"Elementary, my dear Watson." - Round 3, 2011 Wrap

Essendon again proved to both St. Kilda and the football world that they aren't to be treated so lightly in season 2011, with a convincing victory over last years grand finalist - mind you, who they've had the wood over for the past 2 and a half seasons.

One man to stand out was again Jobe Watson who I only spoke of in Round 1, and after another scintillating game the bookies have slashed his odds and installed him as third favourite overall to take home the Charlie in 2011. I probably wouldn't act as hastily as what they have just yet, but the signs are promising. Whether he can push the likes of Judd, Swan, Pendles et. al. right up until the finish remains to be seen.

Collingwood vs Carlton

Possible Votes:  J. Blair, H. Shaw, T. Cloke, C Yarran, C. Judd

Blair had a few goals gifted to him, and some of which were uncontested. But that's not to discount the fact that kicking 5 goals is an awesome achievement in itself. Shaw's rebounding run, carry and drive from half back was invaluable. T. Cloke was a focal point up forward for the Pies, and was their best forward all day. Yarran's run and drive from half back was important, and Judd played a solid, but not spectacular game like he can, however he was thereabouts. 

Western Bulldogs vs Gold Coast  

Possible Votes: D. Cross, S. Higgins, M. Boyd

All 3 of these players were the standouts, and shadowed everyone else. Will be interesting to see in what order they will be given votes.

Adelaide vs Fremantle 

Possible Votes: D. Mundy, S. Thompson, P. Dangerfield, N. Fyfe

Thompson had a ripper game, and Mundy was up there for the Dockers. Dangerfield and Fyfe were others who I thought was equally as damaging for their respective sides.

Richmond vs Hawthorn 

Possible Votes: L. Franklin, S. Burgoyne, L. Hodge, B. Sewell, J. Lewis.

Franklin was the clear 3 without a doubt. Burgoyne lit up the stadium with his dashing plays down the wings and was eye-catching through the centre. Hodge was ruthless as always, leading from the front, and likewise Sewell and Lewis were solid.

West Coast vs Sydney  

Possible Votes: J. Bolton, D. Cox,  A. Goodes

This game seems pretty self explanatory and should feature the above players.

Melbourne vs Brisbane

Possible Votes: L. Jurrah, B. Moloney, N. Jones, L. Power

Jurrah was the x-factor who sparked the Dees resurgence halfway through the match kicking 5 crucial goals in a purple patch, whilst Moloney was the most consistent for Melbourne across 4Qs. Jones was a tough nut and provided the grunt through the middle, and Power was among the standouts for Brisbane, swinging forward in patches to kick 4 nice goals.

Geelong vs Port Adelaide

Possible Votes: J. Kelly, J. Bartel, J. Selwood

Kelly stood out with an amazing 23 possies in the first half alone. Bartel ran ragged around the ground, and Selwood's in and under work was fantastic.

St. Kilda vs Essendon

Possible Votes: J. Watson, P. Ryder, M. Hurley, T. Bellchambers, Fletcher

Watson should once again feature here, and there were a bivvy of other players who stood out.

*DISCLAIMER: The order of the players above is not indicative of the order I think they will poll in, and should be used only as a guide.*