoped for at Ninja Stadium.
Despite being (almost) unbackable short-priced favourites, the reigning premiers failed to put the Roos away and were lucky to escape with the two points after leading by 20 at half-time.
The age-old commentary surrounding extra-time always gets a run when draws occur, but neither side deserved to win (nor lose) as both had chances to seal the game.
The two premiership points add intrigue to the machinations at the top of the ladder when home finals are up for grabs.
Perhaps most fascinatingly is how Clarko teaches his chargers to win close games, having gone down to Port by nine and the Bombers by three before this week.
Stay tuned.