With the AFL home and away season two-thirds completed, it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on each team’s performances so far, before the focus becomes finals. As usual there has been some surprise movers, some underachievers and coaches’ careers are being enhanced or questioned every week.
Adelaide
The Crows have the highest percentage and only half a game off top of the ladder. They started the season in blistering form, before teams starting working them out by not allowing them space out the back. They are the top ranked offensive team.
Season Mark: 8
Brisbane
Brisbane are last on the ladder, as many expected, however they have shown plenty. Their best win of the season happened last week. The most pleasing aspect has been the development and signatures of their young talent.
Season Mark: 6
Carlton
The Blues are competitive every week. They might be sixteenth, but the future looks good. Gibbs is in career best form and Jones’ revival has given them another dimension. They beat last year’s grand finalist, Sydney, early in the year and won a tough road trip against the Suns.
Season Mark: 7
Collingwood
Collingwood has won 5 of their 14 games so far. It is a disappointing outcome for a side packed with midfield talent. The forward line hasn’t come along, with new recruit, Mayne, playing mainly VFL. Meanwhile, star defender, Reid, has also seen reserves action.
Season Mark: 3
Essendon
It has been an up and down season for the Dons, which is not surprising considering the last three years. They were superb against Geelong, Port Adelaide and West Coast, however the loss to Brisbane hurts. Daniher could be the next best key forward in the competition.
Season Mark: 6
Fremantle
The Dockers have already won more games than last year. After a disastrous start to the season, they turned to youth and it worked. They have had some good wins and some poor losses. If Bennell gets on the park, he will give them the foot skills they are missing.
Season Mark: 6
Geelong
The Cats are third on the ladder, largely thanks to the Selwood-Dangerfield combo. Duncan has elevated himself and Tuohy has been outstanding. They have played more players than anyone else this year, but do they have the depth to win it?
Season Mark: 8
Gold Coast
It looked horrible for the Suns after just two rounds. They recovered and won 6 of their next 12. Gary Ablett is still their star, but it seems increasingly likely he will leave at season’s end. They are hard to beat at home, but need to improve their away record.
Season Mark: 5
Greater Western Sydney
The Giants are top of ladder and still have a long injury list. They have not been as brilliant this year, which can be a good thing. They have learned to win when not playing their best. Kelly has taken his game to an elite level. Where will he play next year?
Season Mark: 9
Hawthorn
After experiencing so much success in the past few years, it has been a shock to the system to see Hawthorn so low on the ladder. Recent wins have only elevated them to thirteenth. Throughout the gloom they have unearthed some talent and don’t be surprised if they bounce back quickly.
Season Mark: 4
Melbourne
The Demons are sixth on the ladder and have won in Adelaide and Perth. They have overcome injuries and suspensions, and only a game outside the Top 4. Their consistency is still a concern, but there have been more positives than negatives this year.
Season Mark: 7
North Melbourne
Many were expecting the Roos to fall this year and their ladder position suggests they have. They are second last and have only won 4 games. However, if you take a closer look, they have been very competitive and their youth has given plenty of good signs.
Season Mark: 5
Port Adelaide
The Power were the great unknown coming into the season and fifteen rounds in, they still are. They have smashed weaker sides, but have not beaten a Top 8 side. Polec and Wines have been solid all year in the middle.
Season Mark: 6
Richmond
The Tigers have been outstanding all year. They are 9-5 and fourth on the ladder. Their season could have been even better if it wasn’t for close losses against GWS, Sydney, Western Bulldogs and Fremantle. Martin is now one of the best players in the competition.
Season Mark: 9
St Kilda
St Kilda moved into the eight after a tight win against the Dockers. The Saints have been building the last few years and they are right where they expected to be. Their plan now moves to free agency and trading, instead of stockpiling draft selections.
Season Mark: 6
Sydney
Somehow Sydney was 0-6 before winning 7 of their last 8. There were reasons, such as form and injuries. Now they have the cattle back, they are winning. It will be a big ask to keep winning and push for a premiership.
Season Mark: 4
West Coast
The same question still hovers over the Eagles- can they win on the road (expect for Adelaide, where they have an outstanding record)? More often than not they have been disappointing interstate, while at home they are always hard to beat. They are currently seventh on the ladder.
Season Mark: 6
Western Bulldogs
The reigning premiers are currently tenth on the ladder and fighting to play finals. Teams have stopped their quick hands at congestion and more recently, targeted and shutdown important players like Johannisen. Can they respond?
Season Mark: 4
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