Nine things we learned from round 11

1. Geelong’s ‘other’ midfield recruit can be a match-winner, too Patrick Dangerfield has been outstanding, and his 32 disposals – 15 contested – went a long way to dragging Geelong over the line for a crucial win against Greater Western Sydney. But ruckman Zac Smith, dominated early by Shane Mumford, kick-started the fightback and produced his best game in the blue and white hoops, with 31 hit-outs, 19 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal. Winning contested ball and clearances unlocks Geelong’s potential and Smith has shown he can take pressure off midfield bulls Joel Selwood and Dangerfield to ignite the Cats. – Travis King

2. The Power’s mosquito fleet holds they key to their finals chancesNow sitting just one game outside the top eight, there is a new energy about Port Adelaide and it’s starting in the forward line. Small forwards Jake Neade, Chad Wingard and Jarman Impey are the AFL’s new mosquito fleet, and combined with 188cm forward Aaron Young, the four shared in 12 of Port’s 19 goals against Collingwood on Sunday. Impey, who had a game-high three goal assists, appears to be the glue after switching from half-back. And it is no coincidence that Wingard’s return to form after a quiet start to the season has coincided with three wins in five games and much more competitive performances. While the smalls ran riot at ground level on Sunday, hard-working tall Charlie Dixon repeatedly created contests and had a big role to play in their form. – Nathan Schmook 

3. It’s time for the Tigers to dig deeper into their listAny talk of a Richmond renaissance after consecutive wins against the Sydney Swans, Fremantle and Essendon was put on ice on a cold night in Hobart. Such was the Tigers’ struggle to deal with North’s pressure and attack on the ball it appeared they were well out of their depth against certified top-four opposition. While Damien Hardwick will have his hand forced to some extent through injury, he also flagged the prospect of making changes to address performance issues within the group. Whoever the ’emerging young talent’ is that Hardwick referred to after Friday’s loss has a big job ahead to provide the boost needed to reinvigorate Richmond’s season and keep any remaining flicker of hope alive for a finals berth. – Stu Warren

4. Gary Rohan is the Swans’ X-FactorIn just his third …

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