The magnificent Magpies

How does Collingwood do it? They are simply a magnificent football club. Only the Magpies could lob into a County Town park in Ireland, take the most likely lad and ship him off to Sydney to star in a famous victory in front of 60,000 people

It must be the spirit of Eddie. He doesn't have to be in the country to inspire great deeds from his players, including Anthony Rocca, who recovered from an absolute shocker on Queen's Birthday to tear Sydney apart. My mail is it was pasta-fuelled success. His mother pumped the matriciana and carbonara into him in his week off and he responded in grand style.

Perhaps Rocca could leave some in a doggy bag for Barry Hall. He's struggling at the moment and needs to spend two weeks away. He's worn out and needs a break.

The break came at a good time for Plough. Richmond got the win they needed nine weeks ago against a disappointing Melbourne. It looks like Neale Daniher's reign might be over.

Jeff Farmer will be wondering whether there is justice in the world after the Chris Tarrant episode. The Wizard whacks a bloke and cops six weeks but Taz knows what to do. He apologises to the girl after baring his bum then apologises to the man he punches. Sorry is a very important word and Jeff wouldn't say it.

Congratulations to Robert Harvey. He is the greatest Saint of all. Two Brownlows, countless All-Australian jumpers and now 350 games. He inspired the Saints to victory against the Eagles in Perth.

The Eagles have hit a hurdle. Their engine room is shutting down. There's no Ben Cousins, Chris Judd, Chad Fletcher or Andrew Embley. They're looking fragile. Maybe the off-field shenanigans are affecting their on-field performance.