The numbers that matter
The big winners of Round 8
Not for the first time in Chris Fagan's lengthy tenure as Brisbane Lions coach, they have quickly overcome a bit of a hiccup to storm their way up the ladder with four wins from their last five matches.
That has included some significant percentage boosters against Essendon and Adelaide to be on 126% with a 5-3 record, and one more accurate shot for goal three weeks back against the Demons would have instead had them on a six-game winning streak.
There were no signs of distractions on the field emanating from the 'whiteboard' saga that saw an Auskick parent leak Fagan's intelligence on their Bombers opponents, a practice that the 64-year-old has no plans on ending despite last week's exposure.
Brisbane's engine room is leading the competition for clearances at both centre ball-ups (16.3 per game) and at stoppages (24.8 per game), ensuring they have enjoyed first possession of each chain of play more often than any other side and can get the ball forward into an attacking unit with great variety from Logan Morris to Charlie Cameron, Kai Lohmann and Zac Bailey.
There should be plenty of depth to cover injured recruit Oscar Allen and likely another big percentage boost this week (Carlton at home) before a potentially tricky mid-season period.
The big losers of Round 8
Another game that Carlton should have had in the bag. This was meant to be a show of defiance to Tom De Koning and a St Kilda side who, despite going through some inconsistencies themselves, are where the Blues would have expected themselves to be at a minimum in 2026.
For the fifth time already in 2026, the Blues unwittingly converted a half-time lead into defeat, and for some unknown reason Michael Voss just can't keep his players focused and/or believing for a full four quarters.
That's 11 times since the start of last season that they led at the main break in a loss, underlining just how long it has been an issue for the club.
We saw against Melbourne and Adelaide what they can be capable of early in the piece, but not only have they been crumbling on the scoreboard after half-time, they have at times been reduced to pedestrians whilst doing so.
With their second half issues persisting for so long, who's to say Voss has the answers? Not many people believe he does - and if things don't get any better when they take on Brisbane, Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide and Geelong, the mid-season bye might be an opportune time for change.
Who kicked bags of goals in Round 8?
Sydney recruit Malcolm Rosas endeared himself to his new supporters with a career-best seven in the Swans' win over Melbourne.
He was ably supported by four from teammate Joel Amartey, whilst there were four-goal hauls for Geelong's Shaun Mannagh and the Lions trio of Logan Morris, Kai Lohmann and Zac Bailey.
The naughty boys
Sun Sam Clohesy has copped a two-week ban for the below incident. The remainder of citings will receive fines depending on whether they plead guilty or are found guilty by the tribunal.
Suspensions:
Sam Clohesy (Gold Coast) - Rough conduct - 2 matches
High-grade fines:
Elijah Hewett (West Coast) - Striking - $2000 or $3000
Low-grade fines:
Matthew Johnson (Fremantle) - Misconduct - $1000 or $1500
Patrick Cripps (Carlton) - Misconduct - $1000 or $1500
Harry Dean (Carlton) - Misconduct - $1000 or $1500
Ben Long (Gold Coast) - Misconduct - $1000 or $1500
Matthew Johnson (Fremantle) - Striking - $1000 or $1500
Ben Long (Gold Coast) - Striking - $1000 or $1500
Jye Caldwell (Essendon) - Umpire contact - $1000 or $1500
Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane) - Umpire contact - $1000 or $1500
Hugo Garcia (St Kilda) - Umpire contact - $1000 or $1500
Tom Papley (Sydney) - Wrestling - $1000 or $1500
Jack Steele (Melbourne) - Wrestling - $1000 or $1500
Goal of the Week
Whilst this wasn't the most skilful goal of the weekend - that gong probably goes to Fremantle's Hayden Young - the Showdown match-winner from Brayden Cook will be remembered (with fondness and with devastation) for many years to come.
Mark of the Week
Next weekend's fixtures
