With one month of footy out of the way, see how your team ranks in the inaugural edition of The Rushed Behind Report Cards!
As always let us know what you think!
ADELAIDE
By Zac Standish
It has been an underwhelming start to 2018 for the reigning grand finalists, who after entering the season as premiership favourites, have been unable to tap in the form that made them so dominant in 2017.
The main story surrounding Adelaide so far has been their continually lengthening injury list, with a number of key players going down with predominantly soft tissue injuries.
Adelaide's high-profile players in Matt and Brad Crouch, Eddie Betts, Taylor Walker, Daniel Talia and Rory Sloane have all succumbed to such injuries in the opening month of the season, placing a massive dent in both their team's structure and confidence.
Yet the Crows' woes have deepened, with David Mackay, Curtly Hampton, Riley Knight, Lachlan Murphy, Wayne Milera and Sam Gibson joining the aforementioned superstars on the sidelines.
With reports of the team coming back to the club after Christmas “unfit”, it seems as if the results of this are beginning to show, with the Crows looking underdone at times throughout all four matches.
Despite their poor start to the season, it is quite obvious the talent is there within the Adelaide line-up, with the likes of Rory Laird, Paul Seedsman and new recruit Bryce Gibbs stepping up to cover their injured teammates.
However, many players are yet to showcase their full potential, with the match against Collingwood highlighting issues in Adelaide's ability at the contest and resolve against opposition pressure.
A win in the Grand Final rematch at the Adelaide Oval proves when the Crows are on point, they are easily among the best in the competition.
With matches against Gold Coast and Carlton in the coming month - which have more than likely pencilled in as victories - the Crows will face their tough challenges against Sydney and their showdown rivals in Port Adelaide.
Although they may be down some guns coming into these games, when they get these key players back to full fitness and into the line-up, watch out for the Crows to make a late charge towards September.
GRADE: B-
BRISBANE
By Chris Nice
Along with Carlton and North Melbourne, Brisbane's fortunes going into the 2018 season were predicted to be less than spectacular, with yet another season on the bottom rungs of the ladder.
Although currently residing in 17th position and yet to secure a win, the Lions - for three of their four games - have performed admirably, and have almost stolen the four points in their three close encounters.
Contending with St Kilda, Melbourne and Port Adelaide up until final term - with the latter game resulting in a mere five-point loss - the Lions stamped their claim early: they were not going to be pushovers.
But a 93-point basting has appeared to undo all their early promise, with a pitiful performance against Richmond, in which they kicked 2.5 for the entire game, eradicating any sense of faith for the Lions, from both an internal and external perspective.
While endeavour and courage in the face of adversity is commendable by all means, effort ultimately requires results in order to progress.
Being able to compete with top-end teams undoubtedly brings confidence, but ultimately shattering losses - particularly ones with significant deficits - are more likely to destablise and demoralise the young Lions' belief.
Yet it's not all doom and gloom for Brisbane, with their exceptionally young list showing glimpses of potential, most notably through Harris Andrews, No. 1 draft pick Cameron Rayner and Eric Hipwood through their respective defence, midfield and forward lines.
In among the exceptionally young heads, the seasoned veterans in Dayne Beams, Stefan Martin and Luke Hodge have performed consistently and have displayed terrific on-field leadership, despite the latter recently copping criticism about his place in the side.
Martin however has been the pick of the bunch, with the ruckman averaging 36.5 hit-outs a game along with an impressive 20.5 disposals per game.
Upcoming matches against Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs could provide the Lions the opportunity for redemption, but coming off the back of a thrashing last week, nothing can be set aside as a certainty.
It's easy to overlook the positives Brisbane have taken away from the season thus far, but all in all, the Lions must get a win on the board to restore their faith.
GRADE: D+
CARLTON
By Jack Alfonso
Brendon Bolton’s Blues are into the third season of their purported “66-game rebuild” to turn the fledgling side around and allow them to taste frequent success.
