The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Season snapshot: North looked a team on the rise when it toppled reigning premier Geelong in round three, but it won just three of its next eight matches, all against teams then in the bottom four (Gold Coast, twice, and Brisbane Lions). However, the Roos' impressive win against Adelaide last Sunday again showed that at their best, they can compete with the top teams.

Medical room: Ruckman Hamish McIntosh is still about three weeks away from playing after recent surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, while first-year key forward Tom Curran is likely to miss the rest of the season after having foot surgery last Friday.

Best and fairest leader: Andrew Swallow has been a model of consistency in his first season as captain, dipping below 25 possessions in just three games this year. He is also ranked equal-second in the competition for total clearances (84), having won a whopping 35 more than the Roos' second ranked player, Jack Ziebell.

Most improved: Switched from the midfield to half-back at the start of 2012, Shaun Atley has added desperately needed pace and line-breaking run to North's defence. Most impressively, the second-year player has been prepared to take the opposition on, no matter how tightly a game is poised.

Needs a big finish: The McIntosh-Todd Goldstein ruck combination. Although McIntosh was in good form before his injury, Goldstein struggled alongside him and, tellingly, has thrived in his absence. If North persists with the three-pronged attack of Drew Petrie, Robbie Tarrant and Lachlan Hansen that combined so well against the Crows, it would not seem to have room for a second ruckman.

The run home: North is  locked on six wins with St Kilda (8th), Carlton (9th), Richmond (10th) and Fremantle (12th). It plays all four in the coming weeks, in rounds 14, 16, 17 and 22 respectively, with those games likely to determine its finals chances.

AFL.com.au score: 5/10

ADELAIDE
Season snapshot: Adelaide has impressed everyone so far in season 2012. Rookie coach Brenton Sanderson has rejuvenated the playing group and several players, in particular Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane, have taken huge steps forward. At their best, the Crows are a genuine premiership threat.

Medical room: Adelaide has been incredibly lucky with injuries and don't have a single player on their list expected to miss a large chunk of football.

Best and fairest leader: Scott Thompson would have to be leading the race at this point. He might be one of the oldest players on the list, but his consistency will have him in front.

Most improved: Rory Sloane would take this title from Patrick Dangerfield. While the wraps on Dangerfield were huge, Sloane has been a real find. His hardness and contested work has been huge for the Crows.

Needs a big finish: Graham Johncock has slipped out of the side's best 22 and must perform in the SANFL in order to rejoin the group. He's been moved around a bit from defence to attack this year and hasn't settled into his role.

The run home: Adelaide has the perfect run to the finals with games against the bottom four teams in the competition. Win those and snag a few at home against more fancied opponents in Fremantle, Essendon and Richmond, and the Crows should finish top four.

AFL.com.au score: 9/10

BRISBANE LIONS
Season snapshot: With a 5-7 record, the Lions may be ever-so-slightly exceeding expectations. Their round-10 win over West Coast was a breakthrough performance against a competition heavyweight, while victories over Melbourne (MCG) and the Western Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium) stopped interstate droughts. The young core of midfielders continues to develop, led by Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich and Jack Redden.

Medical room: Matthew Leuenberger has sat on the sidelines since round three with an Achilles injury and will not return before round 18 at the earliest.

Best and fairest leader: Tom Rockliff may just have his nose in front as he searches for back-to-back Merrett-Murray Medals. Rockliff leads the Lions in disposals, contested possessions and is second in clearances. Redden, Rich and Matt Maguire would be running him close.

Most improved: Half-back Mitch Golby was elevated from the rookie list prior to the season and has grabbed his spot with both hands. Playing all 12 games, Golby is a sound defender, good decision maker and precise left-foot kick.

Needs a big finish: James Polkinghorne risks being passed by a number of teammates. With Golby, Pearce Hanley and Dayne Zorko all vying for midfield time and youngsters Claye Beams and Jared Polec pressuring from below, Polkinghorne needs to lift.

The run home: Six of the Lions' last 10 matches are against teams outside the top-eight. They play at Metricon Stadium for the first time in round 17 against Gold Coast and finish with winnable fixtures against Port Adelaide (away) and Western Bulldogs (home).

