Pack the scarf in the bottom draw, the beanie and guernsey alongside it, and give the vocal chords a thoroughly, well-earned break. That is now the scenario for the majority of footy fans.
For many, the journey began seven months ago with high hopes, dreams and aspirations of weekly success, playing finals, and, who knows, maybe a premiership.
But instead, for those who support 10 teams, 2013 is over from a participation viewpoint. Now, just like their players, they are simply curious spectators for the remaining month of the season.
After a season swallowed in supplements, investigations, and pending penalties, the focus of the AFL football world now firmly switches to the game itself and the best time of the year – the finals.
For eight teams, the real stuff now begins, and while the premiership dream may burn more brightly for some than others, even those supporters of Carlton, who snuck into the finals through the back door, have reason to be dream.
They are, after all, still alive.
But not everyone is a Hawks fan, a Cats member, or part of the Fremantle faithful. As I said, most bid farewell to their football over the weekend, and now their eyes are on the trade period, the draft, and finally, the pre-season.
But it’s a long, long time before Round 1, 2014. So how did the other 10 teams fare in 2013?
For some finals were never a realistic goal, but did they improve or step backwards? Of those who missed the finals, what sort of mark would you give them?
Essendon
What can you say? The fact they managed to win 14 matches during the tumultuous time the club was going through all year, says a lot for the playing group.
They were second on the ladder after 16 games, but the wear and tear of the year took a toll, and they managed just one more win – albeit a memorable one against Carlton – for the season.
As I was so often reminded this year, the drama at the Dons brought players and fans even closer. The draft penalties will hurt, but whoever coaches Essendon next year will have a team expected to be playing in finals.
Grade: A-.
Adelaide
Despite losing Kurt Tippett before the season, and Taylor Walker after just five games, the Crows still found ways to kick winning scores and were within a win of the finals.
Still, after last season it would have been a disappointment for their fans who would have hoped the team would take the next step in 2014.
What did hurt was the fact they lost five games by less than two kicks on their home turf at AAMI Stadium. The upside is they have so many promising youngsters who just keep getting better.
Grade: B-.
Brisbane
While they had the same record as 2012 – 10 wins and 12 losses – looking ahead this time around and the future seems a little brighter than it did 12 months ago.
They may have barely had their inspirational leader, Simon Black, for most of the season, and lost their coach a few rounds out, but the players showed in their final nine games (six wins and three losses, all to top eight teams) they have the quality to take the next step in 2014.
Grade: B.
North Melbourne
Frustrating – for coach, players and fans. That’s how you would sum up North’s season.
Five losses by less than a kick including two by a point, another two losses by two kicks, and a further two defeats by less than three goals. What might have been?
They showed so often they could match it with the elite of the competition. If they can learn how to win tight games, they will be a serious candidate.
How that happens though, who knows, but they have enough talent and experience there to be playing in September.
Grade: B.
West Coast
A season to forget for the Eagles as they slid back down the ladder after climbing from the cellar and into the finals in 2011 and 2012.
Nine of their 13 losses were at home, which is a bad statistic.
A wretched run on injuries to important players were a key factor this season, and while you can never predict that, without them in 2014, the West Coast have the cattle to sneak into the final eight.
Grade: D.
Gold Coast
The Suns shook off the second season blues to show that predictions of the club featuring in the finals after five seasons will be pretty close to the mark.
Eight wins in 2013, including the impressive scalp of Collingwood at home in Round 17, the biggest victory of their short life.
Their youngsters continue to improve, Gary Ablett jnr just gets better, and new boy Jaeger O’Meara will be a star.
Whether finals beckon in 2014 or not… maybe 2015.
Grade: B.
Western Bulldogs
After being little more than percentage boosters for the top sides early in the season, the Dogs turned it around and, with some gusty efforts later in the season, showed they too have a flickering light at the end of what looked like a very dark tunnel.
Their young kids are starting to show some consistency, and their tried and true veterans seemed to find some new life midway through the year.
While it appeared the other way early in the year, now there looks to be more upside than down at the Dogs.
Grade: C+
St Kilda
Losing Sam Fisher and Sam Gilbert for chunks of the season didn’t help the Saints, but they have looked like a team on their way down before they can rebuild and get back up.
They still have some quality there, but I can’t see them playing finals next season.
Grade: D.
Melbourne
What can you say? The AFL’s basketcase.
GWS didn’t just beat them, they started favourites in the match and it wasn’t considered an upset. What does that say about the Dees?
Something positive about the Demons – they have a great home ground?
Will Paul Roos coach them next year? Who knows, but while he’s a great coach, he’s not a miracle man. Same same next season.
Grade: F.
Greater Western Sydney
‘Second season blues’ we kept hearing. As the Kevin Sheedy era came to an end on Sunday afternoon, the Giants finished the season with just a solo win – against Melbourne – compared with the two they had in their debut season.
They too suffered key injuries, notably to Jon Patton and Chad Cornes. Their youngsters continue to gain valuable experience, and will only get better. Just how much better and how soon will be the question.
The Giants badly need more experience. Buddy Franklin? Maybe, maybe not. But they need talented, experienced faces to help the kids take the next step.
They are still a few years away from thinking about finals though.
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