Fremantle and West Coast Eagles have produced hurricane winds of change, leaving in their wake the more fancied and star-studded Hawthorn and Sydney as September looms.
The Western Australian teams’ sudden upsurge signal a change of the guard from the dominant teams of Victoria and New South Wales over the past few years and has breathed new life into the competition.
The Dockers have been knocking on the door for the past few seasons and look ominous, but the Eagles’ ascendency from cellar dwellers last season has raised more than a few eyebrows.
In a season like no other, there is still no clear indication as to who will hold aloft the premiership flag. Emerging teams have shown ferocious intensity, while the ones expected to be at the forefront – such as Collingwood, Essendon and Port Adelaide – have crumbled uncharacteristically.
As it stands, the top 12, which ends at Port Adelaide, have a realistic hope of seeing September action, while the rest are left to lament what might have been.
Prominent among the bottom group are Essendon, who flattered early then flopped and tried to hide their slump on the supplements saga hanging over them for the third consecutive season. It’s a pathetic ploy for a team that showed early that they could match it with the best, but now has no certainty of beating anyone in the competition.
The once-proud club need to nut out their issues and regain the pride that has made them the most successful club in VFL/AFL history, with arch rival Carlton, in terms of the number of flags won.
Three of the teams lurking in the shadows of Fremantle, West Coast, Hawthorn and Sydney are the Western Bulldogs, Richmond and North Melbourne.
The Tigers and the Bulldogs are the surprise packets, showing maturity, skill and intensity. It would be wonderful for the game if they are able to take their campaigns all the way to premiership glory.
Among the bloomers from a sorry campaign last year are the rejuvenated Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and St Kilda, all of whom are showing signs they have the potential to be up with the best. The Giants are a big chance to make it to the finals for the first time this year, with some stellar wins proving they are on the cusp of the big time.
There is plenty at stake for the top dozen teams in the final five weeks of the home-and-away season. And for the first time in many seasons, I am stumped as to who will win the premiership.
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