Historically, the teams that are in the top eight after 11 weeks are still there at the end of the year. Looking at the ladder now, I’d say there’s really just the one spot up for grabs, and it will go to one of the Brisbane Lions, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and North Melbourne. The Hawks don’t have an easy run home, but they are definitely one to watch as the finals draw nearer. The Hawks are starting to build a bit. Shaun Burgoyne is getting some games under his belt, and if they can keep injury-free from now on, they are likely to get eighth spot.
30-year-olds
It’s a tough and brutal environment for older players now as we’ve seen with Tyson Edwards and Simon Goodwin announcing their retirements in recent weeks. There is an intense pressure that is applied to the guys who are over 30. Both the Adelaide players have made the decision to retire while they are capable of being elite players in the competition. You don’t get given much leeway when you’re over 30. Brett Kirk was in the same situation where he didn’t want people questioning him towards the end of his career. Players want to control their departure from the game, but you can see some senior players in the competition battling. Chad Cornes is struggling, Brad Johnson is injured, and Jason Akermanis is out on a club-imposed suspension. I’ve said before and I think it was originally Mick Malthouse who said that as soon as you start doubting your future, it is time to retire.
Jack Riewoldt
On a weekend where Matthew Richardson’s testimonial was held, we might have confirmed just who his successor might be. Riewoldt is a different type of player to Richo, but he has got that same unpredictability and charisma about him. It is great for Richmond and the game in general to have another star forward who is so fun to watch. I was looking forward to seeing him on the big stage on Friday night after he had a big week in the media. Some players don’t respond too well to having that much focus on them, but Riewoldt thrived on it. He was always going to play well and that is a great sign.
Paul Chapman
If he was playing in any other side, he would be their marquee player and we would be saying how much of an unbelievable star he is. But in the Geelong side he is surrounded by so many other guns that we forget how good he is. He is just a freak player and it is easy to underestimate him. Chappy is just as effective in the middle as he is up forward as we saw in last year’s grand final, where he won the Norm Smith medal for best on ground.
Game changers
Since 2005 the average number of disposals per team has gone up from 310 to 371. Over that same time, interchange moves have risen from 37 to 114 and the tackles have gone up from 44 to 69. It is incredible to see in such a short span of time how much the game has evolved. It evolves every three or four weeks. Sometimes we are so quick to say we want to make changes to the rules whenever an unpopular trend emerges, but it evolves pretty quickly as it is. Those statistics are a reminder that we only have to wait a little while and the game tends to sort itself out.
Carlton’s score
In eight of 11 games this year, the Blues have scored over 100 points. Everyone was talking about how they will not be able to kick a score without Brendan Fevola up forward. It has been amazing to see how well they’ve coped without him. I think they’ve got six players who have kicked more than 10 goals this season. They are averaging 100 points per game. Setanta O’hAilpin has been a revelation, and the small forwards have gone up to another level. I’m sure those Carlton supporters who were threatening to burn their memberships when Fev left have changed their minds.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
