A final-term goal to Jamie Elliott hammers a nail in the Melbourne coffin on Monday. Photo: AFL MEDIA

RICHMOND 11.11 (77) defeated PORT ADELAIDE 10.5 (65)
Liam Baker led the Tigers to an important win, kicking one goal and setting up another in the decisive final quarter. Dustin Martin and debutant Judson Clarke kicked two each for Richmond and Dion Prestia was busy around the contest to help co-captain Dylan Grimes celebrate his 200th game with a win. But the aftermath was dominated by a concussion-related controversy as Power coach Ken Hinkley bristled at questions about his club’s handling of Tom Jonas and Zak Butters. The pair clashed heads while attempting to tackle the elusive Baker late in the game but were not made to go through concussion protocols. Travis Boak and Karl Amon fought against the tide for Port and Todd Marshall kicked three goals.

ESSENDON 7.12 (54) lost to CARLTON 12.8 (80)
The Bombers’ best work was done before the opening bounce as club legends took part in a fitting pre-match tribute to the club on its 150th anniversary. The biggest roar was reserved for James Hird as he returned to Essendon in an official capacity for the first time since standing down as coach. Dyson Heppell gave a rousing pre-match address but it didn’t stop Carlton spoiling the party. Harry McKay (three goals) and Charlie Curnow (two) benefitted as the Blues’ midfield got on top despite losing Adam Cerra to a hamstring injury. Sam Docherty, Patrick Cripps and George Hewett were all influential. The Bombers’ disappointing night got worse when prolific midfielder Darcy Parish was subbed out with a calf complaint.

FREMANTLE 14.11 (95) defeated HAWTHORN 12.10 (82)
Nat Fyfe got through his comeback match with 22 disposals, six clearances and a goal as the Dockers rode a stern challenge to prevail at home. There was a familiar look to the performance as Andy Brayshaw starred again and Fremantle put its foot down during a six-goal third quarter to take control. The Dockers spread the goals, with Bailey Banfield, Tavis Colyer, Lachie Schultz and Michael Walters kicking two each, but they lost Blake Acres to a suspected serious hamstring injury. Hawthorn’s set-shot accuracy put it firmly in the hunt early and a 10-point lead at half-time had fans believing an upset was possible. The Hawks trailed by just six points when Luke Breust kicked his second goal nearing time-on in the final term before Brayhsaw kicked the sealer.

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BRISBANE 10.18 (78) defeated ST KILDA 8.9 (57)
There was injury carnage at the Gabba as the home side lost Dayne Zorko (hamstring) and the visitors finished without Zak Jones (hamstring), Mitch Owens and Dan McKenzie (both concussion). McKenzie was hurt when he hit his head on the turf after taking a spectacular aerial grab. Joe Daniher kicked three goals on return for the Lions, lining up alongside fellow tall forwards Eric Hipwood and Dan McStay for the first time in 11 months. Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage were brilliant for Brisbane, which did enough to leap back into second spot. St Kilda was in the game when a Dan Butler goal put it within a kick during the final term. But Daniher and Lincoln McCarthy shut the gate for the inaccurate Lions in the dying stages.

NORTH MELBOURNE 7.11 (53) lost to GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 15.12 (102)
GWS put this one to bed early by slamming on the first seven goals of the match. The Kangaroos were held goalless in the opening quarter – the fifth time in their last 10 quarters of football – and looked all at sea. Their first major didn’t come until almost 10 minutes into the second term. A revitalised Stephen Coniglio continued to relish his move back to the midfield with 34 disposals and three goals as Harry Himmelberg ran riot in defence. The Giants’ leading goal-kicker starred at half-back with 37 disposals, 16 marks and 11 intercepts. James Peatling and Jake Riccardi kicked three goals each as Callan Ward (30 disposals) played an integral part in his 200th match for GWS. Luke Davies-Uniacke (33 disposals) and Jy Simpkin (22) fought hard in a losing cause for North, while No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis is in hot water for a high shot on Josh Kelly.

COLLINGWOOD 12.10 (82) defeated MELBOURNE 8.8 (56)
Mason Cox played out of his skin as Collingwood flipped a 20-point deficit on its head with an irresistible surge in the second half. The result was another upset to boost the Pies’ finals hopes and a third-straight defeat for Melbourne amid off-field troubles that threaten to derail its premiership defence. Brody Mihocek kicked four goals for Collingwood and Nick Daicos, Jack Crisp and Brayden Maynard were influential through the middle, while Jamie Elliott produced the goods in some big moments. Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Christian Petracca all racked up plenty of touches for the Dees, who were ultimately outworked by the plucky underdogs. Cox finished with 21 disposals and a goal as chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” rang out around the MCG in scenes reminiscent of the 2018 preliminary final.