After overcoming Port Adelaide in the opening game of Round 16, Hawthorn still remain a game clear of a group of three teams that includes Sydney, Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs after a fascinating weekend of AFL.Some key results shaped the top eight, with the Giants dropping their game to a reinvigorated Collingwood and West Coast winning their clash with North Melbourne to jump into fifth position and leave the Kangaroos slumping to just one win from their past six outings.Sydney travelled to Geelong in a game that lived up to its blockbuster billing, while the Suns and Lions played out a high-scoring contest before Gold Coast got the choccies.On Saturday night, the Bulldogs survived a fierce challenge from Richmond, before Melbourne knocked off two hoodoos in beating Fremantle and winning in Darwin.On Sunday, Adelaide got the job done comfortably against Carlton despite Dennis Armfields three long-range bombs in the second term.Essendon and St.Kilda played out a close one at Etihad with the Saints prevailing mainly due to the poor kicking of the Dons.HEROESCollingwoods big men:?Saturdays win against the Giants was a huge result for the Pies. Their pressure was immense across the ground and their impressive workrate culminated in a stunning performance - particularly after GWS started well, before the Magpies slammed on nine goals to two in the second term. Emerging ruckman Brodie Grundy fought back to get on top of Shane Mumford while Travis Cloke played his best game since returning from the VFL after two separate stints in the lower level. He and Jesse White combined for 22 marks and seven goals between them. It was a fantastic return to form for Cloke after such a trying season, with the veterans sticky hands and attack on the ball back on full display.Jack Grimes:?What a story of persistence. The former Demons skipper has been forced to ply his trade in the VFL all season before finally breaking into the senior side for the clash against Fremantle in Darwin. Grimes, in his 99th AFL game, collected 32 touches as well as eight tackles and was one of many dominant ball winners who allowed Melbourne to smash Freo in possessions (135 more disposals than the Dockers). Youve got to admire players who are seemingly down and out then have the resilience to fight their way back into a team and then perform. It was a fine all-round effort from Melbourne, with Max Gawn putting it on a platter to the mids, Jayden Hunt and Tom McDonald both providing plenty of bounce and rebound, and Jesse Hogan and Jack Watts thriving up forward.Sydneys younguns:?The Swans were staring at two consecutive losses after going down to the Dogs at home and then travelling to Geelong to face the Dangerfield-inspired Cats. As usual, the senior Swans lead by Dane Rampe fired but the clubs most inexperienced players stood up in a finals-like contest. Ruckman Sam Naismith, key defender Aliir Aliir, small forward Tom Papley and half-back Callum Mills all played with a poise and consistency that belied their ages. Sydneys ability to continually contend while simultaneously regenerating their list is incredible.VILLAINSReece Conca:?The Tiger was certainly stiff to get pinged for holding the ball late in Saturday nights ripping contest against the Bulldogs. He had no opportunity to get rid of the ball after being swamped straight after taking possession, but these things happen. However, players have to give the ball back quickly, and Conca didnt, which cost him a 50m penalty. Suddenly, a kick from outside 50 became a certain goal to star Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli. Conca had to be smarter than that, despite his disappointment about the tough decision. But full credit to the Dogs - Bontempelli and Jake Stringer set them alight to get their side across the line.Lin Jongs clandestine visit:?So, the out-of-contract Jong caught up with some Collingwood officials and had a look around the Magpies facilities during the mid-season bye. That sort of stuff happens all the time, but their problem was getting caught! In this era of freer player movement, people have every right to assess their options when it comes to their future. However, the visit to Collingwood HQ was just silly and misguided by Jong and his management - you dont need to enter the facilities at the Holden Centre to know they would be first-class.Missed mark-of-the-year opportunities:?Cyril Rioli launched above the converging pack against Port Adelaide and it was truly spectacular. The mark was paid by the controlling umpire but the central ump Chris Donlon ruled the footy had hit the ground upon his descent. It had - but a sense of theatre like Gary Ablett Snr. over Gary Pert in yesteryear may have been appropriate for one of the many highlights of the season. While we are on aerialists, Jeremy Howe had commentators and fans out of their seats when he catapulted high above the pack in the defensive 50 against GWS. But instead of trying to take the mark, he only spoiled the ball. As the most consistent high flyer in the game, Howe should know better than to ruin a moment like that. Take the mark, Jeremy! Adidas NMD R2 Cheap . -- Kyrie Irvings last-minute 3-pointer helped seal another victory for Cleveland -- and the Cavaliers longest winning streak since LeBron James left. Fake NMD Human Race For Sale . Fred Couples, captain of the U.S. side, put it all into perspective. "We know whos in charge," he said. http://www.cheapnmdonline.com/wholesale-pharrell-adidas-nmd-hu-china.html . The Olympic champion curler and TSN curling analyst immediately went online to look at the Halls long list of honoured members. Thats when the enormity of the honour sunk in. Adidas NMD Human Race Cheap . