1. Boyd is the Bulldogs' best ruck bet
The Western Bulldogs are clearly still toying with their ruck division this season. After electing to play Tom Campbell in the VFL following his return from an ankle injury, the Dogs used Josh Dunkley and Lin Jong at most of the ruck contests in the first quarter of Saturday night's win over Richmond. The strategy saw the Tigers dominate the hit-outs in that term 20-1. Although the Bulldogs still managed to win the clearances 11-9 in that time, they looked a better team when Tom Boyd moved into the ruck after quarter-time. After just three possessions and one mark in attack in the first term, Boyd finished with 19 touches, 25 hit-outs, five marks (one contested), six clearances and six inside 50s, and was one of the main catalysts in the Bulldogs' comeback win, particularly in the frantic final quarter. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said after the match Boyd could become a key forward in time, but for now was a ruckman. Although the Bulldogs will probably have to use Boyd in attack for decent stretches until Travis Cloke and others return from injury, they will be stronger when he spends most of his time in the ruck. - Nick Bowen

2. Isaac Heeney is back to his best
The Swans had a few key names missing early in the season, and Heeney's bout of glandular fever robbed them of the gun midfielder they had counted on to fill the void left by Tom Mitchell's departure to Hawthorn. The Swans Academy product missed the first four games of the year before returning in the Sydney derby against the Giants, and while he's warmed his way back into senior footy, he was red hot against the Lions. Heeney started with 11 possessions in the opening term, and although his output dropped away after quarter-time, his aggressive work around stoppages and in general play was maintained throughout the entire game. With his rugby league background shining through, Heeney's tackling was brutal at times, as was his attack on the Lions players, with coach John Longmire acknowledging post-match that Heeney's "play for keeps" style is why he's so highly rated by the club. With an attitude to match his physical prowess and undoubted talent, the 21-year-old will be one of the game's most complete players in time, and by the looks of it, he won't keep us waiting long. - Adam Curley

3. Even Greater Western Sydney's depth is going to be tested
The Giants' surprise loss to St Kilda came at a cost on Friday night, with reliable and tough defender Adam Kennedy suffering what is expected to be a season-ending knee injury. It follows the same major injury for defender Matt Buntine several weeks ago, and also comes on the back of Nick Haynes' long-term hamstring tear. Coach Leon Cameron admitted his club's injury list was mounting and that it would take an extra effort to cover some of the missing players, which was evident in their defeat to the Saints when the Giants appeared a little wounded and weary. Lachie Whitfield will return from suspension in coming week, if not this Saturday against Collingwood, but having shed plenty of depth players in recent trade periods, the Giants could face a challenge if any more injuries pop up. - Callum Twomey

4. Bumper draft crop one to remember
Some draft years clubs just can't go wrong – and the 2016 class was one of those. Essendon rested No.1 pick Andy McGrath this weekend, but he has composure in spades and a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination already tucked away. Two other high selections, Carlton's Sam Petrevski-Seton (No.6) and Greater Western Sydney's Tim Taranto (No.2), look set to battle it out to be the next nominee. Petrevski-Seton was best afield, or at least close to it, in Carlton's boilover against the struggling Magpies on Saturday. The West Australian compiled 21 tidy and creative disposals and a pair of goals among seven scoring involvements. Taranto, back in the Giants' line-up, was also influential under the Friday night lights. He had a more modest 12 possessions, but added a clever goal and laid six tackles. Petrevski-Seton is the man most likely this week, with Taranto's turn coming soon. Lion Hugh McCluggage, Suns Ben Ainsworth and Jack Bowes, and Roo Jy Simpkin are others to watch closely. - Marc McGowan

5. We had better take notice of North
Brad Scott had implored his side to maintain faith in their game-plan and ability as the Kangaroos endured the slings and arrows that come with a 0-5 start to the season. Their win against Gold Coast hinted at a side that was finding form, but the performance against Adelaide on Saturday in Hobart told the competition it's time to sit up and take notice. With Jarrad Waite's return adding an extra edge up forward, Robbie Tarrant, Scott Thompson and Lachie Hansen standing tall in the back half and a potent mix of grunt and finesse around the ground, the Kangaroos definitely have the tools. If their form holds, they could conceivably win through to their Round 12 bye which would line them up beautifully for a run towards September footy. - Stu Warren

6. David Swallow reminded everyone just how good he is
Playing just his fifth game since 2015, David Swallow was not Gold Coast's best player against Geelong, but he was one of its most influential. Missing the best part of 20 months with persistent knee problems, it's easy to forget how good the former No.1 draft pick is. In his last full season – 2014 – he was a best and fairest winner. Swallow gives the Suns midfield a hard edge they miss without him. Against the Cats, the 24-year-old battering ram finished with 23 disposals (20 contested) and 10 clearances. His beautiful right-foot snapped goal after sharking a Peter Wright tap in the third quarter was a highlight. With Swallow back, Gold Coast is a much better team. - Michael Whiting

7. Yeo is developing into a game-changer for the Eagles
It hasn't always been smooth sailing for Elliot Yeo since he made the move west in 2014, but the 23-year-old is finding his niche as a damaging half-back, who provides valuable minutes through the midfield. Yeo was outstanding for the Eagles in Saturday's night's 10-point win against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. He collected a team-high 27 possessions to go with 10 marks, providing valuable drive out of the back half to propel the Eagles into attack. His composure was greatly needed as the Eagles conceded a massive 29 more inside 50s than their opposition, but were able to shut down the Power's forwards. - Lee Gaskin

8. Freo should persist with Matt Taberner
A smaller forward line worked for the Dockers during their resurgent three-game winning streak, but Ross Lyon's side was dominated in the air during the Western Derby and desperately needed another big man to bring the ball to ground. After being repeatedly overlooked in the opening six rounds, forward-ruck Taberner came in against the Bombers and was the perfect foil for Cam McCarthy and Shane Kersten, offering another avenue to goal with Michael Walters again below his best. Taberner was made to earn his recall and it showed, with the 23-year-old starting confidently with Freo's opening major and marking strongly at the top of the goalsquare in the third term to reduce the margin to a solitary point and slotting a crucial major in the fourth quarter. He finished with four goals and nine marks in a commanding performance to help his side to victory. Into his fifth season and with 46 games under his belt, it's time for Taberner to stand up and grab his chance, and his performance on Sunday was a step in the right direction. - Travis King

9. O'Brien provides a previously missing forward link
Much of the credit for Hawthorn's boilover victory over Melbourne must go to experienced campaigners such as Jarryd Roughead, Shaun Burgoyne and Luke Hodge, but the individual performance that most pleased Hawks fans was that of developing forward Tim O'Brien. The 23-year-old custodian of the Hawks' famous No. 23 guernsey moved well as a lead-up half-forward, plucking game-high tallies of marks (10) and contested marks (five), and slotting two goals – the first being a superb angle conversion from 40 metres that opened Hawthorn's account. The South Australian has contributed six goals in his past three outings and is part of the Hawks' next generation that must drive the club. - Ben Collins