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. 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’s post-game explanations feel like a coach stuck on repeat. He’s not wrong—they’ve been competitive—but there’s a disconnect between his optimism and the team’s performance. In my opinion, the real issue isn’t their close losses; it’s their defense, which has been woeful for far too long. And then there’s Jeremy Cameron. His injury isn’t just a setback; it’s a season-ender. Without him, Geelong’s premiership hopes are, as Jack Riewoldt aptly put it, ‘done.’ This raises a deeper question: Can a team rely so heavily on one player? What this really suggests is that Geelong’s success was perhaps more fragile than we thought.
Now, let’s talk about Essendon and their $5 million man, Ben McKay. What many people don’t realize is that McKay’s struggles aren’t just about form; they’re about fit. Shifting him to the forward line feels like a move of desperation, and it’s not working. Josh Jenkins’ commentary on this is spot-on—McKay doesn’t move like a forward, and it’s clear his heart isn’t in it. This isn’t just a player issue; it’s a club strategy issue. Paid big dollars to be an intercepting defender, McKay’s being asked to do something he’s not built for. If you ask me, this experiment needs to end. The bigger question here is: How did Essendon get to this point? It’s a cautionary tale about player management and club vision.
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 interesting 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. This is a team with all the resources—concessions, draft picks, funding—yet they’re crumbling. The addition of Christian Petracca was supposed to be a game-changer, but instead, it’s thrown the midfield balance off. Jack Riewoldt’s comment that the club ‘doesn’t look like a place where players want to turn up and play’ is harsh but probably true. This isn’t just a football issue; it’s a cultural one. The Suns’ predicament raises a broader question: Can a club buy success, or does it need to be built from the ground up?
North Melbourne’s situation with Alastair Clarkson is equally intriguing. The rebuild hasn’t gone as quickly as hoped, and now the club is in a tricky position. Extending Clarkson’s contract seems like a no-brainer given his resume, but the hesitation from the club’s leadership is telling. Sonja Hood’s comments about not being rushed feel like a polite way of saying they’re not convinced. Yet, Todd Viney’s confidence in Clarkson’s extension suggests there’s still faith in the process. This isn’t just about Clarkson’s future; it’s about the club’s willingness to commit to a long-term vision. If you ask me, dumping Clarkson would be a bold move, but keeping him without a clear plan could be just as risky.
Finally, the Sydney Swans’ recent performance against Fremantle has exposed a worrying trend. Their trademark run-and-gun style from half-back seems to have vanished, and their reliance on Charlie Curnow for scoring is concerning. Jason Dunstall’s observation that they’ve become ‘one-dimensional’ is spot-on. This isn’t just a bad game; it’s a systemic issue. Dean Cox has his work cut out for him, but the bigger question is whether this team can adapt under pressure. What makes this particularly interesting is that this isn’t a team fighting for finals—it’s a team at the top of the ladder. If they can’t fix this quickly, their premiership hopes could slip away faster than anyone expected.
In all these cases, the issues go beyond wins and losses. They’re about strategy, culture, and leadership. Personally, I think this season is a wake-up call for the AFL—a reminder that success isn’t just about talent or resources; it’s about how you use them. And as we head into the finals, these teams’ struggles will be the stories to watch.
