Surprise and revelation, shock and disappointment - the emotions that drive every footy fan. They bring people together to either share in their frustrations or revel in their unfiltered joy.
Whether it is through player improvement or through coaching methods, every action has an equal and opposite reaction to what fans have come to expect from the years prior, with a player's form or a lapse in coaching sometimes either making or breaking a season.
Accounting for this, I took a look at each team's surprise player or coach and each team's shocking disappointment.
Adelaide
Surprise: Sam Berry
One of the most improved players in the competition, Berry ranks in the top 10 in contested possessions and is leading the league in tackles for the first time in four years by a considerable margin. Adelaide is the number one tackling team and Berry has played an integral part in driving that.
Shock: Riley Thilthorpe
The All-Australian spearhead has dropped off significantly, producing only five games with multiple goals this season, while his kicking for goal is at a career-low of 43.8 per cent. He'll need to start finding his form if the Crows want to be serious contenders.
