Ex Swans coach Paul Roos rates your side.
PAUL Roos looks at the sides enjoying the bye this weekend and delivers his verdict on where they are all at.
3rd ESSENDON
9 wins, 3 losses
What's working
JAMES Hird has worked on their defensive skills since he arrived as coach. To his credit they are now a much harder team to score against. The Bombers were seen as a free scoring, forward running team. They now have a much greater team commitment to winning the ball back off of the opposition. Heath Hocking opitimises this philosophy. He is a good midfield stopper, but can also win the ball himself.
What's not working
WHEN compared to the absolute elite teams, the Bombers still have a number of weaknesses. Their half-forwards can be a weakness as they don't have the ability to work up and back. This can create problems as they often get outnumbered in their forward 50 if the opposition drops a defender off.
Mid-year draft
PATRICK Dangerfield: an explosive midfielder who can play forward and kick multiple goals would be invaluable for the Bombers. Not only does Dangerfield change the momentum of games, but he can win games off his own boot.
Coach pressure gauge: 2
JAMES Hird: in a pure coaching sense there is absolutely no pressure on Hird. His team can play exceptional football and the win/loss column attests to that. The pressure comes on all at the club with the investigation that is currently underway.
SUPERCOACH
STUD: Michael Hibberd ($480,100, def)
If you backed him in before Round 1 the Frankston VFL recruit has delivered a price rise of almost $100k.
DUD: Michael Hurley ($279,300 fwd)
Swingman tempted plenty but he's cracked 100 just once and suffered a price plummet of more than $100k.
Bomber Heath Hocking. Source: Herald Sun
6th COLLINGWOOD
8 wins, 4 losses
What's working
WITH a number of star players out the Magpies have done a terrific job blooding young players. Last week's team won on the back of great games from Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury plus significant input from the likes of Josh Thomas, Kyle Martin, Marley Williams, Jamie Elliott and Adam Oxley. The Pies certainly look to have some good, young, long-term prospects.
What's not working
WHETHER it is injuries, adapting to a new coach or just the usual form slumps, the Magpies don't seem to be completely on the same page. They can play good quarters/halves but have yet to string some very good consistent form together. Last week's game against the Bulldogs was indicative of the Magpies' season so far. Fantastic for a half and poor after halftime.
Mid-year draft
COLLINGWOOD doesn't need a particular player, rather it needs to find out who is 100 per cent committed to the team and pursuit of excellence. If its most talented 22 find this, the Pies can win the flag.
Coach pressure gauge: 3
THERE is always pressure coaching, but more when you coach Collingwood, and there's an extra layer after the departure of Mick Malthouse. Nathan Buckley has handled this faultlessly, a very impressive coach who just needs a few things to click.
SUPERCOACH
STUD: Scott Pendlebury ($619,100 mid)
Second only to Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, averaging 128 points per game including highs of 161, 160, 145 and 132.
DUD: Quinten Lynch ($312,300 fwd)
Handy as a pinch-hitting ruckman, but no use to SuperCoaches, averaging just 71 points per game.
Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott booted five goals to steer the Magpies to victory. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun
8th CARLTON
6 wins, 6 losses
What's working
THE Blues' percentage of a 116.9 suggests they are more than a competitive team. They seem more resilient this year and never get blown out of games. You sense their highs aren't quite as good, but their lows aren't anywhere near as bad as in recent seasons. They are no longer as reliant on Chris Judd. He still has an impact, but not as consistently as we used to see.
What's Not working
THE Blues are struggling to put teams away. They do not get reward for effort and that is putting pressure on their win/loss record. They should have beaten both the Bombers and the Hawks. Is this ultimately a lack of talent or a flaw in the way they play? The next 10 weeks will tell the story.
Mid-year draft
A 22-YEAR-old Jonathan Brown. They need a forward who can both work up the ground and provide a contest on the wing and take a contested mark in the goal square. Brown would capitalise on the many opportunities created by the Carlton mids.
Coach pressure gauge: 3
MICK Malthouse: Mick is finding out about his new team and the players are finding out about Mick. I suspect the Carlton faithful will definitely be looking for a finals berth at worst and if the Blues miss out there will be great disappointment.
SUPERCOACH
STUD: Andrew Walker ($547,100 mid/fwd)
Malthouse has transformed the high-flying forward into a hard-running, rebounding machine. Scoring 30 points a game more on average than in 2012.
DUD: Sam Rowe ($229,500 fwd/ruck)
Ticked all the boxes at the start of the season but has struggled to cement a spot in the Blues' best 22. Remains in about 30 per cent of teams.
