Round 11 of the AFL season has concluded, providing a clearer view of the standings earlier in the year. Collingwood, Brisbane, Geelong, Hawthorn, and the Bulldogs appear to be solid contenders, while Adelaide and Gold Coast are also making a strong case for finals inclusion. Meanwhile, Fremantle and GWS are struggling with inconsistency, and Melbourne has surged in form over the last fortnight.
A critical observation from the weekend’s matches concerns the Gold Coast Suns, whose access to academy players is raising eyebrows. St Kilda’s coach Ross Lyon made a remark about the Suns being ‘nepo babies’, pointing to their significant advantage in acquiring talented players at discounted rates. Given their recent successful draft hauls, including Jed Walter and others, the Suns are poised to become a dominant force in the league. This ongoing trend has prompted calls for the AFL to reassess the equity in talent distribution across clubs.
Another contentious topic is the proposed mid-season trade period, which is being reconsidered despite objections from non-Victorian teams concerned about an imbalance in favour of Victorian clubs. Yet, former West Coast coach Adam Simpson argues that each club could leverage the period to enhance its squad based on regional factors. The lack of a mid-season trade could hinder teams like Essendon, who are in desperate need of players to fill gaps due to injuries.
Also noteworthy are the standout performances of players like Kysaiah Pickett and Luke Jackson, both linked to potential trade discussions. With Jackson excelling as a ruckman and Pickett demonstrating his scoring ability, speculation is rife about their futures and possible trades aligning with their rising values.
Melbourne appears to be gaining momentum, showcasing newfound attacking strength with impressive scores in recent games. This resurgence, spearheaded by stars like Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, positions the Demons as potential late-season bolters, particularly with significant matches ahead against top teams.
Lastly, Jeremy Cameron continues to make his mark as he leads the Coleman Medal race with 33 goals. A second Coleman would solidify his legacy in the sport, complementing his previous accolades and further establishing his status among the greats of Australian football.
As the season evolves, these insights underscore the dynamic nature of the competition, where strategic decisions and standout performances can shift the landscape considerably.