Only percentage separates St Kilda, Melbourne, Brisbane and Port Adelaide for top spot on the AFL ladder. All four sides have 11 wins and are two games clear of Geelong and Essendon. With seven games to go in the home and away season, the finishing order of the final eight is far from decided.

Geelong ended Collingwood’s hopes of taking part in September action when they defeated them on Friday night by 29-points. Only five points separated the two teams at the final change and the stage was set for a tight knit final term. However, the Cats stole the show kicking 5.8 to 2.2, to win easily.

An impressive second half by Essendon resulted in a convincing win against Richmond at the MCG yesterday. The Bombers started poorly and when they lost Scott Lucas (hamstring) and James Hird (ribs) in the second quarter the team looked in real danger of losing their fourth consecutive match. Essendon turned it on in the second half and booted 17.9 to 4.5 to run out 78-point winners. Matthew Lloyd starred up forward and finished with nine goals.

After beating Adelaide last night at the SCG, Sydney has won six of its past seven matches. Sydney held a 33-point lead at the final change and the final result appeared to be beyond doubt. However, Adelaide had other ideas and came home charging. They booted 6.3 and kept Sydney goalless, however it wasn’t enough. Sydney held on to win by 13-points.

Hawthorn came close to winning its third game for the season yesterday but couldn’t quite get across the line against West Coast. The game was played at York Park, Tasmania, where Hawthorn recorded its last victory in Round 8 against Fremantle. It wasn’t a happy day for Hawthorn on this occasion. West Coast held on to win by four points after Peter Everitt kicked a goal on the final siren for Hawthorn.

The Kangaroos proved that they intend to play a big part in the September action when they defeated Fremantle at Subiaco last night. The Kangaroos fought back from an 11-point half-time deficit to win comfortably by 17-points. Sav Rocca was instrumental in the win and finished with six goals for the match. The victory has put the Kangaroos in eighth position.

Melbourne has stayed in fourth position after beating St Kilda today, but the victory has put them on equal wins with the ladder leaders. A 12 goal to five second half, set-up Melbourne’s 57-point win. Nick Riewoldt was outstanding for the Saints. He kicked a career best nine goals but his performance was not enough to get the Saints across the line.

Port Adelaide easily accounted for Carlton today at AAMI Stadium. Such was Port’s dominance; Carlton only managed one goal up until three quarter time. Led by Warren Tredrea who finished with six goals, Port Adelaide had winners all over the ground. They won easily by 83-points and recorded their 11^th win of the season.