The first round of AFL bye weeks has drawn to a close, leaving the ladder in a state of disarray. Collingwood, Brisbane, and Geelong maintain their status as strong contenders for the top four, while Adelaide emerges as a surprising wildcard that could disrupt expectations in the latter half of the season. Meanwhile, Melbourne and Sydney missed critical opportunities to bolster their top eight positions, while Essendon and St Kilda seem distant from the playoff picture, despite their relatively high rankings of 10th and 11th.
As Round 12 concludes, questions arise about which teams still have a realistic shot at the finals. Despite their injuries, Essendon and St Kilda appear to be looking long-term, while Melbourne and Sydney’s disappointing losses have narrowed their chances. Carlton, following a bye, faces scrutiny after seemingly underperforming lately, though a favourable fixture may allow for a resurgence. The Western Bulldogs sit just outside the top eight, appearing more stable than several other teams. Port Adelaide, however, seems to have resigned itself to rebuilding for 2025.
Could a late-season surge be on the horizon for any teams? Currently, it looks as if only nine clubs are genuinely in contention for eight spots with half the season remaining. Nevertheless, the potential for surprises is ever-present.
One notable storyline is Hawthorn’s recent struggles. Initially touted as premiership favourites, they have faltered significantly in the past three matches, suffering disappointing defeats against top teams. While Hawthorn maintains a young team with plenty of promises for the future, their schedule doesn’t get any easier.
Conversely, Adelaide could be well-positioned for a strong finish this season. Their recent victories against weaker teams, combined with a more favourable fixture, could see them rack up wins down the stretch. With matches against strong opponents at home, they could well make a late charge for a top-four finish.
The clash between Fremantle and Gold Coast has been characterised as a crucial eight-point game, with both clubs vying for finals positions. Fremantle’s resurgence offers hope as they aim to secure a final berth, while Gold Coast remains on track for their inaugural finals appearance.
Lastly, a heartfelt recognition is deserved for Callan Ward of GWS, who may have played his last game following a serious injury. Known for his toughness and leadership, he remains a pivotal figure in the club’s history and left a lasting impression with an inspiring speech during a critical match against Richmond.
As the season progresses, the final outcomes remain uncertain, but excitement and drama are expected to unfold.