Last year’s grand finalists Essendon and Brisbane gave an indication of how far ahead of the rest of the competition they are with resounding victories over Richmond and Hawthorn respectively. Brisbane showed no mercy to the Hawks who look as though their premiership tilt has hit a massive early season hurdle. A thrashing was the order of the day also for the Blues, courtesy of Sydney, and the Tigers, who went into the match against Essendon rated as equal favourites but left with much to prove. Both Melbourne and the Kangaroos continued to surprise while the Bulldogs and St Kilda felt the frustration of having a game in their grasp only to have it slip away.