Zero Hanger’s mid-season review: Part 2

Collingwood Magpies (8-4, 6th) What’s gone right: Buckley's learned how to coach. Buckley's troops are working as a unit and currently seem unstoppable. After a 0-2 start, Buckley figured it out and led his team to an 8-2 record in the last 10 games. Sure, the stars are definitely helping, but it's an entire team effort what the Pies are managing to muster up right now. What’s gone wrong: Other than the poor start to the season, not much has gone wrong for the Pies. Riding a hot-streak, they'll wanna see much of the same in the second half of the season and see it carry over into the finals. Best and fairest: Contrary to what many might have thought, the Pies have a lot of contenders. Arguably the best midfield in the league, the Pies definitely have star power. However, no one has been more consistent than Steele Sidebottom. Averaging over 30 possessions with 73% efficiency, Sidebottom has been vital in Collingwood's overall success. Season prediction: The Pies have been dominant and will look to continue on their hot-streak following the bye. They will be fighting to finish in the top eight with a record of 14-8 come the end of the season. [caption id="attachment_20859" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Mason Cox of the Magpies celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 12 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Brisbane Lions (1-11, 17th) What’s gone right: The Lions have been in a lot of games but haven't been able to steal the win. That may not sound like something that's gone right, but for Chris Fagan to get some close-game experience into his players while they remain low enough on the ladder to pull a top three draft pick is a win for the Lions. Losing six of their games by under four goals, the Lions aren't losing as bad as many may have thought. What’s gone wrong: They've only managed to win one game in the first half of the season. Staying low on the ladder is all fine and dandy if your team is winning a few games, unfortunately for the Lions they've only managed to pick up one win. A few more wins will definitely be helpful in attracting stars and quickening the development of their youngsters. Best and fairest: Harris Andrews. Not yet known by the football world as a household name, Andrews has a chance to make the All-Australian squad this season. Leading the league in spoils, he is one of Brisbane's lone bright spots week in and week out. Season prediction: 3-19, that's if the Lions can clean up their level of skill on the field. Already letting 'winnable' games slip, the Lion's don't want to become the team that comes close but never wins. [caption id="attachment_20744" align="alignnone" width="696"] during the round 10 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans at The Gabba on May 26, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia.[/caption] Essendon (5-7, 12th) What’s gone right: Not a lot has gone right for the Bombers. Many thought they'd be in contention for the title at the start of the season and now they'll struggle to make the top eight. Fortunately, their recruits have paid off. Adam Saad, Devon Smith and Jake Stringer have secured their spot in the senior side as they've been able to do what the Dons brought them in to do. What’s gone wrong: A four-game stretch where Essendon lost all games which were all 'winnable' had you asked their fans. Essendon have lost to three teams who currently sit below them on the ladder and have only beat one. Losing the games they should be winning is their biggest issue. Whether it's a coaching mistake or underestimating their opposition, Essendon need to change the way they prepare for the lower end teams. Best and fairest: Devon Smith. He's been one of the best pressure players in the competition all season long, and Smith has excited Essendon fans since he walked through the door. His 8.3 tackles per game is second to only Ed Curnow this season. Season prediction: Essendon will pick up in the second half of the season but will fall short of the top eight. The Bombers have seven of their remaining 10 games at home, but their inability to close out games and win the 'easy' ones will cost them. They will finish with a record of 9-13. [caption id="attachment_19998" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Jake Stringer and Devon Smith of the Bombers celebrate winning the round one AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium on March 23, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] Greater Western Sydney Giants (6-5-1, 9th) What’s gone right: The Giants have been able to remain in contention for the finals without many of their All-Australian talent on the field. Leon Cameron has a game plan in place which always has his team in the game. Although they've been on the wrong end of a few blowouts, the Giants sit in 9th place midway through the season and will only look to go up. What’s gone wrong: Injuries. The Giants have been plagued with injury from the beginning of the season. Unable to play a lot of his superstars, Cameron is struggling to find a lineup that works and can string together some wins. Fortunately a lot of players have come back prior to the bye, and the bye will allow Stephen Coniglio to make it back into the team. Once the Giants return to full health, they'll definitely be one of the strongest teams in the competition. Best and fairest: GWS is another team with so many stars it's hard to choose which player is going to take the award home. Many of their stars haven't played all 12 games which makes it hard to select their best player. As of right now it looks like it's going to be Stephen Coniglio, or possibly even Callan Ward. Season prediction: The Giants will continue on the same path, a few of their stars won't make it back until the end of the season and their schedule is tough. The Giants will end with a record of 12-9-1, they will be fighting for a spot in the top eight. [caption id="attachment_20100" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Stephen Coniglio of the Giants is tackled by Ben Long of the Saints during the 2018 AFL round five match between the St Kilda Saints and the GWS Giants at Etihad Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne (8-4, 5th) What’s gone right: The chemistry the Demons have on field seems to only be matched by the reigning premiers. It's easy to tell this team has gone through some hardship as a group. The way each player knows his role and the way the ball moves so easily, the team's love for each other and the jersey they wear is what's going right for the Demons. What’s gone wrong: Jake Lever suffered a season ending knee injury. In terms of on-field play, barring their last game, the Demons had been in league-best form. Winning six games straight, the Dees were dominating teams and then their star recruit went down. Lever will miss the season and the Dees will have to look to field a team which can win the premiership without him. Based on their two games following the injury, it's hard to predict their future. Best and fairest: For the Demons, they have many different players who could possibly win this award come the end of the season. With a few of their players being regarded as All-Australian locks, Melbourne sit in a good spot. As of right now, Clayton Oliver looks to be Melbourne's most dominant player and edges out his team mates for the award. Season prediction: The Demons will continue their form coming off of the bye and will have a similar second half to the season. Their record will be 15-7 and they will be fighting for a spot in the top four. [caption id="attachment_20689" align="alignnone" width="696"] Clayton Oliver during the round four AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia.[/caption] North Melbourne (7-5, 7th) What’s gone right: Their stars have come to play. Shaun Higgins, Ben Cunnington and Ben Jacobs are just three of their players who have come into this season with something to prove. All three have improved on their previous season and North Melbourne's spot on the ladder proves that. What’s gone wrong: Not too much has gone wrong for the Roos, predicted by many to finish 18th, the Roos have proved them all wrong. Following a loss to the Cats however, is it possible they peaked too early? Only time will tell. Best and fairest: Many have surprised for North Melbourne this season and they may receive an All-Australian selection or two. Their best and fairest however, at this point of the season goes to Ben Brown. Leading the league in goals scored, it's lost on fans these days how important a big man is inside 50, and his dominance has been key in their surprising run this season Season prediction: 13-9, the Roos will be battling for a spot in the top eight in the final rounds of the season. [caption id="attachment_20211" align="alignnone" width="696"] HOBART, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Ben Brown of the Kangaroos celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round nine match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the GWS Giants at Blundstone Arena on May 19, 2018 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Zero Hanger’s mid-season review: Part 2

We look at how these six sides have fared so far in 2018.

North Melbourne (7-5, 7th)

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