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.
West Adelaide
Position: 7th
Wins: 4
Losses: 6
Percentage: 47.4%
Biggest win: 67 points v South Adelaide, Round 4
Biggest loss: 64 points v Woodville-West Torrens, Round 1
West Adelaide have made huge strides again in 2024 as they look almost certain to avoid the wooden spoon for the first time since 2018.
The Bloods have already equalled their win tally from last year, holding a 4-6 record at the halfway mark with their best percentage since the premiership-winning season of 2015.
Losing eight games by under three goals last season, West have started converting some of these close losses into wins.
This was no better demonstrated than the Round 2 win over Port Adelaide, coming from three goals down in time on in the last quarter to clinch a thrilling victory.
West also saw off challenges from North Adelaide and Adelaide to record consecutive wins for the first time in six years.
This has come off the back of an improved defensive output, with the Bloods now able to limit their opponent's scoring much more effectively.
The Bloods are ranked sixth for points against so far this year, compared to eighth last season.
West Adelaide kept their opponent to 70 points or under in only seven games last season but have achieved this feat five times already in season 2024.
West have now built a team of reliable and consistent defenders that stand up in big moments and can defend large volumes of inside 50s.
Josh Ryan continues to emerge as one of the best full-backs in the competition and earned his first state jumper against Victoria, while Will Patton was in serious AFL Mid-Season Draft considerations following his hot start to the season.
Tom Morrish is ranked sixth in the competition for rebound 50s and is an important distributor by foot and Lucas Meline has developed into a dependable performer averaging five rebound 50s per game.
At the other end, West are starting to build a strong attack that can consistently kick winning scores, with dangerous options in the air and at ground level.
The Bloods only kicked 70 or more points in seven games last year and have achieved this in seven matches already this season.
They also broke through the triple-figure barrier for the first time in five years in their win over South Adelaide, kicking 13 goals in the second half alone.
Ned Stevens is developing into a strong key forward for the Bloods, kicking 11 goals from eight games and ranking fifth in the competition for contested marks.
Dylan McCormick has kicked a goal in every game he's played and is dangerous around the sticks, while Luke Redfern goes under the radar with his pressure and ability to lock down on opposition rebound defenders.
The midfield is where West Adelaide have made massive leaps in 2024, building an on-ball unit that is not just competitive but can hold sway around the stoppages.
Kobe Ryan, Brady Searle and Sam Frost are forming a powerful combination that can win first possession and do serious damage on the outside as well.
With the likes of Joel Stevens and Jesse Thackeray also able to hold their own in the midfield, West are starting to build some depth that will hold them in good stead.
Crucially, the West Adelaide mids can also push forward and hit the scoreboard, with Ryan, Isaac Johnson and Stevens combining for 24 goals across 10 games.
West's new-found midfield power was on full display against North Adelaide in Round 7, humbling the experienced Roosters midfield to win clearances by eight and inside 50s by 11.
A feature of West Adelaide's game this year has been their ability to pile on quick bursts of goals, which is helping them surge away from their opponents.
The Bloods kicked five goals on the trot against the Eagles in Round 1 and South in Round 4, booted the last three goals in six minutes to beat Port, scored six of the last seven majors against North and kicked four in succession to see off the Crows.
While things are certainly on the improve at Richmond Oval, there is still plenty of work to be done before finals can be considered.
The next step for West Adelaide is to start beating the teams that are above them, which they have yet to do in 2024.
They hold a 0-5 record against top-five teams this season, with all four of their wins coming against teams below them on the ladder.
Skill errors continue to cost them, inviting pressure and turnover opportunities that the best teams can pounce on.
West are still to put in a full four-quarter performance against a top side, conceding seven goals to none in the last quarter against the Eagles, three goals to none in the third term against Central and seven goals to one in the second quarter last week against Glenelg.
Best & Fairest contenders:
Kobe Ryan has continued his meteoric rise through the ranks to become one of the best midfielders in the league, making him a clear favourite for the Neil Kerley Medal.
Considered unlucky to miss out on selection at the AFL Mid-Season Draft, Ryan ranks fourth in the competition for disposals, sixth for clearances and second for tackles.
Brady Sealre has been terrific since crossing from Glenelg at the end of last year, adding valuable experience and a seasoned body to the midfield mix.
After missing most of last year with injury, Sam Frost has played every game so far this year and has been superb in the midfield, ranking in the top 10 for tackles, clearances and disposals.
Missing four games with a hamstring injury will work against him, but Josh Ryan has been outstanding as a key defender, blanketing key forwards Mitch Harvey and Charlie Dixon among his many scalps this season.
Riley Corbett has shouldered much of the ruck load this year and stood up magnificently, competing well one-on-one and beating his opponent around the ground with his contested marking prowess.
Dylan White has cemented his place in defence with a wonderful season thus far, playing all 10 games and averaging 16 touches and four rebound 50s.
Tom Morrish always stands out with his excellent ball use from half-back, while Lucas Meline has taken his game to a new level.
Will Patton's ability in aerial contests and attacking flair with ball in hand has caught the eye, while Darcy Minchella makes life difficult for his opponent in the backline.
Injury report:
Injuries have cruelled West Adelaide for much of the season and it got a lot worse in the loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday.
Dylan Bramich and Joel Stevens will face tests before returning, Jordan White will spend the next three games in the concussion protocols, while Brady Searle and Lachie Squire are at least two weeks away from full fitness.
Patrick Wilson and Cade Kennedy are both done for the season with knee injuries.
The run home:
West Adelaide face a tough stretch coming up, with their next four games all against current top-five teams.
Only three of the Bloods' last eight games are at home as they travel to Unley, Elizabeth and Prospect.
On the positive side, three of West's last four games are against bottom five teams and they will get to play on Adelaide Oval against the Crows in Round 17 for the Neil Kerley Memorial Match.
