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.
4. Brisbane
Having been in a similar position for the third consecutive year, it's difficult to find a flaw for the back-to-back premiers.
Brisbane looks to be peaking at the perfect time in the year, winning five in a row including big scalps over Sydney and Geelong.
Much like their previous two campaigns, the Lions will be forced to take a more difficult road to premiership glory with their slow start to 2026 placing them outside of the top two.
A trip to either Perth or Sydney looks on the cards for Brisbane in the first week of finals, mounting a mammoth test against two teams still undefeated at home.
If there's any team able to win from this position, it's the Lions.
