What’s gone right: The Saints are right on track for back-to-back premierships. Started 2016 as flag favourites and nobody is jumping off the bandwagon after eight straight wins. While Josh McCudden and Nick Brockley have been outstanding, co-coaches Luke Brauer and Jarrod Hillary would be rapt with the form of locals including Darcy I’Anson and Jarod Koschitzke. Look a certainty for top spot with a two-game break.

What’s gone wrong: Luke Schilg hasn’t played a match this season and the Saints will be sweating on his return.

Grade: A +

What’s gone right: Coach Josh Walker would be content with the Bulldogs’ start to the season. Although losses to Brock-Burrum and Osborne were disappointing, they are positioned nicely with Sam Crawshaw and Terry Hall helping cover the stop-start seasons of prized recruits Nick and Kris Holman. Took heart from the fact they stayed with the reigning premier for three quarters in round four.

What’s gone wrong: Poor kicking for goal cost Jindera a win against Osborne and it will be hoping it doesn’t cost it the double chance with CDHBU right on its hammer.

Grade: A

What’s gone right: Despite Damian Payne being frustrated by Power’s inconsistency, they remain firmly in the mix with six wins. Appear well placed in their quest for a maiden Hume league flag with a quick midfield particularly fond of the big Walbundrie ground. CDHBU hasn’t totally given up hope of Luke Cowan coming out of retirement as he would be the icing on the cake.

What’s gone wrong: A slight query hangs over Power after losses to top two sides Brock-Brock and Jindera. The fact they kicked 5.16 against the Saints gives them hope.

Grade: B

What’s gone right: After a scratchy start to the home and away series, the Cats are right back in business with their local brigade heading the charge. The Bahrs, Galvins and Alexanders have helped Osborne into fourth spot following four straight wins and they will regain spearhead Andrew Johnston from injury in coming weeks.

What’s gone wrong: Very little. With a young list, coach Matt Rava knew there would be ups and downs and fourth position is well above par.

Grade: B

What’s gone right: No Gray, no Walker, no Dicketts – no worries. The Spiders have defied some big departures to be right in the mix for another finals berth. The arrival of Dion Munkara and Clement Kerinaiua from the NT looks a masterstroke with their pace catching out several teams in the opening eight rounds. Hamish Clark continues to grow in stature while Joel Price also has some more than handy youngsters in his stable.

What’s gone wrong: Like Osborne, the Spiders have a young list and it remains to be seen whether they can get through the winter unscathed. So far, so good. Price is close to returning from injury.

Grade: B

What’s gone right: With coach Josh Maher having 11 players with senior Ovens and Murray experience in his line-up last weekend, the Magpies can’t be discounted. Jesse Johnston has been a sensation and looks to have taken his game to a new level in recent weeks while Ash and Derek Murray are proving difficult to match up in attack with 28 and 17 goals respectively.

What’s gone wrong: Corey Lambert’s decision to step down as coach surprised many, but Maher looks to have slotted into the role nicely.

Grade: B

What’s gone right: The league’s newest club would have taken a 4-4 start to the season. It has rewarded big crowds with wins over Henty, Culcairn, Holbrook and Lockhart with coach Myles Aalbers having a more than competitive list at his disposal.

What’s gone wrong: Losing Josh Morris to a knee injury in round two has robbed the Giants of firepower. The less said about last weekend’s first term against Osborne the better.

Grade: B

What’s gone right: The Crows have improved markedly on the back of some good recruiting, but sixth spot still looks a stretch. Posted good wins over Holbrook, Culcairn and Rand-Walbundrie-Walla before letting themselves down against Lockhart. Need to get on a roll.  

What’s gone wrong: Depth was always going to the Crows’ worry.

Grade: C

What’s gone right: Have never really got it together after injuries rocked the camp early. A thrilling one-point win over Billabong Crows stands out.

What’s gone wrong: Coach Shane Lenon hasn’t been unable to settle a side for one reason or another.

Grade: D

What’s gone right: Beat Lockhart and Osborne and were stiff to go down to CDHBU by 12 points.

What’s gone wrong: Tumbled down the ladder with departures and injuries hurting the club. Michael Aitchison’s surgery hurt more than most.

Grade: D

What’s gone right: Started the season in a blaze of glory and has been in a lot of matches.

What’s gone wrong: Coach Adam Eady and full-forward Trent Peryzk have been sorely missed.

Grade: C

What’s gone right: The Brookers showed they aren’t far off the pace by pushing Brock-Burrum to a kick last weekend.

What’s gone wrong: No.1 goalkicker Josh Warren-Marmo’s departure has been a blow.

Grade: C