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.
West Coast
Surprise: Bailey J. Williams
Fresh off signing a monster six-year deal to stay with the Eagles, Williams has proven his worth and more so for a club looking for leaders amidst their rebuild. His 5.4 clearances a game and 3.1 tackles highlight the impact he brings as more of an extra midfielder than a traditional ruck.
Shock: Liam Baker
As part of the leadership group, Baker is one of the longest-tenured players on the list but may need to start playing like one if he wants to lead. Falling off in all major stat categories this season, it's been a tricky one for the two-time premiership player to get into.
