What's worked: The pre-season plan to hit round one firing on all cylinders. The Kangas are winning games they're expected to and have set up their season with nine wins on the trot.
What hasn't: It's not a major concern, but Ben Brown can be exploited when he pinch-hits in the ruck and North can lose some momentum.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Mason Wood. The versatile forward has impressed in his four games, but lack of opportunity in the early rounds followed by concussion means it's been a stop-start season to date.
Indispensable: Robbie Tarrant. Todd Goldstein is irreplaceable in the ruck too, but Tarrant is in All Australian calculations and no other Roo can stand monster key forwards with the same surety.
Coach score: Brad Scott shook things up over the summer after failing to win in round one from six attempts and – now a game clear on top at the halfway mark - the Roos' slow starts are a distant memory. His staunch defence of ageing warriors is being rewarded. 10/10
Big improver: Luke McDonald had a dose of the second-year blues last season, was brought in late for the semi-final and dropped for the prelim, but has cleaned up his kicking and is making much smarter decisions in defence.
Didn't see that coming: Nine straight victories to start the campaign. Some North fans still get nervous, but these Kangaroos win the games they should.
Non-negotiable: Having taken the opening half of the season by storm, the Roos' experienced group can't afford to waste this opportunity by dropping off and coughing up a finals double-chance.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: North has arguably the toughest run home of any side but, two wins clear of third, the Kangas shouldn't let a top four spot slip from here. That's the minimum for a pass mark, however top-two must be the aim. - Travis King
What's worked: The three-headed monster of a forward line featuring Josh Jenkins, Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts. Between them, they've kicked 89 goals, and the Crows are the highest-scoring team in the competition.
What hasn't: The recruitment of Troy Menzel. The former Carlton forward can't force his way into the best 22 and needs to build on his fitness base in the SANFL.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Brad Crouch. Dropped after some sub-par performances, Crouch has been racking up the possessions in the reserves to push his claims for a recall.
Indispensable: Daniel Talia. Tasked with shutting down the opposition's premier key forward every week. Rediscovering his All Australian form of 2014.
Coach score: Don Pyke has done an admirable job in his first season in charge and navigating through the toughest schedule in the competition. Has the Crows playing an attractive, attacking brand of football. Opens up the chance of errors, but the positives outweigh the negatives. 8/10
Big improver: Charlie Cameron. Worked well in attack alongside fellow small forwards Eddie Betts and Wayne Milera. Applies great defensive pressure and found his role in the side.
Didn't see that coming: Made a statement with a dominant victory against a red-hot Greater Western Sydney side that was on a six-game winning streak, including beating Hawthorn and Geelong.
Non-negotiable: Continue to attack out of the back half and move the ball through the corridor at the first opportunity. Give the Crows' potent forward line quick ball and they'll take care of the rest.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: With the toughest part of their draw out of the way, and only four of their final 11 games against top-eight sides, the Crows should be aiming for the top four, or at worst, a home final in week one of September action. - Lee Gaskin
Josh Jenkins has been a revelation for the Crows this year. Picture: AFL Media
What's worked: Blooding youngsters Josh Schache, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson and Jarrad Jansen has worked a treat. All four have shown they can mix it at the top level.
What hasn't: The midfield. By far the most experienced – and on paper the most credentialed – part of the ground, but routinely beaten by their opponents. Poor goalkicking hasn't helped either.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Dayne Beams. One of four best and fairest winners last year, Beams has played just twice this season due to knee problems and is unlikely to lace up the boots again in 2016.
Indispensable: Josh Schache. More a look to the future than the present, but despite an under-performing midfield and some unexpected goalkicking yips, Schache has shown why the Lions need to sign him long-term and make him the focal point for the next decade.
Coach score: Justin Leppitsch has had a torrid first 11 games and despite just the one win, seems to have unwavering belief. Plays his youngsters, which is the only way, but can't get any consistency from them. 3/10
Big improver: Dan McStay. Started the year poorly, but his past month has shown McStay is a key position defender the Lions can bank on in the future.
