Mid-season reports are in: Time to judge your AFL team’s progress
The midway point of an intriguing AFL season is the perfect time to assess where the teams are at. Who’s been the big improvers, who’s disappointed, and what teams will play finals? See how The Age’s AFL reporters rate your team’s start to 2023.
Analysis
The season so far: The stars, the shocks, and all the big moments
There has been much to dissect in an intriguing opening half of the 2023 AFL season. What is clear is that as the run home approaches, there is plenty on the line for all clubs.
- by Jon Pierik
Analysis
Crows flying with newfound flair
If not for poor goalkicking, the Crows might have made a stunning start to the season. As it stands, they’re still one of the AFL’s big improvers of 2023.
- by Steve Barrett
Analysis
Charlie, Dunkley and Daniher have Lions roaring
Charlie Cameron’s form is as good, if not better, than ever. Joe Daniher is in sparkling touch and Josh Dunkley has added grunt and depth to the midfield, making Brisbane a genuine flag contender.
- by Andrew Stafford
Analysis
Carlton’s blues: Top-end talent producing bottom-end results
It’s been a sad, but all too familiar, tale for Blues fans so far in 2023, with the team’s performance falling well short of expectations.
- by Andrew Wu
Analysis
Pies go from mystery to eyeing history
Entering the season, it was difficult to evaluate Collingwood’s prospects. But that’s no longer the case as they hit the halfway point of the season atop the ladder and premiership favourites.
- by Michael Gleeson
Analysis
Scott a chance - young Bombers finals contenders
Little was expected of Essendon in 2023. But under new coach Brad Scott, the Dons have, so far, defied those external expectations.
- by Marnie Vinall
Analysis
After a slow start, Freo is starting to heave ho
The Dockers heaved themselves out of the doldrums in the past month to hit their mid-season bye on the cusp of the top eight.
- by Marnie Vinall
Analysis
Key injuries, slow start put Cats’ flag defence on brink
If the Cats are going to click into their best form, they better do it quick because time is fast running out to make a serious fist of their premiership defence.
- by Peter Ryan
Analysis
Still a chasm between Suns’ best and ‘wet-lettuce’ worst
The Suns are on a roll, but a slow start to the season means they’ll need to finish strongly to have any chance of playing finals and ensuring coach Stuart Dew’s keeps his job.
- by Andrew Stafford
Analysis
Green shoots for Giants as Tom and Toby lead the way
After a tumultuous off-season, the Giants have shown some positive improvement. Just don’t talk to Adam Kingsley about “honourable losses”.
- by Andrew Wu
Analysis
Poor start, but young Hawks show benefits of list strip
Hawthorn have only three wins to date, but are relying on a big group of young players, some of whom are showing they could be future stars.
- by Marc McGowan
Analysis
Has a soft draw flattered the Demons?
On face value, it’s been a positive start for the Demons. But there are high expectations on the 2021 premiers.
- by Damien Ractliffe
Analysis
Reality bites for struggling North Melbourne
A mid-season revival has yet to produce a win for the Kangas, who are still at risk of claiming a third-straight wooden spoon.
- by Marc McGowan
Analysis
Port’s stunning turn from untenable to unbelievable
Stung into action by their shock last-quarter Showdown meltdown, Port Adelaide have barely put a foot wrong for two months as they charge up the AFL ladder.
- by Steve Barrett
Analysis
Missing link sees Tiger plans derailed
With ageing stars and the arrival Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, Richmond went all-in in 2023. But the Tigers needed everything had to go right to mount a legitimate premiership tilt– and it didn’t.
- by Michael Gleeson
Analysis
Return of ‘Ross the Boss’ leads St Kilda’s resurrection
Ross Lyon restumped, rewired and replumbed the Saints over summer to teach a defensive structure that makes St Kilda hard to play against.
- by Peter Ryan
Analysis
Sydney take a swan dive down the ladder
The Swans have been a major disappointment so far this year. Injuries have hit them hard, but do not fully explain their slide down the ladder.
- by Andrew Wu
Analysis
Eagles’ injury list ‘as long as the Nullabor’
The Eagles have hit rock bottom but coach Adam Simpson insists he’s the man to lead the rebuild.
- by Jon Pierik
Analysis
Top-four challenge looms for Bevo’s Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs have rebounded after a startling start and are just outside the leading pack at the midway point of the season.
- by Jon Pierik