Although it’s been a tough year, particularly with the impact of the CO-VID19 pandemic hitting all sectors, the 2020 AFL Premiership season still went ahead, albeit a shaky start.
With it, there have been some big changes to the season, and undoubtedly a very different, if not disrupting state of play.
There’s been the truncated 17-match home-and-away fixture (instead of 23), shortened quarters, spontaneous scheduling and travel requirements, as well as some teams relocating interstate for training and matches. Rounds have also been played with limited to no fans to align with social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
But pandemic or not, the AFL tradition bangs on, if not at least to keep fans distracted during isolation.
Round 1 saw Richmond (def. Carlton) and GWS (def. Geelong) kick off the season strong, with each team scoring the highest for the entire round (150 points respectively), and defeating their opponents. Notably, The Adelaide Crows (71 points) and Sydney Swans (74), played a close game this round with only three points separating them.
Round 2 was a different tune for Collingwood and Richmond. Both scored at 36 a piece — the lowest combined score since round 11, in 1999. Melbourne Demons (54) just took the lead over Carlton (53) with one point, while Essendon scored (79) similarly — just shy a goal over the Swans (73). Meanwhile, Port Adelaide dominated (110) its rival neighbour, the Adelaide Crows (35).
A few records were made and broken in Round 3. The Gold Coast Suns broke a big record for their team, and defeated the Crows for the first time. This win also meant they’d now defeated all AFL teams at least once. On the flip, the Crows’ loss to the Suns at Metricon Stadium meant they no longer held their eleven-game winning streak at the venue.
Geelong (77) and Carlton (79) fought hard this round, with only two points separating them by the end of the game. Collingwood redeemed itself and scored higher than the previous round (81), consequently defeating the Saints (37).
By Round 4, the early leaderboard for the fight to the top 8 started emerging. A contender for some, Port Adelaide sat at the top after playing well and gaining wins in their early matches. Gold Coast took the second rung, which for some fans has been surprising.
Fast forward to Round 11, and the top 8 teams currently are:
Port Adelaide (36)
Brisbane Lions (32)
Geelong (28)
West Coast (28)
St. Kilda (28)
Richmond (26)
Collingwood (26)
GWS Giants (24)
So far it’s been an interesting season of footy, which not even regular punters or loyal fans could predict. Now that we’re about halfway through the shortened season, and teams have warmed up to this year’s unique state of play, the top 8 teams will surely be upping their game to prove their place in the Grand Final.
It’s unclear yet where the Finals will be held, but there’s speculation that its beloved and traditional home, the ‘G, may not be hosting it due to the virus.
Either way, be sure to watch the AFL 2020 Premiership here, Live, Loud & Free at your local sports pub! Don’t miss any of this year’s finals fever!