The AFL landscape has dramatically shifted as Victorian clubs Carlton, Collingwood, and Essendon have fallen out of the top eight, having only secured six wins combined since Round 16. Carlton’s season has spiraled, particularly due to a significant loss to Hawthorn and ongoing defensive issues. Meanwhile, Hawthorn has made a surprising resurgence, climbing into the top eight after starting the season 0-5, as coach Sam Mitchell emphasizes the urgency of their remaining matches. In a separate incident, Melbourne's Steven May faced criticism for injury mismanagement during a game, adding to the scrutiny of club decisions this season. Additionally, Collingwood's Craig McRae expressed frustration over umpiring decisions after a narrow loss to Sydney, prompting a sharp retort from Sydney's coach John Longmire regarding home ground advantages. The situation highlights the competitive nature and unpredictability of the AFL as the season nears its conclusion.