What is it about Geelong vs. Hawthorn? For the best part of a decade, the two powerhouse teams have played out countless thrilling contests, and their titanic battle on Saturday produced another finish for the ages, with Isaac Smith's go-ahead kick in the final seconds sailing just wide to allow the Cats to hold on.

Speaking of big rivalries, the Swans made a statement, powering past the Giants to claim their ninth win in 10 matches. Make no mistake, the Swans are coming.

The Crows flexed their muscles against Melbourne in the heat and humidity of Darwin, Port did likewise at Adelaide Oval against North Melbourne, while Essendon were perhaps even most impressive in their belligerent takedown of the previously high-flying Saints on Friday night.

On Sunday, Dustin Martin led the Tigers to a much needed win over Brisbane, despite a sluggish first half. The young Blues showed spirit but couldn't outdo the resurgent Bulldogs and in the final game of the round, West Coast proved they're the masters of the West in a rout against Fremantle.

HEROES

Tom Lynch: Just over two weeks ago, Lynch was forced into intensive care with viral meningitis. It knocked the underrated forward around and it would have been completely understandable if he took some time to get back to his best. Lynch showed he had other ideas during his quicker-than-expected return against Melbourne in Darwin. He collected 27 disposals, took 11 marks and booted three goals to be one of his team's best in the powerful win. An incredible effort considering he was bedridden in hospital just weeks prior.

Tom Lynch and Eddie Betts celebrate a goal. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Patrick Dangerfield: Is there anything Dangerfield can't do? A hush enveloped the MCG on Saturday when the star midfielder was helped from the ground with a serious-looking leg injury early against Hawthorn. Would the injury allow the Hawks to steal an upset win? Could it cost him the Brownlow Medal? Might Geelong's premiership dreams be cruelly crushed? All of those questions were answered in dramatic fashion as Dangerfield, clearly hampered by the injury, booted five goals, six behinds to almost single-handedly drag his team over the line in a thrilling win against their fierce rivals.

Patrick Dangerfield marks Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Goals of the Year: It was too hard to split them so we had to combine both here. In the final term of the Sydney derby with the Swans up by six, Lance Franklin marked 50m out on the boundary and on the wrong side for a left footer. All of those factors didn't matter as Buddy slotted a remarkable goal to put the result beyond doubt. In Darwin things didn't go the Demons way but as the third term came to a close, Jayden Hunt decided to unleash a Malcolm Blight-esque torp from 60+ metres out and put a sweetener on the loss.

VILLAINS

St Kilda: What a difference two hours of inept football makes. Before Friday night's clash against Essendon, the Saints were the darling of the AFL world, having stormed to four straight victories, including a commanding win against Richmond. It was immediately obvious the Saints were 'off', going goalless in the first term and never getting out of second (maybe even first) gear against the red-hot Dons. In such an even season, such losses could cost teams a spot in September.

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Head in the Game: Brisbane may well be glued to the bottom of the ladder but they're proving that they won't go away easily. They niggle and push teams around, unfortunately Nick Robertson took that a step too far during the third team against the Tigers. With a little under seven minutes to play in the term, Robertson forced the ball and Tigers captain Trent Cotchin out and while the two exchanged pleasantries, Robertson decided to headbutt the skipper. With that act he'll more likely than not earn himself some time on the sidelines.

Nick Robertson of the Lions clashes with Richmond's Trent Cotchin. Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Momentum Killer: Down by 21 with under 10 minutes to go in the game, the Blues had to do everything right if they were to pull off the upset. With the intensity lifting and the momentum turning their way, they surged forward and the ball ended up in the hands of Levi Casboult about 20 metres from home on a 45 degree angle. A goal and the game was up for the taking, Casboult sauntered in and slammed the ball into the left goal post and effectively put a halt to the Blues run. Goal kicking has had its up and down moments this season, safe to say this was a big down time.