Didn't see that coming: The round eight loss against Collingwood was as poor a performance as the Lions have put in at the Gabba in recent memory.
Non-negotiable: Need to start giving a yelp on the road. It's one thing losing away from home – most teams do – but being beaten by an average of 10 goals just isn't good enough.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Need more consistency, but above all, need some wins. The Lions play seven teams outside the top eight on the run home and would want another four or five victories while playing some attacking footy to show there's been some improvement. - Michael Whiting
What's worked: The Blues have thrived under the new game-plan, with team defence at the core of it. They are well organised and playing an attractive brand of football.
What hasn't: Forward structure is still a work in progress, despite showing more positive signs in the past few games.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Sold on No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick Jacob Weitering as a long-term player, but the merits of the other youngsters from last year's crop are unknown. Saw glimpses of excitement from Charlie Curnow before he went down with glandular fever.
Indispensable: Brendon Bolton has referred to big-hearted ruckman Matthew Kreuzer as the "spirit of Carlton". But there is a more even spread of contributors this season than in the past. The man Carlton can't afford to lose is the coach.
Coach score: Has been extracting the absolute most out of a list that does not boast too many A-graders. What we are seeing, as promised by him, is unity and effort every week and fans are loving it. 9.5/10
Big improver: A tie between Sam Docherty and Ed Curnow. Both are new to the leadership group and have thrived – a vocal Docherty calling the shots in the back half and Curnow adding an attacking dimension to his game.
Didn't see that coming: Being 6-5 at this stage of the season, with the genuine prospect of going 7-5 against under-strength St Kilda on Sunday.
Non-negotiable: The same unity and effort for the remainder of the season, with the Blues continuing to take the game on and be selfless.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Expectations have already been exceeded, so anything now is a bonus. The 'reset' is well under way and progress must be measured in the improvement of certain players, particularly the youngsters. - Howard Kotton
What's worked: The Pies showed their best is good enough in their win over Geelong in round nine and their unlucky loss to the Bulldogs the next week. Alex Fasolo has developed greater consistency, Jeremy Howe has been good in defence and recruit Adam Treloar has been worth every cent.
What hasn't: Spearhead Travis Cloke's continued decline resulted in a six-week stint in the VFL that will have the club and player weighing up his future.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Hard nut Marley Williams is on the cusp of making his return after injuring his toe in round three, while veteran Tyson Goldsack isn't far away either, and former Lion midfielder James Aish is still finding his way.
Indispensable: Adam Treloar. The much-hyped recruit joined the most-hyped club in the land, but has handled the pressure with aplomb. The ex-Giant has been the best player in a struggling team.
Coach score: Buckley is a pragmatic self-analyst and he would have given himself some Leading Teams-style feedback. Has overseen several spiritless performances where all connection and system has appeared lost. Has again been cruelled by injuries. 5.5/10.
Big improver: Mason Cox. In just his second year at Collingwood, the big Texan has shown game sense and composure beyond his experience as a forward/ruckman.
Didn't see that coming: The last-gasp round two win over Richmond, but also the magnitude of defeats to the Sydney Swans, St Kilda, Melbourne and Carlton, along with season-ending injuries to key pair Dane Swan and Jamie Elliott.
Non-negotiable: Get back to basics. Cure the frustrating inconsistency and shore up the defensive mechanisms that have left the Pies so exposed. Regain respect and rebuild self-belief by winning the hard ball and fanatically pressuring the opposition.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: With the finals virtually out of the equation now, and perhaps only 2-3 more wins in the offing, it's about building towards a 2017 recovery. That means continuing to reshape the team and tweak the plan to find the right formula. - Ben Collins
Mason Cox has dwarfed many opponents this year, particularly Caleb Daniel. Picture: AFL Media
What's worked: The ability to blood youngsters in important positions has been one positive from the season. Darcy Parish, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Kyle Langford and Orazio Fantasia are four to have benefited from strong exposure.
What hasn't: The forward line continues to be the least effective in the competition. Essendon is the lowest-scoring team and hasn't kicked more than 11 goals in a game.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: A calf injury kept top-10 pick Aaron Francis sidelined for most of the first half of the season but Essendon supporters will soon see the talented defender at AFL level.