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. Adidas NMD Mens Discount . John Lucas, signed as a mentor for rookie Trey Burke, showed he can score if required, scoring 12 points of his 16 points in the second quarter as Utah built an 18-point lead.CHICAGO -- If Thursday was Jake Peavys last start with the White Sox, he wanted a reminder of his days in Chicago. Peavy chose to have the White Sox wear the teams 1983 throwback jerseys, then outpitched Justin Verlander in a 7-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Peavy (8-4) has been the subject of trade speculation as the July 31 deadline approaches. He hadnt pitched in the old-style uniforms -- usually reserved for Sundays -- and knew that with multiple scouts watching him, it might be his last chance. The fans also recognized Thursday might have been the end for Peavy in Chicago, and they gave him standing ovations following the seventh inning and when he was relieved in the eighth after giving up Brayan Penas home run. "It was very humbling. It was emotional for me," Peavy said. "If it was the last time I pitch here at U.S. Cellular Field, with this uniform on, it was a nice way to go out. It meant the absolute world to me. I hope everyone knows that." The Tigers again played minus Miguel Cabrera and had their four-game winning streak end. The AL MVP missed his third straight game because of an injured left hip flexor. Cabreras status for Friday nights home game against Philadelphia was uncertain. "Im not going to do anything stupid," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "Just have to wait and see how he comes in tomorrow." Torii Hunter homered for the third time in the series. But the Tigers outfielder exited in the eighth and is day to day with a sore left Achilles. Peavy was acquired from San Diego on July 31, 2009, and re-signed for two years with the White Sox last October. He didnt get no-trade protection because he figured Chicago, which won 85 games in 2012, would be in contention this season. That, however, isnt the case. Peavy helped Chicago avoid falling 21 games below .500. Peavy said again that hes open to either staying in Chicago or leaving for a contending team. "Ill be happy to stay here and be the best teammate I can be, grind it out the rest of the season and make sure we keep playing hard and show up to win every day," Peavy said. "If I get traded, Ill give the boys a big hug and make sure a few tears will be shed, leaving the friendships here. And Ill go play as hard as I can to help the next ballclub Im on, if that happens. Just going to take it in and well see how the next few days play out," he said. White Sox manager Robin Ventura doesnt have a say in Peavys future. If he did, hed push for the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner to stay in Chicago. "Its one of those I enjoy him being on our team. I know what he means," Ventura said.dddddddddddd "I dont make that decision so, again, Im the guy thats appreciating just him being on our team right now. I hope hes here through next year, too." Peavy allowed four hits, three of them homers, and four hits while striking out seven in the matchup of former Cy Young winners. In two starts since returning from the disabled list with a broken left rib, Peavy is 2-0 and has given up six earned runs in 13 innings. Verlander (10-8) gave up seven runs and 11 hits in six innings. Tyler Flowers, catching for the first time since July 21, homered off the Tigers star. "Today, as funny as it sounds, was a step in the right direction," Verlander said. "I thought my stuff was the best its been all year. It was just a little erratic." Addison Reed allowed the tying run to get to the plate in the ninth but struck out Pena to pick up his 26th save in 30 tries, keeping the White Sox from getting swept in a four-game series at home by Detroit for the first time since June 20-22, 1980. Verlander, who fell to 0-2 against the White Sox this season, struggled early. Chicago scored twice in the first for its first lead in the series. Paul Konerko and Jeff Keppinger hit RBI singles with two outs. Peavy allowed his first hit in the fourth when Austin Jackson singled. Hunter followed with his 10th homer. The White Sox scored four times in the bottom half. Flowers hit an RBI double off left fielder Andy Dirks glove, Alexei Ramirez had a two-run single and Alex Rios singled home a run. Flowers homered in the sixth. Victor Martinez connected for the Tigers in the seventh. NOTES: White Sox RHP Jesse Crain, out since July 3 with a strained right shoulder, played catch but pitching coach Don Cooper termed it a "slight" setback. Crain did not throw a bullpen session as hoped. ... Leyland said closer Joaquin Benoit, who worked in three of Detroits previous four games, was unavailable. ... White Sox 2B Gordon Beckham was out of the lineup for the fifth straight game with a strained left wrist but could play Friday. .... Tigers 2B Omar Infante, on a rehab assignment with Single-A West Michigan after spraining his left ankle July 3, could return to the Tigers on Friday if he feels ready to return. ... LHP Darin Downs, on the DL since July 7, was also scheduled to make a rehab appearance Thursday for West Michigan. ... Jose Quintana (5-2, 3.61) will pitch Friday for the White Sox in Chicago against the Royals James Shields (4-7, 3.24). ... The Tigers Doug Fister (8-5, 3.90) will face Philadelphias Cole Hamels (4-12, 4.16) in Detroit. ' ' '