But is fair to say the rebuild is more akin to the long, costly process of Melbourne’s Southern Star, rather than the fresh, invigorated project that was touted at the start of his reign.
After showing promising signs from the midway point of last season, Carlton are singing the blues this year after yet another "valiant" defeat against the reigning premiers, Richmond, followed up with three disappointing, if not shambolic, efforts against oppositions they would have hoped to have been progressing past in Gold Coast, Collingwood and North Melbourne.
Where the Blues prided themselves on their defensive pressure over the last two seasons, this year they have placed an emphasis on adopting a more attacking style, which appears to have backfired dismally thus far.
With the loss of Marc Murphy through injury for at least four weeks, the Blues will undoubtedly be devoid of all confidence and will struggle without such vital on-field leadership.
Carlton are up against it for the next month, with only West Coast at the MCG looking like their real opportunity to register their first points of the season, based purely on the Eagles' terrible record at the Home of Football.
A rejuvenated Western Bulldogs outfit will provide a stern test of Carlton’s undermanned back line, while Essendon will thoroughly challenge the Blues’ defensive structure through their pace, power and breaking of lines.
As for Adelaide away - despite Carlton traditionally performing "valiantly" in South Australia - the Crows are looking too good of an outfit to slip up against such meagre opposition.
The emergence of young forward, Charlie Curnow, has been the one ray of light in their opening quartet of games; his athleticism and technical ability beginning to come together to form an elite Blue.
It's a bitter pill for Carlton fans to swallow, but the Blues have very little to pride themselves on so far, with things possibly heading further south in the coming month.
GRADE: E
COLLINGWOOD
By Zac Standish
Under the most pressure of all senior coaches coming into 2018, Nathan Buckley has started off Collingwood's sesason excellently, bar one poor performance in round one.
Coming in the form of a 40-point loss to Hawthorn, many questions were asked of the Magpies and whether their season would once again end in bitter disappointment.
But since then, Collingwood have put in three solid performances with a makeshift forward setup, culminating in a masterpiece at the Adelaide Oval on Friday night in which they completely dominated the Crows to claim a 48-point win.
The Pies' turnaround has mainly been due to their ability to win the ball around the contest and apply large amounts of pressure on their opposition, as evidenced with their average of 72 tackles per game.
In the first month of the season, Collingwood have managed to unearth some exciting young prospects with Sam Murray and Jaidyn Stephenson, who already are looking to be long-term assets to the football club.
The Magpies also have a host of talent to come into the side, with the likes of Daniel Wells, Alex Fasolo, Jamie Elliot, Taylor Adams, Darcy Moore and Levi Greenwood all set to push for senior selection in the coming weeks.
Despite their signs of making the finals for the first time since 2013 looking good, the Magpies will nonetheless be on a mission to prove themselves in the coming month, with an extremely tough draw looming over their finals aspirations.
Blockbuster clashes against Essendon, Richmond and Geelong will either reaffirm or obliterate the legitimacy of their dreams, while their match against Brisbane should be met with success should they be the real deal.
In what has been a whirlwind month of football, Collingwood fans should be happy with where their side sits as they look to build upon their good form and push for a top-eight spot.
GRADE: B+
ESSENDON
By Chris Nice
Essendon have for the most have performed well, but while their best is able to contend with top-four sides, their tendency to slip out of contests has several questioning their legitimacy for being a serious finals contender this season.
The Bombers could be sitting pretty at 4-0 had they the polish to displace a resurgent Fremantle outfit in round two and close out the intrepid Western Bulldogs the week after.
It has been varying degrees of pressure and costly brain fades which have marred Essendon's season thus far and have subsequently drawn heavy criticism.
Within their lapses of concentration however, irregular work rate around the contest has proven most alarming, with the Bombers unable to win a quarter in the two games they have conceded.
But on the whole, it's not all bad news for Essendon, whose patchiness is more likely to be a result of early season yips rather than considerable problems within their team.
