The AFL season has always been a rollercoaster, but this week’s Round 22 action felt like a seismic shift in the narrative. Teams that once seemed destined for glory stumbled, while others clawed their way back with performances that defied expectations. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the rankings aren’t just about wins and losses—they’re about the psychology of the players, the pressure of September, and the unspoken fears that haunt even the most decorated franchises. Let’s unpack what’s really at play here.
Take the Adelaide Crows, for instance. Their B- grade might seem harsh, but it’s not just about the result—it’s about the why. They leaned on Izak Rankine and Jordan Dawson to scrape past Richmond, but the underlying issue is their inability to convert forward-50 entries into goals. This isn’t just a technical flaw; it’s a mental one. When you’re ranked 13th in that metric, it screams of a team that’s either complacent or terrified of failure. Mark Ricciuto’s post-game rant wasn’t just criticism—it was a warning. If they can’t adapt, September will be a bloodbath. Personally, I think this is a turning point. Either they embrace the chaos of their identity, or they’ll be watching from the sidelines, wondering what could’ve been.
Then there’s the Brisbane Lions, who delivered an A+ performance that feels like a middle finger to doubters. Their demolition of Hawthorn wasn’t just about stats—it was about dominance. Kai Lohmann’s 5.2 from 24 disposals was poetic, but the real story was how they controlled every phase of the game. This isn’t just a team with premiership credentials; it’s a team that’s becoming a dynasty. What many people don’t realize is that their success is rooted in a culture of relentless pressure. Coach Chris Fagan’s men aren’t just playing better—they’re playing smarter, and that’s the difference between good and great.
But let’s not forget the underdogs. The Gold Coast Suns, who ended a 10-game losing streak with an A- grade, remind us that even the most downtrodden teams can rise. Matt Rowell’s 40 disposals and 22 contested possessions weren’t just numbers—they were a statement. In a league where momentum is everything, the Suns proved that a single game can reignite belief. What this really suggests is that the AFL’s narrative is far more fluid than we give it credit for. Teams like the Suns, with their gritty resilience, are proof that the finals race isn’t just about the top dogs—it’s about who’s willing to fight hardest when the lights are brightest.
And then there’s the tragedy of the Port Adelaide Power, who dropped an F-grade after a 97-point shellacking by the Swans. It’s not just the margin that’s shocking—it’s the how. Jason Horne-Francis’ injury was a catalyst, but the real problem was their inability to adapt to Sydney’s suffocating pressure. This isn’t just a loss; it’s a wake-up call. For a club with such a storied history, this performance feels like a regression to a time when they were still figuring out their identity. What’s even more telling is how quickly the team’s morale crumbled. In a sport where mental toughness is as vital as physical skill, Port Adelaide’s vulnerability is a red flag.
Looking ahead, the real question isn’t who will make the finals—it’s how they’ll get there. The Crows’ struggle with ball use, the Lions’ unshakable confidence, the Suns’ resurgence, and the Power’s collapse all point to a league in flux. What I find especially interesting is the contrast between teams that thrive under pressure (like the Lions) and those that buckle (like the Power). It’s not just about talent—it’s about mindset. As we head into the final rounds, the teams that survive won’t just be the best—they’ll be the most resilient. And that, my friends, is where the real drama lies.
