The mid-season byes have started, but there is still plenty to dissect from an intriguing round 12 of AFL action. Here are our key takeouts.

Friday night, MCG
Collingwood defeated Hawthorn by 51 points

On a roll: Magpies coach Craig McRae.Credit: AFL Photos

Where several teams continue to bumble along, and remain mid-tier, or worse, the Magpies have the magic touch. And that’s not just on a weekly basis, but through a well-crafted premiership blueprint. To the point they could not be better placed to capture a second flag in three seasons.

Their man management is second to none, and willingness to stick with this no matter what the potential results. They were bold when they rested Scott Pendlebury, Brayden Maynard, Brody Mihocek and Jordan De Goey for the trip to face Fremantle, yet still prevailed before a hostile Perth crowd.

Much was made of their ageing list heading into the new season, with 10 players aged 30 or older, but, again, the Magpies have been shrewd not only when playing them, but in the minutes they are given, and the roles they play. Ned Long’s emergence as a big bodied midfielder, for instance, has helped to fill the void left by the injured De Goey and eased the reliance on Pendlebury.

List management also deserves credit. The Magpies had seven players on Friday night who were not a part of the 2023 premiership. That’s a nice balance of flag DNA, and hunger from those desperate, including Dan Houston, Tim Membrey, Long and Harry Perryman, for the ultimate success. Lachie Schultz is another on the hunt for a premiership.

The banking of early season wins means the Magpies will likely be able to micromanage their campaign even further heading into the finals. It’s going to take something special to stop this group.

Gabba, Thursday night
Brisbane defeated Essendon by 18 points

Boom season: Noah Answerth.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Noah Answerth has become one of those lockdown defenders no forward wants to face. In round 11, Answerth held dynamic Hawk Nick Watson goalless and to just four disposals (and a........

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