AFL.com.au score: 6/10

CARLTON
Season snapshot: The Blues were premiership favourites after beating Collingwood to remain undefeated after round three, but their season has taken a distinct turn for the worse since then. They were soundly beaten by Essendon in round four and won just three more games to arrive at their bye week in ninth spot on the ladder.

Medical room: Jeremy Laidler is out for the rest of the season after dislocating his left kneecap, while Jarrad Waite's back injury is a source of continuing frustration at Visy Park. Marc Murphy is on track to return from a long-term shoulder injury at about round 17.

Best and fairest leader: Despite an indifferent patch of form leading into the bye, perennial vote winner Chris Judd will be in a tight race with evergreen defender Heath Scotland and consistent winger Kade Simpson for the John Nicholls Medal.

Most improved: Zach Tuohy has become a consistent contributor in the back half for the Blues. He's played every game this season and is one of a handful of Carlton players who can say that they've clearly improved on their 2011 form.

Needs a big finish: After three indifferent years, Brock McLean is out of contract at the end of the season. His departure from the club seemed a foregone conclusion before he broke into the side in round nine, but he has the chance to extend his stay if he can maintain his spot and stay off Twitter.

The run home: With a record of 6-6, the Blues face Hawthorn and Collingwood after the bye in a fortnight that may decide their finals fate. Two losses will very likely take their pre-season goal of a top-four finish out of their grasp and put them in a dogfight to make the eight.

AFL.com.au score: 5/10

COLLINGWOOD
Season snapshot: After a stuttering start in which the Pies lost two of their first three games, they've recovered to win nine straight despite a long injury list. They sit atop the ladder after beating West Coast in a thrilling round 13 clash that could easily have been the Grand Final preview.

Medical room: Luke Ball and Lachlan Keeffe won't play again this year but other knee reconstruction victims Andrew Krakouer and Brent Macaffer remain a chance, as does Ben Johnson (shoulder).

Best and fairest leader: Scott Pendlebury would have been in the box seat before he cracked his leg in round 10 but Steele Sidebottom's consistency across every game might have catapulted him into the lead.

Most improved: Sidebottom and Dayne Beams are obvious and Keeffe was shining in the backline before his injury. NAB AFL Rising Star nominee (round 11) Ben Sinclair has also come on.

Needs a big finish: Chris Dawes has been patchy but is improving in his new role of back up ruckman each week. His return in attack is where he needs to step up.

The run home: Tough. Will play 2011 finalists Carlton, Geelong and Hawthorn in consecutive weeks, St Kilda and the Sydney Swans back-to-back, and then finish with West Coast at Subiaco and Essendon in round 23.

AFL.com.au score: 9/10

ESSENDON
Season snapshot: It has been a very good start to the season by the Bombers. Although they should never have lost to Melbourne, their three losses have been by a combined 11 points. Across the board there has been an improvement in most players, which has helped lift the team into the top four.

Medical room: After a horror run with soft-tissue injuries at the start of the season, Essendon has a reasonably healthy list coming into the home straight. Brent Prismall appears furthest away from a senior game after struggling with hamstring problems in his return from a knee reconstruction, but other than that most members of Essendon's list could push for a game.

Best and fairest leader: Jobe Watson will be winning the best and fairest by a fair margin. His teammate Brent Stanton also started the year on fire but Watson has been irrepressible, averaging almost 30 disposals a game. Injury permitting, he appears a lock for his third Crichton Medal.

Most improved: Alwyn Davey's career seemed in jeopardy after a poor 2011 but he has hit back with some stunning goalkicking form this year. He's kicked 22 goals from nine games, including six bags of three.

Needs a big finish: Michael Hurley had an interrupted start to the year with a hamstring strain ruining any continuity early in the season. He finally received reward for his hard work last week with six goals against Fremantle, and if he can sustain that form, the Bombers' flag hopes will jump markedly.