Their leg speed has been second to none in the competition, with their quick ball movement - when their players are in position - allowing the Dons to score quickly and even come from behind and steal games, as seen against Adelaide in the opening round.
Boasting a quality midfield, with the likes of Dyson Heppell, Devon Smith and David Zaharakis performing well, Essendon's chances of success have never been higher, with the latter averaging nearly 28 disposals per game.
But it has been Michael Hurley who has been a cut above the rest; the linchpin of Essendon's defence standing tall through his intercept play, in which he has averaged over nine intercept marks each game.
With Jake Stringer finally hitting his straps last week, it will only be a matter of time before Daniher bursts onto the scene with as much flair, causing innumerable headaches for opposition defences.
The Bombers are like a surfboard at the moment; left as is, they will just get the job done, but add a little bit of polish and care and they'll be riding the waves of success.
GRADE: B-
FREMANTLE
By Jack Alfonso
The Dockers have provided a mixed bag of results in the first four rounds of the season, with their wins coming against opposition they were expected to beat, while their losses were, relatively, understandable.
A 50-point walloping at the hands of Port Adelaide in the opening round raised many fears about the Dockers' upcoming season, as well as once again giving voice to the Ross Lyon nay-sayers.
But the upturn of form by the electric Nat Fyfe in tandem with Aaron Sandilands has been nothing short of sensational, with the former Brownlow medallist ranked first for contested possessions (17.8 per game) and the monumental ruckman second only to Max Gawn in hit-outs (39 per game).
The major issue for Fremantle at the moment is where their goals are coming from, with their highest goal kickers Brandon Matera and Matt Taberner currently placed equal 45th in the league with five goals each.
With a greater output provided by the likes of high-profile recruit Cam McCarthy and the polarising Taberner, the Dockers would be fancying their chances more often than not heading into the remaining games of the season.
Despite a disappointing 31-point loss to the flying Greater Western Syndey last week, the Dockers are well placed to mount an assault on the top end of the table this season.
But although the Dockers have the ability to compete with higher placed sides, their tendency to let opposition teams back into the contest - as seen with Essendon and Gold Coast - could soon cost them four points.
The next four games present a favourable outlook for Ross Lyon, with a chance to stamp their authority both on the ground and on the ladder coming to the fore.
The Dockers will be seeking to make their new home ground a fortress with convincing wins against an in-form Western Bulldogs and an out of sorts St Kilda.
While their midfield will be tested against the likes of Jack Macrae and Luke Dahlhaus, with Lachie Hunter potentially missing out through suspension, his absence will provide a handy advantage for Freo.
The Derby should be a thriller, however West Coast’s dominance in defence should stand them in good stead against an under-performing forward line, while Richmond at the MCG is always going to be a tough battle for any team, let alone an interstate one.
So far Freo, for defying expectations and notching up two wins, way to go - but there's still quite a way to go.
GRADE: C
GEELONG
By Chris Nice
Touted as one of the best clubs of the modern era alongside Hawthorn and Sydney, Geelong look set to continue their stellar form of the past decade, despite a 2-2 record so far.
What's alarming is how well the Cats have performed with such notable absences through injury and stars not quite hitting their strides early.
With superstars Gary Ablett, Cameron Guthrie, Harry Taylor, Nakia Cockatoo and Lachie Henderson all sidelined for lengthy periods of time, Geelong have found players to fill the voids.
Mature-age recruit, Tim Kelly, has been the cream of the crop for the Cats, with average of 22 touches per game which has been accompanied by unbeatable flair and precision in just his fourth senior game.
Esava Ratugolea and Brandan Parfitt have also shone for Geelong in the past month, putting aside any fears of Geelong's bottom-six players not being up to scratch.
While Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield have been good without being spectacular, it is the young guns and less experienced players who have have risen above the aforementioned lofty names.
Perhaps the absence of Ablett and the lack of impact (by their incredible standards) of Selwood and Dangerfield will be a blessing in disguise for the Cats, with their next-tiered players forced to step up without a reliance on the big three.
