AFL 101: Three things we learnt in round 10

West Coast extends its winning streak to nine games – their longest since 1996 – and continues to impress with their high-pressure, long-kicking attacking style of football.

But as pressure from recent off-field issues cools over at Fremantle, the blowtorch is on their on-field performances, with their game plan again under criticism and serious concerns over several underperforming veterans and general inconsistency of performance.

Our expert AFL panel cast their eyes over round 10 and list the three things that grabbed their attention this weekend:

Kim Hagdorn – 6PR Football and WAtoday AFL analyst

1. Andrew Gaff is increasing his new contract price with every outing. As West Coast continue with a barnstorming run into serious premiership calculations, the Eagles line-breaking link-man has added class and crucial defensive aspects to a game that snared him 2015 All-Australian selection and an Eagles club champion award. The 25-year-old restricted free-agent is attracting offers up to $800,000 a season to return home to Melbourne.

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2. Nathan Fyfe may have extended his Brownlow Medal lead. Despite the Dockers going down to a bold North Melbourne in Perth on Sunday, the genuine superstar of the game again carried his team in spite of heavy attention from renowned tagger Ben Jacobs. Ironically, Jacobs had 29 disposals and 18 contested possessions and was himself a serious contender for best afield in North's 28-point win, with Fyfe getting a game-high 31 touches (24 contestested and seven clearances). Even with just one vote, Fyfe should have extend his medal tally to around 16 or 17 and an outright lead after round 10.

3. A talent-laden Greater Western Sydney just cannot afford to drop Sundays cut-throat and possibly season-defining match-of-the round shootout on the road against Adelaide. This midway set of engagements has potential to break the top eight away from the bottom of a cluttered middle rung of the ladder. A fifth straight loss for the Giants could lead to an eventual unthinkable finals absence … an unacceptable outcome for the AFL-supported expansion franchise.

Jake Battrick – 6PR football reporter

1. Collingwood will play finals for the first time since 2013. Their forward line was questionable heading into the season but they've adopted the same philosophy as Richmond and relied on smaller forwards to kick a score. Brody Grundy is a genuine gun and I've finally fallen back in love with my team.

2. Melbourne has found its mojo… but the jury is still out whether they're top 4 material. Their last three wins were against Brisbane, Carlton and a depleted Adelaide. They've got the Bulldogs then the Pies before a round 12 bye and then Port at Adelaide Oval. If they win those three, they'll be 10-3 and I'll be convinced but – with Melbourne – will we ever be convinced?

3. The GWS 'Ferrari' is nothing more than a three-door Hyundai Getz with 180,000kms on the clock. Somebody call the RAC because they're in all sorts. Injuries aren't an excuse anymore; the Giants aren't playing good footy. They'll struggle to play finals unless they find some grunt.

David Prestipino – WAtoday football reporter

1. What will it take for the bookies to install West Coast as premiership favourites? A game and percentage clear of the competition and fresh from impressive wins against the reigning premiers and resurgent Hawks, the Eagles will certainly make top 4 and may only need two home final wins to book another date with grand final destiny in late September.

2. Umpires make errors in every game but often it's the timing of them that hurts more than the mistake. Two blatant shockers against the Dockers on Sunday came at a time when the home team had all the momentum midway through the last term and only three points behind. Compounded by the loss of dominant ruckman Aaron Sandilands with concussion at the same time, they helped propel North over the line against the odds at Optus Stadium.

3. When the Bombers are on a roll, they are difficult to contain. Their resurgence in the past fortnight has spared John Worsfold intense scrutiny on the east coast and sets up a blockbuster 'Dreamtime at the G' clash against Richmond on Saturday night (which I think they can win).

Frizz Ferguson – 6PR football boundary rider

1. Willie Rioli is a team player; he takes marks, he kicks goals and even encourages the umpires.

2. Break out the MC Hammer pants because round 10 marked a return to the 90s of sorts. Carlton played at Kardinia Park for the first time since 1997, the Eagles are now on their longest winning streak since 1996, and Trent Cotchin is sporting a flat-top haircut.

3. Why do players rush singing their team song after a victory? Cherish the moment guys. And when did North Melbourne add an extra part to the start of their song?

Andrew Fordham – 6PR football producer

1. It's official: the Dockers play the most boring brand of football in the AFL. That is coming from a staunch Freo supporter.

2. Spare a thought for goal umpires; there's been plenty of debate about umpire contact recently, with Eagle Willie Rioli the latest in the spotlight, however watch any AFL game and you'll notice goal umpires get battered pillar to post by players. Rules for some and not for others?

3. A little quirky observation: white footy boots are a thing of the past… nobody wears them anymore. Next time you watch a game, take a look…

David loves a good drop and a cracking yarn.

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