WITH the season almost at its halfway mark, AFL.com.au reporters hand out a mid-year report card for every club. On Wednesday, we cover the Crows up to the Giants. Thursday, it's Hawthorn to the Western Bulldogs.
What's worked: The three-headed monster of a forward line featuring Josh Jenkins, Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts. Between them, they've kicked 89 goals, and the Crows are the highest-scoring team in the competition.
What hasn't: The recruitment of Troy Menzel. The former Carlton forward can't force his way into the best 22 and needs to build on his fitness base in the SANFL.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Brad Crouch. Dropped after some sub-par performances, Crouch has been racking up the possessions in the reserves to push his claims for a recall.
Indispensable: Daniel Talia. Tasked with shutting down the opposition's premier key forward every week. Rediscovering his All Australian form of 2014.
Coach score: Don Pyke has done an admirable job in his first season in charge and navigating through the toughest schedule in the competition. Has the Crows playing an attractive, attacking brand of football. Opens up the chance of errors, but the positives outweigh the negatives. 8/10
Big improver: Charlie Cameron. Worked well in attack alongside fellow small forwards Eddie Betts and Wayne Milera. Applies great defensive pressure and found his role in the side.
Didn't see that coming: Made a statement with a dominant victory against a red-hot Greater Western Sydney side that was on a six-game winning streak, including beating Hawthorn and Geelong.
Non-negotiable: Continue to attack out of the back half and move the ball through the corridor at the first opportunity. Give the Crows' potent forward line quick ball and they'll take care of the rest.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: With the toughest part of their draw out of the way, and only four of their final 11 games against top-eight sides, the Crows should be aiming for the top four, or at worst, a home final in week one of September action. - Lee Gaskin
Josh Jenkins has been a revelation for the Crows this year. Picture: AFL Media
What's worked: Blooding youngsters Josh Schache, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson and Jarrad Jansen has worked a treat. All four have shown they can mix it at the top level.
What hasn't: The midfield. By far the most experienced – and on paper the most credentialed – part of the ground, but routinely beaten by their opponents. Poor goalkicking hasn't helped either.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Dayne Beams. One of four best and fairest winners last year, Beams has played just twice this season due to knee problems and is unlikely to lace up the boots again in 2016.
Indispensable: Josh Schache. More a look to the future than the present, but despite an under-performing midfield and some unexpected goalkicking yips, Schache has shown why the Lions need to sign him long-term and make him the focal point for the next decade.
Coach score: Justin Leppitsch has had a torrid first 11 games and despite just the one win, seems to have unwavering belief. Plays his youngsters, which is the only way, but can't get any consistency from them. 3/10
Big improver: Dan McStay. Started the year poorly, but his past month has shown McStay is a key position defender the Lions can bank on in the future.
Didn't see that coming: The round eight loss against Collingwood was as poor a performance as the Lions have put in at the Gabba in recent memory.
Non-negotiable: Need to start giving a yelp on the road. It's one thing losing away from home – most teams do – but being beaten by an average of 10 goals just isn't good enough.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Need more consistency, but above all, need some wins. The Lions play seven teams outside the top eight on the run home and would want another four or five victories while playing some attacking footy to show there's been some improvement. - Michael Whiting
What's worked: The Blues have thrived under the new game-plan, with team defence at the core of it. They are well organised and playing an attractive brand of football.
What hasn't: Forward structure is still a work in progress, despite showing more positive signs in the past few games.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Sold on No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick Jacob Weitering as a long-term player, but the merits of the other youngsters from last year's crop are unknown. Saw glimpses of excitement from Charlie Curnow before he went down with glandular fever.
Indispensable: Brendon Bolton has referred to big-hearted ruckman Matthew Kreuzer as the "spirit of Carlton". But there is a more even spread of contributors this season than in the past. The man Carlton can't afford to lose is the coach.
.@BGibbsy4 gets the goal after a massive Casboult leap. #AFLBluesCats https://t.co/p18ZONqpk2
— AFL (@AFL) May 29, 2016
Coach score: Has been extracting the absolute most out of a list that does not boast too many A-graders. What we are seeing, as promised by him, is unity and effort every week and fans are loving it. 9.5/10
Big improver: A tie between Sam Docherty and Ed Curnow. Both are new to the leadership group and have thrived – a vocal Docherty calling the shots in the back half and Curnow adding an attacking dimension to his game.
Didn't see that coming: Being 6-5 at this stage of the season, with the genuine prospect of going 7-5 against under-strength St Kilda on Sunday.
Non-negotiable: The same unity and effort for the remainder of the season, with the Blues continuing to take the game on and be selfless.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Expectations have already been exceeded, so anything now is a bonus. The 'reset' is well under way and progress must be measured in the improvement of certain players, particularly the youngsters. - Howard Kotton
What's worked: The Pies showed their best is good enough in their win over Geelong in round nine and their unlucky loss to the Bulldogs the next week. Alex Fasolo has developed greater consistency, Jeremy Howe has been good in defence and recruit Adam Treloar has been worth every cent.
