Expert
There are still 12 teams with a shot at September and only four teams look certain finalists with just four games to play. Quick, bring on the 17-5 fixture – no, not really.
Last week: 2
Ladder: 1
Do they get credit for overcoming a 50-point deficit or deserve criticism for falling so far behind in the first place. Who the hell knows. The Crows are a fitting first-placed team in this bonkers season.
Last week: 3
Ladder: 2
Gave the Blues a touch up like few teams have this season. Mitch Duncan would be well in the mix for the All-Australian squad.
Last week: 1
Ladder: 6
Slipped up against a good team with a genius at the helm. There’s no shame in that, but the Swans don’t have a lot of room for error thanks to that dreadful first six rounds.
Last week: 5
Ladder: 4
The Tigers’ win over the Suns was ugly, but ugly wins are OK every now and then. Richmond are a good side.
Last week: 4
Ladder: 3
Another unimpressive win from the Giants who are sputtering along at the moment.
Last week: 7
Ladder: 5
Got out of jail because the Saints made a mistake, but also because two great players made two great plays. Paddy Ryder’s perfect tap got the finish it deserved from the brilliant Robbie Gray.
Last week: 6
Ladder: 7
All due respect to the plucky Roos, Melbourne need to be better than that.
Last week: 9
Ladder: 8
The Eagles are a middling team, but they sure can punish a bad one. Finals are still very achievable, but who knows what to expect from them week to week.
Last week: 10
Ladder: 9
There’s life in these Dogs yet. That was probably their best win of the season.
Last week: 12
Ladder: 12
Hawthorn’s first 12 games: -16.9 contested possessions per game, four wins, eight losses.
Hawthorn’s past six games: +7.5 contested possessions per game, four wins, one loss, one draw.
They’re as good as anyone right now.
Last week: 8
Ladder: 10
The Dons wasted so many chances in the final quarter, that could be an incredibly costly loss. Joe Daniher though – goodness.
Last week: 11
Ladder: 11
That was a heartbreaker. The Saints’ finals hopes are just about shot now.
Last week: 13
Ladder: 13
They haven’t thrown the towel in, but, man, you should win from 50 points up. Daniel Wells is a star.
Last week: 14
Ladder: 14
Nat Fyfe’s five contested marks against the Giants equalled his career-best – he looks like he’s back. Made the Giants sweat right until the end.
Last week: 15
Ladder: 16
A win full of spirit and character. The value of that win is worth a hell of a lot more than a slim chance at the No.1 pick.
Last week: 16
Ladder: 17
It’s been a disappointing fortnight for the Blues. Maybe they’re running out of steam.
Last week: 18
Ladder: 18
They were rubbish yesterday but I should have moved them up last week. They’ve found another player in Alex Witherden.
Last week: 17
Ladder: 15
The Suns suck.