After 12 rounds of footy, it’s time to rule some teams out of the premiership race.
Hawthorn great Luke Hodge is well-versed in knowing what it takes to win a flag given that he won four during his storied career at the Hawks.
With that in mind, Hodge was asked which clubs he would be ruling out and which clubs he believes are genuine contenders.
Read his thoughts below (from top of the ladder downwards):
SYDNEY
“I’ve got Sydney in (as a serious flag contender),” Hodge said on SEN’s Sportsday.
“I tipped Sydney at the start and I still think that they can win it.”
ESSENDON
“I’m not convinced.
“I want to be convinced. Essendon went up to Gold Coast, and if they’re a premiership chance they should have beaten the Suns.
“They’re playing a lot better football but I want to see that against some big teams in some big games before I’m going to say, ‘Yes, 100 per cent’.”
GEELONG
“I would have put my hand up three weeks ago and said 100 per cent for Geelong.
“As soon as their top end drops away, it looks shaky for their depth.”
PORT ADELAIDE
“No (they cannot win).”
CARLTON
“Yes they’re going to be capable (of winning it), but I’ve got issues with their ball movement.
“They’ve got an excellent midfield and excellent defence and forward line, but when a team gets set up against them I think they find it really hard to transition the ball.
“If you look at Port Adelaide on the weekend, how do the Power move the ball? Quick. What happens when you move the ball fast? If you turn the ball over you cannot zone the ground, you cannot man up and squeeze holes.
“Carlton have got Jacob Weitering and some defenders that can win a battle, but if you give a team like Carlton the chance to pick their way through your midfield, which hasn’t had time to squeeze up, you’re going to put pressure on your defence. And Carlton have got a really good forward line, so if a good, smart team plays against Carlton, I wouldn’t be moving the ball fast because you just open it up for their forwards.”
FREMANTLE
“No (they cannot win).”
GWS GIANTS
“Yes (they can win it).”
GOLD COAST
“No (not yet).”
COLLINGWOOD
“I think they can (win it).”
MELBOURNE
“I’m saying no, just the fact that the forward connection (is not working).
“We’ve seen them play some really good football. Midfield and defence are outstanding, but that connection centre-forward without scoring (hurts).
“What you need to win finals these days is you need to kick over 100 points. Melbourne struggle to do that.”
WESTERN BULLDOGS
“Yeah, they need to get there (first).
“I think they’re missing six of their top nine goal kickers this week, so they’re in a similar position to Collingwood.
“Their list is starting to really hurt them.”
BRISBANE
“If the Lions can get their centre-forward game going… For differential the Lions are No.1 for getting the ball inside forward 50.
“Their connection has dropped away and their goal kickers haven’t been kicking straight. If they can tidy up that part of the game, they can beat anyone as we’ve seen.
“I wouldn’t put a line through them, but they’re leaving it very close only having four wins at this stage.”
ADELAIDE
“Crows, out.”