Indispensable: Parish has averaged 21 disposals in his first 10 games and shown why the Bombers grabbed him at No.5 in last year's NAB AFL Draft. Every week the 18-year-old gives Essendon supporters a reason to watch their team.
Coach score: In unprecedented circumstances, John Worsfold has come into Essendon, kept things calm and balanced, tried to find positives and continued to present extremely well. 8/10
Big improver: David Zaharakis entered the year having already won a best and fairest, but his past season was poor by his standards. He has enjoyed a real return to form in 2016 and has been in career-best touch through the midfield.
Didn't see that coming: McDonald-Tipungwuti has been a revelation, and even surprised many at Essendon with his impact at AFL level. He's quick, takes the game on and isn't afraid to use his physicality.
Non-negotiable: Continue to play the younger players while avoiding 10-goal defeats. Somehow the Bombers need to find a way to kick more goals because if they can only manage eight a game (as is their average) then there's going to be some more long days in the second half of the season.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: There are no real expectations for this Bombers side, so one more win would satisfy many supporters. More glimpses of promise from their younger brigade need to be shown this season to prove this year to be a one-off and a reason to look forward to 2017. - Callum Twomey
What's worked: Development of young players is the only positive for the Dockers. Injuries have created opportunity and the club has been willing to stick with young players like Lachie Weller and Connor Blakely at selection.
What hasn't: It started with a pre-season that didn't instill the necessary skills in the players. Since then the Dockers' game plan has looked a step behind the rest of the competition, which has moved on to attacking football. A stoppage structure said to be modelled on Hawthorn's failed in the opening rounds.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Harley Bennell. The big-name trade acquisition came with risk attached and his recruitment was a gamble that won't pay off in 2016. He has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury.
Indispensable: Lachie Neale. The midfielder ranks No.1 in the AFL for overall disposals (34.2 a game) and contested possessions (16.7) and would be a Brownlow Medal contender if his team had won a few more games.
Coach score: Ross Lyon has taken responsibility for the failed pre-season program and a game plan that now looks well out of date. There's been more go wrong at Fremantle than just injuries. 3/10
Big improver: NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Connor Blakely is the shining light as the Dockers now rebuild. Key defender Alex Pearce owned this category before going down with a broken leg.
Didn't see that coming: The round five loss to Carlton. A match-up between the minor premiers and wooden spooners of 2016 was the shock upset of the season to that point. It underlined how far the Dockers had fallen.
Non-negotiable: The Dockers must keep out-of-contract Neale on their list. A likely All Australian this year, he and Fyfe are the players the rebuild can be designed around.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Just play the kids and accelerate their development. Keep out-of-contract players and those with expiring deals in 2017 happy and sign them up. - Nathan Schmook
The Dockers have had to get used to this feeling as the losses have mounted. Picture: AFL Media
What's worked: Recruiting strategy has paid off with Patrick Dangerfield, Lachie Henderson and Zac Smith exceeding what were already huge expectations.
What hasn't: Flat patches within games have been costly, with the Cats going to sleep against the Magpies and the Blues to lose winnable games.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Scott Selwood is yet to play as he recovers from ankle surgery in the pre-season. The talented recruit shapes as a defensive midfielder who could be handy late in the season.
Indispensable: Tom Hawkins is a vital cog in the system, providing a target up forward and hitting packs so the Cats' crumbers can get to work. Dangerfield and Joel Selwood would be hard to replace too.
Coach score: Handled the concerning lapse in form in rounds nine and 10 well. Chris Scott makes sense when talking about the game, although he can underplay the significance of obviously crucial moments. Has also been brave in resting players to keep them fresh. 8/10
Big improver: Cam Guthrie has been a very good player for a long time but as he nears 100 games he is moving into the elite category, reading the play better to get into attacking positions and building a tank to run both ways.
Didn't see that coming: Lincoln McCarthy has never had a chance to reveal the extent of his talent until this season after a wretched run with injury. He is quick and tough and one of the game's most talented small forwards.
