Dixon’s doing plenty

We called it as one of the best performances by a KPF to not to have a goal. Most of the faithful on social media agreed. So what if Dixon doesn’t kick a goal? If he’s setting up opportunities for his teammates to score, surely it’s just as important. Clearly Ken Hinkley and Nathan Buckley agree – they gave him seven votes towards the AFLCA Coaches’ Award.

Stuff like this unselfish square-up is the reason why Dixon has been so damaging. He knows when to take a shot, and when to find the better option. READ MORE

Some blokes make better forwards

Ken Hinkley has nicely hacked his player roles with success. First we saw Jackson Trengove take over the ruck with aplomb. Aaron Young has been an all-season success story, and now there's Jarman Impey.

Jars was freakishly good, lapping up the sodden MCG turf with his feet and absolutely dominating the match. It was a career-best game for Impey and he is clearly thriving in his new attacking role. Like Aaron Young, some blokes clearly revel in the forward lines. AFLCA: JARS GETS PERFECT 10

Port’s outs don’t matter

And no, we're not talking about the large emphasis on Collingwood's outs during Sunday's game.

With no Carlile, Hombsch, Jonas, Lobbe, Schulz, Ryder, Monfries or White? No worries. Port has performed well without many of its usual first-choice players out of its side since the Brisbane game.

While acknowledging a poor (and costly) performance against Carlton, the Power has been building since the West Coast game and with two wins on the trot has reached the halfway mark of the season at 6-5. 

If Port can continue its solid form against the Bulldogs and Freo, it will hit the bye in great shape.

The new guys are going all right

Among those brought into replace Port’s seasoned players are newbies Darcy Byrne-Jones, Dougal Howard and Logan Austin. All have played fewer than 10 games, but none have looked out of place. Byrne-Jones’s performance has been noted, but Howard has been clearly growing in confidence and composure and Austin was solid on debut.

It’s a good sign for the Power, and their coaches will be keen to have plenty of competition for spots when those mature players are ready to return. AUSTIN HUNGRY FOR MORE