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As the top eight is almost set, this is a good time to review how they have done this year and rate whether they have gone as predicted, underachieved or done better than expected.
The bottom six have clearly underachieved and have big losing records. The team coming sixth last, the Bulldogs – premiers not too many years ago – were three games behind Adelaide.
Those behind them had the occasional close game but sprinkled in really bad losses. This number of failures are a worry to the AFL and these teams need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps to avoid being the next Carlton, but I can’t see any of them doing much better next year.
That said, in the era of increased salary caps, draft assistance and the occasional priority pick, one or two of the cellar dwellers can do better.
8. Geelong
With the addition of Gary Ablett to an already A-grade midfield, expectations were high considering they were second last year, but this year they dropped off.
When they click they seem irresistible but unfortunately clicking happens too rarely.
7. Melbourne
All of Melbourne is obsessed with the Dees doing well. When they don’t reach expectations the pundits sigh and predict doom. When they win, like last week, the sun shines brightly in the southern city. They will have an early exit from the finals, but a spot in the finals is admirable.
6. Greater Western Sydney
Last year fourth, this year similar and they should give a good account of themselves in the semis.
Set to be in a grand final in the next three years.
5. Sydney
Last year they were sixth, after the horrendous 0-6 start, this year they blooded a significant number of young players, and next year they will receive their full benefit.
Injuries to their senior players caused a late-season slump but their return could help them into the preliminary final.
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4. Hawthorn
I can’t help thinking that master coach Alastair Clarkson has pulled a rabbit out of his hat, as a comparison of their list indicates an entry into the bottom eight would have been a good year.
They may win their first game, but I can’t see them worrying the top three.
3. Collingwood
Nathan Buckley deserves all of the credit for for the Magpies’ huge jump up the table. The team everyone loves to hate has been the standout of the year.
On their day they are unbeatable, but they do have lapses when their kamikaze attack on the ball goes all wrong. Maybe this year they won’t go the whole way but watch them next year.
2. West Coast
With their forwards all fit they were unbeatable and worthy challengers for the flag, especially at home. But injuries have seen them come back to the pack.
If they have some fit forwards they will win their home finals, then be found out in the later games.
1. Richmond
Damien Hardwick has done wonders with this team. Without recruiting superstars, the Tigers have made their mark with a great midfield, a really solid defence, and danger up front.
A team with an indominable midfield may be able to knock them off their game but I am not sure that there is such a team.
Richmond will repeat.
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