The Halftime Report

Geelong v Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Cat Tom Hawkins battles with Michael Jamison Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Sunday Herald Sun

THE Swans and Eagles show who's boss with 11-goal third-quarter bursts to swamp the 'Roos and Demons but Jeremy Howe gives Melbourne fans something to smile about.

Sydney's Nick Smith marks in front of North Melbourne's Ben Cunnington. Source: News Limited

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO, WE CAN DO BETTER

IT was poetry in motion. Sydney and West Coast put their rivals to the sword with 11-goal third-quarter bursts against North Melbourne and Melbourne respectively. The Swans piled on 11.4 in the term to set up their convincing win over the Kangaroos at Blundstone Arena, Hobart. It was the Swans best quarter effort since 1995. Meanwhile, the Eagles slotted 11.3 on the way to thrashing a hapless Demons outfit by 94 points. The Eagles kicked a club-record 11.4 in a quarter against GWS Giants last year.

STILL STRUGGLING: Drew Petrie of the Kangaroos jumps for a mark. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

PETRIE'S DROUGHT

NORTH Melbourne forward Drew Petrie's struggles in Hobart continued yesterday with the veteran 'Roo held without a goal by All-Australian fullback Ted Richards. Petrie has kicked just two goals in three appearances at Blundstone Arena. To make matters worse it was the 30-year-old's second below par effort in three weeks after having his colours lowered by Collingwood defender Nathan Brown in Round 1.

Demon Jeremy Howe marks over Andrew Embley. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HOWE GOOD WAS THAT?

MELBOURNE might have plunged deeper into the doldrums yesterday, but high-flyer Jeremy Howe was at his acrobatic best again. Howe soared over Eagle Andrew Embley to take a trademark hanger.

See the awesome photo sequence here.

Melbourne Demons v West Coast Eagles at the MCG. Demons fans not happy. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Sunday Herald Sun

WHEN WILL THE DEMONS GET PHYSICAL?

THE Dees' first quarter yesterday was probably their best for the season. The intensity was up, they forced turnovers and they booted goals. Four in a row, in fact, to hold the lead up until the dying minutes. But they still amassed just six tackles for the term and tracked at 50 per cent efficiency. They need to learn how to wrap a man up and hit a target by foot, preferably before next Sunday's showdown with the Giants.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Jonathon Patton of the Giants leaves the ground with a knee injury during the round three AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the St Kilda Saints at StarTrack Oval on April 13, 2013 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source:

PATTON'S GIANT BLOW

THOUGHTS go out to Jon Patton today. The star big man has had a wretched run with injuries in his short career and last night he suffered by far his biggest blow. Patton spilled a mark, followed up, was tackled and went down grimacing in pain. The result? A torn ACL meaning he'll now likely spend the year on the sidelines. The No. 1 pick doesn't deserve that.

See the video here

Brisbane star Jonathan Brown celebrates one of his five goals against Gold Coast. Picture: Clark David Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

BROWN STILL THE LION'S KING

FORGET his disappointing first two rounds, Jono Brown reigned supreme last night with five goals against the Suns. His first half was inspirational, monstering young Sun Rory Atkins with the Lions staring at a 0-3 start to the season.

Suns players after to the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium. Picture: Darren England Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

YOUNG SUNS STILL NEED THAT KILLER INSTINCT

TOO harsh to pot a kid in his second game, but Jackson Allen would love his defensive effort against the Lions back last night. The young Sun had the chance to bend down and touch Tom Rockliff's snap before it trickled through for a goal, but didn't. Strange. It proved a changer in the last quarter, while Aaron Hall would also love a moment back. Two huge - and inspirational - Ablett tackles set up a set-shot that he sprayed wide. The Suns still lack that killer instinct.

Melbourne Demons v West Coast Eagles at the MCG. Eagle Dean Cox in action. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CAPTAIN COX CAN PLUG THE HOLE

HAVE you figured out how to take advantage of the SuperCoach captain's loophole this year? Because if you did you've probably banked 342 points courtesy of Dean Cox. With the rolling lockout in place, select a non-starter as captain (and have an emergency as cover) and put the vice-captaincy on a star like Cox. If they score well, leave it there and his score will count double. If not, simply change your choice back to someone else who hasn't played yet. It's a free hit.

Geelong v Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Matthew Kreuzer injured during contest with Steve Johnson in the first quarter Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE WALKING WOUNDED

IT was a battle of attrition at Etihad Stadium last night with keys players from Geelong and Carlton cut down with injuries.

Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer faces a nervous wait after breaking a bone in his thumb during the second quarter. Meanwhile, Cats excitement machine Travis Varcoe was subbed off with a shoulder injury following a heavy collision with Blues star Bryce Gibbs.

Cats Steve Johnson (knee), Andrew Mackie (ribs/back) and Harry Taylor (winded) found themselves in the hands of club medicos at different times but played on untroubled.

Terry Milera of the Saints controls the ball during the round three match against Greater Western Sydney Giants in Canberra. Picture: Ryan Pierse Source: Getty Images

SAINTS' MOSQUITO FLEET

ST KILDA small forwards Stephen Milne, Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera ran amok at Manuka Oval yesterday combining for eight goals and six score assists.

Milne led the brigade with three goals including his almost customary first of the match.

It was a welcome return to form for Milne who had managed just two goals in his first two matches of the season.

DONS SWEATING ON VIDEO

ESSENDON star Patrick Ryder and mature-aged recruit Nick Kommer will come under scrutiny for these hits on Fremantle opponents.

Ryder KO'd Docker Luke McPharlin with a hip and shoulder to the jaw that saw the defender substituted out of the match with concussion.

Kommer on the other hand clipped Docker Kepler Bradley in an attempted shepherding attempt off the ball.

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