The battle for the top eight in early 2018 is proof the game has never been more even

JUST one game separates third and 13th on the AFL ladder, the tightest margin in the past 20 years, it’s good news for GWS, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Fremantle and the Bulldogs.

Marcus Bontempelli and Mitch Wallis celebrate a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

IT’S the socialistic system sought by the AFL, and never in the past 20 years has equalisation been more evident than the AFL ladder after Round 8.

Just one game separates Geelong in third place with five wins and the Western Bulldogs in 13th with four, as drafting, salary caps and professionalism ensure a more even playing field.

And for Rodney Eade - who knows a thing or two about the caper after 617 combined games as a player and coach over 40 years - it’s why goalkicking players become even more valuable.

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“The salary cap and draft have kicked in even more, plus clubs are getting better at drafting and development. Yes, we’ve had the same process for a long time but clubs just haven’t got it right,” said Eade, 60.

“Clubs are closer together in what they can spend which is another leveller. And some say has the competition slipped, meaning the 12th and 13th teams are closer to the third and fourth teams?”

And according to Eade, that’s where match-winners come into play.

Daniel Menzel celebrates a goal.

“In today’s defensive era, the guys who can kick goals are even more valuable, or worth their weight in goals if you like. Daniel Menzel is a really good example,” he said.

“Say the Geelong-Collingwood game last weekend where the Cats kicked nine goals to Collingwood’s five. If you have a Menzel who can kick four, then you win the game.

“He doesn’t have to be your best player, just someone who has that talent and knowledge in how to kick a goal. Menzel has got it and Gary Buckenara was the same. It doesn’t even have to be a brilliant goal.

Games separating 3rd and 13th after Round 8

Year	Games separating 3rd & 13th	Year	Games separating 3rd & 13th
1999	2	2009	2
2000	2	2010	3
2001	3	2011	3
2002	2	2012	4
2003	3	2013	3
2004	4	2014	3
2005	3.5	2015	3
2006	4	2016	3
2007	2	2017	3
2008	5.5	2018	1

“I’m surprised Menzel didn’t attract more interest last year. We are an industry that focuses too much on what players can’t do, rather than what they can do. Would you rather have a bloke with six tackles or six goals?

“If he doesn’t have the six tackles, it doesn’t guarantee the opposition will score six goals.”

As for the formation of the eight, in recent times only 2016 stands out as a year where the eight didn’t change after Round 8.

So if you barrack for Greater Western Sydney, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Fremantle or Western Bulldogs, your finals dream remains alive.

Number of changes to the top 8 after Round 8

Year	Changes
2007	1
2008	1
2009	2
2010	1
2011	1
2012	2
2013	1
2014	3
2015	2
2016	0
2017	2
2018	?

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Originally published as The battle for the top eight in early 2018 is proof the game has never been more even