This round was almost normal – whatever that is in this bonkers season.
Last week: 2
Ladder: 1
Gave the Dogs and the rest of the league a reminder of how damaging they can be when they get rolling. That loss to the Hawks doesn’t look so bad now.
Last week: 1
Ladder: 2
The Giants got out of jail again. GWS have now trailed in the last quarter in 10 of 15 games this season… and lost just three times. There’s not a better key-forward combination than Jeremy Cameron and Jonathan Patton – and Rory Lobb ain’t bad either.
Last week: 4
Ladder: 3
Their captain hardly skipped a beat in his return, Patrick Dangerfield continued to behave like a superhero and the Cats got a nice percentage booster after a week of warmer weather in Queensland. Mitch Duncan is having an outstanding season.
Last week: 5
Ladder: 8
Even without their brute of a skipper, the Swans made light work of a bottom-four side. They’re a game out of the top-four – what a season. Saturday night against the Giants should be a cracker.
Last week: 3
Ladder: 6
Didn’t see that coming. The Tigers would be hoping that performance was an aberration.
Last week: 6
Ladder: 4
Beating the Eagles at Subiaco is never easy and always meaningful. Charlie Dixon is unstoppable as any key forward when he’s on. Robbie Gray always seems to be on.
Last week: 7
Ladder: 5
The Blues made the Demons earn it, but that’s what the Blues do – and earn it the Demons did.
Last week: 9
Ladder: 7
Holy cow, where did that come from? Four-straight wins is nothing to sneeze at this season. Nick Riewoldt is a marvel.
Last week: 8
Ladder: 9
They’re not good, they’re not bad. There’s no more fitting place for them.
Last week: 11
Ladder: 10
A win against an old foe to keep their finals hopes alive and bury any fanciful ideas the Pies might have had about turning their season around. It was a nice way to bounce back for the Bombers.
Last week: 12
Ladder: 13
The Hawks are starting to look a bit like the Hawks again. They’re certainly not the powerful side of 2012-2015, but their ball movement is sharp and their forward line has options aplenty.
Last week: 10
Ladder: 11
The Dogs waved the white flag in the final quarter against the Crows. Jake Stringer and Marcus Bontempelli have taken 95 shots at goal this season for 37 goals. Something is very wrong.
Last week: 14
Ladder: 12
Ryan Nyhuis played one of the most remarkable debut games in memory, Nat Fyfe looked as good as he has all season and to top it all off they got a win.
Last week: 15
Ladder: 16
The Blues have become one of my favourite teams this season. They’re overflowing with pluck, well organised, and they all seem to give a crap, which is still pretty important.
Last week: 13
Ladder: 15
There’s blood in the water now.
Last week: 16
Ladder: 17
Todd Goldstein will be thinking about that late miss for a while, I suspect.
Last week: 17
Ladder: 14
Yuck.
Last week: 18
Ladder: 18
The Lions came crashing back to earth after their fantastic win against the Bombers. Dayne Zorko is one of only three players currently averaging at least 20 disposals, 10 contested possessions and a goal a game.
David C
Guest
Zorko might have got the 3 votes ahead of danger.
anon
Roar Pro
It will be tough, but there's probably a 50% chance of running into Greater Western either the second or third week so they'll get a neutral final.
anon
Roar Pro
Greater Western struggle to win interstate. Struggling to get over the line against middle of the road teams at home. Injuries don't really matter because they have incredible depth, injuries have hit in a part of the season where their draw has been soft, and they were soft front runners before the injury crisis. Greater Western have no plan B.
sammy
Guest
Sydney are on form, but the run home will show exactly how much of a threat they are as they play GWS away, Geelong away and Adelaide away (the current top 3 teams). Add to that a resurgent St Kilda and Hawthorn at the MCG. If they win most of those, then they will be very confident, although they are still unlikely to crack top 4 as it is hard to see Adelaide, GWS or Geelong dropping enough games, so 5th spot and a home final is probably the aim at this point
JamesH
Roar Guru
How on Earth are they 'soft selfish front runners'? Didn't you read the bit where GWS have trailed in the last quarter in 10 of 15 games this season, and lost just three times? They might not be playing their best footy but the top sides find ways to win (or draw), even with a long injury list, and that's what the Giants are doing.
anon
Roar Pro
They've played more debutantes than Freo who are in a full-blown rebuild? Wow.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Understandable a virus like he had can have longer lasting effects, just hope the best for him.
GJ
Guest
I haven't heard much. What I have heard has been positive. I'd be surprised if they took him up to Darwin this week. Geelong at home the following week may be realistic. Its a bit hard to judge based on what has been released though, no date or time frame has really been offered
Mattician6x6
Guest
How long till Lynch returns?
GJ
Guest
There were a few subtle changes in Adelaide's game which was pleasing. Close on the scoreboard at half time, I didn't think either team played particularly well up until then. It may have been the rain. Nice to see them show a bit of composure in second half and maintain possession when coming out defence on occasion. Teams have got very used them bombing it up the wing to a contest over the last few years. A few small changes at stoppages. They are still going to struggle against teams that apply a lot inside and close outside pressure, particularly Geelong, Sydney and Melbourne. And they will still take risk and turn the ball over on occasion as well, will be caught out of position and scored against.
I ate pies
Guest
Dangerfield is a sure thing for the Brownlow. He is an amazing footballer.
peter chrisp
Guest
Apologies Richmond should win?
peter chrisp
Guest
Paul i am with you it's a crack up we will not lose any more games Richmond let's see who they play let's hope you take them to the limit here goes Richmond versus: Brisbane-should win GWS at home-? GCS at home? Hawthorn @ MCG? Geelong @ home Freeo @ home last game St Kilda again can they beat you 2 games in a row? As you say if your not on your game the last 7 games will be quite interesting
sammy
Guest
Assuming games go to form this week, the Geelong v Adelaide game is huge and is a virtual 8 pointer as if the crows win, they would move effectively 2 wins clear, inside the top 2 whereas if Geelong win, they would move half a game ahead of the crows. Then the Geelong v GWS game is huge for them and the crows for the battle for top 2. Port are still a smokey for the top 2 and would be thinking if they can keep winning, the showdown looms as their chance to maybe move into the top 2 if they win. These final weeks of the season are going to be very interesting.
Kaniel Outis
Guest
I fear one of your next wins will be against North.
hal
Guest
Geelong have played more debutantes than any other team this year. It was great to see Parfitt back. He is going to be a star. Dangerfield played his best game of the season, and that is saying something. He might have cemented the Brownlow, but then again who knows. Murdoch, and Blicavs were solid. It was an all round team effort, and we didn't put the cue in the rack. We just kept putting our foot on the gas.
Paul D
Roar Guru
We have beaten you once since 2004, brave prediction there Can't wait till we do get that next win though. If it was this week I think I would split my gut from laughing so hard
The Ghost
Guest
Richmond will not lose a game from here. It is time to bring in Miles for Prestia. Prestia is not playing like the investment he is meant to be. Miles is starring in the VFL. All good teams have their hiccups.
big four sticks
Guest
Just a minor flesh wound for the Tigers. We will bounce back and smash the Springfield Isotopes next week. We have only played two bad games this year, while throwing others away. No one gave us a chance at the beginning of the season, yet we are finals bound.
Lachie Abbott
Roar Pro
Despite the even season, I feel the Top 8 will probably stay the way it is now until finals.