It’s Three-Quarter Time in the 2024 AFL Season
Life During Wartime
Third Quarter of the Season Summary
The Brisbane Lions stood out as the best-performed team in the third quarter of the season, as they ran gauntlet from Round 12 to Round 18 (six matches and bye) without dropping a match. The Lions have turned their season around, rising to fourth position on the AFL ladder and they are now one of the more fancied chances to take home the silverware in season ’24. Hawthorn is the other team to perform remarkably well during this stretch of games, winning five out of six games to stake a claim for an unlikely September appearance.
The biggest loser from the third quarter of the season was the Magpies who won two games before their bye and have lost all three games post their bye. The reigning Premiers are currently in freefall, and given the difficulty of their draw in the last quarter of the season, it is hard to see them turning their form around to make the finals. If the Pies don’t make the finals, it will be the second straight year the reigning Premier has failed to back up the next year.
In general, some clubs have performed worse than Collingwood during the same period, but the expectations for those clubs were not as high. Well, except for Adelaide and St Kilda, but in reality their seasons were in tatters at the halfway mark of the season.
Putting the Lions and Hawks to one side, the other 11 teams left in contention for September action have had endured periods of form fluctuations during the third stanza of the season. The form fluctuations mean there is only two games between second and thirteenth, and as such, it has set up a tense and exciting final quarter of the season as each game becomes its own little mini-final.
At the end of Round 18 the only team guaranteed of making the finals is the Sydney Swans, with 14 wins and a very healthy percentage. From Carlton down to Hawthorn, each week now becomes critical, not only for making the finals, but also for a place in the top four and the double chance.
By my calculations, and many will disagree, the minimum wins required to guarantee a finals berth is 13.5 (Lions, Dockers, Dons) or 14 wins. Thirteen wins and a high percentage may just be enough, however, it is more likely teams who win just 13 games maybe left disappointed come the end of Round 24.
The Formula
After Round Six (first quarter), and after Round 11 (second quarter) in earlier articles, I graded each club for their performances over that stretch of matches, and then graded them overall for the season to date. Included are the average score for and against for each clubs year to date.
For example:
Brisbane Lions – 4th (120%)
1st Quarter grade (2 wins) C-
2nd Quarter grade (2.5 wins) D
3rd Quarter grade (6 wins) A+
Overall grade, season to date (10.5 wins) A-
Average score 84 for and 75 against
Anyway, “this ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t fooling around”, so let’s get the review started.
(Life During Wartime, released 1979 by Sire, written by David Byrne, Chris Franz, Jerry Harrison and Tina Weymouth, Produced by Brian Eno)
Three Quarter Time – Life During Wartime
Adelaide Crows – 14th (105.0%)
1st Quarter grade (1 win) E
2nd Quarter grade (3.5 wins) B-
3rd Quarter grade (2 wins) D-
Overall grade, season to date (6.5 wins) D
Average score 81.7 for and 77.8 against
Are the Crows unlucky, or are they just an average team?
There is an argument that can be made that the rub of the green doesn’t go the way of the boys from West Lakes very often, however, after analysing a body of work covering nearly two years, it would be fair to conclude the Crows are an average team, albeit with some potential.
The reality is the Adelaide Football Club has not been the same since the 2017 Grand Final and what occurred in the aftermath. Some clubs don’t recover for a long period of time after a shellacking in a Grand Final, and like their cross-town rivals, who suffered a similar fate after the Cats wiped them from the park in 2007, the Crows are now nearing the end of their eighth season since 2107 with little to no success.
Can the Crows improve for season 2025?
For a couple of seasons now Adelaide has been considered the team with potential, but it might be time to take stock and see what, and more importantly who, is required to take to take the club to the next level.
For the Crows to improve for season 2025, every member of the playing and coaching group should be on notice that the last six weeks of the season is an audition for next year. It may be time for some bloodletting at West Lakes during the offseason.
