We’re 17 weeks away from the AFL season and we’re starting to get an idea of how the finals will be formed.
With the huge results that have stood out over the weekend, here’s what we’ve learned from the nine games we just played.
Geelong has what it takes to win it all
Geelong sent a disastrous warning Thursday night, taking charge of Premier League favorites Melbourne at home, in what many think was a preview of the Grand Final.
With the two sides looking almost certain to finish in the top four, there is no doubt that they are well into the mix to go all the way.
While some would point to this side of cats and reason that they have often gone so far without doing the job when it matters, something feels different on this side in 2022.
Having deployed much of the same sides over the past few years, the Cats have really found some players this season that have taken them to another level in Tyson Stengle, Sam De Koning, Tom Atkins and Brad Close.
With this crop taking his game to new heights, Geelong has suddenly spread very evenly across the ground and his half-dozen lower players are all of quality.
Could it be the difference in what makes this side of Geelong another prime minister?
This has probably ended the Bulldogs game
After making last year’s Grand Final, it looks like the Bulldogs will miss the 2022 finals series.
While they are still technically alive only one game out of eight at 8-8, their home run suggests they may have fired their last shot this season.
With the games against the Saints, Demons, Geelong and Fremantle next month, the Dogs will likely have to win at least three of them if they have a chance to show up in September.
While it feels bad to eliminate such a talented team, there seems to be too much ground to make up for Luke Beveridge’s team returning to the final action.
This call could be pursued again in a few weeks, but for now, their roles seem marked.
Collingwood won’t go anywhere without Darcy Moore
Collingwood will breathe a sigh of relief after being released from prison on Saturday against North Melbourne, a match they could have lost so easily.
The key reason the upset came so close was the lack of size on defense, as Nick Larkey helped himself in a five-goal throw against small opponents.
While people like Jeremy Howe and Nathan Murphy fought bravely, it could be ugly for them to face a more powerful front line without Moore by their side.
The Pies are incredibly lucky for Moore to return in 2022, but they would be desperate for him to stand up for next Saturday against Adelaide, as they have a huge lack of high defensive stocks to choose from.
With names like Taylor Walker, Peter Wright, Charlie Dixon and Todd Marshall who will face the Pies in just the next three weeks, Moore has the key to the Pies continuing their final charge or exploiting it completely.
All eyes will be on training at the AIA Center this week to see how the all-Australian cake is formed.
His club’s hopes rest on his shoulders.
Gold Coast’s luck has finally turned and his season is alive
After losing heartbreakingly in consecutive weeks against Port Adelaide and Collingwood, Gold Coast’s luck was bound to turn in their favor in a tight match.
Unfortunately for Richmond, who arrived Saturday night when the Suns roared home from 40 points to win after the siren courtesy of a Noah Anderson goal.
Even though they are a little out of pace, the Suns ’win brings them to 8-8 and only a game in the top eight, somewhere they still have hopes of ending their career at home.
With clashes against Essendon, West Coast, Hawthorn and North Melbourne, Gold Coast could win those four to get 12 wins and hope to pick one from Geelong (at home) or Brisbane in the Q Clash to reach the final.
While it’s a difficult task, they really are still there, and it wouldn’t be great to see them present in September for the first time this season.
Could a change of fortune for the much-slandered club on Saturday?
All football fans would expect it.
Essendon has turned a corner
Essendon was forced to ask himself some serious questions after a horror start to the season, and they seem to have found some answers in recent weeks.
While they are not at the level of last year’s final, the Fire Department has found its style of attack over the past month as they have achieved impressive victories against the Saints, Swans and Lions.
Their win against Brisbane was perhaps the most impressive of all considering the Lions had only lost one game at home and away to Gabba since round 5 of 2019 before Sunday.
Although Brisbane had some key outings, their midfield was still intact and it was there that the Dons were able to take the lead despite losing to Darcy Parish through injury.
Jye Caldwell had one of the best games of his career repressing the influence of Lachie Neale while assisting with one goal and 26 dismissals, while Peter Wright went further with another bag of goals.
While they will end up ruining 2022 as a missed opportunity, they could do worse than end the year well to gain momentum in a big 23rd campaign.
It’s impressive to see how they haven’t fallen despite their September illusions that have been shattered.
There is a lot to work on at Tullamarine.
It’s a great week for St Kilda … again
Last week we said round 17 was the biggest for St Kilda, and it looks like the pressure will be on them again in round 18.
After losing 41 points to Fremantle on Saturday, the Saints are out of the eight with a 9-7 record.
Given that their nine-win teammate, Richmond, has a much smoother run at home, the Saints will have to come out every 50-50 game if they have a chance to reach the final.
On Friday night against a team of Bulldogs, who still have some hope for September, St Kilda simply has to win to keep their final chances alive.
After sitting in the top four before saying goodbye, it would be a pretty sad slide for the Saints to get lost in the top eight.
Marvel Stadium is poised to host what is effectively a playoff final.
Things start to get interesting as the season heats up.