What hasn't: Spearhead Travis Cloke's continued decline resulted in a six-week stint in the VFL that will have the club and player weighing up his future.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Hard nut Marley Williams is on the cusp of making his return after injuring his toe in round three, while veteran Tyson Goldsack isn't far away either, and former Lion midfielder James Aish is still finding his way.
Indispensable: Adam Treloar. The much-hyped recruit joined the most-hyped club in the land, but has handled the pressure with aplomb. The ex-Giant has been the best player in a struggling team.
Coach score: Buckley is a pragmatic self-analyst and he would have given himself some Leading Teams-style feedback. Has overseen several spiritless performances where all connection and system has appeared lost. Has again been cruelled by injuries. 5.5/10.
Big improver: Mason Cox. In just his second year at Collingwood, the big Texan has shown game sense and composure beyond his experience as a forward/ruckman.
Didn't see that coming: The last-gasp round two win over Richmond, but also the magnitude of defeats to the Sydney Swans, St Kilda, Melbourne and Carlton, along with season-ending injuries to key pair Dane Swan and Jamie Elliott.
Non-negotiable: Get back to basics. Cure the frustrating inconsistency and shore up the defensive mechanisms that have left the Pies so exposed. Regain respect and rebuild self-belief by winning the hard ball and fanatically pressuring the opposition.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: With the finals virtually out of the equation now, and perhaps only 2-3 more wins in the offing, it's about building towards a 2017 recovery. That means continuing to reshape the team and tweak the plan to find the right formula. - Ben Collins
Mason Cox has dwarfed many opponents this year, particularly Caleb Daniel. Picture: AFL Media
What's worked: The ability to blood youngsters in important positions has been one positive from the season. Darcy Parish, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Kyle Langford and Orazio Fantasia are four to have benefited from strong exposure.
What hasn't: The forward line continues to be the least effective in the competition. Essendon is the lowest-scoring team and hasn't kicked more than 11 goals in a game.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: A calf injury kept top-10 pick Aaron Francis sidelined for most of the first half of the season but Essendon supporters will soon see the talented defender at AFL level.
Indispensable: Parish has averaged 21 disposals in his first 10 games and shown why the Bombers grabbed him at No.5 in last year's NAB AFL Draft. Every week the 18-year-old gives Essendon supporters a reason to watch their team.
Coach score: In unprecedented circumstances, John Worsfold has come into Essendon, kept things calm and balanced, tried to find positives and continued to present extremely well. 8/10
Big improver: David Zaharakis entered the year having already won a best and fairest, but his past season was poor by his standards. He has enjoyed a real return to form in 2016 and has been in career-best touch through the midfield.
Didn't see that coming: McDonald-Tipungwuti has been a revelation, and even surprised many at Essendon with his impact at AFL level. He's quick, takes the game on and isn't afraid to use his physicality.
Non-negotiable: Continue to play the younger players while avoiding 10-goal defeats. Somehow the Bombers need to find a way to kick more goals because if they can only manage eight a game (as is their average) then there's going to be some more long days in the second half of the season.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: There are no real expectations for this Bombers side, so one more win would satisfy many supporters. More glimpses of promise from their younger brigade need to be shown this season to prove this year to be a one-off and a reason to look forward to 2017. - Callum Twomey
What's worked: Development of young players is the only positive for the Dockers. Injuries have created opportunity and the club has been willing to stick with young players like Lachie Weller and Connor Blakely at selection.
What hasn't: It started with a pre-season that didn't instill the necessary skills in the players. Since then the Dockers' game plan has looked a step behind the rest of the competition, which has moved on to attacking football. A stoppage structure said to be modelled on Hawthorn's failed in the opening rounds.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Harley Bennell. The big-name trade acquisition came with risk attached and his recruitment was a gamble that won't pay off in 2016. He has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury.
Indispensable: Lachie Neale. The midfielder ranks No.1 in the AFL for overall disposals (34.2 a game) and contested possessions (16.7) and would be a Brownlow Medal contender if his team had won a few more games.
Coach score: Ross Lyon has taken responsibility for the failed pre-season program and a game plan that now looks well out of date. There's been more go wrong at Fremantle than just injuries. 3/10
Big improver: NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Connor Blakely is the shining light as the Dockers now rebuild. Key defender Alex Pearce owned this category before going down with a broken leg.
Didn't see that coming: The round five loss to Carlton. A match-up between the minor premiers and wooden spooners of 2016 was the shock upset of the season to that point. It underlined how far the Dockers had fallen.