Superstar Chris Judd is stepping aside at Carlton. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
11th ADELAIDE
5 wins, 7 losses
What's working
THE form of Patrick Dangerfield and Richard Douglas has been the benchmark for the Crows this season. They are almost singlehandedly keeping the team in games. Dangerfield is one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the game and has the ability to play mid and forward. Douglas is their hardest working two-way midfielder.
What's not working
THE Crows' midfield ran deep last year and created headaches for the opposition. This year has been the complete opposite. Teams have outworked and dominated the Crows' mids. Richmond last week dismantled the Crows on the back of pressure and run. The Crows must find an appetite for the contest.
Mid-year draft
TAYLOR Walker/Kurt Tippett: It is extremely difficult when you lose two key players at once. The forward line has been completely reworked and without Walker and Tippett there are few easy goals for the Crows. They are screaming out for a key forward.
Coach pressure gauge: 3
BRENTON Sanderson: whilst the Crows' expectations haven't been met this year, Sanderson proved last season what a good coach he is. His challenge now is to restructure his forward line and re-motivate his disenchanted outfit.
SUPERCOACH
STUD: Richard Douglas ($549,900 mid)
Started the year worth $430,400 and has averaged 107 points per game _ just six fewer than Patrick Dangerfield.
DUD: Sam Jacobs ($392,500 ruck)
Scores of 36, 66 twice, 75, 76 and 77 are not good enough for a player regarded _ at the start of the season _ as one of the premier ruckmen in the competition.
Richard Douglas marks the ball during the Crows' shocker against the Blues at the MCG. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images
12th GOLD COAST
5 wins, 7 losses
What's working
INDIVIDUALLY the young Suns are improving. They are starting to play both sides of the ball and with their improved fitness levels are able to stay in most games for longer. There is far less pressure on Gary Ablett to perform although he has maintained his incredibly high standards. The Suns look a well-balanced team with some of their talls starting to have a significant impact.
What's Not working
THE injury to Zac Smith was a shocking blow to player and team. He burst on to the scene in his first year, struggled last season and looked like becoming a very good AFL ruckman. Hopefully his surgery is successful, his rehab goes smoothly and we see him back next year.
Mid-year draft
TRAVIS Cloke: a big power forward who can score the Suns some easy goals would lift them to the next level. They look to have a talented midfield which should develop nicely over the next few years.
Coach pressure gauge: 3
THE Suns are probably exactly where they hoped to be at this time in their early history. ``Bluey'' McKenna and his coaching staff look to be a good development crew and the individual improvement in each of their players is evident.
SUPERCOACH
STUD: Gary Ablett ($690,000, mid)
Jaeger O'Meara might have made us more than $300k, but ``Gazza'' has made us 1659 points _ that's 3318 as captain. He's worth every cent.
DUD: Harley Bennell ($465,400 mid)
Hamstring injuries and a form dip have cut his average to 84 and delivered a price drop of $60k.
Gary Ablett in training for the Suns. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin
18th GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
0 wins, 12 losses
What's working
EVEN though the Giants' record is 0 and 12 we are seeing glimpses of their future. Most of their young talent has at stages shown why they were early draft picks. Jeremy Cameron in particular is doing an extraordinary job given the ball doesn't spend a lot of time in the Giants' forward 50. If he won the Coleman Medal it would be a tremendous effort and a big boost for his young club.
What's not working
WHETHER intentional or not the Giants don't have a lot of experienced talent and that is hurting the young franchise. They needed some bigger bodies to take the pressure off their early draft picks. People will argue that those players won't be there for the club's successful years, but young teams need good role models to eventually reach the heights they are striving for.
Mid-year draft
GARY Ablett Jr: the Giants need a star who can do everything. And, unlike the Suns, they missed out on this type of player when they set up their team. Ablett makes everyone better.
Coach pressure gauge: 1 Kevin Sheedy; 4 Leon Cameron
``SHEEDS'' has been fantastic for the Giants and should be complimented for the way he set up the franchise. Unfortunately for Leon he comes in at year three when expectations are going to rise significantly. The Giants need to win games next year.
SUPERCOACH
STUD: Lachie Whitfield ($328,300, mid)
No Giant has averaged 100, but at least the No.1 pick has made some cash. Peaked at $340k _ a rise of $140 _ and has consistently scored in the 70-90 points per game range.
DUD: Toby Greene ($366,700, mid)
Second-year blues have hit hard with a high score of just 85 and a big drop. Greene has fallen from more than $500k to well under $400k. Ouch.
Giants star Jeremy Cameron celebrates a goal against Geelong at Skoda Stadium. Source: Getty Images
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