The run home: The Bombers' second half of the season is certainly tougher than their first. A lot will come down to consecutive games against Geelong (at Etihad Stadium), Hawthorn (Etihad) and Adelaide (AAMI Stadium) from round 17-19. If they can snatch two wins in that three-week block, James Hird's side will find itself in a strong position.

AFL.com.au score: 8/10

FREMANTLE
Season snapshot: A strong 5-2 start saw new coach Ross Lyon praised, but heavy losses to Hawthorn and West Coast fuelled criticism of the team's defensive game plan. Midfield injuries have hurt, and the forward line has been unsettled, but finals remain a slim possibility if recent improvement continues.

Medical room: Midfielder Nat Fyfe (shoulder) and star ruckman Aaron Sandilands (toe) have both targeted for round 18 returns. Run and spread is an issue in the midfield, but Stephen Hill (ankle) and Anthony Morabito (knee) will boost that in coming weeks.

Best and fairest leader: Defender Michael Johnson is a new player in 2012, returning to the backline where he is more comfortable and producing his most consistent football since 2006.

Most improved: Clancee Pearce was delisted at the end of last season, but he was re-rookied after committing himself to a grueling off-season. Has been a success story this year, playing every game and contributing plenty. 

Needs a big finish: No player could help Fremantle more at the moment than David Mundy at his best. Restricted by a serious ankle injury pre-season, the clearance specialist hasn't met the standards he set as a club champion in 2010.

The run home: Fremantle plays just three current top eight teams - Collingwood (round 14), West Coast (round 19) and Adelaide (round 20) - in its last 10 games, leaving the door slightly ajar for a late finals run.

AFL.com.au score: 4/10

GEELONG
Season snapshot: The Cats have had a rather strange campaign so far. Their form has been patchy, yet they appear likely to win enough games to make the finals. However, their inconsistency suggests the reigning premiers will struggle to win a fourth flag in six seasons.

Medical room: The loss of Daniel Menzel, who suffered his second serious knee injury earlier this month, and Travis Varcoe, who continues to be sidelined by a foot problem, has hit the Cats hard. Both players were expected to spearhead the club's push towards the top four in the second half of the season. Talented ruckman Nathan Vardy also remains bedeviled by a hip injury.

Best and fairest leader: In his first year as the Cats' skipper, Joel Selwood has been the club's most consistent performer. He has proven to be the consummate leader; consistently inspiring his teammates with acts or bravery and skill.

Most improved: With Varcoe out injured, another of the club's livewire forwards, Steven Motlop, has stepped up with a number of dazzling performances. His pace and accurate kicking have been a feature of his game.

Needs a big finish: David Wojcinksi was sidelined for the first third of the season through injury, then missed another month after being rubbed out for breaking Jack Viney's jaw in the VFL. The 31-year-old will need to be at his best in the next two months if he wants to play on again next year.

The run home: The Cats have two easy games against Port Adelaide (Simonds Stadium) and Gold Coast (Metricon Stadium) in the next two rounds, but things get much tougher after that. They have to play Collingwood, Adelaide, the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn again, along with a trip to Perth to meet West Coast.

AFL.com.au score: 5/10

GOLD COAST
Season snapshot: Winless after 12 rounds and a horror run with injuries (Nathan Bock, Jarrod Harbrow, David Swallow among others) - it hasn't been a great first half of 2012 for the Suns. Losing to GWS was a near disaster, but they did push Essendon, Fremantle and North.

Medical room: Harbrow is close to returning after 10 weeks out with a fractured elbow, while Swallow (knee) is still at least two weeks away. Bock (leg), Seb Tape (knee) and Rory Thompson (ankle) will not play again in 2012.

Best and fairest leader: Gary Ablett could miss the rest of the season and still win this award. Leads League averages in disposals, contested possessions and is second in clearances. An inspirational leader who shows no sign of slowing down.

Most improved: Last year Karmichael Hunt was a serviceable defender at best, but since moving to the midfield he's now one of the first picked. He's a ferocious tackler and proving a good inside ball winner.

Needs a big finish: Two of last season's sensations - Zac Smith and Trent McKenzie - have struggled to recapture their form of 2011. For the Suns to improve this pair needs to lift.