Final 6 matches:
Essendon (Marvel), Hawthorn (Adelaide Oval), Geelong (GMHBA), Bulldogs (Adelaide Oval), Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval) and Sydney (SCG).
Brisbane Lions – 4th (120%)
1st Quarter grade (2 wins) C-
2nd Quarter grade (2.5 wins) D
3rd Quarter grade (6 wins) B+
Overall grade, season to date (10.5 wins) A-
Average score 84 for and 75 against
At the midway mark of the season, there were plenty of questions being asked about the Brisbane Lions, and during the third quarter of the season the Lions more than answered their critics with their deeds on the field.
Sydney Swans aside, the Lions, by winning six-straight games, have been able to achieve what none of the other rivals have this season, a consistent run of victories. Make no mistake, the season was all but over for the Lions until they straightened up and got their act together since the midway mark.
The Lions are hungry to atone for their loss in last year’s decider, and while they started their season slowly, they are on the rise with a bullet. There is every possibility ‘Country Road’ will be played at the MCG again in late September.
In comparison to the teams around them, the Lions have a draw which should favour their ambitions of being in the Top 4 come late August.
Next 6 matches:
Sydney Swans (Gabba), Gold Coast Suns (People First Stadium), St Kilda (Marvel), Greater Western Sydney (Gabba), Collingwood (MCG) and Essendon (Gabba).
Carlton – 2nd (114.1%)
1st Quarter grade (5 wins) A
2nd Quarter grade (2 wins) D
3rd Quarter grade (4 wins) A-
Overall grade, season to date (11 wins) A
Average score 99.2 for and 87 against
As far as ladder positions go, since the halfway mark of the season the Blues have improved from eighth to second and find themselves as the team most talked about to unhinge the Sydney Swans in September. On the surface that assessment is fair, and it may be proven correct, but there are some concerns that need to be addressed at Princess Park.
Impressively, Carlton is the second highest scoring team on average in the league at 99.1 points per match, however the Blues also concede more scores than any other of the top 13 teams, with an average of 87 points per match.
The defensive pressure of the Blues needs to be fully addressed before September, as no team can afford to leak that many points and expect success. Before I get jumped on by an angry mob of Blues supporters, it is only Round 18 and given the type of player your Michael Voss was, I am sure he is already trying to fix the Dam Wall before it cracks and falls apart in September.
It may help the defence reduce the scores being leaked if the midfielders started to lift their performance and help reduce the ball rebounding down back so quickly. Patrick Cripps aside, the rest of the Blues midfielders need to be more accountable.
Patrick Cripps is a champion, and each week he tries his heart out to lift his team over the line, but it is about time he got a better chop out, not only from his fellow midfielders, but also from his forwards applying more defensive pressure to lock the ball in to just take heat of the game from time to time.
Cripps is a thoroughbred and I cringe every time I see him contesting a ruck contest as not only does he stand a chance of serious injury, but he should be the one player sharking the ball from a ruck contest. Seriously, throw Cerra, Fogarty or Hollands under a ruck contest in preference to Cripps.
Most sceptics have the Blues finishing in the top 4, most likely second, and it would a foolhardy person to disagree with that opinion at this stage of the season, but like other clubs in the hunt, the Blues have their deficiencies to sort out before September.
Next 6 matches:
North Melbourne (Marvel), Port Adelaide (Marvel), Collingwood (MCG), Hawthron (MCG), West Coast (Optus), and St Kilda (Marvel).
Collingwood – 12th (102.9)
1st Quarter grade (3 wins) B-
2nd Quarter grade (3 wins, 2 Draws) B+
3rd Quarter grade (2 wins, 4 losses) D
Overall grade, season to date (9 wins effectively) C-
Average score 87 for and 84.5 against
Collingwood Excuses
It was unfair the Pies played in the Opening Round.
It is hard to back up and win back-to-back Premierships.
It is impossible to win games with so many injuries.
