FROM a first win to some great individual performances and future talent on show, the weekend’s matches across the TAC Cup, TAC Cup Girls and AFL provided plenty of memorable moments.

Western Jets first win

Just the same as Oakleigh Chargers in round one and Gippsland Power in round two, the Western Jets were the talk of the TAC Cup Girls competition this round, breaking through for their initial win. After a few close losses this season, the Jets kept up the fight and knocked off one of the premiership contenders in the Eastern Ranges after being behind late in the game. The Jets forward Caitlin Greiser booted four goals to make it seven in a fortnight, but this week they sung the song and no doubt have hopes to continue that run with a clash against the winless Dandenong Stingrays in a fortnight.

Bottom-age talent stands out

With the AFL Academy players out of their respective sides due to the Academy’s clash with North Melbourne VFL, TAC Cup spectators got a glimpse of the top 2019 prospects on the weekend. Oakleigh’s Noah Anderson, Gippsland Power’s quartet of Sam Flanders, Caleb Serong, Riley Baldi and Brock Smith, Dandenong Stingrays’ Hayden Young, and Northern Knights’ trio Ryan Gardner, Lachlan Potter and Josh D’Intinosante were among the best for their respective sides on the weekend. Along with next year’s top talent, the depth in 2018 was also highlighted with plenty of great individual performances.

TAC Cup Girls talent growing

Most TAC Cup Girls sides had to cope with the loss of their top stars ahead of their clash with the Geelong VFLW side tonight (Tuesday). But those who attended the games saw a mix of top-age and bottom-age talent on show, and plenty of names that they might become more familiar with over the next one to three years. With a bye next weekend, it will be interesting to see how those who starred on the weekend carry on their form with the returning AFLW Academy members in a fortnight.

Figured out contenders, think again!

Just when as a spectator you think the AFL is becoming a little predictable, results show you know very little as to what could happen on a football field. Many expected Port Adelaide to wipe the floor with Brisbane, but the Lions gave the Power a huge scare, falling one straight kick short of victory in Adelaide. Meanwhile the Western Bulldogs have been battered from pillar to post during the week by the media, but came out and got the job done against Essendon, who now seem to be copping heat for the 21-point defeat. Geelong also fell to West Coast in the west, which might not have been a huge shock to most as the Eagles are still a big question mark in this year’s competition, but they showed what they were capable of on the weekend. Collingwood’s win against Carlton may not have stopped the critics, but with 16.4 (100) scoreline, Pies fans will no doubt be pleased they kicked straight. Then there’s Melbourne who knocked off North Melbourne for the first time in more than a decade.

Jon Patton’s form

GIANTS key forward Jon Patton has had more than his fair share of injuries and there is nothing better than seeing a talented star fight back from adversity to standout in a big game. While the GIANTS went down to Sydney, Patton was dominant, picking up 19 disposals, five marks, 14 hitouts and kicked a goal playing in the ruck. But what was just as impressive was the fact he laid 10 tackles and had a huge seven clearances and six inside 50s, as well as two goal assists – talk about an all-round game!