Non-negotiable: The Dockers must keep out-of-contract Neale on their list. A likely All Australian this year, he and Fyfe are the players the rebuild can be designed around.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Just play the kids and accelerate their development. Keep out-of-contract players and those with expiring deals in 2017 happy and sign them up. - Nathan Schmook
The Dockers have had to get used to this feeling as the losses have mounted. Picture: AFL Media
What's worked: Recruiting strategy has paid off with Patrick Dangerfield, Lachie Henderson and Zac Smith exceeding what were already huge expectations.
What hasn't: Flat patches within games have been costly, with the Cats going to sleep against the Magpies and the Blues to lose winnable games.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Scott Selwood is yet to play as he recovers from ankle surgery in the pre-season. The talented recruit shapes as a defensive midfielder who could be handy late in the season.
Indispensable: Tom Hawkins is a vital cog in the system, providing a target up forward and hitting packs so the Cats' crumbers can get to work. Dangerfield and Joel Selwood would be hard to replace too.
Coach score: Handled the concerning lapse in form in rounds nine and 10 well. Chris Scott makes sense when talking about the game, although he can underplay the significance of obviously crucial moments. Has also been brave in resting players to keep them fresh. 8/10
Big improver: Cam Guthrie has been a very good player for a long time but as he nears 100 games he is moving into the elite category, reading the play better to get into attacking positions and building a tank to run both ways.
Didn't see that coming: Lincoln McCarthy has never had a chance to reveal the extent of his talent until this season after a wretched run with injury. He is quick and tough and one of the game's most talented small forwards.
Non-negotiable: Must improve their form at Etihad and, more importantly, the MCG if they are going to be a serious finals threat. The Cats play just one more game at the MCG and four at Etihad Stadium in the final 11 rounds.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: The Cats need to finish top-four given the position they are in at the halfway mark, but their next month is very tough. - Peter Ryan
What's worked: The development of tall timber Peter Wright, Sam Day's breakout year and the unlikely emergence of Keegan Brooksby in defence have all been positives.
What hasn't: Injuries. Perhaps the Suns walked under a ladder as part of pre-season training, but while most of them have been unavoidable, they have been smashed with injuries for a second straight year.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Jaeger O'Meara and David Swallow. Neither has played this season and the footy world is poorer for it. We haven't seen O'Meara since the end of 2014, but all things going well, he should be back on the park in the near future.
Indispensable: Tom Lynch. Has ascended to become one of the best forwards in the League. Can do it in the air, on the ground or on the lead and is a future captain of the club.
Coach score: Hard to judge Rodney Eade, who, with the catastrophic injury toll, has coached much of the season with one arm behind his back. Copped some hidings, but we'll learn more as the year wears on. 5/10
Big improver: Sam Day. Now in his sixth season, Day is having his best year. Started as Lynch's sidekick in the forward 50, but as injuries took hold, was shuffled to the backline and has excelled at both ends.
Didn't see that coming: Steven May's kamikaze bump on Lions ruckman Stefan Martin. May's five-game suspension let himself and his team down – the Suns haven't won since.
Non-negotiable: Plain and simple, they have to be competitive every single week. With a reducing injury list and 18 months under Eade's guidance, it's the least Suns fans can expect.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: With players back on deck, they need to start winning. They play eight of their final 11 games against teams outside the top eight, so another six wins is not out of the question. - Michael Whiting
Tom Lynch has been a rare shining light for the Suns this year. Picture: AFL Media
What's worked: The recruitment of Steve Johnson. The 2007 Norm Smith medallist has booted 21 goals from his first 11 games and his experience has been vital in the GWS forward line.
What hasn't: The resurrection of Cam McCarthy. The gun young forward is still in Western Australia battling mental health issues and is unlikely to be seen in Sydney again.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Fit key defenders. Aidan Corr (ankle) and Caleb Marchbank (ankle) have played just five games between them, while Phil Davis, Nick Haynes and Tim Mohr have also had setbacks with injury.
Indispensable: Shane Mumford. The aggressive big man is still the club's most important player and only A-grade ruckman; if he can't stay healthy it would be a huge blow.
Coach score: Leon Cameron's hard work over the pre-season has seen his side turn their contested ball-winning ability around, and it's now a major weapon instead of their weakness. 8/10.
Big improver: Nathan Wilson. The small defender has averaged 18.9 touches and played every game in defence, his speed and penetrating kick outstanding.
Didn't see that coming: Rory Lobb. The tall forward returned to pre-season early to establish himself as a permanent member of the side and he's been an exciting tall target inside 50.
One of the best marks you'll see! Incredible courage from Rory Lobb. #ohwhatafeeling https://t.co/9nUirco9dM
— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2016
Non-negotiable: Finals. If they can avoid a repeat of last year's injury troubles, top-eight should be a minimum, top-four a real possibility.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: A home final. With their draw the Giants should be aiming for a top-four spot, top-six at the very least, and if they can earn a home final, they can easily make it to the second week of the finals. Who knows from there? – Adam Curley