The Reality
The chances of the Pies even making the finals this season are starting to look out of reach, never alone reaching another Granny. A shortened off-season leading into the longest-ever season, injuries, players dropping form, etc, are all excuses that can be made about the Pies season so far, but they are the reigning Premiers, so the question remains have they handled being the hunted.
Like Geelong last year, the Pies have struggled for a multitude of reasons, and they have failed to handle the pressure of being the hunted. Apart from the Kings Birthday win over the Dees, the Pies have struggled to gather any momentum, and if it were not for an umpiring error against the Roos, Collingwood could already be completely out of contention to make the finals.
The Pies have a lowly percentage and as such they must win four, possibly even five of their last six games to even be a chance of making the finals. Internally, Collingwood would believe they can win their next two, however, their last four games against the Blues, Swans, Lions and Dees means their quest for a final’s appearance this year may be a hurdle too far.
Next 6 matches:
Hawthorn (MCG), Richmond (MCG), Carlton (MCG), Sydney Swans (SCG – not MCG at least), Brisbane (MCG), and Melbourne (MCG).
Essendon – 6th (98.8%)
1st Quarter grade (4 wins) A
2nd Quarter grade (4 wins, 1 Draw) A+
3rd Quarter grade (2 wins) C
Overall grade, season to date (10.5 wins) B
Average score 83.6 for and 84.7 against
Geez Louise, people have come hard at the lads from The Hangar over the last few weeks, however, I see more positives than negatives for the Bombers. Let’s be realistic for a moment, who actually had the Bombers as a Premiership contenders this year? One-eyed Bomber fans put your hands down, please, and we are left with nearly nobody.
At best, most pundits had the Bombers as a chance of making eighth position this year, with about 12 wins for the season. It would be fair to say the expectations on the Bombers this season was they had a winning season, to which they will.
My assessment of the Bombers this year is they are team that is two stars short of being a really good team, and yet this very blue-collar team with a lot of apprentices are more than a chance of playing finals this year. The recent defeats against some top-class opposition has hurt the Dons chances of Top 4, but given their draw they should secure enough wins to be a participant in September action.
Unlike most, Bravo, Huzzah, Chapeau to Brad Scott and his coaching staff for giving Bomber supporters something they have lacked for many a year; real HOPE. Who knows where the season ends – remember 1993.
Next 6 games:
Adelaide (Marvel), St Kilda (Marvel), Fremantle (MCG), Gold Coast (Marvel), Sydney Swans (Marvel), and Brisbane (Gabba).
Fremantle – 5th (113.1%)
1st Quarter grade (3 wins) C
2nd Quarter grade (3 wins, 1 Draw) B+
3rd Quarter grade (4 wins) B+
Overall grade, season to date (10.5 wins) B
Average score 84 for and 74.2 against
I am not going to mention the two flights and overnight stays the Dockers endure each time the AFL decides in its collective wisdom to send the Dockers to UTAS every year. Like I said, I am not going to mention it.
Right?
Every loss hurts, but some losses hurt more than others. UTAS excuse aside, the Dockers did shoot themselves in the foot last weekend down in Tassie by letting a game slip which was up for the taking right up to the dying minutes. With no disrespect to the Hawks, a couple of weeks earlier proved Freo could play out a close finish interstate when they toppled the ladder leading Swans at the SCG, so it was disappointing as the way the Purple Men finished the Tassie game.
Destiny Lotto
The Dockers destiny in season 2024, along with their Top 4 chances, is in their own hands. Fremantle’s last six games are all winnable, and while it would be a stretch to suggest they would win all six, it would be expected they win four or five and earn the right to the double chance.
Next 6 matches:
Melbourne (Optus), West Coast (Optus), Essendon (MCG), Geelong (Optus), Greater Western Sydney (EHGIE), and Port Adelaide (Optus).