While their record of 2-2 is shared by many clubs who are much lower in status and calibre than the Cats, keep in mind had a one-point loss to Hawthorn in the dying minute gone the other way, the footy world would all be talking about Geelong as a top-four contender .
Geelong will nonetheless be put to the test when they face off against equally prospective finalists, with Port Adelaide, Sydney, Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood all on the calendar for a gruelling month ahead.
So far, so good for the Cats, but if they want to affirm their position as finalists, they will need to notch up some difficult wins against quality sides, despite their lengthy injury list.
GRADE: B
GOLD COAST
By Jack Alfonso
Although still a young, developing side, Gold Coast supporters have every reason to be excited about their team’s future, even though their current wins have come against lacklustre opposition.
With new coach Stuart Dew at the helm and the Ablett-era coming to a close, the Suns showed vast improvement from as early as the JLT Community Series which came as a great surprise to the AFL world.
The likes of Jack Bowes, Ben Ainsworth, Nick Holman, Tom Lynch and Jarryd Lyons have all stood up at various points throughout the season, suggesting that while the consistency might not be there just yet, quality definitely exists within the Suns' camp.
A battling win in a low-scoring affair against North Melbourne highlighted the Suns’ ability to tough out a match in trying conditions, while a comprehensive rout of Carlton away from home must have left Stuart Dew wondering what all the fuss was about in the AFL.
But a defeat to Fremantle and a resounding loss to the West Coast brought the Suns back down to earth, reminding them there is still a long way to travel to ultimately become a team who will consistently challenge on a weekly basis.
While the absence of their home ground has taken its toll on the wearisome Suns, the mental challenges presented to them through this time should be taken in good stead.
The next set of fixtures will be a challenge to this mental resilience, as well as their footballing ability and physical endurance, but should the Suns persevere and see some success, it will be invaluable moving into the back end of the season.
Coming off two consecutive losses, Gold Coast face three away trips, during which they play the aggressive Crows in Adelaide, the fiery Western Bulldogs in Melbourne and the admirable Lions at in Brisbane - the latter of which appears to be the most winnable, considering the pasting they received last week.
Rejuvenated and with confidence bubbling under the surface, the Suns appear to be on the right track to becoming an elite team, as opposed to their previously destined path following their inception.
GRADE: C+
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
By Zac Standish
Sitting on top of the ladder after four rounds, things are going well for Greater Western Sydney, who after consecutive preliminary final losses will be looking to go a couple of steps further and taste the ultimate success.
However, they have yet to hit their absolute peak in 2018, with wins against 2017 non-finalists Western Bulldogs, Collingwood and Fremantle and a loss in their first true test of the season against Sydney at the SCG.
The main criticism of the Giants in recent years has been their ability to win on the road, which was mainly shown in round two after they just got over the line against an injury-riddled Collingwood at the MCG.
Despite this, GWS still look to be one of the teams to beat at the moment with their talent and class all over the field a serious force to be reckoned with.
The emergence of Tim Taranto as a genuine midfield option has been excellent for the Giants, who continually look to be getting stronger through the middle of the ground.
Although losing Nathan Wilson and Zac Williams off half-back, GWS have managed to fill the void through the young Jeremy Finalyson, whose excellent skills and athleticism have seen him fit in seamlessly.
The month ahead for the Giants should be met with little resistance to begin with as they face off against the pitiful St Kilda and Brisbane.
Yet the two matches will nonetheless be invaluable in not only pushing themselves further up the ladder, but in developing their mental resilience against sides who they may consider to be easy beats.
That being said, these two less challenging games should give the Giants more than enough time to prepare for colossal battles against Geelong and West Coast.
Although not playing their best football, Giants' fans can't ask for too much more at this stage, with their side racking up wins and holding a healthy percentage which will see them stick around at the top of the ladder.
