1. The Hawks are riding (on the horses) back into flag favouritism
A Darryl Braithwaite classic is perhaps an unorthodox choice for your interstate victory song. But a taste for early '90s power ballads isn't why the Hawks are back-to-back premiers. On Saturday night, footy's thoroughbreds showed they have the determination for the three-peat. Coming into round 19, the Hawks were ranked 11th in the AFL for tackles per game with 66.1, and had never laid 100 tackles in a game under Alastair Clarkson.  Against the Eagles, they laid 101 tackles to 67 in a fierce display. Liam Shiels led the way with 17 tackles himself - he fell just two tackles shy of the AFL record set by former Sydney Swan Jude Bolton in 2011. Despite last week's humbling by the Tigers, the Hawks remain the competition's best in most facets of the game. But their ability to adapt to all conditions and opponents is the reason why they remain flag favourites. – Alex Malcolm

2. The Sydney Swans are in a serious slump
There were excuses. After all, 'Buddy' Franklin was missing and the build-up had been extraordinary given the debate surrounding champion veteran Adam Goodes. But the Swans kicked just one goal after half-time against Geelong and did not look likely to win for most of the night. The most uncharacteristic aspect of the performance was that the Swans were beaten around the ball, in tight. Their coach bemoans their inconsistency and this year, the only two top-eight teams they have beaten are Hawthorn and Geelong, who have both beaten the Swans in their most recent encounters. The Swans are out of the top four and in trouble. - Peter Ryan

3. Are the Kangaroos contenders or pretenders? We're about to find out
It seemed ludicrous to think the Roos could challenge for the top four – and therefore be in the premiership mix – after their nightmare loss to Gold Coast in round 14, but that's now the reality. The Kangas' early season stumbles saw many pundits write them off. However as their fixture has opened up towards the back half of the year, last year's preliminary finalists have started to rediscover their groove. Suddenly, Brad Scott's outfit is sixth on the ladder with a bullet after five straight wins. History says teams have to finish in the top four and earn the double chance to be genuine flag threats. Though the Roos have a tricky run home against St Kilda, Fremantle, the Western Bulldogs and Richmond, the door into fourth spot is now ajar. If they can sneak through it, anything could happen in this remarkably even season. – Travis King

4. The Tigers are dull without their brightest star
Any side is going to seriously miss a player of Brett Deledio's calibre, but Richmond's performance without him – particularly against Adelaide – would have fans quite worried indeed. The Tigers struggled badly in his absence earlier in the season and since round seven he's been number one at Richmond for ground ball gets, clearances and tackles inside forward 50 and second for scoreboard impact and disposals inside forward 50. With Deledio out through illness, Richmond was obliterated by the Crows in a performance that suggested the club would struggle to make any impact in September unless the 28-year-old is fit. - Harry Thring

5. The Bulldogs have an unconventional forward set up capable of tearing teams apart
If you asked a handful of supporters who the spearhead of the Western Bulldogs' forward line is, you would likely get a few different responses. That says much about what the Dogs have built this year under coach Luke Beveridge, who has steered the club into the top four in a remarkable first season in charge. Jake Stringer is probably the leading option in attack, and has kicked 40 goals for the season after his four-goal haul in the Dogs’ 64-point win over Port Adelaide on Saturday. Tory Dickson’s three goals took his count to 37 for the year, while Stewart Crameri again did his bit for three goals. On top of those three medium options, big target Jack Redpath booted four final-term majors. Saturday’s win over the Power showed the Dogs’ forward line is an unusual mix, and they will be difficult to contain come September. - Callum Twomey

6. Patrick Cripps v Jesse Hogan is a doozy 
The race to be named this year's NAB AFL Rising Star turned into a two-man race in round 19, with Carlton's Patrick Cripps and Melbourne's Jesse Hogan accelerating ahead of the pack in brilliant fashion. Cripps looked to have sealed the award with his season-best 35 possessions and 11 clearances against Collingwood on Saturday, but Hogan responded on Sunday with a magnificent four-goal performance against North Melbourne. So what is more valuable, Cripps' 6.1 clearances a game (15th in the AFL) or Hogan's 36 goals (14th)? Their performances in the last month of the season are likely to be the deciding factor. Overall, it has been a vintage batch of nominees, with Dom Sheed (West Coast), Touk Miller (Gold Coast), Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne) and Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans) all enjoying moments in the sun. – Nathan Schmook  

7. The Giants' key position stocks are overflowing
Against Essendon, GWS had Jeremy Cameron, Jon Patton and Rory Lobb as their big forwards. Rising star nominee Cam McCarthy started as the sub, while co-captain Phil Davis, Joel Patfull, Nick Haynes and Aidan Corr were their tall defenders. That's an impressive list of talent for Leon Cameron to work with. Looking at the reserves side in the curtain raiser at Spotless Stadium would also have made the coach smile, with names like Adam Tomlinson, Caleb Marchbank and James Stewart biding their time in the NEAFL. There's been plenty of talk about their band of future stars in the midfield, but the Giants are also flush with versatile big men. It showed against the Bombers. - Adam Curley

8. Stephen Hill might be the key to finals success for the Dockers
Although Brownlow Medal favourite Nat Fyfe is clearly Fremantle’s best and most important player, his midfield sidekick Stephen Hill offers the Dockers a point of difference. Hill gathered 29 disposals and kicked two goals in a near best on ground performance for the Dockers in their workmanlike 37-point win over St Kilda on Sunday. There was no surprise Fremantle won in the manner it did, or that Hill produced a good game, because the Dockers are on top of the ladder and Hill is a game-breaking player. But it was a reminder of his importance heading into Freo's finals campaign. Hill's class, speed and ability to push forward to impact the scoreboard is unmatched at the club and a big month of finals from him would give Ross Lyon’s team a huge shot at glory. - Callum Twomey

9. Aaron Hall has revived his career
Three weeks ago, the career of Suns small forward Aaron Hall was in limbo. He'd been in-and-out of the team with patchy form and was probably only getting a run because of Gold Coast's extensive injury list. But that's all changed in the past three weeks, and ironically it was the injury to his mate and Suns skipper Gary Ablett that helped turn things around. When Ablett injured his knee against Adelaide in round 17, Suns coach Rodney Eade was desperate to fill a depleted midfield. He turned to the lively Hall, who had 24 disposals that day, another 24 against West Coast the following week, and a career-high 28 in a super display against the Lions on Saturday. Hall's disposal is still a little iffy, but he has pace, can break lines with his run-and-carry, and has improved his defensive work-rate immeasurably. Hall's midfield emergence will add depth and another rotation option when the big guns return from injury in 2016. - Michael Whiting