Geelong – 3rd (110.6%)
1st Quarter grade (6 wins) A+
2nd Quarter grade (1 win) E
3rd Quarter grade (4 wins) B+
Overall grade, season to date (11 wins) B+
Average score 93.5 for and 84.5 against
After the Swans and the Blues ripped the Cats a new one in rounds 15 and 16, it looked for all money like time had finally caught with the Cats, but they are a mighty proud club. The Cats have rebounded well over the last three weeks, with quality wins over Essendon, Hawthorn and Collingwood, and they have now positioned themselves well for a shot at obtaining the desired double-chance at years end.
At the halfway mark of the season, I stated that Tom Stewart is basically the barometer for the Cats fortunes, and while he was out of form so was his team, but when he bounced back to form his team’s fortunes rose.
While it helps the ageing stars are back in form, it is the form of the younger brigade of players such as Ollie Dempsey, Sam De Koning, Jye Clark, Shannon Neale, Shaun Mannagh, Ollie Henry, Lawson Humphries, Mitch Knevitt and Tanner Bruhn, who are leading the charge of the revitalised Cats.
There seems to be good balanced between the old hands and the young’uns coming through at the Cattery, and again it looks like Geelong will avoid bottoming out and remain relevant for a while yet. The Cats are into it up to their whiskers in season 2024.
On the surface, the Cats have a relatively easy draw heading into the finals, and apart from a what could be a season defining Round 22 match against the Dockers, they will start firm favourites in their other five remaining matches.
Next 6 matches:
Western Bulldogs (GMHBA), North Melbourne (Blundstone Arena), Adelaide (GMHBA), Fremantle (Optus), St Kilda (Marvel), and West Coast (GMHBA).
Gold Coast Suns – 11th (106%)
1st Quarter grade (3 wins) B-
2nd Quarter grade (3 wins) C
3rd Quarter grade (3 wins) C
Overall grade, at season to date (6 wins) C
Average score 87 for and 82.1 against
When the Suns are good, they are very good, but when they are bad, they are horrid.
While I feel liking dropping the F-bomb to describe Gold Coast when they play away from home, I will hold it back until The Suns own foibles leaves them one game short of the finals at seasons end.
At the stadium formerly known as Carrara, Dimma and his team are near on unbeatable, but when they travel, they travel bad. Why?
Many moons ago while I idly stared out of the window with a blank look on my face as the teacher was saying something, I tried my hardest to be a C average student. Not that good that I stand out, and not so bad I got picked on, but occasionally I couldn’t resist myself when it came to something like, let’s say for example, Shakespeare where my C would suddenly become an A. The Suns are much like the very bright child who is trying not to let the world know how good they are, but when they play at The Globe, Cararra, Metricon, People First Stadium (whatever), they display their A game, while away from home they are the Dunce in the corner.
At some point most average but bright students realise at some point they need to excel to get ahead, and the Suns are currently in that position. In the words of Little Patty, and the 1972 election slogans, It’s Time!
It’s time, the Suns had confidence to take their Surfers Paradise savvy on the road and display themselves the greater public at large.
It’s Time, the Suns stopped being the perfect average student and allow themselves to discover if the grass is greener on the other.
It’s Time, the Suns made a statement to the AFL they are relevant.
In short, It’s Time.
If the Suns don’t, I will agree will Dimma and state It’s Time to drop a massive nuclear F-bomb at years end.
Next 6 matches:
Greater Western Sydney (ENGIE), Brisbane (People First Stadium), West Coast (Optus), Essendon (Marvel), Melbourne (The stadium formerly known as Cararra), and Richmond (MCG).
Greater Western Sydney Giants – 7th (109.8%)
1st Quarter grade (5 wins) A-
2nd Quarter grade (2 wins) C-
3rd Quarter grade (3 wins) C-
Overall grade, at season to date (10 wins) B-
Average score 90.1 for and 82 against
If the Giants fail to make the Top 4, or even fail to make the finals at all, the two games GWS will look back on will be their Round 13 and Round 16 losses to the Hawks and Crows (no disrespect to either). The Giants are team that deserve to be ranked in the Top 4 as proven by their wins over Geelong and Carlton, but they left themselves down when they play teams they are expected to beat.
