Some Friday night farewells to remember

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While Hawthorn are already out of the finals race and the Western Bulldogs season has only the faintest of pulses, in emotional terms, Friday night's game is a big one for both clubs.

'A look that can go straight through you': how Longmire reinvented the Swans

• COMMENT

I never thought my former North Melbourne teammate would be a senior coach, but what John Longmire has been able to achieve with the Swans this season has been nothing short of remarkable.

When playing hurt is not a badge of honour

Knowing what I know now, if someone can't play without an injection they probably shouldn't go back out on the ground.

Why Roos should give Ben Brown a pay rise

There's no point in North recruiting new stars if they have no one to kick to, so North must sign their in-form forward to a long-term deal.

Are the Bombers finals-ready? We're about to find out

One big question hovers over the Bombers: how will their quick, skilful style hold up in September? One man holds the key.

Handle with care: Why Saints must decide soon on Riewoldt

Should Nick Riewoldt play on in 2018? I'm leaning towards a ...

Carey: Carlisle having more influence every week and set for a big one against his former teammates

If there's one player at St Kilda who has made those around him better this season, it's Jake Carlisle.

Carey: Hard work the key to Johannisen and Stringer rediscovering best form

Both Jason Johannisen and Jake Stringer are clearly talented young men, and players who draw people to the footy.

Carey: 'Tis the season where finals experience counts for less

It is generally been accepted that you need to serve a finals apprenticeship before you can make a genuine tilt at the premiership. In September, the pressure is intense given the game becomes so much quicker and you have so much less time to use the footy.