There are still 12 teams with a shot at September and only four teams look certain finalists with just four games to play. Quick, bring on the 17-5 fixture – no, not really.
Last week: 2
Ladder: 1
Do they get credit for overcoming a 50-point deficit or deserve criticism for falling so far behind in the first place. Who the hell knows. The Crows are a fitting first-placed team in this bonkers season.
Last week: 3
Ladder: 2
Gave the Blues a touch up like few teams have this season. Mitch Duncan would be well in the mix for the All-Australian squad.
Last week: 1
Ladder: 6
Slipped up against a good team with a genius at the helm. There’s no shame in that, but the Swans don’t have a lot of room for error thanks to that dreadful first six rounds.
Last week: 5
Ladder: 4
The Tigers’ win over the Suns was ugly, but ugly wins are OK every now and then. Richmond are a good side.
Last week: 4
Ladder: 3
Another unimpressive win from the Giants who are sputtering along at the moment.
Last week: 7
Ladder: 5
Got out of jail because the Saints made a mistake, but also because two great players made two great plays. Paddy Ryder’s perfect tap got the finish it deserved from the brilliant Robbie Gray.
Last week: 6
Ladder: 7
All due respect to the plucky Roos, Melbourne need to be better than that.
Last week: 9
Ladder: 8
The Eagles are a middling team, but they sure can punish a bad one. Finals are still very achievable, but who knows what to expect from them week to week.
Last week: 10
Ladder: 9
There’s life in these Dogs yet. That was probably their best win of the season.
Last week: 12
Ladder: 12
Hawthorn’s first 12 games: -16.9 contested possessions per game, four wins, eight losses.
Hawthorn’s past six games: +7.5 contested possessions per game, four wins, one loss, one draw.
They’re as good as anyone right now.
Last week: 8
Ladder: 10
The Dons wasted so many chances in the final quarter, that could be an incredibly costly loss. Joe Daniher though – goodness.
Last week: 11
Ladder: 11
That was a heartbreaker. The Saints’ finals hopes are just about shot now.
Last week: 13
Ladder: 13
They haven’t thrown the towel in, but, man, you should win from 50 points up. Daniel Wells is a star.
Last week: 14
Ladder: 14
Nat Fyfe’s five contested marks against the Giants equalled his career-best – he looks like he’s back. Made the Giants sweat right until the end.
Last week: 15
Ladder: 16
A win full of spirit and character. The value of that win is worth a hell of a lot more than a slim chance at the No.1 pick.
Last week: 16
Ladder: 17
It’s been a disappointing fortnight for the Blues. Maybe they’re running out of steam.
Last week: 18
Ladder: 18
They were rubbish yesterday but I should have moved them up last week. They’ve found another player in Alex Witherden.
Last week: 17
Ladder: 15
The Suns suck.
Philby
Guest
Thanks for the insight into the Suns.
David C
Guest
That would certainly weaken the Tigers.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Got under Sinclair's skin? Nah he just returned to his usual spud standards.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
This article should say that Port escaped the deathly grip of a rubbish umpire to win a game that should never have been that close. At one stage 8-0 in the free kick count in the last quarter, pretty good effort to win that game in the end. Thank the heavens for Robbie Gray
Chancho
Roar Rookie
I only listened to the game but overall but the Hawks sounded to be in control for the most part. I felt they should have won by more than a kick but seemed moved the ball way too wide. The one thing I can say is that when Sydney had the ball they seemed to go forward with urgency, Hawks took their time. Also, it felt like Sydney, when they gave away a free, it felt like it was at a crucial time in the game. All-in-all, as a Hawks fan, I was happy with the result
Kaiden
Guest
Showdowns are never easy to tip. One team could be 1st on the ladder and the other 18th and you still wouldn't know who'd win. That's why they're so good to watch.
Angela
Guest
One kick...and a kiss or two
Angela
Guest
Cat
Roar Guru
Why? Its a 50/50 game, either winning wouldn't be that surprising.
Matt
Guest
Expect a huge jump upwards from Port if they knock off the crows in the showdown!
peter chrisp
Guest
Brian i am with you i remember a Tigers fan suggested and could they be right we are a team of champions and a champion team and we will march to the Grand Final and next weeks game too will be a gem of a game
Matto
Guest
Should merge the three of them. The North Melbourne Tigers might have enough members together to not make the G look empty for most games they're not playing Collingwood in.
Matto
Guest
I'm happy to see them win one but you're right, it will be hilarious when they don't.
I ate pies
Guest
Yes, that's exactly what I was referring to. Although I mentioned the dogs I was actually alluding to North last year.
Cat
Roar Guru
Must be on vacation, we also didn't get a teams selection thread on Thursday night
Brian
Guest
Gotta love the dellusion. Tiger Time? Thay have not won a final for 16 years. It will be hilarious if they fail to win one this year too
Sal
Guest
Can't believe Melbourne lost to north again! Now only 50/50 chance of playing finals. Disappointing!
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Could be. I mention Hawthorn favourably, it's not pleasant (insert smiley face).
Pope Paul VII
Guest
In this case it was. Syd wasted time throwing their weight around without making an impact and allowing Hawthorn to control the footy for ages.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
At least we can afford to hit the snow old boy. Richmond supporters hit the bottle, then the wall, then the microwave buttons with their membership card inside.