The AFL's 17-year Victorian era is fading, leaving a trail of rebuilding, regrouping, and the rise of new powers. From the Geelong juggernaut to the Collingwood-Brisbane Grand Final showdown, the landscape is shifting. Victorian heavyweights like Geelong, Hawthorn, Richmond, and Collingwood dominated with 13 premierships, but the tide is turning. The pandemic's impact on Melbourne's flag and the departure of key players like Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver signal a shift in power. The Bulldogs' 2016 miracle and Hawthorn's struggles with injuries highlight the challenges. The future looks promising for non-Victorian clubs, especially those north of the Murray, with their academies producing talent for the Suns, Brisbane, and the Swans. The Melbourne clubs face a rebuild, with Collingwood's decline, Richmond's tough list rebuild, and Melbourne's post-2021 premiership team in transition. The Bulldogs' unpredictability and Hawthorn's injuries add to the uncertainty. The Saints, despite their risky recruiting, are a compelling story, while North Melbourne's progress is slow. Geelong remains a steady force, but the growth of other clubs threatens their dominance. Brisbane, Sydney, and the Gold Coast are rising, with talent and scope for improvement. Fremantle and Adelaide are also in the mix, while GWS and Port Adelaide are rebuilding. The Victorian teams' varying stages of rebuilding, regrouping, and overripeness set the stage for an exciting future, with the final rounds hinting at September's possibilities.
