SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Nick Blakey, Oliver Florent and Isaac Heeney of the Swans embrace after winning the round 12 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 09, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
What’s gone right: Brisbane have exceeded expectations so far in their 2019 campaign, being a constant threat to opposition sides and, more often than not, showcasing the best version of themselves this year. The Lions youth, headed by stars like Hugh McCluggage and Harris Andrews have been formidable this year, while the elder statesman Luke Hodge has yet again justified Brisbane's decision to lure him to the Gabba at the end of 2017. Recruitment has been a tick as well, with Lachie Neale proving to be a star acquisition and a Brownlow threat.
What's gone wrong: Consistency has been an issue for the Lions this season, and it was never more evident than following Saturday's shock loss to Carlton. Perhaps it's to be expected of a young and rebuilding outfit, but Brisbane is losing winnable games and showing plenty of signs of inconsistency. As well as the Blues upset, losses to the Bulldogs and Fremantle show that there is still plenty of work to be done for Chris Fagan's men in the second half of the season.
Best and fairest: While the Lions have certainly had their fair share of contributors in this breakout season, it's hard to look past anyone other than Lachie Neale. The 26-year-old has been immense this year, averaging over 32 disposals through the first half of this season and firmly imposing himself within the Brisbane midfield from the get-go. The way he is performing you would expect an All-Australian selection, and quite possibly a Brownlow to cap off the season should he continue to perform at such exceptional standards.
Season grade: B
Barring a couple of bad losses and questionable performances, it's been an excellent first half of the season for Brisbane. While there is still plenty of work to do and by no means are they a sure bet, the Lions may very well be firming for their first finals appearance in 10 years should they deliver in the second half of their 2019 campaign.
What's gone right: The Pies have well and truly shown that last season's efforts weren't a one-off by any stretch of the imagination. Thirsty for that premiership and determined to succeed, Collingwood has shown why they are every chance to be there at the very end of September. Their talent-stacked midfield has been immense, with Adam Treloar and Scott Pendlebury showcasing their brilliance as consistently as always, while the emergence of Darcy Moore as a mainstay in the Collingwood defence has them primed for a finals series assault.
What's gone wrong: As good as Collingwood has been, there is still work to be done. In some games this year, it's seemed as if the Magpies haven't moved out of first gear, and still have a lot more in their ammunition. With early season losses to Geelong and West Coast - both genuine premiership competitors as things stand - questions linger on whether the Pies can get it done in the big games against the best teams. They have already beaten Brisbane, Richmond and Port Adelaide, but the Cats look like the team to beat as things stand. Back-to-back games against the Eagles and the Giants in July could be a good indicator of where Collingwood stands this season.
Best and fairest: With a luxury of A-graders in their ranks, Brodie Grundy has risen above all this season. The Magpies' ruckman has been immense this season, covering ground and picking up his fair share of the ball as well. The prospect of a Brownlow around the 25-year-old's neck would be well deserved as things stand, and you certainly wouldn't rule Grundy out by any means.
Season grade: B
Having done so much right, Collingwood has mostly matched the expectations placed on them for this year. You feel like they have another level to go to, which will be needed against some of their main premiership threats. If they can reach that level, though, then the Black and White army might be in for some happier days come September.
What's gone right: The Cats are premiership favourites at the halfway point of the season, and rightly so. After being tipped by many to be a glaring finals omission, the Cats have answered the critics tenfold. The new generation of players such as Gryan Miers, Jordan Clark and Tom Atkins coming through the ranks has added a new dimension to the Geelong setup, while Gary Ablett has been enormous for the Cats as a forward. The midfield hasn't been too shabby either, with Patrick Dangerfield continuing to excel while Tim Kelly has more than justified the big pay rise he will inevitably gain - be that at Geelong or at another club.
What's gone wrong: There hasn't been a whole heap for Geelong to complain about thus far. But, like Collingwood, all eyes will be on the Cats in September and whether they can repeat their efforts so far this year against the best teams and in the big matches. After all, their only loss this year was against fellow flag contender GWS. All in all though, Geelong fans don't have too much to fret about so far.
Best and fairest: With an array of talent and strong performers at Kardinia Park this season, Geelong is well and truly spoilt for choice this season in terms of their best and fairest. With a bag of names such as Dangerfield, Blicavs, Stewart and Hawkins, it's hard to pinpoint one exact player. Perhaps Tim Kelly would have the greatest chance? The 24-year-old has averaged 26.6 disposals for the Cats this season and is currently second favourite for the Brownlow medal. Kelly has truly been a wonder recruit by Stephen Wells and his team.
