Let's dive into the world of AFL and explore some of the key talking points from Round 18. From the fate of Geelong's season to the puzzling situation of Essendon's Ben McKay, and the dramatic fall of the Gold Coast Suns, there's plenty to unpack.
The Cats' Season: A Tale of Defense and Offense
Geelong's recent form has been a rollercoaster, with a series of close losses and a slide down the ladder. While coach Chris Scott remains optimistic, the reality is stark. The Cats have lost five of their last six games, and their defense has been a major concern. But the biggest issue might be the absence of Jeremy Cameron, who is out with an injury. According to Richmond great Jack Riewoldt, Cameron's absence means the Cats' premiership hopes are over.
"If he doesn't get up and going, they simply cannot win the premiership this year."
Despite the gloomy outlook, analyst David King still believes in the Cats' system. With some crucial games ahead and a more favorable final stretch, King thinks they could rebound. However, it's a fine line, and Cameron's return is crucial.
Essendon's $5 Million Dilemma: Ben McKay's Struggle
The case of Ben McKay is a puzzling one. Sent back to the VFL to find form, McKay's performance against Brisbane raised questions. Playing against a retired opponent, McKay struggled to get his hands on the ball. Former player Josh Jenkins expressed empathy for McKay's situation, suggesting a change in role to help him contribute.
"I'd love to see him thrown in the ruck just to let him get after the footy and get five or six touches."
McKay's forward experiment hasn't worked, and Jenkins believes it's time to pull the plug. With just seven goals in 118 AFL games, McKay's future at Essendon is uncertain.
Gold Coast Suns: From Top to Bottom
The Gold Coast Suns' season has taken a dramatic turn. After a promising start, they now find themselves in 14th place, with coach Damien Hardwick conceding their season is "effectively gone." AFL greats are questioning what's happening behind the scenes, with David King describing their campaign as a "deeper and deeper mire."
The arrival of Christian Petracca hasn't solved their problems, and the balance in their midfield is off. Triple premiership Tiger Jack Riewoldt believes there's something awry at the club, and it doesn't look like a happy place.
"You don't lose by that margin because of balance. There's an emotional disconnect."
Hardwick takes responsibility, but the sugar hit of last year's success is wearing off. The Suns still have a tough road ahead, with matches against top teams. Their position could impact the future of star player Ben King, who might be lured away by Hawthorn.
North Melbourne's Progress and Clarkson's Future
North Melbourne's season has been a step forward, but it might not be enough to make the top 10. With a hard remaining draw, the Kangaroos' finals dream is likely over. However, their progress is undeniable, having improved their win tally and percentage. The question now is, what does it mean for coach Alastair Clarkson?
Clarkson's contract is up, and there's no extension yet. President Sonja Hood isn't rushing into a decision, but head of footy Todd Viney expects Clarkson to stay. Herald Sun's Jon Ralph believes the Kangaroos will extend Clarkson's contract, despite the potential financial risk.
Geelong great Tom Hawkins backs Clarkson, seeing his extension as a chance to continue the development of the young group. The retention of players like Riley Hardeman and Zane Duursma is a positive sign, indicating belief in the journey.
Sydney Swans: A One-Dimensional Concern
The second-placed Swans faced a tough test against Fremantle, and they failed to deliver. Their elite pressure rating dropped in the second half, resulting in a 37-point defeat. Jack Riewoldt and David King highlighted the concerns, especially in the forward set-up.
"A number of players for Sydney, probably their bottom five players, just having no influence whatsoever on the game."
The Swans' trademark run-and-gun style from half-back has been missing, and their inability to score from turnovers is a worrying trend. AFL great Jason Dunstall described their attack as "one-dimensional," relying too much on Charlie Curnow.
"They didn't get the midfield goals that they are used to getting. It was a little bit one-dimensional."
Dean Cox has some work to do to address these issues quickly. The Swans' trademark style is missing, and they need to find their groove again if they want to stay in contention for the premiership.