GRADE: A-
HAWTHORN
By Jack Alfonso
Alistair Clarkson’s Hawks are becoming a chameleon team of sorts in the AFL; their ability to change their game plan to adapt and survive in whatever situation they find themselves in really standing out in the first four games.
Resounding wins against Collingwood and Melbourne have further emphasised the professional attitude which has always existed within Clarkson’s troops, while a nail-biting victory against the Cats in one of the games of the season has highlighted the Hawks' ability to run and compete with the best in the business.
One man has embodied the change in Hawthorn’s style over the past two seasons, and that man is Tom Mitchell.
What a player.
Mitchell is leading the way in possessions (averaging 40 per game), contested possessions (20.5 per game), clearances (11.8 per game) and inside 50s (7 per game).
Should this form continue throughout the season, one would safely assume the Brownlow Medal will be finding itself comfortably arriving into his hands.
Despite Mitchell’s dominance, the Hawks' forward line has been rising to an equally high standard, with Luke Breust and Jarryd Roughead booting a combined 21 goals, while the former and his partner in crime, Liam Shiels, have contributed 19 tackles inside 50 together.
With Roughead also averaging three marks inside 50 per game, the skipper has been a key to the Hawks' ability to lock the ball in their forward line; a trait crucial to their dominance.
Long-term injuries to guns Cyril Rioli, Paul Puopolo and Grant Birchall have been the only sour notes in what has been a near-flawless beginning to the 2018 season.
The next four games provide a somewhat uncomfortable situation for the Hawks, because they will be expected to win against opposition who are entirely capable of turning it on in random spells and inflicting
damage.
The St Kilda and North Melbourne fixtures should be a lock in for eight points, yet matches against an improving Essendon and an evergreen Sydney side will provide the biggest challenge for Clarkson and his men.
If four premierships within the space of a decade seemed like extraordinary, imagine if they could make it five - it's definitely a possibility.
GRADE: A
MELBOURNE
By Zac Standish
One of the most interesting prospects coming into the 2018 season, it is safe to say the first month of the season has been a disappointment for Melbourne.
With a heartbreaking loss to Geelong, two wins against lowly sides Brisbane and North Melbourne and a crushing defeat to Hawthorn, Simon Goodwin’s side is yet to really click in 2018.
Injury has been a cause for concern for Melbourne thus far, with co-captain Jack Viney and key defender Tom McDonald both out of action.
Yet such absences can't be blamed for their less than impressive start to the season.
It's undeniable the Demons have underperformed, and hence serious questions need to be asked surrounding their culture and whether they are ready to be a finals contender.
On the field, the main problem for Melbourne at the moment lies with their defence, as they simply haven’t been able to stop opposition sides once they get momentum.
The recruitment of ex-Adelaide star Jake Lever certainly hasn’t helped their cause yet, as he is struggling to settle into his new role and home.
2017 All-Australian Michael Hibberd has also fallen victim to poor form, while dynamic running defender Jayden Hunt has been forced out of the team entirely.
The only real positives for Melbourne so far have been the solid signs shown by first round draft pick, Bayley Fritsch, the continual development of Clayton Oliver into an elite midfielder and the firepower of Jesse Hogan.
Max Gawn has also proven to be a continual glimmer of hope for the Demons, with the star ruckman averaging 52.8 hit-outs, 16 disposals per game and arguably being in the top-three of the Brownlow count thus far.
While all these individual performances are commendable, the team as a group have yet to find many significant positives.
Depending on the results over the next month, pundits will either be removing the Dees completely from their predicted top-eight, or tentatively pencilling them in.
Losses against Richmond and Essendon will leave their finals ambitions blemished in the eyes of fans, irrespective of whether they find victory over St Kilda and Gold Coast.
Although it's only early, Melbourne have a lot of problems to fix moving forward if they are going to tap into the potential of their list and break a 12-year September hoodoo.