Season grade: A
The Cats have exceeded all expectations this season, and are all but a certainty to be a big feature in the finals this season. Everything seems to be gelling so well for Chris Scott's team and we expect to see them making their mark in a big way come September.
What's gone right: Melbourne's recruitment of Marty Hore and Jay Lockhart have been a consolation for Melbourne this season, while the return of Jake Lever should give Demons fans something to look forward to.
What's gone wrong: Basically anything that could go wrong for Melbourne, has gone wrong. From injury woes to negative media coverage, the Demons just haven't been able to catch a break. From an on-field perspective, it's been more of the same, with Simon Goodwin's team failing to deliver, looking ordinary in the forward line and absent of some big names in the back line, with Jake Lever and Steven May having their range of injury and fitness issues. They may be back now, but it's certainly too little too late.
Best and fairest: Max Gawn has been a consistent contributor to Melbourne and could very well be primed for another All-Australian selection, let alone taking out another best and fairest award. The 27-year-old has averaged over 40 hit-outs this season and can hold his head high this year.
Season grade: F
An 'F' grade might even be putting it lightly. In a year full of expectation and hope, the Dees managed to ruin those prospects within a matter of weeks when they went 0-3 to start the year. Not much has worked for Melbourne and it's reflecting with only the three wins for the year. For being the biggest disappointment this season, Melbourne's 2019 campaign so far has quite simply been an unmitigated disaster.
What's gone right: The Swans' strong last few weeks have proven that they can indeed salvage something from their 2019 campaign, which looked dire after the first several rounds of the season. Sydney has been strong against some of the better teams this season, dismantling the Eagles and giving Collingwood a good run for their money. Some of the regulars like Tom Papley and Jake Lloyd have continued to deliver weekly for the Swans, while Nick Blakey is certainly a very exciting prospect for Sydney fans aplenty in the coming years.
What's gone wrong: Nobody associated with Sydney would have been pleased with their start to the season, which consisted of a record of 1-6 after their first seven matches. While they have shown signs of turning things around, they well and truly put themselves on the back foot by starting their 2019 season in such a dismal fashion. Taking 2017 into consideration as well, it means that the Swans have been 1-6 after the first 7 games in two of their last three seasons. Injuries to Lance Franklin haven't helped either, and the once-seemingly immortal Franklin is beginning to show some signs of being human in his early 30s.
Best and fairest: The regular Swans such as Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy have been solid contributors yet again this season, but fellow Swan Jake Lloyd would be tough to beat this season, judging on his first 12 games of the season. The 25-year-old has been able to generate some speed and excitement within the Swans fold, averaging over 32 disposals and being a constant presence in the red and white, regardless of whether the team have been in a rut or on the resurgence.
Season grade: E
Before their last 4-5 weeks, it almost certainly would have been an 'F' grade, but Sydney has been able to salvage something of their 2019. Many expected the Swans to finally miss out on the finals, so they probably haven't been overly surprising all things considered. It's going to be a very big second half of the season for the Swans, however, and their season grade could reflect very differently come seasons end - be it better or worse.
What's gone right: The Eagles haven't rested on the laurels of a 2018 premiership, continuing to put themselves in the framework to contend for back-to-back flags. The Eagles remain in the top four after the first 12 games of the season, and without truly setting the world on fire, either. When they truly get going, it will be a daunting prospect for those clubs above them on the table. That includes Collingwood and GWS, who the Eagles both disposed of with ease early on in the season.
What's gone wrong: Similar to Collingwood, you feel like West Coast has remained in first gear for a large majority of the season so far. Since their strong defeats of the Magpies and the Giants in rounds two and three, the Eagles have been on the receiving end of some significant beltings; namely from the likes of Port Adelaide, Sydney and Geelong. Quite simply, West Coast has been far too inconsistent this season, and the gap between their best and their worst has been concerning for Adam Simpson's side.
Best and fairest: A swarm of Eagles are well and truly in contention for the John Worsfold Medal. Andrew Gaff has reminded everyone of his quality since his return from suspension, averaging over 32 disposals and providing some class in the midfield. Norm Smith Medalist Luke Shuey has also been on song, being a consistent part of the Eagles' outfit and keeping their midfield ticking over as well. But skipper Shannon Hurn has been another great contributor and could very well be the favourite to take out the best and fairest. Hurn has been fantastic coming out of the Eagles' defence, averaging 26 possessions and being a valuable and efficient cog in the Eagles' outfit.
Season grade: B
The Eagles have managed to remain in contention for the flag after winning it last year, but they certainly haven't hit the lofty heights or standards that they set in 2018 either. The Eagles have managed to go about winning some of their matches without being overly convincing. Maybe the sign of a good team is winning those type of matches, but much more will be needed from them if they are to win their second consecutive premiership.