Non-negotiable: Must improve their form at Etihad and, more importantly, the MCG if they are going to be a serious finals threat. The Cats play just one more game at the MCG and four at Etihad Stadium in the final 11 rounds.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: The Cats need to finish top-four given the position they are in at the halfway mark, but their next month is very tough. - Peter Ryan
What's worked: The development of tall timber Peter Wright, Sam Day's breakout year and the unlikely emergence of Keegan Brooksby in defence have all been positives.
What hasn't: Injuries. Perhaps the Suns walked under a ladder as part of pre-season training, but while most of them have been unavoidable, they have been smashed with injuries for a second straight year.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Jaeger O'Meara and David Swallow. Neither has played this season and the footy world is poorer for it. We haven't seen O'Meara since the end of 2014, but all things going well, he should be back on the park in the near future.
Indispensable: Tom Lynch. Has ascended to become one of the best forwards in the League. Can do it in the air, on the ground or on the lead and is a future captain of the club.
Coach score: Hard to judge Rodney Eade, who, with the catastrophic injury toll, has coached much of the season with one arm behind his back. Copped some hidings, but we'll learn more as the year wears on. 5/10
Big improver: Sam Day. Now in his sixth season, Day is having his best year. Started as Lynch's sidekick in the forward 50, but as injuries took hold, was shuffled to the backline and has excelled at both ends.
Didn't see that coming: Steven May's kamikaze bump on Lions ruckman Stefan Martin. May's five-game suspension let himself and his team down – the Suns haven't won since.
Non-negotiable: Plain and simple, they have to be competitive every single week. With a reducing injury list and 18 months under Eade's guidance, it's the least Suns fans can expect.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: With players back on deck, they need to start winning. They play eight of their final 11 games against teams outside the top eight, so another six wins is not out of the question. - Michael Whiting
Tom Lynch has been a rare shining light for the Suns this year. Picture: AFL Media
What's worked: The recruitment of Steve Johnson. The 2007 Norm Smith medallist has booted 21 goals from his first 11 games and his experience has been vital in the GWS forward line.
What hasn't: The resurrection of Cam McCarthy. The gun young forward is still in Western Australia battling mental health issues and is unlikely to be seen in Sydney again.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Fit key defenders. Aidan Corr (ankle) and Caleb Marchbank (ankle) have played just five games between them, while Phil Davis, Nick Haynes and Tim Mohr have also had setbacks with injury.
Indispensable: Shane Mumford. The aggressive big man is still the club's most important player and only A-grade ruckman; if he can't stay healthy it would be a huge blow.
Coach score: Leon Cameron's hard work over the pre-season has seen his side turn their contested ball-winning ability around, and it's now a major weapon instead of their weakness. 8/10.
Big improver: Nathan Wilson. The small defender has averaged 18.9 touches and played every game in defence, his speed and penetrating kick outstanding.
Didn't see that coming: Rory Lobb. The tall forward returned to pre-season early to establish himself as a permanent member of the side and he's been an exciting tall target inside 50.
Non-negotiable: Finals. If they can avoid a repeat of last year's injury troubles, top-eight should be a minimum, top-four a real possibility.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: A home final. With their draw the Giants should be aiming for a top-four spot, top-six at the very least, and if they can earn a home final, they can easily make it to the second week of the finals. Who knows from there? – Adam Curley
What’s worked: The Hawks' backline has held together well despite the retirement of Brian Lake. James Frawley is the only true key defender but the system, which features Josh Gibson and Ben Stratton then playing tall or small, depending on the opponent has bent on occasion but is yet to break.
What hasn’t: The Hawks have got away for years without ever dominating contested possession and clearances. But as the gap between them and the rest of the competition has narrowed, Hawthorn's failings in that part of the ground have become more magnified. The last few weeks have been better in that respect, but big tests loom later in the season.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Ryan Schoenmakers has missed nearly two months with his "grumbly groin" and the Hawks have missed his ability to create contests and bring the ball to ground in the forward line. His return is essential if the side hopes to go deep into the finals.
