We've just passed the halfway mark of the 2024 SANFL season, with premiership contenders and struggling sides emerging from their opening 10 games of the campaign so far.
Here we look at each club's state of play, their run home to finals and leading best and fairest contenders ahead of the final stretch.
North Adelaide
Position: 6th
Wins: 4
Losses: 6
Percentage: 48.72%
Biggest win: 84 points v Port Adelaide, Round 6
Biggest loss: 92 points v Woodville-West Torrens, Round 2
It has been a season of ups and downs for North Adelaide to start 2024 as they struggle to find consistency from week to week.
Their year started disastrously, with a 27-point loss at home to Central followed by a 92-point belting from Woodville-West Torrens that put their season at a crossroads.
They responded with a thrilling win over Sturt and a sparkling performance against Adelaide to get their season back on track.
North then exchanged wins and losses across the next six weeks, with percentage-boosting wins over struggling South Adelaide and Port Adelaide interrupted by a costly loss at West Adelaide.
At their best, North Adelaide looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the competition, with their slick ball movement and potent attack causing issues for opposition teams.
The Roosters have shown a clear desire to attack with speed out of the backline, turning defence into attack in an instant by taking risks with ball in hand.
Captain Alex Spina has racked up the most rebound 50s in the competition this season, while Harrison Wigg is ranked inside the top 10 for inside 50s.
They are dangerous weapons with their speed and skill and can give their forwards every opportunity to put a score on the board if given time and space.
Mitch Harvey's move to the forward line has proved a masterstroke, with his contested marking prowess creating major headaches for opposition defences.
He has combined superbly with hybrid forward Nigel Lockyer, who has kicked 20 goals for the season and is a major threat both in the air and at ground level.
Small forward Kelsey Rypstra was a key component of the attacking set-up with his pressure and running ability before being picked up by the Western Bulldogs in the AFL mid-season draft.
On the flip side, when opposition teams apply intense pressure and close down their time and space, North can be forced into crucial turnovers and leak heavy scores.
They have already conceded five scores greater than 80 points to start this season, compared to Sturt who have only conceded one such score across 10 games.
While their start to the year has been below expectation, North will be pleased with the rapid development of some younger players who have burst onto the scene.
Hughen Wissman was one of a handful of players brought in after the debacle at Woodville and shown plenty, averaging 17 disposals and three clearances as he assumes a greater role in the midfield.
Ewan Mackinlay has been another positive addition to the North forward line since making his league debut in Round 5, averaging a goal and four inside 50s per game.
Liam Hoy and Matt McKenzie in ruck as well as Charlie Dinning in midfield are others to have impressed in the first half of the season.
On top of that, there is plenty of improvement left from some of North's key off-season recruits who are yet to fully fire.ย
Tariek Newchurch and Cody Raak have both had seasons interrupted by injury and form issues but have shown glimpses of what they can offer in full flight.
Luke Fellows and Sam Ramsey have also spent time in the reserves to rediscover their best form and dominated at the level below, proving their quality and ability to contribute to the league side.
Best & Fairest contenders:
Campbell Combe is well and truly in the mix to take out his fifth consecutive Barrie Robran Medal, currently ranked third in the competition for clearances and tackles and sixth for disposals.
Captain Alex Spina has been prolific in defence all season and a consistent performer even in the Roosters' losses.
Sam Mayes has been a solid contributor through the midfield with 21 disposals and five clearances per game.
Harrison Wigg and Frank Szekely have been standout performers and caught the eye with their damaging ball use when the Roosters are on song.
Blayne O'Loughlin has been an important addition in defence with his polished ball use and smart decision-making, while Dyson Hilder moved seamlessly into defence before being required in the forward line.
Lachie Grubb was one of the players given an opportunity after the Eagles loss and has taken it with both hands, kicking 10 goals in eight games and providing much-needed pressure inside 50.
Kye Pfrengle and Reed van Huisstede have been solid defensive pillars all year and lock down on the opposition's dangerous key forwards.
Injury report:
There are still some big names on the North Adelaide injury list but we won't see many of them back in the short term.
Keenan Ramsey faces a test before returning from an ankle injury, while Sam Mayes remains in the concussion protocol.ย
Kym LeBois could be only a month away from a long-awaited return, but key players Cody Raak and Karl Finlay face a further two months on the sideline.
Jake Patmore has only played one game this season and could be back on the sidelines after an ankle injury last weekend.
Reed van Huisstede is out indefinitely with personal issues as is Lachie Wilsdon with a neck injury.ย
The run home:
Much like their season itself, North faces a mixed bag from a fixturing perspective for the rest of the season.
Five of their last eight games are at home, three of which are against teams currently in the bottom five.
North will travel down to Victor Harbor for a clash with South Adelaide in Round 13 and also face trips to Elizabeth and Norwood, which is a Friday night clash at The Parade.
