quite a shock," Rosberg said. "I didnt see it coming ... I thought I

Weve officially started the run to the finals and its clear some top eight sides are struggling.The Hawks inflicted back-to-back SCG losses on Sydney after prevailing in a thrilling Thursday night contest. The Swans could have snatched top spot with a win, but now after dropping out of the top four, they sit fifth on percentage.On the other side of the country Geelong had to fight until the very end to hold off a Fremantle side desperate for a win. Patrick Dangerfield continued his march towards a maiden Brownlow Medal after racking up 31 disposals and booting four goals.North Melbournes mid-season dip in form has gone from bad to worse after being stunned by the Power?The Kangaroos have now lost six of their last seven matches after starting the season 9-0. If their shaky form continues, a top eight finish is no certainty.Speaking of shaky, the West Coast Eagles were far from convincing against a wasteful Carlton side on Sunday. If the contest had run five minutes longer, the Blues may well have run over the top of them, but as it was they crucially secured the four points.However, in Scott Thompsons big milestone, Adelaide swept their way to eight straight wins with their victory over Collingwood and now occupy second spot on the ladder behind Hawthorn.HEROESShaun Burgoynes final term:?What can you say about Burgoyne that hasnt already been said? The 300-plus gamer inspired his team to victory after being thrust into the midfield in the final quarter against the Swans. Burgoyne was dominant in the last, racking up 11 disposals and kicking two crucial goals to steer the Hawks to a terrific top-of-the table clash win. For so much of his career he has been able to play the Mr-fix-it role at the most desperate of times and Thursday night was no exception. Cyril Riolis long bomb from outside 50 on his birthday also deserves a mention, and capped off a memorable night for Hawthorn. The reigning premiers now have a four-point cushion at the top of the table; could a fourth straight flag be on the cards?Koby Stevens: Influential in the middle and dangerous when forward, Stevens is emerging as yet another valuable member of the Western Bulldogs squad after arguably his career-best match against the Suns on Saturday. The former Eagle had 34 disposals, eight clearances and kicked back-to-back goals for the Dogs in the opening quarter of the 48-point win. In a game that was overshadowed by the return of prized forward Tom Boyd, it was the smaller forwards and midfielders that got the job done with Clay Smith, Marcus Bontempelli and Mitch Wallis also prominent in front of goals. After a wretched run with injuries lets hope Stevens can string more than a handful of games together as the Dogs look to do some damage in September.Jackson Trengove: Since Matthew Lobbe went down with a knee injury, Trengove has stepped up enormously in whats been a mid-season revival for the Power. Up against the games most dominant ruckman Todd Goldstein on Saturday, many would have excused Trengove for being unable to contain him, but the defender-turned-ruckman was outstanding, particularly in the first term when Port Adelaide motored to a five-goal lead. Trengove finished the day with 22 disposals (10 more than Goldstein) and six tackles. Is the shorter, more versatile ruckman the way of the future?VILLAINSMelbournes record at Etihad Stadium: Theres only one word that springs to mind when describing Melbournes recent record at Etihad Stadium: dreadful. The Demons have lost 24 of their past 25 games at Docklands and again on Sunday were well beaten by the Saints. If that wasnt humiliating enough, Sundays loss stretched the Dees losing streak against St Kilda to 14 straight matches. It was a day to forget for Melbourne -- who had been playing good football heading into the clash -- after Jesse Hogan was reported for striking Jarryn Geary in a marking contest.Tom Hawkins: Hes such an important player for the Cats and at his best could prove the difference between a mediocre Geelong and one thats a serious premiership threat. However, just one disposal in the first half against Freo is simply inexcusable. Full credit to Zac Dawson who played a terrific game on the Geelong star forward, but Hawkins was guilty of a plethora of forgettable moments, most notably spilled marks and poor positioning. Despite improving in the second half, Hawkins still failed to have any impact on the contest. He looked relieved to finish up with one goal, but against a bottom four side thats simply not good enough. If Geelongs indifferent form is to be eradicated, they need the big man firing -- especially with two tough challenges against Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs in the next fortnight.50m penalties:?To the letter of the law, I believe both 50m penalties against Swans duo Kieren Jack and Ben McGlynn against Hawthorn were there. However, in a tight, low-scoring