In their first two-and-a-half seasons, we've seen glimpses of the young Suns' brilliance with the ball – now we're seeing it without the ball. Despite having 77 disposals more than the Kangaroos on Saturday night, Gold Coast's new-found defensive pressure was at an all-time high, recording a remarkable 101 tackles (to North's 106) in the wet conditions. Not only did Aaron Hall (10 tackles) and experienced pair Tom Murphy (eight) and Michael Rischitelli (seven) do plenty of the grunt work, but so did third-gamer Tom Nicholls (10), second-gamer Timmy Sumner (six) and rookie sensation Jaeger O'Meara (six). The kids are following the lead and working both ways now. - Michael Whiting
2. Melbourne has a new benchmark to meet
Most aspects of the Demons' game unravelled after quarter-time, but their effort in the first term against Collingwood on Monday should be seen as a new standard for the 1-10 team to replicate each week. In perhaps their most encouraging start to a game this season, Jack Watts won the ball in contests, Colin Sylvia laid five tackles for the quarter, and captain Jack Trengove led by example. The Demons conceded 10 unanswered goals thereafter in another heavy defeat on the marquee day of their season, and coach Mark Neeld should ask why the effort of the first term wasn't repeated. - Nathan Schmook
3. Jeremy Cameron is good enough to win the Coleman
Four goals against Geelong took Cameron's tally for the year to 31. With two matches still to be completed in round 11, that left him equal third in the Coleman Medal race behind current leader Josh Kennedy of West Coast. That in itself is already a remarkable effort for a key forward in a side yet to win a game and that is regularly hammered in inside 50s. But with the Giants showing their best form of the year against the Cats, suggesting they could improve strongly in the second half of the season, Cameron could yet have a say in this year's Medal. - James Dampney
4. The Crows should have taken Jesse White
Adelaide could have landed Jesse White along with the Swans' first-round pick (no. 23) for Kurt Tippett, but the Crows eventually turned the deal down. You can safely bet they would have wanted him on Saturday night. Concerns over his ability at the top level were alleviated with an outstanding three-goal, 13-disposal, seven-mark effort as the Swans' last-choice tall forward. The 25-year-old has had trouble consistently producing quality games throughout his career, his talent was on full show against Adelaide. He can play – make no mistake about that. White's goal from a tight angle in the third quarter, after outrunning an opponent was brilliant. - Harry Thring
5. The double chance is a pipe dream for Carlton
After finals appearances in 2009-11 and the post-season arrival of new coach Mick Malthouse, the Blues were widely tipped to give the top four a huge shake this season. After 11 rounds, their hopes of securing a double chance this September are already fading. Malthouse said after Friday night's loss to Essendon his team had lacked the consistency of the competition's best teams in 2013, with 10-minute lapses costly in its four losses by 17 points or less. Malthouse said he had yet to fully work out which Carlton players could stand up under the pressure applied by the powerhouse teams. He will know more after Carlton's next three games, against Hawthorn, the Sydney Swans and Collingwood. - Nick Bowen
6. The Eagles still have hope
They might have a tough draw coming up but Sunday's four-point win over St Kilda has kept West Coast in contention to push for a top-eight berth in the second half of the season. The Eagles took a punt by resting a handful of sore players. Beau Waters, Josh Kennedy, Darren Glass and Mark LeCras all missed the game, with coach John Worsfold admitting the lure was a two-week rest, thanks to next week's bye. The risk only narrowly paid off, but with some big names due back when the Eagles resume their season on June 21 against Hawthorn, they're now in a position to build with their season still alive. - Jennifer Phelan
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
