The Australian Football League (AFL) is a captivating sport, and the 2026 season has been a rollercoaster ride for many teams. In this article, I'll delve into the struggles of Geelong, Essendon, Gold Coast, and North Melbourne, offering a critical analysis of their performances and the factors contributing to their challenges. I'll also provide insights into the potential futures of these clubs and the lessons that can be learned from their experiences.
Geelong's Sliding Season
Geelong, once a formidable force, finds itself in a precarious position. With a 9th place ranking, they've lost five of their past six games, and their defense has been a concern for far too long. The biggest issue lies at the other end of the ground, where Jeremy Cameron has been out of sorts and now faces a potential season-ending injury. The Cats' season could be over before another ball is bounced, according to Richmond great Jack Riewoldt, who believes their premiership hopes are dashed without Cameron's presence.
Essendon's $5 Million Man
Essendon's $5 million man, Ben McKay, has been a source of confusion. Sent to the VFL to find form, McKay's performance against Brisbane was underwhelming, with just two handballs and two tackles. The question arises: what are Essendon trying to achieve with McKay? The club's strategy is unclear, and it's impacting McKay's mental health, as noted by 2018 Crows leading goal kicker Josh Jenkins. The forward shift, in particular, has been a move of desperation, and Jenkins believes McKay should return to his defensive role.
Gold Coast's Fall from Grace
The Gold Coast Suns, once riding high, have plummeted to 14th place. Coach Damien Hardwick concedes their season is effectively over, and the team's performance against Adelaide was a stark reminder of their struggles. The Suns' decline has been inexplicable, with a drop from fourth for clearance differential last year to 18th this year. The balance in the midfield has been off since the arrival of Christian Petracca, and the team's emotional connection has been lost. The Suns' situation raises questions about the future of players like Ben King and the club's direction.
North Melbourne's Rebuilding Struggles
North Melbourne, under the guidance of coach Alastair Clarkson, has been on a rebuilding journey. While they've made progress, the season has been a step back from everyone's hopes. The Kangaroos' loss to Collingwood on Friday night likely means they'll miss the top 10. The team's performance has been a mix of brave losses and competitive wins, but the question remains: what does the future hold for Clarkson and the club?
Sydney's One-Dimensional Style
The Sydney Swans, second-placed on the ladder, have been exposed for their one-dimensional style. In their clash with Fremantle, the Swans conceded 100 points in the second half, raising concerns about their defense and ability to stop scores coming from stoppage and turnovers. The reliance on Charlie Curnow and Tom Papley for goals has been a problem, and the team's ability to defend off turnovers has been a concern for eight or nine weeks. The Swans' trademark run-and-gun style from half-back has been missing, and coach Dean Cox has some work to do to address these issues.
In conclusion, the 2026 AFL season has been a challenging one for many teams. Geelong, Essendon, Gold Coast, and North Melbourne have all faced their own unique struggles, and the Swans' one-dimensional style has been exposed. As the season draws to a close, these clubs must reflect on their experiences and make the necessary adjustments to forge their way forward. The AFL is a sport of constant evolution, and these teams must adapt to remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of Australian football.
