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.
7. Geelong
The chance for Geelong to win the flag has been dwindling in the balance for the past month, losing its identity at the coal face, sliding down the ladder.
Their chances have been shot even further with Geelong sweating on the availability of superstars Jeremy Cameron and Max Holmes come finals.
Geelong currently sits in seventh with two of their best players out, but given the Cats' credentials, it's impossible to count them out as contenders.
