Six things we learned from Chapter 17

We’re 17 weeks through the AFL season and we’re starting to get an idea of ​​how the final will look like.

With a great result coming out at the weekend, here’s what we’ve learned from the nine games that have just gone by.

Geelong has what it takes to win it all

Geelong sent out an ominous warning on Thursday night, keeping top-favourites Melbourne at home in what many think is the Grand Final preview.

With both sides looking very confident of finishing in the top four, there is no doubt that they are in good combination to keep going.

While some will point to this side of the Cat and reason that they often go this far without getting work done when it matters, something feels different about this side in 2022.

Having launched many of the same teams over the past few years, the Cats have really found some players this season that have taken them to another level in Tyson Stengle, Sam De Koning, Tom Atkins and Brad Close.

With this harvest taking their game to new heights, suddenly Geelong had a very even spread across the land and their bottom half dozen players were all qualified.

Could it be the difference in what makes this side of Geelong another prime minister?

It might be game over for the Bulldogs

After qualifying for last year’s Grand Final, it seems the Bulldogs will miss the 2022 series final.

While they are technically still alive just one game out of eight at 8-8, their home run suggests they may have fired their last shot of the season.

With matches against Saints, Demons, Geelong, and Fremantle next month, Dogs will probably need to win at least three of them if they have a chance to make an appearance in September.

While it feels wrong to wipe out a team with so much talent, it seems like there are too many reasons to make up for Luke Beveridge’s side to return to final action.

This call could come back to haunt in a few weeks time, but for now, their letters seem flagged.

Collingwood wouldn’t go anywhere without Darcy Moore

Collingwood will breathe a sigh of relief after coming out of jail against North Melbourne on Saturday, a game they could easily beat.

The main reason why the defeat came so close was the lack of size in defense as Nick Larkey helped himself to five goals against too small an opponent.

While the likes of Jeremy Howe and Nathan Murphy fought valiantly, it could be bad for them to face a stronger front line without Moore by their side.

Pies are very lucky that Moore will return in 2022, but they will be desperate for him to bounce back for next Saturday against Adelaide given they have a high stock of defenses to choose from.

With the likes of Taylor Walker, Peter Wright, Charlie Dixon and Todd Marshall set to face Pies in the next three weeks alone, Moore holds the key to Pies continuing their final stint or completely failing.

All eyes will be on training at the AIA Center this week to see how the All-Australian Pie takes shape.

The hope of his club is on his shoulders.

The Gold Coast’s luck has finally turned and their season is alive

After losing in heartbreaking fashion in successive weeks to Port Adelaide and Collingwood, Gold Coast luck is sure to be in their favor in a tight tie.

Unfortunately for Richmond, it came on Saturday night when the Suns came from 40 points down to win after the sirens from Noah Anderson’s goal.

While they are a bit behind, a win for the Suns takes them to 8-8 and just one game out of the last eight, somewhere they still have hope of finishing considering they came home.

With clashes against Essendon, West Coast, Hawthorn and North Melbourne to come, the Gold Coast could win all four to take 12 wins and hope to choose either Geelong (at home) or Brisbane in Q Clash to reach the final.

While it’s a tough task, they’re definitely still in it, and wouldn’t it be great to see them feature in September for the first time this season.

Could Saturday herald a turn of fortune for the much-maligned club?

All footy fans will hope so.

Essendon has turned the corner

Essendon have been forced to ask themselves some serious questions after a terrible start to the season, and it looks like they’ve found some answers in recent weeks.

Although they were not at last year’s final level, the Bombers have found their attacking talent in the last month as they picked up impressive wins against the Saints, Swans and Lions.

Their win against Brisbane was perhaps the most impressive of all considering the Lions have lost just one home and away at Gabba since Round 5 2019 prior to Sunday.

Although Brisbane have had some key exits, their midfield is well and truly intact and that’s where the Dons could gain the upper hand despite losing Darcy Parish to injury.

Jye Caldwell had one of the best games of his career quelling Lachie Neale’s influence while helping himself to a goal and 26 releases, while Peter Wright got stronger with another bag of goals.

Even though they would end up ruining 2022 as a missed opportunity, they could do worse than finish the year well to pick up momentum into a massive ’23 campaign.

It’s impressive to see how they didn’t fall even though their September hopes were dashed.

There is a lot to do in Tullamarine.

It’s a big week for St Kilda… again

We said last week that Round 17 was the biggest for St Kilda, and it looks like the pressure will be right on them again in Round 18.

After losing to Fremantle by 41 points on Saturday, the Saints sit outside eight with a 9-7 record.

Given that fellow team with nine wins, Richmond, have a much weaker home distance, the Saints will have to pick every game 50-50 if they have any chance of reaching the final.

On Friday night against the Bulldogs – who still have little hope in September – St Kilda must win to keep their final chances alive.

Having sat in the top four ahead of the bye, it would be a pretty dismal drop for the Saints to lose the top eight altogether.

Marvel Stadium will host what is effectively an elimination final.

Things start to get interesting as the season heats up.

#learned #Chapter