I noted at halftime mark of the season, the Giants couldn’t afford any more blimps on the radar, and yet here we are. Currently seventh on the ladder with 10 wins and a solid chasing pack on their tail, the Giants can ill afford another unexpected blimp.
The Giants are in a logjam of teams who are fighting for a spot in the finals, even the top 4, and their destiny is in their hands. The Giants are good team, but are they are great team?
Now is the time for Greater Western Sydney to put up or shut up.
Next 6 matches:
Gold Coast Suns (ENGIE), Melbourne (MCG), Hawthorn (Manuka), Brisbane (Gabba), Fremantle (ENGIE), and Western Bulldogs (apparently on Mars, Mars Stadium Ballarat).
Hawthorn – 13th (95.4%)
1st Quarter grade (1 win) E
2nd Quarter grade (3 wins – should have been 4) B
3rd Quarter grade (5 wins) A
Overall grade at season to date (9 wins) B+
Average score 78.7 for and 82.4 against
Eating the My Own Words
At the end of the first quarter of the season my assessment of the Hawks was scathing, and I quote:
“Late last year I reviewed quite a few Hawthorn games, and I could see the gradual improvement in the Hawks, even in defeat, but this year I am perplexed as to what their game plan is.”
Since my statement the Hawks have been as impressive as other team fighting it out for a position in the finals, by winning 8 games out of their last 11, and even more impressively, 5 wins from their last 6 outings. What is even more impressive, after the Cats got hold them a couple weeks ago, most anticipated the Hawks run to September had ended, but they bounced back the following week and outclassed the Dockers in the last five minutes to maintain their rage and keep their hopes alive.
I’m eating my own words, but the Hawks have served a a very tasty dish this year, so the taste is not bitter.
No predictions – go as far you can!
Next 6 matches:
Collingwood (MCG), Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Greater Western Sydney (ENGIE), Carlton (MCG), Richmond (MCG), and North Melbourne (UTAS).
Melbourne – 8th (105.5%)
1st Quarter grade (4 wins) B+
2nd Quarter grade (3 wins) B-
3rd Quarter grade (3 wins) C
Overall grade, at season to date (10 wins) B
Average score 79.5 for and 75.4 against
My Kingdom for a Forward
Two weeks ago, my review of the Demons would have been damming, but two weeks is a long time in the AFL and things can change very quickly.
I enjoyed watching the Melbourne and Essendon match last weekend, and it would many a blue moon ago since I could honestly say I enjoyed watching the Dees place. The absence of Petracca and Gawn has allowed a few of the role players to be more creative and as such the team has a nice degree of unpredictability, which bore fruit last weekend. It was entertaining.
Melbourne is the lowest scoring team of any club currently inside the eight, however, they are the second-best team at containing opposition to low scores. One end of the ground is covering up for the weaknesses at the other end of the ground, and to this stage of the season the sleight of hand has the Dees in an average position, but I question its sustainability? I questioned Melbourne sustainability at the halftime mark of the season, and it remains my primary concern with the Dees. Enough said
It is worth noting Melbourne percentage dropped from 115 percent at the end of Round 11, to 105.5 percent currently.
Melbourne is still alive this season to make another finals series and given their recent form revival it is fair to suggest they may well make the finals again this year, but as all clubs are aware, form can be very fickle at this time of the year.
Next 6 matches:
Fremantle (Optus), Greater Western Sydney (MCG), Western Bulldogs (Marvel), Port Adelaide (MCG), Gold Coast Suns (People First Stadium), and Collingwood (MCG).
North Melbourne – 17th (64.3%)
1st Quarter grade (0 wins) F
2nd Quarter grade (0 wins) F
3rd Quarter grade (2 wins) C (they were stiffed against the Pies)
Overall grade, season to date (2 wins) D+ (with a bullet (am I allowed to say that?))
Average score 70 for and 108.8 against
WELCOME TO SEASON 2024 CLARKO AND ROO BOYS, GOOD TO SEE YA!
