The second part of AFL.com.au's mid-year report card. Today, we go from the Hawks to the Bulldogs.
See the first part of our report card
What’s worked: The Hawks' backline has held together well despite the retirement of Brian Lake. James Frawley is the only true key defender but the system, which features Josh Gibson and Ben Stratton then playing tall or small, depending on the opponent has bent on occasion but is yet to break.
What hasn’t: The Hawks have got away for years without ever dominating contested possession and clearances. But as the gap between them and the rest of the competition has narrowed, Hawthorn's failings in that part of the ground have become more magnified. The last few weeks have been better in that respect, but big tests loom later in the season.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Ryan Schoenmakers has missed nearly two months with his "grumbly groin" and the Hawks have missed his ability to create contests and bring the ball to ground in the forward line. His return is essential if the side hopes to go deep into the finals.
Indispensable: Jack Gunston has stepped up admirably in the absence of Jarryd Roughead as the No.1 key forward, but it might be a bridge too far for Hawthorn if he was to get injured from here. Sam Mitchell gets an honourable mention as well.
Coach score: Alastair Clarkson has been without his first-choice centre half-forward, his Coleman Medal winning full-forward and his inspirational captain, Luke Hodge, who has played just four of 11 matches to date. He has blooded four debutants and given regular games to three others who started the season with five games or fewer to their name. Despite all this, his team is 8-3 and right in the premiership mix. He is coaching beautifully. 8/10
Big improver: Jack Gunston. His stats are tracking about the same as previous years but the difference in 2016 is that he gets the no.1 defender for company most weeks. He has played well in just about every game this year. Isaac Smith, James Sicily, Tim O'Brien and Paul Puopolo are also in this discussion.
Didn’t see that coming: The 75-point loss to Greater Western Sydney in round six was horrible in every respect, but increasingly seen as an aberration given how the season has played out to date. The return of Jarryd Roughead's illness and subsequent long-term treatment was a bolt from the blue that rocked everyone at Hawthorn.
Non-negotiable: The Hawks still face three tough games on the road before the end of the season – Port Adelaide, Sydney Swans and West Coast. They'll need to win one or perhaps two if they harbour genuine top-four hopes and to demonstrate they are still premiership material.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: At Hawthorn, it is all about finishing in the top-four and then resetting from there to try and win the flag. Given what has transpired this year, top-four is a pass mark and the rest would be gravy. - Ashley Browne
What’s worked: Melbourne has vastly improved the attacking element of its game, averaging 101.6 points per game this season compared with 71.5 points per game in 2015.
What hasn’t: The Demons' 'diamond defence' (the club's form of the zone defence) has been a work in progress. Melbourne's inconsistency has also been costly in games.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Angus Brayshaw has had a tough second season in the AFL, with a pre-season knee injury and concussion issues holding his progress back.
Indispensable: Max Gawn. The big ruckman's outstanding form has been a clear highlight for the Demons. Without Gawn, Melbourne's ruck stocks are very thin with Jake Spencer, the injured Mitch King and developing Max King in place as backup.
Jeff Garlett, Nathan Jones and Max Gawn share a moment in the dressing room. Picture: AFL Media
Coach score: Despite talk that Simon Goodwin should take over before the year was out, you could not fault Paul Roos' commitment. Roos will hand over a Melbourne list that is in good shape when he finishes his tenure at the end of the season. 7/10
Big improver: Jack Viney is now an elite midfielder of the competition, ranking No.1 in the AFL for centre clearances through the first half of the season.
Didn't see that coming: The loss to Essendon in round two is a stain on Melbourne's season. It's actually hard to fathom how the Demons could have lost that game when you compare the teams' form lines since then.
Non-negotiable: The Demons lost seven of their last 10 matches after the bye in 2015. Melbourne can't afford to have a similar late season slump this season.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Keep pushing the teams above them on the ladder for eighth spot. Continue to develop their youngsters, getting games into Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald and Josh Wagner. The Demons should bank on winning at least five of their next 11 games. - Ben Guthrie
What's worked: The pre-season plan to hit round one firing on all cylinders. The Kangas are winning games they're expected to and have set up their season with nine wins on the trot.
What hasn't: It's not a major concern, but Ben Brown can be exploited when he pinch-hits in the ruck and North can lose some momentum.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Mason Wood. The versatile forward has impressed in his four games, but lack of opportunity in the early rounds followed by concussion means it's been a stop-start season to date.
Indispensable: Robbie Tarrant. Todd Goldstein is irreplaceable in the ruck too, but Tarrant is in All Australian calculations and no other Roo can stand monster key forwards with the same surety.
Coach score: Brad Scott shook things up over the summer after failing to win in round one from six attempts and – now a game clear on top at the halfway mark - the Roos' slow starts are a distant memory. His staunch defence of ageing warriors is being rewarded. 10/10
Big improver: Luke McDonald had a dose of the second-year blues last season, was brought in late for the semi-final and dropped for the prelim, but has cleaned up his kicking and is making much smarter decisions in defence.
