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.
Hawthorn
Surprise: Nick Watson
With the rise of the Hawks has come the rise of the Wizard and his position as one of the league's top players, coming much sooner than most expected. One of the most exciting players to watch, Watson can flip a game on its head at will and is a matchup nightmare with his unique size and speed.
Shock: Dylan Moore
For an improved Hawthorn side, there aren't many to choose from except for Dylan Moore, who hasn't been bad per se, just not his usual self that Hawks fans have come to expect. His lowest disposals, tackles and clearances in five years certainly don't help his case despite having some elite games this year.