GRADE: C+
NORTH MELBOURNE
By Chris Nice
While many predicted North Melbourne to make a beeline straight for the bottom of the ladder, the Roos have initially averted their predetermined fate with two wins, albeit over the two worst teams in the competition.
Despite a resounding 86-point victory over the Blues in Tasmania last week, the Roos barely impressed with scrappy win against St Kilda on Good Friday, kicking just 2.10 for the first half.
It's undeniable North have issues to address on-field before they can climb up the ladder, but is their list depth which stands as their most prominent matter and impedes this progress.
Should Ben Brown, Jarrad Waite or Shaun Higgins go down, there aren't many, if any, experienced players of note waiting in the wings to take their place, with the Roos' senior list boasting only 10 players who have surpassed 100 senior games.
For now though, the Roos seem to be hopping along in good stead and have put together some commendable, albeit not groundbreaking, quarters of football.
Their spine noteworthy on paper, North have backed it up with their key position players in Robbie Tarrant, Scott Thompson, Higgins, Brown and Waite all putting together solid starts to the season.
Brown in particular has been the Roos' hero, amassing 15 goals for the season so far and being close to unstoppable in the eyes of defenders.
North's speed and presence around the contest has also been more effective than previously anticipated, with Higgins leading the charge with an impressive average of 26 disposals per game, 12 of which are contested.
Yet the early success could turn on a dime in the next month, with four premiership contenders in Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Sydney and Richmond to come; given their dropping off against Melbourne in the final term, identical results are more than likely certain.
They've pulled together some respectable performances over the past four weeks, but don't expect the Roos to bound up the ladder anytime soon.
All we can ask for is that shinboner spirit.
GRADE: C+
PORT ADELAIDE
By Zac Standish
It was a fast start to season 2018 for Port Adelaide, with two impressive wins against Fremantle and Sydney in the first two rounds propelling them to the top of the ladder.
Without a doubt the best side in the competition in that two-week period, the following fortnight was a disappointment for the Power, who just managed to hold off Brisbane and were beaten comprehensively by Essendon.
The main issue surrounding the Power has been the hole All-Australian Paddy Ryder has left in the ruck department, with the likes of Stefan Martin and even Tom Bellchambers exposing Port Adelaide though the midfield.
As a result, they have been struggling to get their hands on the ball at stoppages and have allowed opposition teams easy clearances.
The other story out of Port Adelaide has been the form of their new recruits, with Jack Watts and Steven Motlop looking right at home at Alberton, while former Brisbane captain, Tom Rockliff, is yet to really get going.
This season has also seen the emergence of 2016 draftee, Riley Bonner, whose electric foot speed and sublime skills have been important for the Power in the first month of the season.
Sam Gray has also showed continual development, locking down a spot in the best 22 and kicking important goals for his team.
Yet their initial promise could be undone, with Port undoubtedly copping one a tough month ahead, with Geelong, West Coast and Adelaide all threatening to knock the them off their perch, while North Melbourne should provide some resistance at Etihad Stadium.
Despite the spine-tingling draw, overall, Port Adelaide fans should be satisfied with their start to 2018 as the talent is clearly present for the Power to go a long way in 2018.
GRADE: A-
RICHMOND
By Jack Alfonso
There's not much to say about Richmond other than they look every bit like the reigning premiers they are, continuing in the same vain of form as they finished on last season.
An edgy, yet ultimately comprehensive victory against Carlton in the opening round, coupled with a poor result against Adelaide had some pundits questioning whether or not the Tigers would be the yet another victim of a premiership hangover.
But a strong performance against a rejuvenated Hawthorn outfit, combined with an absolute slaughtering of the Lions has laid those fears to rest for the time being, with the Tigers efficiency by foot, dominance around the contest, intercept play and forward 50 pressure all coming to the fore as it did towards the back end of last season.
Ultimately, it has been the Tigers' unwavering belief and faith in their ability which has seen them rise up the ranks and continue their pristine style of football.
Indeed, much like their form, it has been the same stars for Richmond who have put on a clinic week after week.
