This was published 7 years ago
AFL mid-season report cards
Updated ,first published
ADELAIDE
Fresh from a grand final the Crows were bullish, but now they appear unlikely to make the eight.
Grading: E
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BRISBANE LIONS
Things just haven't gone to plan for Brisbane, who have been near enough but not good enough for most of the season.
Grading: D-
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CARLTON
Carlton have had a dismal start to the 2018 campaign but the fixture could open up from here.
Grading: C-
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COLLINGWOOD
A eureka moment against Carlton in round three started a run of eight wins in 10 games that have transformed the Magpies' situation and taken the heat from the coach.
Grading: A
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ESSENDON
There's been little middle ground – the Bombers have either been inspiring or listless – but surprise packet Devon Smith has consistently impressed.
Grading: C-
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FREMANTLE
If you were a Fremantle fan who attended home games and didn’t pay attention when the side was on the road, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were finals-bound.
Grading: C
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GEELONG
Injuries to key players threatened to derail their season but they have performed well under duress. The new-look backline without Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson (as well as Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie) has been a revelation and the midfield is starting to settle .
Grading: B+
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GOLD COAST
It’s been a horror show for the Suns. Despite their three wins, their percentage is a disastrous 64.5 and they’ve kicked two points in their last month of fourth quarters.
Grading: E+
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GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
The Giants' depth has been tested by injuries, but a crucial block of matches will determine whether they are contenders or pretenders in 2018.
Grading: C
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HAWTHORN
Apart from a three-week flat patch when they lost to Sydney, the Brisbane Lions and West Coast they have been superb.
Grading: B
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MELBOURNE
It’s like the old adage in cricket; you’re travelling along nicely as the batting team but lose two quick wickets and it changes everything. That’s where we’re at with Melbourne.
Grading: B
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NORTH MELBOURNE
If North seldom receives critical acclaim, the club has never been so ‘‘misunderestimated’’ — as George W. Bush would say — as it was in the 2018 pre-season.
Grading: A+
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PORT ADELAIDE
While their off-season shopping spree remains unproven, there's plenty to be optimistic about for Power fans.
Grading: B+
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RICHMOND
The Tigers, kings of the MCG, look primed to defend their premiership of 2017.
Grading: A
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ST KILDA
The Saints were expected to at least threaten for the top eight but are now fighting to avoid the wooden spoon.
Grading: D
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SYDNEY SWANS
After a bumpy start to the year, which incredibly included three losses at the SCG, the Swans have found their groove, winning their last six games by an average of 34 points.
Grading: A
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WESTERN BULLDOGS
The season has been a case of recrafting the narrative about this club.
Grading: D
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The West Coast Eagles were meant to be rebuilding; instead they are a premiership threat.