So how will it end? At just over halfway through the AFL season we examine the teams that could make history. This season will bring good news for those who love the interstate rivalry and bad news for the Victorian hardliners. The teams to beat:
Adelaide Crows: The Crows have an incredible depth to their playing list. With their injury list under control, they are going to finish the season strong. Coach Brenton Sanderson's boys are on fire and could be flying into an AFL Premiership.
Sydney Swans: The Swans have been building momentum over the past few years. Now is their time to shine. They've had a quality season so far, and are genuine Premiership contenders if they can keep their players from injury.
West Coast Eagles: The Eagles are another interstate team that have been dominant. Many had written off the Eagles after losing their best three forwards (Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras and Mark Nicoski) but they have continued to shine. A Grand Final Victory is always made harder with traveling so far during the finals series.
Of the Victorian teams, it is Collingwood and Geelong that have a real shot at the Premiership. Both have years of experience. Both know the template to win a Premiership. Both are feeling the tension of an older playing list, injuries and a tough run home to the finals.
As the season races home, look for the interstate teams to shine, and don't rule out an interstate final at the MCG.