Dustin Martin has continued his Bronwlow form of last year, averaging 16 kicks, five clearances, three goals and 10 score involvements to demonstrate his immense versatility around the ground, and further reaffirm his elite status in the competition.
Jack Riewoldt, although not currently hitting the heights of last season, has held up the forward line well, while Trent Cotchin has oozed his usual class around the contest.
Even with their indisputable cohesion and talent, Richmond should be wary of too much confidence - a trait undeniably present in their supporter base - which could prove costly should they get ahead of themselves too early.
That being said, the next month looks relatively easy for the Tigers, however they must not fall into the trap of getting ahead of themselves.
Melbourne have been fairly Jekyll and Hyde this season, while Collingwood are a side who appear to be improving rather than regressing.
Fremantle at home and North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium should be a lock in for a side of Richmond’s quality.
All in all, the Tigers are definitely looking upwards and should go deep into September again this season.
GRADE: A
ST KILDA
By Chris Nice
One of two teams to move backward since last season, St Kilda seem to be in dire straits, with their ambitions of being a top-eight contender prematurely, if not completely, pencilled out.
The Saints have been lucky to clinch one win thus far against Brisbane, but given their current form, should realistically be sitting at 0-4 following disastrous defeats to North Melbourne, Adelaide and Geelong.
A directionless midfield, a misfiring forward line and an undermanned defence are only some of the areas coach Alan Richardson will need to address if he is to turn the Saints’ season around and restore some pride.
Most prominent however, is the Saints’ lack of coherency and their abysmal skill execution in all areas of the ground, which has seen them register an appalling average of 71 turnovers a game.
While the forward line have not produced desired scores thanks to their inaccuracy – with the three big forwards in Paddy McCartin, Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey scoring just eight goals between them – they can’t bear the brunt of the blame.
Careless and ineffectual kicks into the forward line have given the forwards very little chance to actually get their hands on the ball and subsequently convert.
On the times the Saints have been able to get the ball inside 50 cleanly, it has often been delivered to heavily outnumbered contests, as seen in last week’s clash with Geelong.
It only appears to be getting worse for the Saints, with Dylan Roberton out indefinitely with an irregular heartbeat, while Bruce and Jack Steele are expected to have lengthy stints on the sidelines.
Many have picked a bone with Richardson’s supposed lack of game plan, yet after his side’s woeful month of football, there are concerns as to what the overall vision actually is.
Richardson has drilled the mantra of “playing for four quarters” into his side, yet thus far, the Saints have barely been able to string a half together.
The form of young defender, Nick Coffield, and his contract extension until 2021 alongside Hunter Clark, has been one of the few high points to come from Moorabbin this season.
It’s impossible to rule a team out of finals contention just one month into the season, but with an immensely difficult four weeks to come, a lengthening injury list and very little positivity to draw upon, the Saints’ situation could get even uglier.
GRADE: F
SYDNEY
By Jack Alfonso
Sydney, along with Hawthorn, are one of the modern enigmas of the AFL.
For a sustained period of roughly 15 years, the worst they have done in a season is battle it out for a final spot in the top-eight.
Year upon year, they nurture young players for the future, allow their stars to flourish, and cast a watchful eye over their experienced veterans in order to maintain what has always been the perfect balance.
This year, it is no different.
Three wins from their first four games - including impressive victories away from home against West Coast and the Bulldogs - has left Sydney perched in sixth position on the ladder, with the Swans set for yet another season being in the upper echelons of the league.
The vigour of the likes of Oliver Florent, Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills, has provided the energy they need to sustain a fast-moving and classy style of game play.
Through the centre, the grunt in close of Luke Parker (averaging 14 contested possessions, 7 tackles and 6.8 clearances a game) as well as Josh Kennedy (13 contested possessions and 6.8 clearances a game) has once again has acted as the engine room for the Swans to flourish.
And what about Lance Franklin.