The run home: The Suns return to the scene of a 2011 scalp when they play Richmond in Cairns in round 16. They also have chances to break their duck against the Brisbane Lions (round 17), Melbourne (round 19) and GWS (round 20).

AFL.com.au score: 1/10

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Season snapshot: Many predicted GWS to finish the year winless, so expectations were clearly low. The Giants have surprised most with their tough, contested brand of football and picked up a win against Gold Coast. But they will want to maintain their standards and avoid too many blowout losses in the run home.

Medical room: Steve Coniglio was well in contention for this year's NAB AFL Rising Star award before requiring thumb surgery that will keep him sidelined for another two weeks. Israel Folau's back/hamstring problem has also kept him out of the past four games and has clearly been worse than first thought.

Best and fairest leader: Almost the entire GWS list has been rotated heavily this season, but the two constants have been Callan Ward and Phil Davis. The only two to play every match, they would comfortably be first and second respectively in the best and fairest.

Most improved: This is a tricky one for a group of either established veterans or unknown rookies. Ward has taken his game to a new level and shown outstanding leadership. Adam Treloar has also improved markedly over the course of the season.

Needs a big finish: Tom Scully had some knee issues early on and hasn't set the world on fire, although there have been promising signs lately. Some of their top draft picks, including Will Hoskin-Elliott (pick No.4), Nick Haynes (No.7) and Adam Tomlinson (No.9), have also been quiet.

The run home: Matches with Hawthorn and Fremantle away, plus the Swans, Adelaide and Collingwood at home, will be very tough. But they will view second games against Gold Coast and Melbourne as ones they might just win.

AFL.com.au score: 7/10

HAWTHORN
Season snapshot: Up and down. Knocked off Collingwood and pushed West Coast to the line in Perth, but slipped up badly against the Sydney Swans and Richmond. Three big wins in the past three matches has momentum building, but early losses have left little room for error in the race for the top four.

Medical room: A largely healthy list. Luke Hodge and Chance Bateman should be back soon, leaving Max Bailey, Michael Osborne and the unlucky Xavier Ellis as the only best 22 contenders on the sidelines.

Best and fairest leader: A rough AFL.com.au calculation has Sam Mitchell in front, with Jordan Lewis, Lance Franklin and Brad Sewell not far behind, followed by Jarryd Roughead.

Most improved: Brendan Whitecross has entrenched himself in the team and spent more time in the midfield rotation, lifting his disposal average from 15.9 in 2011 to 21.4 at the mid-point of 2012.

Needs a big finish: Hodge has managed only two games so far after first calf and then knee problems struck him down. He can have a huge impact once fit, particularly when things get tough.

The run home: Still have their first and only clashes with Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney to come, but also cop tough return matches against Collingwood, Geelong, the Swans (away) and Eagles (home). Round 18 against Essendon will be huge.

AFL.com.au score: 7/10

MELBOURNE
Season snapshot: After a shocking start and a couple of uncompetitive performances, the group has stabilised in the past month with two wins and two reasonable losses. While the program of change was dramatic and everyone took time to settle, the second half of the season will determine how much progress has been made.
 
Medical room: Losing Mitch Clark for the season at the weekend was the worst piece of news in a year filled with bad luck. Clint Bartram is out for the season while Brad Green and Liam Jurrah continue to battle injuries.
 
Best and fairest leader: Nathan Jones only needs to replicate his first half of the season to win now that Mitch Clark is gone for the year.
 
Most improved: Jack Watts has passed 50 games with his star on the rise after moving into defence in round eight. He is a quality user of the ball and is starting to take some marks.  
 
Needs a big finish: Brent Moloney is working hard to adapt to the demands being placed upon him. His form has been down but the wheel should turn in the second half of the season.  
 
The run home: Play Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast again but at least a couple of wins from games against the Brisbane Lions, Richmond, Port Adelaide or North Melbourne would indicate the team is headed in the right direction.

AFL.com.au score: 3/10

PORT ADELAIDE
Season snapshot: While they have already bettered their three wins from 2011, the Power have frustrated supporters with another disappointing season. At times they've looked a side capable of challenging good sides, at others they've looked like anything but.

