After 11 rounds of the 2022 AFL season we reach the first of three bye rounds, with six clubs handed a week's break to assess their season and move onto the final stretch.
Carlton, Essendon, GWS, Port Adelaide, Richmond and St Kilda are scheduled for their bye this weekend, giving us the perfect time to critique and grade their campaigns to date.
We put the microscope over each of the aforementioned clubs season's and name their MVP, best win and worst loss at the midway mark of this year in part one of our mid-season report cards.
These gradings factor in pre-season expectations and form across the opening 11 rounds of the year.
Carlton
Grade: B+
W-L Record: 8-3
Percentage: 112.9%
Carlton have shot up the standings this year off the back of another busy off-season and with new senior coach Michael Voss at the wheel.
The club's star-studded midfield ensemble has been thriving under the tutelage of the Lions champion, while their twin towers in attack, Charlie Curnow and Harry Mckay, have been at their prolific best.
George Hewett has claim to be the recruit of the season, while skipper Patrick Cripps is a likely chance to be leading the Brownlow race at the midway point of the season.
The Blues' best brand of football can match those that sit among the top echelon of clubs across the first half of this season, however their best isn't always on show.
Injuries have hampered their chances of improving their record across the opening 11 rounds, but a club that is seen as a contender must be able to rely on its depth.
A loss to Gold Coast in Round 4 highlighted the Blues' dependence on first-string ruckman Marc Pittonet, as the Suns ran rampant in the middle of the field.
Another stumbling block came in the form of arch-rivals Collingwood in their most recent outing, with a win against the Magpies likely to see the Blues earning a higher grade.
Injury setbacks to Harry McKay, Mitch McGovern, Zac Williams and mostly recently, Jacob Weitering also placed a strain on the Blues' ambitions to date.
But despite the long list of ailments, Voss has been able to conjure a strong campaign in his first year at Princes Park and has his side destined for a return to the September action.
MVP: Patrick Cripps (115 votes)
Best Win: Round 2 vs Western Bulldogs
Worst Loss: Round 4 vs Gold Coast