That is all!
Next 6 matches:
Carlton (Marvel – cause an upset), Geelong (Blundstone Arena – the Cats are like stale milk when they travel), Richmond (Marvel – come on Roos, it’s only the junior Tiges), West Coast (Blundstone Arena – if the temperature is under 12 degrees the Roos will win), Bulldogs (Marvel – which Bulldogs team will turn up?), and North Melbourne (UTAS – Clarko v Mitchell, what an epic way to finish the season).
Port Adelaide – 11th (103.4%)
1st Quarter grade (4 wins) B+
2nd Quarter grade (4 wins) A-
3rd Quarter grade (2 wins) E
Overall grade, at season to date (8 wins) D
Average score 85.1 for and 82.3 against
I had to recheck the numbers for the Power over their last six rounds, but they are correct – two wins, a ladder drop from third to eleventh, and a massive percentage loss from 117 percent to 103.4 percent.
I still find the above numbers hard to fathom, but they are correct, and it justifies the angst being felt by fans of the Power, as their club has been seriously powerless since Round 11.
Where to from here Port Adelaide?
Firstly, maybe less ‘chat chat’ and more ‘play play’ from some of the senior, or ‘star’ players who are setting a bad example for the younger players. Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis (and others) the football world is staring directly at you presently to see how you respond. Do you sulk and continue to talk back, or do get on with it and let your football do the talking?
A new coach is not going to change a thing if the ill-discipline and talk back attitude becomes the norm.
Sadly, it may be time for Kenny to step aside (or be shoved), but buyer beware! Any coach who takes on this club inherits a team which is brattish in their behaviour, and it WILL require a firm hand to discipline the players to play as a team again.
Whether the Power make the finals, or they don’t, is a moot point, as the problems within this club need to be turned around before 2025, or it will feel like Groundhog Year again.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Next 6 matches:
Richmond (Adelaide Oval), Carlton (Marvel), Sydney Swans (Adelaide Oval), Melbourne (MCG), Adelaide Crows (Adelaide Oval), and Fremantle (Optus).
Richmond – 18th (61.6%)
1st Quarter grade (1 win) C-
2nd Quarter grade (0 wins) E
3rd Quarter grade (1 win) D
Overall grade, at season to date (2 wins) D-
Average score 64 for and 102.7 against
It’s all about Dusty, and so it should be!
Rarely, if ever does a true champion player get a season where they can relax about everything and just enjoy the moment they are in, but Dusty is the exception. It may not have been by design, but Dusty Martin is being afforded a year at Richmond to call the shots on his own terms. If he stays, goes north, or retires, that just doesn’t matter at the moment
With some champions retiring last year, and a wretched run of injuries to key players this season, the Tigers have been in freefall this year and for the Tigers, that’s okay. A dynasty has ended and for a year the Tigers of old are entitled to bask in their glory and just celebrate all things Yellow and Black.
Side Note: I loved the way Dusty celebrated with the Tribe after his 300th game and that he had remained true to himself by not engaging with the media in the lead up. This is a mystique about Dusty and in some ways, it was a shame Jack interviewed after the game, as his silence before and after his 300th was louder than any words he could say.
Adam Yze, pump games into the kids for the rest of the season.
Next 6 matches:
Port Adelaide (Adelaide), Collingwood, aka, the Filth to Tiger fans (MCG), North Melbourne (Marvel), St Kilda (Marvel), Hawthorn (MCG), and Gold Coast Suns (MCG)….
….. and then straight to the Airport for a little September get away – I believe the Amalfi Coast is spectacular in Autumn.
St Kilda – 15th (91,1%)
1st Quarter grade (2 wins) D+
2nd Quarter grade (1 win) E
3rd Quarter grade (3 wins) C-
Overall grade, at season to date (6 wins) D
Average score 70.9 for and 77.8 against
It might time for the St Kilda hierarchy to cut and select what players they want at the club in 2025, as this current crop of players have proven over and over, they are at best a mid-table team, and that’s at best.