On top of the Coleman leaderboard with 17 goals thus far and with an average of 10 score involvements and four marks inside 50 per game, the stats alone tell its own story.
Surely the man will go down as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
If not for the disappointing result against Port Adelaide, Sydney would be sitting pretty on top of the ladder and a favourite looking toward September.
However, as demonstrated by the Port Adelaide game, they do have the ability to slip up, lose their structure and lose control of the game.
With that in mind, the next four games will undoubtedly test the Swans and will provide the sternest challenge they have faced all year.
Adelaide at the SCG will be a hard-fought contest due to the Crows' accomplishment all over the field, while Geelong away, at the mercy of Dangerfield and Selwood will not be easy.
The Kangaroos should provide some respite, yet Sydney will still have to watch their ego for this game, while their clash against Hawthorn at the MCG promises to be one of the games of the season.
Elegant and graceful like their namesake, the Swans are on the right path for another dominant season and finals campaign.
GRADE: A-
WEST COAST
By Zac Standish
Predicted to be among the bottom sides in 2018, the Eagles have surprised many in the first month of the season having claimed some excellent wins and unearthing some quality young talent.
The main difference for West Coast this season has been the return of superstar ruckman Nic Naitanui, whose incredible athleticism and expert ruck work has seen a dramatic increase in the Eagles' productivity around stoppages.
The introduction of Elliot Yeo to the midfield has also been met with great success, with the 24-year-old a beast at the contest and an excellent distributor of the ball in space.
Renowned for their team's defensive web back in their Grand Final year of 2015, West Coast seem to be finally getting back to their best as a defensive unit, with coach Adam Simpson finding new ways to suffocate opposition sides.
Along with their solid defence, the Eagles have also found some extra firepower up forward with young pocket rockets Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli already captivating crowds with their sublime skill and x-factor.
While it may be some time before West Coast fans see Ryan again due to an ankle injury, the Eagles' forward line will still have plenty of spark, in part thanks to the return of Josh Kennedy.
A win against Carlton next week should come as no surprise, but the tables could quickly turn against the Eagles, with Greater Western Sydney, Port Adelaide and Fremantle all with the potential to give them a run for their money.
Despite this, with solid players all over the ground and Naitanui in splendid touch, West Coast are well poised for another finals run as the new Optus Stadium becomes another western fortress for the Eagles.
GRADE: A
WESTERN BULLDOGS
By Chris Nice
Opening their season with two deplorable defeats, the Western Bulldogs looked destined to continue their fall from grace following their premiership season of 2016.
Losing Tom Liberatore in the opening match against Greater Western Sydney to yet another knee injury, desolation was on the cards for the Dogs, who were sorely lacking in confidence, presence and skill.
But a surprise win against Essendon and a hearkening back to their form of old showed there may be more than what the Dogs have been given credit for.
Polar opposite to their abysmal opening two games, the Bulldogs utilised their dare and aggressive game tactics which made them so dangerous back in 2016.
Breaking away down the centre of the ground and putting their leg speed to good use, Jason Johannisen was the embodiment of this very ideal as he was back in their premiership year.
The fight and spirit of the Dogs carried on into their match against the red-hot Sydney, despite going down by seven points in the final quarter.
Toby McLean in particular has been impressive for the Bulldogs through the centre of the ground with an average of 25 disposals per match, yet has been aided by Jack Macrae, Luke Dahlhaus and Marcus Bontempelli.
Despite their present turnaround, it's hard to forget about their horrendous start to the season - where they were unequivocally slaughtered by GWS and West Coast - which has overshadowed their resurgence; a fact which will ultimately dwell in the minds of footy fans.
Yet with their newfound bite and edge, the Bulldogs will be hoping to put away the next four games when they come against Fremantle, Carlton, Gold Coast and Brisbane, and quash their early season shambles.
How the Bulldogs will perform really is a mystery, but if they can improve their record to 5-3 over the coming weeks with their form from the last fortnight, there may be a very different discussion indeed.
GRADE: D
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