FOOTBALL NATION OPINION
IS Matthew Lloyd right in suggesting that only Geelong, Hawthorn and Sydney can only win the flag at this point after round nine?
That means Collingwood, that has proved to be a legitimate contender over the past five seasons, is no longer a chance but judgement taken from its lack-lustre display against Sydney on Friday night.
It means West Coast, who has the lethal duo of Cox-Naitanui, would be out the race perhaps reflective of its poor start. And it means that Fremantle, who has largely been the biggest improver over the past two seasons, is still off pace.
While the Cats, the Hawks and the Swans are the early-front runners, how can we dismiss these three teams inparticular so early on in the season?
The Pies, out of the eight currently, still have some top players to get back in their squad including Dayne Beams and Heath Shaw, while there is doubt surrounding Dale Thomas.
When Collingwood get going, it is one of the most competitive machines going around and it has the finals experience that can take it a long way. It has introduced mature age midfielder Sam Dwyer, who has helped fill a gap or two in the midfield this season.
It has Ben Hudson, Alan Didak and Ben Johnson to strengthen their experienced leadership group as they come through the VFL ranks. And then there is Kyle Martin, who is another mature age rookie that should be elevated this week ahead of the Brisbane Lions clash.
West Coast is no doubt starting to show signs of last year’s form. It arguably has the most dangerous ruck combo and forward line structure. That shouldn’t be taken lightly no matter how indifferent its form has been this season. The season is long and teams have to endure at least a month of average form and I’m sure the Eagles would fancy that month has come early.
The other team in the west will also ruffle a few feathers – Fremantle. Ross Lyon has added a hard edge, but a strategic edge to the Dockers under his rein and the players have taken to it. The experience of defeating Geelong in last year’s finals series will also hold them in good stead. It would be disappointing for the Dockers if they can’t make it to at least week three of the finals this season and may even surprise with a grand final appearance.
Outside of these five teams however, the premiership race is all but over. Adelaide, Richmond, Essendon and Carlton is missing an element or two that is needed to go all the way.
Carlton, a dangerous forward line; Adelaide, Taylor Walker is a crucial loss but the win against the Kangaroos proves they have some dynamic options; Richmond, may even struggle to make the finals; Essendon is tough to write off this time of year but its best is good enough and somewhere in between its best and worst is not good enough. It’s tough to see the Bombers remaining at their best for the entire season.
With only five teams out of 18 capable of challenging for the flag, what does that do for the AFL and its teams down yonder? GWS has barely sparked any excitement this season and its poor crowd numbers reflects that. The lower end of the ladder is just demoralising for the AFL and those in the middle are purely just making up the numbers.
And the AFL were pondering to extend the season out even longer? It’s only round nine and two thirds of the competition are not within cooee of the flag.