Coaches have come and been sacked at Moorabbin (are they still there?), but the core playing group has remained consistent, and no matter who the coach has been, the same core group still serve up the same dose of mediocrity every year.
For St Kilda diehards, this season started with very high expectations. Alas, as the season draws to a close, St Kilda have again failed to live up to their own expectations.
Enough said for NOW.
Next 6 matches:
West Coast (Marvel), Essendon (Marvel), Brisbane (Marvel) Richmond (Marvel), Geelong (Marvel), and Carlton (Marvel) – Marvellous, not one game away from Marvel.
Sydney Swans – 1st (145.3%)
1st Quarter grade (5 wins) B+
2nd Quarter grade (5 wins) A+
3rd Quarter grade (4 wins) A-
Overall grade, at season to date (14 wins) A+
Average score 104.3 for and 71.7 against
The Importance of Mills and Parker
Welcome back Callum Mills and Luke Parker. Some asked where you would both fit in, but all that can be said after Round 18 is, you both fit in very well.
As well as the Swans have performed this year, there was always a realisation that at some during the season two of the Swans two best on-field leaders would return in the back end of the season to further sure up the Swans on-field performances. Mad Monday Mills is the natural leader, while Parker adds a bit of mongrel to the Swans, and both know intuitively know how to keep the players around them grounded. The first time this year I thought the Swans really missed both Mills and Parker was in the loss to St Kilda, as the backline stuttered while the forward line couldn’t hit the side of a barn in the final 30 minutes. Mills would have steadied the backs, while Parker would have willed himself to kick the goal that makes the difference – they are leaders.
The jigsaw pieces are falling into place nicely for Sydney to start as they start to prepare for a red-hot shot at winning the Grand Final this year. By virtue of wins on the board and percentage, come September, Sydney will be the best prepared team to tackle finals.
BLOODS!
Next 6 matches:
Brisbane (Gabbatoir), Western Bulldogs (SCG), Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Collingwood (SCG), Essendon (Marvel), and Adelaide (SCG).
West Coast Eagles – 16th (70.8%)
1st Quarter grade (2 wins) B
2nd Quarter grade (1 win) D
3rd Quarter grade (0 wins) E
Overall grade, at season to date (3 wins) D-
Average score 68.8 for and 97.9 against
It seems like the Eagles have already pulled up stumps for season 2024, so there is little to say about them, other than very disappointing.
Well done Adam Simpson, Premiership Coach and classy and dignified to the bitter end.
Next 6 matches:
St Kilda (Marvel), Fremantle (Optus), Gold Coast (Optus), North Melbourne (Blundstone Oval), Carlton (Optus), and Geelong (GMHBA).
Western Bulldogs – 10th (114.9%)
1st Quarter grade (3 wins) C
2nd Quarter grade (2 wins) D
3rd Quarter grade (4 wins) B+
Overall grade, at season to date (9 wins) B-
Average score 92.4 for and 80.4 against
Sybil
For those who don’t understand the reference to the movie Sybil, it was a movie about a person who suffered from a multiple personality disorder, and on no given day could it be predicted what personality would be present, much like the Doggies from one week to the next.
Amongst all the Bullies form fluctuations this season, there are glimpses of the team which had a manic September to win the 2016 flag, as well as the 2021 team which had another manic September to fall only a half a game short of another Premiership.
The Dogs are this season’s wildcard team, and I mean like, far out wild, crazy. Between now and the end of the season this team could lose all six games, while they are just as capable of winning all six. Who knows? They don’t?
No team would want to front the boys from the west in September given the Spring air seems to cure all that ails the Bulldogs throughout the season.
If the Bulldogs make it to the finals, then they are a chance to create absolute carnage and possibly go all the way. Woof woof!
Next 6 matches:
Geelong (GMHBA), Sydney (SCG), Melbourne (Marvel), Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), North Melbourne (Marvel), and Greater Western Sydney (Marvel) – release the hounds!
