Three things each mid-table team should do before the end of 2025

With eight games remaining in 2025, the mid-table sides remain in with a sniff of September football.

From the Swans returning to form a little too late, to the Western Bulldogs eyeing off a charge towards September, those outside the top six have incredibly varied targets for their remaining fixtures.

For the three sides outside of the top six, each game from this stage becomes as vital as a final, with one likely to miss the cut off in a tight squeeze for that gloried eighth place. For the others, the void of nothingness between 10th and 12th looms large as talks of a failed season ring all too true.

Looking forward to the remaining eight rounds, SEN WA's Mark Duffield has listed three things each of the sides can do within the final rounds to get the most out of 2025.

Starting with last year's Grand Finalists Sydney, Duffield will name three things each AFL side should look to accomplish over the remaining fixtures on SEN WA Mornings.

Sydney

Find a spearhead

“The Swans have lacked a focal point for years and the hamstring injury to Logan McDonald has just exacerbated the situation.

“Hayden McLean, Tom McCartin, Joel Amartey and Jack Buller have all been tried and a lot is asked of Will Hayward.

“It affects the way they shift the ball and increases the reliance on their gun mids.”

Seek evolution not revolution

“I wonder if Dean Cox had his time again whether he would seek to make the changes he wanted more gradual.

“They attempted big shifts, and early injuries set the Swans back on their heels and they are all but out of the finals race.”

Keep Nick Blakey

“In counter attacking positions – He needs to play high.

“He played too deep in early games which might have taught him more about defence, but it also made the Swans easier to defend.”

Carlton

Don’t play injured stars

“Jacob Weitering is injured, and Paddy Cripps looks injured, and I’m not entirely convinced that Charlie Curnow is not injured as well.

“Get them fit and see if you can achieve some growth in younger replacements while your guns rehab. Weitering, Cripps and co. have been carrying this club for too long.”

Shift Adam Cerra to half back

“He was brought to the Blues as an elite ball user and using him as an inside mid has cost the Blues the very thing that they brought him there for.

“They lack bounce from the back, and they struggle to shift the ball. Get Cerra to play to his strength.”

Find some small forwards

“Use the back half of the year to determine whether (Jesse) Motlop, (Lachie) Fogarty, (Corey) Durdin and co. are the men you need and if not, you need to bring good ones in.

“The Blues pressure forwards are way off the pace.”

Port Adelaide

Let Josh Carr take the reins

“…if he hasn’t already. He may as well get his feet wet while Ken Hinkley is around to steer and support him.”

Retire Travis Boak respectfully

“Travis Boak, I think, needs to retire at the end of this season.

“Make sure he retires respectfully. He has been an absolute great of the game, and a great of the club.”

Shift Lukosius into defence

“At least contemplate using Jack Lukosius in defence as a kicker and rebounder.

“It’s where he did much of his damage at Gold Coast and Dan Houston has been a massive loss.”

GWS

Keep Finn Callaghan fit

“He’s the barometer for their midfield.

“He holds the key to a Giants midfield that has been stripped of depth by the losses of (James) Peatling, (Isaac) Cumming and (Harry) Perryman.

“Since he’s been back in, they’ve looked like they’ve got a new lease on life.”

Get Toby Greene into the middle when needed

“Be quicker to get Toby Greene into the middle when you are struggling. Adam Kingsley has left it a bit long more than once this season.”

Keep the Toby Bedford tag working

“It gives the Giants a point of difference and he has the speed to hurt the opponents he tags through counterattack.”

Gold Coast

You have to play finals

“It’s non-negotiable. This is a good list now with a good coach and a moderate draw. It’s been too long. Get it done.”

Figure out the forward line

“The question should at least be asked – if Ethan Read, Jed Walter and Ben King all play, are the Suns too tall?

“No doubting the talent but at times they look unbalanced.”

Get Mac Andrew back in form

“He has played in fits and starts all year, and they need more from him.

“He is paid too much to be doing what he is doing.”

Western Bulldogs

Make the top four

“You should be in a preliminary final at least.

“There is a case to argue that this is the AFL’s best list. There is an awesome midfield and attacking strike power.

“Top four is the pass mark.”

Hold off on Ugle-Hagan

“Don’t even think about playing Jamarra Ugle-Hagan until he ticks all strength and conditioning boxes.

“He should be looked at as a bonus if everything lines up – otherwise he has cost himself the season.”

Don’t be too Sam Darcy conscious

“The temptation to go to him is obvious but Aaron Naughton makes a very good alternative target.

“Make sure he is used.”