The AFL landscape is shifting, and it’s not just about the ladder positions. Personally, I think this season is revealing deeper cracks in some of the league’s most storied clubs, and it’s fascinating to watch. Take Geelong, for instance. On paper, their losses are explainable—close games against quality opponents, injuries, and the occasional off day. But if you take a step back and think about it, their 9th place on the ladder (thankfully expanded to 10 finals spots) is a stark reality check. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Chris Scott continues to spin these losses as mere bumps in the road. In my opinion, his optimism is either a masterclass in leadership or a dangerous denial of systemic issues. One thing that immediately stands out is their defense, which has been woeful for far too long within games. But the bigger concern is Jeremy Cameron’s injury. What many people don’t realize is that Cameron’s absence could spell the end of Geelong’s premiership hopes, as Jack Riewoldt aptly pointed out. Without him, their scoring power is severely diminished. This raises a deeper question: Can Geelong’s system carry them through, or is their season truly over without a miracle?
Now, let’s talk about Essendon and their $5 million man, Ben McKay. What’s happening there is a head-scratcher. McKay, a defender by trade, has been experimented with as a forward, and the results have been underwhelming. Josh Jenkins’ commentary on this is spot-on: McKay doesn’t move like a forward, and his natural instincts are being stifled. In my opinion, this feels like a move of desperation rather than a strategic shift. What this really suggests is that Essendon might be panicking, trying to justify a big-money signing that isn’t delivering. A detail that I find especially interesting is McKay’s stats—just two handballs in a VFL outing against a retired Liam Jones. It’s a stark reminder that sometimes, forcing a player into an unnatural role can backfire spectacularly.
The Gold Coast Suns are another team in freefall, and it’s not just about their ladder position. Damien Hardwick’s admission that their season is ‘effectively gone’ is damning, but what’s more concerning is the emotional disconnect within the team. David King’s observation that it doesn’t look like a happy place hits the nail on the head. From my perspective, the Suns’ issues run deeper than just adding Christian Petracca to their midfield. There’s a lack of buy-in, a sense that the players aren’t fully committed to the cause. This is a team that was set up to succeed, with all the concessions and draft picks, yet they’re crumbling under pressure. What many people don’t realize is that this could have long-term implications for player retention, especially with Ben King’s future in doubt. If the Suns finish in the bottom four, they might be more inclined to let him walk via free agency, which could further destabilize the club.
North Melbourne’s situation with Alastair Clarkson is equally intriguing. The Kangaroos are improving, but not at the pace many expected. Sonja Hood’s reluctance to rush into extending Clarkson’s contract is understandable, but it also creates uncertainty. Personally, I think Clarkson deserves more time, given the challenges he’s faced, including the Hawthorn investigation. However, the pressure is mounting, and the club needs to decide whether he’s the man to take them to the next level. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Clarkson’s resume and the current state of the team. Is he the right coach for this young group, or is it time for a fresh voice?
Finally, the Sydney Swans’ recent performance against Fremantle has exposed some worrying trends. Their reliance on Charlie Curnow for scoring has made them one-dimensional, and their defense has been uncharacteristically porous. Leigh Montagna’s observation that this has been a concern for weeks is telling. In my opinion, Dean Cox has his work cut out for him. The Swans’ trademark run-and-gun style from half-back seems to have deserted them, and their inability to defend off turnovers is a major red flag. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a blip—it’s a systemic issue that could derail their season if not addressed quickly.
What this season is revealing is that success in the AFL isn’t just about talent or strategy—it’s about culture, adaptability, and emotional resilience. The clubs that can navigate these challenges will thrive, while others risk being left behind. Personally, I can’t wait to see how these storylines unfold in the coming weeks.
