The crafty triple champions are at it again, plotting their strategies to perfection as they time their assault at a fourth consecutive flag.
Alastair Clarkson’s mighty Hawks could well rewrite history if they can execute those carefully laid plans.
For most of the season the Hawks have cleverly disguised their superiority over the rest of the competition, lying low on the ladder while surveying what’s in front of them and mapping out a master plan to counter the new breed of challengers.
At the turn of the halfway mark they have made their move and jumped to the top of the ladder, challenging the rest to catch them if they can.
And as expected, the pace setters have begun falling away – notably North Melbourne who held sway from the first ten rounds but now find themselves languishing in eighth spot after four consecutive losses. They remain a strong chance to challenge the leaders if they can regain Shaun Higgins, Daniel Wells and Jarrad Waite from injury.
Sydney, Geelong, Western Bulldogs, Greater Western Sydney, West Coast and Adelaide have shown great potential to wrest the flag away from the Hawks, but all of them have shown vulnerability at certain stages which is not the hallmark of a budding challenger.
Of those names above, Adelaide have emerged from below the radar to look ominous in their assault at the main stage of the competition and with Sydney appear the likely challengers for this year’s premiership.
Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Richmond, Melbourne and St Kilda have a mathematical chance of securing a place in the finals depending on how the remaining games pan out but their impact on the top four teams will be minimal.
The top of the table game between Sydney and Hawthorn will no doubt be a blockbuster that will clearly indicate if the Swans have it in them to overcome the tormentor of several recent campaigns that have shattered their hope of a flag.
The re-emergence of superstar Gary Ablett saw the Gold Coast Suns show remarkable improvement, but their joy was short lived when Ablett appeared to have re-injured his left shoulder. This kept him out of the game for a considerable spell after reconstruction.
Carlton, Melbourne, St Kilda and Gold Coast show signs of improvement but lack consistency in their performances. Brisbane and Essendon appear to be on a tanking expedition to secure top draft picks.
While the-ban stricken Bombers appear to have a legitimate excuse for why they cannot win close games, the Lions have none but continue on their merry way to help their list development.
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We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy has been forced into a premature and immediate AFL retirement through concussion to prioritise a "full and healthy life"…
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