contest, decisions like that have the ability to drastically change momentum, as we all witnessed at the SCG on Thursday night and against Kade Simpson versus the Eagles on Sunday. The Jack decision was of particular concern as he was clearly in the protected zone and should be afforded the opportunity to exit the area without being pinged and costing his side a goal. It is worth noting that Jack was also on the boundary side of the Hawk in possession, Jono ORourke, in these types of instances we need to take a more lenient approach as it is not stopping the ball from moving quickly through the corridor. Wesley Walker Jets Jersey .J. -- Marshawn Lynch said Thursday it will be good to get back to football after the Seattle quiet talking running back wrapped up his final mandatory media session of Super Bowl week. Quinnen Williams Jets Jersey . The return match will take place next Wednesday. Udinese leads Fiorentina 2-1 in the other semifinal. Napoli staged a second-half comeback from two goals down after Gervinhos opener and a stunning strike from Kevin Strootman. http://www.authenticnyjetspro.com/Jamal-adams-jets-jersey/ . -- Charline Labonte couldnt have asked for a better homecoming. Sam Darnold Jets Jersey . The FA rejected Wilsheres appeal that the length of his punishment was "clearly excessive" and said Thursday his suspension begins with immediate effect. He will miss league matches against Chelsea on Monday and West Ham on Dec. Quinnen Williams Jersey . Jeff Green scored 13 points and Kris Humphries 12 for the Celtics, who nearly blew an 18-point, second-half lead. Sullingers 20-20 was the first by a Celtics player since Kevin Garnetts first game in Boston in 2007. Garnett was dealt -- along with Paul Pierce -- to Brooklyn during the off-season. HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson could soon a share a spot in NASCARs championship record book.The racing greats dont share much of a friendship.Petty, NASCARs career leader with 200 wins, has yet to speak to Johnson since the Hendrick Motorsports star earned a spot in the season finale with a championship berth on the line. Johnson would match Petty and Dale Earnhardt with seven Cup championships should be best Carl Edwards, Joey Logano and Kyle Busch in Sundays race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.The King knew the year would come when he would have to share his championship throne.Petty said he wasnt openly rooting for a driver he barely knows to match his championship mark.I aint got a dog in this fight, you know what I mean, Petty said Saturday. Probably from the PR standpoint, it would be great if he could win it. Because then every time they say something about him, theyre going to say something about me and Earnhardt.Petty said he doesnt have much of a relationship with Johnson and they havent talked to each other since the Hendrick Motorsports star clinched his championship spot with a win at Martinsville.Jimmie is just another one out there, Petty said inside his motorhome. Weve never really socialized at all. Ive been at a bunch of meetings and places with him. Probably all weve ever done is say hello to each other.Johnson made his Sprint Cup debut in 2001 and won championships from 2006-2010 and a sixth in 2013. Earnhardt won championships in 1980 and went back-to-back in 1986-1987, 1990-1991 and 1993-1994. Pettys championships came in 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1979.I was the first one to climb the mountain, Petty said.ddddddddddddPetty and Earnhardt won their championships when NASCAR decided a champion under a season-long points system. Johnson won his in the 10-race Chase for the Sprint championship playoff era. Johnson tries for No. 7 in the third season of the Chase elimination format.Theres no way to compare with what Ive done, or what Earnhardts done or what Jimmies doing against each other, Petty said.Petty, whose 27 victories in 1967 still stand as a single-season record, has remained a fixture in NASCAR with his ownership stake in Richard Petty Motorsports. He turns 80 next year and remains a familiar sight at racetracks in feathered cowboy hats, dark glasses and cowboy boots.Its been good PR for me because this time last year, no one said, `Richard Petty won seven championships, he said. We wouldnt even be mentioned. Its brought us back into the forefront. A lot of the fans, old fans, new fans, never really think about that part. Now, theyve brought it into focus.Johnson had his eye on seven since he won his sixth championship in 2013. Only 41, a motivated Johnson has more shots at seven, eight, even more titles.It would be a massive honor to join Petty and Earnhardt, he said.Petty will congratulate Johnson after the race should he tie the record. Maybe then, the seven-time champs will have more of a chance to catch up.Ive been busy answering questions about Jimmie, Petty said, so I havent had a chance to talk with him.---More AP auto racing: www.racing.ap.org ' ' '