Having reached the halfway point of the home-and-away season, it seems an appropriate time to assess each club’s efforts.
What have they done this season, and what do they have left in store?
Port Adelaide
(10 wins-1 loss, 149.3 per cent)
The season so far…
Port have to be the story of the season. Less than two years ago they were a basket case, with some even questioning their place in the league. Now they sit on top of the ladder, having disposed of three of last year’s top four along the way.
Best win
It’s hard to pick just one from their 10 wins, but the Round 6 victory over Geelong was the one that announced them as true contenders. They were never troubled, and triumphed by 40 points.
What’s to come
Logic would dictate that they probably won’t win 10 of their last 11, but sitting two games clear of the pack with a percentage nudging 150 means top spot is theirs to lose.
Their last five games includes tests against Collingwood, Gold Coast and Fremantle away from home as well as a return bout against Sydney.
Likely ladder finish
First or second.
Best and fairest
Throw a blanket over half a dozen players. I’ll go with Travis Boak.
Hawthorn
(8-3, 148.4 per cent)
The season so far…
The reigning premiers started the year strongly and looked set to go back-to-back, but injuries to key players has seen them drop off ever so slightly. While they are still finding a way to win, losses to Sydney and Port indicate they may struggle against the top teams.
Best win
The grand final rematch against Fremantle remains their only win over a top four contender, but their annihilation of St Kilda was the Hawks at their devastating best.
What’s to come
Their best side is still weeks away, so they need to keep winning to stay with the pack. Their final three games against Fremantle, Geelong and Collimgwood will determine whether they can finish in the top four.
Likely ladder finish
Between third and sixth.
Best and Fairest
Sam Mitchell would’ve been leading when he was injured, but equal-leading goalkicker Luke Breust may be just in front now.
Sydney
(8-3, 140.1 per cent)
The season so far…
The season started disastrously with a loss against GWS. After three losses from the first four rounds, many had the Swans written off. Since then they have won seven in a row and are flag favourites.
Best win
The 110-point win over Geelong in Round 11 was as comprehensive as it was unexpected. Their forward setup in that game worked as well as any in recent memory.
What’s to come
This week’s home game against Port could be season defining for both clubs. If the Swans get up, they will be eyeing off a top-two spot, with only two more matches against top eight teams for the rest of the season.
Likely ladder finish
Top four.
Best and Fairest
Josh Kennedy continues to solidify his standing as one of the elite players in the competition.
Collingwood
(8-3, 122.1 per cent)
The season so far…
A Round 1 flogging at the hands of Fremantle had pundits scratching their heads. That loss aside, they have been consistent without being brilliant. Put simply, they are getting the job done.
Best win
At the time, Round 2 against Sydney was a must-win for both clubs. Collingwood were under the pump early but their leaders came to the fore, with Scott Pendlebury and Nick Maxwell getting them over the line.
What’s to come
The Pies have a tricky draw, facing Hawthorn twice, Gold Coast away and Port Adelaide at the MCG. They’ll need to win at least two of those to assure themselves of a top-four berth.
Likely ladder finish
Between second and sixth.
Best and Fairest
A toss up between Pendlebury and Dayne Beams. Both players have been outstanding.
Geelong
(8-3, 101.7 per cent)
The season so far…
A typical Geelong-style start to the season had the Cats sitting on top of the ladder at 5-0. Three losses (at an average of nine goals) from their last six starts has brought them back to earth with a thud.
Best win
Other than their 75-point victory over the Eagles in Round 4, they haven’t beaten a team by more than five goals.
What’s to come
Their last six weeks have been underwhelming but it’s still hard to declare the end of an era. They could win as many as nine more games, or as few as five. Their low percentage will likely keep them out of the top four.
Likely ladder finish
Between sixth and eighth.
Best and Fairest
Joel Selwood is doing enough to pick up a third Carji Greeves medal, putting among some legends of the club.
Fremantle
(7-4, 125.5 per cent)
The season so far…
Freo have had the hardest draw of any team, playing all seven of the other top eight teams in the first nine rounds. Their current streak of three wins is their longest so far this year.
Best win
They totally outclassed Essendon in Round 4, leading by as much as 12 goals in the last quarter, eventually getting up by 53 points.
What’s to come
Their draw is decidedly easier from here. They could well be on a 10-game winning streak when they next meet the Cats in Round 20. After that they face Hawthorn and Port Adelaide in Rounds 21 and 23, both at home.
Likely ladder finish
Between third and sixth.
Best and Fairest
David Mundy has been their most consistent player, but could face a challenge from Michael Barlow.
North Melbourne
(7-4, 112.8 per cent)
The season so far…
Inconsistent is one word to describe the Roos’ season. Infuriating is another. They have had two wins in Perth for the first time in their history, a win in Sydney for the first time in a decade, and are the only team to beat Port. Their four losses however, have been by an average of 34 points.
Best win
They beat the Power at their own game in Round 3, over running them in the final quarter to get up by seven points.
What’s to come
Hawthorn in Round 16 and Geelong in Round 19 are the only games against likely finalists for the remainder of the season. If they can play their best football, North are a definite top-four side. If…
Likely ladder finish
Anywhere from third to seventh.
Best and Fairest
Brent Harvey should win his sixth nest and fairest to well and truly cement his place as an all-time great of the club.
Gold Coast
(7-4, 103.1 per cent)
The season so far…
The Suns are enjoying the best season of their short history. The young players have matured and can now match it with better teams in the league. The strength of the key position players has been the final piece of the puzzle.
Best win
Their 43-point win over North Melbourne remains their only one over a top-eight team. It was built on a blistering first-quarter burst and a last-quarter charge when challenged.
What’s to come
Their next four rounds are very tough but they have enough winnable games to hold off any challengers from outside the eight.
Likely ladder finish
Will sneak in at either seventh or eighth.
Best and Fairest
Gary Ablett is a $1.80 favourite for the Brownlow, it’s doubtful bookmakers are even offering odds for the Gold Coast’s award.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
The Blues have truly stood up and are a genuine flag threat in 2024 and they have their younger brigade of troops to thank for it.
It's a festival of footy as Anzac Round dawns, with matches to be played across a whopping five days in 2024's most spread-out 'weekend'…
Things heating up in Canberra!
Diplomatically answered, Darcy!
For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the now-traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG, there has been one thing conspicuously lacking over…
