Mitch Duncan, Andrew Mackie and Darren Milburn of the Cats celebrate their win after the AFL Round 12 match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the MCG, Melbourne.
Twelve rounds down, twelve rounds to go. The completion of today’s Collingwood versus Melbourne match marks the halfway point of the home and away season, and the first half of the footy year has been a mixture of more-of-the-same, combined with a number of unexpected surprises.
Geelong Cats
Geelong is proving the pre-season doubters wrong, and the playing group clearly believes it can win another premiership. The Cats have been tested in several close games this season, and are having to work harder for their wins against the other top sides compared with previous years. The self-belief that comes with winning several close matches against quality opposition will hold the Cats in good stead come September.
Collingwood Magpies
Reigning premier and deserved premiership favourite again this season. The Magpies seem to be cruising through the middle portion of this year and are waiting for the finals series to come along.
Hawthorn Hawks
The Hawks sit comfortably in the top four, and have key players finding their best form. The injury to key forward Jarryd Roughead is a huge loss for the Hawks, and will put a dent in Hawthorn’s premiership hopes. On their day, the Hawks are capable of beating anyone, and will fancy themselves if they can maintain a top four spot come finals time.
Carlton Blues
The Blues have been impressive this year, and should hold their spot in the top four. Captain Chris Judd would be leading the Brownlow Medal if the votes were counted right now, and the second tier Blues players have taken a step up this season as well. Carlton’s pace could worry the Magpies or Cats if they meet in the finals.
West Coast Eagles
The biggest surprise thrown up in the first half of this season has been the resurgence of last year’s wooden spooner, the West Coast Eagles. Coach John Worsfold began season 2011 under the pump after his side won just four games last year. Already this season the Eagles have won seven matches, and are knocking on the door of the top four.
Sydney Swans
The Swans are consistently under-rated by most AFL observers, but continue to get the job done. Sydney could be the dark horse of the premiership race this season, and will be happy to fly under the radar.
Essendon Bombers
The return of favourite son James Hird helped the Bombers mount an early season charge, but the loss to Richmond in round nine may prove costly. The Bombers need to find a way to consistently win the games they are expected to.
Fremantle Dockers
The Dockers rely heavily on Aaron Sandilands and Matthew Pavlich, and seem to struggle when one or both of these key players are injured or don’t play well. The return of Michael Barlow from injury for the second half of this season will help, but the Dockers are a class below the top four sides.
Melbourne Demons
It is hard to get a good read on whether the Melbourne side are finals contenders or just pretenders. The Demons had excellent wins against the Crows and the Bombers, but throw in plenty of poor performances as well, losing heavily to the Eagles and the Blues.
St Kilda Saints
The Saints have won three of their past four matches, but look nothing like the team which made the grand final the past two seasons. While the Saints may mount a late season rally and make the finals, it is difficult to see St Kilda making any impact if they do clinch a top eight berth.
Richmond Tigers
The Tigers had a poor start to the year, but have shown that they are a side on the rise. If the Tigers can win their next two matches against Brisbane and Melbourne, they will fancy themselves a chance of finishing in the top eight.
North Melbourne Kangaroos
The Kangaroos had a poor start to the year, but have started to find some form with wins against the Crows and Suns in the past two weeks. Unlikely to make the finals, but could shape the top eight if they pull off some upset wins in the second half of the season.
Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have been hugely disappointing this season. Coach Rodney Eade is under pressure, as is club President David Smorgan, and the Dogs lack direction on and off the field.
Adelaide Crows
On paper the Crows have a solid list of young and exciting players. Unfortunately this hasn’t translated to on-field results in the first half of this year. Coach Neil Craig must be reconsidering his comment pre-season that this is the best playing list the Crows have had in their twenty year history. Don’t be surprised if Craig walks away from the head coaching role at season’s end.
Brisbane Lions
The loss of captain Jonathan Brown to injury early in the year hurt the Lions. Coach Michael Voss should be happy if his side can secure three or four wins in the second half of this season.
Port Adelaide Power
The Power has been very disappointing so far this season. Delivered the Gold Coast Suns their first win and, like the Bulldogs, appear to lack direction on and off the field. The Power is a contender for the wooden spoon this season.
Gold Coast Suns
Secured two wins in the first half of their inaugural season, and may well snag another couple of wins in the final twelve rounds of the season. The Suns will only get better in the second half of this year.
Follow Michael on Twitter @michaelfilosi.
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