Melbourne wingman Ed Langdon has reached career-best form during the start to this season. Photo: AFL MEDIA
We’re six rounds into the 2022 AFL season, with the ladder beginning to take shape and the early premiership contenders arising.
Taking a look at the sides that have quickly staked their claim for the flag, we’ve identified four clubs who have either surprised us or have met expectations in the opening quarter of the season.
Melbourne
The reigning premiers haven’t taken their foot off the gas to start the 2022 season, undefeated after the opening six rounds but looking as though that maiden defeat one be coming soon.
On top of already boasting star names in the likes of Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Max Gawn, the Demons have seemed to uncover more A-grade talent as spots in Simon Goodwin’s best 22 become high-demand within the club.
Wingman Ed Langdon has reached career-best form this season as a constant threat on the periphery of Melbourne’s star-studded engine room, while Angus Brayshaw has effortlessly slotted into a half-back role to start this season.
With convincing wins over 2021 finalists GWS, the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide already notched up, the Demons look to only be contending with daylight for premiership favouritism according to AFL premiership betting odds.
Brisbane
While there is some distance between the Demons and the Lions, there may be an equally wide void between Brisbane and the rest of the competition.
Not scheduled to meet with Melbourne until Round 14, the Lions will likely remain unfazed for the coming months as they too stake their claim for the 2022 premiership.
A narrow loss to Geelong is the only stutter in Chris Fagan’s campaign to date, with the Queensland club having looked the part of a flag threat for the bulk of this season.
Players on all three lines have stepped up to the big occasions early into the year, resulting in a 5-1 start to the season and a deserved place among the top several sides.
Fremantle
The Dockers are the real deal in 2022. Many had anticipated the WA side to sit close to the top eight this season as they continue to nurture and develop their young squad for the future.
However, the first six rounds suggest the men in purple are eyeing a deep finish to the year, having played scintillating football across the past month in particular, highlighted by the dismantling of Carlton at home.
With skipper Nat Fyfe set to return in the coming weeks, Justin Longmuir’s side is poised to continue its hot run and hopefully extend its form all the way into September.
Sydney
Despite their list demographic suggesting the Swans should be amidst a rebuild and planning for premiership success further down the road, their youthful cohort are playing above their level and doing it consistently.
A convincing Round 2 win over Geelong has been the highlight of their season, having stumbled in the coming weeks to the Bulldogs and Roos, managing to collect a win against the latter with an ugly performance.
More still needs to be seen of the Swans this season, but their best brand of football places them among the top bracket of clubs contending for the premiership.
