Three weeks to go and it is getting mighty interesting in the race to the end. But what is getting more interesting is listening to all the murmurings coming out of AFL HQ during the week as different aspects of the game continue to fester away and continue to cause problems.
In a funny, karma-filled way – Round 20 produced some of the best games of football we have seen in a long time.
In some of the questions emerging this week: are teams starting to find tiny chinks in the Tigers armour? Which clear All Australians are we all missing? How many injuries are too many injuries? Who do you not want to face in September? And have the AFL got their priorities in check?
1. What did the Cats do that others have not been able to?
Despite the narrow loss and them still sitting out of the top eight for another week, Geelong became one of the first teams this season to really push Richmond on the MCG.
There were fighting words from Chris Scott during the week and again post-game. While it is hard to find chinks in this well-oiled machine that is Richmond, there have been just a couple of little signs in the past couple of weeks where the likes of Collingwood last week and the Cats this week have started to take advantage of them. Almost getting over the line too.
It’s all about choosing your moment and capitalizing on it.
(Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
2. Who is the clear All Australian choice we are all seeming to miss?
While everyone seemingly has their All Australian backlines rubber-stamped – there is one hawk with a rude haircut almost demanding selection.
Ben Stratton’s season should be recognized. A key cog in the premiership years and now has gone to another level playing some of his best footy in recent months, mostly in the role of the rock of Hawthorn’s defence.
He was dominant again at the MCG on Saturday and now finds himself right in the conversation for a spot in the back six.
3. Which mature recruit is flying under the radar in his debut year?
2018 has been the year of the mature age recruits. Tim Kelly, Bayley Fritsch, Brodie Miochek, Bailey Banfield are just a number who have made waves in their first year of footy.
But one that has almost flown under the radar – even though it is impossible to miss him is the “Big O” up at Brisbane. Oscar McInerney is putting together quite a handy first year in AFL in the ruck/ forward role at the Lions.
While he is just another of the young and exciting Lions crop, Chris Fagan really rates his work ethic and hunger which have seen him rewarded with multiple opportunities this year – having not missed a game since his debut.
Playing second fiddle to Stefan Martin and looks primed to be the next in line to Brisbane’s No.1 ruck position.
4. Have the AFL got their priorities in check?
I should be writing about what a great game the Showdown was. But instead, I am again questioning the mindset at AFL HQ and echoing the public voice with asking what is actually wrong with footy?
From the AFL point of view – the last couple of weeks would have been a PR disaster and now the questions of where does the AFL priorities actually lie is one of the biggest talking points.
The game isn’t broken – there are parameters around the game that directly affect it, like the score review and others, that need to be fixed as a matter of urgency.
Then there is the whole AFLW debacle that has come to a head that is sparking outrage.
So while the AFL have multiple problems surfacing in competitions that they run and govern – the powers that be are at a suburban ground in Coburg watching a rules trial while we are in the midst of one of the most spectacular rounds of footy in recent memory.
5. How many injuries is too many injuries?
If it wasn’t quite there last week, it must be getting close to breaking point with these Collingwood injuries this week.
Darcy Moore’s hamstring injury recurrence takes the tally of injuries to probably a number to the mid-twenties.
While many have admired Collingwood for their system standing up throughout the adversity of losing so many players in one main area of the ground – it becomes difficult when there are constant chopping and changing of personnel and its left to players who are either being rushed back, playing their first game and players who haven’t played much down back.
Even more difficult when the best forward of the generation decides to turn it on to keep his team alive and back in the finals race.
6. Where does the cleanout turn to next?
It was a big week for assistant coaches across the country, as they found out whether or not they had to begin searching for a new job.
For St Kilda, four of their assistants were informed that they would not be required for next year – switching the attention to where does the cleanout go next?
We’re not 100 per cent sure what happens next, but we can guarantee that there will be changes at St Kilda. Both on the field and off the field.
7. Who don’t you want to play in the finals?
A few weeks ago, the Ferrari was starting its engine. It is now in sports mode powering up the AFL ladder.
It turned into a training run at Docklands as they embarrassed the Blues on their way to third position on the AFL ladder.
They did it so easy that despite having no rotations due to unfortunate injuries, they were still comfortable enough to take players off and play with 1 or 2 short.
We know how important it is having your best players to choose from at the right time of the year. That happens, you do not want to face the GWS Giants in the finals.
(Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
8. How easy is too easy?
As easy as the Giants made it look against Carlton, the Dees also made it look so incredibly easy against the Gold Coast at the MCG.
By the quarter time, the game was over – despite it probably being a foregone conclusion before the first bounce.
It was the result that Melbourne needed especially after the heartbreak of last year missing out on percentage – by racking up a massive one up until now.
Their destiny is in their own hands which will please them as a first finals series appearance in 12 years now seems all but certain.
9. Last game as an Eagle?
I was halfway through writing what can Fremantle teach their fellow battlers. Then Gaff happened just opened up a whole pandora’s box of questions.
Out of character? Silly? Yes. But the likely result is that unless West Coast go on to make the Grand Final, they won’t have Andrew Gaff for the rest of the year.
So first things first, Eagles lose a star player for a prolonged period. Another Brownlow contender’s chances are gone as a result of that hit.
Then you add the fact that he is a Free Agent and there are anywhere between 4-8 Melbourne clubs trying to get him home.
Life just got a lot more interesting for Gaff and the West Coast.
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