Anyone else finding footy tipping a gargantuan challenge in 2017?
Just when it looks as though we have a clear picture on which sides are destined for finals and those that are more likely to be battling for draft picks, a weekend of football such as Round 12 comes along and wipes the slate clean.
Sydney got the ball rolling on Thursday night by sinking the reigning premiers at the SCG. It wasn't the result which was surprising, more so the 46-point margin and the perceived lack of effort from the Bulldogs.
Hawthorn's horror season continued on Saturday as Gary Ablett inspired Gold Coast to a 16-point victory, before the Bombers ran rings around the Power to record a remarkable 70-point win.
But perhaps the biggest shock came on Sunday afternoon when 17th placed Carlton edged premiership favourite GWS in a one-point thriller.
Has there ever been a more unpredictable and open season?
HEROES:
Gazza's form vs. Hawks: There's something about playing Hawthorn that sends Gary Ablett to another stratosphere. The Gold Coast Suns star was at his absolute best as he led his side to a gutsy 16-point win over the Hawks, picking up 37 disposals, laying 10 tackles and booting two goals. Since moving to the Suns in 2011, Ablett has averaged an incredible 39 disposals per match against the Hawks and kicked goals in all but two games. Even at 33 years of age, Ablett is still one of the competition's best players and Geelong fans will be praying for him to return to Simonds Stadium in the off-season.
Neale Daniher's Big Freeze: Three years in and the Big Freeze has already become one of the most anticipated events on the AFL calendar. The 2017 edition was yet again a huge success as over AU$2.4 million was raised for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a figure that will be matched by the federal government. On the field, the 70,926 strong crowd were treated to a Queen's Birthday classic as Melbourne came from 28 points behind to sink the Magpies by four in a thrilling match that had nine lead changes. The Demons are in the eight!
Liam Jones' revival: Two months ago Liam Jones was a certainty to be delisted by the Blues at season's end, but a masterstroke to send him from the forward line to defence in the VFL looks to have revitalised his AFL career. The much-maligned 26-year-old came into the Blues side for the first time this season and played a terrific role in Carlton's unlikely win over GWS. Jones finished with 14 disposals, 14 spoils and four intercept marks but it was his ability to read the play and lock down on Giants big man Jonathon Patton which was most impressive. Looks like he's on the way to another contract.
VILLAINS:
Port's deceiving form line: Penciled into the eight one week, 70-point losers the next. Port Adelaide have become the latest top eight side to show significant weakness after being humiliated by the Bombers on Saturday night. Ken Hinkley's side were totally outplayed as many of Port's stars failed to fire. Charlie Dixon, who dominated last time out against the Hawks, struggled to make an impact with just seven touches and no goals. Skipper Travis Boak had 20 touches but amazingly only the three kicks. The Power are now the only side in the competition not to have beaten any of the current top eight teams.
JJ's off day: Nine months ago Jason Johannisen played the game of his life against Sydney to help the Western Bulldogs to an unlikely premiership. On Friday, against the same side, the South African speedster was given his first taste of a hard tag as the Swans aggressively targeted him from the opening bounce. Johannisen was held to just nine touches, one tackle and no marks as the Dogs were flogged by the Swans in what was arguably his worst performance on a footy field. If he really is the $800,000 a season player the Eagles believe him to be, he needs to learn to play through the extra attention.
Dreadful Dockers: It's still a mystery as to how Fremantle held a position in the top eight for so long. For every good quarter of football they play there seems to be four or five shockers. Their roller coaster season continued on Saturday afternoon when they were absolutely mauled by the 18th placed Lions. Fremantle were smashed in just about every statistical area, -122 in disposals, -28 in contested possessions, -18 in clearances and -22 in inside 50s. But if season 2017 has taught us anything, it's not to write any side off at any point.