Didn't see that coming: Nine straight victories to start the campaign. Some North fans still get nervous, but these Kangaroos win the games they should.
Non-negotiable: Having taken the opening half of the season by storm, the Roos' experienced group can't afford to waste this opportunity by dropping off and coughing up a finals double-chance.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: North has arguably the toughest run home of any side but, two wins clear of third, the Kangas shouldn't let a top four spot slip from here. That's the minimum for a pass mark, however top-two must be the aim. - Travis King
What's worked: Charlie Dixon is slowly becoming more comfortable as the focal point of the Power's attack. Took time to settle in, but starting to justify the hefty five-year contract.
What hasn't: Jackson Trengove has done an admirable job filling in for the injured Matthew Lobbe, but the club's ruck stocks are very thin. Patrick Ryder's return next season along with Lobbe's return will help alleviate that.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Veteran Jay Schulz will be a handy addition to the forward line once he returns from back surgery. It will be interesting to see how he plays alongside Dixon.
Indispensable: Chad Wingard gives the Power a genuine X-Factor when he's up and running. Had a slow start to the season, but has returned to his All-Australian form in recent weeks.
Coach score: Ken Hinkley hasn't shied away from playing aggressively and giving his players a licence to take the game on. The game style looked shaky early in the season, but Port is starting to attack the contests harder and win the 50-50 balls. 6/10
Big improver: Aaron Young. Has emerged as a quality small forward and filled the void left by the suspended Angus Monfries. Gives the Power another option in attack.
This is how you kick them in the wet! #AFLPiesPower #ohwhatafeeling https://t.co/iBMdXLw5S7
— AFL (@AFL) June 5, 2016
Didn't see that coming: After being on Port's list for the past two years without getting a game, Darcy Byrne-Jones has emerged as a tenacious defender in his rookie season.
Non-negotiable: Need to improve their ball use and outside run. Fourth-last in disposal efficiency and second-last in the competition in uncontested possessions.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Returning to the finals would be a great result. A three-game stretch involving Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney from rounds 16-18 will be the big test. But whether they make the top eight could come down to the return meeting with cross-town rivals Adelaide late in the season. - Lee Gaskin
What’s worked: More midfield time for Dustin Martin. The 24-year-old is in career-best form after building an engine that lets him play on-ball for longer periods.
What hasn’t: A habit of handballing at the first opportunity when heat arrives. The Tigers have lost matches because of it and teams know they can wilt under pressure.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Chris Yarran. The former Blue's health battles have prevented him debuting in yellow and black, and the Tigers are much poorer for it.
Indispensable: Alex Rance. The best key defender in the game can't be replaced down back for both his dominance in contests this season and leadership.
Coach score: Damien Hardwick's unwavering faith in his players must be admired, but either they have let him down or the system is broken. Persistence with young players Daniel Rioli and Corey Ellis earns a tick. 4/10
Big improver: Shaun Hampson has flourished with opportunities and a license to focus on stoppages, with the understanding his around-the-ground work is not a strength.
Didn’t see that coming: Sam Lloyd's after-the-siren goal to beat the premiership favourite Sydney Swans. The win came after six-straight losses and was sealed in extraordinary circumstances.
No Richmond fan will forget Sam Lloyd's big night in a hurry. Picture: AFL Media
Non-negotiable: Keep playing Ellis, Rioli and Connor Menadue and get Ben Lennon into the team once he is fit. That group is vital to the Tigers' next tilt after recent mature-age recruiting failed.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Play in a competitive manner that can attract players through trade and free agency. A drastic dip into to the bottom four as a means to an end is not acceptable at Richmond. The Tigers should expect to win five of their seven remaining games at the MCG. - Nathan Schmook
What's worked: Nick Riewoldt's move to the wing has sparked change in the forward line, with Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey forming a much more unpredictable attack.
What hasn't: Deficiencies out of the middle were highlighted in the past two interstate trips, against West Coast and Adelaide.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Persistent hamstring issues to Nathan Freeman mean the 20-year-old has been limited to two games in the VFL reserves.
Indispensable: At 33, Riewoldt's reinvention as a wingman sees him go wherever he is required, including down back or third-up in the ruck. That's not to mention his exceptional leadership, either.
Coach score: Alan Richardson doesn't gift games to young players, and that builds a culture of hard work. The competitive spirit shone through in close losses to Hawthorn and North Melbourne but was seemingly absent versus the Eagles and Crows. 6/10.
Big improver: Hamstring surgery ruined much of his 2015 but Seb Ross is proving himself a solid contributor as part of the centre-square rotation, averaging 26 disposals per match.
Didn't see that coming: After 18 games last season, Billy Longer has not lined up for the Saints in 2016. Tom Hickey's decent form as the primary ruck option makes it unlikely Longer will break his drought in the near future.
