Shepparton export Jarman Impey played a monstrous game on Sunday to almost claw Hawthorn over the line against Essendon.
The talented half-back speedster collected 25 disposals, six score involvements and four inside 50s during the 10.13 (73) to 13.8 (86) loss.
It was another fine performance from Impey, who has enjoyed a strong season in 2021.
The former Shepparton Swans talent has averaged 22.2 disposals a game.
Impey had great support from Mansfield's James Cousins (21 disposals, five inside 50s) and Rennie's Daniel Howe (23 and 10 marks).
Cobram product Esava Ratugolea helped Geelong salute in style over the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
The Cats, thanks to a goal after the siren from Gary Rohan, defeated their fellow top four outfit by five points.
Ratugolea, a former Yarroweyah junior, booted a goal and had 13 hit-outs in the nail-biting victory at Geelong's GMHBA Stadium.
Kialla product Alex Keath battled hard for the Bulldogs in defence and ended the match with eight spoils and nine touches.
Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps has defended coach David Teague following the Blues’ 36-point loss to GWS.
Speaking on Monday at a press conference, Cripps rallied behind the Katandra product, highlighting that Carlton's woes can't be aimed at one person.
“When you're in places like this it's easy to point to one person, but footy clubs are a collective group,” Cripps said.
“We're all taking responsibility for where we are at the moment.
“It's not just on ‘Teaguey’, it's on everyone. I want everyone to get feedback from this review and I think everyone will be open to knowing how we get better.”
Teague is halfway through his second full season as the Blues’ mentor, after he stepped in as caretaker in 2019.
In other highlights, Mooroopna's Jy Simpkin spearheaded North Melbourne in the weekend's tense defeat to Brisbane Lions.
The Kangaroos gave the Lions an almighty scare at Hobart's Blundstone Arena, with the away side lifting late to win by 23 points.
And it was Simpkin who led the charge.
The gun on-baller was at his damaging best through the middle of the ground and finished with 31 disposals, 17 pressure acts and nine clearances.
Teammate and Rochester export Shaun Atley finished the match with 13 touches.
And Echuca's Ollie Wines had the ball on a string during Port Adelaide's 50-point romp over Gold Coast Suns.
Wines was huge for the Power as he gathered a jaw-dropping 43 disposals, missing out on the club record by one touch.
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