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Round 9 lacked close games, but there were two surprise victories: the Bombers over the Cats and the Lions over the Hawks.
The AFL clearly needs relegation and perhaps a bonus-point system to make the game interesting in one-sided contests.
Top five coaches of the round
1. Chris Fagan (Lions): the Lions registered their first win of the season. Fagan has got them playing with passion that hasn’t been seen there for years.
2. John Worsfold (Bombers): following a challenging week with regards to media scrutiny and the departure of assistant coach Mark Neeld, ‘Woosha’ outsmarted the Cats brains trust.
3. Adam Simpson (Eagles): would have been coach of the round but for two big upsets.
4. Simon Goodwin (Demons): the Dees are now top-eight contenders. They have got their best cattle on the field and are playing some good attacking football, despite having played against mediocre opposition.
5. Don Pyke (Crows): despite having key players injured, Adelaide played good football in tough conditions.
The Crows are impressive
Despite missing key players, Adelaide showed their depth and controlled the tempo of the game.
Crows team lifters: Eddie Betts, Rory Laird
Bulldogs team lifter: Jack Macrae
The Kangaroos are decent
The Kangaroos have been one of the surprise packets of the season and should feature in September.
Kangaroos team lifters: Jarrad Waite, Todd Goldstein
Giants team lifter: Dylan Shiel
The AFL needs two top-eight teams in China to sell the game
The Suns are clearly missing Tom Lynch and they also lost Jack Martin before the opening bounce, which made for monotonous viewing that would do little to promote the game overseas.
The AFL should choose two teams that are quality and relatively even in skill to play in China if they wish to continue with the experiment.
Suns team lifter: Jarrod Witts
Power team lifters: Travis Boak, Tom Rockliff
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An upset keeps the competition interesting
Most people would have confidently tipped the Cats to get over the Bombers, but the competition is exciting when the underdogs get a victory, as was the case in this game.
Bombers team lifters: David Zaharakis, Zach Merrett
Cats team lifter: Joel Selwood
The Swans are now contenders
The Swans were at their best, while the Dockers once again failed to play to an acceptable level.
Swans team lifter: Jake Lloyd
Dockers team lifter: Lachie Neale
The Saints are struggling
Following a board meeting this week, the Saints showed some fight and endeavour, led by elite midfielder Jack Steven, but did little to prove that they are going to play a part in September.
As for the Pies, Jordan de Goey’s form warrants a new contract.
Saints team lifter: Jack Steven
Magpies team lifter: Jordan de Goey
Something has to change at the Blues
The Blues have been uncompetitive and need to improve if they are going to give their fans something to cheer about. As for the Demons, they are improving week by week, although time will tell if they will be up to standard against the top teams.
Blues team lifter: Patrick Cripps
Demons team lifters: Jake Melksham, Tom Mcdonald
Luke Hodge is a tremendous leader
Luke Hodge has helped make the Lions into a competitive outfit through his tremendous leadership. Chris Fagan also deserves credit for improving the team.
The Hawks were outcoached, highlighted by the fact that Tom Mitchell had 46 possessions yet his impact was minimal.
Lions team lifter: Tom Cutler
Hawks team lifter: Tom Mitchell
The Eagles are the team to beat
West Coast moved the ball brilliantly and took their opportunities. Adam Simpson clearly outcoached the opposition, with the Eagles playing an unstoppable brand of football, highlighted by their straight kicking for goal.
Eagles team lifters: Jack Darling, Jeremy McGovern
Tigers team lifter: Jack Riewoldt
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