Richmond, Derbies & Buddy's Brilliance

It was an action-packed weekend of AFL action, and to celebrate another round of footy we've picked out the key points that made *this* weekend so great. 

We've got Richmond's MCG streak, Tom Mitchell's gluttonous ball-gathering, Brisbane's close calls, West and South Australian derby dominance plus much more.

This is Data Road Trip - investigating the key data points and numbers that formed what we saw in the week that was in sports.

19 In A Row

the Tigers just keep on finding a way to win, as they held on for their 19th consecutive victory at the MCG, over the Cats on Friday night. With this win, Richmond have now beaten Geelong twice in the same season for the first time since 1982, while they also registered their third win in a row over the Cats, for the first time since 1998-2000.

Jack Riewoldt 🌟

What a brilliant play from the Tigers! #AFLTigersCats pic.twitter.com/tUAh4yj2p3

— AFL (@AFL) August 3, 2018

Mitchell-Merrett Blockbuster

Tom Mitchell racked up 29 of his 43 disposals (22 contested) in a magnificent opening half of footy. Mitchell finished with 13 clearances, seven inside-50s, six marks and four tackles. The 25-year-old heavy Brownlow favourite amassed 40 or more possessions in four straight matches and is dominating this segment on a weekly basis.

Zach Merrett went toe-to-toe with Mitchell, racking up 41 disposals of his own (15 contested), including nine clearances, five inside-50s, five marks and four tackles. It wasn't enough though, as the Hawks put a line through the Bombers finals chances.

Another Devastating Lions Loss

Brisbane suffered another heartbreaking finish this season, losing to North Melbourne by 3 points. Cam Rayner had a chance to win the game for the Lions but sprayed his set shot to the right. He finished with 14 disposals and 2 goals in what was another solid display.

Having earlier lost matches by five to the Suns, Crows and Port Adelaide, and seven points to Collingwood, Brisbane is no stranger to narrow misses in season 2018. The future is bright for the Lions, however, and they are a team to watch out for with such a strong, young core.

Adelaide Wins Showdown 45

It was the fifth Showdown decided by a goal or less, and the equal-lowest winning margin (alongside the Crows' three-point win back in round 16, 2015). Robbie Gray won a record fourth Showdown Medal, booting four goals to add to his 20 disposals including 12 contested possessions. Adelaide has retaken the lead in the overall Showdown ledger 23-22, and have won six of the past seven against the Power to assert their dominance in South Australia.

But did a controversial decision hand them the win on Saturday?

Josh Jenkins was awarded a goal late in the Showdown after a review.#AFLCrowsPower pic.twitter.com/ghS8YJzjMd

— AFL (@AFL) August 4, 2018

Four Goals, One Quarter

Marcus Bontempelli kicked four goals in a stunning third-quarter performance by the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, steamrolling St Kilda, eight goals to zero, on their way to a final 35-point win. After a quiet first half, Bontempelli would finish the match with 21 disposals alongside his four goals in a great forward/midfield display.

Buddy Brilliant

Buddy Franklin was back to his superb best on Saturday night, kicking six goals in a dominant display. He also tallied 17 disposals, nine marks, six tackles and two score involvements, in what was a vintage Buddy showing. He also kicked four behinds, so his performance could've been even greater with some straighter kicking.

SIX SNAGS FOR BUDDY!#AFLSwansPies pic.twitter.com/lN0Dxk6ZQH

— AFL (@AFL) August 4, 2018

Carlton's Giant Blues

Greater Western Sydney toyed with Carlton on Sunday, even with injuries cutting them down to the point they had only 16 players on the field. By the fourth quarter, they had two healthy players rotating on and off, while four of their players nursed injuries. Josh Kelly (153), Stephen Coniglio (144) and Callan Ward (140) all had over 140 ranking points for the day, as they ran riot on Carlton's midfield.

Kelly had 41 disposals (22 contested), seven marks, 10 clearances and a staggering 16 inside-50s in a blistering display of centre dominance.

Dee-molition

Melbourne recorded the highest-scoring opening quarter of any team this season (their fourth-highest first term ever), as they jumped the Gold Coast Suns, outscoring the lacklustre Gold Coast side, 9.3.57 to 1.0.6. Luckily for the Suns, their hot play didn't last too long, as they cruised the rest of the way to a 96-point win, flattering the Suns - it looked like it was going to be a lot worse early on.

Western Whack

The Fremantle Dockers were no match for the high- flying West Coast Eagles, as the blue and yellow side of WA dominated their derby, winning by 58 points. former Lion, Jack Redden, was superb for the winners, tallying 33 disposals, 10 marks, four clearances, six inside-50s and a goal.

It was all overshadowed by this though: Eagles star Andrew Gaff's bizarre hit on Andrew Brayshaw will dominate the headlines this week:

Andrew Brayshaw left the ground bleeding from the mouth after an incident involving Andrew Gaff.#AFLEaglesFreo pic.twitter.com/ECZgNqiehg

— AFL (@AFL) August 5, 2018

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