The Western Bulldogs overcame a courageous performance from Collingwood to take second spot on the AFL ladder, completing a weekend of big results.

Essendon made sure arch-rivals Carlton had only a brief return to the top eight, North Melbourne scored a massive upset win over Hawthorn that demoted the Hawks from top to third, Sydney won their sixth straight game and Geelong mauled West Coast to re-claim the ladder lead.

Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams has declared his team's top-eight aspirations are gone after Richmond held them off, Brisbane continue to impress with a tight win over Adelaide and St Kilda responded to their poor form and stunning selections with an ugly win over Fremantle.

The undermanned Magpies led by 23 points during the third term at Telstra Dome before the Bulldogs rallied and beat them by 10 points.

Collingwood's Ben Reid and Anthony Rocca were injured as the `Dogs held their nerve to win 15.9 (99) to 13.11 (89).

Earlier on Sunday at the MCG, Essendon and Carlton added to their keen rivalry with another superb contest.

Carlton trailed by 41 points in the second term, but roared back to hit the front in the last term.

The Bombers then kicked five of the last seven goals to win by 35 points, 20.16 (136) to 15.11 (101).

Carlton's elevation to the top eight last week was the first time since 2001 they were so high up the ladder this far into the season, but Sunday's loss means they are now 10th.

It completed a bad weekend for the Blues, after president Dick Pratt stood down from the post on Friday as he faces pending criminal charges.

"We're not talking finals again - it was great that we got to have a look but as soon as we got our head above the horizon, we got it kicked off," said Blues coach Brett Ratten.

In Canberra, bottom side Melbourne closed to within two goals before the Swans kicked clear for a 40-point win, 17.12 (114) to 11.8 (74).

Swans star Adam Goodes will come under video review for what appeared to be head-high contact with Demon Clint Bartram.

Sydney are now a game-and-a-half clear in fourth spot on 38 points, after Brisbane beat Adelaide by 13 points on Saturday night at the `Gabba.

The Lions responded to their appalling loss last week to the Western Bulldogs with a 11.17 (83) to 10.10 (70) win, leaving Brisbane and the Crows equal-fifth on 32 points.

Geelong humiliated West Coast by 135 points, 28.14 (182) to 5.17 (47), and Gary Ablett surely scored another three Brownlow Medal votes as the Cats ominously unleashed their top form.

North Melbourne returned to the top eight with one of the upsets of the season, picking apart Hawthorn by 27 points on Saturday at the MCG.

The Kangaroos were well-drilled and relentless as they downed the high-flying Hawks 15.13 (103) to 10.16 (76).

Power coach Williams declared his side could not make the finals after failing to overhaul Richmond in the last term at AAMI Stadium.

Joel Bowden completed his outstanding game with a match-saving mark as the Tigers held on by four points, 20.7 (127) to 19.9 (123).

On Friday night, St Kilda reacted to the axings of Nick Dal Santo and Stephen Milne with an unattractive but spirited eight-point win over Fremantle, 10.5 (65) to 8.9 (57).

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP