So far in 2012, there have been so many ups and downs in the AFL season that no-one knows who will make the grand final, let alone who will be in the top eight.
There are four teams sitting outside the eight on 7 wins and 7 losses after 15 rounds, five if you count Brisbane who still could potentially make the finals if they win this week.
After round 15, in which Carlton upset Collingwood and a demolition of the Bombers by St Kilda, it has me asking the question: Could someone outside the four win the flag?
Geelong coach Chris Scott said earlier at the start of the year that he was aiming for his team to have a grand final berth even if they don’t make the top four. But Geelong have been far from their best this season, whether it is due to them trying to rebuild their list or because a lot of their mature aged players are finally getting too old and are looking to move on.
Which brings me to the Blues, who after last week’s win over Collingwood will be filled with confidence that they finally have their mojo back and are again moving in the right direction at a crucial time in their season. Once considered flag favourites, the Blues started out well early but consistently slipped further and further down the ladder after a horror run of injuries. They lost Andrew Carazzo early in the season and also Marc Murphy, Jarrad Waite, Jeremy Laidler and Lachie Henderson, and now also Shaun Hampson who hurt his knee last week against Collingwood.
And what of the Saints, another team who at the start of the year were thought to have been just another club in the rebuilding phase. They have a majority of their players who played in three grand finals getting to an average age of 28 and many thought them not to be a threat. But after smart drafting of younger players through the likes of Arryn Siposs, Jack Steven, Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera they still look like a fresh team who are hanging around ready to pounce when the opportunity arises.
What about the others, such as North Melbourne who in recent weeks have shown their true colours and shown that they can play really good footy when required. Richmond, at the start of their season had fans believing that they had finally overcome their long standing issues and were ready to produce a big season. They also may be contenders come finals time.
So could it be truly possible someone could achieve this feat?
If so, 2012 would be a fitting year to do it.
Ben McEvoy
Guest
yeah the saints for 8th spot champ
pat
Guest
The season is certainly panning out to be very unpredictable, your article leaves me feeling how the game is what it should be, a sport that embraces the aussie in all of us, to continue the fight to the top.
Knoxy
Guest
I doubt that anyone outside the top four can win the flag but there could very well be some big upsets. The 2012 finals series will be very interesting.
Alex
Guest
The way i see the top 8 at the end of the year is: 1. West Coast Eagles 2. Collingwood Magpies 3. Sydney Swans 4. Hawthorn Hawks 5. Adelaide Crows 6. Essendon Bombers 7. Geelong Cats 8. Brisbane lIons
Pillock
Roar Rookie
If that is the 8 there is no doubt that a team from the bottom 4 could get up to the flag.
Macca
Guest
no need to tell a carlton supporter about the importance of a home final. In fact I predict at some stage Carlton will play Adelaide in Adelaide in this finals series. This would then complete the set of Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide away finals in 4 years. Belwo is how the SMH sees the top 8 at the end of the year, do you think the Pies and Essendon would be happy with it? ADELAIDE 18 4 HAWTHORN 17 5 SYDNEY 17 5 WEST COAST 17 5 Collingwood 17 5 Essendon 14 8 Geelong 14 8 Carlton 13 9
langou
Roar Guru
No With a mix of interstate and non-interstate teams making up the top four, I doubt anyone will win from outside the top 2. Home finals will play a huge part this year
Macca
Guest
With Franklin set to miss a few weeks they will possibly stay out of the top 4 now too.
Mango Jack
Guest
Outside the current 4, Hawthorn could definitely do it. They have a tough run up to the finals, but that could be to their advantage if they build momentum. Geelong also have the cattle and experience.
Macca
Guest
Not sure about winning it but I can easily see on of them making a prelim final and who knows from there. If Sydney and West Coast finish top 2 and win the first week though the travel and playing someone with a week off will be a bit much.