Indispensable: Jack Gunston has stepped up admirably in the absence of Jarryd Roughead as the No.1 key forward, but it might be a bridge too far for Hawthorn if he was to get injured from here. Sam Mitchell gets an honourable mention as well.
Coach score: Alastair Clarkson has been without his first-choice centre half-forward, his Coleman Medal winning full-forward and his inspirational captain, Luke Hodge, who has played just four of 11 matches to date. He has blooded four debutants and given regular games to three others who started the season with five games or fewer to their name. Despite all this, his team is 8-3 and right in the premiership mix. He is coaching beautifully. 8/10
Big improver: Jack Gunston. His stats are tracking about the same as previous years but the difference in 2016 is that he gets the no.1 defender for company most weeks. He has played well in just about every game this year. Isaac Smith, James Sicily, Tim O'Brien and Paul Puopolo are also in this discussion.
Didn’t see that coming: The 75-point loss to Greater Western Sydney in round six was horrible in every respect, but increasingly seen as an aberration given how the season has played out to date. The return of Jarryd Roughead's illness and subsequent long-term treatment was a bolt from the blue that rocked everyone at Hawthorn.
Non-negotiable: The Hawks still face three tough games on the road before the end of the season – Port Adelaide, Sydney Swans and West Coast. They'll need to win one or perhaps two if they harbour genuine top-four hopes and to demonstrate they are still premiership material.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: At Hawthorn, it is all about finishing in the top-four and then resetting from there to try and win the flag. Given what has transpired this year, top-four is a pass mark and the rest would be gravy. - Ashley Browne
What’s worked: Melbourne has vastly improved the attacking element of its game, averaging 101.6 points per game this season compared with 71.5 points per game in 2015.
What hasn’t: The Demons' 'diamond defence' (the club's form of the zone defence) has been a work in progress. Melbourne's inconsistency has also been costly in games.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Angus Brayshaw has had a tough second season in the AFL, with a pre-season knee injury and concussion issues holding his progress back.
Indispensable: Max Gawn. The big ruckman's outstanding form has been a clear highlight for the Demons. Without Gawn, Melbourne's ruck stocks are very thin with Jake Spencer, the injured Mitch King and developing Max King in place as backup.
Jeff Garlett, Nathan Jones and Max Gawn share a moment in the dressing room. Picture: AFL Media
Coach score: Despite talk that Simon Goodwin should take over before the year was out, you could not fault Paul Roos' commitment. Roos will hand over a Melbourne list that is in good shape when he finishes his tenure at the end of the season. 7/10
Big improver: Jack Viney is now an elite midfielder of the competition, ranking No.1 in the AFL for centre clearances through the first half of the season.
Didn't see that coming: The loss to Essendon in round two is a stain on Melbourne's season. It's actually hard to fathom how the Demons could have lost that game when you compare the teams' form lines since then.
Non-negotiable: The Demons lost seven of their last 10 matches after the bye in 2015. Melbourne can't afford to have a similar late season slump this season.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Keep pushing the teams above them on the ladder for eighth spot. Continue to develop their youngsters, getting games into Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald and Josh Wagner. The Demons should bank on winning at least five of their next 11 games. - Ben Guthrie
What's worked: Charlie Dixon is slowly becoming more comfortable as the focal point of the Power's attack. Took time to settle in, but starting to justify the hefty five-year contract.
What hasn't: Jackson Trengove has done an admirable job filling in for the injured Matthew Lobbe, but the club's ruck stocks are very thin. Patrick Ryder's return next season along with Lobbe's return will help alleviate that.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Veteran Jay Schulz will be a handy addition to the forward line once he returns from back surgery. It will be interesting to see how he plays alongside Dixon.
Indispensable: Chad Wingard gives the Power a genuine X-Factor when he's up and running. Had a slow start to the season, but has returned to his All-Australian form in recent weeks.
Coach score: Ken Hinkley hasn't shied away from playing aggressively and giving his players a licence to take the game on. The game style looked shaky early in the season, but Port is starting to attack the contests harder and win the 50-50 balls. 6/10
Big improver: Aaron Young. Has emerged as a quality small forward and filled the void left by the suspended Angus Monfries. Gives the Power another option in attack.
