Port Adelaide moved back into the AFL top eight for the first time since round 11 with an outstanding win over Hawthorn.

Soon after the Power beat the reigning premiers 18.13 (121) to 14.19 (103) on Sunday, Essendon's late-season woes continued when they lost to West Coast at Subiaco.

The Eagles' 14.11 (95) to 10.8 (68) win meant the Power took eighth spot from the Bombers.

It also ended any speculation that West Coast might be "tanking" to achieve a priority pick, because they have five wins and are now ineligible for the draft concession.

Essendon and Hawthorn are now a game out of the top eight.

The Bombers have lost four of their last five games and have significant injury problems, while the Hawks' next opponents will be unbeaten St Kilda in Launceston.

Port's move from 10th was the only change this weekend to the top eight.

Also on Sunday, Jordan McMahon was the hero for Richmond with his goal after the siren.

The Tigers beat bottom side Melbourne by four points, 12.14 (86) to 12.10 (82).

Collingwood was the other big winner out of round 18, opening up a one-game break in fourth spot because they beat sixth-place Brisbane and Geelong won a nailbiter against Adelaide.

A few days after the Magpies announced the Mick Malthouse-Nathan Buckley coaching succession plan, they blitzed Brisbane in the second half on Saturday night at the MCG.

They beat the Lions 12.23 (95) to 8.7 (55) and will now go to AAMI Stadium on Saturday night to face Adelaide in a classic eight-point game.

Another win next Saturday will give Collingwood a two-game buffer over the Crows, but a loss will make Adelaide equal-fourth again.

The Crows stayed fifth after Saturday's two-point loss to second side Geelong at Skilled Stadium.

Paul Chapman starred with six goals on Saturday as the Cats won by a kick for a second-straight week, 14.9 (93) to 13.13 (91).

Leigh Montagna scored a behind with seconds left at the SCG on Saturday night to ensure St Kilda stayed unbeaten.

They beat Sydney 13.16 (94) to 13.15 (93), but could pay a price as small forward Stephen Milne was booked for striking.

Earlier on Saturday, the Western Bulldogs marked Brad Johnson's club games record with a 31-point win over Fremantle.

The Bulldogs maintained third spot with the 17.9 (111) to 11.14 (80) results.

Carlton opened the round on Friday night by spoiling the retirement party for highly-respect North Melbourne player Adam Simpson.

The Blues moved a step closer to securing their top-eight berth with a 10-point win, 14.10 (94) to 11.18 (84).

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