With the 2022 season just over half completed, the bye round offers sides a chance to reflect on their performances so far. The break also affords us the chance to reflect on their campaigns to date.
With Brisbane, Collingwood, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Melbourne and North Melbourne all on the bye this weekend, we examine how they have performed so far.
The gradings factor in pre-season expectations, as well as their form across the opening 13 rounds of this year.
Mid-season AFL report cards: Part 1
Mid-season AFL report cards: Part 2
Fremantle
Grade: A+
W-L Record: 10-3
Percentage: 128.5%
Probably the other surprise packet of 2022 has been Fremantle, or as they're now known, "Flagmantle". The Dockers were tipped to improve, however following the loss of Adam Cerra to Carlton and Nat Fyfe to injury in the off-season, no one expected top four.
Their recent form has been scintillating, having beaten Melbourne and Brisbane in performances that highlight how much their youthful squad has developed.
Without a doubt the stars for Fremantle this year have been their younger generation. Andrew Brayshaw is now not only an elite midfielder, but a genuine Brownlow Medal chance. The running-machine averages a staggering 31.1 disposals a game, along with 4.7 clearances, 6.1 tackles and 5.4 inside 50's.
Down back Hayden Young has gone from strength to strength, ably helped by the likes of Brennan Cox and Heath Chapman.
Perhaps the real surprises have been recycled players Blake Acres and James Aish, both of whom are in career-best form. If the Dockers can maintain this pace, they will finish top four and the sky is the limit.
MVP: Andrew Brayshaw (136 votes)
Best Win: Round 11 vs Melbourne
Worst Loss: Round 9 vs Gold Coast