Didn't see that coming: After being on Port's list for the past two years without getting a game, Darcy Byrne-Jones has emerged as a tenacious defender in his rookie season.
Non-negotiable: Need to improve their ball use and outside run. Fourth-last in disposal efficiency and second-last in the competition in uncontested possessions.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Returning to the finals would be a great result. A three-game stretch involving Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney from rounds 16-18 will be the big test. But whether they make the top eight could come down to the return meeting with cross-town rivals Adelaide late in the season. - Lee Gaskin
What’s worked: More midfield time for Dustin Martin. The 24-year-old is in career-best form after building an engine that lets him play on-ball for longer periods.
What hasn’t: A habit of handballing at the first opportunity when heat arrives. The Tigers have lost matches because of it and teams know they can wilt under pressure.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Chris Yarran. The former Blue's health battles have prevented him debuting in yellow and black, and the Tigers are much poorer for it.
Indispensable: Alex Rance. The best key defender in the game can't be replaced down back for both his dominance in contests this season and leadership.
Coach score: Damien Hardwick's unwavering faith in his players must be admired, but either they have let him down or the system is broken. Persistence with young players Daniel Rioli and Corey Ellis earns a tick. 4/10
Big improver: Shaun Hampson has flourished with opportunities and a license to focus on stoppages, with the understanding his around-the-ground work is not a strength.
Didn’t see that coming: Sam Lloyd's after-the-siren goal to beat the premiership favourite Sydney Swans. The win came after six-straight losses and was sealed in extraordinary circumstances.
No Richmond fan will forget Sam Lloyd's big night in a hurry. Picture: AFL Media
Non-negotiable: Keep playing Ellis, Rioli and Connor Menadue and get Ben Lennon into the team once he is fit. That group is vital to the Tigers' next tilt after recent mature-age recruiting failed.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: Play in a competitive manner that can attract players through trade and free agency. A drastic dip into to the bottom four as a means to an end is not acceptable at Richmond. The Tigers should expect to win five of their seven remaining games at the MCG. - Nathan Schmook
What's worked: Nick Riewoldt's move to the wing has sparked change in the forward line, with Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey forming a much more unpredictable attack.
What hasn't: Deficiencies out of the middle were highlighted in the past two interstate trips, against West Coast and Adelaide.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Persistent hamstring issues to Nathan Freeman mean the 20-year-old has been limited to two games in the VFL reserves.
Indispensable: At 33, Riewoldt's reinvention as a wingman sees him go wherever he is required, including down back or third-up in the ruck. That's not to mention his exceptional leadership, either.
Coach score: Alan Richardson doesn't gift games to young players, and that builds a culture of hard work. The competitive spirit shone through in close losses to Hawthorn and North Melbourne but was seemingly absent versus the Eagles and Crows. 6/10.
Big improver: Hamstring surgery ruined much of his 2015 but Seb Ross is proving himself a solid contributor as part of the centre-square rotation, averaging 26 disposals per match.
Didn't see that coming: After 18 games last season, Billy Longer has not lined up for the Saints in 2016. Tom Hickey's decent form as the primary ruck option makes it unlikely Longer will break his drought in the near future.
Non-negotiable: After being completely dominated in two of its 11 games this year, St Kilda absolutely cannot let that happen again.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: A relatively healthy list and just one remaining interstate trip (to the Gold Coast) means the club should win at least eight games, which would be two more than the tally in 2015. - Dinny Navaratnam
What’s worked: Twin rucks. The recruitment of former Eagle Callum Sinclair has allowed Kurt Tippett to play more time in the ruck and given the Swans two athletic big men capable of also going forward and kicking goals.
What hasn’t: Healthy Teddy. Ted Richards struggled with a calf injury during the pre-season but worked his way back into the side, only to be cut down with a broken cheekbone, as well as another concussion. The veteran needs some luck when he returns.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Sam Reid. Still hasn't played a game this season after tearing his hamstring during last year's finals, and looms as a key player during the second half of 2016.