Medical room: One of the more horrific injury lists in the league. Some of their biggest names will miss at least a month, including Hamish Hartlett and Jay Schulz, while Jackson Trengove and Cameron Hitchcock will both miss multiple weeks as well.

Best and fairest leader: Brad Ebert would just about have it in the bag. He's been a shining light for the Power in his first year at the club and a constant performer when others have been plagued by inconsistency.

Most improved: Matthew Broadbent has taken his game to another level in 2012 and developed into a key midfielder. He's hard around the contests and, like Ebert, has strung multiple games together.

Needs a big finish: Half the side needs a big finish, but Daniel Stewart is one player who probably should be playing a far greater role than bit-player. When he's on, Stewart is great to watch but like so many of his teammates, he's struggled to perform consistently.

The run home: The Power have a tough end to the season, made harder by their injury crisis. While they play three sides below them on the ladder in GWS, Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions, they also face a multitude of possible finals contenders in the Crows, Essendon, West Coast, Hawthorn, Richmond and Geelong.

AFL.com.au score: 4/10

RICHMOND
Season snapshot: Before the season the Tigers would have been happy to be sitting just outside the eight at this stage of the season. The fact that they've been in with a chance in all other games would make them very satisfied. The mood is buoyant at Tigerland, especially with the makings of a decent defence in evidence.

Medical room: The Tigers' injury list is tiny, with no players set to miss an extended period. The focus is more on the rehabilitation of returnees from long-term injuries such as key defenders David Astbury (knee) and Kelvin Moore (hip).

Best and fairest leader: Trent Cotchin would be the clear leader. He's the only player who's been among the top few even among the losses. Brett Deledio started slowly but is gaining.

Most improved: Plenty of candidates here. Shaun Grigg, Alex Rance, Ivan Maric, Shane Edwards and Dylan Grimes would all be worthy nominations. You can see why the Tigers are on the up.

Needs a big finish: Luke McGuane and Matt White need a big couple of months if they're to stave off the wave of young players. Brad Miller has been a great servant but his time must be nigh.

The run home: The Tigers have winnable games against Melbourne, Gold Coast, the Brisbane Lions, the Western Bulldogs, Fremantle and Port Adelaide. The match against North Melbourne in round 17 could indicate which team is ready for the eight.

AFL.com.au score: 6/10

ST KILDA
Season snapshot: Scott Watters has been lauded for bringing an attacking style of game to the club with some impressive performances. But the Saints are still unable to string two wins together in what has been a rollercoaster season. They have defeated the highly-fancied Carlton and Sydney Swans but lost games they should have won against Port Adelaide and Fremantle.

Medical room: The loss of fitness advisor Dave Misson hasn't been as significant as some feared. The Saints have had a good run with injury apart from Adam Schneider's delayed start to the season and Ben McEvoy and Sam Fisher's six-week injuries. Rhys Stanley is the only regular senior player still sidelined but should be back from a hamstring injury within weeks.

Best and fairest leader: Lenny Hayes, 32, has made an amazing return from a knee reconstruction and would likely be leading the best and fairest. Nick Dal Santo has been his usual brilliant self, while Nick Riewoldt has pushed his case over the past month.

Most improved: Arryn Siposs is on track to be one of the Saints' most damaging players by the end of the season. The mid-sized forward is strong overhead and is one of the longest kicks in the team. It would be surprising if he isn't nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star before the end of the season.

Needs a big finish: Sam Gilbert has seemed to lack confidence for much of the year, reflected in his indecision with the ball and poor disposal. At his best, he is one of the most talented and electrifying running defenders in the league.

The run home: Six of their remaining 10 games are at Etihad Stadium which is a big boost for the Saints. As one of five teams locked on 6-6 records, the Saints face eight-point games against North Melbourne, Richmond and Carlton that could go a long way to shaping the bottom half of the eight.

