The numbers that matter
The big winners of Round 3
West Coast Eagles set a new VFL/AFL record as the fastest team to overtake their win tally from the previous season when they registered their second win of 2026, upsetting Port Adelaide by two points in the early Sunday afternoon game.
Their rebuild stalled for several years and appeared to be stuck despite the hype of a midfield built around number one draft pick Harley Reid, but we are now beginning to see what head coach Andrew McQualter described on Sunday as "a growing maturity" from Reid as well as other young leaders such as Willem Duursma.
Jake Waterman was instrumental in the comeback with four goals beyond quarter time, whilst Jobe Shanahan spearheaded the defence with some crucial marks in their back 50.
Exceeding a win tally of one is not a high bar to clear by any means, but the comeback victory over Port should be especially buoying given the way several of their players stood up in clutch moments, and the fact that it was their first away victory over Port in 2018.
It does, however, look like things are beginning to come together and move in the right direction. A home game against the Swans will be another interesting indication of where they are at.
The big losers of Round 3
Carlton Blues look a long way behind West Coast in 2026, having seen their Premiership window shut firmly in 2023 after their preliminary final defeat.
They equalled an unwanted record at the weekend when becoming just the third team in history to lose after kicking the first seven goals of the game, squandering a 44-1 lead in dramatic circumstances.
It's understandable that patience is quickly running out with head coach Michael Voss, who couldn't even command the team to hold onto a significant lead. Perhaps it's time that somebody injects a new force of energy into a squad that is badly sinking.
At least it made for some entertaining content from SEN's partisan "Blues Radio" call as some shattered Carlton supporters called the implosion in real time.
If this writer learned one thing, it's that Australian sport needs more one-eyed commentary teams for moments like this.
The naughty boys
Here are the charges from the games that took place Thursday through to Saturday and the penalties available for a guilty plea or if found guilty at the tribunal. The review of Sunday's matches is set to be announced on Tuesday after Tristan Xerri's case is heard on Monday night.
Tristan Xerri (North Melbourne) - Serious misconduct - referred directly to tribunal
Sam Draper (Brisbane Lions) - Forceful front-on contact - $2000 or $3000
Sam Durham (Essendon) - Rough conduct - $1500 or $2500
Max Holmes (Geelong) - Careless contact with an umpire - $1000 or $1500
Liam Ryan (St Kilda) - Instigating a melee - $1000 or $1500
Beau McCreery (Collingwood) - Careless contact with an umpire - $1000 or $1500
Ned Long (Collingwood) - Striking - $1000 or $1500
Coleman Medal race
Goal of the Week
Geelong's Jack Martin produced this magnificent bit of skill and speed late in the fourth quarter to give the Cats a crucial goal in their narrow win.
Mark of the Week
Alix Tauru gets style points for his high fly, but Jobe Shanahan's huge pack grab denied Port Adelaide an opportunity in the dying moments to snatch a win.
Next weekend's fixtures