Indispensable: Lance Franklin. The star forward has returned from his break to treat a mental health issue last year and kicked 41 goals from the first 11 games, giving the Swans a match-winner unlike any other team in the League.
Coach score: John Longmire has introduced some young talent in key areas this season and been patient with experienced players coming back from injury to once again have the Swans inside the top four. 9/10.
Big improver: George Hewett. Debuted in round one and has played 10 games for the year, becoming an important part of the Swans side thanks to his knack of finding the goals and great tackling pressure.
Didn’t see that coming: Tom Papley. The mature-aged draftee came off the rookie list to star in the first eight games as a small forward, before being struck down with shin soreness.
Non-negotiable: Top two. The Swans should head into the bye entrenched inside the top four, and with their draw, should nail down a top two spot and a vital advantage during the finals.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: A preliminary final berth. In such an even competition finals wins shouldn't be taken for granted, but if the Swans earn themselves a double chance, the opportunity to win through to the Grand Final is well within their grasp.
What's worked: Eric Mackenzie's reintroduction into the backline following a knee reconstruction could have posed difficulties, considering how well the Eagles' structure worked last year with a smaller defence. However, they are fourth for points conceded in 2016.
What hasn't: Travelling has been an issue, with disappointing losses against Hawthorn, the Sydney Swans and Geelong. Recent trips to face Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs have shown promise though.
Who haven't we seen enough of yet: Dom Sheed is yet to line up in the senior team after surgery on his right pectoral muscle.
Indispensable: If the Eagles lose Nic Naitanui, they become a much less threatening outfit.
Coach score: Coming off a Grand Final performance, and in a season with no standout team, the club might have expected to be sitting a little better. However at 7-4, Adam Simpson's team is in the mix for a top-four spot. 6/10.
Big improver: Brad Sheppard was very good in 2015 when playing on taller opponents, but a different role as a rebounding half-back sees him in All Australian contention.
Brad Sheppard has been rock solid for the Eagles in a rebounding role. Picture: AFL Media
Didn't see that coming: Lewis Jetta was supposed to relish the expanses of Domain Stadium after being traded from the Swans, but he has been dropped twice already.
Non-negotiable: Winning five of the remaining six games at home needs to be accomplished if the Eagles are earn the double chance in September. In such a tight race, wins against fellow top-eight teams are pivotal, and West Coast face Adelaide, North Melbourne and Hawthorn at Domain Stadium in the coming weeks.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: This outfit should be aiming to win the flag, and to do that, making the top four is necessary. – Dinny Navaratnam
What’s worked: Going into 2016, the Dogs' ruck division had a big question mark over it. The partnership between versatile big men Tom Campbell and Jordan Roughead has erased those doubts.
What hasn’t: While their defence is the AFL's stingiest and the midfield is up there with the best going around, the Dogs sit a lowly 10th for points scored. They get plenty of chances, but lack efficiency.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: It's been a little surprising utility Lukas Webb hasn't seen senior action in 2016. The 20-year-old possesses a deadly left foot and is good decision maker.
Indispensable: With one of the AFL's deepest lists, there might come a time when the club's recruiting guru Simon Dalrymple has a statue next to Ted Whitten's outside Whitten Oval.
Coach score: Luke Beveridge has continued to impress with work in the box and his ability to get the best out his charges. And in an industry where the truth is often replaced with spin, the second-year coach's honest approach is a breath of fresh air. 8/10
Big improver: Before a hamstring injury sidelined him for 10 weeks, defensive playmaker Jason Johannisen was destined for a maiden All Australian guernsey. Caleb Daniel hasn't suffered from second-year blues, with the creative midfielder averaging 22 possessions a game to become a vital part of the Dogs' side.
Didn’t see that coming: Key defender Marcus Adams' ability to effectively negate the AFL monster key forwards has been a big plus for the Dogs since he was selected with pick 35 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
Non-negotiable: If the Dogs are to claim their second ever flag, they'll need to kick bigger scores.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: The young Dogs will play finals for the second successive season and are a legitimate premiership threat, but they need to win a final at the very minimum for the season to be considered a success. - Ryan Davidson
