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.
Gold Coast Suns
Surprise: Bodhi Uwland
There have been few bright spots in the Sunshine State this season, however, Uwland has demonstrated that he is now in the upper echelon of defenders. Somebody has to weather the storm of a backline under constant siege, and Uwland's uptick of six-plus disposals has helped him do so.
Shock: Damien Hardwick
Hardwick has led arguably the most criticised team all season, and for good reason. On paper, the Suns should be a lock for the top six, but they just haven't been able to get the wins rolling, and with so many talented players at the end of the day, it's the coach's job to get his team in line mentally.
