Jon Anderson reviews every AFL club after Round 12 of the season

There will be more at stake for Carlton in the next two months than avoiding another wooden spoon. As Jon Anderson writes, the Blues need to sell a positive future to prospective recruits — including a GWS star.

Ben Brown celebrates a Kangas goal. Pic: Getty Images

Geelong flexed its muscle and showed it has a brand worthy of September success, but there’s question marks over some other top-four hopefuls.

JON ANDERSON takes a look at every AFL club after Round 12, and believes we could see a fairytale finals appearance.

Esava Ratugolea is getting better each week for the Cats. Pic: AFL Photos

1. GEELONG — 44pts, 151.3%

May be the game the Cats look back on as the true emergence of Esava Ratugolea. They played a brand that is clearly sustainable in September, and they have a very healthy list. In Luke Dahlhaus and Gryan Miers, they also boast a couple of small pressure forwards who cover as much ground as Burke and Wills, but with better end results.

2. GWS — 32pts, 132.8%

Just three goals from the Giants’ three key forwards and no Toby Greene. They have let so much talent go due to salary cap pressure that they now lack depth. Reckon they were a better team in 2016, but not sure the competition is any better, so a flag is still doable.

3. COLLINGWOOD — 32pts, 124.4%

At an interesting stage where some indifferent form, and key injuries, sees the Pies slightly vulnerable for the first time this season. They don’t use injuries as an excuse but Taylor Adams, Dayne Beams, Jamie Elliott, Tom Langdon and Daniel Wells all make a difference in their best 22.

4. WEST COAST — 32pts, 103%

Just when you think the Eagles have ironed out the wrinkles, they go and produce that. Sure, Elliot Yeo and Shannon Hurn were massive outs, but that doesn’t excuse their lack of workrate, or Lewis Jetta’s poor decision-making.

Brad Crouch did damage against GWS. Pic: Sarah Reed

5. ADELAIDE — 28pts, 112.4%

Another rookie draft gem, Reilly O’Brien, is one of those late-maturing ruckmen who is now going to be very hard for Sam Jacobs to replace. As for his team, the Crows’ time is now, given the age of their best 22. As for the Crouch brothers, name better clearance players, apart from Ben Cunnington?

6. BRISBANE — 28pts, 103.1%

Consistency of performance killed the Lions, with players like Eric Hipwood, Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner out of the game for long periods. Losing to Carlton wasn’t part of the plans leading into a bye, and suddenly the spot they have worked so hard for in the eight is in jeopardy.

7. RICHMOND — 28pts, 94.5%

Prefer the Tigers when they play that manic charging out of defence style, but the lack of key personnel can alter game plans. And their tail was long on Friday night. Percentage as much as win/loss is an issue towards September, and right now they have similarities to the Essendon model of 1999-2001, which won just one flag instead of two.

8. PORT ADELAIDE — 24pts, 110.9%

Judge the Power when it gets the band back together, namely Charlie Dixon, Ollie Wines, Brad Ebert and Tom Rockliff. Port’s form can be flaky, but that quartet contains hard, mature bodies who can help this outfit mount a challenge that has been lurking in the background for too long.

Ollie Wines is set to resume to the AFL after his team’s bye. Pic: Morgan Sette

9. FREMANTLE — 24pts, 109%

Many of us focus on the Dockers inability to kick scores, and their lack of an aesthetically-pleasing game style, when in essence they have quietly blooded a number of young players who can help set this team up for an exciting ride. And they also win interstate.

10. ESSENDON — 20pts, 102.9%

Along with Port Adelaide, arguably the most difficult side to get a read on. The good news is the Bombers could welcome back Orazio Fantasia, Dylan Shiel and Jake Stringer for Hawthorn this Friday night at Marvel Stadium. Suspect they are a better outfit than they get credit for.

11. HAWTHORN — 20pts, 101.2%

The Hawks are about where many of us expected — a spirited outfit that struggles more than most to cover key outs such as Ben McEvoy. Chad Wingard, set to miss a few after injuring his hamstring, is an interesting player, one currently in the twilight zone as he searches for form.

12. NORTH MELBOURNE — 20pts, 94.2%

Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington are like a pair of Holden Commodores, old fashioned in style, highly reliable and no fancy extras. It might be a big call but I actually think the Roos can make the eight, given they have plenty of mature bodies who shouldn’t fade

Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell continue to get it done for North. Pic: Getty Images

13. ST KILDA — 20pts, 85.6%

The Saints board and football bosses are going to have a huge decision regarding their coach later this year. Alan Richardson is in his sixth year in charge of a list decimated by all manner of unusual reasons. Strong boards stick fat, but how strong are the Saints?

14. SYDNEY — 16pts, 89.9%

Tom Papley is a genuine contender as best small forward in the game, while Aliir Aliir plays with a coolness reminiscent of Bruce Doull. As for their team, the Swans haven’t moved the ball that quickly this year, even with three men injured.

15. WESTERN BULLDOGS — 16pts, 88.7%

The Dogs have lost seven of their past nine including a flogging by Carlton which is far from compelling form. They just lack skill in vital areas and X-factor players who can make a difference. A second loss to Carlton next Saturday at Marvel would really get tongues wagging.

Can Neale Daniher spark the Demons? Picture: Jay Town

16. MELBOURNE — 12pts, 77.8%

This is the Dees’ moment, a chance in front of their spiritual leader in Neale Daniher to start to salvage something out of a season that has been poor to fair, at best. Got a sneaky feeling they might just play in a manner befitting of where they should be at.

17. GOLD COAST — 12pts, 70.1%

Each week they see a little more from Ben King and Jack Lukosius, suggesting they are both going to be special players. Same for Will Brodie, but they require more from Peter Wright who has now been in the game long enough to make his mark. Jarrod Harbrow is a beauty.

18. CARLTON — 8pts, 77.3%

The Blues’ training on Tuesday was the best it has been for the year, and you normally play as you train. Carlton has to win games so it can offer an exciting future to potential recruits such as everybody’s No. 1 wish list player — out of contract GWS midfielder Stephen Coniglio.

A lot of AFL clubs are eyeing Stephen Coniglio. Picture. Phil Hillyard