Judging by his post-match comments, he’s certainly willing to take a back seat. Playing what the Dockers aimed to be a near 50-50 midfield/forward split, Fyfe’s 21 disposals, 10 score involvements, one goal assist and 1.2 is proof he can play a key role in powering the club to a historic flag. He will only improve after his first senior game in nearly 11 months. At the very least, he will bolster a forward line that has been the Dockers’ weakest area of the ground.

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Jai Newcombe still has plenty of work to do if he is to cap a stunning rise from mid-season draft obscurity to Rising Star winner. The Hawks midfielder was far from the worst for his team in their 13-point loss but is not having the same impact with the ball as he did earlier in the year. Will the judges reward him for his tackling pressure over some big numbers from Nick Daicos, or Sam De Koning’s marquee jobs in defence? Both are moving quickly, and have the advantage of playing for clubs still in finals contention. Newcombe has been a key contributor in some of the Hawks’ upset wins. He will need another two or three big games in the run home to maintain his top billing. - Andrew Wu

Brisbane v St Kilda

The bye couldn’t come at a better time for the Lions, who looked badly out of sorts for much of the night, despite entering the match against St Kilda at full strength. The match committee might need to take a breath, too, after picking ruckman Darcy Fort as the medical substitute. Fort was unlucky to be dropped, but after making way for Joe Daniher, it left the Lions too tall when an extra runner was required. They face the premiers next; for now, they’ll be very happy to escape with the four points against a top eight contender. St Kilda was very unlucky, and may well have won with a full complement on the bench. - Andrew Stafford

North Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney

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Things can hardly get worse for the Kangaroos, but a suspension to Jason Horne-Francis would certainly add to North Melbourne’s woes. The 18-year-old is sure to be cited for a swinging arm to Josh Kelly early in the third term of Sunday’s loss. The frustrated midfielder had just eight touches, after the Roos slumped to 47 points in deficit at half-time, only to lose by 49 points. Jaidyn Stephenson had no impact in his return to the side, Hugh Greenwood and Jack Ziebell were also awfully quiet, as the Roos failed to capitalise on the hit out dominance of Todd Goldstein and Tristian Xerri.

The Giants enjoyed a field day from a possession perspective. They had 128 more disposals and 80 more marks, with Harry Himmelberg having a prolific game in defence with 37 disposals, 16 marks and a goal. Stephen Coniglio looks rejuvenated, Tanner Bruhn reeled off his best game, and Lachie Whitfield played with the run and dash that makes him one of the competition’s most dangerous players at his best. The only genuine injury concern was to Harry Perryman, who was rushed to hospital with suspected rib damage. The Giants have won two of their three games under Mark McVeigh, albeit against the Roos and Eagles. - Damien Ractliffe