1. Dogs (almost) beat Tigers at their own game
The Bulldogs took it to the Tigers for four quarters. From the opening bounce, Luke Beveridge's men played a high-risk, high-reward brand of footy which comprised of playing-on at every opportunity, using the corridor and utilising forward handballs – tactics Richmond has mastered. Too often this season, opposition sides have been too apprehensive to play an attacking style of football against the reigning premiers. But the Dogs were led by midfielders Jack Macrae (43 disposals, seven tackles and one goal) and Lachie Hunter (35 and five inside 50s), and had stellar support from Josh Dunkley (28 and two goals) and Caleb Daniel (29). It would have been one of the upsets of the season, but three shots on goal from the Dogs during the final term hit the post, including Brad Lynch's shot with less than one-minute remaining.
2. Has Jack done enough to win the Coleman?
Jack Riewoldt currently leads the Coleman Medal race after his five-goal haul – including his 600th career goal – in the Tigers' nailbiting three-point win over the Bulldogs. Riewoldt (now 65) is seven goals ahead of closest rival Ben Brown (58), while Lance Franklin (57) is eight behind. A bag of six goals last weekend meant Tom Hawkins remained in the hunt, but the Cats spearhead could only manage two goals against Gold Coast earlier in the day. Riewoldt now faces a nervous wait as Brown plays the Saints on Sunday, while Franklin faces his former side Hawthorn on Saturday night. In career-best form, Riewoldt is in pole position to collect his third Coleman Medal, having already claimed the League's lead goalkicking award in 2010 and 2012.
3. Silver Linings Playbook
Contrary to the 2012 Academy Award winning romantic comedy, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is the director of this remake. The Dogs' list has endured a wretched run of misfortune this season, with more than 10 of their best 22 currently sidelined due to injury. The silver lining though, is the opportunity it has given Beveridge's most inexperienced players. Youngsters Macrae, Josh Dunkley, Aaron Naughton (18 disposals), Ed Richards (10) and Billy Gowers (three goals) have all been gallant. Saturday afternoon's clash between the two sides provided a stark contrast. The Western Bulldogs fielded 10 players with less than 50 games' experience, meanwhile Richmond was blessed with just three – Nathan Broad, Jack Graham and Jack Higgins. The Bulldogs have endured a disappointing season heightened by injuries, leaving them out of finals contention for a second-straight year. But with a list teeming with youth, the Dogs' forthcoming screenplay looks promising.
4. Can Dusty win back-to-back Brownlows?
After a somewhat subdued start the season – inhibited by a persistent calf complaint – Dustin Martin remains a chance to win the Brownlow Medal, particularly after Saturday's barnstorming display against the Western Bulldogs. Martin began prolifically, amassing 10 disposals, three clearances and three inside 50s in the first term alone. Compared to his extraordinary Brownlow medal-winning 2017 season, Martin has dropped off in average disposals, goals and tackles but the Tigers onballer is still producing elite numbers: Score involvements (ranked first in the League), inside 50s (first) and clearances (second). Martin was one of the Tigers' best with a team-high 33 disposals and nine clearances to inspire the thrilling three-point victory.
