With every team enjoying a break in the next three weeks, now is the perfect time to review the AFL season so far and look ahead.
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CARLTON (8-3)
The Blues have embraced new coach Michael Voss' style and methods and exceeded expectations, replete with a deep midfield that thrives in the contest and dangerous attacking options.
Despite a lengthy injury list, including key players Harry McKay, Marc Pittonet and Jacob Weitering, they are well placed for a finals assault for the first time in nine years.
But the run home presents plenty of challenges, including games against top-eight teams Richmond, Fremantle, St Kilda, Geelong, Brisbane and Melbourne.
ESSENDON (2-9)
The Bombers entered this year full of optimism after making the finals in 2021, but that has dissipated quickly after a disastrous first half of the season.
While long-term injuries to key players, including Jake Stringer and Kyle Langford have hurt, others such as Dylan Shiel and skipper Dyson Heppell have been struggling for form.
Coach Ben Rutten and his staff will be under intense scrutiny in the remaining 11 games, with the Bombers having announced a review of their football operations.
GWS (3-8)
The Giants' draw has been tough, playing seven of the top eight teams, and the absence of star forward Toby Greene in the opening five rounds because of suspension did not help.
After long-time senior coach Leon Cameron's departure, his deputy Mark McVeigh has made a reasonable start and GWS' draw is much easier in the second half of the season.
PORT ADELAIDE (5-6)
The Power face an uphill battle to make the finals after their shocking 0-5 start to the season. They have managed to win five of their past six games, with the only hiccup losing to the Cats in Geelong.
But the Power's draw is daunting after the bye, facing Richmond at the MCG in a crucial game, although six of their final 10 games are at Adelaide Oval.
RICHMOND (6-5)
The narrow loss to Sydney was a setback, but the Tigers remain in strong contention for another finals campaign.
After a stuttering start, they won four in a row, albeit against lower-ranked sides.
Champion midfielder Dustin Martin has returned and in the Tigers' favour is that seven of their final 11 games are at the MCG.
ST KILDA (8-3)
The Saints are eyeing a top-four spot, but their draw in the run home is not easy, having to play finals contenders Brisbane and Sydney twice.
Immediately after the bye, St Kilda faces a stern test against the Lions at the Gabba, but seven of the Saints' last 10 games are at Marvel Stadium.
Ruckmen Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall provide headaches for most oppositions, running winger Bradley Hill has regained his mojo and half-back Jack Sinclair is in career-best form.
In next week's column, look out for the mid-season reviews on Adelaide, Geelong, Gold Coast, Sydney, West Coast and Western Bulldogs.
Never-say-die Magpies
This is not the most talented Collingwood outfit to take the field, but the Magpies are fiercely competitive at every contest, tackling and applying pressure to their opposition with admirable commitment.
Taylor Adams typifies the never-say-die attitude; while the rugged midfielder is never pretty, he refuses to give in without a fight.
Jordan De Goey is capable of brilliance and they have two of the most exciting youngsters in the competition, Oliver Henry and Nick Daicos.
Sitting in eighth spot with a 7-5 record, Collingwood faces its biggest challenge in the traditional Queen's Birthday game against top team Melbourne, on the rebound after two consecutive defeats. The Demons will regain key defender Steven May and this will be a stern test for Craig McRae's men - a fourth consecutive Collingwood win will be a huge boost to its finals chances.
The Magpies' victory over Hawthorn at a wet, slippery MCG spoiled the 250-game celebrations of Luke Breust and Liam Shiels.
The triple premiership Hawk duo have been wonderful servants and deserve to be lauded - Breust has become one of the game's best small forwards since coming from Temora, NSW, and no job has been too tough for hard-working midfielder Shiels.
Nadal eyes Grand Slam
Even at 36 and battling career-threatening injuries, the remarkable Rafael Nadal finds himself in a position he has not been in previously.
For the first time, Nadal has won the opening two Grand Slams in a calendar year after defying pre-tournament predictions and overcoming his toughest draw yet at the French Open.
The champion Spaniard's demolition in the final of Norwegian Casper Ruud, who idolised Nadal as a youngster, presented him with a 14th title at Roland Garros.
After winning his 22nd Grand Slam championship to put him two ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, Nadal was quick to dispel rumours of retirement and with the prospect of a good draw at Wimbledon, an elusive Grand Slam in a calendar year might be within his grasp.
In the women's final, Poland's Iga Swiatek confirmed her status as the world's premier female player since Ash Barty's retirement. Swiatek's straight-sets win over American Coco Gauff provided her with a second French Open triumph and the 35th consecutive victory equalled the best match-winning streak this century held by Venus Williams.
Has Howard got it right? Email: howardkotton11@gmail.com; Twitter: @hpkotton59