AFL.com.au score: 6/10

SYDNEY SWANS
Season snapshot: The Swans came into the season with strong finals hopes and an outside shot at the top four. So far they have exceeded expectations, sitting second with a 9-3 record and a very healthy percentage. They suffered two disappointing dips in form on the road against Richmond and St Kilda, but have otherwise been a resounding success so far.

Medical room: Gary Rohan has been the worst hit following his terrible broken leg in round four. Luke Parker is on the comeback from a nasty broken collarbone and could return to the side over the next three weeks.

Best and fairest leader: Josh Kennedy made a sensational start to the season and catapulted himself into Brownlow Medal calculations. He has faded slightly since those heights, with Lewis Jetta and Kieren Jack likely closing the gap.

Most improved: No arguments here - Lewis Jetta. His 28 goals have him seventh in the AFL and he's the only midfielder in the top 15. Throw in more than 16 possessions, almost four marks and three tackles per game and he's in All Australian form.

Needs a big finish: Shane Mumford has had a slow return from a back problem and will hope to regain his touch in the run to the finals. Sam Reid has also had a quiet season, but has shown vast improvement in recent weeks.

The run home: If the Swans remain in the top four by season's end, they will have earned it. West Coast, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong remain on their schedule, coupled with winnable games against GWS, the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast.

AFL.com.au score: 9/10

WEST COAST
Season snapshot: Faced with a spate of forward line injuries, the Eagles have showcased their depth to be one of this season's top teams. With a young midfield on the rise and the game's dominant ruck duo, they have been unbeatable at home, setting up a possible top two finish.

Medical room: Power forward Josh Kennedy (ankle) is key to the Eagles' premiership chances, but he may not return at AFL level until round 22 or 23. Mark LeCras (knee) is unlikely to return, while Andrew Embley (shoulder) and Mark Nicoski (hamstring) are weeks away.    

Best and fairest leader: Scott Selwood has transformed from a disciplined tagger into a consistent ball-winner who can still shutdown his opponent. The 22-year-old has claims here ahead of senior teammates Matt Priddis, Beau Waters and Dean Cox. 

Most improved: Josh Hill became a crucial player when LeCras went down pre-season and he has gone on to play every game and kick 23 goals. The former Western Bulldog has added defensive pressure to his game since crossing to the Eagles.

Needs a big finish: A proven force on the big stage, if Andrew Embley can return from a shoulder injury and recapture his best form in the lead-up to September he could improve the Eagles significantly. 

The run home: Back-to-back clashes against the Sydney Swans (round 16) and Adelaide (round 17) will shape the top four and revive memories of 2005 and 2006. Round 22 will give the club another look at Collingwood in a possible Grand Final preview. 

AFL.com.au score: 9/10

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Season snapshot: The Bulldogs took four rounds to notch their first win under new coach Brendan McCartney as they adapted to a more physical, defensive game style. They finally clicked to win four of their next five games and also pushed Collingwood and Geelong to the limit. But they have now lost two of their past three by big margins, to the Sydney Swans (92 points) and the Brisbane Lions (58).

Medical room: Adam Cooney appears to be struggling with his problematic knee, while Daniel Giansiracusa (foot) will miss four weeks, and Dale Morris (leg) has been placed on the long-term injury list. Tom Williams and Lukas Markovic will resume soon.

Best and fairest leader: Ryan Griffen and Luke Dahlhaus have been electric at times, but it's hard to go past skipper Matthew Boyd, who is on track to win his third club award. Don’t discount Brian Lake and Liam Picken either.

Most improved: Dahlhaus has taken his game to a new level, and so has Easton Wood, who has been hard and adventurous in the back half. Christian Howard has returned from a knee injury and been in superb touch the past fortnight.

Needs a big finish: Liam Jones has struggled to live up to external expectations. Cooney needs to show he can perform despite his crook knee. Shaun Higgins needs to become elite. Others under pressure include Jarrad Grant, Lindsay Gilbee, Justin Sherman, Zeph Skinner and Nathan Djerrkura.

The run home: A tough ask. The 14th-placed Dogs won’t play any team below them. In fact, they'll confront five current top-eight sides. Their best chances appear return bouts against North Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions (at the Gabba).

AFL.com.au score: 4/10