To win a premiership takes near perfection, a small crack in the game plan or a subtle pattern not ironed out will kill off any team's September assault.
Just one injury or inconsistency can completely derail a team's shot at winning.
In just two weeks, Geelong's premiership aspirations have been shot after losing superstars Jeremy Cameron and Max Holmes to substantial injuries.
Geelong has gone from a flag force with genuine premiership credentials, to a team battling for finals with teams that were an afterthought just weeks ago.
Through 18 rounds, each contender has displayed premiership characteristics as they stake their claims as the leagues best.
As we surge towards finals, teams will try to separate themselves from the rest, perfecting their style and priming their stars for the crusade ahead.
Of the current premiership contenders, none of them are perfect.
All of the contenders left have a flaw they must overcome, and if they do, will bring them much closer to premiership glory.
1. Fremantle
A deserving outright flag favourite through 18 rounds, Fremantle can do no wrong. 15-2 so far this season with a perfect record against the top six sides.
The Dockers have one glaring flaw that could come back to haunt them come September … slow starts.
Fremantle was down at half time in seven of its past 13 matches, forced to make up ground in the second half, ultimately charging late to steal victory.
On the ropes at home against Hawthorn, Geelong and Sydney at the major break, Fremantle fought back, storming home during ‘Wharfie Time' in the fourth quarter.
Come finals, teams won't fold so easily and what is now a three-goal deficit could balloon out much further.