Non-negotiable: After being completely dominated in two of its 11 games this year, St Kilda absolutely cannot let that happen again.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: A relatively healthy list and just one remaining interstate trip (to the Gold Coast) means the club should win at least eight games, which would be two more than the tally in 2015. - Dinny Navaratnam
What’s worked: Twin rucks. The recruitment of former Eagle Callum Sinclair has allowed Kurt Tippett to play more time in the ruck and given the Swans two athletic big men capable of also going forward and kicking goals.
What hasn’t: Healthy Teddy. Ted Richards struggled with a calf injury during the pre-season but worked his way back into the side, only to be cut down with a broken cheekbone, as well as another concussion. The veteran needs some luck when he returns.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Sam Reid. Still hasn't played a game this season after tearing his hamstring during last year's finals, and looms as a key player during the second half of 2016.
Indispensable: Lance Franklin. The star forward has returned from his break to treat a mental health issue last year and kicked 41 goals from the first 11 games, giving the Swans a match-winner unlike any other team in the League.
Coach score: John Longmire has introduced some young talent in key areas this season and been patient with experienced players coming back from injury to once again have the Swans inside the top four. 9/10.
Big improver: George Hewett. Debuted in round one and has played 10 games for the year, becoming an important part of the Swans side thanks to his knack of finding the goals and great tackling pressure.
Didn’t see that coming: Tom Papley. The mature-aged draftee came off the rookie list to star in the first eight games as a small forward, before being struck down with shin soreness.
Non-negotiable: Top two. The Swans should head into the bye entrenched inside the top four, and with their draw, should nail down a top two spot and a vital advantage during the finals.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: A preliminary final berth. In such an even competition finals wins shouldn't be taken for granted, but if the Swans earn themselves a double chance, the opportunity to win through to the Grand Final is well within their grasp.
Parker from the pocket! #AFLSunsSwans https://t.co/9WJYudHWOY
— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2016
What's worked: Eric Mackenzie's reintroduction into the backline following a knee reconstruction could have posed difficulties, considering how well the Eagles' structure worked last year with a smaller defence. However, they are fourth for points conceded in 2016.
What hasn't: Travelling has been an issue, with disappointing losses against Hawthorn, the Sydney Swans and Geelong. Recent trips to face Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs have shown promise though.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Dom Sheed is yet to line up in the senior team after surgery on his right pectoral muscle.
Indispensable: If the Eagles lose Nic Naitanui, they become a much less threatening outfit.
Coach score: Coming off a Grand Final performance, and in a season with no standout team, the club might have expected to be sitting a little better. However at 7-4, Adam Simpson's team is in the mix for a top-four spot. 6/10.
Big improver: Brad Sheppard was very good in 2015 when playing on taller opponents, but a different role as a rebounding half-back sees him in All Australian contention.
Brad Sheppard has been rock solid for the Eagles in a rebounding role. Picture: AFL Media
Didn't see that coming: Lewis Jetta was supposed to relish the expanses of Domain Stadium after being traded from the Swans, but he has been dropped twice already.
Non-negotiable: Winning five of the remaining six games at home needs to be accomplished if the Eagles are earn the double chance in September. In such a tight race, wins against fellow top-eight teams are pivotal, and West Coast face Adelaide, North Melbourne and Hawthorn at Domain Stadium in the coming weeks.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: This outfit should be aiming to win the flag, and to do that, making the top four is necessary. – Dinny Navaratnam
What’s worked: Going into 2016, the Dogs' ruck division had a big question mark over it. The partnership between versatile big men Tom Campbell and Jordan Roughead has erased those doubts.
What hasn’t: While their defence is the AFL's stingiest and the midfield is up there with the best going around, the Dogs sit a lowly 10th for points scored. They get plenty of chances, but lack efficiency.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: It's been a little surprising utility Lukas Webb hasn't seen senior action in 2016. The 20-year-old possesses a deadly left foot and is good decision maker.
Indispensable: With one of the AFL's deepest lists, there might come a time when the club's recruiting guru Simon Dalrymple has a statue next to Ted Whitten's outside Whitten Oval.
Coach score: Luke Beveridge has continued to impress with work in the box and his ability to get the best out his charges. And in an industry where the truth is often replaced with spin, the second-year coach's honest approach is a breath of fresh air. 8/10
Big improver: Before a hamstring injury sidelined him for 10 weeks, defensive playmaker Jason Johannisen was destined for a maiden All Australian guernsey. Caleb Daniel hasn't suffered from second-year blues, with the creative midfielder averaging 22 possessions a game to become a vital part of the Dogs' side.
Didn’t see that coming: Key defender Marcus Adams' ability to effectively negate the AFL monster key forwards has been a big plus for the Dogs since he was selected with pick 35 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
Non-negotiable: If the Dogs are to claim their second ever flag, they'll need to kick bigger scores.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: The young Dogs will play finals for the second successive season and are a legitimate premiership threat, but they need to win a final at the very minimum for the season to be considered a success. - Ryan Davidson
The Dogs bite back! A brilliant team play and finish from Libba. #AFLDogsEagles https://t.co/QXwbOdYQgi
— AFL (@AFL) June 5, 2016
