It’s not over yet.

Despite all of the close losses, the heartbreaks and the chokes, there’s still a pulse at North Melbourne. A gritty and courageous 10-point victory over Geelong has kept its finals chances alive, as well as proving its capabilities to be a dangerous threat in September – should the Cats make it.

Led by a vintage performance from 35-year-old Brent Harvey, the Roos were in front from start to finish against a disappointing Cats outfit. Four goals from Daniel Wells was also complimented by the rebounding efforts of Aaron Mullett, Lachie Hansen, Shaun Atley and Scott Thompson in defence.

The victory puts North within touching distance of the top-eight and it’s fair to say that they wouldn’t be an easy proposition for the more established sides to come up against in September. Geelong in particular has a proven susceptibility to the Kangaroos running and all out attacking game style.

Finally on the board

Over the past fortnight, Greater Western Sydney had threatened to claim its first win of the season. On Saturday the Giants finally got it over the hapless Demons. They led Melbourne for the majority of the first half, just like they did against Collingwood last week. It was therefore no surprise that they easily knocked off an embarrassing Melbourne side to pick up their first win in 364 days.

Callan Ward was the hero in their 37-point win, but he had brilliant support from young charges Devon Smith, Lachie Whitfield and Jeremy Cameron as the Giants notched up their first win in 21 weeks.

Kevin Sheedy now has that elusive win to sign off on a remarkable career, as GWS staved off fears of becoming the first side since Fitzroy in 1964 to go winless throughout the season. Melbourne, meanwhile, has even larger problems to deal with after arguably their worst and most spiritless performance of the season.

At right angles

It took one of the most extraordinary bounces of the season, but Port Adelaide overcame their traditional rivals Adelaide by just four points in an enthralling Showdown battle on Sunday afternoon.

With the Power trailing by eight points with under a minute remaining, Angus Monfries wheeled around onto his left foot, but sprayed his effort well wide of goal. However the ball bounced on its point and miraculously split the middle from an improbably position.

It was simply astounding and it set Port Adelaide up to go on and win the game. Monfries was the architect of the match winner as well, centering for youngster Chad Wingard to go back and put Port Adelaide in front.

The victory now sees the Power cement their spot in the top-eight by a clear two games with just four matches remaining.

A pumping at the ‘G

Collingwood wanted to make a statement against its old foes Essendon on Sunday evening, and the Pies did exactly that with a brutal 79-point win at the MCG.

After a week of more chaos and controversy regarding the drugs investigation, in which ASADA handed down its interim report on the matter, the Bombers looked spiritless and out of ideas against a rampant Magpies side.

Rushing out of the blocks early with a five-goal to none first quarter, Collingwood proved its premiership credentials were still intact after a less-than-impressive victory over GWS last week.

Unsurprisingly it was the regular names who did the damage for the Pies, with Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom all starring in the victory.

#aflpiesbombers, Travis Cloke, five goals straight, pic.twitter.com/CyF6YNV7Fs

— Wayne Ludbey. (@WLudbey) August 4, 2013

Player of the Week – Chad Wingard

After the incredible season that he’s had, it’s remarkable to think that Port Adelaide’s Chad Wingard is just 19 years of age.

In just his second year of AFL football, Wingard’s staggeringly good career so far was capped by a sensational Showdown performance against Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

The teenager had 24 disposals at 83.3% efficiency and amazingly kicked five goals running forward from midfield. Adding to those brilliant statistics was the match-winner that he kicked with under 30 seconds remaining.

Port Adelaide has a fantastic prospect at its disposal in Chad Wingard.

Riley Beveridge is a second-year Bachelor of Sports Journalism student at La Trobe University. You can follow him on Twitter: @RileyBev

(Picture: Wayne Ludbey – Twitter)