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.
5. Adelaide
In the past 10 years (excluding 2020), every premiership team has had a key forward kick more than 40 goals in that season.
None of Adelaide's key forwards have more than 21.
Having a wide spread of goal kickers makes for a dangerous forward line, but relying too heavily on goals from midfielders and general forwards isn't a premiership formula.
After an All-Australian blazer in 2025, Riley Thilthorpe has taken a major fall this season, kicking just 19 goals, one less than midfielder Jordan Dawson.
Darcy Fogarty has also had an underwhelming year, with 37-year-old Taylor Walker being the most consistent of the three.
Adelaide's key forwards simply need to find form in the final six weeks if it wants any chance to push for a flag.
